some news

its been almost exactly a year to the day since my last post.  i have grown and changed and experienced so many things this past year.  more than anything, i've learned so much about myself, and yet i feel i hardly know myself.  is it possible to feel so strong and convicted and then drift so far, and come back?

so i may, by the grace of God, graduate.....drumroll please....................

 in December of 2008 (later this year!)

random happenings: i love america's best dance crew and so glad that JabbaWockeeZ won! i enjoyed watching each episode so much, feeling inspired by each routine.  it reminded me of all the years i spent dancing and performing.  at the time my heart wasn't really in it, but now, looking back, it became so much a part of my life and who i've become.  i reminds me how from time to time i seriously consider taking dance lessons again.  maybe someday i will...

i know its been an unbelievably long time since i last journaled, but the days have flown by. 

this will probably be short, but i'm in econ class = exceedingly bored

be warned, this is mildly disgusting:

just to let you know, atlanta has one of the highest pollen counts.  above 100 is considered a dangerous, allergy inducing level.  the current count is above 8000.  how i know this is a bad deal: even though the current type of pollen isn't causing any noticeable issues, when i wiped my nose this morning...it was yellow....GROSS!  i mean, you can almost see the pollen floating in the air.  even if you wash your car one day, there is a nice dusting of yellow the following day. 

so glad to know the semester is almost over.  just a handful of tests and projects to go.

graduation date...never....

just kidding....i hope to actually graduate dec 08 with my bachelor's in hospitality administration.  it is possible if i keep going full time and summers.  there is light at the end of the tunnel...

lessons learned...

*you can't make someone fall in love with you...no matter how hard you try, no matter how sweet you are, or aren't...its just gotta happen

*God's timing has got to be way better than mine...in fact, i know it is

*i'm thankful for: my dad, my beautiful friend nicomas who encourages me daily, and for hot drinks:)...for the glimmer of the holidays, the sights smells and sounds...a brand new day to declare He is my Lord

it really has been a long time since i've written.  the summer has come and gone...its hard to believe.  no classes, but plenty of work consumed my time.  i'm sad to say i didn't spend more time with friends, but i was able to take a nice little trip to muncie/chicago that was really refreshing.

this summer has been filled with challenging lessons on life, love and relationships.  i survived the most significant relationship since mike (whom i dated over six years ago).  weird to say "survived" but i've come out of it a much happier person.  as i've said before, its important to be around someone who makes you feel fully alive...like you're operating on all cylinders.  you can't keep blaming your ex's, and you can't change your past.  you must learn to move on and embrace each new experience with fresh eyes.  yes, our past shapes us, but it does not have to determine our joy in the present or future.  we are being renewed day by day in the inner man...

i can say that i've met someone that is totally rocking my socks off at the moment, and just makes me smile all the time.  probably the sweetest person i've ever dated.  we have a lot to learn about one another, but for now its just fun.  i'm looking forward to seeing what's in store...i treasure his creativity, willingness to love and willingness to take the initiative.

so much to say, and not enough time.  i'll have to post more later. 

i miss italy and jamie, my seester... 

~m

hahaha...love it

i ran into this sweet italian old man here at the local coffee shop, he bought a glass of south african red wine after his disappointment in them not serving brandy or a nice italian merlot.  i asked him in italian where he was from in and we struck up a great little conversation in italian.  i miss speaking such a beautiful language.  he was so gracious with my mistakes...

i just laughed because he so reminded me of all the old italian men in torino that would meet up at the local bar for an espresso or glass of vino...and just chat the afternoon away with friends and new acquaintances. 

nice little unexpected study break...

~m