I don't have to leave anymore -
what I have is right here;
spend my nights and days before
searching the world for what's right here.

- The xx, Islands

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It's been a while since life has felt like this.  

My life is back to normalcy, and I'm back in the groove of everyday routine.  However, life now feels tangible, as if threatening to slip from my grasp.  During these times, I'm thankful when life is predictable, but I go back to wondering, "What if that were me?"

But all in all, things are well - at least for me.  That's the bittersweet part of losing a colleague that was more acquaintance than friend.  However, there are many people still torn apart by heartbreak and mourning, and I feel for them and all my thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Thanks to all for your love, concern, and care for me!  I'll try my best to pass it on to everyone around me, and to the people that need it most right now!

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In contrast to recent events, life has truly been completely lovely!

It's very refreshing compared to the previous dichotomy in my posts - life would be great, but only the struggles in my life would be my muses!  But today, my skin is bronzed by the kiss of sunshine when sand sifted in my toes.  This Saturday, I get to witness the music that unknowingly led to the climax of the Old Life.  I've even got my own personal set of pipettes in the lab, and I am loving it!

Moreover, among my little adventures in San Diego, I went on an epic Honey Quest about a week ago.  I am extremely not picky when it comes to food, but honey is perhaps the only thing that I have grown to be particular about.  Since the start of college, I have been to quite a few honey tastings, and it is now among the very few where I can appreciate the tang of dandelion honey versus the deep, rich tastes of buckwheat honey.  I'll have a random processed hot dog any day, but when it comes to honey, I'd be willing to go through hell and high water for great honey.  (I wish I had this insight when the state fair had its honey exhibit!  Current Christa would've had a field day.  At least I had the good sense of keeping the free honey recipe book that they gave me!)

So when I ran out of my wildflower honey, I found myself on a journey for an amazing honey!  I went to all of the local grocery stores and was unthrilled by any of the honey selections - I felt like such a snob, but I declared, "I need better honey!!"  It wasn't long before I moved the search forward, researched all the farmer's markets in the area, and a hefty drive later, found myself with a huge bottle of avocado blossom honey!  :)  

I've been using it for everything, and now my tea, ice cream, fruits, and life in general have all been awesome ever since!!!!!!

!!!!!!

So now everyone knows what I would love for every holiday/occasion that entails gifts.  I want to try all the honeys!

More happy posts to come about my various adventures in San Diego!