I don't believe I am jet-lagged. It's more that I am a bit overwhelmed. I have spent a little over three months away from California. A lot has happened.

My stay in Israel was quite an experience. Discovering a new country, a different culture, a new type of work environment also; all that was very exciting. Then I traveled some more. I am only now fully realizing I was indeed in Jordan for a few days; the trip was that intense.

Emotionally speaking, the last two weeks have been draining; it was all about leaving or being reunited with people and places. The few days I spent in Paris made me feel more than ever how much I belong there, in these streets and among my friends. And then of course there's the family drama I vaguely mentioned here or there. I will not expose the details here for the world to read, but there were tears, and pain, and humiliation, and anger, and this terrible feeling of waste and destruction.

Things here are pretty much the same, although there are a few slight differences that constantly remind me that I was not here. E has a baby seat in his new car. The new building is finished. There is a new traffic light. K wears her engagement ring. And our new roommate is well settled in.

In a way, however, the best thing about being back is that I am taking a break from the unknown. I'm slipping into my old habits with delight; being tired from the trip doesn't matter much, because I can just get by automatically. I'm doing things before realizing I meant to do them. And I don't have to worry about people not understanding me anymore, which is really relaxing.

So yep, I am back. And you might have heard that I am scheduled to graduate in about a year (the final date will be decided of around Christmas). This prospect might be just what I need to move my butt and do some kick-ass research in the coming months!