California

Floating in a marina, I reside within a structure known as a houseboat. My body, left drained from the day’s events, rests peacefully atop a fold-out couch. I am currently at a house of my sisters, in California. The house is parked among many rows of sea ferrying vessels. Some, worthy of year long voyages, while others, if taken out, would undoubtedly be swallowed by the hungry ocean. To my right, I see a large 60’ yacht. The name, midnight owl; appropriately named, in my opinion. Through the yachts tinted windows, I’m able to make out what appears to be several people, all of whom are jiving to some form of Country Funk- think of Shania Twain, Bob Marley, En Vogue, and a pinch of Trance, all blended together. If the hour were not past 12:00, and their senses not tainted by substances that, in some countries are considered legal, the music would be off.

The weather is nice- warmth of day caresses you, while night, encourages the comforts of a sheet and blanket. Hints of fall are becoming more present; generating within me a partial miss for the Northeast. It is difficult to match hiking within a Northeast forest while the trees shed their leaves. The incredible variations of blues, reds, greens, oranges, and purples, are just spectacular. Yes, there is definitely a part of me that shall miss experiencing the New England autumn.

While writing this, the thought of winter has also entered the depths of my mind. But, unlike autumn, the idea of being absent is, exciting.

I abandoned my Central American adventure about a week ago. My sister Gul, was participating in a fundraiser called Jump for the Cause. One hundred sixty one women from 15 countries came together to break the world record of an all women’s way formation skydive (what a long sentence…). The goal, to surpass the former record and generate money and awareness for breast cancer research. The final outcome, a new world record and over $500,000 raised. After 5 tireless days of jumping, one hundred fifty one women came together and managed to beat the previous female formation record of 131.

I am not sure how much longer I shall be here. A sister of mine is moving to LA in a couple days, and I will try to help her settle. At this point, I'll probably stay for 2 more weeks.