Back at it…?

So, the year I was 30 was a wonderful, incredible, amazing year.

I spent 3 weeks in France with Jesse…

I made this…

…and had an overall great year.  It got me thinking about this blog and how I really should finish it…

I suppose only time will tell whether or not I follow through.  I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

Number 82 – Sheldon High School

I spent four years at Henry D. Sheldon (still don’t know who that is).  I had a really good time in high school, I really did.   I had great friends, was involved in lots of great activities, was academically challenged and got a great education.  I spent most of time in the drama department, both onstage and behind the scenes.  I made wonderful, lifetime friends in drama.  I will get to drama in a later post…

I had an interesting Sheldon experience today.  I went in to meet with the librarian because I’ll be taking over for her for the next few months.  Sheldon looks pretty different than it did when I was there (lockers?!?!?) but the library rules are the same: The rules are simple: READ, WRITE, STUDY. I almost laughed out loud when I saw those rules are still posted.  I spent a lot of my free periods in the library (mostly not reading, writing nor studying) and I have great memories of that room.  I am so excited to be on the other side of things starting next week!  I can’t believe I’ll be the person reminding the students to read, write and study.  I’ll be the person behind the circ desk.  I’ll be the librarian.  I’ll be a SHELDON STAFF MEMBER.  What?!

My how things change, yet somehow stay the same.

SHELDON IRISH, WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!

Number 59 – Istanbul, Turkey

We went to Istanbul after we went to London during Peace Corps.  It was basically just a 36 hour layover, and it was the best layover in my life!  We got to the Stone Hotel in the snow after dark.  I couldn’t believe our view of endless minarets – some modern and some ancient – and the Sea of Marmara.

The Harem in Topkapi Palace

The next morning we woke up to a blanket of snow that was still falling.  I have to admit that whenever I pictured Istanbul or Turkey, I always saw fruit trees and sunshine.  I think we were lucky to see Istanbul in a different light.

There is so much history in Istanbul.  You can really sense the transition from West to East in the city.  It was neat to be in London (west) one day, Istanbul (transition) the next and back in rural Azerbaijan (east) the next.

Aya Sofya

Aya Sofya is really evidence of this bridge.  It was built as the largest church in Christianity, converted to a Mosque (by covering the Biblical mosaics and adding minarets) and is now a museum.  It is huge and breathtaking.

Besides the Starbucks, we also bought a hookah and some hand painted tiles.  I could have spent an eternity and a fortune in the Grand Bazaar.  The shop keepers were always surprised and delighted when we would speak Azeri (which is somewhat close to Turkish) and say things like InshAllah.

Istanbul was a wonderfully beautiful city.  I would love to spend more time there exploring the culture, history,  architecture and food.

Oops.

I haven’t been keeping up with my posts lately!  I assure you I will catch up and get back on track!  I’ve been super busy (and super lazy) lately…

one day more…

My list is almost ready… I have left a few blank spots since I’m hoping that this year will bring more people, places and things that will inspire me!

Today I am going shopping for a new outfit to wear on my 29th birthday tomorrow!  Tomorrow I will post my first real post and bake a caramel cake.  Can’t wait!