I'm sorry I've been so neglectful of the blog writing responsibilities. My life has changed quite a bit since the last post. Since then I finished my classes in Rome, went back to San Diego for 3 days, and now I'm back in Boston taking classes! I figured I would write a reflection or something. Give myself some closure on this incredible time in my life.
So my final review went really well. I'm not sure if I wrote about it but I had one of my annual identity crises because of the last critique session so the fact that the semester ended well is a miracle. I was actually really proud of my project and I did a ton of work on the presentation. It was definitely one of the best products I've ever turned out. Below is a video of my powerpoint presentation. Hopefully it loads properly.
I finished most my final work early and had some time to walk around Rome but I found that there was nothing else that I desperately wanted to see. Everyone else was still working and the streets were seething with tourists. Basically I spent my last few days in Rome reflecting their gorgeous lifestyle. I sat in the sun, reading and drinking wine. Throw in some pasta, bread, parmesan, and olive oil and you have perfection.
I left on a different flight from the rest of the group. Their flight went out at 6am. They had to leave our apartment at 3am. So, obviously, we just didn't go to bed. We started drinking around 7pm. We took our bottles of wine and models (the ones that had taken about 10 hours each to make) and floated them down the Tiber. The models that is. Then we went home to do a drunken cleaning of the apartment and some card drinking games. As you can probably guess, we were pretty drunk when they all finally left for their flight and I went to bed. I left my apartment at 8am for my flight. 9.5 hours to DC, 5 hours to San Diego with a 3 hour layover in between. Mix that with a hangover and almost no sleep and you have misery.
When I finally got home, I was a mess of emotions and tiredness but it was amazing to see my family. Being home is the only time that I feel completely content. My parents are actually my best friends and we get closer every time I come home. Now if I could just get them to move to Italy!
For my birthday (in September) my parents bought me my first tri bike. I wasn't expecting such a grand present but I'm completely stoked on it. My dad got a fantastic deal and worked out all the logistics. We went to the bike shop (Nytro on 101, if anyone cares), and there, standing like a beacon of gorgeousness, was my bike. It quickly became my pride and joy despite my rocky (literally) first ride in which I came ridiculously close to impaling myself on a rock at 23 mph. Hah.
I only had three glorious days at home. Spent in my awesome bed and with my family and friends from home. On Sunday, my parents had a barbeque for some close family friends and it was so fantastic to see everyone. Its scary that I can actually hold adult conversations now. And (GASP!) I actually enjoy their company!
I left the next day after a stupid amount of time packing. I caught the redeye, arrived in Boston at 6.45am, found an apartment I had never seen before, dropped off my 100lb bike back, and was in class by 8am. No rest for the weary.
I have to say that I was really nervous about coming back to Boston. My thought was, if I'm not at home, I might as well be in Rome. However, I forgot how much I loved this place. It does help that it's summer. It was chucking it down yesterday but today it is gorgeous and sunny. I love Northeastern's campus and despite the fact that most of my friends are abroad, I'm prepared to make new ones and to get closer to the people I already know. I have to mention that I had lunch with an old friend today, Chanda, and it felt so good to be around a person that knows me. Actually knows me. To be able to relax in their company. To not watch my words and to not worry that I will mess up another first impression. Not to mention that I'm living in a really great apartment for these next 2 months and have two very cool boy roommates. One has a girlfriend (don't get any ideas!), and the other is....probably going to read this blog. Haha. I only met the other one when I moved in yesterday but so far so good. We have a lot of the same interests including snowboarding and drinking so all should be well.
I just emailed the Northeastern Tri Club today to see when the next meeting is so hopefully I'll be training with some partners by next week.
I have 7 weeks here and then its back to Europe for 8 weeks! I'm going backpacking! Haha. Britain, Ireland, Madrid, Barcelona, through France, Switzerland, Munich, Austria, N. Italy, Berlin, Copenhagen, Norway, and Sweden. I'm doing most of this alone so if anyone knows of friends or family in any of these places, please let me know. A friendly face is always a comfort.
I'm going to stop writing until I start that trip in July. Thanks for tuning in guys. Thanks for all your kind words. Its surprisingly comforting to know that someone is listening to all my jabber. Love you all. Stay happy and healthy.
Ash
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