Public transportation & NPR

A bit of bad news: my beloved old car seems to be on his (Yes. His name is Milo, for the record) last few years of life. I was driving home from school last week, and one of the stick shift gears completely stopped working. A couple days later, all of the gears broke. I decided to repair the problem, since I need something to drive until I can get a new car, but this left me car-less while Milo got some TLC.

Thus, in the meantime, I used public transportation (aka city bus) to get to school for the past few days. I have never ridden on it before, but it has its benefits. First, it's free to full-time students here, and secondly, it's actually pretty fast. I think I arrived at school more quickly than I ever have driving, which consists of fighting morning traffic to get to the parking lot, trying to find a parking spot, and walking 10 more minutes uphill to my class--typically a 30-40 minute commute.

So instead of getting to school all frazzled, I've come in relatively relaxed. I simply walk to the bus stop which is luxuriously right across the street from my apt, wait, get on the bus, wait, get off the bus and then walk a short distance. It's a lot of sitting around, and to pass the time..

I started listening to public radio's This American Life via podcast. This segment is AMAZING, people! I'm hooked. The themes are so random, but somehow it's written in a way that draws me in.

For example, I just listened to one titled, "Take the Money and Run for Office", about how politicians fundraise and how money is turned over in Washington. This is a topic that I normally would have absolutely no interest in, but I kid you not, by the end of the story I was shaking my head and indignant, saying "this ain't right", like I was directly in the line of fire of corruption going on.. even though 30 minutes prior I had no idea it was even an issue! haha. So I've found that TAL is a good way of stepping into other, real life people's shoes for a bit.

I just picked up Milo from the shop, good as new (sort of), so it's back to my regular routine, but it's been an interesting week.

Quarter life crisis

Corinne Bailey Rae-The Sea. Makes me sad, in a good way.

I've had a few heart to hearts with my dear friends lately, and it seems like we're all going through similar life "milestones". Mostly just not being exactly where we want to be yet, whether that's location/occupation/what have you, and while we're on our way, for the time being it's just hanging in there from day to day. I suspect we're not alone.

Mid-20s is so limbo.

I have to say that I am incredibly blessed with good sisters. I've been kind of numb these days, and taking a lot for granted, but this weekend I was reminded especially of how much God has provided in terms of people who care and whom I care about. Thankful.

Purge

I finally gathered up the energy and mental strength to clean out my childhood bedroom.

It's still a mess, but step one for me was to donate items that I no longer use or have outgrown, but are still usable.

This was mostly clothes, but I also gave away a huge trunkful of old books that I used to read.

I'm kinda sad about the books now. Earlier, I was excited about getting rid of all the clutter in my life, but the sentimental value of my former possessions is hitting me. I hope that they'll be well used and taken care of..

Meh. I'll get over it. If I don't think about it too much.