Yesterday was invigorating. The class topic was Urban Education and it was by far my favorite class of the semester. I'm not even sure what I can say about it right now... but it was definitely moving and it only enhanced the fact that I need to work with children. Yes, need. I don't want to teach again. I had my moment, and it was amazing, but it will never been the same. And quite honestly, I'm not qualified and have no intention of changing that fact. I don't want to be a social worker, even though that's exactly the type of work that interests me, but I'm not interested in going to school for sociology. At least not at this point in my life. So where does that leave me? I have no idea. I still don't know if I want to focus on domestic or international. I still don't know if I want to focus on sex trafficking or soley education. I still don't know if I want to focus on children, or women and girls. I could write a book on the things I don't know.

But instead of this bringing me down, I'm actually quite looking forward to finding out exactly where I belong. A good friend told me last night it sounds like it's all related and no matter where I start I'll end up where I want to be. Where I'm suppose to be. Sounds like a plan to me.

If you're interested in the class I attended last night you can find the syllabus here. Yesterday's class has a few powerpoints and a really moving video, which almost brought me to tears. Explore. If you have any idea what I should do with my life, feel free to let me know.

Anne, from Life in Pencil, recently wrote about her life working in academia and what it means to her, along with how our goals may change, but that doesn't mean they won't come full circle again. This is something I sometimes think about. Whenever I talk to someone about "my job" or "my work" I have a hard time explain why I am an assistant. The obvious reason is I'm going to grad school for next to nothing. But the truth is, I really like it here. Seeing how the University works from the inside gives me a great perspective and much more respect then I had as a student. I find myself sometimes talking to students who are bitching about the "NU Shuffle" or one of many issues students have with the University, and siding with the University. If they only knew all of the things people are dealing with around the clock to make this experience perfect for them. And it's never perfect. You're always annoyed with something, someone. I know I was. But I love seeing how the other side of it works. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to get an MPA or stick around longer than originally planned, but I'm so grateful for this job. I'm learning things I never really planned on learning, and some things that may not specifically benefit me in the future, but I love learning them. I love being on the side that not everyone understands, and I love seeing things from a different perspective. Anne put it perfectly:

"And one thing is for sure—I love working in a university environment. I love that my meetings necessitate a walk along tree-lined sidewalks crowded with scholarly-looking people, and students hunched over with backpacks. I love the fact that I work with people who love learning, and who constantly seek new opportunities for development—both personal and professional. I love that I surround myself with symbols of my scholarly past, present, and future."

Unfortunately, last night's youth workshop was uneventful. The trainer was great at what she did, but I didn't learn anything. Positive note? This just means I already know a lot of the basics of how to work with youth. Hopefully the next one will be more engaging. Next up: Chorus rehearsal tonight, singing Beethoven's Mass in C! :-)

It is perfect fall weather. A little bit of chill, a little bit of sunshine, a lot of confusion in New England (what with the snow, and then the 70 degree week that followed.) But that's just another quirk you grow to love here. Take the bad with the good, and so far it's been great! The leaves are changing colors and falling and everything is pumpkin flavored... nothing to complain about here.

Yesterday I had a great girls day out with my friend Heather. We started at the South End Open Market and then walked to Chinatown for a great little Vietnamese lunch, and then took a walk through an Asian supermarket I didn't know existed. It was a great find - a ton of snacks from good ol' Vietnam, and even tapioca pearls so I can make bubble tea! They had banh xeo mix, pre cooked rice noddles, papaya's, mini banana's... it was like being back home. I'm so happy to know about it!

Then we did a little shopping in Downtown Crossing. I was highly successful - thanks to Heather. A few new pieces of clothes I can wear to work or when going out, plus a really great pair of red flats and the cutest black pumps. I've never really been a shoe person before - but I can see where this is heading. I wore my red flats to work today and I've been a great mood all morning. It really does just make you feel better. I hope this isn't a trend because my bank account can't handle it... but I've finally got a great pair of heels to wear out - and to work! I really enjoyed spending the day with someone who loves to shop! I've wanted to go shopping for a while but it's so hard for me to get motivated by myself. And living with boys has it's perks (and it's going really well, if you're curious) but it was so nice to just have a girly day.

I'm really looking forward to this week. The second session of the Youth workshop I'm attending is tomorrow, Wednesday is Chorus which I'm really falling in love with again, and Thursday's class is on Urban Education - right up my alley. Then... Halloween in New Orleans and seeing Michelle- finally! Looking forward to a great couple of days. My quote of the day, brought to you by Audrey Hepburn, who I'm sure held a soft spot for shopping and buying fabulous shoes:

"I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped. Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it."- Audrey Hepburn

Reason #435896745 why I will move to San Fran one day.

This video makes me incredibly happy. My best friend and I use to watch this growing up (on Nick at Night I believe.) I was Laverne, she was Shirley. We knew (I still do) all of the words to this song, and I'm almost positive we also had a dance and would randomly break into said song and dance at any given time. I don't talk to this person anymore, but this song reminds me of a lot of great times. Thanks to Kelly Diels for reminding me. What a great way to start the morning.

I miss home today. I have a lot of homes and I have a lot of friends and they are all over the world and I'm so incredibly lucky and I'm thankful for that every day. But there is a certain comfort that you get when you go back to where it all started, and sometimes you just simply need to be there. Even if you being home doesn't change anything, it won't change a single thing, good or bad, for you or anyone else. Still... sometimes it's all you need.

For the sake of being completely uncreative this week, I wanted to share a few great articles I've stumbled upon these past few days . Enjoy!!

• Kari, from Persistent Cookie recently wrote about 'What makes a grown up?' It was good to hear that at 30 people are having the same (same same but different, if you speak Asian tourist language) thoughts everyone I know is having today. I think it's nice to remember that while we are going through the college/ real life transition, everyone else is going through a transition of their own. To quote Kari, "This way go, that way stay; for you one and for me the other, and in the end, each of us is right. Anything could happen, but only one thing will. Understanding and accepting that? That's being a grown up." That pretty much sums up everything in my head right now.
• I read a great little article on the Matador Community blog, and it connected to my love for cities. I can't imagine not living in a city. I love NYC because it's big, I love Boston because it's small, I love the idea of San Fran because it's new and I can't wait to go explore New Orleans (two weeks!) I'm taking a class on "The Urban City" and it's challenges and opportunities today and it's been making me think about location a lot. I've never considered not living in a city. But when I become a "grown up" (see above) will I want a house? Will I want the suburbs? It's funny to even think about... I can't even dream of needing a car right now. Doug Foy was a guest speaker in class last night and he said, "Never live where you can't walk to buy milk." I want to always live by that rule... even when I do have a car. My favorite part of the article: "...the curious need to listen to conversations I can never understand. Spoken in a dozen languages. And yet I listen and listen as if it will suddenly all become clear. Like music." Maybe this is a newfound realization upon returning home, but that - hands down - is my favorite thing about living in a city.
• Joanna sent me a great link to Food Rules. Some of them are silly, some smart. Interesting fact: In Vietnam (As in Italy) we always ate fruit after dinner. If it was easier (and cheaper) for me to procure here, I'd be doing it all of the time, but it's nice to be reminded that so many other cultures are a lot healthier then us. When are we going to catch on? I also love the Zen post, because I love everything Zen.
• I found a great website called Man vs. Debt and with only little exploring so far, think it's worth sharing. That particular article quotes Tyler Durden, whom I love, and applies some of his quotes as personal wisdom for finance. A fun way to approach things, if you (like I) need to take a break from all of the drama that debt is starting to bring into your life.
• Another great article from the Matador Network. To be or not to be, the grass is always greener, the road not taken, when you say yes to something you're saying no to something else... These might be cliche, but they are phrases that seem to burden us all. Positive note? You're not the only one. You get a little taste of travel and you inevitably want more. You settle down and you want a family. Which is right? Which is better? I'm finding that no matter your age, we're all wondering the same things... 'is the decision I'm making the right one?' I don't think there's a right answer. But to come full circle here... "Understanding and accepting that? That's being a grown up."
• A final quote from the Happy Days Blog with the NYTimes: "We can’t change the world except insofar as we change the way we look at the world — and, in fact, any one of us can make that change, in any direction, at any moment. The point of life, in the view of the Dalai Lama, is happiness, and that lies within our grasp, our untapped potential, with every breath."

Food for thought on a chilly fall night.

"Consider that those we love dearly become a part of us, their input and reflections and advice and feedback gradually shape us over time, and as we incorporate tiny shards of them we also become more fully ourselves." - Lindsey, from A Design so Vast.

Hey look, I'm famous!

On Northeastern's Admissions News homepage you will find a picture of me with my students! If you click on it it will bring you to an article written about yours truly. I'm usually not one to brag but I'm also not usually one to get interviewed and written about! So read away!

The article actually came at a good time because I've been contemplating my trip a lot. Not as a direct shot to everyone teaching there now, but I've been reading their blogs and getting a little disheartened. A few of the teachers are only staying for this semester and I'm not sure we've found enough people to take their place. I know it's out of my hands, but I feel for TfV, the University's and the students who will have one less foreigner to spend time with. The work that Teachers for Vietnam does is incredible and I find myself constantly thinking of ways to promote the organization. So far I've put brochures in NU's Center for Community Service Office and told them anyone with inquires can be directed to me. I've also talked to to potential candidates for next year. One is a friend of a friend, and another is a complete stranger & fellow blogger who I've been writing e-mails to with advice to teach abroad (slightly pushing TfV, but we'll see..) I can't stress enough what an impact this decision has made on my life and how necessary I think it is for people to travel and (separately or not) do community service. Whether it is your own community or one you know nothing about (ie, me deciding to go to Vietnam on a whim) it is not only an amazing thing for those less fortunate than you, but it's great for you too. The people that know me the best know that I've changed in a lot of ways since I've been back, and none of that is for the worse.

It's hard. It's suppose to be. If it were easy, everyone we know would be hopping on the next flight out of here. When you are sick, all you want is the comfort of your home, or anything you're familiar with. A couch, for example. There were at least two times when I was serious about wanting to book the next flight home. But the best advice I received was "I love you, and I miss you, but I don't want to see you until May." I didn't want to disappoint my friends or my students, but mostly I didn't want to disappoint myself.

I'm not really sure who I'm talking to at this point in my ramblings. I guess I just want everyone to have the same experience that I did. Well not the same, because that would be impossible.. but I don't want the experience to be lost. By the time May came, I wanted to get out of Can Tho as fast as possible, but not necessarily Vietnam. But I still took the time to appreciate my whole experience because I know nothing that I ever do will be the same. Nothing. And even though it doesn't seem like it, time sort of waits for you. Everything at home will be exactly the same, everyone you left will still be there (or traveling the world, inspired by you.. which is how I like to put it when I'm lonely in Boston..) but they will still be the same and your friendship, if it was anywhere close to the real deal, will still be in tact. And you will have changed. And I don't want anyone to have a rushed experience because of the hardships one has to endure living in a developing country such as Vietnam. While I say that, I do realize that it's not for everyone. But if you're already there, don't take this time for granted.. try to really get to know the culture, your students, your new friends. Really be there. Because I know that it is so easy to go through the motions and actually be somewhere else in your head.

If you're reading this and you're in Vietnam, or elsewhere, doing whatever it is that you are doing to better yourself and others, I just want you to know that I'm really proud of you. It's not easy, but it's completely worth it. Just remember to take the good with the bad. And don't forget that this experience is for you, too. Don't wear yourself thin, don't rush this once in a life time experience.

Maybe I'm just writing this for myself. I've already convinced myself that I've made the right decision and I'm happy here. But I miss everyone a lot lately. My closest friends are all over the globe and I just miss everyone a lot right now. So I hope that everyone is incredibly happy and having an amazing time and I have to remember that it's their time now. And I have to hope that they are living in the moment and not wishing they were here instead. Even if I want them to be.

"Perhaps this is our strange and haunting paradox here in America - that we are fixed and certain only when we are in movement." - Thomas Wolfe

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common—this is my symphony. - Henry William Channing

Brilliant Disguise.

I hold you in my arms as the band plays
What are those words whispered baby just as you turn away
I saw you last night out on the edge of town
I wanna read your mind and know just what I've got in this new thing I've found
So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes
Is that you baby or just a brilliant disguise

I heard somebody call your name from underneath our willow
I saw something tucked in shame underneath your pillow
Well I've tried so hard baby but I just cant see
What a woman like you is doing with me
So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes
Is that you baby or just a brilliant disguise

Now look at me baby struggling to do everything right
And then it all falls apart when out go the lights
Im just a lonely pilgrim I walk this world in wealth
I want to know if its you I dont trust cause I damn sure dont trust
Myself

Now you play the loving woman I'll play the faithful man
But just dont look too close into the palm of my hand
We stood at the alter the gypsy swore our future was right
But come the wee wee hours maybe baby the gypsy lied
So when you look at me you better look hard and look twice
Is that me baby or just a brilliant disguise

Tonight our bed is cold
Im lost in the darkness of our love
God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what hes sure of

I feel like these past few days have been one big test.

I seem to be stuck in a 'should I stay or should I go' tug of war with my brain. Upon realization of this, I wish it would stop. On the upside, I keep winning.

On Monday I had dinner with my friend Sarah, who was by my side during my whole decision to move abroad and always there for encouragement while I was gone (and since I've been back.) We went out for Vietnamese food- which was just a coincidence, it seemed to be the only option near her workplace, and I'm incredibly happy about that. It was really nice to see and old familiar face and be able to talk about my experiences again and hear about what is going on in her life. The conversation kept going back to now, and how I seem to be coping. As always she was chock-full of advice, and this is why I love her. But I seemed to be on top of my game. She was explaining life after coming home from abroad, things I should be doing, things I should be remembering. It was incredibly helpful to hear it from someone else, but I felt like saying "I know." And maybe I did. And it was the first time ever, talking to her, that I felt comfortable with where I was and how I felt. It seems as though I'm doing everything right. It seems as though I made the right decision and I'm happy about it. It it weird that that is what makes me uneasy?

Then I get a message from a friend who is teaching English in Japan. We graduated and left for Asia at the same time, but he stayed longer and is still there. I got a slightly uneasy message, although nothing that hasn't gone through my head before, about the balance of staying or leaving. About settling or living in absolutely as many places as humanly possible. About our similar wanderlust and the wonder of how in the hell it will all work out for us. While I tried to be as supportive as possible, my initial reaction was "I know how you feel," and "I feel the same way." And while that first statement was easy to say, I had trouble with the second. I couldn't help but realize that I don't feel that way right now. And that felt good.

In every day conversations I have with friends, I feel so content. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm not the one with her head in the clouds, but the one with my feet on the ground. I notice all of the little things that people let bother them, the people that feed off of drama, the general confusion among everyone our age, especially the ones who are having a hard time finding jobs and just general confusion about where they are in life right now. I feel pretty far away from all of that. Don't be fooled by this - I still have no idea what I'm doing with my life. But I'm pretty okay with not knowing right now. And with where I am. For now.

A new teacher for Teachers for Vietnam just posted this quote on her blog:

"It has been said that the more one travels, the more one's attention turns inward...Travel, when done habitually, when done for a living, changes you in ways mostly good, sometimes bad. On one hand, it is the greatest privilege one can imagine: to see the world in all its flavors, colors, and seemingly infinite variety; to discover firsthand the differences among us on this enormous and complex planet - as well as the things we share. On the other hand, travel can become a compulsion, though it keeps us away from friends and loved ones - sometimes even when we're back. When I'm away, I yearn for home. When I'm home, I'm listless. I seem to no longer fit. History and literature are filled with characters who see Asia or Venice, and never go back to the way they were." - Anthony Bourdain

Although I think this is a brilliant quote, and completely accurate, I can't help but notice that I'm not listless today.

And even if it's just for today... that realization is enough for me.

I love books.

I might love books more then any other person I know. Except Michaela. And Marisa. And Nikki. Okay so I'm a lot of my closest friends also have the same obsession. But it's incredible to me just how many books there are out there. Think about it.. walk into a library or a book store and if you have the same obsession as me, it's hard to contain yourself. I could sit in there for hours, and sometimes I do. Michaela and I use to joke about how we like to judge a book by its cover, and it's completely true. We don't like hard cover books, so we barely even look at those, but the ones I pick up have to grasp my ADD-self to really make me want to pick it up. When I came home from Vietnam I think I bought about ten books, going to the bookstore every day because I could. That's the only reason. When I just moved into my new apartment I spent my hard earned cash on a book shelf, and while it's not yet as good as Michaela's, I'm pretty proud of it. Some of them are borrowed (Thanks Mom!) but they all spark my interest in some way- even if it is just the cover. Some are self-help/new age/inspirational types. Some are cookbooks (I still want a Julia Child's cookbook, if anyone out there is listening...) and general food inquires (currently anything by Marion Nestle, and Fast Food Nation.) The others a good mix of fiction, non-fiction, and classics (not too many of those, but a few Jane Austin novels are always nice to fall back on.)

I don't know why I assumed you were all interested in that.. but here's my point. I love books. I love looking at them, I love talking about them, and I would really love it if I got around to reading them. My friend Lisa was just cleaning out her apartment and I got about ten new books- maybe the best thing to happen to me in a while.

Then, thanks to Marisa, I was reading about America's Smartest Cities. Boston is number 3! And the quote I read was what inspired me to write this blog:

“When you go into somebody’s office or you go into their home, one of the things you case out is their bookshelf,” says Fiery Cushman, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at Harvard University. “Bostonians have unrealistic expectations about how much reading they can get done.”

Can't argue with that.

Also, not for nothing, but San Fran is #2. I really know how to pick 'em huh?

This is also where I say that I officially consider myself a Bostonian. Not that I'm smart, but I'm wicked excited for Celtics season to begin, and the Sox first playoff game is Thurs. Nothing to complain about here.

I'm feeling a little more like myself every day.

This statement is interesting for a few reasons. 1) I'm definitely a different person than before I left for Nam. In more ways then one. I like this, and a big part of the reason I left was to accomplish this. 2) The whole "reverse culture shock" thing has to do directly with number 1 and (conversely) the fact that I miss the person I use to be. 3) I'm finally finding my place between the person I use to be, the person I was comfortable with, the person who was comfortable in her own skin, and this new person. This new person is more open minded, more cultured, more learned, more excited about life and all of the possibilities it can bring, more "over" the drama of life. More experienced in ways that she never thought she'd be able to experience. Tonight, I feel like once these two people merge, I'll finally be 100% okay.

Today was an incredibly productive day. I woke up early, not hungover, which was really refreshing for a Sunday morning. I drank Artichoke tea that I brought back from Vietnam, read some of my book, did my laundry (including sheets & comforter,) went food shopping for the first time in two weeks, watched a little bit of football with the boys, cooked a little, played (and won!) bag toss, and concluded the day with going to Heather's for a delicious dinner/wine/girl-talk and the premiere of The Next Iron Chef. Did I mention that this morning I payed off one of my credit cards? I've never done so many [great] things in one day.

I brought my reusable bags to the supermarket with me & bought all healthy food that I can cook into something wonderful. This is a part of the old Sam that I've missed. Instead of my recent diet of buying my lunch at ABP/Boloco/Qdoba everyday, followed by pizza and packaged/frozen food the rest of the time. It's all too easy to eat crap and waste money on said crap in this "on the go" life style I've settled into. But there are ways around in. And I'm working on it.

For lunch: tuna fish. It's cheap and easy, but today I added celery and Cranraisons, which may have been the best decision I've ever made. I think I'll make the same thing for lunch tomorrow. Then, I made my moms famous snack: celery with cream cheese and olives. My all-time favorite, and also so easy. The boys were all over watching the Pats and I think they appreciated the (healthy!) snack. Then I pre-made a snack I use to make in Vietnam all of the time: cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, drenched (no exaggeration there) in balsamic vinaigrette. I made it so often in Can Tho because it was so cheap to buy from the market, and everything was always so fresh. It's refreshing during the day, and it's also good if you fry an egg and add it to the mix.. but since I'm hardly ever home, I might just take it with me to work and ex-nay the egg.

For dinner, Heather made fish tacos: Halibut (I believe) with spices, tomatoes, avocado, and a separate mix of peppers, onions, and cabbage mixed with a Caesar dressing. Add rice and wrap everything in a tortilla. Delicious. If the wine and girl talk wasn't enough, Jo called us and told us stories of her weekend (on speakerphone) while we ate. It couldn't have been more perfect.

For dessert (during Iron Chef) we ate homemade brownies made by Finn, who added a light coating of Caramel on top. As if this wasn't enough, Heather then put marshmallows on top of it (still part of Finn's concoction..) and threw it in the oven for a little while to cook the marshmallows. It was served to me on a plate with some Nutella, and I couldn't love Heather and Finn more right now.

I love having food back in my life in a positive light. And on that note, I've also lost some of the "Vietnam" weight I collected while being force-fed a million meals a day (although they were delicious.) I'm not trying to loose weight but I'm finally comfortable again, and I think I've finally gotten back to my normal schedule of when to eat and when to stop eating (which is a lot easier when I'm not committing any cultural faux-paus.)

Generally feeling pretty great about life. Plans for this week:

1) Figure out how to pay my college loans. This includes consolidation and figuring out how much I can pay per month while still being able to have an active social life.

2) Read more blogs.

3) Write more.

4) Cook more. I know this will be hard since I'm not home often. Lets change this to.. Eat out less. Tuna with Cranraisons every day for lunch? Maybe.

5) Read more. I'm currently in the middle of three books, and there are at least ten sitting on my bookshelf I'm dying to break open.

6) Figure out grad school. If I can get my act together I can start on October 26th. Lots of decisions to make.

7) Learn something new. Stay posted.

Eventually I want to write at least a little bit every day. My problem with this is that I hardly think I have enough interesting things to talk about that often. So I decided to spend some time reading other blogs. Of strangers. (I'm obviously really busy at work.) This is slightly new to me, other then my obsession with Danielle LaPorte and her incredibly inspiring White Hot Truth. It's been interesting to see how everyone "knows" each other, at least in the blogging world. Each blog I read refers me to another and they all talk about how inspiring the other is, constantly quoting from the next. So somehow I've entered myself into the mix of these incredibly inspiring women and instead of writing I just keep reading blog after blog after blog.

So stay tuned to see where this blog might go. In the meantime, a few things I've done/learn/realized this week:

1) I love lunch dates. Meeting a friend, especially an old friend or someone you haven't seen in a while, in the middle of the day is both something to look forward to and a nice pick me up before going back into the office for the long haul. For those of you who have reached out, thanks. For those of you who are around, let me know! I feel important and busy scheduling lunch dates with people - it makes my life a lot more interesting.

2) I feel like I don't have a lot of "friends" here in Beantown anymore. On the contrary, there are a lot of people around I just don't contact them enough. So I convinced my roommates to have a party tonight (not a difficult task) and already have enjoyed the art of bringing people together. I'm looking forward to tonight.

3) The thrill of the unknown. Meeting new people, getting excited about the little things again - I have no idea what's going to happen but looking forward to the fun and non-seriousness of it all. I'm tired of over dramatic people. I'm over it. The thrill is exciting.

4) Went out with people from work last night and had a really great time. I'm always the youngest, and most of the time I feel like I don't belong, but I am trying to step it up a notch. Met other people from the University, had a lot of really great conversations. Drank martini's and wine while live jazz music played in the background. Felt like an adult. I can do this.

5) The internet is amazing. Exploring, trying to figure out what twitter is all about. I figure since I'm at my computer all day, the least I can do is get involved with this online community of blogging, tweeting, etc. We'll see how long it lasts until I get frustrated.. maybe I'll like it!

6) Missing Vietnam more then I can explain. Talked to everyone I know - everyone is okay. The damage was mostly done in Central Vietnam and I luckily only have ties to the North and South. The articles and pictures have made me slightly depressed and my drive to save the world has been kicked in. I wish I could just be there. I don't know what good that would do.. but it would make me feel better.

7) Happy October! It's officially fall weather and I love it. Getting terrified of winter because I never liked the cold before and after a year of no seasons I'm not sure I'm fully prepared for a New England winter. But fall is beautiful. I love the crisp air, the changing colors, the pumpkin flavored everything. Fulling taking part in everything fall has to offer. If winter could just hold off for as long as possible...

8) I love talking on the phone. When I was in HS my boyfriend lived an hour away and we talked on the phone for what felt like (and very well may have been) hours every night. This lasted at least four years. Granted, that was slightly before internet took over our lives (definitely before facebook and texting.) I talked to Joanna on the phone for over an hour the other night, it was so nice! I can't wait for her to move back to Boston, but it was nice to relive the telephone call. I wish people would do that more often.

9) Quotes might be my favorite thing, and if you've ever met me you probably know this. No matter how I feel or what is going on in my life I can usually find a quote to represent how I feel, better then I could say it myself. This quote that has been presented to me in a few different ways this week and although I liked it, I didn't feel an immediate connection with it. I finally wrote it down and figured maybe I should pass it on. I have no idea what it means for me right now, but maybe it will be good for someone else. And I've always loved Anais Nin...

"We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are."