nighttime ramblings and recaps

It is 12:03 AM and I am wide awake. I know I will regret the decision to stay up in the morning, especially since I already anticipate a long day tomorrow, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to take this pent-up energy and write down a thought or two.

I wish I had been better about blogging this summer. I was looking through some photos tonight, and there were several events that occurred months ago that I really wish I had taken the time to publish. I went to Maine -- did you know that? It was one of the best vacations I have ever taken -- and not just because it was a fun time. This magical feeling washed over me while I was there, and I left feeling rejuvenated about life and everything that comes along with the human experience. As I flew home, I was struck by a quote from the movie Hook: the one where Peter recognizes and declares that "to live is an awfully big adventure." I felt the truth of that sentiment, and it was empowering. I came back to the Rocky Mountains ready to tackle the joys and struggles that I knew lay ahead.

Maybe I'll write down the details of my trip in another post and add some pictures. But at my current blogging rate, I shouldn't make any promises. I actually typed up some jumbled thoughts during the layover on my flight home. I should revisit those notes and see if they can spark some kind of summary. Part of me feels like writing about the experience would be a struggle. I can't seem to get over the fact that a summary doesn't need to encapsulate the whole experience. There just aren't enough words in the English language to adequately describe a pinpoint in time -- but. that's. okay. 

Moving on. Life has been... good. It's pretty typical: boring, but drama-free. I actually feel pretty content. I don't find myself paralyzed by loneliness, or dying to finish school, or bored and anxious at work. I even have time to myself each night. The older I get, the more I recognize how much I like to be at home and how much I need a little time to myself each day. I really enjoy those little moments when I can read a book or watch a movie or cook myself a real dinner. I don't really want anything, and it's so nice to just be happy.

I just finished reading Jane Eyre. I've watched several versions of the movie recently, and the story line really recaptured my attention. I had read the book before, and I remembered loving it, but I had forgotten the essence of the novel. It is so raw and captivating. And while the story appears to be totally unbelievable, there is so much human emotion pouring from each character that you can't help but connect to their lives because they somehow experience it all: love, shame, fear, euphoria, sadness, courage, and conflict. Jane Eyre is a remarkable heroine, and I am so happy that everything turns out for her in the end.

Well, that's tonight's snippet. I'll be surprised if you made it this far. Haha. But I like connection and am always grateful to those with the courage to spew their innards. It's refreshing to see that kind of vulnerability, especially since there's so much more to life than fashion, food, boys, and the dreaded Internet. Right?

P.S. I seriously cannot wait for Christmas.