Over mountains, plains and the ocean

I just got back from Indiana a little while ago. Well, I actually left Indiana several hours ago; layovers in Chicago and Los Angeles have really tired me out and added lots of time to my trip (11 hours total… yikes. It only took me 7 on Friday night when I left).

I had a really good time. I hung out with Autumn, Renee and Tami (who I’ve all known since high school), Chuck, Tony, Jamie and Elizabeth. Also the folks who came to my sister’s baby shower. I had a lot of time there, but the best part was probably the decorating that my mom and I did the day before. I spent a lot of time with my mom and I’m really happy about that. It was a lot of fun even though she called in "sick" to the kennel because of me! We went out to lunch with my sister though so hopefully it was worth it.

I’m trying to talk my mom into getting a one way ticket to San Jose for the end of August, so she can attend my Americorps graduation and then drive back to Indiana with me. I’m trying to get Renee to do this too, and Autumn, but I’m not sure they’ll have the funds. Hopefully if mom (or they) get their tickets early they will be fairly cheap!

I’m seeing Paul this weekend.. I’m leaving after work on Saturday and driving the 2.5 (or so) hours to a hotel where we reserved a fancy-schmancy (sp?) room. It should be a lot of fun just hanging out with him. I haven’t seen him since February I think, and I do miss someone playing the role he does in my life (as someone I’m incredibly close to and great friends with, I mean…it’s complicated, but we both gain a lot from hanging out with one another and knowing him has been so good for me). Being with him for a few days will be good before we start our lives in separate and mysterious places.

I wish my time in Indiana had been longer. It felt pretty hectic and kindof rushed, but I think I would have been much more sad right now if I’d spent a lot of time there. Renee was right–if I had stayed longer I would have experienced how boring Auburn is. Too true. I should know this after living there, but it’s always romanticized in my head whenever I go back. One of my favorite parts of hanging out with my friends was walking around Auburn late at night. This reminded me a lot of the old days, and Auburn is more charming when there aren’t rednecks and hoodlums running around everywhere, and when it’s pretty desolated.

My sister is so pregnant. Hopefully mom will post/mail me pictures of the baby shower soon. All in all I think my sister’s pretty brave, and I do admire the strong sense of self she seems to have. Sometimes I still think of her as a little kid, and it’s so surreal to think she’ll be a mom soon.

My head is swimming. There is so much I want to write about but don’t want to overwhelm myself trying to get it all down. I’m kindof sad being back though (as usual), so I’m desparately trying to be in contact with someone to keep my mind off of it. You know how that goes? I feel like I’m scrounging around for a suitable distraction. I hate the desparation that comes with homesickness, or whatever you might all it. Noone is around for me to message though, bah. You think I’d be used to this by now?

Okay, I’m going to end this one for now so I can try to clear my head.