Classes back in session

Tonight starts the fall semester for me. Unlike the other semesters, this time I lack enthusiasm. I'm only enrolled in three classes (Spanish 101, Women in Lit, Medievel History) so that I can focus on the subjects.

I also started subbing at the high school. That was fun, seeing old students again. I wasn't expecting to be called in to work for another month.

I hope I can get my MoJo back to studies, though. Cochise College in Sierra Vista, however, has annoyed me with its green grass. Why did those in charge agree to have GREEN GRASS planted in our desert environment? In comparison the University of Arizona has a more native desert look, planting only the flora that grows here. It seems such a waste to provide scarce water to the campus green grass. The only thing I can see why the officials opted for grass is to provide jobs to the Mexicans who were working on this project this past spring.

Still, green grass that resembles a golf course in this area seems so idiotic. The next time tuition goes up, I'll know it will be to keep the grass green.

Meanwhile, our neighbors across the street have moved out over a week ago. Annie and Dennis now live in their custom-built home in town. The house remains vacant but this morning there are gardeners trimming the landscape. Several other homes have been up for rent for several months. Houses around here are slow to fill because most people want to stay in the city.

Hiking the John Muir trail

If it hadn't been for a cyber friend of mine who invited me to join her on this 170-mile trek, I would have gone off to Oregon this summer. Instead, what I experienced was part "Biggest Loser" (without Jillian screaming at me as she wouldn't be up those 13,000' peaks), US Army SERE training (without the obligatory rape for female contestants) and part spiritual awakening. I got to discover my own physical limitations (which were greater than expected) and what I do and do not like.

I started a blog on the JMT but it's still a work in progress.