Spirit in The Dark

I have always loved Los Angeles. It was my haven when I immigrated in ’89 and again yesterday when I finally escaped Terminal C in Newark. Driving up the 110 it was a little overcast, with lush Cali native plants on both sides…hallelujah! It’s strange to think that I would miss the smell of LAX air, doing the dishes before I make the morning coffee, the cat’s incessant meows for dinner and the noise of the metro passing through Highland Park.

Wonderful Things

Candice’s *cheeky* pose
Moblogging
Strawberry ice cream at midnight
Air Tran Captain Jody “B717girl”
Paul & team @ Morgans’ Hotel
Soft bed at 2:20am
Jackie’s calmness amidst chaos
Steff Geissbuhler
Pentagram
Sativa’s resolve…what a rock star!
The Design Babes at Wallace & Church
The comfort of my husband’s voice on the phone
Aretha Franklin on my iPod
Kelsey & Emmett doing SC Proud
Snow drift on a crisp NY morning
The Strand Bookstore
Beaming smile from Daniel
Haven’s Cousin Ming driving us to Newark @3:30am
Every single person from this amazingly strong group
Haven Lin-Kirk aka THE BUDDHA


Terrible Things

Continental Airlines
Newark airport
800 numbers
Seats with armrests
Snow storms anytime
Drunkards on St Patty’s Day
Corporate brainwashing in action
Walking off a flight home
Missing my dear friend Steven's memorial
Feeling helpless

Despite it all, the good still outweighed the bad. And yes, I can taste my spit again.

happily home.

This was the beautiful view that greeted me at Long Island's Islip Airport on Sunday afternoon. I don't think I've ever been happier to see blue skies and planes taking off.

Now that I'm home and somewhat rested, I've had a chance to think about the weekend. While thoroughly exhausting and overwhleming, I have to say that I came out of it with some amazing new friends, increased patience, a deep respect for my two teachers, and a desire to never again sleep in an airport.

Apart form the hectic weekend, I had an amazing time. I love the city and can see myself possibly working there. Each of our appointments was eye-opening and inspiring. Seeing people just a few years older than myself was really encouraging; I feel much more confident about soon stepping outside the comfortable and predictable world of school into the job market. I've also returned with more enthusiasim for what I'm doing and a higher level of motivation to continue working and learning about design.

Thank you Haven and Sherin for helping and leading us (through everything), USC and Roski for giving us the opportunity to have this class, and my fellow classmates for being great people to learn and travel with!!

Laura B.

...and the bags too!