A Reminder of Just How Much I Miss Friends.

joe ying and the magic.
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It's incredible... I actually said it... "I'm so excited to be in LA!" (I will refrain from telling you what I said five minutes after entering LA).

I know, it's probably the only time that you will ever hear those words muttered from my mouth.  No offense to my LA peeps, but it's just not a city for The Jill.  However, this time around, I was entering the city of Angels with a new level of excitement.  Seeing familiar faces and being able to speak with them about anything for the first time in months.

the oh so kind, joe ying. "i don't believe you dianna. joe ying would never do that."
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It's highly underappreciated, the art of talking about absolutely nothing.  If there is one thing that I'm good at, it's precisely that.  I was soon going to be able to do that with three other women that have mastered the art just as well, if not better, than I.

I have to take a quick moment to note that LA is not a recommended stop for travelers that have been in developing countries for any extended period of time.  It's like throwing yourself into the heart of mass consumerism.  A bit overwhelming, to say the least.

to rashanna and mlk, "happy birthday."
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The Magic.

A breath of fresh air...together again... "The Magic" (a nickname given to us by a principal our first year of teaching).  I can't believe it had been seven months since we were all together last.  Rashanna, Carrie and Dianna took the long weekend to come visit LA on the coldest weekend possible.

The week was filled with laughter, tears, food, tea, kung foo fighting, pretend games, practical jokes, a space heater, Joe Ying, clogged toilets, birthday celebrations and the list could go on and on.  Let's just say that what happens at Joe Ying's house, stays at Joe Ying's house. (That joke may be overused, but that doesn't mean that it's not funny).

trevor.
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A friendship that was built upon four first year teachers that all happened to be hired at the same school at the same time.  Four very different people that can acknolwedge and love one another for every difference that they bring to the table.  One thing that is shared is a love and humor that constantly reminds me that life is much easier than we perceive.

Foreshadowing: Thoughts about life begin to whirl around in my little head.  Thoughts that have been forming for a few weeks.  Thoughts that are seeming a bit more solidified and clearer than before.

anna magdalena.
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Grand Master Trevy Trev.

Another breath of fresh air.  A friendship that began when I first moved to Portland and just seems so easy to maintain.  A friend that I admire and enjoy watching as he figures out life and all it's little mysteries.

I committed the ultimate sin this week... I attended an Anaheim Ducks game.  I know, I know... if Buffalo only knew.  I just feel that I need to take this moment and come clean about it all.  Yes, I went to a Ducks game.  Yes, I had an enjoyale time.  No, I did not root for the Ducks and my mind was on the Sabres the entire time.  I promise.  I just needed to get that off my chest bc the guilt has just been overwhelming and I would be a fool not to acknowledge the fact that their latest losing streak is a direct result of me attending this game.  Now that I have confessed, I hope that the Sabres can move up and onward and that the Ducks can continue to lose to teams like St. Louis.

More Foreshadowing:  Getting to the root of my thoughts and apprehensions on continuing my travels when I know that I need to be back in school (whether it be teaching or as a student myself).

Anna Magdalena.

For those of you who actually get that nickname, well done.  You are definitely a music geek that spent way too many years studying classical music.  I digress.

While, listening to Trevor*  play in LA, I was fortunate enough to catch up with a friend from my hometown and college town.  It always amazes me when you find a friend that will always be a friend no matter how much or how little contact you have over the years.  It's refreshing and quite nostalgic to meet up with someone that comes from Brockport (aka "Buffalo").

* www.trevorras.com shameless plug, just for Trev, don't ever say that I didn't support you.