* this is not my favorite holiday to celebrate: I hate loud noises from fire crackers and the smoke, I don't enjoy sitting outside and sweating with bugs flying around me/biting me, and I don't like cookout type foods (hamburgers, hotdogs, or even steak) bc these foods make my stomach very upset. * despite the aforementioned list of dislikes about the holiday, tonight was nice. I like bonfires and roasting marshmallows, laughing with friends and family, and watching my cousins play outside. * I'm in Texas visiting my parents and family; it's hotter than hell here. Barri has to stay inside with the air conditioner turned down most of the time. She runs outside to relieve herself, gets overheated, and pants for the next hour despite cool air blowing in her face. I feel her pain. My body hates the heat. I've been feeling so nauseated during the afternoon that it's difficult to function. * I've been gone from my apartment for almost a month. It feels weird. I miss my own stuff. I miss my routine. * I didn't tell many people that I would be gone for so long. I've been getting phone calls and texts from people wondering where I've gone. Sometimes I like to disappear. * in some ways this trip has restored me to myself. I feel more at home with me. I'm thankful for this...it's a bit like being centered. It's been a slow growth process. After the past six months of sickness and medication reactions and disappointment, I really needed this realignment. * I'm excited to be back in MN soon :)