Hey, Ashley.. it's Reality checking in!

So with only a short amount of time left here in the States, I ventured over to Ellensburg this weekend to bid farewell to a few people that made my college experience sensational. My friends Aaron and Lisa both still live in The Burg to attend Central and, luckily for me, they are also roommates. With my weekends successfully crammed packed until departure, I knew that I needed to make the drive east in order to say my goodbyes to two of my dearest friends.
It was a revitalizing feeling to be in Ellensburg for a few days. Although being there is in no way eccentric or an adventure, the comforting feeling of spending time with two of my best friends made me sensationally stoked and surprisingly sad as well. It was nice to forget about Visas and paperwork and the stressful packing that I have not yet even somewhat prepared myself for and, instead, throw back a few beers with my amazing friends and embrace the good times. However, the finality of seeing these two people made me realize that these were simply the first of many goodbyes I would be saying in the next few weeks. I was so against parting ways that I decided to stay several extra days just to prolong the act of saying goodbye.
As a going away gift, Lisa got me this amazing leather journal. It's Italian made (yeah.. that legit) and has images imprinted on the jacket that are replicas of one of Da Vinci's many journals. The pages are plentiful and lined and I plan on filling them entirely during my trip. She had a quote with it that said: "Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?" Spot on, LJ. Spot on.

 

 I'm going to miss my friends and family so much. But, this isn't college any more. I'm IN the real world, whether I wan tot be or not. I've got to find out what that means for me and where I want to go. It's going to be an interesting time.. a scary time.. but, an important and awesome time for sure.