For the last two weeks I have been visiting family and friends. I first went to Baltimore and spent a few days with Sophia Linehan.. now Riley. Her family was amazing. My first night there we had real Maryland crab cakes made by her mom. They were wonderful and amazing. I am obsessed. I had a wonderful time with her family. We did a lot of wedding stuff.
The rehearsal dinner and wedding day were the best. Not only did I see two of my amazing friends get married, but I also got to see my boys. It was a wonderful time together. Too short, but wonderful. We mostly just visited and took pictures. The wedding was beautiful and so much fun. It's nice to have such laid back friends. We just had a blast reguardless of the changes in schedule. I am truly going to ache with missing them this year.
Then it was off to Philadelphia to see Molly. This was our first time to see each other in the states. We met in China a year and a half ago. It was wonderful to see her and just spend time together. It's always easy to be with Molly. I guess when your friendship is built an ocean away.. it's easy to be friends in your own culture.
I got to see all the historical stuff in Philly and do a lot of cool things. We took a walking Ghost tour.. and we took a trolly around. We went to China town and had dinner and Nai Cha (Milk Tea). Our favorite. We used to drink at least 3 a day. we love that stuff. Then we also saw the Liberty Bell, Christ Church, and Independence Hall. I saw the pews where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin sat in Christ Church every week. It was incredible.
I have never traveled much in the US, but this was awesome. Actually that's the most historical thing i've ever done. It was a great city. We also had dinner with friends of mine from College and it was great to catch up. Benjamin is working there, we went to Australia together for a semester. We have known each other since.. freshman year? 6 years?? wow. Then we had dinner at Jamaican Jerk Hut where In Her Shoes was filmed. That was cool. I got to bring back some jerk chicken for mom and rice and peas. She was so excited to have a taste from her past.
All in all it's been good. I've been all over lately and am leaving again on Friday for a trip with my mom and Grandma. It's going to be great. One last trip before a year in China. It's been a wonderful summer of spending time with friends and family before I'll be away for so long.
Saying goodbye has never been my forte, but I don't dwell on friendships. I do hate leaving those that I know will be in my life forever. The boys are the hardest for me to leave. They are my family. To only spend a day and a half with them was really hard. I know that when I get back we'll get to see each other and hang out and it will be great.. and we'll have our little family reunions throughout the years.. and add our families through all of that. It's the first permanent group I've ever had, but it's wonderful to have that security. Our friendship is really strong and secure.
I just know that we're mature in our friendships and not in "high school" anymore. I've become aware of certain friends recently that are not so much out of that "high school" mentality. I don't need that in my life. Life is too short to worry about that stuff and deal with it. I don't need that added stress in my life. G-d has worked in my life so much this summer. Since I redevoted my life and work to him.. he's just turned everything around for me again. It's amazing the way he works.
China.. here I come.. only 1 week and 5 days.. till i start my 3 day journey to China. haha
