We're officially in the season of autumn, and it makes me so, so happy. I love being in the middle of nature's transition, with colored leaves being scattered by the wind and the morning and night air becoming cooler. It always has seemed romantic to me, perhaps because it's reminiscent of walks in the park you see in movies.

I got a rejection letter from Harmony House two days after I interviewed there. I had an interview on Friday to work with the Early Head Start program through the school district, and I got a call two days before asking if I was interested in a para position in special ed at a junior high. I also submitted an application to be a tutor at Poudre, so now, like so many times before, I'm playing the waiting game.

After Harmony House shot me down, I was having a somewhat bad couple of days. Andres came in to see me at work, and brought me two string cheeses (a favorite of both of us) and a little pumpkin. It's through big and little gestures and words that I know he truly cares about me, and whatever I end up doing in the future, I want him to be a part of it.

I want something different, and of all places, Dre and I are looking into New Zealand. The Peace Corps was something I didn't want bad enough, for a variety of reasons, but this has just really struck a chord with me. I've heard that it's relatively easy to get a work permit in NZ, and we know someone who has spent some time down there who has offered to help us figure things out. Needless to say, it's a process, but so far it seems entirely feasible after saving up some more money and taking care of miscellaneous matters here.

My dad's doing relatively well. He lost his job in July due to the closing of his service center, but he's revamping his resume and looking for a new fit. His surgery went off without a hitch, and he was relieved of the pain almost immediately . . . so all in all, good news.