The lyrics to Wake Me Up When September Ends are running in a loop in the back of my mind now. I remember first hearing that song back when I bought the album in February and thinking how long it would be before it would actually be timely and appropriate to listen to.

But from where I'm sitting now, it doesn't quite fit. It's too sad.

Despite that, it's still playing in my head and every time I hear it I start to reflect on the last three months of my life.

This summer has been about pushing myself to live life to its fullest.

Portugal was an amazing way to start it off. It set the tone. It was new, and fresh, and it took me out of my comfort zone. That's helped me as the summer has progressed.

I've been able to attain a level of self-confidence that I've never had before....and my social life has never been more lively, time spent with my friends has never been more fun, rich, and fulfilling.

Lots of new people have entered my life and I'm so excited to get to know them better over the coming year. But equally important to me are the old friendships that have been renewed and stregthened.

Then there's the Mountain View book, and starting grad school...which, when compared to everything else seem like distractions sometimes. Haha. I suppose it's a bit of a rebellion, a temporary rebellion...because I know deep down I'm still very excited about both of them.

I used Mountain View stuff and school sometimes as a crutch, they helped me get by and keep myself occupied. I don't need them as much as I used to. They still mean a lot to me...but it's so good to have more than that. I think I'm having a healthy re-balancing of where I place my various priorities.