"and everything is beautiful when you're young and pretty."

I uploaded my photos to flickr this afternoon. You can see them here or by clicking on the widget on the right side bar. I promise that I'll follow up with a photo blog post, explaining where we are and what we're doing. I might even toss a couple videos online if I get real fancy. For now, here's a little background on our trip.

We knew Jeff and Mavi from high school in Fruita and all went to CU Boulder where we really became friends. I hooked up with Mavi when we both signed up for East Asian Civilization, me because Ben recommended the Japanese history portion, and Mavi because she was majoring in Chinese language. Jeff was at CU's film school. After school they got a cool place on Capital Hill. We went out dancing, crafted, cooked, and even made a Movie Saturday at their place. Soon they decided to move to New York to give themselves more opportunities in music and film. They make internet movies and are working on a film about their Breakfree Project music tour. Meanwhile, we had a standing offer to come visit New York and stay at their place for free. That was . . . three years ago.

Gosh darn it - it was high time we took them up on their offer. I had these two weeks off from school so we booked a flight and convinced Brian to come along (later finding out he had NEVER been to New York. Ben and I have been several times). Even more than visiting the city, I think we had a blast just spending time with great friends. Ben and I got to see a different side of NY, away from the touristy stops.

Now I'm home and despite the laundry and work to be done, it's nice to be back. There's nothing like a trip to make you appreciate home. No more polluted humidity making us sweat the moment we step outside. We desert folk like our dry, clean air. My comfortable bed encouraged me to sleep much later than I should have this morning. Molly is affectionate and happy we are home. Jem is exhausted from playing nonstop at her kennel. My tomato plant has tiny green tomatoes(!) and my clematis bloomed a second round of purple stars. I'm so glad I have until Tuesday to enjoy the quiet of Colorado before going back to school.