OMG VACAY!!!

I have just completed my first day back from vacation. It wasn't too bad, but it wasn't friends, adventures, sun, parties, majestic views, or self-fulfilment either.

I can't believe that a place as beautiful as the Columbia River Gorge is only three hours away from Olympia! A year of exploring Europe has sparked me to explore what is not so far away, and man have I found some cool things.

At the end of my freshman year of college I was figuring things out, and unfortunately I figured that I hadn't made very many meaningful relationships in college (aside from Designer Jeans of course). So I drove to Idaho to see my best friend of all time as a chorus member in Oaklahoma. The 5 hour drive home took me through the Gorge. I remember that driving away from Man Dawg (best friend since third grade) and toward UP made me feel so desolate. The lush green hills and biblical river inspired poetry of the lonely and lost. I called Designer Jeans and said, "Hey man, you are my only friend at UP. I hope that is ok with you." He said, of course Cate! You know I love you. And I left for home the minute I finished my last final.

Well this visit to the Gorge was different. I was with wonderful friends and even met some new ones. Man how I love these girls. I can be myself around them without even trying. We are like sisters, except that we like each other more than some people like their sisters. Home and happiness are entirely defined by people. I am so greatful to Salzburg because I met the loves of my life!

I even got to see Designer Jeans for the first time in a year while we were in P-Town. And everything was the same. He was still hilarious, we still joked rather inappropriately, we still had tons of fun together, he is still one of my best friends.

Next year is going to be good, let me tell you. I walked around campus for a few minutes on my way back to Olympia, just to reaquaint myself, and I didn't feel like a stranger. I actually felt like I belonged in this place. And as I passed the (ghetto) library my mind was filled with romantic images of slaving over papers, falling behind on my reading, listening to lectures, and using my brain. Oh college, do I really have to be finished in 2 years?

It feels good to have something to look forward to. Bring it on universe!