So the past week and a half has been a whirlwind for me. I went from California, to Jersey, to Virginia, to North Carolina, and finally arrived back to Columbia South Carolina. My last week in California was amazing. It included the last orientation session, a flashlight ceremony, banquet, a goodbye party and then of course Denica and I leaving. Let me say that I cried the five days prior to leaving California, and every day so far being back. It is not that I am not glad to be back, it's just I was not ready to leave. I miss my bosses (Kelly, Alissa and Sara), the other intern (Denica), all of my students, and California itself. My summer internship experience really made an impact on me professionally and personally, and it has a special place in my heart, and I do plan on returning at some point.
Johanna picked me up in the fabulous Newark, New Jersey and I got up bright and early to head to my family reunion in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Why on earth Harrisonburg, Virginia you might ask? Well simply because half of my family lives in Charlotte, NC and half in New Jersey, so Harrisonburg Virginia is halfway in between. I spent three days with all of my mom's side of my family and did everything from just hanging out to kickball and wiffle ball games. Push come to shove it was great to see my family, but it was also a tease just seeing them for three days and then having to say goodbye again. There were more tears, but I mean I think that's just me. Below are the pictures that we have taken every year since Jess and I were around 5, we used to just to age order, but as younger ones grew taller a height picture was added just so they could rub it in.
After spending the night in Charlotte, my cousin Nick and drove me back to Cola. The humidity aside I am excited to be back (today it was 108 degrees with humidity). I have been staying with my friend Sam for the past two nights while my apartment gets ready, and who does not love a sleepover? I am excited for what this year of grad school has to bring, am quickly filling up my agenda and my time with stuff, and have reached the realization that could be my last year of school for a while, if not ever. So, in keeping with my California motto: why not? I am planning on living the year to the fullest! (But, my heart is still in California, oh and the time difference is really messing with my sleep.)
