The halfway point of summer.
Around this time of year, I always think about what I previously had planned for this time of year and put it against what has actually happened.
In March/April, I designated this time of year to visiting my friends in New York, D.C., and Boone. The New York trip is at least $200, going to D.C. for a few days is no more than $150, and the only problem with Boone is the 5 hour drive on a super busy interstate. Fun fact: the last time (and my first time) I went to Boone, the person that I hitched a ride with got a reckless driving ticket in Lawrenceville, Virginia (hilarious) and I saw my first overturned car on the freeway. Landmarks in my mental fortitude.
Those were all things that I had PLANNED for this time of year. Life has a funny way of putting detours and road work signs in places where you would least hope they would be. As much as it sucks, it teaches you how to roll with the punches and learn how to run straight through those detour and road work signs. In real life you should never actually run through a road work or detour sign though.
Even though my big summer plans are still on hold, these last few months have been great. I got my first article published by my internship about a week and a half ago. I received the email about it while leaving the skate park and I had to jump for joy. I've been enjoying the river as much as possible with the hot summer air looming all over the place. The thing is that it really isn't that hot outside, it's just so damn humid outside! Virginia weather is something else...
I also started my new job at Mellow Mushroom which I fucking love. The hours are long, but it's nothing new. My managers are awesome and my coworkers are just as great. The pizza is even better. At first I was afraid that I'd get tired of eating the restaurant's food over and over again, but it's been about a month and I have yet to get tired of their cuisine.
So, even though my summer didn't go as planned it has turned out to be an awesome one! I've tried to stop focusing on what is not there and looking at what's staring right at me. At times it is tough to not get caught up in the normal mental rhetoric of always questioning yourself "Why don't I have xyz?", I still even have issues with it. I believe we all expect great things for ourselves, which is normal and should be expected. But, when what you're expecting doesn't happen don't freak out! Examine what is in front of you, see what can be changed/fixed, and make the best out of your situation. I promise it will lead to not only great summertime fun but an exuberant everyday life as well. Cheers!
