These pictures are from a previous weekend but I needed to make this shout out to the pretty lady in the birthday princess outfit who has been my friend for years. She has propelled me into the world of activism by giving me a wonderful supporter and partner in discussions. Now 20 years old, she'll be moving away again but our friendship always manages across distances so it's okay.
I took a mental health break from Philadelphia for the weekend before I have to do the projects and papers that are integral to the final weeks of the semester. I went home to enjoy the springtime weather, time with family, and a reunion with my love.
We got a chance to see my little brother (who is actually really big at like 6'1") play volleyball on Friday night. Sometimes I feel bad for the kid, since he's all alone at home now but he probably loves it.
We went to Kelly's Run on Saturday afternoon and hiked for almost 3 hours. This trail is truly gorgeous - its just six miles from the Maryland border and takes a scenic 40 minutes to get to. My only complaint was the number of times where I had to nervously cross the water on slippery stones.
It was perfect hiking weather; just cool enough to wear long sleeves and avoid bugs but warm enough to soak in some sunshine. Needless to say, the long hike with an extensive incline at the end left us both exhausted for the afternoon. We then indulged in way more Olive Garden food than I'd care to admit and indulged in an evening of movies and conversation.
(Notice how one of us is wearing tie dye in both of the pictures of us.Typical.)
Sunday morning was for french toast and dollar store flowers for dorm rooms, and one last drive in the familiar sunny roads. We parted ways on Sunday afternoon after a very satisfying weekend of time spent together - no tears involved when so many great memories there are to last till summer time.
I was rejuvenated by the time I got to spend with my mom, including helping to make a delicious dinner on Sunday night which the whole family was home for. I've gotten to the point where I just deeply appreciate the time I spend at home instead of missing home or being homesick.
On the train ride back at 5:30 in the morning, I had three days worth of pleasant thoughts to motivate me to look on the next three weeks of papers, projects and exams with optimism. I will make the most of the last weeks of academic vigor and then gladly take a few weeks of time at home before moving on to the next adventure of summertime on my own.
Hope everyone is enjoying spring thus far.
Smiles, Morgen
