Friday, July 20, 2012

Same, same but three completely different ladies.

We're so different from each other. They're so young – Grandma's so old. Iron likes to plan things in detail – Grandma goes with the flow. Tattarn is into fashion – Grandma couldn't care less about clothing. Iron is afraid of the kitchen – Grandma loves to bake. Tattarn is an early bird – Grandma snoozes for an hour. If each one of us would be given a room to decorate, the three outcomes would look nothing like each other.

But I guess we share some core values. We're all interested in the fields of journalism and PR (PR especially!). All three of us have somewhat of an abnormal relationship with our respective Macs. We all share a passion for life in general and certain things in particular; Mad Men (and hot men), writing, travelling, food and (thank God, considering the latter) working out.

After a year of being tighter than tights, basically 24/7, we also share DC.

However, when you're being tossed together in a situation like ours, you don't really know if you are friends for real before you are separated and then reunited – it's a fact! Now, let me tell you, that the 305 girls were reunited a week ago and we are definitely friends for real.

Such a blessing. Let's keep on jumping all around the world.

JUMP – you're in Böppa!

JUMP – you're in Snickersville! (Photo creds. to our beloved BOB, we've missed you lately.)


Monday, July 16, 2012

Can't see the end of this love.

My year in the US has come to an end, we all know that. Even I know that (although, it might not seem that way). However, the program I attended continues and a new group of students now prepare for their year overseas. Every now and then, I get emails from students-to-be, with questions about everything ranging from VISA details to tips about good restaurants or how to land an internship.

I love to answer these questions, and did so a few minutes ago. Whenever I can help, I'm more than happy to do it. Just now, as I was wrapping up my long respons, assuring the girl that she has a wonderful year ahead of her, tears welled up in my eyes and a wave of emotions rushed through my body, with an extra long stop around my heart.

I cannot see the end of my love for DC. If I would be given the opportunity, I would do it all over again. Even the headaches, even the heartbreaks, even the K-Mondays and the Pack Ass Tuesdays. I wouldn't change my year in DC for anything in the world.


Friday, July 13, 2012

On our way to Böppa [buh-pa]!

Finally! The day has arrived when Grandma and The Vagrant gets to visit Iron's famous hometown of Böppa! We cannot express the joy of seeing this so much talked about place. And as a huge, wonderful bonus, we also get to see each other. The 305 girls will be reunited. At last.

Apart from the curiosity to explored Böppa and the enormous need to see each other, the occasion that brings us together is Iron's birthday. Happy 21st, dear friend! Only a month too late, but why make it easy?

Cheers! To friendship, a view over the Pentagon and lots and lots och peanut butter. (I sense a storm of emotions.)


Friday, July 6, 2012

When life is painfully beautiful.

In the middle of life, as beautiful as it could ever be. Torn between the feeling of belonging elsewhere and knowing where home will always be. Thinking about the choices and decisions. Dreaming big and having visions.

How do you deal with all those feelings?

Travelling makes you so much richer, but somehow, for a sensitive person like me, it leaves you with an empty heart. I think about DC and how much I would love to walk those streets again. I hear a song. I remember a moment. I wonder if I did the right thing, if I really did all I could.

But when in doubt, I am so incredibly happy that I have all this. The most beautiful place on earth. 11:00pm. 64°F in water. 185°F in sauna. How could it ever be wrong to be so close to all this? Sometimes, life is just so painfully beautiful. Both here and there. We can't have it all. But we can appreciate what we have in front of us right here. Right now.