Being home is... good. It is, it really is.

I miss Richmond more than I can say, though. There were reasons I needed to be home; reasons I wanted to be home, but I wish that those reasons hadn't come up, that way I could have stayed in Richmond longer.

Since I was home only about three days before I left for the weekend to Alpharetta and Cumming [which was so much fun... truly one of the best weekends I've had all summer], I've not really been home long enough to take it in. But, now I'm going to be home for about a month before school starts. I really do think that will be good.

Today I noticed a couple of things that have changed in the month that I was gone. Just little things like the abandoned truck on Old Summerville is finally gone. The beginning of my road has been repaved. The Bettlers finally got a new car. As I was noticing these things that have changed I started thinking about how much I've changed this summer; how much I've learned about myself.

I think there's a point at which all people realize who they are and what makes them happy. This summer was that point in my life. I realized that I my family and friends make me happiest. I know that while alone time is necessary and important that I truly do need to be around family and friends to be happy. I finally know what I want to do with my life. That is like a burden lifted off of me. I've learned that there things that I need and things that I don't need to be happy, and also that I will do what I need to be happy. Also, I've substantially changed my diet, 1. by becoming a vegetarian, and 2. cutting out a lot of fatty and fried foods out. This summer has been long, hard, and trying at times, but all in all it's been really good and really necessary. It's funny how a summer can change your whole perspective on change. Hmm.

There is still about a month before school starts, which means I still have time to learn other new things about myself. It will be a good month. My birthday is in about two weeks, which is really exciting and I have all kinds of things planned. It's looking like it's going to be the best birthday yet.

Smiles.

Love love.

SAC