So Long Sweet Summer

As September arrives, I can't help but feel a bittersweet notion inside myself. This past summer was fun without a doubt, yet different in its own way. In the beginning of July, I set out a list of things I wanted to do in the course of the two months. But, unfortunately I wasn't capable of crossing off everything I had written. Yet, surprisingly that doesn't bother me one bit. I think this past summer was a learning experience about life, "the real world", true friends and myself. Life will be a constant roadtrip; bumpy roads, hills, hazards and exits. Yet, somehow through it all there's coasting and cruising.. just relaxing enjoying the ride. Because you'll never actually know when a road block will hit your way and you might have to detour. I learned that the real world is like an adult realm filled with people striving to make a living. It's sort of sad to see, but money makes the world go round. I've always heard the saying "work like you don't need the money" but sometimes it's hard when gas prices are skyrocketing and tuition is due and the list of wants always outweighs the needs. But to my surprise, work actually kept me sane. It gave me something to do and kept my mind off things. Now, maybe to one of the more important things I've learned over the course of the summer was about friendship. I've realized you associate yourself with people you want to be with, making effort and putting time into it. Effort's a big part because nothing will happen if you don't make the phone call or write on someone's facebook wall or make the time. Sadly, it's easy to drift a part but hard to stay in touch. Looking back to June, saying goodbye to classmates and friends, people would often say 'keep in touch' or 'we should hangout' but sadly those are all just words. You have to make it happen showing that actions speak louder than words. I guess this summer was a glimpse of what the rest of the year will be like on a social aspect. But moving on to self discovery. I think at the end of the day and what everything comes down to is yourself. It's about creating an image, finding out who you are, stepping out of your comfort zone and looking back at what you've done. Because in the end, no one will be a witness to your life except yourself. No one can describe your perspective or perception other than yourself. No one can look through your eyes and see what you see. It's about your decisions, your choices and how you live your life.

But back to the actual summer part of the summertime... some highlights consisted of:

• shopping adventures
• Canada Day
  
• "because you can't eat flowers"
• fireworks on both Wednesdays
• Frisbee in the park
• Ice cream outings
• Grouse Grind
  
• Portland -- 3 hours in two stores
  
• Cousins' Rockband jam sessions
• late night talks
• my new purple room

All in all.. it was fun! It didn't exactly turned out as planned, but I think it all worked out in the end. So here's to you Summer '08.. definitely some goodtimes!



That was just a glimpse of my summer.. I'll definitely more pics up later!