Everyone moves home for the summer and the first week back is stressful and just odd. You’re trying to organize work and get your life together, you’re trying to get used to not having your college friends around. Then you’re trying to morph into family life after being an independent college kid who can do whatever they want. Here is how my first week back has gone thus far:

1. I feel out of place

You’re trying to get used to being home. You feel out of place, your family forgets to make plans with you, and you’re stuck between wanting to be included in everything and wanting space. In my case, my mother had taken over half of my closet as well, so I didn't even know where to put my things. It’s weird finding where you fit again after being away for so long.

2. My room is a disaster

I lived in a house, and then took allllll of that stuff and tried to fit it in my tiny room. Dishes, school supplies, clothes, desk, dresser, and other furniture all needs to find a place to occupy for the summer. Currently I’ve given up and it is occupying my floor. I had to go by toothpaste last week because I lost mine in the move. Hopefully I can get my life organized by the time I go back to school in August.

3. All of my siblings are under the same roof

I missed my siblings dearly while at school and actually cried when I saw my sister, but also we are also getting used to being back together. Before long, my sister starts stealing my clothes again and my brother starts pushing buttons. It's essentially the sibling way of life. It’s written in the rule book to annoy each other. Missed you both, now back to being my favorite people to annoy.

4.I’m trying to work…

I ended up calling a couple of my bosses and ended up getting scheduled 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday. I forgot about the mess of part-time jobs and trying to coordinate schedules and keep everyone happy. Happy summer, right? In the end, though, I need money to survive, so I will be bending over backwards this week to try and keep everyone happy. The more hours I can clock, the better. No one actually enjoys being the broke college kid and I keep telling myself that I’ll have more money for fun things during the school year. Right? I will most likely get sucked into working most of my summer.

5. But also some time off would be nice.

I have been running around like a madwoman with exams, finals, and other end of the year stuff. Then first week back, boom, full-time job and then some. At what time, do you give yourself a vacation or some sort of a break so that I can relax and de-stress? I guess I can sleep when I’m dead and die early from stress?

Things can only go up from here, right? Fingers crossed that I start figuring this whole “being home” thing out soon.