A Small Guide to be a Winner

Thought this was worth noting:

                    

Last week....final goodbyes

The semester is sadly coming to a halt and this week I am tying-up loose ends and saying my goodbyes.. needless to say, I've done some great things this week.  To sum it up, I've been to the farmers market, the easter market, went to the craziest bookstore I've ever been to, danced my pants off and shopped to get ready for the holidays.

I've met some pretty cool people and I would never take this semester back for a minute.  I'm glad I've been here, in Washington DC.  I will miss you all!

Rhode Island Thanksgiving

Last week I went to Rhode Island.  I decided to go there to see my cousins, their kids and my aunt that I hadn't seen for awhile.. First, Reema (my roommate) and I took the "Chinatown bus" back to her hometown in Long Island, NY.  It was a good 5 hour ride to NYC...

Once we got into NYC, we hopped on a train that went into Long Island

When I got in the area I kept saying, "this looks so normal!" ..I guess sometimes I just assume that all of NY is big buildings and business, 24/7.  Totally normal my friends.. totally normal.  

I met her family, they were soo awesome, and I got to see their Dehli!  It was much bigger than I expected.

After staying a night in Long Island, I went back into NYC and hopped back on another bus, heading toward Providence.  Arriving there I met my two little (second) cousins...

This is Calista.  She's the smartest four year old I've ever met.  She is creative and is constantly soaking in the world around her.

This is Lucas.  He's two, fearless and always ready to play.

On Thanksgiving, Brian's (my cousin Maria's husband) family came over and I got to meet his parents, brother and a few other family members.

This is my Thea (aunt) Nikki.  She's hilarious when she plays games.

On Saturday we went out to get a tree for the family.  I felt like I was intruding on their family time but I really enjoyed being there, especially because my family does it every year.

On Saturday night, I offered to make some cookies.  I've really missed not having a kitchen after being in an apartment all summer.  I was happy to make something...especially dessert. 

Sunday after church we all headed over to my other cousin, Nick's house.  He now has three kids:  Eleni, Nikki and Anthony....this is Nikki: totally wild and rambunctious.

This is the newest addition: Anthony.  He was born a month and half ago...soo cute.

Overall, I'm so happy I went!  It was so good to see family again, not be stuck at Gallaudet for the holiday and have actual, real food  :)