A Liveable Community

As we took the exit marked – University of Maryland, my heart started beating just that much faster.  I had been attempting to not worry myself until the last possible second, and this was it.  My eyes were wide open as the car roared forward, taking a right past a sign that read “College Park: A livable community”.  I could hear my dad smirk, as he undoubtedly had just read the same words that I had. “Some town slogan, he said, aren’t all communities livable?” From the back seat, my eyes grew wider as I attempted to take in every last detail of my surroundings. Although there were slight hints of excitement and anticipation that first day, it was overrun by complete and utter panic.  

As panicked as I was, I think my mother was actually worse.  She had been living in a perpetual state of anxiety every since we left the house, about six hours prior to arriving on campus.  I’m actually fairly certain that she had been in that condition ever since I sent in my acceptance letter, to a college that was not in the same state as her.  Nevertheless, she and my father spent the rest of the day helping me unpack my belongings, buy items that we could not fit into the already over packed car, and helped me find my way around the campus.  The nervousness never really went away that first day.  In fact it probably took a week, possibly even a month, or a few months for them to completely leave.  They did though, eventually.

It’s funny that for the next four years of my life, after every winter break and summer vacation, passing that exit sign brought me nothing but pure joy and indescribable thrill.  Even now, when I see that memorable “livable community sign” I can’t help but smile and bounce around on my seat in anticipation.  In fact, there is very little I wouldn’t give to go back to the first time I saw that sign and live it all through once more.

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I have to admit that I spend a little too much time on Pinterest.  There are just so many great ideas and resources though that I just can't get enough! I found this tonight and thought it would be perfect to post.  Here you go...

Personal Narrative: Rush of Adrenaline

Anticipation had been building over the last hour I spent restlessly sitting in my friend’s car. We had spent days planning this trip, mapping out our destinations, and allotting specific time periods for each location. Now it was just before midnight and my imagination was running through all of the possibilities we had discussed.  We knew there would be limited parking, long lines, and bitterly cold temperatures but we were willing to endure it.  The real question was whether or not it would be worth it.  Deciding to be a bit overly optimistic, I was absolutely certain that it would be.

As we arrived, the scene was just as we had suspected.  There were lines of people bundled from head to toe in hats, scarves, mittens, and boots.  Each person eagerly awaiting the same adventure we had come for.  After an agonizing few laps around the parking lot, which could easily fit a few thousand cars, we finally happened upon a spot.

As I walked through the double glass doors my eyes dart around the large room.  The bright lights, sea of people, and racks of clothing as far as the eye could see give me an immediate rush of adrenaline.  This was it, I would have about three hours until the best sales were over and I needed to utilize my time wisely.  I clutched the list in my hand, making an empty promise to myself to stick solely to the items written on the pink piece of paper.  The rest was a blur of excitement.

I realized a long time ago that retail therapy was usually just what I needed.  There are only a handful of things I love seeing more than a bright red sign that reads: 50% off.  My mom has expressed concern…she may or may not have thrown around the word addiction.  I might have said there were worse things to be addicted to.  It’s okay though, I’m pretty sure I have a good handle on it.  I’m almost positive I can stop whenever I want to.