Summer Update

All right,
By popular demand, I am going to do a rare summer Blog update. The reason for the long absences in short is just a sporadic schedule. I have no routine right now, and I love it!
Few details will follow each event, but it should be enough to catch you all up.

Went to China…
It’s been two months and I’m just now realizing how much I learned in China. Not as much about the culture as I had hoped., but tons about the people there. I learned even more about myself and the culture that I live in and how blessed I am and the people in my life. The camaraderie that I had been pushing for all year amongst the Sousas finally came to fruition and I hope that it carries over and even grows throughout this next season.
(Editor’s note: for more information on the China trip, check out my trip journal at http://mateogoestochina.blogspot.com/. It is a work in progress, but should be done by the time school starts.)

Went back home…
I was sure that I had spent my last extended time in the suburbs of Gainesville, but I was wrong. The opportunity to gain some class credit without having to actually go to class enticed me to look into a job here this summer. Long story short, the professor that I had lined up to proctor the internship left the University for more money at another school (thank you Mike Adams) and I was stuck with no way to get this credit. In short, I most likely will have to graduate at the end of next summer instead of next spring. So that is a big drag.

Took a class…
I took a commuter class at Piedmont College on Thursday evenings. It was statistics and it was easy. I should have taken more summer classes at community college… My GPA would suck less if I had.

Worked a bit…
I went back to an old job, but in a new way. I worked cleaning and maintaining swimming pools during the summers in high school. So, when my summer plans went bust and I needed money, I gave it another try. This time, I did it myself. I had a rotation of five pools to clean each week and made enough money to make the summer prosperous without working all the dang time.

Was a huge band dork…
I spent several days at the Hugh this summer getting the horns into shape for this fall. No money made, but I’ll be dang proud when 30 Sousas march through the Dawg Walk vs. WKU.
I am also working a high school camp and a half on top of my duties at UGA. Again, it will be a little fun and it will help to pay the bills.

The people…
This summer defined in a large way the direction of the rest of my life when it comes to people. It established the friendships that I know will be lifelong and the ones that were only of the time and circumstance. I had another roommate get engaged and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Two out of four have taken the plunge and they have really set the bar high for Bob and I. I suppose we better find a match to equal K-diddle and Renee. No rush though.
I got closer with my brothers as this will be the last time we ever live under one roof. I’m very proud of the way they are turning out. Ryan, though a dumb jock, has a nice direction for his life. Ham is still a work in progress, but he has time.
I met some new people and made some new relationships. Some are blossoming friendships; one could be much more ;-) For once, I am really focusing on not pursuing my agenda and tempo in this. Keith and Rusty have taught me much better through the way that they have handled similar situations in their own lives.
I am looking forward to getting back to Athens full time and seeing all the people that I have missed over the summer. The people that I shared the China ordeal with will always have a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to spending one more season between the hedges with them.

All in all, it has been a great summer of learning and of growth. I am now officially ready to close a chapter in my life and move on. It is past time to grow up and I think I might finally be mature to take a stab at it. Regardless, I am going to give it a shot.

Only 46 days ‘till kickoff. Go Dawgs!