I am now two decades old, and I am comfortable with who I am. This comfort has come and gone over the years, but each time it returns a little more mature and a little more permanent. This is a good thing; I am tempted to call it happiness.

My parents visited Reed last week and saw for the first time the life I’ve made here. They met my friends, saw my dorm room, watched me fire arrows, treated KC and I to dinner, and took me shopping. It was all not nearly as awkward as I had feared it might be. My dad even forgot the shotgun. ;)

I found the “Sarah Section” of all the stores last Saturday — everything fit, even the shoes, and especially the lovely green pants. Shopping is always one of those activities that can be immensely enjoyable, but only as long as you get to spend the time picking out things you like instead of spending millions of hours finding apparel that will “just have to do.”

The running shoes are serving me especially well, accumulating miles every night as I run with Ben and Erin. I managed five laps yesterday; that’s almost two and a half miles, non-stop — a record! I’ve also taken to telling stories to my companions, if I have my breath, little silly myths which somehow structure themselves on-the-fly as they come out of my mouth. Thank Anansi.

The sky has been glorious, full of fire and rain to herald in the Fall. Life is gentle now; a calm before the storm, I think, but I am prepared. I’m ready. Whatever may come, I am ready to live it.