birthday cakeInstead of enjoying a birthday dinner on the evening of my birth (back in May) with family and friends, this year found me traveling west for a job interview the next day. If you’ve been following me in other channels, you know the interviews went well. I started my new job with Intel just after Independence Day.

Living and working in California feels like freedom—not freedom from what I left behind, but in appreciating what lies before me. I feel like I’ve stumbled into a land of endless opportunity in California and in working at Intel.

I love the weather. It’s great for motorcycle riding, and also just for everyday life. In the middle of the day, I can enjoy the warmth and brilliant sunshine, yet the mornings and evenings are cool enough to open windows and enjoy the fresh air. Even though it’s been a month since I arrived, I still marvel at how beautiful it is day after day. My Midwest friends will know how outdoor plans have to be adjusted, summer or winter, on account of the ever-changing weather. I’m free from all that. (I know, I know, I’m not saying the E-word yet. Really, tho, it’s not part of long-time residents’ everyday vocabulary.)

So far the move has been all that I hoped it would be. It’s inspiring and challenging, and I love that.

Life is good. I’m grateful.