Work was, as always, full of little inter-camp drama and busy days. Our team this year was pretty solid and things seemed to actually get accomplished. There's always those people and those days when nothing goes as it should and our boss's blood pressure rises to dangerous levels, but we all made it through alive. I'm definitly planning on returning next summer and looking forward to catching up with everyone after a year's absence.
This summer also brought forth the fact that my friends and I are no longer children hanging onto our parents' coattails. My good friend, Brian, moved out to California which meant we had a small going away party for him. As another friend, Laura, always dramatically says, "Goodbye...forever!" Brian has to remind us that friendships like ours won't be defeated by long distances and time zones. He's also in an earlier time zone than me now, so calling late at night won't be so bad. Even so, I will miss him dearly.
Somehow, the summer that looks so long at the beginning ends all too quickly. I've spent the past week trying to cram time to see friends, finish up work and get organized to pack and return to school. Work ended on Friday and I played in church on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday have been my days to pack and I'm now sitting in a room that barely looks like I've been here. Boxes, suitcases, bags. As usual, I'm not convinced I'll get everything to fit into the car. But as my cousin, Becca, said, "You always seem to manage to fit everything." And for once in my life, my packing is ahead of schedule. I figured I would need more time tonight and tomorrow, but everything is mostly done. Nearly all that's left is the jigsaw puzzle of fitting everything into my car. As I'm ahead of schedule, I'll have time to juggle and wiggle and make as much fit as possible.
Mom and Dad return from the cabin late tonight, so there will be an early morning breakfast before heading out. At this rate, I will have the car packed tonight and be able to take off soon after breakfast. My hope is to be able to visit friends, Dot and John, up in the Lake George area, some of the few whom I didn't connect with this summer. I've confirmed my reservation at my Uncle Geoff's house in Rochester for Wednesday evening and will finish the trip to Fredonia Thursday morning. I still need to finish setting up the apartment and buying the necessary equipment for my bedroom. My last apartment had built-in desk, dresser, bookcases and closets in the bedroom. My new place has a smaller closet and nothing else in the room. So there will be some trips to Home Depot for boards and concerte blocks. I am my father's daughter! Friday my roommate, Kelly, moves in and then Saturday there are ensemble auditions. Most studios sign up for a specific time slot within the scheduled time. But the oboe studio is special. We tend to show up together and just decide then which order we will play. As the auditions are blind, meaning the conductors can't see us, this tends to work out a little better. It also gives the returning students a chance to catch up while waiting to audition. Sunday I'm back to work at church and Monday school begins. I'm really quite excited about returning to school and studying, although I'm sure that will wear off quite.
I must return to packing now, and will leave you in suspense about my classes until after they begin on Monday.
Beannachd leat.
