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."

Checking in from Hanoi!

I love everything about this city. Except the pollution, which is really everywhere just more apparent here, and the barganing, which is also everywhere except Can Tho. I've been in shell shock the past few days trying to get use to city life. It's a little bit ridiculous, but I have had some anxiety getting use to things. A lot of foreigners, a lot of English flying around. I'm officially done living by myself in the Delta and it has been hitting me hard. Luckily I'm staying with Kristen so I'm not going through the transition on my own. She has a lot of friends here and it is overwhelming to meet everyone, but once the anxiety settles I remember that that is what I love about Hanoi, and why last time I came to visit I wanted to move here. I still have that feeling.

I rented a bike, which is terrifying and definitely not something everyone could do, but since I have experience riding already I went for it, and it was a good idea because it is saving me a ton of money. Once I got past the initial "Wow, this is NOT the same as riding in Can Tho," it's actually not that bad. It's a great way to get to see the city. And staying with Kristen is nice because I am basically pretending that I live here, and I like it. (Mom & Dad- don't worry, I know what you're thinking, and I'm still coming home.) But they have a lot of non-profits here, so who knows.. maybe one day.

I've spent a lot of time catching up on sleep. I didn't even realize how much sleep I wasn't getting, but I certainly have needed a few days to get myself together. It's hot here, but not as hot as in the Delta yet, and Kristen's room is cool and there is a comfortor on the bed... I can sleep with a blanket again! And no mosquito net! It really is the little things in life...

So I'll be spending the next week here until Geoff comes to visit. Tomorrow I think we'll find a pool and just relax, and I've been doing a lot of reading. Finished Bill Bryson, which I've already raved about. Just read The Last Lecture (in about one day). If you like Mitch Albom, I'd highly recommend it. It's prety similar to Tuesday's with Morrie. I'm now reading A Return to Love, which I'd recommend if you like analyzing your life, thinking about spirituality, God, or looking for a change. It's a lot of ideas I'm already familiar with, but it has a little bit of a twist that I find intriguing. So far, so good.

Congrats to NU Class of '09! ...which is pretty much all of my friends in Boston. I just spent the last hour looking at all of your pictures, and I'm so proud! I wish I could have been there. It was weird only graduating with a few friends, Marg and I didn't go to ANY senior week events haha. Anyway, Congrats! I can't believe it's already May. I'll be home THIS MONTH. I'm not ready to leave. I know I say something different each time I mention that. Feel bad for the people (Geoff) that will be around me my last few days here. It's been a rollarcoaster of emotions.. but at least I'm consistant about that being true! I hope you are doing well, where ever you are reading this from! xoxo

I miss Louie.  What a great video! Yes, I know Louie as well as you can know anyone you've never talked to before. And yes, I already (and have for years) belong to said facebook group. I even know one of the guys in the video that works at the bike shop. I can't wait to be back in Boston. I loved seeing everyone in jackets. Remind me I said that when I'm complaining about how unreasonably cold Boston is.

Tomorrow is my last full day in Can Tho before leaving for vacation. I've been done teaching for a few days but I couldn't get a plane ticket until Saturday, so I've just been relaxing. I've started drawing, which might tell you how bored I am, but I'm really enjoying it.  I'm excited to travel and explore Vietnam as much as possible before leaving in less then one month! I'm ready to come home. I'll miss it more then I can explain, but I need to be back in real life with people I get along with on my level. 

The nights are starting to cool off a little bit, and I went for a great run tonight. I love the high you feel after you finish running... how you feel like you can't possibly go any further, and then you do, and when it's over it's just such a rush. I was never a particularly good runner, but I sure love that feeling and I would like to get back into it when I come home. We'll see. 

For now, Louie has inspired me. I'm going to go for a nice long bike ride tomorrow.