“Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity” - Henry Hartman

Hi everyone!

Thanks to all you faithful readers who have been asking about my blogosphere return. It's been a long summer filled with many highs, and many deep lows, so I haven't even known where to begin in keeping up the blog.

My circles above on the map are tiny, but I'll be in those regions

Yet, I've decided to start again due to this grand opportunity that presented itself several months ago: a one month trip to India! Now, the time has come to make real preparations, as I leave for the adventure on August 31. I'll be flying into Delhi, spending my 24th birthday hanging out at the Taj Mahal in Agra, then traveling to the North to spend the majority of the trip in Dharamsala. The focus of the trip, is neither purely academic, nor missionary, but as I like to call it: a cultural exchange. I took a class that included reading books and writing papers over the summer, which left room for pure exploration and observation while in India. We will be taking in the sights, sounds, and yes, even smells, of a country that is so different from our own. I have also been partnered with a Tibetan pen pal, who I will get to know while spending time with her in Dharamsala. I hear rumors of meditation and yoga, a trip to Tibetan Monks' caves, tea plantations, and coloring with children in the Tibetan Children's Village. The itinerary is "flexible," so I am keeping an open mind about where we stop and the activities that we will be taking part in while abroad.


For now, my focus is on packing (read: shopping). Yup, for those who know me, I made the jump. I traded my 5 inch heels for those bad boys over to the right. I mean, just look at that big 'ol rubber toe. No Himalayan Mountain, nor rabid monkey for that matter, is messing with these feet. I also acquired more cargo capris than any one person should own, as well as my very own hand-made sleep sack (thanks mom!). And, just like any inner-eighty-year-old wouldn't dare leave home without: crossword puzzles and a book light.

Who's ready for India? This girl.

Maybe... kind of... okay not at all... but I've got 6 days to get there!

P.S. I'm taking requests for email updates while abroad, so leave a comment if you would like to be included!

“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” - Leonard Bernstein

Photo: Rachel DeHayes, Clock tower in Chicago

I'd say Leonard Bernstein got it right with this ironic statement. My Grandpa always says the key to success is the 3 P's: preparation, preparation, preparation. And while I wholeheartedly agree, all that preparation won't do too much good unless you have just enough fire under your bum to put that plan into action. 

I've always been a planner. Ask anyone. Just like any true Virgo, I crave organization and order. But when that organization and order is paired with a busy schedule and just enough of a time crunch, its a high I can't even explain. 


February is going to be the kind of month where, if Bernstein's recipe is correct, greatness shall be achieved. It will be a busy month, mixed with heavy deadlines and weekends of fun, but I say bring it. The planning is done. It's time to jump into action!