Well, it feels like we're settling in . . . I can't tell how much of that has to do with the easing of our financial woes and how much it has to do with the semester wearing in.

I know I've been really happy at work this past week; I've had several meetings with my colleagues, so have had ample opportunity to remember why I like them so much. We've got a new colleague who is a complete hoot; she's come over from that Big Place Down the Road (I think I'll call it Moo U) and she's brimming with ideas and in culture shock all at the same time. I have a lot of sympathy for that position, having so recently occupied it. We share a lot of interests and have a lot of academic friends in common, so that's fun, too.

My classes require a lot of energy, but they're also very enjoyable. For some reason, I'm really relaxed this semester, which makes a huge difference. A large part of it is trading the drive for the bike commute, I'm sure, but that's not all of it; I think it's happening just as much because I feel that my contributions are valued in this place. (And I get to take German, too.)

And the fact that we'll soon have two paychecks does make everything rosier, there's no denying it. It's not as if we're going to be rich by any means, but at least we'll be able to pay the bills, which certainly eases the strain. And you know, now that there's enough money coming in, the worst-case scenario is that we can't sell the house and I am forced to summer in Ann Arbor next year . . . Quelle horreure.

So yes, things are looking up . . .