2 days after this one

The last couple days are never as monotonous as the rest of the time it seems.

That's because they are filled with some possible, and some probable "lasts."

Today, for example. I finished my last assigned story. I have a feeling he won't give me anything else unless he knows it can be finished in a day. Otherwise, what would be the point? I guess what I had found could be passed on to another reporter, probably Darla, but she has her own stuff to be working on.

Tomorrow will be the last day I wish it was the last day. Ha. Also, it will be the last day I enjoy free food in the newsroom, and the last time I have to eat a skimpy dinner cuz I have nothing in the fridge. My visit to the rec will be my last. And my night's sleep will be the last night I spend alone in the Quad Cities.

Friday will be full of lasts. My last day in the newsroom. My last 8 hrs spent at the Argus. My last lunch with Darla. My last view of the District, Davenport or the Centennial Bridge.... If I know my parents, the last time I set foot in a QC casino. The last time I sleep in my Augie dorm room. The last shower I take in a community bathroom, the last time I rely on a tiny fridge to supply food for me to live. It will also be my last night on the town(s) with the 'rents. Maybe I will come back here someday, to visit if nothing else. The area is a quaint, comfy one, with a definitely homely presence- yet not small enough to be hickier than my own hometown.

This summer was my last as a student. My last trip to 4 different county fairs in 9 weeks. My last chance to live away from home, knowing I'm coming back after two months. My last to live it up until I reach adulthood, that word that scares many of my friends.

And Saturday morning, I will look in the rearview mirror and watch Rock Island and then Moline slowly disappear, for the last time.

It will be sad, now that the wait seems inevitably over. It's a shame that I focus so hard on wanting to get out I never get to actually experience a place until it's almost gone. Then it's too late.

I find myself smiling because I hear Steve say something stupid or because Brian is telling me to get out of his way (jokingly) and to print out clips on my own time. Standing by Kurt and the printer, I remember the time he told me to tell my parents "hi" even though he had never met him, and I realize I only hung out with these people once.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it's about over. I know if I had another chance I'd take the easy way out and count down the days till I reach home sweet Godfrey, Ill. Just thinking...... daydreaming, what else is new?