Please bear with me as I continue to adjust to my new surroundings. I am living between two spaces right now. I recently moved the majority of my worldly possessions into a new house. However, I still have a bunch of stuff lingering around my old house. I’m also getting my old home ready for the real estate market. My partner and I are going back and forth, cleaning and fixing up the place in preparation. I will do my best to keep my regularly scheduled articles, but I cannot guarantee anything.

The first bit of news that I have is that I came up with a name for my new surroundings. The name of this institution is New Harbor College, which is fitting because I hope that I have found my final stop where I can put my anchor down and relax. Given the excitement over the last ten years, it would be nice to have a little more stability in my life. So far, everybody seems very supportive and always eager to lend me a helping hand.

They will have to be a little patient with me as I adjust to my new surroundings. It is still strange to be in a place where people are genuinely happy. I am sure they have their gripes about the place, but I have yet to hear them come from their lips. Because of my experiences over the last ten years, I am still reluctant to associate with, well, anybody.

I stay within my office most days. Not because I don’t like people, but because I am still adjusting to my new course preps. Thankfully, my teaching chops are still intact. I can tell my students like me for the most part. I somehow always had a knack for connecting with students, regardless of region or age. Personally, I am not complaining. I need one familiar thing, as I am still navigating this new environment.

One thing that my partner will mention on occasion is that they are waiting for the cracks to show or the other shoe to drop. Their optimism always enamors me. Even in the face of something positive, their negative outlook always keeps me grounded. As much as I want to agree with them, it is hard to see any significant problems here. I can’t recall the last place I was where support was abundant and needs were met. In many ways, I feel safe, secure, and appreciated. I suppose my only problem is with myself, as I’m still reluctant to mingle. Hopefully, that will change soon.