June 20th. The day had finally arrived that I would be reunited with my best YES friend, Charis. We hadn't seen each other since way back in March at the IPSE, but over the course of a few months we had grown to be pretty close and decided I needed to take a visit. My plane touched down in Reagan International Airport and the excitement started to build. I sprinted. Ran. Skipped. All the way over to her. You could say our reunion was a good one but, that would be an understatement.
I could probably write a novel about our week together. However, I think these videos do more justice. Our first day was spent prancing in the river and being nature enthusiasts.
And on another day, we went for a segway adventure in Annapolis. Now, I don't know if any of you have ever rode segways but, they aren't for sissies. Charis and I OWNED those Segways. Our first hour was spent getting a historical tour of the area. We visited the Naval Academy, the Governor's Mansion, haunted mansions, and the Thurgood Marshal Monument. Little known fact here, it is nearly impossible to fall off of a segway. In fact, our tour guide had only ever had one person fall off in all her years working there. Well, in an attempt to warn me that a car was coming, Charis took quite the spill. Yep. She was the unfortunate one to fall off of the segway. Her injuries included two very scraped knees, a scratch on her chin and elbow, and a few bruises. Thankfully, she survived. After the tour, we were given an hour of free time to explore the rest of Annapolis. It was an excellent day.
Charis and I on the docks of Annapolis
In front of the Naval Academy
We also spent a day in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Baltimore was beautiful. We went to a candy store and of course, the candy addict I am had to spend ten dollars on candy. It was heavenly. We walked around the water, visited a few shops, and grabbed some lunch from a cute little restaurant.
So Marylanders have this strange obsession with this Old Bay seasoning stuff. I really don't understand the fascination.
That candy store... It was prodigious.
Down by the water
And finally, our last day together was spent adventuring/navigating/exploring D.C. All. By. Ourselves. As two girls who are spending their upcoming years in cities larger than NYC, we figured it would be a good idea to learn how to navigate these places alone. So. We did.
First, we found ourselves trapped in the Metro. Thankfully, we found a nice man that was willing to help us out. We made our way to the Smithsonian American History Museum. I fell in LOVE with this place. The exhibits were so enthralling and well put together. It was great to see all of the American history I had learned this year in one place. My favorite exhibit was hands down the First Ladies Exhibit that showed all of their inaugural gowns. I was hardcore fangirling those dresses, let me tell ya. After the Smithsonian, we walked all the way over to the Washington Monument, the FDR Monument, and the MLK Jr. Monument.
Washington Monument
MLK Jr.
After a few monuments, we then thought it would be a good idea to walk to Georgetown just to get my taste of Georgetown Cupcakes. The walk was long, blazing hot, and super sweaty. But let me tell ya, those cupcakes were worth it.
D.C. Cupcakes at last!
I should be a cupcake model.
Chocolate ganache, lemon zest, salted caramel, and chocolate peanut butter.
And just like that, the best week ever had come and gone. The few days we spent together were so special. And though we may not see each other for another year, and although we will be on separate continents, there is no doubt in my mind that our friendship won't keep on keepin on. So ladies and gentlemen, keep your eyes out for Charis and Mallory. We're coming for you.
Well, BHS. It's been real and it's been fun. It's been real fun. Today, I spent the last few hours with the high school that I have come to know and love. Bozeman High School has been so much more than a place to try and learn a thing or two. Over the course of the past three years, my life has been full of change and experiences. There have been many defining experiences with Bozeman High that have shaped me into the person that I am today.
I can't say that I remember my first day at Bozeman High. Let's be honest, my memory sucks. But I do remember my first pep rally, with Purcell's famous Homecoming speech. I remember spending countless hours online trying to find a sublime dress for my first school dance. I remember going to the Prom as a freshman, apprehensive of how elegant all the upperclassmen girls were. I remember winning State football freshman year and realizing just how much Hawk Pride exists. I remember the support I got the summer my friend died, from teachers who weren't even my teachers anymore. I remember the spirit weeks and the bad-ass outfits we were able to come up with. I remember UCA cheer camp with my team and making memories. I remember the countless classes I took with teachers who went the extra mile. I remember the Project X2 meetings where I would sit in awe of the amazing students that were in the club, with lofty lists of accomplishments. I remember the first day I ran Hawk Compliments, and the tears I shed seeing the affection of BHS. I remember cruising on my scooter down the narrow hallways, with nothing but a big smile plastered on my face.
Whether you realize it or not, Bozeman High is filled with so many passionate, dedicated, good-hearted people. And though I am just realizing this now, it's an idea that I will run with in the future.
So. What next? Severing ties with BHS will not be easy for me. However, I know I am leaving prepared, and ready to take on whatever the world throws at me next. And thankfully, I won't ever have to make the trek from Junior Lot into N-Wing.
