I'm sorry I haven't posted anything for such a long time. It seems that I blink and months fly by?

San Francisco is beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming. I think that it is the most European of the American cities I have been to. It is nice to be in a place with a active modern dance community, opera, ballet, visual arts, and within sight of the ocean/mountains. I've always been a sucker for beautiful views. :)

I'm settling in pretty well so far - making friends, renting a little garret room in Bernal Heights, going to shows, taking ballet regularly, and working as an academic administrator for the graduate fine art and illustration department of the Academy of Art University. www.academyart.edu

I'm the person that keeps everything running smoothly in the graduate school. I try to keep the students, faculty, and director happy - listen to their problems, help them navigate the system, buy supplies, assign classes, studios, etc. It's a good job - I am surrounded by artists, I get along well with the director, I have a lot of independence, and everyone seems happy to have me. : )

I do intend to return to dance eventually, but it is taking a long time to build back my strength. It is frustrating. I am taking basic ballet classes regularly, going to improv jams and working hard. The good thing is that by returning to the basics I have a chance to work out some technical issues that have always bothered me. (For example: Freeing up my neck and shoulders.) Still, I long to be doing the fun stuff again!!! I have to be very careful to avoid anything that can put extra stress on my knee, which cuts out a lot.

But I know that I am doing the right thing. Saving up money, getting to know people here, and waiting until I am strong enough to dance without worrying about injuring myself again. : )

Claire