home in CA.

Emily left yesterday morning.

It's been a dichotomous week and a half with part of me feeling settled really quickly and the other part of me still in denial of what's changed this month. Now that Emily is gone there is no more denying - my life feels quieter, slower, and drastically different than it did a month ago in Burlington. I'm eating healthier, exercising more regularly, drinking waaaaay less, and waking up earlier. And the thing is, I'm enjoying it. I feel more energized and motivated and as a result, I can focus on the future and what I need to do to get where I want to be.

I want to let everybody know that I am in the process of considering a possible deferral from Columbia for at least a semester, but maybe a full year. I'm still waiting to see how much of my scholarship would suffer from a deferral but all in all, staying in California for a bit longer is what I see myself doing at the moment. My savings account has suffered over the last few months as the result of my paychecks shrinking in the same month that college loans began and with the addition of a cross-country road trip. The idea of moving to New York City in just three months and having to pay monstrous rent fees, work full-time, and be a full-time student all just feels like a little too much to handle. By taking my time to get out there, I would feel less stressed and would have more time to save money, apply for additional scholarships, and find the right job and apartment. I know that if my scholarship is at risk and I did indeed have to go out this coming fall, I would make it work for myself, but if the opportunity of deferring is available for me, it just makes sense to take it. I'm realizing how young I am still and that there is no rush to fall into the career field (especially if I'm pretty sure I'll be doing this for the rest of my life!). So....I'll keep you guys posted on that.

Otherwise, everything is great. I started my new nanny job this week and it is FABULOUS. The parents are so laid back and fun and adorable (they are madly in love) and the kid, Pete, is a real gem. He's a year and a half younger than Asher so some things are definitely very different but all in all, he's well-behaved, friendly, and gosh darn cute. I lucked out pretty hard finding this job before I even got here!

Lastly, snail mail anyone? I've got lots of time on my hands these days and would looooove to start writing letters to anyone who wants to write them back. If you're interested, drop an address. Much love.