The semester in Vienna is winding up, and the count down is at two and a half weeks. It'll be a bitter sweet end.

Aimee and Lulubelle have been a part of my daily life for nearly a year now--talk about commitment! I'll be saying goodbye to them, but change is very much a component of the life I have chosen to live. At this point my plans are a bit formed yet still fuzzy. I'm moving to Italy for the summer, where I hope to teach English. I'm not actually going for the work. I've met someone with whom I want to spend some time, a very special person. In August my dear ol' Doc comes back to Europe for two months, during which time I will accompany him on his teaching and travels. While in Europe I'll swing down to the Middle East to visit my family again. Depending on money, I may stay for a bit of work, or I may just visit. Either way, I will go back for a bit before heading east and south. My goal is the Marshall Islands, to where my parents are moving in June, by Christmas 2006. Like I said, a bit formed yet still fuzzy. So maybe that's a bit too short term for most of you. Long term is even fuzzier and less formed. I do see a Master's degree in literature and teaching abroad. I don't see a return to the States though. So friends, come visit!

Despite preparing emotionally for major change, my daily life continues as usual...although there certainly are unusual moments, which amount to great stories. Here's this week's win: Aimee and I took Lu to the dog park down the street. We prefer when there are fewer dogs, especially of the large type, because the boys sure take to Lu. But then again, she's a gorgeous dog! Anyway, a very large golden retreiver showed up in the park. He immediately fell in love with Lu and tried to get at her and on her from all angles (this is a very small Cavalier King Charles I'm talking about). She was afraid of this large, determined beast and so I did what any protective aunty would do. I picked her up and held her away from him. I under-estimated the beast's ambition. He started leaping at her and in his very small brain decided that Lu and I were one and the same. So, standing like a circus bear, he gripped me and...well, let your imagination lead you to laughter. My words have gone far enough. I will say that his owner was indifferent, Aimee put her best effort in but was less powerful than this beast, and the dog gripped me twice. Humiliation? Yes. But I masked it with nervous laughter.

It's been a busy few weeks. My dear British friend Alistair came out for a few days of architecture-seeing (similar to sight-seeing with specific buildings in mind). It was lovely having him here! Then Aimee's bohemian friend Karen showed up and is chillin here for a few weeks(time of stay still undetermined). And my friend Jess is coming out Thursday for a week. Between visitors and wrapping up the program, I'd say we're going out with a bang. So now you know where I am and what I'm up to. Don't worry, change is a-brewin'. Just stay tuned.