note from daughter

another year, another move. this move has brought me even further west into the boundaries of logan square in chicago. the neighborhood is up and coming with a mix of hispanics and hipsters. my quaint street is full of diversity, fireflies and flowers which makes for an entertaining walk to and from the el each day. my apartment is significantly nicer than the homey but semi run down state of my previous apartment. new kitchen appliances, a sun roof, a garage and a fireplace all mark the status of a somewhat sophisticated abode. so far it's been the apartment vs. me as i am the only one completely moved in. two flights of narrow, steep stairs caused gashes in my legs from bookcase shelves falling out. my curtains dismounted themselves from my wall and crashed onto my head giving me what i am certain is a mild concussion. and i locked myself out on the roof, spending a blistering two and half hours in the hot, humid summer sun. this is a series of three unfortunate blows... does it mean i'm done yet?

must just get through three more days and then i am on a jet plane over the atlantic and into Scandinavia. i received a most delightful card in the mail from my parents. i will be celebrating my 25th birthday in the land of the ancestors - denmark. my mother must know me well (or she knows how i like to perceive myself) as the card has a picture of a woody wagon stuffed full of bags and vacation items with a dog standing on the top of the car in front, ready and reeling to go somewhere, anywhere. the card reads "happy birthday to a free spirit." i'll take it! i've got the travel bug bad. it's like a need an exotic vacation to look forward to to calm my restlessness. now that a return trip to europe has been booked, i'm dreaming about where i can go next. i just learned that my scottish friend sarah is moving to australia. maybe i will visit her down under... some people my age are anxious to find a significant other and settle down. i find i'm more anxious to see the world. now seems like the perfect time to travel - what do i have holding me back? absolutely nothing.