I'd Like To Confirm

That even in Europe, life is just life. And that's ok.

Yesterday while I was running, I thought of how funny it is that life puts you in certain situations where you get to learn and do and love things and people that you might not otherwise. And then I thought of what a silly thought that was, because.... who would you love, what would you do, what would you learn otherwise? Otherwise? I've decided that "otherwise" may not even exist. I think that is what it's all about. The randomosity of it all, learning and living and loving (and blogging about?!) whatever comes your way.

Waking Up

Do you ever have a moment of realization that something in your past was a lot better or a lot worse than you've ever understood or admited before? It's taken almost a year, but today was one of those days for me. I don't think I've ever been treated with such cruelty.

fall, my favorite

Isn't fall such a fabulous season? Every time it comes around I am reminded of why it's my favorite (though spring is a close second). I don't know what it is, but something about fall makes me want to wear wool, write on some bright orange stationary, collect leaves, puddle jump, bake pumpkin spice bread or a rustic apple tart, plant some mums, go on a hike, carve a pumpkin, and make chai tea, just for the spicy smell of it. Although summer is traditionally the season for lovin, I really think it's a much more romantic ideal to fall in love in the fall. If I haven't convinced you of fall's greatness, all I can say is go outside and soak it all in for yourself. Or do a few things on my list. Then you'll love fall too.

It was so good to talk with all of you last night, even though our time was way too short. You all have got to get Skype, or get a friend who has it, so we can talk. Even a calling card is way too expensive, since I only have a cell phone here. My mom paid $20 for 83 minutes yesterday. Yeesh. But I'm really feeling the distance and I don't think I'll survive without some communication with my dearest of four white mothers.

So, as I'm sure Jo informed the rest of you, we have a "situation" here across the pond. Really though, any thoughts? If things go where they look like they are going, this could be a long and lonely few months.

I've decided that I need to dedicate myself to something while I'm here so I can feel like I accomplished more at the end of 4 months that merely living and in a foreign country and traveling around a bit. So I've decided to start training for a half marathon. Thanks to nikerunning.com I have a great place plan daily workouts and track my progress to get down to a specific time for the race. I don't really know which race that will be -- I have a feeling that for some reason January is not the best month for finding a half-marathon to run. But I'm excited to have something to work towards and do with my free-time in the evenings.

If you haven't noticed, my blog is in pretty poor shape as far as updates go. As soon as the internet gets installed in my apartment I'll be all over it. I've got lots of photos to post!

I love you girls!

Missing you back!

You have no idea how much we miss you as well, Sarah! We were just talking about you last night and the three of us are all in agreement that we want you here with us! Okay, we know that this is an amazing opportunity, but we still miss you. Life here on campus is full of new classes, friends, stress, and...freshman (including my little brother). Kind of weird and annoying at the moment until everything settles down and isn't quite so giddy. Stats and Econ are going to be difficult and time-consuming, Geography is entertaining so far, and Bookbinding will be so fun (though expensive)! Otherwise, there isn't too much else going on. We still don't have our 4th roomate, and Jenny is particularly bitter about that since she had to move out. Oh well! Hope you are loving Belgium!

You Have No Idea

How much I miss you...

Bonjour mes amies!

Girls, I feel so out of touch... You have no idea how scandalously I miss you all. Ok, perhaps scandalously is the wrong choice of adverb - but I do miss you... a lot.

I hope you are all having a great vacation weekend. There is no such thing as Labor Day in Belgium (especially when you are working for Israeli's, I might add -- they tend to work very, very hard)... I can't complain though, I did spend the day bicycling through Bruges, eating waffles, chocolates, and exploring beautiful old cathedrals to discover one of the only Michaelangeo's outside of Italy. Come visit.