no, it is not next to Mexico. . .

A lot has happened in the past month or so. . . most notably, my dad had another heart attack in May, this time one of the stents they put in when he had one in Feb. re-narrowed. This turned into another two-week home stay, two hospital visits, and finally one healthier father. I'm truly thankful for friends, family, and co-workers who supported us and cared for us during that time.

I'm sure other things have happened since then, that's just the big thing that sticks out in my mind. Unfortunately, I think I just stayed in survival mode after I came home, which is good for emergencies but not a great choice for a lifestyle. I've been trying to catch up on things at home, apply for jobs (have I mentioned that I'm most likely not going to grad school this fall? that I'm looking for a job for this fall? explanations to follow in another post. . . ), spend time with friends & roommates, etc., and it seems that I haven't stopped at all.

This is why I am extremely excited about the fact that I am currently sitting in my best friend Amanda's house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, two days into my vacation! You can imagine how much-needed it is. . . I haven't had a real, extended vacation that didn't involve hospitals or visiting my family for a weekend, for over a year. Plus, I love New Mexico! It is beautiful, hot but not humid, and they serve green chile on everything. Albuquerque is a wonderful bigger city, right next to mountains, but it's spread out vs. built up in huge buildings.

So that's where I am.

Well, I need to go now. Amanda and I are heading to Mesa Verde, CO, to camp for a few days, see the four corners, Monument Valley, the Arches, and more!