NEW YORK. . .OH WAIT, NEWARK

My journey home has me stopped over in Newark, N.J. The driver who took me to the airport this morning told me that this is one of the worst airports to be in for a long period of time, I have yet to see that validated though. I have, however, been awarded the privilege of hearing some genuine Jersey accents, gotta love it. My only letdown thus far was not being able to see New York City in the distance as we descended. There's still the flight out of here though so I'm holding on to that glimmer of hope. In the meantime I've resorted to one of my favorite pastimes, people-watching. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are in this world, how different and diverse we all are, and how we each have our own individual lives and stories and loved ones, etc. It's somewhat crazy to me that all of us live on this planet together but more or less have individualized worlds that we exist in. Yes, we have shared resources, and governments, and faiths, and what have you, but the majority of the people on earth have no idea that I even exist, or know my friends and family and the things that are important to us, what we do, where we've been, etc. In all senses, I, and most of us, do truly live in our own little world. As I look around me at all the people in this airport I can't help but imagine what their own little world is like, who they know, where they're flying to, what they love, everything that makes up their life for them. I would venture to say that I'll most likely never know the answers to any of those questions for the majority of the people I see, and the majority of the people in the world, but it certainly won't stop me from wondering. And, if anything, maybe it'll prompt me to start conversations with random strangers more often.

**Update: I did get a good glimpse or two of the New York City skyline as my plane was taking off -- no letdowns really then. Also, I was quite lucky/blessed to make it home with practically no hitches, I've seen and heard of atrocious airport and flight issues going on and don't know how I squeaked by without really encountering any.**

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

This picture is a pretty accurate representation of how I feel right about now. As of this past Wednesday night I have no schoolwork whatsoever looming over me for the next couple of weeks -- ah, freedom. I don't have to work for the next two weeks, but still get paid for them -- thank goodness for a salaried job within the school system. And almost exactly this time tomorrow I will be en route to Washington, heading back to spend some good, quality, holiday time with the ones I hold most dear. I will in fact be home for Christmas and I am so very excited. Not to mention, I hear that there is even snow awaiting me there, it couldn't be more perfect. Amidst my pure joy of getting to be home with friends and family after being away from them for 4 months I also am excited about how my life is taking shape here as well. It's funny how right when I'm really starting to feel more at home here and getting better connected with people it's time to head home to my real home for awhile. Regardless, it makes me feel all that more better about returning here after being home with my loved ones, and might make it just a little bit easier to leave them all again for the next span of time. As for now, I'm watching the clock with eager anticipation until I get to board that plane tomorrow and head back to a place and the people whom I love dearly, and I intend to soak up all my time there and with them. . .oh yeah, and to celebrate the season too of course!