Chapter One-Hundred-and-Ten: This Was The Summer

Aaah, Summer. Golden sunshine that warms the shoulders, cool waters that tickle the toes, green grass that bends beneath our flip-flops, and a deep sense of freedom that drives the soul.
Summer vacation isn't a treasure for many except for the young and those whose job account for it. That being said, since I'm still young and have a summer break from school, my feelings regarding the season may be different. Summer almost makes me feel like I'm basking in my childhood...where it feels like those hot, fun days never end and I always go to bed with a smile. My parents made growing up a lot of fun, especially in the summertime when we would take our traditional vacation to the Gulf of Mexico. Summer has always been fun to me, so maybe that's why Summer is my favorite season and holds the best times and memories.

2009 Beach Trip

These last few summers have been a little busy for me. Straight after high school graduation, I took a vigorous summer class that introduced me to college pace and thought-process all at once. I spent most of my days and nights studying and reading to keep up. The summer after my first year of college I took another class, this time a physics course which required me to perform labs at home. This class was a little easier (maybe because I was starting to understand how college worked), but I did this class alongside a brand new job - my first job - which led to a lot of late nights and stressful planning. This past summer I took another summer class alongside work again, but this summer was different. This summer was different because this was the summer I chose me. 

To be honest, I think this started in my sophomore year of college. I was getting used to the whole independent (kind of) thing, and making decisions regarding my free time. I moved back to school a week early to volunteer, I went to my first rave, I went to my first college party, I staffed an amazing retreat (twice!!), I went on a 2-hour road trip to Palo Duro Canyon, and I went to a concert the weekend before a big test. All of these decisions came with their own lessons, but they also gave me joy. It gave me a better sense of what I like to do, which gave me a better sense of who I was and want to be.

So, this was the summer that I chose me. 

I decided to visit Kimberly with my other best friend in Houston almost immediately after I got home from school. This was tough because of the timing of events and the unpredictable Texas weather. Regardless, I drove on a road unfamiliar, drove in Houston craziness, and had a wonderful time with my two best friends. 

I decided to get my first tattoo!! (I still can't believe it). I got my first tattoo with my two best friends, about my two best friends, and I wouldn't trade the memory (or the tattoo) for anything. 

I decided to adopt two precious guinea pigs. I decided to get them a whole new cage set up from my previous pigs, and to later take them to Lubbock with me. 

I decided to spend more time with Luke, because he is worth it. In the summertime we live an hour away from each other, and last summer was kind of a blow because of that. We both worked with our busy schedules to see each other more often and make the moments count. 

I decided to keep my promise and visit Mary and Nikki in Lufkin, Texas. I drove alone for three hours to a place I didn't knew existed three years ago. It was fun to see their little town, their beautiful house, and spend time with people I really love!

I decided to go on a little vacation with Luke and some friends in a completely different state, experience camping, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, and how to go with the flow. It involved a lot of driving in the windy Arkansas roads, a lot of impromptu decisions, and a lot of smiles and jokes. 

I also decided, earlier in the summer, to not go on a vacation with my mom and dad. They planned a road trip all around the United States, visiting sites like Mount Rushmore, Ol' Faithful, and many more. They extended the trip to me, but I said no. 

I said no because God knows how long it's been since Mom and Dad have had a vacation to themselves. I also said no because, while I'll always love spending time with my parents, there are times when we need to wean ourselves off of each other a little bit. Yes, I'm still dependent on them. Yes, they mean the world to me and more. And because they mean so much to me, that's why I have to grow up. Parents don't raise kids to become bigger kids...they raise kids to become successful, independent adults. While I'm definitely not there yet, I know I'm getting there. I'm so thankful for their love and their teachings and their support, which is why I hope they also relish in my happiness. 

I say this was the summer I chose myself. But my ability to choose myself is because my parents chose me too. They chose me 20 years ago, they chose me when they worked their buns off at their jobs, they chose me when they let me go to college 340 miles away, and they chose me when they tirelessly guide me in life's lessons. I've learned so much this summer from making all of these decisions, but the biggest lesson I learned (and continue to learn everyday) is that my parents are irreplaceable, amazing assets to my life journey and story. 

Thank you for all that you've done. And thank you for all that you will do. I can't write enough or express enough how much you mean to me. Thank you. 

  

As always, thank you for reading!