Kalamazoo

Since my last update I moved not only myself to school, but also Mike back to Benzonia for another year of teaching. I also got to attend Shruti's fabulous White Coat Ceremony, and see my brother in his very first apartment on his own. I spent a marvelous day shopping with the Mom without a care in the world, and a few more precious nights asleep in my own bed, before my life transitioned back to school again.

I've moved into my newest apartment in Kalamazoo, the very city where I began my college journey six years ago. I'm living in the same complex that Mike and I lived in together before I went away to Ferris, only this time in a studio instead of a two-bedroom. It feels strange to be back here again, but I'm glad for it too. I missed this city a lot, and I know that soon I will be enjoying it once again. I love my new apartment--it's very cozy and very me. I think I will enjoy this year much more because of it, and because of the ideal location of it. I'm mostly unpacked now, and school won't start until September 2nd, so I've got some time to wind my brain up.

As always, I didn't want t leave home. It's so difficult to hug Mom and Dad goodbye, knowing it will be several weeks, maybe even a couple months, before I'll see them again. I so enjoyed being at home this summer, which made it all the more difficult to leave. I'm happy I got to spend one great day of shopping with Mom before the summer officially ended. I blinked back tears as I drove away, and waved until the house was out of sight.

*sigh* Another year at school.

I'm somewhat anxious for class to begin. This year will be different than the previous two--this year, the training wheels will start to come off. I'm nervous to be in a new campus, to meet new professors, and to begin a new internship. I'm worried that I haven't progressed as far as I should have in the two years I've been gone. I'm worried I won't live up to my own high expectations.

I'm going up north tomorrow with Mike to visit his parents' cabin for Labor Day weekend. I'm very excited! I'm also happy I won't be stuck here alone for a long holiday weekend, with lots of time to worry over school and even more time to miss my family and feel sad. By the time I get back class will start, and the chaos associated with it will take over.

Mostly, I'm sad. I miss my parents and my dog. I miss home.