Let it be Sung

Happy Labor Day weekend! Take it away, Jack...

26 is going to be delicious

Happy birthday to me!  I am ready to totally rock this year. 

Starting with taking a bite of a birthday cupcake with dinosaur sprinkles because, yes please and thank you.

I got lazy and used the ol' phone to take a picture. My most sincere apologies for the (total lack of) quality.

Gypsy feet

I just lived in Germany for the last year. You probably already knew that. You can read any of my old posts between August 2011 - July 2012 to catch a glimpse into what that year was like. Some days were full of grand adventure! Some days were full of gloominess. As I pour my efforts into trying to readjust to any amount of normalcy now that I'm back in DC, I can think back over my time abroad and see how my life has changed -- how the 350 days in a foreign place were some of the most challenging and consequently formative days of my life.

Anyone who has studied abroad, or spent a significant amount of time away from "home", will tell you that it's an experience which will be with you for the rest of your life-- that not only do you learn about other people and other cultures, but you learn about yourself. You change. You lose part of yourself. You grow. You become stronger. It is the cheesiest summary for what happens to you when you take a leap of faith and live as a foreigner. But it's all truth. And it's the best way to describe an experience that really can't be put into words. It'll change you.

There are a surprising number of people in my life who have begun adventures of their own in the last year, and more who are getting ready to set sail. Actually, I guess it's not surprising since one's friends are often a reflection of oneself, and Lord knows I have a mad case of the adventure bug. I'm so proud of each and every one who has taken a leap and tried on the unknown. Denmark, Washington State, Peru, New Orleans, New York, Paris, Germany, Boston, London, Morocco, new offices, new schools, new babies, dinners alone, learning how to make friends, feeling that unavoidable apprehension but then knocking it out of the park, or maybe not, but at least trying... change is scary. But it's defining.

I learned a great deal while living in Germany for a year, and much of what I learned is personal-- experiences in growing up that are meaningful only to me. That I can apply only to my life. But I also made some realizations that I think I can share, and I at least hope that everyone knows I'm here to support you on your adventure, too.

Stopping to not only smell the roses but sit amongst them too. Portland.

• Don't be afraid to learn how to make friends. We take having family and friends nearby for granted, and when you're away, it can be unnerving to realize that making friends is hard
• Listen to the advice from others. Lean on them. But mostly just try things out for yourself.
• Don't give up ever. You can make it over any hurdle, even if you have to lift up both legs and slowly climb over.
• Write things down in a journal, in letters, in post cards, maybe even on a blog. Not only is it really fun to go back later to hear what was on your mind, but it's a good way to sort out the many thoughts zipping around in your head.
• Smile. It makes you feel good, really!
• Bring a small piece of home. Maybe it's a childhood stuffed animal, a family portrait, a Christmas album... there will be moments where having home in the same room as you will be just what you need. 
• Stop to smell the roses. You're doing something AMAZING in your life right now. Right at this very moment. Be sure you stop and look around and just simply soak it in!

Remembering Peter Bis

One of the brightest places on Capitol Hill has been the Exxon Station on 2nd and Mass NE. Any person could go there to find a friendly word, a bit of encouragement, a good albeit likely off-the-wall conversation, or a reminder that the weekend really isn't so far away at all-- even on a Monday.  The reason? A man named Peter Bis, well-known by local residents.

Peter was a fixture on the Hill. And anyone who has lived or worked on the Hill for a few months or more has likely crossed paths and had well-wishes sent their way from Peter. In the early morning hours of August 16, Peter passed away.

There are flowers, a crate, his business cards, sunglasses, and backpack under his favorite tree. On our walk to work yesterday morning, Macy and I wondered aloud where he was, since he wasn't under the tree, reading the paper and greeting passersby as usual. It's easy to get used to something nice, and Peter was just that. He is proof that kind words go a long way. A smile or a greeting can brighten anyone's day, and friendliness does make a positive difference.

I hope now his mind can rest and he has found peace.

Thursday afternoon

In memory of Peter, please greet passers-by

Friday afternoon.

This blog has written my favorite memorial to Peter so far:
http://tellmeastoryjosie.wordpress.com/tag/peter-bis/

Eastern Market today

Since landing back in America nearly 3 weeks ago, I have been non-stop busy, busy, busy. I was in all 4 time zones in the lower 48 in one day, was in NYC, DC, Denver, Portland, Casper, and back to DC in the span of a week. I've caught up with many friends, hugged family, driven cars, taken Metros, flown in airplanes, walked, swum, started working, eaten some of my favorite foods that I missed, and generally have just been enjoying being back. This weekend I've finally had a chance to slow down and soak up my favorite parts of DC.

I walked down to Eastern Market this afternoon to see what was the same and what had changed. It's a really hot 97 degrees today (that's more than 36 degrees to you Celsius folks), and suffice it to say, I was looking pretty melted as I walked through my neighborhood, admiring the row houses on the Hill that I adore so much. This neighborhood has so much to offer, so much personality and charm. It's nice to be here and to have time to enjoy it again. Even if being outside to admire everything means I have to be a sweaty mess. I don't even care.

My mom, brother, and sister are in Wisconsin this weekend, touching base with a special piece of our family. I wish I could be there with them, but I know they're leaving my love there for me. I'm so blessed to have good people and memories in so many places.

Hope you all have gotten a chance to enjoy your weekend, too. Don't forget to watch the Olympics! and GO Team USA!!!