THIS might be the most wonderful of things- it's pouring rain outside and they're calling for snow in a few hours (we'll see if that happens or not...still not sure whether I'll be a believer) and my lovely roommates and I are doing as we did when we were little girls. We've gathered all the comforters and blankets and pillows and music players down into the living room. In an effort to save electricity (and win a competition for being the most economically friendly apartment) the lights haven't been on today and they probably will not be until we can see absolutely nothing on our own. The big window in the living room provides a movie screen of sorts for us to view the rain as it comes down on the facing townhouses and cars and bushes. I have the playlist going on my iTunes that was created by the english teacher from my junior and senior year of high school. She is so very dear to us...Brett Dennen, Rufus Wainwright, Ray laMontagne, the Beatles, Norah Jones, Nickel Creek, Fiona Apple, The Wailing Jenny's, Holly Palmer, Eva Cassidy, Suzanne Vega, Waterdeep, JayMay, and more populate this list that brings back so many peaceful memories and inspires new ones. On days like today it's so easy to forget what's on the to-do list and just write...for me at least. I'm sure that a lot of people would find other ways to spend a day like this but I see writing as the ultimate escape. There are forms to fill out for France...they will probably find their way onto my lap sometime soon because that is so important to me. But for now I write...and enjoy. Rain on the weekends is such a beautiful thing...

I've decided that I would like to stay in France for a whole academic year next year instead of just a semester. The benefits of staying in a country for that long as opposed to just 4 months are many; language proficiency being just one of them. It's a big decision to be sure...I haven't even broken it to my parents yet that I plan to leave them for a year! Most of my friends don't know either...I need this to be a decision about me. It's an independent choice I've made and I feel extremely confident about it. Most of the time I'm afraid I'll change my mind but I don't fear that at this point. I feel very good about this decision and that's the important thing- I have no regrets. So here's to new choices and new plans and scary new situations!

suddenly i want hamburger helper...i think it's because i got an e-mail from my lovely mom saying that she hoped i wasn't embarrassed by the fact that she served hamburger helper when my friends came home for lunch on Sunday. This is so silly! I told her that if I did actually bring people home who cared about what was served (aside from personal preference, religious beliefs, or dietary lifestyles) then they wouldn't be my friends! Just some strays I picked up from various places. And then my roommate bought my family a delicious cheesecake for dessert so they would rather have her than me now...thanks Kate!
So since I should be studying but am instead am plagued by thoughts of complex carbohydrates in the middle of the night...you get to all hear about it.
:D

It's about revolution...change in life. Some are happy with the mundane- at least they think they are. I'm not one of those people. I love anything new. I'll try any food once (ex: fungus and several other questionable foods in Taiwan) The blog name idea came from Pray and you can find her blog on the left. It was originally a joke, but when it comes down to it, it's really the best idea isn't it? Isn't embracing everything we possibly can in this life what we're here for? Shouldn't we try as many new things as possible even if we're sure we'll hate them? Anyone who knows me knows I'm not so much one for the outdoors, but that does not mean I don't wish to explore and see new things. In my opinion it all depends on the company you're with- I love being in the city and I love getting lost and finding my way around. I have to love it since the directional section of my brain never developed fully (thank you mom for that gene!) I love beautiful scenery and I love to write when that scenery inspires me too. I love thunderstorms, I love coffee, I love warm weather, I love spending time with my friends, and I love french music. I hope to be in France in the fall but even if I'm not I'm sure I'll find something here to occupy my time...we'll just have to see! stay tuned...