these are the days that I've been missing...

Amazing. Truly amazing. I am in my element. I am loving - LOVING - it here. I cannot believe I have three weeks left before I'm trapped in Madison for yet another year of undergrad.

Tonight, I went to a reception on the Hill hosted by the Embassy of Ecuador. In Ecuador, when the drug crops are eradicated, they insist on planting roses instead, so this event was to celebrate the multifaceted nature of what Ecuadorian roses represent. They brought in 33,000 roses for the event, and each attendee had the opportunity to select their own to create a bouquet. Every bouquet I saw was gorgeous... the roses were so beautiful in any combination.

Afterwards, a group of us decided to go to Hawk and Dove, a well-known, wonky bar on the Hill, for dinner and a drink. On the way home, a friend suggested we go through the Capitol to avoid the stifling humidity. Although we had doubts about whether Security would let us in after hours, we got in without any problems (it's great what that "INTERN" badge will get you). Once we were inside, however, there was an eerie sense of wonder and meaning that settled on us. The Capitol was completely empty: no tourists, no members of Congress, barely any security personnel. Finally, I was able to walk through the rotunda and absorb the significance and history of everything that has happened in that room - the caskets of presidents lying in wake, the agreements that have been forged, the wonder of the historical events pictured on the walls. The dome glowed, providing the only light in the room. It was heavenly, and the experience reconnected me to this city and reaffirmed my commitments to myself and my future.

While I don't want to leave DC for a long, long time, part of me desperately wants to go home to my friends and family in Madison. When Annika, just back from Brazil, and my mom visited last weekend, it just made me miss everyone and everything back home even more. I am still sorry I didn't have more time to spend with them because of class and work.

I'll be back to Madison soon, but I know I won't be back to DC soon enough. Even though this was the second time around, this summer has taught me that there is always more to see - in a city, in a person and in an experience. The attitude with which you approach things is seemingly the most important factor in whether you are successful and happy or not. It has taught me to enjoy life and what comes my way, whether an event is expected or not. It has made me realize how little time I have left to enjoy, relax, and exist as a student with few obligations. It has made me understand that sometimes a leader truly is needed and other times people will figure things out for themselves.

I am evolving in some ways, regressing in others, and becoming who I have wanted to be. I can see myself changing, and I love that. Change, both good and bad, is the only way to grow. The difference is that this time, I am watching it happen as a response to experiences and no longer have to prompt myself to change, though I may choose to at times.

I am coming back to Madison the same, but better.