I was pretty sure I wasted this whole day in several fruitless efforts, but then I must remind myself that I don't have to be productive all the time. I've become totally obsessed with maximizing my time and feeling accomplished in a day's events, and then I get lost focusing on the end product instead of enjoying the present moment. Must work on ( Read more... )

Departure time: 12 noon, EST ( Read more... )

We just returned from a full day of playing in the backyard of Chris' aunt's in Harrisburg; there was a Hassler reunion and bbq so I met the extended family on Tom's side. They have a beautiful backyard with all sorts of trees and flowers, a garden, a hot tub, and playground equipment for the younger kids. We all hung out in the screened porch and ( Read more... )

We've arrived! Chris and I are dead smack center in the middle of Lancaster county- which is encased in rolling green hills of corn, grass, wheat, etc., and dotted with farm houses, silos, and cows... The actual town is full of mammoth red-brick houses, mansions, manors, (castles), each with a full and manicured lawn of grass, flowers, and trees. ( Read more... )

The week is almost up! And what better way to celebrate than joining Brandon in his finest hour?? He's officially 23 now; last night loads of people arrived at Erynne's and appropriately (if not overzealously) got smashed. Fermented foods make the best gifts, right ( Read more... )

This week I feel ike I'm just doing anything possible to pass the time. Yesterday I biked back and fourth between the apartment, Leo's new house, several buildings on campus, and an endless stream of errands around the city in the hot sun, sporting an oversized military-style hat (?), big black sunglasses, and an IPOD around my arm. I've become ( Read more... )

Well my third year at ASU has finally passed, leaving me more and more excited to get this done and over with. I've come to realize that while I almost detest Tempe- the people, the traffic, the weather, the pollution, the bar-scene, etc.- I am extremely grateful that I ended up here and through my path have ended up with Chris. No, I won't get all ( Read more... )

O man this semester is the lightest schedule I've had during my whole college experience- not working and only 14 credits- and yet I still find bliss in these 'S.' days. Truly wonderful ( Read more... )

Chris, Leo, and I have managed to shove all our belongings into our new 3-bedroom apartment(!), which is right across the street from Plaid. I miss having a whole house, and the neighborhood bikeride to and from campus, but actually living has become a million times more bearable at the new place (and without our previous roommates). Leo rocks; he' ( Read more... )

We're now almost fully acclimated to life back in Tempe- of course there is good, like not carting around heavy luggage on our backs, not needing to negotioate dirty rooms for a cheaper price, and getting to bike-ride everywhere, along with the bad, like paying more than $3 for a full course meal and having so-called "obligations" towards school ( Read more... )