I have been in western New York since last Monday after flying out from attending a friends wedding and visiting with college friends. Over the last week and a half I have had the great opportunity to visit with family, both close and extended, wrap up last minute stuff for starting work, and spend some fantastic quality time with my grandparents. Oh, and celebrate the 4th of July!
The 4th of July here in the summer heat of NY was well celebrated. Don't ask me why, but the festivities started with firework on July 3rd in a small town in upstate NY where my Aunt and Uncle live. The show was very fun and was probably the longest lasting show I have seen thus far. While the E-days fireworks of Mines are hard to beat, this show sure was epic! The next morning, after we gathered some things together, grandma, grandpa, and I headed over to my Aunt and Uncle's place for lunch and for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. It was great to have lots of people there celebrating and to enjoy a ton of good American summer food which of course included corn of the cob, watermelon, and ice cream.
Another thing that I am thankful for being able to do was to spend lots of time with my grandparents. Particularly in spending time with my grandpa out in the woods. One of my first days here we headed down to the hunting property to clear the hunting trails and mow the grass around the cabin and trails. He set me up with the chain saw and pruners and set me loose on the ATV to ride on ahead on the trails and clear out the dead fall from the winter and any brush that was growing onto the trail... and I tested to see how fast it would go up and down the road, safely of course. Then back home, due to the weather and their trip out to CO, my grandpa hadn't yet cut up and hauled in the trees he had cut last season for firewood. As such, several mornings where spent working with him in the cool of the morning, before the heat drove us inside, clearing the tops, bucking and splitting the logs, and hauling loads of wood up to the barn. (more time on the ATV!) Even in the mornings it was hot sweaty work, but I loved it. The hard wood stands with the tall oaks, beaches, ash, maple, and the rest are so awesome. Plus being out there with my grandpa was a lot of fun and, in a way, refreshing.
I leave in the morning for work. I don't think it has fully hit me yet that it is actually happening. I am excited for many reasons and ready to start work in industry. Also, I am really not nervous about the whole deal. I might say so in conversation because I know nervousness is expected and part of me says I should be. However, it isn't the right word or phrase as I can't say what I am concretely 'nervous' about. Perhaps, eager anticipation coupled with an awareness for the uncertainties ahead, both those I recognize now and do not yet know... All the things I need or think I need are packed. Each stop I leave or throw away just a little bit more; things I deem unnecessary. My flight reservation is in hand and my passport is ready for more stamps!
Au Revoir!
