I’ve seen more friends and eaten more delicious restaurant meals in the past six days than I have in the past six months. Since I last checked in I have seen Liz’s long hair. I have coveted Steph’s boots. I have clinked glasses with Anya. I have heard Jo’s laugh. I have read Hal’s hat, and it says “Old Guys Rule” (they do!). I have hugged the tall tree that is Michael. And I have eaten momos with Erica. It is a beautiful kind of overloading.

I have also lost my (new) phone, so don’t bother calling me till next Wednesday, when I will have gotten back to Chicago and hooked my old phone (thank goodness I kept it) back up. I would be mad at myself, but that would detract from my joy at being here, so I’m not going to do that. Also, I put the phone down to take a picture of a wonderful mural swimming across a wall in Jamaica Plain. If that turns out well, I’ll count myself lucky.

I do. I am. Lucky like a penny.