Welcome back

The last time I ventured into the blogosphere, as I believe we're calling it these days, I was on my way to Italy for a four month adventure. I kept people those I left Stateside updated on my Roman activities relatively consistently, but I found I had little else to write about when I returned home. The summer of 2006 was an incredible one, during which I made new and lasting friendships and kept well in touch with my Italian confidant and roommate. As a senior at Maryland I enjoyed every last second of my last year in the place I had grown to call home. That fall semester is one I will never ever forget, we had a blast and we have pictures to prove it. None of which will be posted here. I spent most of January 2007 in Argentina, a trip that was inspired by an inkling to leave the country again, for one last free-spirited foray. The title picture is me watching a sunset from the top of a cliff in Humahuaca, a town in the northern Andean region.

Spring came along and went, ending in Graduation. The culmination of everything I had worked toward practically my entire life. It felt good to be recognized for achievements, but I felt like the excitement was fleeting and I tried desperately to imprint every last moment into my brain. The experiences I had at Maryland, the friends I made, the places I went, the things I learned, are all part of who I am. Steny wasn't lying when he said, "Revere the Turtle" at commencement. We're all terps for life.

Post-graduate life has been an interesting ride so far. Four months or so into a new job and I finally think I've settled on a plan. Moving in with Nicole was the first step out of my collegiate life. Starting work before I moved out of College Park didn't phase me- it felt like a summer job. But now it's October, I've been a 9-5er for 4 plus months and I'm working on a way out. I think I am going to appreciate being in graduate school even more because I've been through a 9-5 workweek doing something that doesn't really matter to me. The schools on my list are tough gets, and if I don't get in anywhere, I'm moving anyway. Probably to somewhere south of here. Like, South America. I hope what I write here entertains you, or at the very least lets you know what I'm up to. Enjoy, un bacio!