Diarrhea, Whiplash, and the Windy City

Before yesterday, I thought whiplash was a phrase only used by money grubbin' folks who's car bumper got tapped from behind. Now, I know (good thing since I am in nursing school) that it is QUITE a real condition, and I'm not grubbin' for any money!
In order to celebrate my arrival to Chi-town, Little Miss Lottie Juett decided to acquire explosive diarrhea the first night I slept over at Jesse's place - good thing, because the damn fool has his air conditioning pumped so high that he can't hear his pup whining, and I am about the lightest sleeper known to man (if you don't believe me, ask my college roommates).
Anyways, on my way downstairs in the middle of the night to let her have a fireworks show out her butt, I completely slipped on the stairs and wacked my neck on the stairs. I have been in serious pain ever since, and 'webMD'ed" my condition - and the verdict is in - I am suffering from whiplash.
Here's to all the people I naysayed in the past about their "supposed neck condition". Karma is a bitch!

On a serious note

Well, I'm going back to Chicago in about 3 weeks, and I am getting pretty sad about leaving home (not Akron, but my parents, house and dog - I'm not a lover of Akron, I just like its metro parks).
This year at home has helped me to slow down after my college days, and re-evaluate what AND WHO is important to me, rather than just continuing on a path I had made myself without thinking about it.
I think everyone who finds his or herself in a situation that they don't feel happy or content in should move back home for a short while (if his or her parents allow it). It brings you back to realize what makes you happy, and who you really are. The things that genuinely made me happy when I was 5 still genuinely make me happy now! And it is also very important to figure out for yourself that your family is the only group of people that will whole heartedly care about you, and love you unconditionally.
College and moving away is VERY important in the science of growing up. It lifts you up, and lets you see the people, and the world from a different angle. But this move back home has grounded me, and has let me decide what parts and people of my childhood I want to carry on with me, and what parts and people of my young adult life I want to integrate into my future. I feel ready to live the life I want to lead, rather than continue on the path that was muddled before me.

Sorry for being therapistesque like my mom, but I guess it just rubs off on you in this house. Anyways, Liz and Tracy are my only readers, and they get deep.