Boys and Bonfires

Why is it that I always have the most fun right before I have to leave?

Friday I had a goodbye pool party. My friends came over and we just hung out, swam, and made smores until two in the morning. And I realized that almost all of my friends are guys… (There is so much less drama with guys). It was so great to get to see everyone some for the first time all summer. We just got caught up and now I’m leaving again. Boo. I should have had parties all summer and all last summer, but I blew it.

Yesterday, Ryan had is birthday party (Happy Birthday Ryan!). So much fun! It was just Isaac, Ryan, and me for a really long time. They swam in the pond and there was no way I’m going to touch that. So Isaac paddled me

around in the canoe and sang “That’s Amore” getting me ready for Italy. Thanks for that Isaac it was absolutely hilarious and a lot of fun. Thank you for forcing me into the canoe. Then we had a massive bonfire. The flames at one point were more than 25 feet high (Note the picture: Isaac is about 6'1") and we burnt 12-foot cigarettes. It was awesome, insanely hot, but awesome. I would love for my whole summer to be like that, but of course it only happens at the end of it. Not that the rest of my summer won’t be incredible, but I wish that my friends could come along.

I am now officially ready for Italy (almost). My suitcase is packed (for the most part), I’ve been serenaded in a gondola/canoe, and I went to Olive Garden for the last time before it disappoints me. And for some weird reason I’m getting nervous…

P.S. Shout out to Paul for being my first follower. Thanks Paul!

What Will I Be Watching?

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.”

- Gerard Way

I finished my first year of college seven weeks ago and I have already helped launch a product line for which I was on the product development team, gone on a sales call, designed and wrote a brochure, worked a trade show in Chicago (and sold to NASA!), art directed photo shoots, worked on and sent my first e-blast, and so much more. How many 19 year olds can say that?

I’d say it’s been a pretty good summer so far, but I’m not done yet. The remainder of my summer will be spent in Florence, Italy something I have dreamed of doing since I was nine years old. I cannot wait! I’ve already begun to pack, plan out my weekend travel, and fill my iPod with every translator I can find.

It will be an amazing experience, but I will miss home. I’ve only just gotten here and now I have to leave my family again. I will miss my family and my friends. I love living in Lebanon and working at Ghent. I would love to be able to spend the rest of my summer with them, but this is an opportunity that I cannot pass up. How many opportunities will I have to do this?