Magpies

I'd been warned about the magpies. Sunday night the boy and I were swooped a few times. We picked up some tree branches and swatted the birds away. My tree branch had ants on it. Some of the ants ended up in my jeans. I thought the ants were a worse annoyance than the birds.

Monday was a holiday in Oz. We decided to do a 15 kilometer bike ride to a friends' house. On the way there a magpie swooped. I batted it away. It swooped from the other side. I batted it away again but in doing so, I lost control of my bike and hit the curb. Apparently I looked like superman flying through the air. A car stopped. A concerned guy, who saw my amazing flying skills, got out. Sam realized I wasn't there and came back for me. The two of them made sure I was all right. I was a bit dazed. There were tears. My shoulder hurt but I decided to be a trooper and to prove to Sam that I'm tough cookie. We biked the rest of the way and ended up having a lovely afternoon playing board games. I kept ice on my arm though, because it hurt. Yeah, it hurt.

That hurt didn't go away though. Turns out that I ripped some muscles off my shoulder. Oppsy. I'm writing this post with my right hand alone. I'm awkwardly sitting on one butt cheek because my other cheek is sore. I have impressive bruises. I hate magpies.

Interview

I had an interview today. It went well enough. Then I came home and promptly threw up. Boo.

Veterans Day

Changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Arlington National Cemetary. 16:00.

I watched a young man in military garb hold the hand of the woman beside him and sob. He had no legs. His right ear was mangled. All I could do is stare. I wanted to cry too.

Moving Forward

There was an explosion of hurt, timidity, pain, passion and fear.

I love you!

He said it. He said three words I never expected him say. He said 'I love you."

I believe him. I cannot doubt him anymore. I've jumped off my cliff of indecision. I'm moving to Australia.

Study Abroad Application Essay

March 29, 2005


"As a student, I realize the impact studying abroad will have on my academic and personal career. Academically, studying abroad will encourage mental growth and exploration while helping me grasp another language and culture. Personally, I will develop skills and global understanding that will help establish rapport in my personal life, as well as among my peers as I pursue my proposed career path. Paris is an incredible city. I look forward to studying in this international metropolitan area while expanding my mind amid the numerous amazing happenings I will undoubtedly experience."

Paris IS an incredible city. It bit into me like a pit bull, wrecking havoc on the skin of my perfect life. ...And those "numerous amazing happenings." Wow. I broke up with my boyfriend of three years, changed career paths, considered radical catholism, and fell head over heels for a cul benit. What fun! Luckily the cul benit thing was one sided as was the catholic zeal. It was time to cut the boyfriend strings. I don't regret the dumpage. Actually both of my significant others were cut off the Zarrouati umbilical cord while in Paris, albeit during different tours. Hmm.

Yes kids, Paris will shake up your life. If only I had known how much....