Do you ever get in one of those moods where you feel like it takes too much energy to smile? I hate feeling down-in-the-dumps for no apparent reason. It is quite unnerving.

Now it is getting darker outside. That doesn't help anything.

Thunder.

Perfect.

I leave for Girls State tomorrow. I'm definitely looking forward to it, but... I don't know. I feel funny about it. I think it is because last year was rough. I just remember being constantly stressed. Hopefully that won't happen again this year. I love doing it. I think that it is one of the most important things I do every year.

At Girls State we (the counselors) go around the room and name off the most exciting thing that has happened to us this year. What will I say? The Italy thing is pretty exciting... but that hasn't actually happened yet. I want to say something other than "I survived being a sophomore at UT" or something. Well, I was pretty excited about getting an actual part in the opera, but I was "Little Girl" and I don't think that really counts. Haha. I should get out my journal and read what I wrote this year. Maybe something really exciting happened that I don't remember. (heh- that seems unlikely)

I'm in a contemplative mood and I don't actually want to be.

It's raining and Olive is outside.... hang on a sec.

Oh- I know another reason why I might not be in the best of moods. I was really excited about going to a new Gastroenterologist yesterday. So, I went, and basically he said there is nothing I can do about my tummy aches. :( He did say they should go away as I get older, but... it was rather depressing, you know?

It is POURING. I think the weather is changing with my mood.

Well, this might be the last entry for about 10 days (while I'm at VGS)... but I am bringing my computer, so I might be able to write some more. I'm not promising anything, though.

I need to learn to just take a deep breath now and then.

Mari

P.S. I miss Ryan too...