I am constantly reminded that I haven't written anything since before my last trip and my homecoming. To all you avid followers, I am sorry. As you've already heard/seen I am home safe and sound and it has been really great to see everyone and reconnect.

My reason for not writing... I just haven't been inspired. I've had a lot of downtime to relax, read, go to the beach, see the sunrise, visit boston for the beer marathon, spend time with my dog, and readjust back into my "american life." For the most part I've been pretty lazy, but it has been nice to not have anything pressing to do for a few weeks. So far I have loved being home, but I'm starting to feel the pull of... what's next? (Perhaps that's why I'm finally writing?)

If you don't know, I'm moving to Boston next week to start my job at Northeastern University working for the VP of Student Affairs. I worked there when I was a student so I know what I'm getting my self into and I'm looking forward to it. The plan is to go to grad school next year. I'm really looking forward to it, though I'm not in any rush.

People keep asking me if I'm going to continue writing and the truth is I haven't decided yet. Once I get settled in my new job and find a place to live (I'll be a nomad until September) then perhaps I'll make a decision. As I mentioned.. right now I'm just not too inspired. I suppose an 'end of my experience' recap is due, and I'm sure I will get to it. Who knows, maybe I'll want to write again tomorrow. I'll keep you all on your toes.

In the meantime, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all of your support while I was gone. I definitely wouldn't have been able to get through everything without you. I am incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system here, and I'm excited to be back and give back as much as I can to those who I now know (if I had any doubt before) will always be there. For those of you who wrote me constant (and sometimes the length of a short novel) emails... Thank you. For my parents who maybe didn't understand at first, but will always support whatever I decide to do... Thank you. For those of you who read every ridiculous thing I wrote in this blog... Thank you. For those of you in Boston who put together that amazing package that I finally received at my welcome home party... Thank you. For those of you who had to endure me on gchat/skype/etc. when I was homesick/sad/or any other emotions (and there were many)... Thank you. You know who you are, and I feel incredibly indebted to you. I hope you all know how appreciative I am not only to know you, but to have you as a constant in my life. If I learned anything (and there is a lot in this category...) the number one thing is that I have amazing people in my life, and I am incredibly lucky. I love you guys!

As for my write off's:

I just read: My Sister's Keeper. I don't want to talk about it. I don't know what all the hype is about and I don't really want to see the movie (but I will.) Not that it wasn't well written, I read it in about two days and enjoyed almost all of it, but the ending nearly killed me... and not in the good way. Read with caution.

Currently reading: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. While I was gone I started a list of books I wanted to read when I got home (no book store in Can Tho.) I completely forget where the recommendation for this came from, but I bought it nonetheless. Just starting it, so I can't say anything yet.

Currently listing to: Jack Johnson. His music will never get old. So relaxing, such good lyrics.

And as always, quote of the moment. This one is from Joey Comeau, the guy who writes the "comics" on ASofterWorld.com.

"When I talk about the literature and art that I like, I use the phrase, "good natured" a lot. Because what's better than being reminded of the good things in life? Watching the Muppet Show, and being reminded how great it is that friendship exists. Or reading Kurt Vonnegut and stumbling across, "I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'" I don't think that all art should be life-affirming or upbeat or anything like that, but man, you can't deny the pleasure of realizing how great it is to be alive and loved, once in a while."