here we goooo.

Tomorrow morning I am making the haul back to Catawba. Wahooo. I am actually a lot more excited than I have been for the past two weeks. I think because it is finally real...my car(and my momma's) is all packed up and we are ready to go.

And in a little bit, we are going out for ice cream...one last time. I know, my name is Ashley and I have a problem.

But anyways, since my summer is officially ovaaa, it is time for some reflections. This summer has been...uhh, kind of weird..

It started with my dadda being promoted to Major. Way to go Pops! Major Acken has a MUCH better ring to it than Captain Acken =) I have been to a few of these promotion ceremonies in my lifetime and this one was honestly the best. All of my dad's colleagues that we receiving such high honors and are almost at the end of their career in the next few years or so. Their speeches were so inspiring. They were all SO thankful and grateful for being able to be a part of their job and the fact that they have been given the chance to use their gifts to the best of their ability. It is so nice to hear people being happy and PROUD for the work they have done for the past twenty-thirty years. So cool...

It then went on to my baby brother's graduation. He also goes to college in the next coming weeks. I am so proud of his accomplishments and cannot wait to see where the future takes him. Helllllo computer major who is going to run the world someday? Haha...seriously though, he is gonna do some amazing things and I cannot wait to see them.

I then worked for LeadershipNOW and you can get a full re-cap here. I have processed a lot more of the experience and realized how much more I got out of it than I originally thought. First off, the youth I worked with are in a demanding generation. They are expected to succeed, to be perfect, to attend college, and to perform well(in whatever it may be). However, they also have almost everything they could ever want right next to them. They can search anything on the internet, reach anyone with their cell phone, play people on video games all over the world and start reading a new book with the touch of a download. Think about it....I also keep reminding myself of Jacq's quote-You can love people, and you can lead people but you can't always change people. 

All of the in between times of my summer was spent babysitting and spending time with some of my best friends. I also discovered the Vera Bradley outlet store...ekk. And I visited one of my mentor turned best friend and her family at their new house in Maryland.  I couldn't of spent my extra time any better. Adorable loving children who remind you the meaning of life plus friends that continue to guide and love you through life. 

And tomorrow, I will go back to school to start RA training and begin my junior year. So here begins one more new journey in my life....and hoping that family, friends, God and of course ice cream continue to be an important part in it.