Happy Graduation Michael!

Joe, Michael and I on the annual family trip to the North Shore of Minnesota.

Eighteen days from now I will be back in Minnesota visiting my family and friends for the summer. I am unbelievably excited to see everyone and spend time re-connecting to the places and the people who I treasure most.

Unfortunately, I will arrive eighteen days too late to see my little brother graduate from high school. Today he finishes a four year high school journey. It wasn't too long ago that I was in that position and I just remember that sneaking suspicion that the entire world was about to change. You work so hard in class, in sports, in extra activities and in building the relationships with those around you. And then...the world just all shifts. You're leaving behind everything you have known - your friends, your family, your school, your city to go out and investigate a different place. The whole experience is thrilling and wonderful...and a little scary sometimes. You can't ever go back and point to that moment when it all changes, but sooner or later people grow up, they move away, they change and you're not in high school anymore.

Spiker - as you go out into the world of college you must know how incredibly proud I am to be your sister. You are an amazing man, friend, son, student, baseball player and most importantly - brother! I know you are going to do amazing things at the University of Nebraska next year and I cannot wait to hear all about it. I love you!!

All my love and congratulations to the class of 2010! Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of the rest of your lives. Good luck!

We're Regulars

Looking back on this post, I had no idea what my time in Colombia would entail. I knew I was leaving a lot behind in Minnesota, but I came here with an open heart, wide eyes and courage - I wanted to see the world (or at least a small new part of it). I made a list of things I would miss about Minnesota and a list of things I couldn't wait to experience in Colombia.

What was on that list?
Things like #3: I really want to become a solid regular at a good coffee cafe, I sincerely hope this works out.

Handled it.
About a week ago I stopped in on of the many Juan Valdez locations in Cali. This particular location is in a mall named Unicentro. This is close to my first apartment, close to Kelsi's first apartment, close to the public transportation system of the Mio and the bus stops there everyday on the way home from school. Needless to say, I am there a lot and so is Kelsi. On this particular day I stopped in but didn't quite feel like coffee, so I ordered a mango smoothie.

When my order was ready, I went up to the counter to pick it up, and the guy working asks me where my mocha was. LOVE. He recognized me AND knew what my normal drink was. Hooooray! I love when this happens! I don't know why, but there is just something about being a regular that makes me feel happy and secure, like I really live here. :)

Juan Valdez in Unicentro.

Then on Saturday, I stopped by on my way to Kelsi's old apartment and ordered us two vanilla cinnamon iced lattes. This time I go up to get my drinks and the same guy asks me where my friend is! Apparently he not only recognizes me, but he also recognizes that I go there all the time with Kelsi. I told him she was at home and the second drink was for her. He was immediately concerned and I basically had to spend two minutes of ridiculous Spanish explaining that she was fine, and not ill, and I am sure we will be back next week.

In summary?

Misson accomplished: I am a regular.

California, Here I Come...

In high school (& college for some extremely loyal fans, myself included) we used to get together on Thursday nights for the latest episode of The OC. Just another teenage drama series by Josh Schwartz, but for those four years I watched the lives of Ryan, Marissa, Seth and Summer unfold for one hour every week.

So when my friend Alex texted me to tell me he had decided between grad school in Madison, Wisconsin and Irvine, California, he sent me a message that said "California, here we come..." One year later, I am making a trip to visit both him and my friend (his fiancee) Lindsey. We have been discussing this potential trip for months now, and I am so excited that the plane tickets are finally booked! Alex happens to be home in Minnesota the weekend I leave, so we will actually get to fly there together after investing some quality time together at Target Field in Minnesota.

While my visit home this summer is probably going to feel about 2 seconds long, I am thrilled to be spending some time visiting Alex and Lindsey, as well as seeing California for the first time! I cannot wait to see where they live, go to school, go to work and spend their time. Perhaps we will squeeze in some time to check off another ballpark on my Life List... (ahem, Alex, the Angels & Padres are out of town all week...but the Dodgers play the Giants (in LA) all three nights at 7:10pm...I trust you will begin searching for tickets)