This summer had the potential to be fairly dull and mundane...30+ hours a week at two jobs, living at home, etc. But it was so much better than I could have anticipated! With a M-F work schedule and the evenings to my disposal, I was able to spend alot of time with various friends & family and feel refreshed. Evening bike rides to gasworks, birthday celebrations, sleepovers, and RAM trivia made for great fun this summer. Some thanks are in order:

- To my next door neighbors who live in Alaska for 6 weeks in the summer, thus enabling me to housesit. It's fun to have your own space and be able to host people without the cost of rent.

- To my flexible jobs that allowed me to work as much as I wanted, when I wanted. Maybe they didn't pay the best, but it was easy work that allowed me to reach my financial goal so I can do deputation next year!

- To Jim Dale, for being my friend and guide as I fell in love with the world of Harry Potter. Bucket List goal ACHIEVED!

- To Abby and Lisa, for graciously hosting and inviting me to sleep over in 4-per whenever I liked. I have fond memories of  my summer '08 at UCU, and it was nice to be enjoy a bit of that again with all its tomfoolery, not to mention build on those two friendships. Girly sleepovers are good for the soul.

-To Spiro, the Platter kids, Kris, Kallie, cabin 3B and everyone at Teen 2 this summer...never have I laughed so much in one week. What a rejuvenating 7 days...reminded me why I love camp so much!

- To my pals Kailey, Mary & Milo, Erin, and sis Maureen for some great company and conversation.

- To my parents for their unconditional love and comforts of home (dinner and ice cream drumsticks to boot!)

- To hard lessons and freeing realizations that could only have come from above.

- To my loved ones for providing a great birthday week.

The only thing I wish had been different were more hours in the week! It was great nearly always having plans each day, but I could've used more down time. Plus I didn't get to go through a TV series like I've done each summer since high school (Dexter will have to be done during the school year). Oh well, I can't complain! Summer 2010 was great.

Photo cred: J Spiro

Photo credit: E Hanson