The Lobster

On the train in, I read The Girl on the Train--how appropriate or lame. Both are accurate. But I guess I never noticed the view of Center City just as the train pulls into Temple and right after as well. I loved it. Maybe I've just been away too long.

Strutting down Market Street, I felt like it was that summer when I interned with Jennings-Sigmond. The whole process was essentially same: get off the train, exit Suburban Station through the Gallery, walk along Market and cross when I happened to get a red light. Then I ambled past Independence Hall and all the tourists in line for the Liberty Bell and many many school trips. I felt strong. I felt anonymous. I love having a destination in mind (this time it was the Ritz East) and just getting there, through the throngs of people, in the humid weather, of Philadelphia in the summer.

And then I got there. I ordered tea and grabbed a seat right in the middle. And watched. It was weird, for sure. What animal would you want to be turned into if you never found love? Why was it the policy that you had to always be a couple? But it was lovely, like usual, to spend two hours in another world, sipping my tea and water.

Memorial Day BBQ

Look at my little cousin*. She's so cute. She's teething and kept gnawing on my fingers. My other little cousins were balls if energy, running around everywhere. My torn ACL was not helping. After being in Arizona all semester, it was refreshing to be among family that I've known my entire life. The circumstances for my early arrival were a little stinky but it brought the family together and I was pleased to see everyone. 

*She's actually my cousin Paul's daughter. I'm not sure what that makes us. First cousins one removed maybe?

Thanks for the Help

This week has had a lot of ups and downs. I don't think I would have made it without the help of my friends in Tucson and Philadelphia and even Amsterdam and Sheffield. Steve told me that I had to be selfish and ask for help. And I think I did. My economics friends helped me move out and some drove me to the airport. Elise organized my ride home from PHL when my flight was delayed 8.5 hours while she was jet setting around Europe. And then there's Dan and Kristen and Patrick who were just a short text or phone call away. I'm glad that I had such a widespread and strong support system this week. I really needed it. I owe you all big time. Thank you. 

Study Break Walk

“Some days he climbed over the foothills of indifference to see 

the landscape of his life and future for what it was: 

mappable, traversable, achievable.” 

― Dave Eggers, A Hologram for the King

Little Bright Flowers

I've been studying a lot this semester for my comprehensive exams that are essentially finals on steroids. And I've been stressing a lot about them. Every Saturday, it seemed like I was allergic to the library when really I was stressing about studying that material. But these little flowers brightened up my day. So many vibrant colors, catching my eyes, saying, "Hey you, distracted girl, look at me. Take a moment and enjoy what I have to offer." And I sure did.