Things are starting to pick up for me in Montenegro. I have classes to teach, appointments to attend, a workout schedule to (sometimes) stick to, and a social life to build. In short, living in Podgorica is beginning to feel more like “real” life rather than an exotic break from my reality back in Michigan. … Continue reading Settling in and Climbing Mountains: Life in Podgorica and hiking in Durmitor National Park
full disclosure
Michigan Seems Like a Dream to Me Now…
I have now been in Montenegro for one week. So, it seems like I should do some reflection. It seems crazy that, just one week ago, I was having brunch at my parents’ house, cuddling with my dog, and having a Simon & Garfunkel dance party in the kitchen with my sisters (Hopefully, some of … Continue reading Michigan Seems Like a Dream to Me Now…
Vivid Happy
Do you remember that scene from “My So-Called Life”? The one where Angela wakes up one morning and is miraculously over Jordan Catalano so she dances around her bedroom to the Violent Femmes? This isn’t like that. I want it to be, but it’s not. For those of you who don’t connect most major life … Continue reading Vivid Happy
When the feeling goes.
“What do you mean you’re sad? You’re always happy.” The words bounced around in my head last night as I lay back on my porch and looked at the stars. They didn’t seem to be shining as bright as they should be on such a clear August night. Maybe it was the long-forgotten memories I … Continue reading When the feeling goes.
Life in Contrast
The past week was one of stark contrasts.Pasts and futures. Sobs and smiles.Saturday marked the culmination of this roller coaster. I began my day at a funeral- saying goodbye to an old friend who unexpectedly left this world; too soon and far too young. I spent the later part of my day surrounded by friends … Continue reading Life in Contrast
Curtain Call: Bidding farewell to my imaginary audience
I rarely cry. So, when I found myself running out of the Apple Store sobbing, I figured I must be going insane. “It’s finally happened: I’ve lost my mind,” I thought to myself as I ran out into the bustling hallway of the mall. Surrounded by busy shoppers and with my nostrils brutally assaulted by … Continue reading Curtain Call: Bidding farewell to my imaginary audience
The Perception of Perfection
Striving for perfection is a pointless race with yourself. Perfection is all about perception; and perceptions are different for everyone. So, what does this mean? It means that there is no such thing as true "perfection." It's make believe. A mirage. The crest of a mountain that none of us can reach while we are … Continue reading The Perception of Perfection
The Ultimate Gratitude
I put myself on bed rest this Saturday because I have been trying to kick a cold for quite some time now and it got pretty bad this week. Although the initial sleep-in part was nice, I began to go a bit of stir-crazy in my little apartment. I wanted to work out, play outside, … Continue reading The Ultimate Gratitude