Is it weird that I classify different years of my existence by themes? For example, 2006 was one of the best years of my life thus far and has come to be named The Year of Discovery, simply because of the numerous lessons I learned. During that time, I graduated from junior high, joined Tomball STAGE, had my first (and only) high school infatuation, and significantly deepened my relationship with Christ. The following year could be called The Slump Year (I'm pretty sure I slept through most of that one), and the theme for 2008 had to do with Overcoming Obstacles (for multiple reasons).

You're probably wondering why I even bring up my list of different themes. Well, I'm excited to say that I have recently assigned the theme for the year 2010! Even though I don't usually pick 'em until after December 31st, it's sure to be a perfect fit. And so, without further ado, the official theme is...

The Year of Adaptation! Or The Year of Adjustment? Oh but wait, Transformation sounds good, too!

Okay, so maybe I don't have it down pat just yet, but it obviously must incorporate the idea of change. I can't begin to describe all of the changes that have occurred or are about to occur in my everyday life! First of all, I am typing this blog on my very own MacBook Pro that my parents gave me for graduation, and let me tell you, it's a very strange little system, this new computer of mine. Don't get me wrong—I like it a lot already, but switching from a Windows PC to a Mac takes a bit of getting used to, you know. Converting is definitely a life altering decision that one must make with utmost caution (note the sarcasm there).

Secondly, my University of Texas Freshman Orientation was this past week in Austin, where Kristen and I toured the campus, attended multiple workshops, and slept in our very own dorm room (which would have been comfortable if it wasn't for the freezing temperatures at night). I can't believe that it's only a matter of months before I move there for good. Now, if that's not a major adjustment, I don't know what is. And thirdly, my parents are in the process of selling our home of the last 17 years so that they can rent an apartment in Houston to be closer to my dad's office. I love the city and all, but I'm not so sure if "coming home" will take on the same meaning for me as it did for Lance and Jason.

Do you see what I mean? These are only a few of the changes that I'm having to deal with, and it's all happening so fast! Of course, I'm finding it all extremely thrilling, but isn't it also kind of sad? No, not sad. Bittersweet is a better word to describe the summer, I think. I just hope to God that the sweetness eventually leaves the bitterness in the dust.

So, I'll end this post (because it's getting pretty lengthy) with a question that boggles my mind, and that many of my peers may have as well. Why is it that most of us spend our entire childhood lives anxiously awaiting the moment that we can spread our wings and fly away, only to find that the goodbyes are more difficult than we ever imagined?