I have a boyfriend :)

I just returned from Portland where I spent the weekend with my boyfriend!! I haven't had one of those in a few years... Things are moving quickly in terms of us getting to know each other's histories, values, goals, and opinions. We think a lot alike, and have an amazing match of common interests. I am completely smitten with him and am so looking forward to getting to know him even better - what a great way to start the new year! Speaking of new year's, we spent it together. I had gotten a hotel room so I could stay out with him late and not need to drive home. However, I felt too sick to go out, so instead, he drove back to his place, got my dog (we had taken her out together that afternoon), medicine for me, some triple cream brie, crackers, and good wine, and came back to my room so we could spend the new year's eve together. It was very romantic and sweet and I was totally impressed with his flexibility in dealing with the change in plans, how generous he was in taking care of me, and how enjoyable it was to quietly pass time together. This weekend we went for a hike - I caught a picture of him an my dog enjoying the vista. For those of you on flickr I have uploaded the photos from that hike (http://www.flickr.com/)

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Other than falling sick the evening of Christmas day mine was terrific. I had a great time with family - my trip home was wonderful. I miss my family and it was good to have quality time with them. One of the fun things we did was take my nephew around Christmas eve to look at the lights around the neighborhoods - he is so delightful. It was also fun to see him rip into the presents - at 2.5 years of age he's totally got the hang of it!! My mom managed to pull the wool over my head and surprise me with a new ipod nano - I was convinced she had forgotten that I had asked for one. I also got a neat GPS unit for hiking - I can't wait to put it to use!! I think for the first time pretty much everyone in the family got what they wanted for Christmas - and Christmas dinner was delicious as well. Thanks, mom, for finding that great new sweet potato recipe! It's time to get back to work in Oregon - but I'm already looking forward to my next trip home this summer.