Saturday, August 16, 2014

Washington, DC // Reflection Pool

This is the part where I got smart, and realized I could draft posts on the airplane.
DC's Metro make my heart soar.
So as I type this, I am flying somewhere over mid America.
I like the way that sounds.
And typing on my iPod touch (this technology is almost four years old) makes me feel particularly poetic, because this is where I write stuff sometimes.
Nonetheless, I digress.
I'm flying home from Washington DC. I haven't been on an airplane since the day before yesterday, and my next airplane ride is a whopping 10 days away.
DC was good. As with any two-day conference, there is a lot to process and digest, but I feel it moreso after a conference with USAS. At least I have a good concept of where USAS-ASU will be directing attention this year. Also, there was a gorgeous party last night, and I exercised my right as a 21-year-old and purchased a box of wine (not Franzia--who do you think I am?) and enjoyed drinking that out of Starbucks cups on the roof of an old townhouse in downtown DC while talking about Zines with my friend Alyssa.
I'm really digging all this travel, but I kinda miss my cat, who I've actually only had for a week anyway. Her name is Hayduke, after the Edward Abbey character.
But, again, I like this solo travel because it gives me time I stop, think, write, listen and contemplate.

home. Phoenix. love.
I've stopped a lot and double checked directions. Paid more attention to my surroundings (and not just to stay safe--to be in the moment, in the space I'm in). I've thought a lot about minimalism, gypsy living, just how long I can go without a shower. I've written a little bit about flying and landing. (I realized this flight I am now on is my tenth flight this year. Tenth. That means I (or others who have graciously assisted me) have spent at least WELL more than 1k to spend at LEAST 24 hours midair in this beautiful metal contraption that never stops astounding me.) I've listened to other people, their stories. Accepted them where they are at (just like I do for cities). I've also listened to a lot of new music, courtesy of Zia, Stinkweeds, an friends. Architecture in Helsinki (not Helinski, as I spent most of my life pronouncing it), and have been jamming out to Bon Iver's new track (no shock, there) as well as Anberlin's final album. As for contemplation, I've been thinking about everything. I remember praying in June/July while I was in Oakland or Portland, and asking God for energy and endurance, particularly for this upcoming school year. And I think I've got it! I'm so ready to do border reporting. I think it's really what I want to do in the long run. I mean, it's got me fired up like nothing else. Think back to that Cuba post.
And I'm pretty confident everything else will just fall into place sooner or later. I'll get a job after graduation. It'll all be fine.
And if there's one thing I've learned this summer, it's that I will always be up for traveling. After a summer of unemployment and a lot of travel, I know a lack of money will basically never stop me from adventuring.
That being said, bring on the $200 bridesmaid dress and trip to Pennsylvania!
Edit: written on 8/10