nearing 2010...

last night i started a new journal... wrote a detailed list of all that i had "experienced" in 2009... from traveling to cuba (again) and back... a short vacation in philly/d.c./nyc... three weeks of fabulous food, sites, and folk in brazil.... the death of my childhood friend, michael brown... and first birthday of my friend's daughter, isabella... spending several months at home in DeKalb, IL... the journey of a new relationship (both physically and emotionally)... and trying to understand love... a new job... writing my first dissertation chapter (and having it ripped apart a month later)... two weddings... salsa nights... yoga... much needed time with old and new friends... the death of my uncle... and morning the loss of lives... and, for the first time in a long time, questioning the meaning of life and my role here (i'll get back to you when i find an answer)... ... ... i realized several things while writing this list: i am very fortunate, i am strong and resilient, i am more of an optimist than i ever used to be... and i have lived a year full of life... for that i thank God...

why do we spend so much stressing, rather than standing confident in the reality that God and the universe has our backs?

i've been struggling to sleep through the night adjusting to a new apartment (and living alone again), meeting deadlines, and acquiring a job. yet, time and time again, everything comes through. every fantasy, every trip, every financial need, and every job. EVERYTHING...

i need to learn to truly trust in God and have full confidence in the order of the universe.

back to this blogging thing

not sure if anyone is out there... but i think it's time i return to the world of blogging. back to reading friends' posts and utilizing this space to think through politics and relationships and the little bits of each day that make life fabulous.

so updates: in a new relationship. it's great, and challenged me to think a lot about how and why i communicate (or don't communicate)... fortunately, i'm with someone who is patient and challenges me to be more open/honest/forward that i am used to.

back in austin. 105 degree days. dinner with old friends. salsa nights.

trying to write this dissertation. need to develop a schedule and stick to it, as something else always seems more interesting...

just started a new job this afternoon. working with middle school and high school age girls. will keep you posted.

things are great.

habit forming love

love of self
love of community
romantic love

what would true love look like?

i think that love is bravery
i want to be brave



http://habitforminglove.blogspot.com/

updates

slowly working on Cuba pictures from the past several months... check it out

http://tkphotodiary.blogspot.com/

new resolutions

1. love (of self, others, and falling...)
2. no shopping (yes, i'm for real. i've already gone three weeks and am feeling quite strong)
3. learn spanish
4. visit brazil

'09 is gonna be great!