Back!!

Back from camping. It was priceless. My younger brother even caught a water snake. Too bad we couldn't keep it.

Read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on the trip. I took my time, as I knew it was the last one.

I. Loved. It.

Except the epilogue. I didn't -hate- the epilogue, nor was it the most fitting end. Could have been worse, but I think next time through the book, I'll stop just before that bit. I'll like it more that way.

At long last!!

I'm going camping! It's been, what, two years? ...Yes. Two years since my last real camping trip, and that was even only over night. This time, my entire family (minus my sister on a mission in New York) will be on vacation in Northern Idaho for an entire week.

I am uber excited! A week without work; without stress; without horrendous traffic; barking dogs; polite sirens. A whole week of true wilderness sounds intead. And, as an added bonus, an entire week of EVERYONE in my family reading Harry Potter 7. It will truly be paradise.

Now, the only things I have to do before leaving are:

1. Clean the apartment (so I don't loathe coming back so much).
2. Pack lightly but effectively (and find a way to bring a computer for writing with, somehow...)
3. Leave my turtle enough to eat for a week.
4. Buy both my parents birthday presents.
5. Pick up Harry Potter 7.

Not too bad a list. Paying bills would be up there, but I didn't procrastinate and actually paid them on time. How's that for productive? Oh yeah. Last, but most important on the list:

6. Survive one final day of work this week.

I can do this.

'Cept maybe bring the computer. But I'll still write in my novel next week, somehow.

Welcome to the Real World

Apparently the Real World is only your reality after you've dived into a mountain of debt. Well, here I am! And, lemme tell you, it's not all they say it is. It's worse. But, I really can't complain. My newly acquired debt was hardly optional, and while now money issues seem to have increased, at least a former stress has been alleviated.

My car broke down. Well, more accurately my brother's did. And, aftering investing in a carburator for my own vehicle, which did little good (as the real problem with the car is a mystery even to Dodge experts), I was stranded and forced to purchase something new.

Well, not new-new, but used-new. I took out a loan and everything. The payments aren't bad, but as my Mom said, "You've sold your soul. How do you feel?"

My response? "Like a prisoner, sentenced to five years."

The car is nice, considering. It's a 2002 Ford Escort; pretty shade of blue; excellent condition. The damage? $8000+. It'll be a while before I feel free. But, I'm refusing to stress about it. Honestly, it was all I could do. My brother's car was a nightmare even before it quit. My mysteriously-malfunctioning Dodge was... mysteriously malfunctioning. This is a good trade, methinks. Besides, better that my money goes into something worthwhile than a whole bunch of fast food runs. I'll stay thin.

Still, the Real World isn't much fun. It seems that the saying is very true: "The grass is always greener..." If only we could have figured that out before we grew up.

Spirit

Years of Sweat
And Pride that’s Unrivaled
Many Tears unlet
Strength not to be stifled.

Loyal to Country
Though closer to God
Creator of History
In Paths yet untrod.

Symbol of Bravery
Greatness of Will
Opposing all Slavery
With a Sword made of Steel.

Clear is the Mind
Honest the Heart
True to his bind
To the Land from its Start.

Willing to Die
For all that is Right
All Evil defy
Freedom’s Flame to ignite.

A figure of Freedom
Willing to Serve—
With a Banner, an Emblem
—Others lives to preserve.

This Being of Earth
Is a Warrior of Merit
He’s the symbol of Worth:
The American Spirit.

---
Happy Birthday, America.
July 4 1776

Ah! the joy of it all.

What joy do I speak of?

Being young. Being single. Being poor.

Gotta love it.

Honestly, it's not all bad, I rather like being young and single. However, that last bit--being poor--rather overwhelms the rest. It's sad. I would love to have a little extra cash now and then--wouldn't we all?

It's fine though. Money isn't everything, and one can do plenty without funds if one gets creative enough. Like: writing. A great means of entertaining oneself without spending. If only I had more time to do it.

Ah well. Someday, ne?