Here Today

by: Lara Cleeland

Here Today…

Dear mountains,

I am finally home, I have never been so glad to be adventuring within the boundaries of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Dear concrete,

I can finally skateboard on your smooth surfaces. The reunion was priceless.

These two nostalgias that have been built up over the past 4 months are no longer distant dreams, but my new reality. My mental happiness and physical health are reaping the benefits from being home in my element. Like that of a complete protein, similar to rice and beans, the mountains and concrete are my perfect combination to keep me thriving. 

Gone Tomorrow…

However, I’m a nomad at heart…always on the move. Hopping from place to place. Searching for something new or running from the boredoms that weave themselves into daily routine.  Therefore, I’m moving again, back to Tahoe in a few weeks to begin a renewed journey for the wintertime. 

Unfortunately, moving all the time, gets exhausting, and starting from scratch is never an easy task. The sacrifices are great, including the lack of financial stability and the hardship of holding onto strong relationships with family and friends is proven difficult. The struggles and inconveniences of this lifestyle are not for everyone. But they are rewarding if you open yourself to the idea that constant change isn’t such a bad thing, because in exchange, you get to experience so much more.

Maybe my life isn’t supposed to be normal, where I settle down so easily, and follow a structured approach to the successes of this world. Maybe my goals aren’t measured in the same way others measure their successes. I’m happy just knowing that I’ve lived my life with little restriction, and in doing so, have seen and done so much more than I could have ever dreamed.

In conclusion, life’s questions can keep racking themselves into my brain, but the only way to find out what I’m really meant to do on this earth, is through experiencing everything imaginable. Even if that includes making a bunch of extra mistakes and getting lost along the way. After all, how else are you supposed to find yourself, if you don’t take the time to explore all the possibilities and detours that life has to offer?

The Morning After

by: Samantha Bermitz

Back in the real world there are cars, cell phones, and depending on your location, sunshine. I have to cook my own living expenses, and all the things that were provided by Yes Bay are now gone. Being back in Florida is a lot to get used to, and I had to spend a lot of money getting everything organized.

• Getting insurance for my car:

This was a lot more difficult than I had planed. I thought I would try progressive first, but it turned out to be more than I cared to spend, with an initial down payment and no 6 month payment option. Then I called several private insurance companies and didn’t qualify for coverage because of my lack of previous credit and insurance. (Mind you, I just graduated high school.) Geico ended up being my most affordable option, $1260.88 for 6 months, so of course I went everyone's favorite computer generated gecko.

• Getting my car registered and buying my tags:

What was supposed to be an easy task was stretched into the longest and most difficult. When I arrived at the Department of Motor Vehicles, I noticed a lot of people waiting and no one being helped. I thought it was weird, but I got my number and sat down anyway. As I looked up at the number board, I realized that my number would be up shortly. However, as the lady who was in charge walked out and called for every ones attention, my excitement faded. Apparently the computers were down, and they couldn’t do anything without them. No one knew when the system would be up and running again. I wouldn’t have minded if I didn’t need it that day, but wanting to get behind the wheel, I held my ground for 4 hours. When the computers were up again I was able to get tags and register my car. In the end I spent $460.55: $250 on the tag and the rest on the registration. What a waste of a beautiful day!

• Registering for College:

Registering for classes was far less frustrating than registering my car. I finalized my enrollment, got my ID, and ordered my chef uniforms. Everything went smoothly, but they estimated $900 for books alone per semester. Yikes. At least I’ll be all set when I get back from my mini-vacation with my boyfriend.

There were a lot of silly things that I had to get used to such as the bright sunny days of Florida, answering my phone, carrying my wallet around, and driving. Luckily, I got the hang of everything pretty quick. All in all, I’m glad to be home. Though I miss Yes Bay,it's comforting to know that I'll soon be returning to the place where you never bring a gun to a sweagle fight. 

Landing on My Feet

by: Jaimie Gleissner

Getting into a normal routine has been pretty tough since my return to Illinois. I've spent the past week staying up until 3 in the morning, waking up late in the afternoon, eating fast food, drinking beer, and hanging out with my friends and family. Upon departing Yes Bay, I had a whole list of things I needed to get done. Since I don't remember what was on that list, it's safe to say I haven't accomplished any of it.

Actually, I have gotten a couple things done this week. I've managed to complete another year of living, and when I went to the liquor store to buy beer, I walked out with a job... and beer. I haven't done much thinking, though I have decided that I will be moving to Denver. My first week back, as you can see, has been extremely uneventful.

This time last year I was getting ready to drive across the country. I went from living in South Eastern Alaska to Wickenburg, Arizona. Everything was scary, and I felt shell shocked for much of the move. The transition into society has been a lot easier this time around. Instead of timidly testing the waters, I threw myself into civilization. Working as a seasonal professional has taught me a lot of things, and the most important thing I've learned is to embrace the unfamiliar situation.

That being said, lately, I feel like a cat that's stuck in a tree. I've managed to get myself to a really high branch. The view is pretty good, but it's starting to get dark, and I'm getting pretty hungry. Not to mention, it's getting cold. Looking around, I realize that I don't know how to get down, so I start mewing and hope someone will hear me and get me out of this tree. Finally, it dawns on me that no one is coming. The only option I have is to stop being such a pussy and jump. After all, I am a cat. I'll probably land on my feet.