Just read one of the most original, emotional, so good you can't put it down at night books I've read in a long time.
It's called One Day by David Nicholls, and it lives up to all the great reviews it's been getting.
It's basically a story of a couple that meet right at the end of college, and explores their relationship over the next twenty years by checking in on their lives on the same day each year. As someone about 7 years out of college (yikes!) it was really interesting for me to relate to the feelings both of the main characters have as they stumble through their twenties... the feelings of uncertainty about career choices, relationships, general life direction.... and it also made me really curious and excited about what the next phase will bring...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Getting going again....
Since everyone and their sister seems to be blogging these days, and I'm frequently asked to provide a blog link, I thought I'd get one going again.... All of the previous links are old posts I wrote when I was travelling a few years ago. God, reading them again makes me miss the freedom I had then, and makes me envious of younger me living those experiences. And also makes me a little more appreciate - hard to mope when I can always just remember nights at clubs in Europe, fantasitic meals on the street, and some of the most gorgeous scenery there is.
Anyways, the point of all this is to share various things with my friends, family, and strangers on the internet. Things like qulting projects I'm working on, ramblings about happenings in my life, and links or comments to various amusing bits.
Things like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=390139902304&Category=158656&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2.
Taking art prints, drawing sock monkeys on them, and selling on ebay?? GENIUS. And now, off to re-decorate my bedroom.
Anyways, the point of all this is to share various things with my friends, family, and strangers on the internet. Things like qulting projects I'm working on, ramblings about happenings in my life, and links or comments to various amusing bits.
Things like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=390139902304&Category=158656&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2.
Taking art prints, drawing sock monkeys on them, and selling on ebay?? GENIUS. And now, off to re-decorate my bedroom.
Friday, July 4, 2008
On my last day...
Well, finally in Sarajevo with one day left to go. Had a pretty emotional (but good) week, so I might not have a whole lot to say right now...
Got to Sarajevo early Monday morning and hopped directly on a bus up to Vares. Got there right as school was starting, walked in, and was swarmed by kids almost immediately. The students all remembered me, and it was so amazing to see so many of many of the students I got to know and love last summer. Was a little emotionally overwhelming....
Spent the week helping out the students who are in the program this summer with their lesson plans, teaching, and classroom control (7-15 year olds are pretty wild - who knew?) and really enjoyed seeing them go through everything I remember feeling last year. Laughed a lot on the inside, but all in all, they're a good group of students and I think they'll get a lot from their experience, just as I did last year. It was really nice to be back for a number of reasons, but I think being there with another group helped me get some perspective on my own experience - I've known for the last year that it really affected me, but to see it all again... being in that community and getting to know the children at the school was truly an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful for. And to go back and be welcomed and remembered... yeah, it was a pretty good week.
Also spent a lot of time with Vjeran and Vedran, two of the locals who help out with the program that I got to know last summer, and Jo, the program coordinator that pretty much made my summer last year. It's been a really nice way to end my trip... spending time with people that I care about in a beautiful place that I've really come to love. Funny story about my last night in Vares... but not one to be posted in a public place. Call for details. :)
So back in Sarajevo again... had a fantastic dinner with Jo last night, had great conversation, and watched the parade of people on the main drag. Jo has really helped me gain some perspective on this trip as well, and I feel truly fortunate that I've gotten to spend more time with her. Planning on just walking around the city today, eating lots of gelato, having a 4th of July dinner with a few other Americans in town, and then spending my last night relaxing with Jo and the Filipovic boys. Then a 6:40 am flight tomorrow!!
While I'm excited to be going home and looking forward to all the new things happening in my life, I am definitely sad to be leaving... this month has by far been one of the best of my life. I've had fun, seen amazing things, gotten to know myself better, and created some memories that will hopefully get me through any tough times (like when the Packers & Rockies lose or Jamie drinks all the champagne.) And hell, I think I've gotten myself a non-English speaking husband out of it all!
Will post pictures soon... wish me safe travels home!
Got to Sarajevo early Monday morning and hopped directly on a bus up to Vares. Got there right as school was starting, walked in, and was swarmed by kids almost immediately. The students all remembered me, and it was so amazing to see so many of many of the students I got to know and love last summer. Was a little emotionally overwhelming....
Spent the week helping out the students who are in the program this summer with their lesson plans, teaching, and classroom control (7-15 year olds are pretty wild - who knew?) and really enjoyed seeing them go through everything I remember feeling last year. Laughed a lot on the inside, but all in all, they're a good group of students and I think they'll get a lot from their experience, just as I did last year. It was really nice to be back for a number of reasons, but I think being there with another group helped me get some perspective on my own experience - I've known for the last year that it really affected me, but to see it all again... being in that community and getting to know the children at the school was truly an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful for. And to go back and be welcomed and remembered... yeah, it was a pretty good week.
Also spent a lot of time with Vjeran and Vedran, two of the locals who help out with the program that I got to know last summer, and Jo, the program coordinator that pretty much made my summer last year. It's been a really nice way to end my trip... spending time with people that I care about in a beautiful place that I've really come to love. Funny story about my last night in Vares... but not one to be posted in a public place. Call for details. :)
So back in Sarajevo again... had a fantastic dinner with Jo last night, had great conversation, and watched the parade of people on the main drag. Jo has really helped me gain some perspective on this trip as well, and I feel truly fortunate that I've gotten to spend more time with her. Planning on just walking around the city today, eating lots of gelato, having a 4th of July dinner with a few other Americans in town, and then spending my last night relaxing with Jo and the Filipovic boys. Then a 6:40 am flight tomorrow!!
While I'm excited to be going home and looking forward to all the new things happening in my life, I am definitely sad to be leaving... this month has by far been one of the best of my life. I've had fun, seen amazing things, gotten to know myself better, and created some memories that will hopefully get me through any tough times (like when the Packers & Rockies lose or Jamie drinks all the champagne.) And hell, I think I've gotten myself a non-English speaking husband out of it all!
Will post pictures soon... wish me safe travels home!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Best. Week. Ever.
Back in Croatia now, heading down to Sarajevo tonight, but thought I'd take a few minutes to write before I completely forget the past few days...
Budapest was absolutely fantastic as well, and the past five days have definitely been some of the best of my life. Wandered the city Thursday night, saw the Parliament and lots of other sites, then hung out with some of the others at the hostel watching the semi-final game of the Euro cup. (Kind of like our Super Bowl.) Headed to bed fairly early (1) and caught up on some much needed sleep. Overnight trains = not the best idea. I say this, yet will be taking another one tonight... hmm...
Spent all day Friday on the Buda side exploring the castle and the old town. Absolutely amazing views, and lots to see and take in. Budapest has so much character - theres all this history and beautiful sites, but it still feels like a city, and not a tourist trap (Athens.) Relaxed on Margaret Island, which is in the middle of the Danube, in the afternoon, and just had an all in all fantastic day playing tourist.
Had a phenomenal bowl of Goulash at a sketchy little pub on the recommendation of the hostel staff - num. Hung out at the hostel with some fellow Americans and Canadians, and had an absolute blast. Went for kabobs around 1:30 and ended up at Budapest's only rooftop dance club. Definitely walked home as the sun was coming up. I paid for it in the morning, but it was such an amazing experience, and it felt good to be out and about where actual Hungarians were. Plus, got to drink and dance under the moonlight all night. Not bad.
Slept in Saturday and didn't make it to the baths as planned, but oh well. Went to a Mongolian BBQ serving questionable varieties of meat with a few others, and had a great meal, good conversation, and more than a few included drinks (had to get my moneys worth after all.) Headed down to Heroes Square (which is beautiful as well - picking up a theme here?) and got to see Santana play a free show. So much fun, and then relaxed at a few local cafes before heading back to the hostel. Walked along the river and saw the city all lit up at night, then headed to bed around 2 so that I could catch my 6 AM train. Good times.
Wandering around Zagreb again today, planning on seeing a movie later to test just how good my Croatian is, then catching my train to Sarajevo around 9. Immediately hopping on a bus to Vares, then teaching for the next four days! One more day in Sarajevo to see all my favorite sites (and by sites I mean restaurants and gelaterias) then heading home next Saturday. :(
While I'm looking forward to being home, and to starting the new job, I am definitely glad I got the opportunity to take this trip... Being around so many new people and immersed in other cultures really tests how comfortable you are with yourself, and I think I've done pretty well. I've had a lot of fun, met some great people and seen some amazing things. Oh, and got a nice tan and good pictures to prove it! Will definitely spend some time posting them all next weekend...
So I'll be off the grid for the next week or so, but will write again when I get home... pout...
Budapest was absolutely fantastic as well, and the past five days have definitely been some of the best of my life. Wandered the city Thursday night, saw the Parliament and lots of other sites, then hung out with some of the others at the hostel watching the semi-final game of the Euro cup. (Kind of like our Super Bowl.) Headed to bed fairly early (1) and caught up on some much needed sleep. Overnight trains = not the best idea. I say this, yet will be taking another one tonight... hmm...
Spent all day Friday on the Buda side exploring the castle and the old town. Absolutely amazing views, and lots to see and take in. Budapest has so much character - theres all this history and beautiful sites, but it still feels like a city, and not a tourist trap (Athens.) Relaxed on Margaret Island, which is in the middle of the Danube, in the afternoon, and just had an all in all fantastic day playing tourist.
Had a phenomenal bowl of Goulash at a sketchy little pub on the recommendation of the hostel staff - num. Hung out at the hostel with some fellow Americans and Canadians, and had an absolute blast. Went for kabobs around 1:30 and ended up at Budapest's only rooftop dance club. Definitely walked home as the sun was coming up. I paid for it in the morning, but it was such an amazing experience, and it felt good to be out and about where actual Hungarians were. Plus, got to drink and dance under the moonlight all night. Not bad.
Slept in Saturday and didn't make it to the baths as planned, but oh well. Went to a Mongolian BBQ serving questionable varieties of meat with a few others, and had a great meal, good conversation, and more than a few included drinks (had to get my moneys worth after all.) Headed down to Heroes Square (which is beautiful as well - picking up a theme here?) and got to see Santana play a free show. So much fun, and then relaxed at a few local cafes before heading back to the hostel. Walked along the river and saw the city all lit up at night, then headed to bed around 2 so that I could catch my 6 AM train. Good times.
Wandering around Zagreb again today, planning on seeing a movie later to test just how good my Croatian is, then catching my train to Sarajevo around 9. Immediately hopping on a bus to Vares, then teaching for the next four days! One more day in Sarajevo to see all my favorite sites (and by sites I mean restaurants and gelaterias) then heading home next Saturday. :(
While I'm looking forward to being home, and to starting the new job, I am definitely glad I got the opportunity to take this trip... Being around so many new people and immersed in other cultures really tests how comfortable you are with yourself, and I think I've done pretty well. I've had a lot of fun, met some great people and seen some amazing things. Oh, and got a nice tan and good pictures to prove it! Will definitely spend some time posting them all next weekend...
So I'll be off the grid for the next week or so, but will write again when I get home... pout...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
From Budapest (finally!)
Well it's Thursday night, and I finally made it to Budapest after a fantastic two days in Croatia. I forgot how much I really do love it there.... even the capital is beautiful, the people and lifestyle are great, and maybe its just my own comfort level, but everything just seems so much more enjoyable. I ended up being there for their Independence Day, so I got to watch the military parade in the morning, wander the city, read and relax for a few hours in the Botanical Gardens, and see all the major tourist sites. Spent the afternoon at the beach where the locals hang out, then hit the town with a bunch of the group staying at the hostel. All in all, probably the best day of my trip so far (though Mykonos was a close second.)
Caught an early morning train with a couple that I met from Finland, managed a few hours of sleep, and saw some of the most amazing countryside. Yep, definitely prefer this to Greece - its so nice to see green again!
About to wander out in Budapest now.. planning on exploring tonight, seeing Castle Hill and Margaret Island tomorrow, then the baths and more exploring on Saturday (with plenty of socializing and cafe pub sitting squeezed in between.) Will write again before heading down to Sarajevo... I cant believe I only have 9 days left!!
Caught an early morning train with a couple that I met from Finland, managed a few hours of sleep, and saw some of the most amazing countryside. Yep, definitely prefer this to Greece - its so nice to see green again!
About to wander out in Budapest now.. planning on exploring tonight, seeing Castle Hill and Margaret Island tomorrow, then the baths and more exploring on Saturday (with plenty of socializing and cafe pub sitting squeezed in between.) Will write again before heading down to Sarajevo... I cant believe I only have 9 days left!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Quick Update from Croatia
Thought Id take a few minutes to write before heading out on the town...
Currently in Zagreb, Croatia, which was a little bit of a change of plans. After a relaxing night in Kalambaca, I headed up to Thessaloniki, Greece, to spend a day or two. Got in much earlier than I expected and kind of wished I had just slept in instead of taking the early train, but oh well. Checked into my hotel and wandered the streets for a few hours, but all was fairly quiet considering it was Sunday. Had one of the most amazing meals of my life... grilled swordfish and sauteed spinach, all drenched in lemon, olive oil and oregano... all washed down with some tasty house wine... yum. Blockaded myself in the hotel room for the night with Greek beer and Friends reruns, and got some much needed RnR.
Ventured out again on Monday morning, and it was a much different Thessaloniki. It was nice to see the city in action, and I walked through lots of markets and saw all the main tourist sights. Intended to catch the overnight train to Budapest at 4:15, but it left about an hour and a half late.
Note to everyone out there- if I am ever making travel arrangements with you, and suggest public transportation, shoot me down. Between this experience, the Greyhound bus to Vegas, and the 6 AM Manhattan to Conneticut train, I think it is safe to say that I do not make good travel decisions. The train was hot, I sat in the car with the broken window, and it was very crowded. I did make friends with a Macedonian guy about my age and a bunch of teenage girls who spoke a little English, so at least it was fun. Beautiful countryside too - Macedonia is definitely getting added to the to see list.
So got into Belgrade, where I was supposed to change trains, about 3 hours too late. Next train to Budapest wasnt until that evening, and there was no way I was going to spend a whole day wandering Belgrade (again.) So hopped a train to Zagreb with an Irish and Scottish girl, and here I am! Had a fantastic dinner with them last night and am very excited to wander and see the city today. Turns out it is Croatian Independence Day, so it should be quite the party. Was offered a job at my hostel... have to say I am strongly tempted! Will head to Budapest tomorrow morning, then back to Zagreb and onto Sarajevo Sunday night.
Thats all for now... keep your eye out for postcards, because I managed to find a post office before leaving Greece, and keep your fingers crossed that I make it back home! :)
Currently in Zagreb, Croatia, which was a little bit of a change of plans. After a relaxing night in Kalambaca, I headed up to Thessaloniki, Greece, to spend a day or two. Got in much earlier than I expected and kind of wished I had just slept in instead of taking the early train, but oh well. Checked into my hotel and wandered the streets for a few hours, but all was fairly quiet considering it was Sunday. Had one of the most amazing meals of my life... grilled swordfish and sauteed spinach, all drenched in lemon, olive oil and oregano... all washed down with some tasty house wine... yum. Blockaded myself in the hotel room for the night with Greek beer and Friends reruns, and got some much needed RnR.
Ventured out again on Monday morning, and it was a much different Thessaloniki. It was nice to see the city in action, and I walked through lots of markets and saw all the main tourist sights. Intended to catch the overnight train to Budapest at 4:15, but it left about an hour and a half late.
Note to everyone out there- if I am ever making travel arrangements with you, and suggest public transportation, shoot me down. Between this experience, the Greyhound bus to Vegas, and the 6 AM Manhattan to Conneticut train, I think it is safe to say that I do not make good travel decisions. The train was hot, I sat in the car with the broken window, and it was very crowded. I did make friends with a Macedonian guy about my age and a bunch of teenage girls who spoke a little English, so at least it was fun. Beautiful countryside too - Macedonia is definitely getting added to the to see list.
So got into Belgrade, where I was supposed to change trains, about 3 hours too late. Next train to Budapest wasnt until that evening, and there was no way I was going to spend a whole day wandering Belgrade (again.) So hopped a train to Zagreb with an Irish and Scottish girl, and here I am! Had a fantastic dinner with them last night and am very excited to wander and see the city today. Turns out it is Croatian Independence Day, so it should be quite the party. Was offered a job at my hostel... have to say I am strongly tempted! Will head to Budapest tomorrow morning, then back to Zagreb and onto Sarajevo Sunday night.
Thats all for now... keep your eye out for postcards, because I managed to find a post office before leaving Greece, and keep your fingers crossed that I make it back home! :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Here I go again, on my own...
Quick update while I'm enjoying free internet at my hotel..
Spent last night in Athens and had dinner with the two remaining girls in town. It was so sad, having everyone leave, one by one... but we enjoyed free wine and watched the sunset from a rooftop underneath the Acropolis, so I got over it pretty quick. Woke up early and headed out on an 8:20 train for Kalambaka ... http://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora/index.asp...had to stand up for the first 3 hours because I didn't realize how to actually purchase a seat, but at least there was beautiful landscape on the way. Saw lots of vineyards and plenty of green, which I missed on the islands. Relaxed around town and enjoyed the beautiful view. It feels nice to be in a city where people actually live, and to get the real "Greek experience." Hardly anyone speaks English, and it's been a nice day of downtime and detox. Heard an American next to me at dinner, and turns out he's from Boulder (45 min outside of Denver.) So I've now come to Greece to meet two Coloradans. We had dinner together, and I'm heading to bed early. I am thoroughly ready to enjoy a bed where I don't fall through the cracks and a room to myself!!
Definitely starting to miss my friends from the cruise... Liz, the Aussie who entertained me through song and dance and her love of men in uniform... Karin, my crazy Kiwi "Jim Bame" chugging roommate... and Jack, my American / Australian / Zambian sunset-watching / drinking / deep meaningful conversation buddy. But, it's nice to be "off" for a few days....
Will write more from Budapest in a few days, but hope all is well at home.
Spent last night in Athens and had dinner with the two remaining girls in town. It was so sad, having everyone leave, one by one... but we enjoyed free wine and watched the sunset from a rooftop underneath the Acropolis, so I got over it pretty quick. Woke up early and headed out on an 8:20 train for Kalambaka ... http://www.kalampaka.com/en/meteora/index.asp...had to stand up for the first 3 hours because I didn't realize how to actually purchase a seat, but at least there was beautiful landscape on the way. Saw lots of vineyards and plenty of green, which I missed on the islands. Relaxed around town and enjoyed the beautiful view. It feels nice to be in a city where people actually live, and to get the real "Greek experience." Hardly anyone speaks English, and it's been a nice day of downtime and detox. Heard an American next to me at dinner, and turns out he's from Boulder (45 min outside of Denver.) So I've now come to Greece to meet two Coloradans. We had dinner together, and I'm heading to bed early. I am thoroughly ready to enjoy a bed where I don't fall through the cracks and a room to myself!!
Definitely starting to miss my friends from the cruise... Liz, the Aussie who entertained me through song and dance and her love of men in uniform... Karin, my crazy Kiwi "Jim Bame" chugging roommate... and Jack, my American / Australian / Zambian sunset-watching / drinking / deep meaningful conversation buddy. But, it's nice to be "off" for a few days....
Will write more from Budapest in a few days, but hope all is well at home.
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