times they are a changing...

When I headed out on a crazy beach adventure 12 days ago, I had no idea the life changes that awaited me. I was merely concerned with the 36 family members I would be sharing a beach with and the mass chaos that had to occur. I was not completely off base with the chaos expectation (I had never heard a host call out "party of 29" before), but, we all survived the week and had a great time.

I also was looking forward to my time in Chattanooga with a little bit of hesitation. I know what it is like to be in the early stages of grief and loss and was unsure of how my dear friend would be doing. That hesitation was quickly replaced with excitement to see and catch up with one of my favorite people and to bring an understanding to her feelings and experience.

The end of my trip brought about the reality that I will be applying to and hopefully starting graduate school at Portland State University in the fall. I am excited to have a more immediate goal to work on and to learn how to help people (I am thinking a Master's Degree in Social Work or Counseling) as my career. I know this will not be an easy adventure, but, I am excited to start it.

To sum up, the last 12 days have reminded me that my life is blessed, my job on this earth is to help others as best I can and that 36 Italians create one remarkable trip :)