R&R

The Central Coast of California will forever be engraved in my memory.  Golden sun glinting from the blue ocean waves; fog gently shrouding the rolling hills of cattle and Live Oak trees; and the highway, wending itself through the undulating landscape that soothes the eye and frees the soul.

I've traveled along the Coast several times--as a child, with my whole family in our Volvo Stationwagon; as a college student, roadtripping from LA to NorCal with friends; and this past week, on vacation with my parents.  On the Central Coast, life seems simpler, calmer, and more connected with land and sea.  Residents have perpetual tans and sunburns, and bumper stickers indicate a more liberal bent.  Restaurants welcome dogs, and otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales inhabit the waters beyond the beaches.  Wildlife sightings made the drives worthwhile, and I will never forget seeing a Humpback Whale leap out of the water.

I would live here if I could, I often think to myself.  Except I can't.  There is too much to do in other places.

In exactly one week, I fly back to Connecticut, and I don't want to go.

California has been exactly what I needed.  First, I had a week-long Staycation at home, hermiting as much as I could, working on a few New-Haven-related assignments, and keeping communication with friends minimal.  I saw a friend with whom I've shared memorable hikes, including a long trek down Yosemite's Half Dome in the dark.  I met up with an old high school buddy--he drove from his residency in LA to meet me locally--who knows me better than most people in my life.  A wonderful spiritual sister, with whom I Skype regularly, came over to chat face-to-face in person, for once, and I came away as I always do with her--refreshed and encouraged.  I had lunch with two friends who knew each other apart from knowing me.  I met one in 8th grade and the other just a few years ago, but they went to high school together. That was fun.

Then, four days of Vacation with my folks.

This next week, I should start gearing up for the return to school.  I've got plenty of friends to see in the coming days, averaging 2 appointments each day.  My family--this time including my brother--will take another trip over the weekend.  And I have got several things to prepare (mentally and practically) before next Thursday arrives.  And then--Ready or not, here it comes!

I had a wonderful first year at Yale Divinity School, and I think that's why I don't want to return.  I poured out every inch of myself to those around me, and I don't feel like I can do it again.  It was a good run, I feel, and I'm ready to move on to other things.

I suppose one more year in school will give me direction on my future and continue to grow and shape my leadership skills.  It's going to be challenging and busy, and that's what I fear.  For now, I will enjoy the comforts of home for a few days more, knowing that even when I do enter my stressful schedule again, I can always return to the image of my beloved California Coast, and find refuge and rejuvenation from those memories.