End of Summer Blues

Alright, I've got another metaphor for you.  Unfortunately, it isn't as gory as my scabs metaphor (I'm sure you are all experiencing similar feelings).  However, I'm sure it will instill the same quirky bittersweet feelings, as it does me. (:

Also, before I dive right in, let me just add how I've been meaning to write this post for a week or so, but due to a week of glorious weather (70's and sunny!!!) as well as my new-found obsession with a series called Once Upon a Time, this post has been postponed. << My apologies for the obnoxious run-on!

Oooookay! Now for the good stuff!  You remember how when you were a kid, or maybe are/were a parent with children, and you would get the end of summer blues?  I'm not sure if this is the 'official' label for it, but it's what I am deeming it!  But you all know what I'm talking about.. Getting so excited for summer to be over, because you are starting to get bored (gasp. I know!).  But at the same time, you are thinking... 'This is crazy! Why am I excited for summer to be over, when I know I'll be ready for it again in three weeks?!'  Maybe it was the fresh, new school supplies, or getting to see friends again, or having a purpose in life besides playing outside..or, more likely, all of the above!  Whatever it was, there was always that growing anticipation for summer to end.

Well...I've got my own case of the 'Summer Blues' here.  I can tell the end of my time here is slowly RAPIDLY, way-too-quickly, approaching.  It's not that I'm ready to go, but I'm also counting down the days until I go home. It's like my head is saying, 'No, I'm not ready,' but my heart is saying, 'yes, it's time.'

It kills me to say that I'm ready to go home though, because the day I set foot on Bradford soil/pavement/whatever, a little piece of my heart became a part of Bradford.  No... I take that back, a piece of my heart didn't break off..  A new piece was added.  The love I've developed during my time here has become a part of my heart, a part of me.  Instead of leaving a piece of me behind, my heart just grows bigger.  Obviously this is rather bittersweet, because on 9 July, I will be taking all of this developed love with me, while leaving the source of it behind.  I can't tell whether I'm more sad or excited to leave.  Every day, minute, second, it changes.  I guess simply because Bradford has become home.  So I'm not just going home when I go back to America, but I'm also leaving home.  And this time when I leave home, I don't get to simply come back in 10 months. And quite honestly, that breaks my heart, and kinda freaks me out...

Nonetheless, the end of my 'summer' is drawing nearer.  My heart is looking towards the new adventures that are swiftly approaching.  I pray that these feelings are just temporary though.  Because I want to embrace my remaining time here.  After all, this is just one small, itty-bitty part of this crazy gift called life.  So I plan on enjoying every last bit of it!

....(insert: Side Note) >> And in embracing my remaining time, it seems as though I've become open to the idea of going in to school extra days!  I never ever thought I would find myself doing that!  But either in sensing my rapidly approaching end, or because of it being a fun-filled special events week at school, I found myself volunteering to help my teacher on Thursday and Friday in addition to our normal Mon-Wed schedule.  I must be coming down with something...but I'm kinda' looking forward to it!..(maybe..yes!)