Tonight I write from the living room of my (temporary) apartment in Queens. It’s well after midnight and the room is silent, save for the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The only things I have to keep me company tonight are my laptop and my trusted companion Murray (the sweet rattle snake mug on the right). I’ve spent the evening talking with my parents, filling them in on my week, and rehashing the same conversations about my travel plans - all in all a usual Sunday.