If I squint my eyes and inhale through my nose-

it could almost be new york. really, it has that feel and the distinct smell of my one true love. no, not like atlanta where it sort of smells like pee, its kind of like a wood smell with smoke and the tube mixed in.

today I went in all by myself, my first time entering the city and I went alone. it was the most invigorating experience i have had in a long time (haha). I caught the bus and stared at the map the whole ride- I was a little nervous. I had to find my language school and then get a haircut. The bus dropped me off right outside a hair salon, i took it as a sign, went in and was told the wait was thirty minutes which gave me plenty of time to find language school. well, I took the long way, I had tons of time to spare though, and when I finally got the school I proudly signed up with a lady who only spoke spanish. two months has gotten me far enough to understand almost everything she said and she knew enough english to get what I needed, we were a perfect team, that lady and I. ANYWAY, now I have a haircut that dimly resembles posh, which I hesitate to say because im not sure what image that envokes but I really like it and it was cheap.

THEN I went shopping. oh the joy. it was like a hit of speed(?). it left me reeling. I was seriously out of my mind with happiness. which is a little strange because i havent had quite this strong of a reaction when Ive been shopping before, so either Ive been deprived for far too long or the coffee I had was too strong. My hands were shaking... so i dont know.

tomorrow is my first day of school and I have my outfit all planned. sort of. im nervous and excited and happy that i have the bus figured out. sort of. I had a mild debacle on the way home. I missed my stop and ended up walking for 20 minutes home. luckily i had gone for a run/walk (lets just be honest here) and I recognized the area (eventually). I was 30 minutes late getting home but I think my excuse was valid (and most importantly completely true because i really did leave the city in time to make it home).

Im feeling very happy to be here and when this initial elation ebbs I wish for contentment and good luck!

myiosusme.