Summer of '09

I remembered yesterday a statement I made at the very beginning of the summer. It was something along the lines of "Summer of '09, the summer that changed the world." It was a play off of the whole summer of '69 thing. I figured since it's been 50 years since then, we're about due for another awesometastic summer. Well as it turns out, unless something drastic happens in the next month, I don't think this will be the world changing summer I hoped for. At any rate, it has affected me pretty well.

This summer was my first summer not living at home. I think it has ruined me as far as living at

home goes. I never intended to move back home after school. After visiting in mid July, however, I know I can never move back home. That's not to say that Pennsylvania is out of the picture for me. I love Pa. It was beautiful when I was home. I just can't move back home. I now know I'm on my own. I'm looking forward to getting a job after I graduate. Financial freedom is very important to me. The idea that I am constantly tied down because of financial obligations really peeves me.

I was so thankful for the chance to be in Charleston for the summer. The guys I lived with were amazing. They're gone now, except for Mark, who is here for another week. It's like the end of an era in my life relationally. I know I haven't graduated yet and am not moving somewhere, but they have. Harrison is about to leave to live the dream and teach in Roatan, Honduras, Tyler is working and getting married in Norfolk, Bear is going out to Jesus school in Cali, and Mark is about to go to Jesus school in Columbia. These men of God have impacted me more than I know. God has worked through them in my life and the lives of others beyond any expectations. Since Harry, Tyler, and Bear left, Mark and I have been going through withdrawal. Symptoms include boredom, a sense of emptiness/longing, feelings that three fifths of you is absent, and lack of pull-up competitions. That said, I'm incredibly excited for them and where they're going. God is going to use them in amazing ways.

Now comes the time for adjustment. As I enter into a new school year, new roommates, new relationships, I find myself somewhat melancholic about the whole situation. I'm ready to get into my classes. I know this year will be great, I'm just not quite there yet.

All of that said, I have a great soundtrack for my life right now:

Kaki King - I recommend "dreaming of revenge" to get you started. It's mostly instrumental. She's a very gifted guitarist.

Alexi Murdoch - Acoustic folkish kinda stuff. He has experienced some recent fame for his heavy involvement in the soundtrack for "Away we go," a melodrama out this summer featuring John Krasinski (or Jim Halpert for all of you Office fans). Anyway, I recommend "Time Without Consequence."

Also good are Angus and Julia Stone, The Whitest Boy Alive, and Young Galaxy.

I recommend these artists to everyone feeling similar emotions... or not feeling them, it's just good music.