Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Summer Living

As college students, summer often thrusts many of us into the throes of a difficult living situation. For some, it's a difficult re-adjustment with living back home with parents and siblings. For others, it's a chance to live independently with new friends in a new city, or a city you've grown to love. The past few years, I have been in the former situation. As the oldest, I was the first to 'come back' home for these brief months. While my mom outwardly seemed very happy to have me back, the constant struggle for control proved to be challenging for both of us.  (you get used to a certain amount of independence living 6 hours away from your family, but being aware that you are living with people who like to sleep at 3 am is also a novel concept) This often proved to be difficult and was ultimately eye-opening for both of us. While those past two summers were invaluable for myself and my family to grow and learn, I have got to say that I am embracing true independent living.

During the school year, the university provides a very strong support system for housing. As a recipient of the Trustees' Scholarship, I have to live in on-campus housing, and I enjoy that support system. With classes, work, extracurriculars, and a social life, it is near impossible to also find the time to consistently cook meals, deep clean spaces, and the like. However, this summer I've moved into my first place that I'm actually renting. Really it's the top half of a duplex with two other friend near campus. But I have enjoyed this new step into independence. 

I am especially loving making my own schedule. While I am at work from 8:30 to 5 pm at work every day, I've utilized a Groupon deal to then go to workout classes near my work after. This unique community of mostly young women who are interested in getting in shape, (but also slightly enjoying the exercise) has meant a chance to meet lots of new people- if not by name, atleast it's by their face. Then after getting home (sweaty and tired) its nice to settle in for a movie night with my roommates, a good book, some cleaning, or a long phone conversation back home. All of these small steps have helped me realize a few things. 
1) I will not do well living alone. I like talking too much, and that's all there is to it. 
2) I am obsessed with clean floors. I don't like shoes, so that must be why. 
3) Screened-in porches are fabulous
4) Who needs cable?
5) I sometimes need an intense workout after a long day of work. 

So as I continue my summer journey, I hope that others also have their chance to enjoy 3 months of company anywhere. In your hometown, in a new city, or simply with some good friends. I promise that every space is a learning opportunity in more ways than one. 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

SUMMER

I apologize for such a delay in my posting this past month!  I hope to keep it up throughout the summer, but that always takes a certain amount of motivation, which escapes me for the few months I have off per year.  The last few weeks of the semester finished up quite well.  And while it was sad to see many of the seniors leave, whom I have spent the past three years growing and learning with, it was also inspiring to see everyone move on with confidence to the next step in life.  It is crazy to think that one year from now, I will also be in that place!
My siblings all together for my
brother's graduation

This summer, I'm working an 8-5 job in North Kansas City as a market research intern.  This is my first summer staying in the Kansas City area, and its exciting!  I've moved in with a few friends just down the street from Rockhurst, and so I still get to enjoy the same area of the city- only with a little more time to explore!  With a groupon that I've taken advantage of, I've been going to fitness classes after work, which also helps to fill the time and keep me active after being in a desk all day!  I got to spend a week home with family as we celebrated my brother's graduation, and it was the perfect chance to really soak up the first few bits of summer together, since we will all be in different places for most of these summer months.

I got to enjoy a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Kansas City with my boyfriend- complete with a walk to the park, and lots of time to visit out on my porch.  Additionally, with a groupon that I've taken advantage of, I've been going to fitness classes after work, which also helps to fill the time and keep me active after being in a desk all day!  I remembered how much I love to read and have already read two books in one week's time-- just for enjoyment!  I could definitely get used to all of this.

Any ideas for how to fill my evenings and weekends here in Kansas City this summer?  I'm open to any suggestions!!

If anything exciting comes my way, I'll be sure to post it also.  Anyone else have big summer plans either?  I've enjoyed looking at everyone's pictures from either going back home or going on vacation already this summer.