I ate at a Greek restaurant that just opened here. I was wearing my Greek soccer jersey so these Greeks called me over to get my life story, haha. Then they offered me wine that they had brought on their own. After we toasted, the one guy asked me if I was single. I thought it was awkward but I finally told him I was single. He then expansively pointed down the table where the younger guys/girls were and told me "They're all single, pick one!" Gahhhh Greeks are the best and worst, haha. I was amused and a bit embarrassed.

Who's still reading? I feel like posting more just because, since I think this might get shut down at end of August. If you don't have any contact info for me, just ask.

Ah, my emotions are so mixed right now. I am about to move away and I am saying all my good-byes. And in some ways it hurts to move and to lose so many lovely people. I won't truly lose them but we all know it is different after one leaves, right?

But as things pass, I'm also excited about the little things that did go well. There were a lot of nice times watching local sports, going on hikes, trying different restaurants. No, I didn't get a permanent job or get married, and I would have liked one if not both. But the best way to improve in my next job and town is to appreciate and forgive myself and my current town. Onwards!

My friend Steph was telling me about a study of languages. They asked people how they felt about their family and upbringing in, say, French first, and then asked the same questions a month later in English. Interestingly enough, people did not express themselves the same way. The very act of changing languages made them say different things.

I think as one gets older, you get more used to the annoying words "it depends." Are you happy? Well, where you live, who you know, the weather, the smallest of factors can change your happiness. I was annoyed with adults when I was younger for the way they seemed unable to give a straight answer about anything. Now that I'm older, I get it, I understand why adults seem to be so cautious and see so much grey.

I would say, in Greek, I might be a little more open, a little more blunt and honest. In English, I find my expression gets more and more cautious. More and more "sort of" "I think that" and other qualifiers instead of what I really feel. What have those of you who are bilingual noticed?

America is changing its laws. In the last 3 years, there's been a clear shift to more permissive laws when it comes to drugs, immigration, and alternative sexuality. What does that mean for Christians?

On the one hand, many of these laws carry within them seeds of forgiveness. At times, the laws have been overly harsh on offenders. Also, given the Christian principles of mercy, grace, and second chances, it's not a surprise that many Christians have become supportive of movements to legalize and/or amnesty many past offenses.

On the other hand, there's good reason to be concerned about the extent to which these measures are taking us. Particularly amusing is how, say, choices that were socially acceptable just 5 years ago are being revised to seem intolerant or illegal. Or, some of those freedoms may corrupt the weak or hurt others.

So what does a Christian do? I'd smirk and say a Christian's job is to be consistently unpopular. If the time comes where illegal immigrants are hunted down like dogs, the Christians' job is to hide them in his basement. If the time comes where cheap, easily available drugs flood our streets and leave too many of our citizens in a drugged haze, the Christians' job is to protest against the exploitation and to stand up to dealers and corporations alike. We consistently should fight for justice and mercy alike, and so we will consistently be "wrong" in permissive and totalitarian societies both. That is our calling.

I forgot to get a pic, since it was so rushed, but met with Karen in North Carolina. It's odd, Xanga is all but dead, and yet, I'm still meeting Xangans from here and there for the first time, crossing off my list of online friends.

I'm kind of wondering if I'm too old for web 2.0 now, though? I mean, at 34, it just doesn't fit as well anymore. Maybe it's time to let it go. Maybe I should have let it go at 30. Does one get too old for anything but Facebook and maybe Twitter? I kind of think one may. Hmm.

I'm going to Bay Area this July. Looking forward to it. Should be a good chance to see some friends again.

What are you thinking nowadays, friends?

Do you ever get overtly in love with your own blog or other social networking account? It's so embarrassing. "Look at all these cool things I say/write/photograph! I'm awesome!" gah.

I was invited to a local Greek family's home for Easter, so I stayed in New York. It was lovely. They invited some music and engineering students, and they had their relatives over as well. We enjoyed the dyed eggs, lamb, and plenty of original Greek delights. Greek music played in the background. After dinner, the music student played on the piano and the grandfather sang, it was a lovely combination.

Yet, when it was all over, I realized how badly I missed it all. I'm not as close to as many Greek people, being in NY now. I eat at a local Greek restaurant once a week, but I'm not as connected to the larger Greek community. And I miss that. It's funny how you can lose something and not realize how much you miss it until you reconnect with it. What or who have you lost that you realize you miss?

I am so excited for my friend Abby today because she's had a major, major breakthrough with some severe problems. I think she's too shy for me to link to her page, but Abby, I'm so excited! and I'm so happy! awww. Also I owe everyone better updates SOON!

1) When the dinosaurs went extinct, which one do you think survived the longest and why?
2) When is it ok to walk away from a friendship?
3) What would it take for you to believe that god/a higher power exists?
4) You are told that if you willingly offer yourself to be shot, X number of people will have their lives spared. How many does X have to be before you will do it?
5) How much money would I have to pay you for you to not leave this city for a year?

Feel free to answer any and all of them. Going to DC for the weekend, byeee

Going to Cleveland, Cincinnati, DC, and NYC over the next month. If you live there, let me know photos to follow.