A thousand apologies for not posting these past three weeks. The summer has been flying by, with not a shortage of activities, weekend getaways, and puppy chasing. Not to mention, I upgraded my blogging software and it took until today to get things back to normal. I was hesitant to post anything new until I was sure I hadn’t ruined my templates or database, and now I think I’m 100% back to normal. All the thanks goes to Amy who not only slaved over a laptop with me, indoors, on one of the most beautiful Vermont days of the summer, but who also cleared up the template mess with my “Search” page. The highlight of both was finally getting to meet her in person, but more about that later.
With the blog back in order, and the pup curled up under my elbow (mind you, he’s licking something on my headboard – God only knows what, but maybe it will keep him busy for awhile), a bit about the past three weeks.
Work has continued to go really well, keeping me busy and motivated during the day. The evenings are filled with yoga classes aplenty, hikes with Atlas at some of the best local parks, and lots of relaxation. Being up in Vermont has given me lots of opportunities to finally unwind from the stress that came with re-entry and job searching.
Also, I’ve learned a few new things about myself. Surprised? Probably not.
- Wherever I live, I need to treat it like it’s an adventure. Every time I get a chance here, I take off somewhere new to explore for the weekend. Having lived in DC for so long before, I never looked at the area with fresh eyes, yet there was so much I have yet to experience within mere miles of my home. Living overseas and traveling the past several years, I was always on the go, seeing something new and adding it to my collection of experiences. That doesn’t have to stop once I find my way back to US soil, or even in the same zip code where I park my car each night.
- I really am an introvert at heart. I love being social, but it’s been a huge relief to have a summer being fairly isolated. I come home in the evenings, do what I need to do, play with Atlas, and settle down with a good book or movie (thank you Netflix). Again, things I should have gotten into the habit of doing when I moved back to the states, but I got so caught up with the speed at which life was moving. I felt obligated to go out, and when I had no plans, I felt like I should have some. I recognize the beauty in quiet nights at home alone. Being isolated doesn’t have to be as frustrating as it was when I lived in Kenya – having a car and access to great Chinese take-out makes a big difference.
As well as a bit of personal reflection, I’ve taken advantage of most weekends to travel locally to meet friends and see new places.
The first weekend of August, I *finally* met Miss Amy Allcock, a long-time Flickr friend who first found my photo stream when I was living in Cambodia. Beyond both being avid photographers and web nerds, she also once lived and worked in S.E. Asia. Amy was gracious enough to drive to Burlington, VT from Kingston, ON to meet up with me, and we had an awesome weekend doing yoga, eating great food, and of course, taking pictures. Neither of us had been to Burlington before, and I definitely feel like it’s some place I’d love to live. Situated on picturesque Lake Champlain, mountains fade into the distance and the downtown pushes up on the other side, with funky shops, open park areas, and great restaurants. I think Atlas even had a good time when he stayed overnight at the Doggie Day Care there. As always, the weekend was too short, but Amy and I have another weekend visit in October when I’m planning to travel to Montreal for a few days.
Amy shoots rust on Lake Champlain
Last weekend I went to Chicago to visit with my dad and grandmother. Although it was yet another short weekend trip, it was a beautiful weekend in the city and we enjoyed good food (mmm reubens and bulgogi!), good friends (Hi Kerry), and a good visit.
On Thursday I had another long-awaited meet and greet with Beth Hangelli – a 2-year blog friend whom I first connected with before she voyaged on the Fall 2005 Semester at Sea voyage as the Dean’s Assistant. We had a fun evening hiking in Pisgah State park with Atlas, where the pup and I checked out the water in the pond on the Kilburn Trail, and Beth laughed as Atlas revolted against being wet. I got a few great photos of my disgruntled dog, hopefully he’ll get over it soon. Afterwards Beth and I enjoyed a beer at Flat Street Brewery in downtown Brattleboro, chatted about life and love, as well as how one decides where they belong in life, if anywhere.
Beth and Atlas enjoy some quality time in the pond
This past weekend and next I’m staying locally, but only to rest up for my upcoming busy travel schedule – Maine, Boston, Vermont, Boston, Northampton, etc…. It keeps going on like this until the end of October, culminating in a long awaited pilgrimage to Cedar Point.
In the meantime I have thousands of photos to process, a puppy to keep from chewing up all my clothes and shoes, and a town I want to get to know a bit better.
