A few days ago I got offered a full time position at my internship at Fletcher Thompson, Inc. for the rest of the summer! Apparently, they just landed a big project that'll keep me busy with work right up until I leave for Rome in the fall. My responsibilities there have increased over the past few weeks as well, as I start to get a feel for what is expected. For the past few days, I've been working on developing site plans for two high schools that are proposing renovations by using composite aerial images and maps, including building footprints, topography contours, groundcover and treelines, street maps, etc. I also am acting as a 'liason' -so it's been called- between the firm and a consultant company for the design of a playground for an elementary school, working to compile and develop a set of drawings and images to submit to the state for approval. It's all very exciting, and I'm learning a lot. Most of my work is on AutoCAD, and I've already gotten a lot faster at it.

On top of this, I've been working at my summer job on weekends and I'm about to start going there a few nights during the week too, so my schedule's been pretty full. But I did manage to sneak away a couple weeks ago for a short weekend retreat. I arranged for some friends from Northeastern and a couple friends from home to take a camping trip at Hammonassett State Park in CT, which was a really great time. It was great to relax with everybody and enjoy the beach and sun for a couple days.

I'm also hoping to go to the Guggenheim within the next month or so to see the exhibit on Frank Lloyd Wright's life works. I looked into it the other day and it seems like an opportunity that I definitely don't want to miss out on considering how close I am to NYC. Because my work schedule doesn't allow for any extended vacation, I'm hoping these little trips will help my keep my sanity this summer.

Time's going by so fast its hard to believe the summer's halfway over. I just mailed my application for my visa for the fall. This semester in Rome has always seemed so far away; it's really hard to believe it only weeks away now. There's still a lot of paperwork and planning to do in the meantime, but it's gonna be time to leave so soon!

(Hammonassett Beach)

As always, feel free to ask any questions