"'Tis better to have loved and lost than to not have loved at all."

Lord Tennyson Alfred

I distinctly remember the first time I came across the quote above. I was a freshman in a high school English class. It wasn't that long ago ... HONESTLY! At the time, I vowed myself never to get involved with someone whom I didn't truly "love". Love became something to aspire to yet so easily cheapened, tarnished. There are so many things I don't quite fully understand. I've resolved to let those things rest for lack of knowledge and experience. Besides, there hasn't been a need for these sorts of adventures/misadventures with them just bubbling about through others. Anyway ...

It was years later that I finally met "him". The man who would forever change my life. The man whose laughter, sweetness and passion fueled fond memories and desires within myself. (All my love for the sweetness of his laughter ...) For reasons not fully clear to me, our love lives in the deep recesses of our hearts, minds. For starters, he is in France ... I am not. That could and may change though.

In so many ways, this love will never truly be lost. He is in every genuine, sweet laughter I hear. Besides, one cannot love someone else so deeply and instinctively without becoming a different person.

... TO LOVE!!!

CHICAGO!!!
(This is a picture of Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois. The structure at the forefront of the picture is the Crown Fountain -- it's wicked fun! To the left of the fountain is "the bean" (aka Cloud Gate). Finally, the last structure is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion -- an excellent concert venue.)

While I was raised in the northwestern Illinois burbs, I consider Chicago my home. The place that created the background and soundtrack to so many wonderful memories throughout my lifetime. The place my family wishes me to return to ...

About a week ago, my dad and sister came to visit me at Mississippi. We grilled and chilled Garcia style! Ah, YEAH!!! (I miss them and friends like CRAZY!!!) As was expected, much of the talk centered on my returning to Illinois. I listened with little to no objections. They did make valid points. To be frank, just having them around and being able to be was enough to get my butt in gear headed back to them. I can't believe I actually cried as they drove away and said, "wait, you forgot me." Yes, I'll be the first to admit things are less than ideal ... but .... This may sound cliquish but I wouldn't change anything for the world!

Last year, I was sitting behind a huge desk blankly staring into a computer screen analyzing data in the accounting department at Lake Book Manufacturing. I learned so much from that experience and met so many cool people but wasn't feeling it. I'm not too sure if it was the setting or some of the people I had to work with -- man, there were some sheisty folks there! At any rate, I didn't know for how long I'd be able to continue working there but it did allow me the freedom to sample several life options. One of them was attending a globalization conference held at Delta State University, which spawned a lifetime of memories and crystallized my stay in Mississippi -- at least for a couple of years. I remember nearly everything. This may sound off, it was hard to leave but I had to report back to work Monday morning. It would only be a few more months of work before I would find myself back in Mississippi. This time as a student of the Community Development program. Wow! It still gives me an immense amount of pride.

You see, I didn't mean to call Mississippi "home" but it's become just that. There are far too many reasons for me to begin to tell you how this change came about but know they've made their mark in my life.

Ooops, I haven't realized I've babbled here! I just feel I have to write at least once a week on this blog. If it entertains you, cool deal!

Take care,

Justina

P.S.: I just got word Pharoah Tutankhaman can be found at the Field Museum!!! For those who don't know, the Field Museum is located in Chicago and is a remnant of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Here's a link to their site: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/. Enjoy!

Furniture Shopping ...

After nearly three weeks of living at my "new" plain house, I've decided to do some "light" furniture shopping. That may seem like an insignificant event to you but there are folks close to me who may understand the magnitude of this event. It means I've finally found a place to call my own, my home. Finally, I can start to evolve in my rooted place. Granted, it's not perfect (nothing ever is) but it's more than I need for the moment.

Thanks so much to everyone who has shared in this and other monumental events in my life this past year. I am forever indebted to you ...

Take care,

Justina Garcia-Bautista

P.S.: By the way, I am not married. The hyphenated last name is my effort to honor my mom. (It is common Hispanic practice to use the father's surname and the mother's maiden name through the children's last name.) Although she is not with me, her life serves as my inspiration.

P.S.S.: I thought I would never create a blog. Actually, this blog started after the creation of Victor's blog (http://www.pridafrica.blogspot.com ... a link will be created in the future). I learned so much from that experience and couldn't wait to give it a try on my own. We'll see how things go from here.