the end of the beginning of the end.

Yesterday and today brought the end of the two internships making up my 3rd coop rotation.

The jobs weren't what I expected. However, if I've learned anything from the coop concept, its that so often, what you reap from the situation isn't all about the good parts. Its the entire experience: good, bad, how your boss treated you, how you interacted with the environment, learning about the sphere of work you were involved in.

I still need some focused reflection time on the jobs, but I think that even though the outcome of the past 5+ months is a far sight from what I thought it would be, I'm satisfied with my choices and the end result.

This semester was quick, and kind of blurry though. In a year or two, I'm not sure what the defining moments will have been. One of the more mellow semesters I've had in Boston, and introspective on some levels, but without the focus and the drive to really delve into things with the passion I'm used to.

I go home Monday, and am hoping that with some time at home, and my 21st birthday in two weeks, I can use the change in lifestyle and schedule as a catalyst. Cast off any feelings about the past chapter in my life, and start a new one: pick the tone, set my goals, and take a different approach to all the parts of my life.

The general election is now a go, with Obama as the confirmed challenger to McCain. As a political science nerd, this will also be a big part of the next chapter of my life. Other bits that have to comprise my next chapter:

-summer internship
-fall classes on campus for the first time since fall 2006
-deciding whether or not to prepare for the LSAT
-beginning the job investigation
-cleaning house, mentally, and physically. I want to slim down my body, my belongings, my neuroses: less baggage all around.
-taking advantage of Boston, because after May 2009, who knows where I'll be
-making the most of time with friends and family: traveling to see people, jacking up my phone bill keeping in touch with those who aren't anywhere near me, and making time in what's going to be a busy summer and year for the ones that matter--and only the ones that matter. Nobody who brings me down, or frustrates me, or is an emotional drain. Only the good ones--and I'm lucky to have enough of those around.
-finding things that center me, and remembering to keep them high on the to-do list. working out, reading the paper, walking in the south end, sitting by the esplanade, going to the MFA--things that always make me happy.
-being a more positive person in other people's lives--not being such a worrywart or complainer or overanalyst.
-plenty of sleep, plenty of water, plenty of hugs.
-more writing.