So, I've been camping out a lot on MSN messenger lately. The stress of applications, the tedium of being trapped indoors; I'm numb. This whole returning home business started off rather promisingly. My Chicago trip was wildly successful, all things considered. My spirits were high when I was going downtown every day.

But those feelings are wearing off. It just feels like my life is in limbo and I'm waiting for next summer to come alive again. It's like with breakups-- at first it's hard, but there's also that thrill of liberation. When thrill and heartache both pass, what remains?