I just realized that I am indeed on my way. I've been planning this summer's activities for the past 6 months, but the trip--perhaps because of the lengthy prep time itself--has always maintained minimal mindshare.
But now, I get the indelible sense that I am embarking on an adventure. I don't know how the shift in consideration occured, but the rush of the past three weeks has fallen away, and now I am simply looking forward.
In the past three weeks, I closed my 2nd year of graduate school, wrapped up a major project at work, spent five days in the Bahamas, hosted a cocktail party, visited family and friends in Boston, published a newsletter, read two books, and managed to make time for daily hours of dance practice.
Not suprisingly, I finished packing 20 minutes before I had to leave my upper west side apartment for Newark airport. Equally predictably, I realized I forgot something just as the cabbie inched into midtown. Bygones. I packed way too much anyway. But in my defense, I had to pack for three distinct climates and a range of settings including the pool, the office, and the Great Wall.
My next three months include: an ongoing hybrid internship that is at this moment taking me to San Francisco, but will soon allow me to work from anywhere I can pick up wifi; seeing my little brother turn 24 and graduating with his Master's degree (before me); visiting one of three sisters in Shanghai; visiting another sister in Beijing (did I mention I'll see my third sister in SF?); spending as much time in Irvine with my parents as possible; then heading back to SF for the last two weeks of August to wrap up my internship project before zipping back to NYC in time to take part in orientation for the new grad students, and to get myself ready for a third year of school.
At least that's the plan.
Documenting events and impressions along the way in this format was Fred's idea. I won't go into who Fred is, because if you don't know, then we probably haven't met, and in that case, why are you reading my blog? Anyway, since he got me here, it would be nice to blame him for what comes next, but I hereby take responsibility for any inane, myopic, or inspired spew that comes forth.
Mortified as I am that anyone may actually read this from time to time, I accept that it's the risk I take in deciding to share myself with friends and family.
Welcome to my entry into the blogosphere. I hope you enjoy the flight.
