summer is in the air

As of late, life has been pretty busy.  Summer is officially here and now all I can think about is what's the next adventure of the month.  For about a month, I get to house sit for my host family who will be out on the west coast for a while.  I along with my housemates will hang out with 2 cats that shed like none other and a dog that sheds just as much but MORE and looks like a big, fuzzy bear that you just want to cuddle forever.

Like I said, life has been busy.  DC, Honfest, a wedding in middle of nowhere Ohio, NYC, and a fun jam session in the living room of RHHP.  July 4th weekend consists of relaxation and doing a whole lot of nothing except sleeping in and loving life!  And of course cookouts and Fireworks please!!  

My time here is quickly approaching it's end and I'm scared of not having the next step figured out.  It's a little nerve raking but of course it's my fault for slacking in that department, but life has been stressful as a volunteer as well (not just because of not being around, but also when I have the time I'm just pooped from other activities that I just want to kick back, relax, and do something mindless and nothing of importance).  That's the life of a volunteer:  hanging out, blogging, photos, and finding something free to do next.  

Highlights of NYC:  

Seeing The Empire State and Chrysler buildings (not sure why but I love looking at NYC's skyline because of them), walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night, walking around NYC at anytime in the evening because everything is still open, Chinatown and Little Italy, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.

Next time, I'm in NYC:

Hang out in Central Park for much longer, (depending on when I go) go ice skating, go up the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, check out Ellis Island, and hang in Coney Island.  Yeah we'll start there.

Welp gotta go get ready for the fireworks.  

Happy 4th!

Love from Baltimore

avoidance

There really isn't a lot to update on. Nothing exciting has really happened to me it seems like or at least nothing that's extremely exciting and news worthy to share. So I guess I'll just give a random quick update because I feel like I HAVE to write something.

-Work is still not the greatest and it almost feels worse. I am really glad that I am almost done.
-I went to Andrew and Erika's wedding last weekend in Ohio. Loved it and loved them. Congrats!
-I've been sooo close to home but yet not home several times in the last few months. BOO!
-I've been watching old episodes of The Office. They bring back good memories.
-I have really enjoyed getting to know some of my co-workers better.
-I wish I didn't feel depressed when I should be happy.
-I wish it wasn't so bloody hot outside or in my room.
-Summertime always makes me think of country music loud and windows rolled down, and maybe some Cowboy Up please. Maybe just more country folks in my life!
-I wish and desire more hugs. The more unexpected, the better! (Even if I'm hot and sweaty)
-Physically ready to be home home, but not mentally prepared yet.
-My new favorite co-worker who I need to write about but don't because of lack of motivation is Antoinese (Toni) Watkins. She listens to me complain. And constantly answers every ridiculous question I have because I don't really know what I'm doing at work.
-I think about home home more often because of Miss Kara Mishler. Love ya chica.
-There are certain events in life that I wish I could replay over and over again and Boulder, CO 2010 would totally be one of them.
-I've been told I get a queen size bed in my room here (for the next 1.5 months, yippee!

Welp, it's past my bedtime. I'm always tired and wake up at the crack of dawn because if I closed my curtains, my room would be even worse than it is now....boo!! Goodnight!
Love from Baltimore

BOB

I don't usually ever write this much on one night but I'm feeling inspired.

The best part of Baltimore and many places may have it but here in Baltimore it's a big deal....the Best of Baltimore is everywhere.  Every place ever suggested to us is a Best of Baltimore something.  I listed one earlier tonight.  And now even the running joke among us VSers is that where ever we are going, even if it's Baskin Robin's, hopefully it's the Best in Baltimore for something here in BMore....I love it.  The link is located on my website pages on the right or right here.

Oh Balitmore, you are wonderful in your own special way!!
Lovin' from BMore

A Lost for Words...Sometimes

What to write about....

The ice cream trucks are out and about with their Christmas songs and "Hello!  Woof Woof."  The sirens and buses are as loud as ever now that my windows are open 24/7 now.  It's annoying but nice!  I'm always tired.  I don't really know why.  I go to bed at a decent time, I think.  Who knows, I probably don't!!  I'm in love with the 80's.  Pandora has the best radio station in the world, Best of the 80s Reloaded!

Beth bought a frisbee, last night we played.  It was fun.  It has a blue light so in the darkness, it was a bit trippy, but totally fun!!  We even started making up rules for frisbeeing.  Rule #1 You must always be prepared and ready for the frisbee to return to you.  Rule #2 When the frisbee is heading toward your face, you must use two hands.  Of course for safety precautions.  These rules are being recorded in hopes of more frisbeeing action to come.  Thank you BA!

Also exciting news, we got our bikes.  I got my bike.  Did I mention we were getting free bikes from a guy from church?  How awesome is that?  I got a a free bike.  It's nice too!!  I'm stoked!!  Super excited about it all.  It's black and has a super comfy cushioned seat.  LOVE IT!!  And the best part about it all, we get to keep our bikes too!!  How great is that?  Once again....LOVE IT!!!!

A lot of the time all I can think about are the things I want to do while I'm still here in Baltimore.  So what do I want to do.....
1. I want to be better friends with one person in particular and get to know her more (Mrs. Brenna Beck).
2. I want to hang out with the LVCer's more or as much as possible.
3. Baseball games will be great this summer.  Can't wait!!
4. Keep my head in the game.  I shouldn't get too far ahead of myself.  I'm still in Baltimore, I need to remember that!  I need to focus on my community here.
These are just a few maybe i'll have more to add later, I'll keep you posted.

Well I'm very tired.  Maybe I should head to bed.  Today at work, I didn't do much but this evening my friend, Melissa Sikes, who went with me to China came up from Harrisonburg to visit me for the evening before I drop her off at the airport to go pick up her Baby!  Well I'm exhausted and must get some sleep. Peace for now.

Love from BMore

Goodnight Noises Everywhere

I've rearranged my clothes in my dresser drawers and in my closets.  I'm listening to my new favorite song again (The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine).  I still have two loads of laundry in the dryers.  I went shopping this afternoon.  I bought a few dresses.  I wish to wear dresses or skirts more often this year.  I need to start reading again.  I'm liking the warm weather that is heading our way.  I've heard more stuff is going on in our neighborhood which scares me, not good.  I'm ready to be done here, but sad I'll have to leave.  I hate that my legs haven't seen light for the last 5 months (or however many) because I'm too white.  I keep self diagnosing myself either with bipolar disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (which I may have a bit of both, just not to the extreme).  Everyone I know is either getting engaged or are having babies.  Who does that?  I'm getting a free bike which I'm very excited about even though I may not express those feelings.  I wish I could sleep for hours and hours.  And I wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow or finish my laundry tonight.  I wish I could just snap my fingers and it be done!  Unfortunately it's not, and I hear it calling my name even though I'm trying to avoid it.

Love from BMore

10 Things About Home

10 things to look forward to going home:

1. Hanging out with Kara and getting to know Erica better.
2. Babysitting Miss Sophia Marie Leaman.  Can't wait!
3. Getting more involved in Emma Mennonite Church
4. Maybe finding me a small group to chill with.
5. Steak and Shake Open Late!
6. Hacienda and ladies night
7. Feeling ok with not doing anything on a weekend or my day off.
8. visiting friends where ever they may be (Montana, Harrisonburg, Baltimore, or Prague
9. Close to Family again
10. I get to drive my own car again!!!!!

I needed another pick me up.  :D

Happy List

I was reading someone's blog, and they had tons of lists from friends and other people who had lists upon lists of things that make them happy.  I need that.

10 things that make Kristin terribly happy:

1. Movies at the movie theater
2. Cherry Coke, it can always cure the pain.
3. old pictures
4. antiques that you know where it came from and has lots of meaning
5. sunshine
6. Volkswagen Beetles, one day I still hope to own one.
7. music because it can describe any mood or feeling
8. Driving around in the country with the windows down and blaring music
9. visiting friends in far distant places
10. flirting with little children, making them laugh, and feeling so young.

Life: "It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song"

I always start a blog but never know what to write.  I have too much running through my head.  So here you go, after I've regurgitated it in my head for several weeks and now I vomit it up just for you (great visual I'm sure).

1.  I watched American Beauty this afternoon.  Loved it.  I need to be a happier person in life.

2.  Just came back from a great weekend with friends in DC.  I met Kim and Eric at Kim's Uncle's house and he was so hospitable.  Every time I'm not around Kim and Eric for too long I forget how great they are but as soon as we start hanging out again, it all comes back and then I'm so proud of them even in the midst of our stupidity and silliness.  I love them. So basically my weekend or two evenings and three days excursion to DC involved the basics:  lots of laughing, wine, more laughing, deep discussions, awkward moments, more wine, a tarten or two (or Salten as Kim liked to call it), and the obvious two against one Kim and I always won (poor Eric). 

Highlights of the trip:  1. Saw DC or the Monuments lite up.  Beautiful!  2. Finally saw the Jefferson Memorial.  Never been to it before.  3. Even though I couldn't see it very well, saw a live performance, art show opening.  It was suppose to be like a Snowglobe and had ballet dancers.  It was cool!  4.  Ate a flaming fish.  It wasnt flaming when I ate it but before it was.  5. Ate Turkish food.  That was new and exciting.  Very delicious!  6.  Saw good friends.  Laughed with them.  Made awkward, funny jokes.  Still love them.

3.  Music is Love:

   Far by Regina Spektor --->  Great new cd I've come to love.

   Breakup by Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johannson  --->  Another new cd I love.

4.  The unit went to the National Aquarium with a family from church.  It was a great time.  And I had the opportunity to work on my New Year's Resolution....flirting with children.

5.  I've been thinking about a lot of other different things too...
Who am I?  Sometimes I think I change who I am for certain people.  And sometimes I am not who I truly am in fear of someone getting upset with me and telling me their thoughts are the only right thing in the world.  I don't like dealing with those people.  They annoy me.  Then I question, what's my purpose in Baltimore? I'm still working this one out.  Yeah I know, I'm here to work at Project PLASE and I'm trying to help the homeless, but there's more.  Then I always question, why did I choose Baltimore?  In the end, I'm so happy with the people I've met and the friend's I've made.  They are awesome, great people.  So what do I want in life?  Why am I not satisfied?  And how can I be satisfied?  I need all of these things to make my life happier that's for sure.  I need more of others in my life and less of that other junk that doesn't make me happy.  And the last thing I constantly think about of course, what do I do next?  Where do I go from here?

6.  I had the greatest conversation that made me so happy.  DC recognizes same sex marriages and we talked with Jon about it and it was beautiful to hear him talk about how they will probably have a ceremony, eventually.  I am sooo happy for them.  Jon and Christian, even though I haven't known them for very long, have been very influential in my life and in my thoughts.  I never thought about the LGBT community until I met them and now I feel more connected.  They truly are beautiful and I'm truly blessed to have them in my life. 

7.  New thoughts of next move...West of the Mississippi River but definitely not St. Louis too much like BMore.

8.  And now I want a dog like this one.  This is Nora.  Isn't she a cutie?  She's a golden retriever and fully of spunk and love.

 9.  These are some of the ladies I work with.  And I love all these ladies that I get to work with.  They are absolutely amazing women and such role models and hilarious!! (Dora, Erica, & Barbara)

Well I should go.  Stop singing my songs.  Clean my room.  Think about tomorrow.  And think about my food. What do I even eat?  Keep the prayers flowing as I'm still struggling with a lot of things and just thinking about too much.  Thanks for the love too.

Love from BMore

Goal #2: Learn to not be scared

I've met some of the greatest people and a lot of those great people aren't scared to ask the scary, awkward questions in life.  I admire them.  I admire how they can be so bold and not care what others are thinking of them or they can just take the criticism.  They have so much more strength and courage that I for some silly reason don't have.  Strange!  But anyways, I want to be able to ask those deep questions and ponder what I truly believe and is what I believe something I want to believe or just ingrained in me because that's what I've always been told to believe yada yada. 

So the next goal I suppose is to not care so much about what people think of my thoughts.  I should feel safe asking embarrassing questions in front of friends.  They are my friends right.  I shouldn't feel ashamed.  I'll practice.

New Years Resolutions....

I don't really have any New Years resolutions but possibly....
1.  expand my music collection 
2.  read more books.
3.  not to be ashamed of country music in the city of Baltimore.
4.  make more new friends.
5.  find one thing I'll absolutely miss if and when I leave Baltimore.
6.  (my personal fave thanks Beth) make more destructive decisions in life.
7.  find ways to be more of a liberal Mennonite.
8.  watch those movies I've always wanted to see but haven't seen yet (American Beauty, there are pry others but right now they aren't coming to my mind)
9.  drink more coffee (cuz I do that now haha).
10.  experience Baltimore.
11.  experience life to the fullest.
12.  give all I can give.
13.  find happiness.
14.  see God in the little and daily things in life.
15.  be me and be comfortable. 
16.  flirt with more children (meaning talk it up with them like none other).
17.  listen to more of The Avett Brothers.



...maybe I just shouldn't make any resolutions

Goal #1: Learn to Drink Coffee

Goal of the year has been accomplished already in the first four months.  I'm impressed with myself.  Yeah I've tried it before and slowly just forced myself to drink it.  Finally, I realized I need to stop spending my money on soda or pop so I need a new form of caffeine something cheaper, which leads to being forced to enjoy coffee.  I was basically desperate enough, I started with the crap stuff, work coffee.  Now I can handle almost anything, except for Amish straight up black coffee.  It still grosses me out but today was a first.  It unfortunately didn't help my tiredness.  Maybe next time!

Rootless Tree (may be too real for some)

Many of you may be wondering how I"m doing and by my last few entries it might just sound depressing or something.  I've just been strung out on emotions.  I have highs and lows all within a matter of minutes some days.  I feel bi-polar almost.  I've never felt so drained, so happy, so excited, so sad, or so frustrated, so angry all in a day's work.  It's depressing and too much.  But lately, that's what my days consist of.

Lately, I've been having wonderful mornings.  They are blissful and happy, very satisfying.  Then comes the afternoon and it just gets crazy.  Who know?  Seriously though, it sucks trying to help people, especially those who can't seem to grasp the idea that this is not a one way train.  It goes both ways, they have to help themselves also.  I can't do it all.  They need more help than I can give them.  I'm not a case manager.  My job is to place clients into a bed, and interview them to make sure they fit some sort of criteria, that's my job!

I do not get too upset a whole lot but lately, I have never been so frustrated with life and this world.  I hate when people hang up on me while we're on the phone because they are too stubborn to help themselves.  I hate when clients think I'm suppose to be the only person who can help them, when really, I don't have a case load because that would absolutely set me over the top.  I hate when I have to "sorry we don't have space. I can't help you today."  I hate to hear stories of how they're homeless, have no place to go, and somehow I'm suppose to help them.  Somehow in the midst of their troubles and frustrations, I have give them hope.  How the hell am I suppose to give hope, when I don't even know what to do?  And I definitely hate having to place clients onto my waiting list that are my age or sometimes younger.  One last thing that gets on my nerves is when client's leave a message and for some reason, they never leave a number.  How am I suppose to contact them?  And it gets better, they mumble, so I can't understand them and who knows what their name is.  Yeah those are the best days of my life. 

On Thursday I had a rough day.  Some lady demanded on the phone that I help her.  I was trying to tell her, I can't help you you have to call these numbers.  You have to go to these places to receive help.  And then I finally just said, I'll try.  I"ll call around.  I'll ask others and see what they can give me.  I went to my co-workers.  They were like, you call her back and give her the First Call for Help number.  I was like...ok.  And I needed that moral support from those ladies.  I was going crazy because of this one lady.  She had me so upset and so frustrated.  She was a crazy lady and what was I suppose to do?  I had no clue.  Thank goodness for social workers who have been at it for 15 plus years.  They are absolutely amazing.  They were a great sense of moral support.  I loved it. I complained later how I'm never going to be good at social work and they just laughed at me.  (Which I guess was reassurance but at the moment I just hated it all)  People like this lady make me hate Social Work and I never want to be a social worker or do anything with adults.  But I think certain adults would be great to work with, if only I worked with them. 

Wow that was a mouthful.  Sorry!

Let's just say that lately hasn't been the greatest.  But that's ok, I'm dealing.  I'm moving upward and onward.  Or at least trying.  I am actually just holding out for next Tuesday afternoon.  Next week is Thanksgiving and I'm going down to Harrisonburg, VA and I am super super excited to see my friends and to spend time with them.  I've already told Kim certain things I want.  It's just like going home but on a very different and strange scale.  I'm super excited.  I can't wait to just surround myself with these people I haven't seen in ages.  I want to feel that happiness again.  I want to feel that love again.  I want the holidays to come sooner than later.  I want to spend forever in the moment of great bliss and happiness.  I never want that to change.  I want to not worry about work, how I'm getting home for Christmas, or the stress of life.  I want to breathe in the fresh air of the country/city life of Harrisonburg.  I want to relax.  I want to just sit and be, that's truly want I want.

So something I've been dying to write about something lately.  I think about it a lot while I'm walking to or from work.

>:< Baltimore sights and sounds >:<

--A beautiful, bright sunrise.

--Shattered glass from broken bottles along the way.

--A neighbor walking out of their door to head to work.

--Parents dragging their children to school.

--The corner carry out store is buzzing with buisness.

--"The Boys" aka drug dealers hanging out at the corner waiting for business.

--The drug dealer saying his hello's to his regular customers (of course all the while passing the goods to the client).

--A used condom lying on the sidewalk near someone's house.

--Crushed beer cans lying around.

--A needle, who someone most likely used, nestled in between some stones along the side of a building.

--A huge Baltimore Rat hanging out by the trash cans.

--Someone's weave (fake hair) randomly along the sidewalk.  How in the world did it get there?

--Some random guy checking me out, calling me names, and in my mind, I want to yell Stop Harassing Women. I don't like and no one likes it.  SHOW SOME RESPECT. But it's definitely not appropriate, so I just deal and walk by.

--Walking home, I see the regulars standing in the median asking for money or a place to stay for the night, holding their signs.  What can I even do for them?

--Blue flashing lights that are suppose to indicate safety.  Ha, it only moved the drugs down to the next block.

--Hearing the sound of the #5 MTA Bus or the blaring sirens of the fire trucks, police cars, or ambulances that race past to go to the near by nursing home. 

--At the end of the day, I love sitting in my room, waiting on my day to end, watching the blue security cameras flash and the sun set with it's sunset pink, blue, and purple haze.

Just a regular day in Baltimore.  (Sorry if it's graphic, it's just a typical day, it's truly what I see)

Love from BMore

Life Lessons

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.
    Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others.
     You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
     But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
     But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life,
     don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie.
     Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words
     ''In five years will this matter?”
26.  Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of
     anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day, miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
     we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

“Music is what feelings sound like.”

Some may not care about music, but lately music is the only thing that keeps me or any person here sane. Here's what I'm listening to these days, or these are just my favorites and yes, some are old but I still love them.

1. Burgandy Shoes by Patty Griffin
2. The Rake Song by The Decemberist
3. Dream by Priscilla Ahn
4. Daydreamer by Adele
5. Belle of the Boulevard by Dashboard Confessional
6. I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers
7. Who I Am Hates Who I've Been [Acoustic] by Relient K
8. How's it going to be? by Third Eye Blind
9. If You're Out There by John Legend
10. Another Horsedreamer's Blues by County Crows
11. I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
12. Awake My Soul by Mumford Sons
13. Sentimental Hearts by She & Him
14. Wonderwall by Ryan Adams
15. Be Careful by Patty Griffin

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul."

"I'm Just A Volunteer."

2009 Theme for Mennonite Volunteer Service Baltimore Unit:    I'm just a volunteer.

That's seems to be the topic in our MVS Unit.  HA!  It's a great one too because now we've heard about it in other units too.  It doesn't make me feel so horrible anymore.  I suppose that's just how life goes.  Yup, that's life!

So what have I been up too?

-Sunday we went to the Lantern Parade (I'll get pictures sometime soon, promise).  They were interesting and pretty fun!

-Had dinner at our unit directors house.  It was amazing and delicious.

-Took music from my housemates computer and I love it!  New favorite at this very moment is Adele.  Love her!

-I may have to move to a different room.  It's not definite yet.  German's might move in (I'll fill you in about that outcome). 
-I still absolutely love all the black women I work with.  They show sooo much compassion and they truly do care.  I love the ladies I work with.

Well tata for now.  I must go to dinner.  Much love from the East Coast!
Pictures and More of a better update later!

Charmed City Life

Here's a list of the latest things I've done and for the most part enjoyed.

1. Visited Delaware shore with the parents. (see picture @ below)

2.  Found where Charm City Cakes is.  Later met someone who Duff nodded to.  OMG!  How exciting?!?  (see picture @ left)

3.  Met more volunteers here in Baltimore!  I've met Lutherans, Brethren, AmeriCorps Vista, Jesuites, Mercy Corps, Project Serve (they're Catholic)....the list could go on but so far I've met those people.  It's exciting!
4. Hampden is my new favorite neighborhood in BMore.  It's just north of our place and very fun and also where I had my first fish tacos that were absolutely delicious!!

5.  Watched the Baltimore Marathon for a while.  Ran across the road to get to the market through them.  It was funny!!!

6.  Had spinach ice cream and it was really good.

7.  Heard the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO).  They were really good!  And it was free.  And we knew someone who was singing in the choir that sang along with them.

8.  I have a host family at church.  They should be lots of fun!

9.  I work with the best people in the entire world.  They are so friendly, caring, and great role models. 

Yup those are a few of the things that have happened just in the last 2 weeks or that last time that I wrote on this blog, which I think was 2 weeks ago.

Work is ok.  It still sucks to turn down people and tell them we have a waiting list.  They all sigh and then get angry.  But it’s not my fault they are living on the streets.  Where is there family?  Do they not have some sort of support system?  Obviously, I sound harsh, that is just the bitter person inside of me coming out.  Some people even live with their families but they live in such horrible conditions or there just isn’t enough room, or something and that’s why they can’t stay there.  Oh…it’s the most annoying thing ever.  And then there are people who don’t want a bed that’s available because of the neighborhood.  Now, why did they even want to be placed on to the waitlist then?  I just do not understand.  It makes me upset though!  I find that to be the most frustrating thing in the world.  Ah World….

The city is great.  I am enjoying it!  I still don’t feel comfortable to go too far on my own unless I was determined to get somewhere, then I'm positive I could do it!  Here's a view from outside our living room.   We live in a fairly nice neighbor.  Like I had mentioned in previous posts you never know what a neighbor is like, it changes from street to street.

And here is what many people may be waiting for, a picture of my hosuemates, the other MVSers.  We are quite the bunch.  This is when we went out to eat at Holy Frijoles con mis padres (the resturant is called Holy Frijoles and we were with my parents).  It was a good time.  That was our first time in Hampden, we like it there!

I should sign off.  Take care!
Lots of Love from BMore!