just see how far we've come

Almost two and a half years ago, I wrote one of my first posts about the magic of Les Mis in London. I'm happy to say that now, the dream lives on. I saw the movie with my family while we were all together for Christmas, and I loved it every bit as much as I loved the musical. In fact, I was reminded why I fell in love with the story, with the music, with the characters, with the Revolution, and of course, with Enjolras. Just go watch it. If you don't like it, I won't consider us friends anymore. It's really that simple. Go see the movie. Granted, I spent a solid ten minutes debating whether I could trust Tripp van der Bilt. Good news, I got over it. You should have no more reservations. Go see the movie. I always get sentimental. I thought about adding "at the end of the year" to that sentence, but if we're being frank, I always get sentimental. It was a year full of firsts and lasts for me. Full of some tremendous wins and some disappointments. It was a year of celebration as my big sister got married, I finally got out of high school, and got to travel to Baltimore, Washington and Vegas with ProStart; and to Greece, Germany, France, and England with my dad. I listened to some good music, and some crappy. I watched plenty of TV and movies, and read many a book worth reading. I got new glasses, finished American Heritage *finally*, and found a new home in the dorms. I was a little disappointed that the world didn't end this December, because I now need to figure out what to do with my life. But mostly I just loved every moment with friends, families, and strangers. I really do love this world. Here's hoping 2013 brings love, happiness, adventure and great food to all.

all grown up

When you go to college you bed becomes your favorite place. This is not funny, or clever, it is true. The only place in the world I like more than my bed is my roommate's bed. I don't know what it is about beds, maybe I'm just tired, that seems like the obvious answer, but I think it is something deeper than that. For Eliza and I, it's definitely a bonus that our beds are the only warm place in our room. For whatever reason, our room regularly reaches arctic temperatures--regularly. We have since seen the need for a rule against turning the air-conditioning on. Also, getting in bed means you're done studying for the day. I have never had so much assigned reading in my life. It is absolutely out of control. Literally, it makes me want to cry. Still, I'm trying to make the most of it, and I'm being careful to stay on top of work... so even though I'm failing to do everything as early as I may want, I feel grown-up and mature. Plus beds are awesome because I'm kind of homesick sometimes, and my bed reminds me enough of home (if my eyes are closed) that it can make me feel better about having to grow up and not be in high school. As Hilary said, "you know how homeless people love their shopping carts or cardboard boxes because it's all they have? that's how I feel about my bed"

down four

Well, they're out. All four of them. And if I do say so myself, I'm handling it like a champ. I got my wisdom teeth out if you aren't following this. I am so grateful for my tremendous friends who I love; bringing me ice cream and chatting on my bed when there are a thousand better places to be. And even if I am exhausted, and I do hate going to work this exhaustedly, I feel like I made too big a deal of these gnarly teeth, they're gone, and now I'm fine, just tired. I guess that's how boring my life is right now, but you know what? I'm still loving every minute of it.

all hail the conquering hero

Today I worked a twelve hour shift. And oh my word am I tired. But did I ever conquer that shift! I am so grateful to have learned about hard work in my life, I can't imagine growing up like some people--where laziness is an option. Even though I've complained about it, I am eternally glad for my parents and their pushing me to do my best. I guess what I'm saying is, for the first time, I feel confident and competent for the future and for college, because hard work is all you really need.

Dude, I love the Olympics

And I always have. Heck, I always will. There are only two kinds of people I can't get along with in this world, those who hate the UN and those who hate the Olympics. Because they're both great, and they both serve this idea of positive globalization. I mean, if we ever achieve world peace, I think the Olympics will be a major part of it. Even the ancient Greeks got behind not caring about races and nationalities--even though they hated each other. True, it's short lived, and there is still bad stuff happening in the world, but for at least a minute, it feels like problems dissolve. I also love to see and hear about these nations I didn't know existed, like, Vanuatu or Tuvala. And I love the ceremony of the whole thing. And I love watching sports that I would not watch usually, like competitive table tennis or judo. Mostly, I love to see a whole nation embrace their team. I love to feel the whole country striving to support our athletes... Let's face it, the Olympics are sort of magical. And who are we to question magic? (and I'm not only saying this because the most magical city in the world is hosting them.

gainfully employed

got a job. i'm pumped. ready to start work on... friday as a cook at Malawi's Pizza. I'm very excited. This feels like my first real job (seven peaks is fake). I even got my first ever drug test! What a capital day!

welcome home...now move out

This hasn't actually been said to me. Let's make that clear. But it sort of feels that way. I didn't really have to time to absorb the whole graduated from high school thing. I left the next morning for Greece. And while I'm never one to complain about a trip to Europe, I'm willing to say that I feel as though I only got half the right of passage. I still find myself planning what I'm going to do at school in the fall... oops. Too bad my school now involves a dorm, no car, and professors who may or may not know my name, including my father (hopefully he'll fall into the first category) I don't mean to sound sappy, whiny or even remorseful, trust me, I'm not. I'm ready to move on to the next great adventure, it just seems like it's all happening very suddenly. I will say that as much as I loved Athens, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, Berlin, Paris, and London, it's always good to be home, and have a home to come home to. I've decided to stop posting things with resolutions about posting more or anything like that, but maybe I'll try, maybe it can be a part of this new great adventure I'm embarking on!