Hit the Books

Well, I am officially a Graduate Student. I have my first class today.... Saturday..... for 8 hours. While I'm not so excited about waking up early on my only day to sleep in, and missing out on lazy, relaxing time with my husband, I am excited to start learning.

Taking a year off from school between my bachelors degree and my masters has been an awesome decision. It gave me time to enjoy no homework, coming home from work and not having to think about the reading that's due next class, and I have been able to read solely for pleasure. 

But now, I am ready. Bring it on long reading assignments, papers and research!

 

Away We Go

I just watched this movie and it is now one of my new favs. If you haven't seen it, please go watch it. I promise it will be time well spent. 

The story chronicles the relationship between Bert (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph). They are 30-somethings who find themselves about to have a baby with not much else figured out. They head out on a road trip to find a new place to live, visiting a handful of cities and people, all different and quirky in their own right. 

What I loved most about this story is the realness of it and the beauty of the love between these two characters. It's not a cheesy over the top kind of love, but a sustainable one. 

The soundtrack is pretty awesome, too, with most of the songs coming from the soothing voice of Alexi Murdoch.  

So there you have it. If I haven't convinced you to go see this movie, than forget what I've said and go see it anyway. 

One year

One year ago, September 14th, 2008 I married my best friend. Cheesy sounding, I know, but so completely true. It was seriously such an awesome and beautiful day to celebrate love. Not only the love between James and I, but the love of family and dear, dear friends who all worked so hard to help make that day wonderful.   

That date also marked the beginning of the amazing, crazy journey James and I have been on since. It's been almost a year that we have lived in Mexico City. I still remember when we first got here and I would cry over the uncertainty of jobs, a place to live, friends. I missed San Diego and my friends there more than anything. It was in those moments that I realized how amazing my husband was; I mean, I already knew it, but it was a nice affirmation. He would hold me and comfort me and at the same time, push me to get outside of my comfort zone. 

As the months went on, we started to gain a bit more stability, but for so much of that time we were each other's only stability. Our marriage was the one certain thing we had. 

It's amazing to see how far we've come. From only an air mattress on the ground of our apartment, to having an amazing job, being enrolled in masters programs, having wonderful friends and an amazing house church. And now, as a nice anniversary gift, a fully furnished apartment. 

This journey has been incredible and I have had the best partner to tackle it with.

Just as James said in his vows, "in my lifelong quest to love others, you will always be my first other." 

I think that just about sums it all up.  

Rain and Pumpkin Spice

It's rainy and cold in Mexico City; has been most of the summer. Although I spent a large portion of this summer wishing I was laying in the warm sand on the beach in San Diego, I have now converted to wishing it was winter and Christmas time. 

I'm wishing for Pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks and curling up with a good book and some hot chocolate around a warm fire.

James even caught me listening to Christmas music the other day. I couldn't help myself. I was just randomly searching through music on itunes and happened upon this Christmas album.

So, so, so, so good. I cannot wait to purchase it, but I'm holding out until it's a more appropriate time to sing along to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Jack Johnson.

Thinking of Christmas time and the winter season has gotten me thinking more about our new home. I can't wait to make it cozy; to walk into that warm homey feeling after a long day at work. To curl up on the couch with James and Lila and a fresh cup of coffee. 

I also can't wait to be home visiting with family and good friends. I want to watch White Christmas with my Mimi (grandma) and my sister (a yearly tradition). I can't wait to catch up over coffee with old friends while wearing boots and warm coats.

But, I will stop wishing time away and enjoy life right now..... and occasionally listen to Christmas songs when James isn't home.

Good things

Today started like any other. I left the house and headed to work before sunrise, packed myself into a stuffed metro car and held on for the always jerky ride. I attempted to find some personal space, but it was lost in the mass of overly fragrant Mexican men around me. As I felt the man behind me getting a little too close to my backside, I arched my back uncomfortably to create some distance. 

Everyone was silent around me in their early morning-I'm on my way to work and I still haven't woken up-haze. I stood there silent like the rest of them, giving it my best attempt to blend in. Believe me, it's better to be just another face in the crowd than to stick out like a foreigner with a sore thumb. Luckily my Persian heritage helps with that.

I noticed a girl in front of me who stood in front of the door without holding on to something to aid in her balance. Now, if you've ever ridden a metro car in Mexico City than you know that to not hold onto something while in motion is like asking to fall into an angry stranger's lap, or smack an unsuspecting traveler in the face as you hit the ground. Basically, the ride is extremely jerky and unpredictable and keeping your balance is key to a successful ride. 

It wasn't until I looked down that I noticed she was holding onto a walking stick. I looked up and saw a far off look in her eyes and quickly realized she was blind. I thought in my head of guiding her hand to a metal bar to hold onto, but didn't act. Something kept the thought in my head and the action just an idea. 

A minute or so later, the man in front of me did just that. He gently took her hand and placed it on a bar while explaining what he was doing to her. It was a simple gesture, but it impacted me. 

Those early morning metro rides are so mundane. Everyone in that car is completely disconnected. It's a group of practically lifeless people solely concerned with getting to where they need to be. 

Seeing that man help that girl was like a wave of fresh air washing through that car. Catching people in the act of doing something good creates life. In those moments, that is life; and it's a beautiful thing.