T minus Three Weeks and Counting

August 13, 2002

Three weeks - the amount of time I have to enjoy Santa Barbara as my home; see, talk to, and hug my family and friends. Three weeks of living the mediocre existence I've come to accept after graduation. Three weeks to a new life of adventure, challenges, hardships, and hopefully fulfillment. Three weeks until I begin to truly live.

Last night our roommate Brad and his friend Ryan dragged Heidi and I out of the house after 9:00 to go up to Lizard's Mouth to see the meteor shower. It reminded me again of what an amazing place I live in. 

Sunset over Santa Barbara

Why I am writing this blog

In some ways I feel this blog could also be titled "Lessons from a Younger Me".  I have always enjoyed journaling, and as I read through my old journals I am amazed by the wisdom I had in my early 20's, wisdom that I feel has been lost in the daily routine of job, diaper changes, housework, and mortgage payments.  Back then I was always looking forward to, and dreaming about my "Happily ever after", the point in time when I would no longer be trying to get somewhere, but be content where I was.  At the same time, being single with few bills, I had the freedom and time to follow whatever peaked my interest - swimming, sewing, creating mosaics, traveling, journaling.  I was young, idealistic, enthusiastic, and had nothing but optimism about myself, my future, and the world around me.

10 years ago, almost to the day, I received a packet in the mail that would forever change my life.  It was my acceptance letter to the Peace Corps - to a country I had never hear of before - Zambia.