when it rains.

Let me just say, rainy days are one of my favorites. In my dorm, my desk is faced towards the window for this very reason... to watch the rain fall. And, since I live in Florida, it rains quite often. I'm a fan when I'm safely inside -- wrapped in a blanket,sipping coffee, and listening to good music. I actually have a playlist on my ipod called "rainy days". Mm... so good.

I am a snuggler -- not by default, but by choice. Yep, I sure am. You may read that and think it to be childish, but I can almost guarantee you that deep down, you are one too. Don't be ashamed, own it. I'm all about snuggling on a rainy day. (and any other day, too ;) This is what I miss about home. I miss being able to get a hug whenever I need/want/demand one. Oh, mom and dad. To be home would be so nice right now. I'll be closer to home this weekend because I'll be with my family. Thank goodness Jason and Meghan are living in Tampa now. A group of us are going over to the John Mayer concert Saturday so I'm staying with them all weekend. I'm SO excited! I've been needing a breath of fresh air.

Classes are going well. Lots of reading. I mean, more than I've had in my entire college career. On the positive side, they're all books I'm pretty interested in reading -- this makes it that much easier. I'm really enjoying my classes this semester and looking forward to learning more about myself and those around me. There's a lot of teamwork this semester so that will be fun. I love getting to know people... I think it's going to be a good semester.

And also, it's almost September. Which means we're that much closer to December.
Christmas.

back in action.

Well, I'm back one last time for my senior year. I can hardly believe it. This past Thursday my mom and I left at 6 AM to head down to Florida. I was incredibly sad that my dad was unable to make the journey, but we still had our chats along the way. I miss you, Papi!!!


Our first stop was my grandparents house in Vero Beach -- it was so good to see them. My grandfather never ceases to amaze me and my grannie is just as beautiful as she was years ago. Here they are:


Yes, they are cute as buttons. It's true :)

Friday morning we headed to Palm Bay and had lunch with my brother... He's doing so well and I'm very proud of/for him. I miss him so much. Every time I see him I realize how much I wish he was still right down the hall from me. He's one of my favorites.

Next stop: Tampa. Jason and Meghan (the newlyweds) are living in Tampa now -- which I am ecstatic about! They are fully aware that many a weekend will be spent at their casa. We were able to spend the weekend with them. Jason, being an amazing brother, and Meghan, being the willing sister in law, both came and helped me move in Saturday. Which, by the way, felt surreal. For some reason, this year feels completely different than any other move in. I'm pretty sure it's a.) because I'm living in the old boys dorm and b.) because I'm a senior. It's just different... I'm not sure if it's a good different, bad different, or just different.

I miss home -- more than I have in all the years I've been away. This summer, Georgia has become my home. I have friends there and my parents -- well, they're the best. I'm almost positive that they will never fully understand how much they truly mean to me. I think this feeling of anxiety is knowing that after this year things will never be the same. Ever. I don't like the sound of that... But life goes on, I grow up.

Well, tomorrow is the first day of classes. Here it goes...

And just for you, Papi: Jesus, take the wheel.
:)

Love and miss you.

there was a wedding.

At the beginning of this summer my dad performed a wedding ceremony (for an Italian family I might add) and this was read at the end of it... I'm going to use it because it is so beautiful:

Nothing is more practical than finding God,
that is, than falling in love
in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you will do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read,
who you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love,
stay in love,
and it will decide everything.

-Pedro Arrupe, SJ