Cheers ... someone toss me a beer
I was walking across the street from the courthouse to the Artful Dodger last night, when I stopped in the middle of the street to catch the last of the hazy, purple skyline as the day came to a close. I love Harrisonburg in the summertime. I feel rejuvenated by the freedom of time off from class, combined with extended daylight, warm weather, a decrease in the town's population and the communal experience that the absence of the college population brings, as well as the plethora of ideas for summertime activities. There's a peace and excitement that this time of year brings for me, especially in this town. Sometimes I feel like there's nothing to do; however, I've come to realize that this isn't true. Its not that there hasn't been anything to do - when I'm in this mind-set, its that *I'm* not doing anything. In other words, *I* have to create my own activities ... the town won't do that for me. There is plenty to do in Harrisonburg, as long as I motivate myself to take advantage of its natural resources (when its raining though, thats a different story). All I need is a good friend or two, a sunny day, and physical energy. You don't even need money to have a good time in this town ... I could hardly EVER say that around DC.
After 5 years here, the familiarity of this town and its people makes me feel like I'm a king in my own domain. Going somewhere where everyone knows my name is not difficult ... and thats been more of an advantage for me than a disadvantage. Yea, most of the time, they're always glad I came. :-P Many of my old college buddies have left town, and with that absence comes a sense of loss and feeling disconnected. However, I adapt ... I think I've made more friends in this year alone than I have since my sophomore year in college (when I completely immersed myself in social/recreational activities ... as opposed to educational ones). :-) And, over these years, I've accumulated a number of acquaintances that seem to be on the verge of becoming very good friends. I eagerly anticipate the rest of my time here in this town.
Yesterday, I went to Blue Hole with some friends and ran into a few more acquaintances while I was there - 2 girls that I've seen around and heard about before, but never really had the chance to talk to. We smoked with them and I felt like I was back in my undergrad years, associating with random people and partying every second that I had the chance. After coming back home, Jen and Alyssa left ... I suddenly felt so utterly alone. I walked to this BBQ I was invited to, which was no more than a block away. There, I chilled with an old buddy from my first days of college, a girl that lived in my freshman dorm hall, an acquaintance that I sporadically conversed with through all of last summer, a lesbian who I've wanted to hang out with for a while, and a dude that I met the other night. They were having' a Commie-Q (a bbq for the Young Democratic Socialist org from JMU ... I used to know the majority of the membership). After one beer, I felt totally comfortable amongst a group of people that I don't associate with on a frequent basis. We played with water balloons, like 10 year old kids, in the middle of the street in the neighborhood. Then I got a ride to my car and drove out to Alyssa's. I think that if I didn't have a car, I wouldn't have a problem in this town. I can either walk everywhere I need to, or I know enough people that would chauffeur me anywhere ... and I rarely have to be alone when I don't want to. Did I mention that I love this town?
After 5 years here, the familiarity of this town and its people makes me feel like I'm a king in my own domain. Going somewhere where everyone knows my name is not difficult ... and thats been more of an advantage for me than a disadvantage. Yea, most of the time, they're always glad I came. :-P Many of my old college buddies have left town, and with that absence comes a sense of loss and feeling disconnected. However, I adapt ... I think I've made more friends in this year alone than I have since my sophomore year in college (when I completely immersed myself in social/recreational activities ... as opposed to educational ones). :-) And, over these years, I've accumulated a number of acquaintances that seem to be on the verge of becoming very good friends. I eagerly anticipate the rest of my time here in this town.
Yesterday, I went to Blue Hole with some friends and ran into a few more acquaintances while I was there - 2 girls that I've seen around and heard about before, but never really had the chance to talk to. We smoked with them and I felt like I was back in my undergrad years, associating with random people and partying every second that I had the chance. After coming back home, Jen and Alyssa left ... I suddenly felt so utterly alone. I walked to this BBQ I was invited to, which was no more than a block away. There, I chilled with an old buddy from my first days of college, a girl that lived in my freshman dorm hall, an acquaintance that I sporadically conversed with through all of last summer, a lesbian who I've wanted to hang out with for a while, and a dude that I met the other night. They were having' a Commie-Q (a bbq for the Young Democratic Socialist org from JMU ... I used to know the majority of the membership). After one beer, I felt totally comfortable amongst a group of people that I don't associate with on a frequent basis. We played with water balloons, like 10 year old kids, in the middle of the street in the neighborhood. Then I got a ride to my car and drove out to Alyssa's. I think that if I didn't have a car, I wouldn't have a problem in this town. I can either walk everywhere I need to, or I know enough people that would chauffeur me anywhere ... and I rarely have to be alone when I don't want to. Did I mention that I love this town?