Sick of Home, or Home-sick?

I'm realizing more and more now that I actually enjoy being at home.  It's really rather strange, because in high school I couldn't wait to be on my own.  I guess distance really does make the heart grow fonder.  I find myself missing my house, my parents, watching tv with my dad-- all the simple things that used to bore me so when I was a full time resident.  I've become so lame. Or perhaps I've just grown up.  

Golden Haze

What an unexpectedly pleasant afternoon I've had-- bonding over Chinese food with my coworkers, experiencing my first almond blossom Italian soda, reading a short story book in the coffee shop next door, and no commitments for the rest of the evening.  Absolutely delightful!

Mental Transformation

I honestly feel like I'm just now beginning to live.  I'm not positive how this monumental realization came to me, but after four torturous years of struggling, something finally clicked.  My summer began as another all-or-nothing extravaganza, but somewhere along the way the truth revealed itself to me.  Now I am looking forward to entering this school year as a whole new me; not as someone who has undergone a drastic physical transformation, for the physical can only accompany the mental, but as someone who has finally learned to live.    

One More Time With Feeling

It's rather unnerving how a mere feeling can unexpectedly creep in and completely dominate your every thought.  It began with no concrete evidence, no reason.  An unfounded feeling.  A song on repeat, a new book, a classic drink; I painstakingly collect evidence that confirms my original disposition.

Perpetual butterflies.    

Taking the World By Storm.

Tackling challenges head on.  Grabbing the bull by the horns.  Whatever you want to call it, I'm taking advantage of this opportunity presented to me, and it feels amazing.  I'm being assertive--slightly out of character for me.  But thus far it's paying off, and I'm going to continue to test my boundaries.

Drops in the River

Today was such a lovely day! My sister is here until Wednesday because of my mom's graduation, so we spent the day on a family outing.  First we ventured to Great Falls, MD to see the waterfalls (duh) and the views were absolutely breathtaking.  We also packed a picnic lunch and got harassed by a hungry pack of geese.  It was nice to immerse myself in nature for a little while, but I would like to go back in the near future for a more intense hiking experience.  A few trails, for example the Billy Goats Trail, are a treat for experienced rock climbers that I would definitely like to try someday-- once I learn how to rock climb, of course. 


After spending the afternoon walking the trails of Great Falls, we drove into Georgetown for dinner.  Until this evening, Georgetown has been far underrated in my mind.  But today I realized just how beautiful the area really is!  The streets are filled with trendy young people, especially because the university is right around the corner.  There are tons of cute little shops and restaurants that make me swoon-- especially the Urban Outfitters that I dragged my family into today, though all I could afford was a pair of earrings.  We wandered the streets for a little while looking for a place to eat, when all of a sudden we turned onto a side street and saw a charming little cafe called Snap.  The menu consisted of crepes, paninis, bubble tea, and smoothies.  After a delicious meal of crepes and bubble tea eaten in the patio behind the cafe, we walked back to the car and headed on home.  Again, I would love to ride the metro into DC another time this summer to pay another visit!  Maybe try Georgetown Cupcake?  I'm curious to see what the hype is all about.  


Anyway, here are some pictures I took of the Falls!

Ticket to Ride

Reading Jack Kerouac's On the Road truly makes me long for travel... I can't wait for Spain study abroad! 
In other news, my sister and I purchased these knock-off Samoas made by the handy Keebler elves on our last grocery trip.  Too good to be legal.