I think it’s finally time I give up my Candy Crush and focus that time on something more meaningful, like writing. All it took was some “me (alone) time,” reflecting on this amazing summer, where I’m going and where I’m coming from, to realize that I really should try to capture these moments.
What a fantastic summer I had. Blessed is the word that comes to mind, first and foremost. Sure, I can entertain other thoughts (the summer wasn’t entirely wonderful, shit still happens from time to time), but I choose to focus on the positive.
My Summer of 2013 TOP TEN Moments
1. Hikes with Patricia. Climbing up Tam McCarthur Rim in our running shoes (in knee-deep snow) and cleansing the spirit by tossing my "troubles" (or things that no longer serve me) over the edge was a great way to kick off the summer. As was following the mushroom hunter up Black Crater and into a rare June storm... brrr.
2. Conway cousin reunion. For the first time, maybe ever, several of the Conway cousins met up on the Washington coast. It was great to be all together in one place, catching up on one another's lives.
3. Moving week. While this was not entirely a positive experience, it was made more bearable by the surprise guest who appeared to help me. I’ll be forever grateful to that man for helping me through this transition, from mowing the overgrown lawn by hand to giving me a shoulder to cry on when I said au-revoir to my beloved dog Farley. Speaking of Farley...
4. Farley. This highlight is the most heart-breaking, a pivotal moment in my life. I had 5 amazing years with the best dog in the world, who taught me most profoundly about unconditional love. I cry writing this, I will always cry for Farley. I try to rejoice, though, thinking about him as the “Fresh Prince of Indian Ford”... living the life, retired from his 3 years as a school mascot, being loved by a whole family. I say au revoir because I know I will see my Farley again. We have a backpacking date next summer.
5. The Palouse and Umatilla, Eastern Washington. I spent several days with my friend at his parents’ home, also a bed and breakfast, in a beautiful corner of Washington state. The sunsets, sunrises, and starry night skies were healing as I grieved for the loss of my best (dog) friend, and home in woods, while opening my heart to the future road ahead.
6. Vero Beach, Week 27. The annual gathering of the family and friends, always a big party. It’s always good to spend quality time with family: my grandmother Bapoo, aunties, cousins.
7. Guatemala. Reuniting with my childhood best friend, Mandy, her parents, and meeting the family she has made was truly special, evoking many fond memories of Colombia and my mother. Exploring the colonial town of Antigua, climbing an active volcano, getting tossed and turned by the Pacific ocean, standing on top of ancient Mayan pyramids, and relaxing at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala carved a special little place in my heart.
8. New Orleans! Visiting my dear friend after too many years, falling in love with a city (Paris, watch out!). This place was a lot of fun, with such a fascinating history. The people have a sense of solidarity shown through the ubiquitous fleur d’lis, which I grew to really like. Everyone has a ghost story to tell, voodoo and electric storms made my hair stand on end, and the food and music couldn’t be better. Spending time with my friend Kristyn and her lovely familly made the experience a true highlight of the summer.
9. Tucson. Seeing my brothers and dad, laughing a lot. My youngest brother having just arrived from Australia to attend college in New York. Three out of 4 siblings in one place at the same time only happens about once a decade. A good week in Tucson with my brother and his wife, relaxing. Is there such a thing as too much relaxing? I got antsy and am so happy I called up my friend Tanner who took me hiking and swimming in Sabino Canyon.
10. Which brings me to right now. Sitting in my aunt’s lovely air-conditioned condo on the water in South Florida, the Godfather III playing quietly in the background (first time having a t.v. to myself since I can remember, and old movies sans commercials is all I can handle), armed with a broom in case her hissing, spitting cat decides to attack me again. This cat is incorrigible. Bitch. So #10 on my list of the summer: start a blog.
I’m moving to Abu Dhabi in 3 days. More to follow...
