So yesterday at midnight, I looked at my phone and saw that the day of the month was “1″. And I was like, “WTF? Which month is beginning?” And then I realized that it is now JUNE. Which blew my mind. 
And then today, I woke up and realized that it is only two weeks until Tom and I leave for our epic trip.
**
At this point, we’ve done most of the logistical bullshit necessary to go on a 2-month-long trip: We’ve applied for visas to China and Vietnam, we’ve booked hostels in most places (at least for a few days in places where we want to travel all around), and I’ve been combing guidebooks while Tom is at work. 
**
I’m so excited! 
Oh, and a few days ago, I found out that I’ve been selected as a New York Public Ally for 2010-11! Okay, so my match, as they call it, is still tentative at this point, but the only reason I wouldn’t end up employed would be if the government decided not to give the organization enough spots, which is fairly unlikely, according to the program coordinator. 
But anyway, yes, the Public Allies program is an organization run by Americorps (so it’s government funded) that places young people in leadership positions at not-for-profits. And it’s paid, and 10 months long, and has a very high rate of people staying in not-for-profit careers afterward. So basically: Perfect. And after a really long process of interviews and more interviews, I was matched with an organization, a tiny arts-and-music-based charter school. 
I’m so excited!
**
So earlier today, I realized something: This is the first time in forever that I have been really looking forward to something–and not just one thing, two things! I’m not saying that I dread every day or that I have nothing to live for on a regular basis; that’s obviously not the case. I’m actually a very happy person these days.
But usually, the things I’m looking forward to (that is: not including playing a new video game, or reading a book, or other small things) have more to do with not doing something than with doing something. For example, the last thing I was excited about was graduating. But I was mostly excited about being finished with school. And like–you know, winter breaks and spring breaks and coming home from various jobs and internships.
Now, though, I’m actually looking forward to DOING things. And it’s a great feeling! 
** Next time you see photos of these places, I will have taken them myself! For now, though, the photos are all from Wikimedia Commons.
