As we all know, the end of summer is approaching and with that comes promise of new beginnings. Whether you feel dread or determination or anticipation, the new semester is bound to have a jittery energy. Normally I'd be lowkey freaking out about whatever classes I'd be taking but as you may guess, my mind is elsewhere, starting to panic about leaving the US. The whole class situation is of course important. However, we were warned so many times that the French education system can be... to put it politely.. disorganized -- think not knowing what classes are being offered until the day classes supposedly start, registering for everything in person, and possibly not knowing the room until a couple days late. Since I can already be high strung when it comes to this type of stuff, I told myself a while ago to just not think about it because it won't be useful to worry.
Without as much thought being put into the academic side fo things, I still feel a low level, constant nervousness for the flight and making friends and speaking French and meeting my host family 🙃. But it'll be ok! Usually the moment comes and it passes and it works out. I leave tomorrow afternoon on a bus to Boston and from there my flight isn't until the late evening. So by this time next week you'll hear all about the trials and tribulations of my first few days.
This past week I haven't been thinking too hard about leaving but also trying to make the most of the rest of summer. I went to New York City for the weekend with Gau on somewhat of a whim (we planned this like 2 weeks ago). It was a nice time and we did mostly shopping and eating. One of my favorite parts was sitting on the steps of the Met at night and eating ice cream. We didn't actually go in because they were near closing but it was fun just sitting and people watching. Gau is also recently into Sex and the City, so we did activities related to that although I didn't get the references obviously haha. They were fun regardless!
Other fun stuff was that Anna came back from Georgia and did a facial for me as promised earlier in the summer. It made my skin glow BUT there was a casualty on my nose.... I still would do it again!
Trivia at Packards was yesterday and last Tuesday. Last Tuesday we failed miserably but since there were only 4 groups, we still won $20. This time, we had to split up the group and I was with Omema and Anna. Our group, Toesday, also failed ie finishing last place, but the better half of our group (well more than half since they had 5 people) won 2nd place! I think if I'm on the team it dooms us all.
I still have a lot to do before leaving including but not limited to:
- packing
- getting my piercing fixed
- maybe going to CVS
- doing a lab thing I kept on putting off......
- writing my SURF abstract
- making cards
Aboni and Naoni have been angels for letting me stay in the room and have one of the beds (the Southern hospitality+Taurus combo is no joke) and I will really miss them and everyone else I've spent time with this summer!!!
One quote that's been on my mind recently was by Sylvia Plath in a letter to her mom that goes:
"The world is splitting open at my feet like a ripe, juicy watermelon. If only I can work, work, work to justify all of my opportunities."
I hope that this will be a wholly positive experience although I know it will be difficult. What she expresses in this thought captures my feelings precisely. Also when I think of watermelon I can't help but think of the watermelon eating contest Erin had with Caitlin and Karina :').
:0 wow i love that quote
ahhhh I hope you have the best time. you're right the moment will come and pass and it'll be ok. and I hope you make the most of your watermelon :)
I'm gonna miss u mama, we've spent a lot of time together but hopefully tomorrow will be a joyful goodbye T_T