Now I am back home and treating a sunburn. It's ok though, I knew I was in for it when I went swimming without sunscreen. :P I'm open to suggestions on what works best for shoulder burns. I'm going to go shopping at the Wal-Mart to see what they have there for such things. It's very nice to be home again with Greg, I missed him very very much.

I'm very happy, though it was tough saying goodbye to the parents again. They always seem to take it in stride, but there's always that melancholy look on their faces when I say goodbye. Ah, sometimes I wish I could live closer to them. Other times, of course, I don't. That's just the way growing up works, I think.

-Cailin

I'm going to miss hanging out with my parents now. Even in our most idle of times, we always have something of interest to say to eachother. I'm always learning from them, I'm always suprised by what they have to teach me.

Most of the time my mother doesn't talk about religion - I think she get's intimidated by my animated descriptions of logical proofs and incosistancies and philosophy. I've learned to tone it down around her, because I always thought it made her uncomfortable. While we were driving home from the dentist, I got a different vibe, and she opened up to me in a way she hadn't done before. It was very special to me, that conversation in the car, as she spoke to me about where she stood with her beliefs (she's more of a spiritual agnostic) and it was really touching to hear that side of her. I never really imagined my mom as having a 'spiritual' side. She said she didn't really focus on it or think about it much, but the thoughts were there. My Dad also had something to say on the subject, he's not spiritual at all, but still agnostic. I think he's more of a 'there's no way to tell' sort of fellow.

The reason I'm not agnostic like my parents is hard to explain. I suppose I'm just willing to make that transition and say I don't believe. It's hard for a lot of people, that's why so many agnostics will tell you they aren't athiests. The truth is, you can't be agnostic without being atheist. Inplicit Atheism is simply not having the 'belief in god'. Agnostics don't believe either way, so they fit into that category. Explicit Atheism is a lot more ridgid, and they don't fit into that part of Atheism, which is the side everyone associates with it. I didn't tell my parents this, I don't think it really matters but it is a funny little bit of fact that most people (even other Atheists) overlook.

I know these posts are getting a little long lately, so if anyone feels that I'm clogging up their journal with my heatheny ways... feel free to drop me a note and I'll start putting them behind cuts.

-Cailin

It's funny, every time I check my live journal, I expect to see a recent post. I keep forgetting I haven't posted in a while. I suppose I should put one where it belongs, eh?

There's not too much to say, but I promise to write some more today. I just can't think of anything to note at the moment.

Updated - Ok, so I found something to do. I went to the craft store and bought a unprimed birdhouse. Then I bought acrylic paints and primed and painted it. I will post pictures. I'm going to give it to my mother because she collects small pretty birdhouses. I think she will like it - I sure enjoyed making it.

As promised, here is my birdhouse picture:
( Clicky Clicky )

-Cailin

Today I am going to go see Les Miserables as a guest of Greg's brother Dan who got tickets to see said musical as a birth-day present. I'm very pleased, Greg and their Mom will be attending the play as well, I think it will be a lot of fun. Last time I saw it was in High School Choir, when we went to see it as a class trip. Ah, I miss field trips.

Anyhow, now that you're all jealous allow me to soothe you with this, my body is VERY unhappy with my decision to excersize yesterday, and as a result is aching when I do pretty-much everthing and anything. I feel so old, as if my body is ridden with arthitis of the everything. It makes me appriciate the health that I take for granted, many people live with seemingly unbearable pain every day of their lives... I'm lucky to not have to deal with illness so severe.

( On a more serious note: )
-Cailin

Well, I'm back from my Tues-Fri stay at Stanislaus camping grounds. I had a great time and I plan to post some pictures on "the site" later, when I have like - the gumption to do so.

There are many good things about being far away from a house or home, a sort of relaxing calm that settles over you in the quieter moments, disturbed only by the occasional pop and hiss of the fire which warms your legs to the point of unbearable discomfort if not tended to. Of course, there are annoyances too, such as having to take off your shoes every time you have to climb into the tent, and the seemingly endless swarm of mosquitos. I really hate mosquitos, and I vow that I shall never live in an area where I must put up with the little beasts.

But focusing more on the good parts of the trip, hanging out with Greg and the Parents was %100 enjoyable, and the scenery was beautiful. We were very close to a rushing river that was deadly, so we couldn't swim in it (it was freezing cold water, anyway) but it was quite possibly the most beautiful river I have ever seen. Very powerful and graceful at the same time. We didn't really do all that much at the camp site, but I think that just relaxing was enough for all of us. It's nice to get away, but it's also nice to get back.

Ah, it was a good time - despite the mosquitos.

-Cailin

Still very tired today, but not nearly as much as a couple days back. Last night at about 12pm I realized that I had a reading repsonse due in History class today. I'm glad I remembered to check the syllabus. Go me. Anyway, after about an hour I finished with that (or as some might say, fishned) and went to sleep.

I have mid-terms and papers due all this coming week, and I'm contemplating asking for some time off to focus on my studies. I know the boss with agree, but at the same time I don't like not being there for him to supply my helpful work services. Feels like I'm letting him down, somehow.

My parents came over yesterday to watch the concert and hang out - it was nice to see them but I can't help but feel strange when I'm around them, now. I think it's a different sort of relationship now, more than just parent child but almost peer based. It's uncomfortable and strange. My dad took the opportunity to impress upon me his advice that I should take a double major or a strong minor (which would become a major later) so that I have something to work with as far as a career goes. He said Philosophy is a great major but that there isn't much you can do with a philosophy degree. I'm not sure what I think. I see the wisdom in his words but at the same time I don't know if I really want to take a double major. He has a lot of influence on me, but I managed not to commit to anything right then and there. This is something I'll have to think about for a while.

-Cailin

Gooood morning. Same ol' stuff today as all the other days. I have to go to work soon but I felt compelled to type for no real purpose. I miss my folks again, it's been a while since I've seen them. They're out traveling again, I hope they're having a good time. I want to go somewhere this summer, but I don't know where. I never go anywhere nowadays, so I'll have to really get creative. Ideally, I'd spend a week in Hawii - simply because I've never been and I've always wanted to go. Probably not this year, though. But I still want to do something.

Perhaps the beach?

Hmm...

-Cailin