I got that deep down feeling that I need to write and express my thoughts again, and decided not to suppress it. After all, there's been a LOT going on lately - and even more that'll be going on in the days to come.
So, I'll start from where I left off. The first concert of the summer was Rascal Flatts on July 31st, which is pretty much a yearly tradition for my friends and I. The group ate supper at bdubs in Garner before rolling up to Walnut Creek. Opening for RF was Justin Moore (who was okay, nothing special in my opinion), Easton Corbin (whom I had already seen once at FFA National Convention in Indianapolis - he once again put on a great show!), and Sara Evans (who did fantastic, she's so beautiful). Rascal Flatts didn't disappoint; like always, they kept the crowd entertained and Gary's vocals were almost always spot-on. We were run out of there at the end by a huge thunderstorm that randomly popped up. We got soaked from head to toe.. but it was still fun!
Only a few days later, Michael & I were taking the long drive to Charlotte, NC to see yet another concert - Gavin DeGraw, Train, and Maroon 5. While I had seen Train once before, I was SO pumped to see Maroon 5! We had lawn seats, and actually got a great spot to see the stage. I also got to meet my roommate Nicole for the first time! Gavin DeGraw actually had a great setlist and performance (and only days later, he was attacked and put in the hospital. CRAZY!) Train, one of my favorite bands of all time, did amazing! I absolutely love Pat Monahan. However, there were a few songs that I love that they didn't play... Bummer. While the entire concert was phenomenal, NOBODY compared to Maroon 5. I have to say, they put on the best show I think I've ever seen. It doesn't hurt that Adam Levine is drop dead gorgeous either ;) I left the amphitheater absolutely blown away! It was worth the long drive and late arrival home. If they ever come back to the area, I'll definitely buy tickets right away!
Since the concerts, my days have consisted of a LOT of dorm/school shopping, relaxing by the pool, and hanging out with my friends whenever possible. There's been a lot of catching up dinners, late night swims, cookouts, and last minute plans, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it! That leads to the root of my emotions tonight... Time has absolutely flown. I feel like I just entered my freshman year, blinked, and now I'm moving into my dorm room in 10 days. The reality of it hadn't hit me until I had the realization, "Wow... My friends are actually starting to leave!" I went to a "going-away cookout" for a close friend of mine, but considering he hasn't moved in yet, it still seemed surreal... Then tonight, I had dinner with a group of friends. One of my closest friends since middle school, Kara, is moving in tomorrow to NC State. Wake up call, much? Now, I feel like the time is being sucked into this big black hole, like water trickling through my hands before I can hold onto it. Weren't we all just sitting in the lunchroom in 6th grade, still assigned to our "class table" and always in jeopardy of silent lunch? And didn't we just cheer our high school football team onto a landslide victory over Princeton? It's all so unbelievable. I guess it won't hit home fully until I'm on a campus with 28,000 people, alone with 4 or 5 acquaintances, fending for myself.
I chose my title for a reason. I can honestly say that throughout high school, I've steered my "time" in all the right directions. Did I goof off when I should have been productive? Probably. Did I make some bad decisions? Definitely. Did I have a blast in the process? Absolutely. I have made so many close friends and even more incredible memories that mean the world to me. And despite the several friendships, I've learned through many trials which bonds actually mean something. I've seen too many people come out of high school with a group of "bffs" that are only in the relationship for his/her own benefit. The friends that would put your interests and feelings before their own? THEY'RE the ones that count. The ones that I know will be there for me no matter the distance between campuses. I'm thankful for the tons of people that I've bonded with throughout the years, but I'm even more blessed to have those that I know genuinely care for me and my well-being. And I love them right back!
Anyway, that's enough venting for the night. I'm sure I'll be busy the next week continuing to try to see the rest of my pals before we all go our separate ways. Til next time :)
