rivalries run deep...

Watching ESPN GameDay right now... Got a slight sense of satisfaction when the commentator mentioned that Michigan is going into the season unranked for the first time in about a quarter century.  Wisconsin, on the other hand, is 18 on BCS and 13 on AP.  Just an observation ;)

I'm off to MadRiver, the official UW Alumni bar, as my roommate is making fun of the fact that there is a "Wisco bar" in NYC.  Whatever - they serve Spotted Cow, Cheese Curds, and Brats.  Sounds like a winning combination to me.  Let the college football season begin!

where the wind calls my name....

An important chapter of my life has closed over the past month.  It was one of the toughest things I have ever been through.  I never expected it to end like this.  But I found closure, and that's all I could ask for at this point.  A new chapter is on the verge of beginning.  Sometimes opportunities present themselves as exactly what you need when you need it.  And when it's right, it's right.

fitting together the pieces of the puzzle....

In the attempt to move forward and find the next opportunity that awaits me, I have spent a lot of time searching over the past several weeks but not knowing exactly what I am trying to find.  Someone whom I have a lot of respect for challenged me with a different question today.  What are the things you could do all day, every day, and be happy? He asked me.  I'm not looking for a job title... what could you do and never tire of it?  

Find myself lost in a new city, exploring what is around the next corner, taking in the art, the architecture, the smells, the language, the vibe of the people.  Have a conversation with people from around the world, sharing perspectives, stories, ideas, discussing world events, our diversity adding to the richness of the conversation.  Over a glass of wine and a mouth-watering meal, of course.  Spend a day in a cafe, sipping on a latte and reading.  Oh, and watch college football. He threw that one out there and I had to agree. 

So where does that lead me?

I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier

Courage: Everything you need is already inside

"We choose to go to the moon.  We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too"

 - JFK

one world, one dream...

The Olympics.  

It's the scene of champions and world records, upsets and heartbreaking moments.  When all around me, hope seems to be fading faster than I can keep track, when disappointment comes in waves bigger than I ever thought possible, I hear the US national anthem and I get goosebumps.  The Olympics remain one of the greatest symbols of heart, humanity, strength, national pride, international cooperation.  These athletes convince us there is a reason to hope in humanity's potential.  

While Russia is invading Georgia, their top athletes give each other congratulatory hugs on the medal podium.  China produces the most impressive opening ceremony ever, artistically blending their rich history with their passion for modernity and the future.  The US Men's Relay Swim Team comes through with a record breaking win and one of the most jubilant celebrations I have seen yet, maintaining America's early lead in overall medal count for the 29th Olympiad, adding another gold to the tally.  

Over the next several days, heros will be made, priceless moments will be simultaneously watched and replayed around the globe, in the ultimate athletic competition.

No pido que todos los viernes sean de fiesta...

My entire world has been turned upside down in the past week.  There's not much more to say than that.  I still feel numb and hurt and way more emotions than I can express here.  I'm escaping for the weekend, where I won't have anything to worry about beyond how fast and how far I run, and whether or not I remember to apply sunscreen.  

Sail Away...

...

nostalgia...

I'm putting together a trainee resource guide for Madison and decided that the Badger Herald Shout-Outs were an essential part of Madison culture for anyone arriving to the city.  It's been two years since I graduated, and they still make me smile.