To ease any concerned...

Santa Barbara has thus far not been affected by the fires raging California. In Ventura, about an hour south, there are some problems with smoke, but we haven't even encountered that yet. So in Santa Barbara, we are safe. Thank goodness.
I was going to write an entry about feeling terribly out of control and lamenting writing papers, but I realize how petty that really is compared to what is going on elsewhere in the state. My paper is done. My air quality has not been affected. My apartment still stands. I made some amazing pumpkin bread this week. All in all, I am doing pretty darn well.