Free Ride

Much has happened since my last "real" post. I attended education week with my family (our annual vacation), married off a brother, drove from Salt Lake to Oberlin, to Baltimore, to D.C., to Baltimore, to D.C., to Baltimore, landing back in Oberlin, paying as much as $3.39 per gallon for gas, moved Emily into Peabody, moved myself into South Hall (4 years running), and attended the first week of classes here at Liberal College (+ Arts). Although it may sound cliché, over the course of these experiences my life has truly felt like a rollercoaster ride with numerous highs, lows, and twists. Mind you, I like rollercoasters. In fact, I often find them relaxing: the cool breeze in your face, laying back in the seat as the hill climbs, releasing the spine forward as the cart slides downward, all while cradled in the safety of a soft leather chair. This rollercoaster, however, has been far from relaxing and rejuvenating. Perhaps it is because there is no safety bar. I've climbed the hills with energy, a sense of freedom, and anticipation, only to be dropped swiftly downward finding that there are no safety guards to break the fall. I've come away feeling at once bruised, beloved, and broken.