Dear California Drivers

While living in Boston, a city know for its notorious drivers I faced one automobile-related brush with death. Was I jay-walking? Most likely.

Now all you California drivers out there. You brag about your logical city blocks, and your six lane freeways, and your good drivers. I have heard you scoff at Bostonian drivers. If I may be so bold, I would like to contradict you. Since living in California, I have been hit by a car once. Was I crossing legally? Of course! Only lunatics jay-walk in this place. (Luckily I was on my bike and sustained no injuries.)

As for brushes with death, I have had many. Tonight, for example, I was crossing on a green light, I was wearing light colors, and I looked both ways. And yet the person turning left felt no need to slow down and missed me by inches. If he/she could not have seen me, he/she should not be driving. If I had a dollar for every time this happened, I could buy more people Christmas presents this year.

Now I realize that wherever you are going is far more urgent than where I am going. But it is really in your best interests to wait for me to briskly cross the street before turning left. I promise you I will walk fast enough that you won't get stuck at the light. If nothing else, think of the cramp an accident would put in your schedule.

Warm Regards,

M

World Peace through Postcards

Lately, I have been working on a number of projects. I've been creating homemade gifts for family members, reading the Bible, attempting to sew a skirt, etc. When my sister asked me how I have time to do these things I replied that it is what I do while I am waiting for the phone to ring. These days that is much less pathetic than it sounds.

I have also found a hobby in The Postcrossing Project, a website devoted to sending snail mail postcards to strangers around the globe. I love it! The site generates addresses for me to send postcards to, the recipients register their card, and then a different person sends me a card. I've received cards from China, Canada, the Netherlands and more.

I picked up this replica of a vintage card while in Sacramento. I chose to send it to someone majoring in history in hopes that she will appreciate it.

I have had this beauty since my mission, but decided to send it on to Oregon. The recipient loved it! Who wouldn't really?


Just when I hit my peak of autumn withdrawals, I received this card from Quebec! It is wonderful to get something besides bills and Trader Joe's ads in the mail.

Some might think this is a waste of time. Admittedly, I have found a geeky pastime. But think of it this way - I am spreading the love of culture and positive international relations around the world one postcard at a time.