Last But Not Least

I guess I have been a little more attatched to things than most people. I'm not talking about things like, video games or worldy items...(and I'm not a pack rat either. Ug). I guess even simple things like a laundry hamper that you use your whole life seems like part of you. I used everything in here for quite some time. It has a face and a personality. They way the mirror is nailed to the wall always telling me how good I look or (more often) don't look. The way my bed has always been so inviting. The way the light stretches in between the blinds every morning stretching across the orange floor and up onto the wood cabinents. 'Toy Story'-ish. I know these things don't have lives, and I know they don't get out and dance and play when I leave. But I know how they would act if they did. Child-ish...I know. Reailty is cool place, but I wouldn't want to live there (all the time).

But something happens when you take everything down. It's like you took a vaccum and sucked the life out of that room. Naked white walls and clean spotless carpet is like an old bike that just doesn't fit anymore. Sure, you learned to ride on it for the first time, but things change and even though it was the perfect color, it's time to go. So I guess almost two years ago this room was shared. Two boys who fifty percent of the time fought, and fifty percent of the time tackled and laughed and shoved. I guess one was more into the realistic side of things, while the other was constantly laughing and finding new ways to create 'mayhem'. And then he leaves. The room is yours and you feel like a king. There's a single bed and much more space. I guess it was cool for a little while, but I missed him sometimes.

The walls are still a little patchy from nails and what not. Stapled posters of Drum Corps International and photos of friends and families. Taking it down can be a little hollow. I mean...there is nothing there to remind you. I suppose the whole point in putting those things up in the first place could be divided into two reasons.

1. The wall was blank and needed something to dress it.
2. For a reminder. To remind of good times and remind you of what you liked and I guess what your family looked like....if you forgot. If you forgot what your family looks like...well, I don't really have any advice. Except go see a counselor. I could reccomend a great one.

Other things I can't really fit in my luggage let alone use. So I suppose it's going to get two years older with no birthdays and sit in the corner.

Packing for two years is overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond excited to serve for two years in a country where people have nothing and are happy. So I guess putting everything I will need when I get back (minus clothes) in a 22 gallon tote makes me a feel like I'm doing a little better at not consuming too much stuff and becoming less of a pack rat. It's sad leaving everything I have known. It's more exciting to learn everything and arrive to something I don't know. It's a little fascintating going to a place where I'm not fluent with the language, familiar with the money or know of the customs. I'm going to miss Idaho. I'm going to miss my room. I'm going to miss my siblings. I'm going to miss my best friend. I'm going to miss homemade meals. I'm going to miss a lot... but one thing is for. I wouldn't trade this oppurtunity for the world.

I guess this is my last blog post for a while. Thanks for reading. I know not everyone reads this or even has the time to, but if you do, Thank You.



"Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you...ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what." - Andy