This past month has been a complete roller coaster for me. As soon as I got home from New Orleans I barely had time to settle. That very night I had to prep for my cousin, Melanie's Bridal Shower. The following day was completely dedicated to this event, as a participating bridesmaid I had to take action! The next day my entire father's side of the family celebrated my grandmother's 90th Birthday. Amidst all this my parents came in to town for all these festivities. Then I had my graduation the following Saturday, started summer school the Monday after that. Immediately following that I left for New Hampshire in a car with my Dad, Mom, sister, Annie and my cousin Frannie. A trip that entailed a non-stop 24 hr drive across the Midwest to Northeastern part of the country. By the time we got to New Hampshire I relaxed as much as possible. The East Coast really is the most beautiful place, especially in the summer time. My parents have been living there for about 3 years, give or take the times they came back to Chicago for weeks and months trying to sell their house in Lake Zurich, IL. I have been there a few times, but always during the gloomy season of winter. The winter is not terrible, snow makes this forest- rural land very eery and breathtaking. However, being there during the sunny season felt so good. We spent about 3/4 of the time on the New Hampshire coast, baking in the sun. However, one thing was totally missing during this visit. Brad my boyfriend of 4 1/2 years, it was the first time we had been away from each other for more than a weeks time. I kept thinking to myself "how do people make long distance relationships work?". Of course, I kept quiet to my family, it's just in my nature. But, my heart kept telling me that this was not right! I don't think we could do that again to ourselves. At the same time, as my trip came closer to its end, in the back of my mind I felt bad I was leaving my parents. Mostly for my dad, due to the fact that I hardly got to see him during the trip anyways because he was working every day that we were there. However, I am thankful for all the technology that makes it possibly to talk to my parents and sisters almost everyday, whether we are in Chicago or on the other side of the country. Also, I can see that my parents do much better on their own because they are able to concentrate on their selves. My parents are swimming at the gym several times a week, eating better food, they really seem much more healthy than they were in Chicago. I hope to go back soon, but for now I do think I need to concentrate on myself too! -E
