Thoughts on Thoughts on Thoughts

Today marks the day of new beginnings for some, but many lasts for others. It's the first day of school in Minnesota! For me, it is just another day in my boring collegiate life, but scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I've seen many, many pictures of little tikes, elementary students, and teens expressing their excitement for the beginning of a new school year. I hadn't put too much thought into it, until I realized that it was my brother Drew's last first day. How could he be that old already? How could I be at this stage in my life already?

I think it has finally hit me that I am an adult now too. Paying bills, choosing which path I want to take in life, and not being surrounded by the constant chaos of my two younger brothers has done me in I believe. No, this is not my first year away, but I think it took a solid year for it to all sink in for me. Yes, I still go home very frequently. Am I ashamed of it though? ABSOLUTELY NOT! There is no place in the entire world like Kittson County, and their is surely not better people elsewhere either. Some say that I am not willing to step outside of my comfort zone to experience something different elsewhere, but I have tried going other places and taking in what they have to offer, and I can tell that I'm not meant to be there. It's so comforting finally understanding what you are meant to do with your life and where you are meant to be. (A special thanks to the Man upstairs for helping me out with the last statement.:) ) 

Time has flown by so quickly in the last five years. Where has it all gone? I know, people tell you all the time to appreciate it and enjoy it while you can, but do we listen? Most of the time, no. I, for one, admit that I have not always taken the time necessary to stop and appreciate the important things in life. I remember as a high schooler going to make pizzas before many games at my Great-Grandma Gloria's and always being in a huge rush to get back to the school so that I could hang out with my friends. I would give anything to go back to those days just to be able to sit at her small dining room table eating while, she sat in her chair with her feet up listening to Willie's Roadhouse on the radio. Those were truly "the days"!These memories come flooding back to me and I can't help but smile and replay some of them in my mind. 

So, here's to a good year for all, good ol' Kittson County, and taking the time to appreciate what we have! Praise be!!