As the time quickly approaches that I'm leaving the for my trip to Espana, I've thought about several key things: the end of an era, the beginning of a new one, and all of the crap in the middle.
To the end of an era - One where work, sleep, work, sleep, work, drink, sleep was a regular cycle for me. It was a good step in-between Madison and Spain - a way to experience a small chunk of the real world on my own, yet, not flee too far from the comforts of home. I was able to start a new mini "work-me", complete with Christi's ability to make me 21 and my ability to dye my hair. I guess I can say that while in Champaign I've grown a lot, gone out and had a blast, legitimately lived and supported myself financially solo, and still didn't change who I was. Kudos.
To the beginning of a new life - The chance to completely reinvent myself, fully submerge myself in a culture completely different than ours, and ohhhh yeah, to speak Spanish 100% of the time. Not to mention drink wine, party, and travel. What about work and school Stephanie?? (you might ask). Not to worry! I've planned that into my extensive scheduling as well - which, since I am not a huge hour-by-hour planner (or in this case, even a day by day planner), I've made a mental note to plan that into my schedule eventually. Point is, as long as I pass my classes with a C I'll be good to go. To spare you with the repetitive details of my upcoming couple of weeks in Gandia that consist of "I don't know where I'm going to live yet," "I don't know anyone I'll going with," "No, I don't know where I'll be able to watch the Packer game yet", once I find housing and actually get to Spain I'll be able to enlighten you on the cultural shock I'm about the receive. Maybe I'll read a few books on the plane as well.
And lastly, cheers to all the crap in between the two very different worlds - I don't think "stress" begins to describe the range of emotional distress I've been feeling during the last two weeks. However, I was able to get through all of the housing issues, last minute bills, moving boxes, awkward good-byes, and work/project hand offs by means of drinking, late-nights at the office, and my own sarcastic and perverted humor. I'd also like to thank the support of my friends and family (Yes, I'll add that cheesy thank-you into my blog. I can do so, because in reality, two special people have probably helped me the most when it comes to my sanity - aka the ability to let me vent, to offer up advice, and allow me to express my entire emotional range throughout a 2 minute time span).
And now...as i sit here writing my first blog (potentially the first of many if I've been able to successfully brighten up your day with my words of wisdom), it's all becoming very real to me that I'm leaving, yet I'm still not unpacked from my move, or repacked for Spain. Since that's probably more pressing than continuing to ramble, I'll leave you with my final thought.
There are blogs, facebook, ipods, internet, phone, skype, twitter, sametime, email, and plenty of other things to keep in contact. I may be halfway across the world, but I'm only a skype call away! :)
Much love and besos!
Stephanie
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