Virgo!

Even though summer isn't technically over until the fall equinox (in my belief system), academic school years have a way of making it seem cut short. One day you're relaxing in the back yard 300 feet from the lake sipping a beer in a hammock, then the next thing you know, bada bing bada bang bada BOOM you're back in class. To be fair though, that's not quite how I feel my summer "vacation" ended.

Four years ago I came to college fully intending on graduating on time like a normal person. Then friends happened... then alcohol... then DUIs... then whatta ya know it you're a fifth-year senior finishing two classes while juggling three jobs, a new apartment and the inevitable, inexhaustible romantic affairs that come hand-in-hand with new seasons, stages and chapters of life. I may be in a new slash incredibly familiar location, and I may be meeting new people left and right like freshman year all over again, but my summer still feels alive and well.

Decidedly, Monkey Island is my home. Not my home away from home, but home. My family is there--people who care so much about me I'm not sure I can fully comprehend it. It's a truly priceless thing to have such people in one's life, but I digress...

For the first time, I feel like an adult. A bonafide, certified, balls-to-the-wall adult. No car, a sparse supply of personal hygiene products, and a dream to live up to the expectations I've envisioned for my self since I was but a wee lad. I'm starting to remember my dreams, in fact, and the more I try, the easier it becomes to understand who I really am and what motivates me (not to mention what has been motivating me up til now). My intuition has never felt more trustworthy. Nothing but positivity guides me. No more sulky, dumpy, self-loathing for this guy! Look out, world! Well... Okay, look out, Oklahoma City! You may be one hot, windy, metro-sized truck stop but you're a start!

You're my start.

Uh oh... Here I go. My mother's words are still ringing loud and clear:

"Luke don't forget your helmet!"

Virgin shmirgin. I'll run circles around this city.