I'm a bit of an adventure seeker - a bit restless and always on the prowl for the next big challenge I'd like to tackle. That next challenge has arrived.

For several years I have been interested in public service, and have been searching for an outlet for that interest. I recently started thinking about turning this interest into a career. About a year and half ago I started taking some online courses in public administration...dabbling in it, if you will. And 18 months later I find myself now ready to tackle some big challenges in the public sector on a full-time basis.

I got a last minute job offer just last week from the state of North Carolina doing environmental work for their Division of Water Resources. It's a great opportunity to use my degree in meteorology to tackle some major environmental challenges - and I look forward to it. I believe it'll be a chance to bring about positive change for our environment - something this youngster (relatively) thinks is really important, now more than ever.

I'll be leaving Oregon to head back east in early January.

And, of course, all of this means I'll be moving on from KGW. My last day here is actually today...or tonight, at this point. I've enjoyed my time here in Portland tremendously. This region is, by far, the most beautiful place I've ever lived. And the weather is pretty interesting, too. I will certainly miss it. And I'll miss being invited into your homes on a regular basis. There's no greater honor.

There's a great staff of broadcasting professionals here at KGW, too. You should know that countless people work tirelessly to bring you the news every day and night. Just yesterday a whole crew of folks was in here on Christmas Day so that coverage of this unbelievable storm could continue. Many of them wouldn't have it any other way. It's been a pleasure working with all these talented folks.

With one final weather...or in this case, final note...this is Joe Michaels, signing off. I wish you all the very best.

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