Wrapping Up and Heading Home!

I am so, so, so happy to be done with school! I was on the phone with my childhood best friend the other day, and we were both griping about the difficulties of junior year (both in high school and college). Finals week was much less brutal than it could have been, but it's so nice to have a few months "off". 

Celebratory post finals salad!

I spent Wednesday catching up with a friend who was in town, and saying goodbye to the kiddos I sit for most often during the school year. It's always hard saying goodbye, especially when the toddlers start to cry :'( (I promise I'll be back, buddy!) Wednesday night we spent some time at the local bars to celebrate a friends 21st. The goal was to hit up as many places as we could. Gotta capitalize on the free drinks whenever possible! There are some interesting folks out on Wednesday nights. It was entertaining, to say the least! 

Thursday morning we went out to breakfast at Walnut Cafe, one of our favorite eats downtown. The staff are so friendly and the food is delicious! Afterwards, I ran home and packed like a maniac. Thank the Lord for my wonderful housemates who helped me get everything together. For a quick packing break, we headed to the greenhouses on top of one of our science buildings for Em's math graduation reception. She won the Chancellor's Award for her phenomenal thesis and it was so sweet to hear all the wonderful words her advisors, professors and TAs had to say about her. We were all beaming with pride. 

Em getting a congratulatory hug from her thesis advisor

After the ceremony we made a mad dash back to the apartment where we haphazardly threw my things into the car and I took off after a few more tearful goodbyes. Because it was commute time, I decided to take Highway 1. It was a terrific decision because... I SAW A WHALE!!!! I've seen a few before, but I was amazed at how close it was. At first I thought it was a boat or something and then its huge tail burst out of the water. It was absolutely incredible. I wish I had a photo! 

California Coast

Today, I went to orientation at the place where I'm interning this summer. We are planning a huge event for the high school seniors in the program who will be heading off to college in the Fall. It was great to see some old friends, make some new ones and listen to everyone's wonderful ideas for the event. Our advisor reminded me of this quote which I had never heard before. I've heard similar things, but for some reason it really struck me. He said, "To get something you've never had before, you have to try things you've never done before." So simple, but so powerful. I left the office feeling very inspired and excited about all the amazing things this summer has in store. 

Tomorrow I leave for Nashville! I will try to keep writing while I'm there, but our schedule is pretty packed so we'll see how that goes ;)