So, we're back from New Zealand. I actually cried as we took off from LAX; not bawling, tantrum crying but a few quiet tears. New Zealand offered a kind of simplicity that I liked (particularly in Mangawhai and the smaller towns), but perhaps I'm more afraid that I will become complacent and not travel outside of what I know again. I'm also a little nervous about starting school and finding employment that meshes with my schedule, but I suppose I just have to take everything as it comes.

Otherwise, things are going well. Dre is amazing, and I feel so lucky and happy everyday to be with him. We had Christmas with both of our families in the Springs, and a good friend of mine from preschool visited today with her mom. We met almost 17 years ago, but since her father was in the military she moved frequently. Nevertheless, we kept in touch (did you ever have a penpal?), and it was so good to see them again.

In a totally unrelated subject that I've deemed blogworthy, I've been thinking a lot about how opinions are formed. In high school history class, I always envied the kids who seemed to know how to argue for or against some president or idea or policy. I just never seemed to know where to start, particularly with policy issues (take privatizing social security, for example. I can't make up my mind on this one.)

Now, almost five years later, I feel more informed and more aware of things going on, but I still feel like there's so much I don't know. I feel like I can read and read about a certain viewpoint, but then I come across another source and my developing opinion is turned on its head. Maybe the real question I'm asking is how you're supposed to find an unbiased news source. I love to read the NY Times, just for the variety of articles it offers, but some would say it's hugely "liberal". Maybe this is a dumb question, but what makes it "liberal"? Furthermore, where does one find a balanced news source?

Anyway, maybe I'm just spinning my wheels, but it's just a random thought.