I returned from New Orleans early this morning not having accomplished my goal. The main reason I went down there was to find housing with three other guys. Although we spent an enjoyable evening eating and listening to great music, and found some very nice places the following day, I decided to withdraw from the group. I did not make this decision lightly. The three other guys (one of which I had met during the admitted students weekend) are all great people. My decision was based on a largely gut level reaction which told me that I would not be a good fit within the group. I discussed this feeling with some family and friends, and received reinforcement to trust my instincts.

This has been very difficult, but I am at the stage in my life (25 going on 26,) where I need to be entirely comfortable and at home in my surroundings. Although I am still trying to define just what that is, exactly, I feel like I do have a better understanding of what it is not; this, my working definition, is something I may not have been able to articulate a few years ago. I can only hope that those guys understood and were not offended.

Although it is a bit crushing to be nowhere further along tangibly on the housing front, I did get a better idea of what to expect housing-wise when I make my next trip down there to try again. Though I’m not yet sure what form my next housing attempt will embody, I’m willing to try again. I can only hope I “have right.”

It has been very interesting around here, in a good way. I am pleased with what I am doing although it may not be the most glamorous thing. Tomorrow I’m heading into the past for a new adventure! Oh my, Homecoming at Trinity, this is me. I come from a strange place and so shall I go. I can’t anticipate all that might happen, but perhaps it’s best not to always be able to do so. It’s nice to have the day off and stay up late - ha!

Tonight is Jewish New Year’s Eve; we welcome the year 5768. Although I’m not too religious, it’s pretty amazing to think of they year being 5768 as opposed to 2007. When Judaism is viewed in its totality, its staying power is inspirational. As with most new years traditions, on Rosh Hashanah, Jews are asked to both reflect on the previous year and meditate on goals for the upcoming one. One of my goals is to do well in my job, and to continue to develop a network of friends and colleagues. As this celebration coincides with my first day on the job solo, I am inspired not only to do well for the sake of those who are depending on me, but also for myself.

My life has taken an interesting path, especially in the past few years. I have been challenged immensely, and I have grown. But still I am not all I wish to be, and sometimes doubts and insecurities win out over logic and rationality. However, I know that to be entirely rational, dispassionate and uber-Randian is not the answer. That middle ground, though, between what you currently are and that which you would like to become, is elusive and ever-changing. Just as events in the world change, so too do our own expectations and priorities. To be unsure is not folly in and of itself, rather, the loss of curiosity regarding ourselves and our world is what poses the greatest threat to our personal and collective evolution.

So on this new day, if you care, share some of your thoughts on your process of becoming, and the definitions your seek.

…and I can’t wait to see you! Please update me with your contact info so we can meet up before I move on to my next adventure.

p.s. I’ll be on vacation in New Jersey for roughly a week. If I haven’t been in touch yet, I will be after I return!

The other night I was having a conversation with one of my sitemates about our post-Peace Corps plans. Although the matter was left unresolved, (at least in terms of the long-term picture,) the conversation was satisfying in that we both concluded that we were looking forward to building roots in the United States. As much as I criticize things going on currently, my love for the USA is true and deep. As such, I’ve decided to do a road trip this summer when I return, and I’m hoping that you guys, my faithful readers, can give me some suggestions of places to see. Part of the impetus for this is the fact that although I teach American History and Geography here, I have not seen much of my own country firsthand. I’m rather familiar with the Northeast, but other than that, I’m a bit wet behind the ears! As you, yes you, have probably been many places I haven’t, I’d love to hear about some of your favorite parts of the country and why. Consider this an assignment !