Pre-trip update!!!

Had London Study Abroad Orientation yesterday down at Edmonds Community College. Stayed up too late the night before and was tired. They had coffee (which I don't drink) and proper English tea (apparently brought over from London, which I tried. I guess I have never had that kind and could only manage to take one sip because it was one of the most bitter things I have ever tasted. Guess I should have realized that it isn't herbal (which I love, peppermint is my favorite and chamomile is a close second.)

A lovely lady from the AIFS office in London flew over just for our orientation so that was nice. She was a frank, entertaining, and tell-it-like-it-is person.(and had awesome taste in shoes!) I hope all of the others are similar and we will get along just fine.

I felt like quite a nerd yesterday once I realized that I already knew most of what they were telling us in the orientation and found I had done way more research than anyone else there. I'm the nerd that read all of the material before hand (including the student manual). ugg! Oh, well. I really can't blame myself. I have been really excited and to pacify myself until September 24th (the day I fly out!!!), I have been reading, watching, and listening to anything that might possibly be related to my trip. I know what sights are open and when, the basic makeup of the government, and even have planned to meet some people from the travbuddy website. But the point is, I felt way over-prepared once I got there but will probably still keep up the research. I like knowing what I am to see and most importantly, how to save the most money. (I am going to have a lot less money than I was planning on while there and my budget is almost unbearably tight!!! I am really worrying about it. But I am sure it will all work out if I plan well.)

Up next...the joys of packing for 3 months and fitting it into a little suitcase!

planning nerves

So I am actually getting a little bit nervous about planning what I will see during the program. I am really quite prepared. But I think the problem is that I want to see it all and there is really no way that is humanly possible. My other constant worry is lack of funds. I really hope I can get a part-time job this summer to make some extra fun-money. I am waiting to hear what will happen with my work study position and they are dragging their feet which is kind of upsetting me because I can't make plans for another job until I know what days/times I have free. Maybe I will just apply and they will have to deal (but that really isn't like me at all and I love my work study job.) Well, I have lots to do right now as it is the week before finals. Take care all!

Update

So, I am not sure this really pertains to study abroad but I feel like it was a step. I took the motorcycle safety class over this last weekend and passed with flying colors. I was the only girl to pass in our class and one of the high scorers out of the whole class! What an amazing high! And it has done wonders for my confidence level. I just couldn't stop smiling all evening Sunday and most of this morning too (even though I was incredibly tired and sore.)

This just makes me want to tackle London even more. I can do anything! Woo hoo!

That's my sweet little Lifan 200 up top.

Getting Started

Right now I am in the process of preparing for the study abroad program in London for fall 2010. I have to take this moment to thank all of the people who have helped me, encouraged me, met with me numerous times (and probably will continue to do so), given me great advice, and just been really supportive. Thank you so much!

Study Abroad has been a dream of mine since I first heard about it in my French class during my 8th grade year. All of you that know me, well, you know I have had some struggles and difficulties since then, especially after high school. This is a dream that I had given up on long ago because I didn't think it was possible for me. Now it is happening and I am so happy but still can't believe it! So thank you again! This really means a lot to me!

(I am also collecting addresses from people who would like me to send them postcards. So if that is you, contact me and we will work it out!)

Cheers everyone!