2 weeks of temporary unemployment

• I went to visit Helen last Friday, my old roommate when I worked in MD for a year. It's amazing we can be friends despite of our cultural difference and age gap, between all the fun we had with dogs and ballroom dancing and bitching about men problems, will probably be friends for life. Not bad.
• Saturday night was pot luck dinner with another group of friends from high school. You will always find good eats when you get a bunch Chinese together. Of course I had mom making me some dish to bring. I've been so spoiled with great homecooking these 2 weeks.
• Sunday was hiking to the Great Falls with sister-in-law's sister Cindy. Never knew we had a lot in common, too bad that we never got together before. The funniest thing is I met a guy wearing Peace Corps t-shirt on the trail. He went to Sierra Leone in the 80's. Of course I told him my impending adventure. He gave me lots of good tips. He even gave me his contact information in case I am interested in career in international development when I finish my service. There is definitely an immediate bond between people going to serve and have served in the Peace Corps. It was great getting out for a good hike. Maryland is great for outdoors and it is such green state.
• I spent a lovely afternoon with Nicole and Maya on Tuesday. Maya is such a happy baby, so cute and chubby. We had lunch and then a two-hour walk in the park. It's interesting that pretty much every woman I knew from my major are stay at home mom at the moment. Everyone just had a baby recently. Such a different life here. Part of me wish this is the life I have, but then I will probably get restless soon. We all wish for something we don't have.
• My last stop was over at Peggy and John's house on Wednesday night. We had some tasty desserts and great conversation. It's great to see they've settled so well into their new home.

The rest of time I have been running around like mad to find the best deal on everything I am buying and tying up loose ends. I don't like the fact that I have to drive to every place to get something, but I definitely miss crusing on the highway with my favorite CD playing. And of course there is trying to eat as many meals with mom and dad as I can. Got to store up all the good food before I set out.

Well, it's early Friday morning. One more day at home, then I will be off to Philly on Saturday for Staging. All packed and ready to go. I hope my parents will be okay. We have been going about things as usual these last 2 weeks and that's how I like it. It doesn't feel like I am going off to very far and for very long. I am neither stressed nor overly excited. Perhaps I am just getting old and don't get too excited about things too easily anymore.