It just dawned on me that I will be leaving in 4 days to head back to the NYC for the holidays. I must admit, I really need this time away from London. Don't get me wrong, London is fantastic. But, like Dorothy in The Wiz (you know the one with Diana and Michael) - "There's No Place Like Home". NYC is home for me, that is the place where I have cultivated my deepest and most intimate relationships. So, it will definitely be good to get back to the familiarity of family and friends in NYC. I am so looking forward to it!! Though, I must admit that I do have a bit of trepidation regarding this trip to NYC. In the two months that I have been gone, so much has changed. On a larger level, the economy experienced one of the worst downturns in history and the impact of recession/credit crunch must be taking its toll on the pysche and morale of so many people. I guess the true spirit of Christmas is where we should focus our energies not on the consumerism aspects. It's times like these which make that so abundantly clear. Also, on a more personal note, a lot has changed within the context of my intimate circle of friends. There have been some seismic shifts in personal relationships which may make it a bit different or even akward in certain situations. However, the only constant in life is change. So, I must accept change and move forward. The past is a great place to visit on occassion as it provides a great context from whence we have all come. It deepens our appreciation of what we have. But, most important, the past should help to remind us of the promise and hope of things to come. So, the past is not a crutch and should not cripple us, but rather it should help to catapult us into the glory of our futures. Sorry if that sounded very preachy, but this is a lesson which I am currently learning. I can not take back the past. What I can do, is to learn from it and incorporate those lessons into my glorious future. I know, such a simple lesson, but hard to really implement at times.
On a lighter note, I can not wait to pig out and eat till I bust. Good and reasonably priced food in London, can be a challenge. Also, I can not wait to shop (not that I wasn't doing that in London). Now, I can shop without converting to U.S. dollar. Thankfully the U.S. Dollar is doing a lot better these days compare to the British Pound. But mostly, I can not wait to be surrounded by the love of my family and friends. I miss them all terribly and can not wait to be able to hug and kiss each one of them.
I still do not have internet. Long story. However, I bid everyone adieu until my next blog entry. Happy Holidays and keep focused on the true reason for the season.
