Apparently my mind works faster than my body in that I have so many ideas of what I am going to do, I’m always scrambling to keep up with what I’m thinking. I’ve been missing in action because of a variety of reasons: trips, sickness, and just plain busy.

I commemorated my birthday and my 6-month move to New York with a trip back to Austin. Seeing all my friends in Texas (many of which are graduating with their masters soon–so proud of my girls!), getting my country dancing on, eating at all the laidback restaurants, walking outside on the Greenbelt, I felt so at ease and at home again. It was a great refresher, taking in a long breath of who I am.

Right now, Kristan, Mengfei and I are all cramped in my tiny New York box celebrating our birthdays, and I can tell you these few days they are here are absolutely wonderful. It’s nice to introduce my new home to my best friends, and let my sense of self live.

Every once in a while, it’s nice to be reminded how people appreciate you for who you are. Even though we are all still growing and evolving, there’s still a core of who I am that I am confident and happy with.

Take it or leave it New York, either way I’m going to make it.