Ah well, a little over a month has gone by since I last wrote. Surprise, surprise.

The weather is starting to change again... the winter is almost here. You'd think that I wouldn't hate it so much now that I've been through one before, but I really don't like the bitter cold. Who knows... I was pretty depressed last winter for other reasons, so maybe this year will be completely different. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

I'm going home with John to NYC for Thanksgiving, which I'm hoping will be great. I met his grandparents and his sister a couple of weeks ago, and that was a really nice experience. I just hope that I make a good impression on his aunt - she seems to be the type of person that will be hard to win over, but I've managed before... and her opinion doesn't really mean that anything will change between he and I.

The dynamics of my friend group here at school are beginning to change, and it's rather scary. The girls are battling over differing belief systems and practices, and one of them is involved with a guy that is absolutely nothing compared to her. It's so hard to watch him take over her life - they'll be fighting everyday when they're on the phone (he lives in her hometown) and yet she still believes that they are in a committed and loving relationship... after only six months (most of which have been awfully rocky). I just wish that people weren't so blind sometimes. It's beyond irritating.... it's gotten to the point where I don't know if I can even live with her next year. Siiigh.

Despite all of that, my beautiful relationship with the most amazing person in the world continues. He and I have honestly spent the past nine months together on cloud 9. It hasn't gotten old, yet we've gotten extremely comfortable with each other. There's no need to constantly talk about "oh we're getting married one day! blah blah" because it's just something that's understood... it's a mature, loving relationship. Those are hard to find, especially among my peer group.

I'm considering spending most of my summer working for Catholic Charities in Houston, doing something to make a difference in the world. I've feeling a calling to go out and advocate for those who have no voice, and this will be the start of that... I see this leading me into law school and doing something that will allow me to help those who can't help themselves.

Annnnyway. Back to all of my homework. See you in a couple of weeks if all goes well.

PS - Thanks Mandy for your notes and your continued connection to me. I admire the fact that you've done so much to keep our ties strong. I hope you're having a great time this semester. And don't let youknowwho bring you down... she's never been worth anything as a friend.