My Rain Boots

Ok, so I leave in less than two days, so I should be packing, doing homework, yadda, yadda, yadda, but I really think I need to dedicate this exact moment to my rain boots. It's been a wet couple months here in El Dorado Co. and I don't think I'd be too far off in saying that pretty much everyone is ready for some warm sunny weather. While I'd love to be able to wear a skirt and feel some warm sunshine, I must admit, I have been quite happy to endure the rain. As it is, I am kind of a rain lover. There's nothing like falling asleep with a good downpour going on outside. But part of what I like about rain is when it clears and the sun comes out. Everything smells clean and fresh...ahhh, wonderful. Anyway, back to the boots. This year had been a particiaulrly fun year for me and rain because of an amazing purchase I made last fall. I got these awesome poser Burberry black, cream, and red plaid rainboots from payless on clearance for like 5 dollars. Quite possibly the best five dollars I have ever spent. When was the last time you wore galoshes because I swear it has changed my world. There is something inherently liberating about wearing shoes that allow you to trollop anywhere unscathed! Puddles, muddy grass, even shallow streams! And the fact that they are loud as can be only adds to my joy. I feel like a kid again (as if I ever really stopped). Yeah, maybe I get a lot stares, and some sneaking glances, but I also get tons of compliments. Anyway, who the heck cares, I get to jump in puddles! I seek out especially wet and/or rainy circumstances, and I actually get sad when I realized the rainy season will soon be over. Good thing I just got a twirly skirt.

Goodbyes

It's funny, for some reason I feel like because someone other than myself might read this it should be some sort of literary masterpiece. You know, something that is just deeply profound, or incredibly witty and charming. But the thing is, I'm not really a literary genius. I have my moments I guess, but really, I spend more of my time on random thoughts like, "mouths are really weird" or "i LOVE my rainboots" (hmmm, I really might have to blog about them) than I do being philsophical. Anyway, I guess the purpose is not to impress anyone, so I'll try to get over it and be content with putting my thoughts down, disjointed and non-life-changing as they might be.

Today I feel like I truly began my leaving. Of course I've been preparing to go for some time, but today it began to be real. In a few days I will open a new book of blank pages and begin to fill in the next chapter, story, volume of my life. And that means that I have to conclude the story I'm in, which is always the hardest part. Goodbyes. I feel like I've said so many of them in the past few years with all my school and country hopping and of course graduating. I'm not a hater of goodbyes. I don't avoid them, or pretend thay aren't happening. I don't view them as definite and forever, but there is always a hint of sadness associated with leaving when you're leaving something good, no matter how exciting the next thing might be. Because you know when you say goodbye that you'll never be able to recreate that time, even if people or places are revisited. Today I started saying my goodbye's to the people I see everyday. And I was struck by how many I've come to care for in the short time I've been home. I came back last July knowing about as many people as I can count with one hand (that's including my family!), and now I feel like I'm leaving tons of friends behind. And while I'm somewhat sad, the more powerful feeling is awe. I have been overwhelmingly blessed. I have met some amazing people in the past few months; people who have taught me things, made me laugh, challenged my way of thinking, and showed me loving kindness. And I am yet again amazed at the way God works. Thank you to all of you who have touched my life in the past months. You are treasures!

And so it begins. I have joined the world of online journalers. Where we write down our thoughts, dreams, and experiences for the world to see. And somehow this is more confortable to me than putting up a picture and what bands and books I like on the ever-so-popular myspace. I guess it's because I know I'm doing it for me and those who I know really care about me and what's going on in my life rather for a list of 'friends' that I most likely haven't spoken more than a few words to in years. For those of you who don't know me, Hello internet world! You are more than welcome to follow along as I try to look to God and figure out this crazy world we live in...