Bittersweet Irony.

Yeah, it's been forever, but I'll skip the "I've just been so busys" and cut to the chase, because I know you know the drill.

Today, summer started. Technically it started after my last final on Monday afternoon, but it's real now that I'm back in my parents' house. After unloading everything I own from my black eyed pea of a car - it's amazing how much stuff I was able to pile in there without messing with my line of sight - I crashed on the couch. I was thoroughly surprised I wasn't still in my dorm room when I woke up thirty minutes later to the sound of my phone receiving an "I miss you" text message from a good friend. I never thought I'd say it, but I can't wait to go back this fall. On the other hand, though, I can't wait to leave again in spring - that's right, it's happening! I'm going through this entire process all over again, and nothing could be more exciting (or terrifying and difficult) than everything I'm about to tackle. Needless to say, I have a ton on my plate.

I find it really ironic how bittersweet coming home has been for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I made a scene of things and took a good portion of this business for granted, but I am so thankful for it all. Without the difficulty and frustration, it would not have been half as exciting or joyous. God, you've got one absurd sense of humor. It's taking some getting used to, but I must say I've learned to love it and you infinitely more for all of this.

As badly as I wish I didn't have to unpack this ridiculous mass of bags and boxes of clothes, books, and whatever other trinkets I acquired over the last year, I am so excited to look back at dog eared pages in notebooks and read between the seams of t-shirts in search of the countless memories currently strewn about my bedroom floor. From the mysterious, unmarked mixed CDs to the pants I ruined sledding down the treacherous hill behind the parking garage but didn't have the heart to throw away just yet, each item has an incredible story with a direct link to the outrageous, life altering year of independence, struggle, laughter, and growth I just experienced. However, most of that had little to do with where I was - it was about who I was with.

I am far too sleep deprived to come up with an adequate explanation of the blessings my friends are and all they have brought to my life. They have shown me an unbelievable amount of love that I highly doubt I'll ever fully understand, but will always have an undying appreciation for. Thank you for your concern, love, encouragement, prayer, and whatever else has been passed my way. I hope you know who you are, and I hope you know I would not be half the person I am, nor would I have pulled any of this madness off without you. Love, love, love.

I've learned to live as though everything is a miracle. Not because it's a good distraction or because it sounds interesting and intellectual, but because it's true. I refuse to let my life become another 'bittersweet symphony.' You have my word.

I don't know what it is about this song, but I feel like it fits. This performance in particular gives me chills.