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."