Freshman Year: Check

My laundry is done for the most part. I've been collecting my books and cleaning dishes. I'm trying to decide what I can live for without a week and trying to figure out the ideal time to unplug my mini fridge.
It's the end of the semester, and I have to say that it's weird that I'm getting ready to move back to NJ. Syracuse isn't just where I go to school anymore. I live in Syracuse. Nine out of 12 months a year I now spend in New York state.
I think about what life in NJ is going to be like this summer. It'll be weird having my own room again. When I went home on breaks, I went with a lot of laundry, my computer, and more or less a bag of things I'd need for the weekend, 7 days, or month. It was never a permanent situation. I more or less had to rummage through bags to find things. But when I go home this time, I will be unpacking. All my clothes will go into drawers, my closet, or into storage until I need them again in the fall.
I won't have a pile of bags or boxes in my room that remind me that I'll be leaving the state in a matter of hours, days, or weeks.
And yes, that does make me a bit sad. While I've been living in Syracuse for a year now, I don't really know the city yet.
Anne and I resolved to explore the city more next year. We'll take the warehouse bus or connective corridor bus and walk around the city, browsing the boutiques and side stores and trying new restaurants. I live in a beautiful city and I intend on exploring it.
Hackettstown, on the other hand, is a small town that doesn't really have much going on. I know what's there and there's really nothing too fun or exciting to do. In order to do something new, I need to drive, which isn't a problem, except money. Gas is so expensive (although the good thing about living in NJ is that you have some of the cheapest gas prices around), and my car isn't exactly a hybrid or energy efficient car.


What I'm looking forward to this summer:
Seaside Heights and the Jersey Shore: Sure, NJ has a bad reputation for being a classless, dirty place, but it really is nice. I love going to the beach. It's such a quintessential summer environment and the ocean is so different and can be way more fun than a backyard pool. Then there's the boardwalk. Your nose is hit with a combination of saltwater, pizza, cheesesteaks and seafood, with a hint of alcohol wherever you go. Bright lights flash as you pass by the endless lines of carnival games, and you see hilarious tee shirts with obscene comments hanging up outside little shops. You hear a mixture of music coming from the nearest bars, restaurants, shops, and game areas. It's enough to cause a migraine, but instead, the combination gives you a rush.
I love rides, but when I go down the shore I usually go on only one. I bypass the smaller rides for the $20/ride thrills. I figure, why go small when you can go all the way. I've done the skyscraper, and I've done the slingshot several times. This summer I plan on mustering all my courage to finally take the plunge. I will go on the "Sky Dive," where I'll swing out and over the ocean, screaming my head off, feeling as though I might be able to fly.

Earning Money: I've made a little bit of money this past semester thanks to Campus Catering. However, the summer provides the chance for me to earn lots and lots of cash to spend on activities, souvenirs, and gas this summer as well as get a financial basis for next year. I want to work at least 2 jobs, which will take up a lot of time, but in the long run, it's what I need.

Things to Dread this summer:
Living with my Parents: I've been more or less on my own for the past year. Don't get me wrong, I'm no where near independent of my parents, but I have been the one solely responsible for my academics (I didn't need to hear "How's the homework situation ONCE"), eating balanced meals (and with the exceptions of a few bowls of Reese's Puffs here and there, I've done pretty well), and getting to sleep (maybe I'm still perfecting that responsibility, but hey it's college). But going home, my parents will take the reins in my life again. I'll have to ask permission to go places again. I'll have a curfew again. I'll have their nagging that I should probably do something for my academics. I will no longer be a young adult. I will return to the life of a child, one that never makes his or her decisions and must make sure to do exactly as her parents say.

Missing Friends from School: It's weird to think that most of my friends will be scattered throughout the lower 48, and one will be almost halfway across the Pacific Ocean.