to converse across the miles

I wish the world was flat like the old days
Then I could travel just by folding a map
No more airplanes, or speedtrains, or freeways
There'd be no distance that can hold us back.


Those are lyrics to "The New Year" by Death Cab for Cutie (who are much more of a calm band than their name implies, honest). It's one of my favorite songs and came into my head tonight after getting off of the phone with one of my very dear friends. We talked for about an hour about recent happenings and transitions - she's spending a year as an intern at a camp in Colorado. Right now she's outside looking at the stars for me. This is a wonderful thing, since when I walk into my backyard I see maybe 5 of them - one of which may very well be a satellite.

Earlier tonight, I talked with another friend - a bit further away in Indiana for two years going to graduate school. This conversation was also wonderful. As far away as we all are from one another - to hear both of their voices tonight was such a tremendous blessing to me. I love them both dearly and am so excited to hear about their adventures.

I don't feel very adventurous, compared to them (and comparing is one of those things that I need to be better at not doing). I'm still here. Someone asked me if I were a grad student today (not unusual since I work for a Master's program). Telling her no was tough - I feel as if I should be, that's for sure! After 4 years of undergrad, I should be done already! But, only one more year and then I'll have my BSN. Less than 365 days, praise the Lord!

I truly am excited about the coming year - as much as my writing may point to the opposite. So much will happen between now and when I get to turn my tassel. Amazing, really.

For now, however, I will rest in the quiet that I feel now - not a bad quiet...but sort of the calm before the storm.

And yes, I do wish that the world was flat like the old days - when I could travel just by folding a map. There's lots of places I would go, if that were so.