I got a new job! I'm the receptionist/manager at Lunar Massage, a tiny massage studio near Chinatown. It's super chill. I set up appointments, open and close the shop, and promote a peaceful atmosphere. (Read: I listen to Iron & Wine while reading.) And it pays better than scooping ice cream! Yeah! I only work on Sundays for now, but the owner expects to have me for another day or two per week starting in September. Neato.

I just sent my two weeks' notice to Gifford's. Working there has been steadily worsening, and I feel really good about cutting my ties.

In other news, I went through a minor crisis of "oh my God what am I doing with my life?" More specifically, I had serious doubts about my rather sudden decision to become an elementary school teacher. This, of course, coincided with my admission to Trinity. Awesome. The crisis, we can only hope, has passed, and I have an appointment to register for classes tomorrow at noon. I have decided that I will attend classes and complete my MAT, but that I will not necessarily become an elementary teacher. The skills I will acquire may be applied in a variety of settings. Perhaps I am simply postponing making a decision. Whatever. In the mean time, my tuition and rent is covered, classes are only during the evenings, and I have my days to do with as I wish.

So what am I going to do with my days? Why, volunteer, of course. I'm planning to teach ESL to Spanish-speaking day laborers (there's a back-story to that, but I don't feel like writing it), staff the RAINN crisis hotline, etc. There are lots and lots of volunteer opportunities in DC. I can build up my volunteer resume, figure out what I like doing, get some connections, etc. And that way I will have some options after I graduate. Hopefully.

Hoo boy.

Speaking of grad school, Matt is heading off to Boston on Thursday. So soon! Sometimes we talk about it, but for the most part I think we're just trying to enjoy spending time together while we still can. Bummertown.

On Friday, Elizabeth is coming to visit, which should hopefully keep me from being too down. She's staying until Tuesday. On Wednesday, I head to NYC with my friend Lukas. So many comings and goings!

And look, here are some pictures I took between now and the last real post: