hold my head, we'll trampoline

You know what's weird about waking up at 4 am?

Everything.

First of all, it just feels unnatural. Second, when you're biking under the stars and moon, however beautiful and welcome that might be, it still feels like nighttime. Third, having already been awake for three hours at 7 am is just preposterous.

But, it is nice to see the sun rise. That's a sight I haven't had the privilege of in a long time.

'Why is Tianna waking up at 4 am and galavanting around the city on her bicycle," is a question you might be asking yourself.

In response I would say to you, "As much as I wish I had some epic story about rolling around Minneapolis at all hours, I do not. I'm biking a mile and a half to open at Turtle Bread". This is all well and good, but I am sucker for the hearing and/or the telling of a better story.

Short story long, I've been awake since 4 this morning.

You know, I'm kind of glad I woke up at 4 today. Since I was done with work at 1, I've had hours to experience the beauty of today. I think there's a promise of magical potential in most every day, but today was just one of those glorious Summer days.

For the last week or so it's really seemed like Fall has been furiously trying to secure a foothold in these parts. Cooler days, cold nights. But, today I swam in a body of water and it felt wonderful. I'm planning on it again tomorrow.

I am endlessly amazed by the amount of good a little blue sky and warmth does for my soul. I hope the weather takes this into consideration during my stay in London because I am not too jazzed about weeks of gray.

To switch things up and get me to talk about something other than the weather I decided I'm going to have a certain focus to my blog for a little while; I'm to flip to a random page in my portable pocket dictionary and whatever word my finger lands on is going to guide my writing. I think it just makes sense as an English major on my epic England adventure to use words as a guide.

Homogenize: Make uniform throughout.

This will be my word for tomorrow.

I never find out until I'm head over heels

I'm going to London in a little over a month. For the semester. I really want this blog to be something that I use regularly will I'm there; as an update on my day-to-day, for anyone that's interested, and as a record of my travels for myself.

I haven't been a very good blogger yet. I resolve to get better. In the month leading up to my departure I will do this, so it becomes a habit. It only takes twenty-one days, right? I've got plenty of time.

So, did I mention I'm going to London in a month? Because that's happening. And (as always) I'm playing with a dichotomy of emotions. On the one hand; I'm so excited and ready for a big adventure thousands of miles away from everything and everyone. To walk along the Thames, to see Big Ben and Parliament, to ride the tube, to go shopping, to go to a myriad of museums, to learn, to meet new people, to do non-touristy things. Then on the other hand I've never been away for this long and I'm a bit nervous about it. Plus, Minneapolis is amazing in the Fall. I'll always be in love with this city. Fortunately, my excitement is vastly outweighing my nerves and need for those radiant Fall colors.

I can barely believe that it's almost mid-August. This Summer has flown by (as always). Fast or slow, every moment has been magic. Biking around, being with the friends you love, discovering special spots, talking, laughing, swimming as many times as you want in different lakes, everything from the mundane to the miraculous is better in the summertime. I'm in love with this city, I'm in love with this season, that's why it's always so hard when it's over. But this year I have a big adventure to look forward to.

Yesterday was one of those perfect Summer days; cool enough and not a cloud in the sky. I woke up at 4:30 for work and got to see the sun rise. Then spent the day shopping for my dad's birthday. After spending all morning and a large portion of the afternoon biking to different places in different parts of the city, with some successes and some failures, every moment of which was glorious, I ended up at Paperback Exchange. Definite success. I bought eight books for $16.40. That store is a true gem.

Later, my parents and I walked to dinner at Pizza Biga. We had a great time, which was much appreciated. I feel like my family time has taken a hit this summer. I'm constantly working or hanging out with friends or both. But, I really do enjoy spending time with my parents, they're cool people. We walked home, were fascinated by the moon, and laughed until our sides hurt. Great day.

By the looks of it today is going to be another one. I'm going to get out there and enjoy it. I hope you are too.