I've been thinking of the bungy tower back in Vegas recently (btw, yes I know the rest of the world spells it bungEE but as AJ would say, that's the ugly way to spell it, and if Mr. Bungy spells it with a "Y" then, dang it, burn the dictionary!) Mainly, I've been feeling like I've been standing on the edge recently. I can still vividly imagine Las Vegas from the edge. "Keep you eyes forward, look at the mountains and when I say "one," jump." Jumping is a deeply personal thing which is why we never pushed. No matter how many times I did it, I still got a knot in my stomach. When I'd get to the point of no return, the world would stop turning, everything would get quiet, and I'd stop breathing. I miss it.
I can hear the jump master in my ear again, telling me to keep my eyes forward.
I can sense that my toes are ever so slightly over the edge already, anticipating the wild ride that is mere centimeters away.
All I need now is my countdown and to lean forward.
This is a rather big summer for me, as most of you are aware. My last final was last Wednesday and my finals grades were an A and a B. The B disappoints me, but at the same time, it gives me the drive to never get one again. Like I said in my last post, I no longer have that feeling of being okay with mediocrity.
Saturday will be my last "day-off" before I start getting serious about contacting schools. For the moment the list is (eventhough they don't know it yet): WashU, Purdue, Illinois, Mizzou, Wisconsin and Utah. I'm hoping to visit them all this summer, and with any luck one of them will be a good fit for both of us.
As of the last post, I felt like I was at the bottom of the cliffs of insanity looking up, but recently I've realized that I'm at the top of the tower looking down. No less of an achievement, but one that I can relate to a seize upon.
I'm looking forward to crossing that point of no return and contacting those schools, because for a brief moment my world will once again stop.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Stop!!
Tossed in here by
J.Ammon
around
23:25
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8 thoughts:
I didn't realize Purdue was on the list... Let Elise and I know if/when you plan to visit that campus and we'll do our best to lobby hard for the Boilermakers ;-)
Seriously, though - we'd at least like to be gracious hostesses...
Meanwhile, thanks for capturing so well the feeling of facing a new threshold, whether it's applying to schools, moving and starting a new job, graduating from HS or going on a mission, I think the feelings are similar and even though I've never bungy/bungee jumped, I think it's an appropriate analogy.
Thanks
Change or the thought of change is always a difficult thing for my mind to wrap around, as I'm sure this next stepping stone is for you.
Not sure if Madison is the WI school on your list, but if so, I think you guys would really love that town -- only about 1 hr from us, you're always welcome to crash here again when you come check it out!
Congrats on the A!!!
Beautifully written, and a STRONG metaphor.... You still have the ability to surprise me, and in good ways. Love you.
In case my opinion matters, I vote for Utah! Matt and I would love to have you back and I think Emily and I could be really good friends.
you MUST come to our house if you visit washU. i mean, if it's this washington and not the other. i have no idea where it is, but you must. or at least we can meet up somewhere. i haven't seen either of you guys in YEARS!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant metaphor, Joe. Moving to the next, and incredibly crucial, step in your career plans is incredibly scary. Your short list looks fabulous.
Please forgive me if I pray you pick Utah. :)
Oh great bungy tower, how we fondly and fearfully think of you!!
I, too, remember that edge and keeping one's eyes on the mountain...it still send chills down my spine. Keep looking forward, Joe, you're one of the most fearless people I know. You'll get there.
(I just secretly hope 'there' is Utah!!)
Mt. Charleston was wonderful, by the way. I forget just how nice it really is.
Beautifully written... thank you
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