My 4th of July was supposed to be spent on the beach during the day and then on a boat at night watching the fireworks off the Cape May shore. However, this Independence Day I spent my time in bed and close to a bathroom. I got "Ecuador Sick" again. It seems like this happens every 3 to 6 months for a couple of days and then everything goes back to normal. I've gone to the doctors numerous times and they've tested me for everything...supposedly. BUT, I still have a weak immune system and a day long date with the porcelain throne every few months - All because I fell into the Amazon river?

I was wondering...has anyone else experienced anything like this before? And if so, what did you do and for how long did it last?

I'm starting this particular journal for several reasons.

1) When I went to Spain I was not only visiting a country I had been wanting to go to but I was also visiting a friend that I absolutely adore. Before the trip she kept telling me all of the places she would take me and all the people I would meet and I would reply, "Christine, please feel no pressure in bringing me around like a tourist. I just want to see where you brush your teeth every morning."

As nice as it was to be taken to all of the beautiful monuments and gorgeous sights, some of the best times I had in Spain was when I was shadowing her daily activities and when we created our own by-accident-adventures.

2) I just graduated from Drew University and I am in a transition period. I am currently in Cape May, NJ for the summer working as an art teacher at a Summer Art Camp. I am moving to Summit, NJ in mid-August for an internship at the Visual Art Center of New Jersey for their annual International Juried Art Show. It ends in May and then I dont know what is next. That means no trips to far off lands in the near future (or at least until May 2008).

3) After importing all of my old journal entries from some of my previous trips...I am ready to continue writing about some of my adventures and mis-aventures in the good 'ole United States of America. ::tongue in cheek::

So welcome to my "Life in Transition" journal...where you'll find out more about where I brush my teeth and how I go about some of my (selective) interesting daily activities. :)

In terms of my financial budget for traveling...
I am doing quite excellent.

I received a $1200 scholarship from Perley Free School.
So I can pay my dad back for the Ecuador deposit and my car insurance.

I also received a $1000 scholarship from Drew.
So I only have to pay another $800 for my Ecuador trip.

Not only that...I already have $2000 saved from summer jobs.
So a spring break trip to Spain is basically a for sure thing.

I'm pretty psyched that things are working out.
For now. :)

::knock on wood::