Back from Nepal and Back in the Air

Namaste!

What a remarkable month and a half have ensued since the last entry. I have been half way around the world, seen the highest mountains, made friends with Sherpas, gotten e. coli, had a Thanksgiving, spent a weekend with FOCUS, and flown several more hours. Phew! I kept a very extensive journal in Nepal, and have been prolific (in ink only) over the last weeks. The great hope right now is that I can somehow muster the energy to project the journal entries online! We shall see. Many stories pop into mind when I think of what I've been up to over the last months... so many people, so many tiny moments that make up a universe of daydreams that I gladly slip into and escape toward these days. Leaving the Himalayas was surprisingly difficult - making so many connections in Kathmandu, I felt like I could have stayed for a long time. Months even. I'm sure I'll be back one day! What a wonderful place.

I've started a new job waitressing at the Macaroni Grill, bringing in some ch-change to get the ball rolling on paying back my poor father for all the monetary incursions I've caused lately. The job is very physically demanding for me, as I have little to no upper body strength. Lifting all those trays sure will get you in shape fast! I like the kids I work with.. many UNC-G college students and junior college types. The thrill of a real job is slowly wearing off, but I'm excited to see all the money come in next Friday with my first paycheck. Hooray!

Today I finished my air requirements for flying with a four hour solo cross-country to Florence, SC, and then to Fayetteville, NC, then back to Greensboro (GSO). I made both landings in controlled airspace, so that was pretty exciting for this homegrown country pilot. I lost all three airports on my final approach for bizarre reasons, and needed a little guidance, but other than that, the trip went off without a hitch. Now, sitting down after that trip, and 5 hours of running food at the Mac Grill, I am very tired. Leland is finishing up exams at Duke right now, but I got to visit him this week and talk about our lives, work, and general thoughts. I sleptover in Nana's room, with her roommate, Sandy Ho, and fell asleep a quarter way through Amelie, a film I really would like to finish one day! Duke is beautiful, and I'm glad Le and Nana are both there.

Speaking of friends and family, the other big news of the day consist of two items: 1) Perry got into Wellesley!!!!!!!!!! YES! We are all ecstatic and very proud of the baby sister all growed up. Eek... we'll probably be in the same graduating class! Talk about scary. The other item is that Ashley "Bama" has gone off for her five-month experience of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya with Kali Stull! Talk about adventure... many prayers going up for their safety and well-being. What a trip!

I really need to go to sleep now, but I will promise to be a bit better about blogging over the next weeks.

Peace...
Alice