Gratitude 223

This afternoon, I was introduced to Free Rice, a website that donates 10 grains of rice to the World Hunger Program with each correct answer in the games you can play. And such a clever way to improve your vocabulary! :) So far, I've donated 3,420 grains of rice...and added more wrinkles to my brain! Now when I waste time on the internet, I am actually being a productive member of society and helping to feed the hungry!


Katie's bridal shower was beautiful! The sweet Italian Rosaria, who hosted the shower was such a gracious host. And her house! It was like walking into an Italian villa! Yes, please! I told her I was moving in... haha! ;) Fabulous company, food, introducing Katie to the tradition of trying not to break the bows (she broke two...uh-oh! hehe!), and using my craftiness to assemble her bow/ribbon rehearsal bouquet. I should have taken a picture of it because it turned out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. ;) I will get some at the actual rehearsal...  It was so great to hang out with my girls Katie, Caitie, and Rebekah, too! :) Such ridiculous car rides with Caitie and Bekah!

Today was a big to-do list of stuff, surprisingly most of which got accomplished. My first set of travels begin this Thursday, so I am stuck in a swirl of logistics. I love traveling, however sometimes, the logistical nightmare that typically accompanies a big (or even small) trip makes my brain hit overload, and I just end up with a headache. The more I go through the process, though, it does get easier...you skip all the nonsense steps and get straight to business but still...frustration is a common occurrence trying to get everything together.

I am getting pretty darn excited for the big Europe trip (however crazy an excursion it is)! I just found out today that I get to stay with my friend Levente in downtown Budapest while I'm there. I also get to take a side trip out to Kecskemét to see my friend Heather and hopefully a few others from the Institute. I will get to see my friend Mercedesz in Budapest, as well. AND...on my way to Budapest from Munich, I get to make a short stop in Vienna to catch up with Katrin and Martin. :) Going to be fabulous! I love my life! (Except for the fact that I have to get up at 4am, again, tomorrow to make a Skype call to Salzburg...oh well!)

Katie and Bry are in town to stay over for the next couple days for Katie's summer classes. Movie time and adventure day tomorrow...if the weather is good, it's off to see the butterflies, flowers, and glass sculptures at the garden conservatory! :) In the words of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, "What's life without whimsy?" ;)