Good morning readers and happy summer solstice! I’ve decided to take the time to talk a little bit about myself beyond geology. Whether you want it or not, here goes.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area; growing up, when I wasn’t studying during the school year, my summers were devoted to reading and the outdoors – often at the same time. In my mind, there are few things more rewarding than finding a quiet, remote spot and reading for the afternoon. In college I struggled to fit the two together into one degree. Prior to even starting college, I originally intended to earn my degree in Geology but wasn’t confident I would succeed. That’s another rabbit hole I won’t go down today. In the end, I followed my passion for creative writing and literary analysis, only to discover later on I could devote time to both interests. I pursued a minor in Geology as an undergraduate while completing a BA in English. If you’re thinking how anyone can do anything with only a minor in Geology, you’re not wrong. Truth is, I did just that – nothing. Due to a technicality my minor was moot. Instead, I have an MA in English and lots of knowledge about geological basics, with no means of its application.
Irregardless, I don’t consider this scholastic meandering a failure by any means. Did I learn things about something I loved? Yes. Does it give me a broader understanding and appreciation for the world around me? Yes. That, my friends, is good enough for me.
Since college, I landed in the world of grant and research management. My first job in this career ironically lead me to supporting research for several professors in the very field I loved and vicariously lived through (if I couldn’t be a geologist, I would surround myself with them). The lesson? Research needs money, and I was in the business of managing the money that went into research.
Today, I’m finding footing back to my roots, made more difficult only by family, jobs, dogs, and adulthood. This past year has given rise to new surprises, challenges, and opportunities. In September, my boyfriend and I took a trip to Lassen (his first time going), so he could finally see Bumpass Hell, Lake Helen, Manzanita and Summit Lakes, Mt. Lassen, and everything in between. While there, we got engaged, and within a few months we eloped.
As for the future, our goal is to explore the world around us before it disappears.
Volcanism 
Hello sweetie…glad to see you back on the blog. Hopefully, you will continue in the education of us neophytes in the world of volcanology. Given all of the years the family spent at Lassen, you would think I would know more. Needless to say, I left that to you. If you need a quiet spot to write and read, think Murphys.
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