As thankful as I am for where my life has taken me, every now and then something stimulates memories of where you came from and you get nostalgic. You have to know where you've been to know where you are, right? I noticed this morning that it's the last working day of January. February is right around the corner.
This year, February means another month to drive revenue at work, my husband, sister-in-law and niece's birthday...not to mention a few more on J's side of the family...a weekend home to see my family, and a weekend where friends are coming down to visit. And, hopefully, getting closer to consistently warmer weather.
Four short years ago, February meant something completely different.
It meant shorter practices and a looming conference meet. It meant adjusting to new classes and continuing to hate the frigid winters. It meant team bonding and no drinking...well, always the team bonding part. In college at JMU, February was the best month of the year that wasn't March, April and May. February meant spring was right around the corner. And spring was 100% synonymous with fun and freedom.
Springtime at JMU can't adequately be summed up in a blog post...or several blog posts. It meant a break from swimming, running outside, even shorter practices (if any...) and a lot of porch sits, quad lounging, shorter skirts and BBQs. It meant outdoor parties and more walking. It meant a lot more drinking. It led to tower visits, tubing trips and Frisbee games.
I specifically remember by the time I started my last semester in the Fall of '06 being ready to graduate and move on. Now, as I work an 8-5 (which I'm fortunate to really enjoy...), pay bills, clean my house regularly, and budget my money...I can't help but think back of the 'carefree-ness' that was college and smile. We were irresponsible, reckless, immature, and more fun than you can imagine. Now we have mortgages and responsibilities. Then we paid next-to-nothing rent and and ran up our credit card on bar tabs and going-out clothes. I wouldn't have traded a minute of it.
I don't often really, really miss college...but as February starts next week, I definitely miss the excitement and build-up that the month brought. As an athlete, the opportunity to perform to the best of my ability and beat the crap out the competition at conferences got me pumped. Knowing some time off was just a few short weeks away, along with warm weather and more time with friends...just added fuel to the fire. I wish I had appreciated the experience more when I was there. Fortunately, I have lots of great memories to reflect on (and photographic proof...!) to make me smile.
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