Turning Points.

My summer in Spain changed me forever. I learned about myself and my own capabilities. It taught me that I can do anything. That everything always turns out fine.

My summer in the Philippines changed me forever. I learned about my faith and God's capabilities. It taught me that I can do anything. That everything always turns out fine.

Trust life. Trust yourself. Trust God. Then we ain't got nothin' to worry about.

Detour

Amidst my lethargy of late, I was reading through this blog and realized that on this journey to becoming I've begun to lose the person I was.

I was scrolling through my older posts that took me to earlier this year: my move to Fort Myers and then my subsequent move back to NY; then back to my first trip to the Philippines; and back even further, to the very beginning, all the way to my first day at Parsons, and the endless, grueling days, nights and months that followed, through projects and sewing and late nights at school, Jersey commutes and finding that perfect NY apartment.

I was excited. Enthusiastic. Hopeful. In all of those moments, I had no doubt that I where I was supposed to be; that that was what I meant to be doing. It wasn't always easy, but whatever it was, it was right, simply because I was there. I was so sure, so certain, and right now I'm delving deep to find that excitement, enthusiasm and hopefulness that was there.

Why then, in this moment, does everything feel not right? It seems that whatever avenue I drive down, I make a u-turn because it wasn't the place I was looking for. That has left me searching for a path I can navigate confidently through, but gas light is flickering and everyone else seems to be zooming right on by.

Patience and prayer. I'll get there eventually.

Perks

Fact: When I read first read The Perks of Being a Wallflower in my adolescence, I downloaded songs from the mix tape Charlie gave Patrick for Secret Santa (p. 62!) because I wanted to feel infinite too.

Nerd alert.

A Lifelong Exchange

At my cousin's wedding, each guest was asked to leave a message for the couple.

With the conversations described below still fresh, this was my wish for them.

Love at first sight? I'm not sure about that. Attraction begins, as a friend of mine put it, with that initial conversation. That's what captivates you and sparks your interest in the first place.

So maybe a relationship is just a really long and a really good conversation-- one that keeps you from being bored, where you listen, and where you, yourself, feel heard.

Then marrying that person is hoping that conversation will never end.

But when there are no more words, well, then maybe the only thing left to be said is "goodbye".

Father Knows Best

If you know me at all, you know that I am the quintessential daddy's girl. And after this summer, the one that will be written in the books as the summer of our Daddy/Daughter Asia Adventure, I can, with utmost certainty, say that he is one of my best friends.

Always reminding me of my priorities and what really matters in life, I ask for his advice and talk to my dad more now than ever. (His advice is always the same: Just pray.)

Tonight, I needed one of his talks. With so many options and directions that my life can go, I called my dad and filled him in on what in the world is going on. Taking all things into account.. What are the jobs? Will I be happy doing that? What does it pay? Are there health benefits? Where would I live? Would I be happy there? How expensive will that be? Where's the closest locale? Will I need a car? How will it benefit my career in the long term?

He finally said, "What do you want to do? If you know what you want to do, then do it. Don't get a job just to get a job. It's a waste of time... Things aren't easy right now, but you have a strong faith and what ever you want to do, God will help you because you have a good heart. So just come home and we'll talk about it and figure it out."

Thanks, Dad.. For really getting who I am and for making me go home.

Just ridin' elephants with my dad in Thailand in August 2012.

How Does It Know?

I can't make this stuff up...

Part of my horoscope from today:

Gypset (gypsy + jet set) living calling your name, Scorpio? Today’s quarter moon in your travel sector activates your wanderlust. 

One of My Favorite Teachers

3) What We Crave  ...Deep down—more than any specific satisfaction or vice—we all crave possibility. In that sense, NYC might be the world’s greatest brand: It makes you feel (goofy as it sounds) like anything can happen.

Reasons why I love that crazy city so much? Here are 49 more from Forbes:
50 Important Lessons NY Taught Me

I love New York.