My Secret Diary

When I was little, my mom would threaten me by telling me that she would throw my diary into the collection box at the library if I misbehaved. Oh boy, did that work! I was on my best behavior for twenty straight years.

Now, as I read my diary from my 10-year old self, I can't help but burst out laughing at the major life dilemmas I faced as 3rd grader: Kathy didn't share her scissors with me during art class. I'm not talking to her anymore! Tomek is cute, but he won't ever walk with me, even though we walk home the same way. My mom is making me clean my room again. Life is so unfair!

I still write a lot to this day. I keep a journal (not a diary! those are for kids). I have lots of random notebooks of reflections, feelings and ideas. Actually, it's so nice to see how much my grammar and sentence structure has improved thorughout the years. Phew!

I wonder if ten year from now, when I read what I write now, I will be laughing at myself too?

I guess that is just part of growing up.

Grade school: Olena & Kathy (and Kathy's little sister).

My sleeping arrangements at age 10.

Full Speed Ahead in Germany

Boarding the bus, an older lady asks me to switch seats with her so she can sit next to her friend. Pffft, give up my boring isle seat for a front row of the double-decker bus. I suppose i'm okay with that...


I absolutely friggin' love sitting in the front seat on the top of a double decker bus! Its the best view you can get while travelling. Jammin out to the songs on my ipod, I watch the rolling fields, hilltop villages, solar fields, grazing cows, motorcyclists speeding, all on this never ending winding road.


When I got to Nürnberg, Tina, a friend I met in South America, and her boyfriend, Cristian, greeted me at the bus station. After we arrived at thier house and I drank my first German beer with limonada.

Dear Amigos, Thank You For Your Support

On the road

(Im)Patiently waiting for my train, I realized I would never have survived this far if it wasn't for my freinds and family. So many of the things I carry with me are from you all.

Daniel, my life is in your backpack. And your watch has kept me on time everywhere I go. (But it beep-beep-beeps way too softly so I never wake up to the alarm).

Zach, thanks for those sunglasses that I stole from you. I wear them everyday and my eyeballs are in tip top condition!

Basia, I rock your G-unit jacket with pride!