Things I've Learned This Summer

This weekend, my mom came to help me move, which I really appreciate because there is no way I could do it by myself. We made three trips back and forth to Evanston (inefficient, I know), but almost everything is done. My bed is made, my clothes are put away, and my kitchen has brand new pots and pans (thank goodness for Labor Day sales at the outlets!).

For my last weekend in Racine, we obviously had to return to all of my favorites, so that my mom could benefit from everything I've learned this summer. Mom got to experience the wonder of First Fridays, and she made friends with some of the locals (nothing like a conversation about wood to start the evening!) and tried on many hats (Copacetic is much more fun when someone is there with you). We ate dinner at Henry&Wanda's, where she admitted that if she were writing this blog, she would probably be much more critical than I am. I also showed her all the pictures and videos of my friends and our adventures this summer, and I shared all of the anecdotes that didn't make it into this blog.

Between all of the moving and shopping for bedding (so stressful!), we managed to visit Red Onion Cafe, Jose's Blue Sombrero, Out of the Pan, O&H Bakery, and DePizza Chef (which, by the way, is even sketchier at 7pm on a Sunday than it was at 2am on a Saturday). Roz loved the guacamole and margaritas at Jose's and the french toast at Out of the Pan. I wanted her to write a guest blog in which she would support everything I have previously written, but she returned to Cleveland this morning, so I'll just tell you she agrees with me, and we'll have to live with that.

French toast made of cinnamon swirl bread. It tasted like rainbows and happiness.

After a long morning of cleaning and packing, I am finally ready to leave my apartment and head back to Evanston. But before I go, I must finish this blog where I started it, sitting on my couch in Racine. It feels like it ought to be a little emotional, but I cried this morning while watching Titanic, so I'm not feeling it right now. I've had a wonderful summer in Racine, and I wouldn't change it for anything. I've been feeling all along like I've grown up a lot, but my mother's visit confirmed it. I always feel better about everything when she's around and I'll never stop needing her, but it felt more like she was here because I wanted the company than because I needed the help.

There's a good chance I'll start a new blog when I get to school (probably also food-themed), but it is time for Summer in Racine to end. I'll leave you with a few of the lessons I learned this summer:

• You can rent movies at the grocery store. You can also get cash. Technically, I knew that before, but I never knew how to do it until now.
• Most people are offended by the idea of a prenup. And as luck would have it, Dan was right - people are more likely to divorce if they make plans for it.
• Large cubes with multiple interns are not great for productivity, but they are great for intern bonding.
• Wisconsin has a unique state culture, in which everyone supports tailgating before baseball games and everyone hates FIBs.
• You can meet great people and make great friends wherever you go, even in Racine, Wisconsin.

Thank you to everyone who followed my blog this summer. It has been a pleasure writing it, and I really appreciate the ways in which you all have made your marks on my life. I hope I've returned the favor.