As I inched into July

I wondered what I did in the first half of the year.

I went to Dubai.

I got a speeding ticket.

I got my first paper accepted at a journal.

I defended my PhD.

I went to Puerto Rico. I traveled San Francisco.

I presented four times at conferences.

I learned 40 words in Spanish.

I found a job.

I met Baby Kalyani’s younger sister.

I met an inspiring traveler and book author whose work I have followed for a while.

I started graying my hair more than I have done before and learned to accept it.

I reviewed a book for a friend who will publish it soon.

I got my photography published at places.

I made a very good friend who at 6-2 is also now my tallest female friend.

I made another good friend I am yet to meet in person, who bakes the most creative cakes, re-establishing my faith that online friendships are not a myth.

Most importantly, I strove to follow the sun within me. Every day.

sunshine