All Grown Up

1,300 miles later, here I am sitting in my new house, at my new barbie pink desk, facing new neighbors but in a town so familiar that the 9 month absence almost seems like it never occurred. It's amazing that everything in my life can change yet Boulder remains and feels the same.

It's been just days of this new life. No more kids, no more traveling, no more songs around the campfire and no more moments with the people I miss so much. But this life- the life of a college senior- is already becoming the norm. Now I can cook for myself, can legally have a glass of wine or legally get into the bars on Pearl, can walk into my backyard and be greeted by my closest girlfriends, we can have candles in our rooms and not be worried around breaking a sorority house rule, and most importantly we can all come back after being separated for so long and act as if no time has passed. We are finally adults.

Camp ended on the best note- we celebrated a birthday with a limo ride, brewery visit, corn hole games and gambling (Randon and I won $60!) and returned to camp for one last night in a bunkbed and sleeping bag. Early Sunday morning, Randon drove me down to Sacramento to meet dad. With a farewell hug and kiss, I said goodbye to someone who has changed my life in the best possible way and got in the turtle to begin the 16 hour trip east. Crosby and Nash guided us over the mountains, into Reno for a few games of blackjack where my beginners luck was still sparking. Kings of Leon and Black Eyed Peas (yes my dad actually put up with my taste of music) led us through the Great Salt Lake and finally we stopped for the night in Wyoming. Bright and early we dashed out and before we knew it the Rockies were in view. We spent the day building furniture, buying home essentials and soaking in the Boulder sunshine. For my 3rd cinematic visit of the 2009 year, Dad and I went and saw '500 Days of Summer' and sadly the following morning I dropped him off at DIA. It was one of the best times I've ever had with my dad- it must go along with this whole adult stage of my life. We talked about everything- whether it was school, Theta, camp or boys and to no surprise he gave me the best and most relevant advice. Because of him, I'm ready to take on what comes next and I truly believe the universe will unfold just as it should.

This year has been unreal- every experience whether it was SAS, camp and now being back in Boulder, has taught me more about myself and given me more happiness than I ever thought imaginable. The future promises nothing less- I'm sure of it.

Another Step Forward

It's hard to believe that in a matter of two short weeks, my life will change yet again. I will be surrounded by new people and living in a new place- actually people and a place that I call home, Boulder, but haven't been there since December. In just a 1,000 mile roadtrip with my awesome dad, I will pull into our new bachelorette pad on Pleasant and start my final year as a college kid. The perfect word to describe it all is bittersweet.

Life at camp was so easy to adjust to. Living outdoors, playing in the water, trying new activities and being submerged in the simple life- something I got used to and called my own quickly. It's a comforting feeling knowing I took a risk- I applied and came to camp not knowing a soul or what exactly I would be doing. Immediately it just felt right. It has been like every star aligned and I am exactly where I should be. And so as I get ready to leave this soothing, relaxing environment and enter the 'real world' I have to remind myself that it's yet another amazing opportunity coming my way.

I'm taking everything I learned whether it was from a 7 year old, 15 year old, from the late nights of stargazing, from the adventures sailing around the lake, the courage to get on stage and sing/dance, the willingness to try absolutely anything- from every counselor and friend who has shown me a brighter side to life and to a special boy who against all odds has shown me that good things are out and to enjoy each and every moment with a smile on your face and some faith in your heart.

It's another big leap but I'm ready.