a challenge of my own

I truly wish that I had something worthwhile to write about. I mean-- things are good, don't get me wrong, but there's nothing really going on to speak of. Summer is summer. I work two low-key part-time jobs on campus, I see quite a few of my friends for lunch and dinner and movies and such, and I spend most weekends with my family. It's been a nice balance.

Julie is an intern in DC. Jenn is an intern in NYC. Erika is with her family in California. Nicole is studying in Oxford. Samuel is somewhere between here and Alaska on his bike. Katy is in London/Spain/Europe. Jerod is taking classes in DC. Goza is in the Woodlands. Chris is in London. Ashley is in China. Bart just recently returned from the Caucasus. And I am here. Me and my nice balance. Writing emails, sending cards, and chatting on aim with them is fun, but I miss them. I like it better when they are here and there is no balance.

In thinking about it, though, I see that each of these friends is in a place that challenges them and forces them to try something new and step out of their comfort zones. But I think in a way, staying here challenges me. There is no pressure, there isn't much of a schedule, there isn't much to do. And my closest friends are gone (thank you for coming home, Bart). That is definitely a challenge. And paying the cell phone bill with them far away has been a challenge too ;-)

I miss them a lot, but they will be home soon enough. And the chaos of life and college and organizations and clubs and friends and parties and homework and my senior thesis will ensue. But I miss them a lot.

I don't have much to write about, but I would love to tell you some of their stories when they return. And to those of you who are still around-- you've been invaluable to me-- and never think otherwise. It's been a good summer. It's been a nice balance...

...but I could use a little chaos :)