I almost feel guilty for having such a nice summer and being so happy. My three best friends are all pretty unhappy at home, mostly because of problems with their parents. They complain that their parents are too restrictive and won't let them do anything without questioning them like they're in a trial, and they always want them to stay home and do lots of cleaning. Then there is the major disagreement about a difference in opinion resulting from an open-minded attitude gained at college (in one case at least). All three of them have wished that they could move into their own apartment or spend the summer somewhere else and want more than anything to get out of their house. I feel bad because I have nothing to complain about. My parents are awesome, and my relationship with them is better than it ever has been. We talk a lot more, watch lots of movies together, and spend more time together than we ever have. I think I'll miss my parents more when I leave this year than I did last year. I can't imagine spending my summers anywhere else, although I know one day I will have to. I'll just enjoy my time here until that day comes.

Although it's not even half over yet, I have nothing to complain about summer. I think I've learned more about the value of a day, and since I stopped sleeping so late, I've had time to work on the things I've put off for years. Reading books I've always wanted to read, organizing pictures that have been in ziplock bags for years, and putting together scrapbooks with the stuff that's been sitting under my bed gathering dust for longer than I can remember. I still can't help but feel bad because my friends are so stressed and unhappy and I can't do anything to help. Something tells me that invading in their family issues would not be a good idea. I suppose I should just be glad that I'm in such a good mood. I am glad. :) If things keep going in the same direction, this will be the best summer I've had in several years.

I can't help but attribute some of this to someone I met, or rather was introduced to, a little over a week ago. Although it was just a casual evening out, this person really helped me to find a part of myself that I was afraid had been lost forever. But it wasn't lost, only forgotten. Somehow it all came back to me and all the different pieces of me came together so I felt like a complete person and really knew who I was. I hope that doesn't sound too weird, but it makes perfect sense to me. It was what I'd been looking for for the longest time. Let's just say that I don't worry about nearly as many things, especially about what other people think of me, and I'm a much happier, friendlier, more optimistic person. I think I unconsciously had a life-changing revelation, all because of a spontaneous evening and the playful goofiness of this one person.

I'm seriously contemplating doing something very bold.