Category Archives: Personal Life

Indian Days

Hey, it’s been forever, I know. Things are humming along up here in Maine. At work I’m taking on more responsibilities and the apartment is starting to look like people actually live here. Today I left work a little early and went to Range Ponds State Park. I had wanted to go earlier in the summer but never made it, and given that today was (and still is, I’m writing on the screened in balcony out back) a taste of summer, I just had to go. The place was not crowded at all, just some locals, and was a beautiful spot to take a swim, soak up a few rays and read. It was relaxing and allowed me some time to clear my mind.

With the return of students to the campus, I’m feeling a little envious of their position. What I’d give to just be taking a few classes a week and enjoying all the other benefits that come with small liberal arts college life… I haven’t been too social lately, and I’d like to change that. Being that I don’t really have any connections up here, it is difficult for me to go out. Whereas there are some things one can do on one’s own, most things in life are better shared. I know that with time I will develop a little network up here, but for now, I’m pretty much solo, which stinks.

Over my birthday weekend and labor day, however, I did get to connect with some friends. K + N took me to a charming Thai place in Charlestown, and after that we made a mess of a both in the nearby Friendly’s. I’m really proud of them, as they are the first of my friends to get married; sure, it has been in the cards for a while, but seeing them reminds me of the great social importance of marriage, it is a sanctioning of sorts. Over labor day, T, A and I went up to Springfield, MA to the Smith and Wesson shooting range. Did you know that WD is a pretty good shot? It was quite fun, and for about 50 bucks we rented two lanes with two different types of guns and had at it for a while.

From transition may come stability, but for now, I’m

Loopy Loops

Hi folks, it’s been a long time, but I am still here. Where am I? Well, that depends on when you read this post. For the next few days I’ll be at home in MA and then I’m up to Maine next week. For the past month I’ve been doing quite a few things. Most important to me has been visiting family and friends. My first loop was to see family in both New Jersey and New York – though I didn’t see everyone, I hit up most. Highlights from Jersey included: BBQ at my cousin Bette’s place, Asbury Park’s 4th of July parade with my Aunt, a big family brunch at a diner with Gram and the frozen drinks poolside at the Empress Motel. In New York, I spent some quality time with my Grandparents where I learned more about my Grandfather’s time spent during the Second World War.




After a few days back I did another loop, this time visiting some friends. Thanks to all of you who put me up, and to those I didn’t see, let’s make it happen next time. Highlights from that loop included: seeing the facial expressions of Dan and Trishan upon tasting some of my famous Romanian plum brandy (tuica,) dinner with James at Tisane, the sports bar at Buckland Hills with Rick, beers with Jude and Andrew, Longwood Gardens with Melissa and intense conversation with Jon.

At the end of this second loop I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of my two dear friends Kate and Nate. The event was held at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers, which was the perfect venue for their big day. After the ceremony we caravaned to Revere Beach for ice cream which was just perfect! Meanwhile, I’ve been going to Walden Pond a bit, contemplatin’, eating well, and enjoying my down time.

My next batch of posts will be from Maine where I will be working as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for Campus Compact. Of course, more information will be forthcoming as I learn the ropes there myself. I do hope to have myself situated soon so that I can host visitors. You can now find the final photo album and some videos from Peace Corps Romania in the photo gallery. Thanks for sticking with me during the past two + years, and I hope that I can continue to deliver for this next one… onward!

I’m Baaaack!

…and I can’t wait to see you! Please update me with your contact info so we can meet up before I move on to my next adventure.

p.s. I’ll be on vacation in New Jersey for roughly a week. If I haven’t been in touch yet, I will be after I return!