Launch Day is upon us! I leave for O'Hare in exactly 14 hours!
As expected, I had very little sleep last night, no chance to nap today, an uneasy mind and gut, no appetite whatsoever, and the jitters! The funny thing is, I've traveled so much in my life, you'd think I'd be used to this by now. However, each new trip is a new adventure where new experiences and mishaps can occur. I look forward to these challenges!
I've done some last minute packing. Boy oh boy, do I love crossing things off of my lists. It's so fulfilling!
So, this is going to be a short one. I have to try and sleep now. Wish me luck. The next time you hear from me, I'll be across the pond, the Big Blue, the open sea...the Atlantic. I'll holler at ya from over yonder.
I miss you all already!
This is Clara, signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Chapter 3: Packing Mayhem
All-righty then! Sunday, Sunday. So good to me.
Today was a day filled with organization. Mom and I left this day wide open so we could complete packing. Of course, being the determined women that we are, we went a little far. It started with the board game cabinet in the basement. That led to the movies cabinet, which led to the college pile in the storage area. That led us to the pantry, which eventually led us to my bathroom. Of course, this led us to the spare room/office upstairs, where we spent a good few hours recycling a decade's worth of A+ papers I'd kept for some unknown reason. But if you know my mom and I, this all took place AFTER our 5 mile walk/jog this morning near my old high school. Yep. In 90 degree, hot, humid, Windy City weather, too! Did I mention the spare room/office is the hottest room in the house? Possibly, the block?
But nay, we powered on! I really do feel accomplished, I must say. Once we finally got to the actual packing, it went quite smoothly. Packed all my clothes in one, everything else in the other. Easy as pie.
Oh, minor tangent. We made an outstanding cherry-rhubarb pie later.
I'm nervous about fees I may pay for having heavy luggage. My whole life cannot possibly weigh less than 50 lbs! Ahem, excuse me. 23 Kg. Google will forever be my best friend. That's what it is though, isn't it? I'm packing away my entire life in two cases, each merely reaching my waist. Heartbreaking.
To celebrate, Mom threw me a mini Paella Party! She's adorable. I'm fully prepared for the cuisine ahead. Such a great tutor I have. Such a rich palette I have. Such a full tummy I have. Don't forget we had pie too. Aye aye aye.
I ended the day watching the Emmy's. Go Glee and FNL! Claire Danes won best actress for Temple Grandin. I chose to deprive myself of any sleep I may have had and watched that. Honestly, it was, dare I say it, my favorite movie of the summer...perhaps. Sorry, Eclipse. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Tomorrow, Monday. Last full day in the states. This day holds a lot of panicking and studying. I have a Spanish placement exam on Wednesday. Sure won't sleep Tuesday night. Insomnia really does wonders for the skin, didn't you know? I'll also be eating my blueberries and ice cubes all day. I'll sure miss having cold beverages. I've been having seconds on the ice these past couple weeks. I know, I should watch the calories, sheesh. And I'm also saying my final goodbyes to Mr. Air Conditioning. Oh, how I'll miss you old friend.
So, a lot to do in the next 24 hours. Wish me luck. Please drop a line if you can.
This is Clara, signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
Today was a day filled with organization. Mom and I left this day wide open so we could complete packing. Of course, being the determined women that we are, we went a little far. It started with the board game cabinet in the basement. That led to the movies cabinet, which led to the college pile in the storage area. That led us to the pantry, which eventually led us to my bathroom. Of course, this led us to the spare room/office upstairs, where we spent a good few hours recycling a decade's worth of A+ papers I'd kept for some unknown reason. But if you know my mom and I, this all took place AFTER our 5 mile walk/jog this morning near my old high school. Yep. In 90 degree, hot, humid, Windy City weather, too! Did I mention the spare room/office is the hottest room in the house? Possibly, the block?
But nay, we powered on! I really do feel accomplished, I must say. Once we finally got to the actual packing, it went quite smoothly. Packed all my clothes in one, everything else in the other. Easy as pie.
Oh, minor tangent. We made an outstanding cherry-rhubarb pie later.
I'm nervous about fees I may pay for having heavy luggage. My whole life cannot possibly weigh less than 50 lbs! Ahem, excuse me. 23 Kg. Google will forever be my best friend. That's what it is though, isn't it? I'm packing away my entire life in two cases, each merely reaching my waist. Heartbreaking.
To celebrate, Mom threw me a mini Paella Party! She's adorable. I'm fully prepared for the cuisine ahead. Such a great tutor I have. Such a rich palette I have. Such a full tummy I have. Don't forget we had pie too. Aye aye aye.
I ended the day watching the Emmy's. Go Glee and FNL! Claire Danes won best actress for Temple Grandin. I chose to deprive myself of any sleep I may have had and watched that. Honestly, it was, dare I say it, my favorite movie of the summer...perhaps. Sorry, Eclipse. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Tomorrow, Monday. Last full day in the states. This day holds a lot of panicking and studying. I have a Spanish placement exam on Wednesday. Sure won't sleep Tuesday night. Insomnia really does wonders for the skin, didn't you know? I'll also be eating my blueberries and ice cubes all day. I'll sure miss having cold beverages. I've been having seconds on the ice these past couple weeks. I know, I should watch the calories, sheesh. And I'm also saying my final goodbyes to Mr. Air Conditioning. Oh, how I'll miss you old friend.
So, a lot to do in the next 24 hours. Wish me luck. Please drop a line if you can.
This is Clara, signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Chapter 2: Study Abroad?!?!?!?!?!
Oh God. "This is happening. This is happening?! This is happening..."
Imagine having this conversation with yourself for an entire day! That is what today has been like. Today is Saturday. Was Saturday. How could a day fly so fast?! Saturday, 11 p.m. That means I leave in 2.5 days. GARSH!
I'm starting to remember all the little things I've forgotten to throw in the corner the past few days. Like an International Adapter and Voltage Converter. Yeah, I had no idea. Today I bought an all-in-one, thanks TarJay, practically killing Glen in the process.
The family is getting cuddly. They know I'm leaving soon; they want to hang on to every moment we have left together. Precious Glen is counting the days until he sees me next, Thanksgiving. "Read between the lines", Mom says.
Did you know they don't have blueberries in Spain? I didn't. Today, I bought blueberries from the Farmers' Market. I combed through them for stems for about an hour. Totally worth it. I plan to eat all of them by 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Don't judge. They're my favorite food. But something tells me I'll live.
Tomorrow, we pack! Mom and I are determined to get the majority done. There is nothing more I'd like to do on a beautiful, hot, sunny Sunday summer day. Hey, but someone's got to do it. Maybe it'll be therapeutic...We plan to take a break for a pedi/massage. Phew, no worries.
Well, until tomorrow.
This is Clara signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
Imagine having this conversation with yourself for an entire day! That is what today has been like. Today is Saturday. Was Saturday. How could a day fly so fast?! Saturday, 11 p.m. That means I leave in 2.5 days. GARSH!
I'm starting to remember all the little things I've forgotten to throw in the corner the past few days. Like an International Adapter and Voltage Converter. Yeah, I had no idea. Today I bought an all-in-one, thanks TarJay, practically killing Glen in the process.
The family is getting cuddly. They know I'm leaving soon; they want to hang on to every moment we have left together. Precious Glen is counting the days until he sees me next, Thanksgiving. "Read between the lines", Mom says.
Did you know they don't have blueberries in Spain? I didn't. Today, I bought blueberries from the Farmers' Market. I combed through them for stems for about an hour. Totally worth it. I plan to eat all of them by 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Don't judge. They're my favorite food. But something tells me I'll live.
Tomorrow, we pack! Mom and I are determined to get the majority done. There is nothing more I'd like to do on a beautiful, hot, sunny Sunday summer day. Hey, but someone's got to do it. Maybe it'll be therapeutic...We plan to take a break for a pedi/massage. Phew, no worries.
Well, until tomorrow.
This is Clara signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Chapter 1: Study Abroad
Hi loved ones!
So this is what blogging feels like, huh?
I thought I'd give it a whirl. Julie Powell may have helped convince me a little this afternoon. And now, I'm also craving boeuf bourguignon.
As most of you know, I'm leaving for Madrid, Spain this Tuesday, August 31, 2010. I am more than excited, but of course, immensely nervous. This is a HUGE step for me. My life will never be the same again.
I'm struggling to sleep. My brain won't shut off. I'm always imagining what my life will be come Tuesday.
Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Now, I'm in the middle of the packing frenzy. You know, the heinous ritual of throwing your clothes and toiletries in a corner, trying not to think about what you might forget? It's hard to fathom what living out of two teeny suitcases for 3.5 months will be like. Wish me luck!
I'm trying to quick relearn the last 8 years of Spanish classes I've had. Those skimpy, laminated Sparknotes cards really do come in handy. How embarrassing. You'd think with all this insomnia, Sparknotes would send me into a deep slumber, but no. So I'm off to the pillows, only to lay awake for hours dreaming of the Spain in my head.
This is Clara, signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
So this is what blogging feels like, huh?
I thought I'd give it a whirl. Julie Powell may have helped convince me a little this afternoon. And now, I'm also craving boeuf bourguignon.
As most of you know, I'm leaving for Madrid, Spain this Tuesday, August 31, 2010. I am more than excited, but of course, immensely nervous. This is a HUGE step for me. My life will never be the same again.
I'm struggling to sleep. My brain won't shut off. I'm always imagining what my life will be come Tuesday.
Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Now, I'm in the middle of the packing frenzy. You know, the heinous ritual of throwing your clothes and toiletries in a corner, trying not to think about what you might forget? It's hard to fathom what living out of two teeny suitcases for 3.5 months will be like. Wish me luck!
I'm trying to quick relearn the last 8 years of Spanish classes I've had. Those skimpy, laminated Sparknotes cards really do come in handy. How embarrassing. You'd think with all this insomnia, Sparknotes would send me into a deep slumber, but no. So I'm off to the pillows, only to lay awake for hours dreaming of the Spain in my head.
This is Clara, signing off. Over and out. Paz and love.
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