Out of the Closet

Yesterday I was able to talk to Peter Parolin, the chair of the UW English department where I teach. I told him the secret I've been keeping for a little while: that Ron and I plan to move to Bellevue next summer. After the shock wore off, Peter seemed very happy for me. He seemed even happier when he was able to realize that I didn't mean this summer, that in fact I was giving him a one year notice. And we both seemed happy at the prospect that perhaps I could continue to teach at UW through the Outreach School, even from Iowa. I'm not counting on that happening but I would be very happy if I could keep my job part time but do it from where I want to be next year. The best of all worlds. Anyway, I feel great relief to be out of the closet at work. I didn't feel comfortable revealing plans to friends, either, until I had talked to Peter.

Pretty Bellevue Sunrise

I saw this picture of today's sunrise over the Mississippi River in Bellevue, Iowa on their Facebook page. Can't wait to see it in person.

Photo in summer

Here's a familiar Bellevue scene, a photo from the area above town in Bellevue State Park. This one shows the beauty of summer.
Here's the link where I found it:
Photo-sharing community. Discover the world through photos.
www.panoramio.com/photo/27826965

The waiting is the hardest part

So, it will be more than a year before we move to Bellevue, Iowa. How do I pass the time until then? Lately I've passed time on Youtube, watching Chamber of Commerce awards banquets and videos posted by random people driving through town chasing trains. Here are a few of them, in case you need to soothe your Bellevue jones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qY1SHcf0og
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qY1SHcf0og
And also, there's a band in Bellevue that apparently is recording all this cool music. Hope to meet them someday. Meantime, here's a sample.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obnbx2HrN1A&feature=related