THE SIMPLE LIFE

THE NOSTALGIC ME

So Fall has finally arrived to Chicago. Today was the first day that I seriously felt a chill walking outside and there was that "crispness" that only found in the early mornings around Fall and Winter. Having this change of season immediately brought to mind being in Waterloo. It's like one of those senses triggering memory type of deals. It isn't often that I have the time to miss being back home but today was one of those days. Mind you, I'm not homesick. I did feel it the one time when I called everyone back in 'loo after their first day of classes and heard all of them getting ready for our 'tradition' of going to FED 101 - I was homesick & missed my friends a lot at the moment.

Anyways, this weather reminds of last year. Funny how of all my undergrad years, my last year is most memorable. (It could be because it's also the freshest in my mind...but I'd like to think that it's because it meant the most to me). This weather reminds my of Fall retreat, something that I will never forget and something that will forever change my life. It brings a smile to my face as it also reminds me of early morning encounters before classes. Basically, all the great times that I had during my last fall term - hanging out with my pre-opt crew; shopping with the girls in Montreal; the massive production of Lifesong; and most of all, meeting some new and incredible people.

It's weird how I would miss Waterloo of all places - you'd think that Toronto would be more likely but Waterloo was were I lived independently for the first time, it was were I grew and learned from my many mistakes. Just trying to imagine how I was back in first year getting ready to go Waterloo and it's crazy to see how much change has taken place. I feel as if I had gone through extreme changes, a 360 turn that isn't a complete circle because I will never be who I was when I first started university.

I remember being so shocked to see people doing drugs and having sex in residence. *laughs* Apparently I thought I knew everything since I just graduated high school. Let me tell you, knowing things happened in the world is one thing but when it actually affects you and the people you know - it's a whole other story. Yup, first year was definitely an eye-opener, not just in terms of what it's like outside my "bubble" but also of who I was and how I never had a real stand on different issues.

Second year was a blur, no real lesson sticks out other than the time that I missed my final exam for econ. Betcha didn't know that about me! I don't think I ever mentioned it to anyone since it was such a silly mistake. Basically, I read the date of the exam wrong and missed it because I thought it was the following day. I didn't know until I was getting ready to go out the door and wanted to check the room number. Luckily, my prof allowed me to write the make-up. Still didn't do well even with the extra day of studying...how I despised econ! There, that's my embarrassing story of the day.

I remember writing a list of goals back in grade 11/12 (?) with Steph & Michelle. I don't know if any of you still remember what I wrote. You might have seen it if you came to visit my old house since it was on my wall up until we moved. Basically, the goals addressed how I was and where I stood in terms of relationships. I won't write down what they were cuz a) I can't remember exactlyand b) I know I still have the same weaknesses. I'm surprised though; I must have been a pretty perceptive kid back then (either that or Steph and Michelle were just amazingly insightful). I mention this now because I say that I have gone through a lot more since then - yet at the same time, it's kind of sad because it seems as though some things don't change. Although I choose not to believe that. I know that I just can't change on my own. I believe that if I have my heart set on something much greater; that I will be changed in the process. At least, that's what I hold on to.

Ah, good times all around...Here's to many more years of nostalgia!