Growing Up

Running out of reasons to not do my work, I now decide to turn to this trustee blog. Besides, an update is in order.

In many ways, this summer has been a summer of firsts. First summer I've spent away from family, first research job, first time I've had to take care of food on my own, first time I've had true independence (a la having a car up in NorCal). And it's been pretty fantastic. I take pride in the little packets of independence that are both annoying and liberating at the same time. The freedom takes the form of figuring out what to eat for dinner tonight. Nope, I neither have mother's cooking that will get cold if I don't come down soon, nor dining hall food that will close in 15 minutes. Instead, I get to open up the half-empty fridge/freezer and determine whether to eat healthily or simply heat up some frozen food. It takes the form of contemplating when to do the dishes. Or remembering to get gas before the somewhat long drive to church. It's quite unglamarous, and I'm sure I'll get sick of it eventually, but for now, I smile.

Not that I haven't had my share of growing pains. For one, I think I make an average of 1.8 U-turns a day, as I get used to the seemingly illogical placements of NorCal roads. (If a street is to the left of me, why do I have to make a right turn and then do a stupid 180 degree turn?! Ok, I know the answer probably has to do with the train tracks. I miss good ol' SoCal and our lack of good public transit.) I've also recently discovered that stir frying broccoli is not as wise as broiling it. And that making good ramen is harder than it looks. (I hate soft noodles!) Fortunately, people usually aren't around when I make such boneheaded mistakes. And even more fortunately, I have yet to burn down my cousin's house, where I'm staying for the summer.

It's also a bit weird coming home to an empty house most nights. My cousin either works crazy hours at her law firm or is a superhero who fights crime at night, so I rarely see her around, weekends included. And a common question I get in interviews during my tour across the nation is: "aren't you lonely?" Surprisingly, the answer is mostly "no." I hate being stuck in the house the whole day, and I usually find an excuse to go out at least once a day, but it's not because of the lack of human interaction. No, I generally find the luxery of lounging around by myself quite relaxing and comfortable. I definitely enjoy hanging out with people, particularly during the summer. But being alone is great too. And I rarely feel the urge to find people. "Does this mean you'd want to live alone in the long run?" the female fans desperately ask with a worried look on their faces. No. I doubt I could be like this forever--but for now, I have no complaints.

This summer has also been the first time my brother and I have really hung out extensively. I seem him every week now, and it's awesome. We grabbed some Jamba Juice today and swung around at the driving range for a bit. Family is great. And I feel like our age difference has really shrunk; even when hanging out with his friends at times, I don't feel like I'm totally out of place anymore.

Finally, this summer has also been a summer of fourth. For the fourth time in my life, the Lakers are the World Champions. And on that happy note, I will go heat up some egg rolls.