June 05, 2006

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!

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