Receba a Porto!

Me. No camcorder. No knowledge of Portuguese. Very rough idea of what to expect. An adventure for sure...

So, as with my Academic Travel from last semester, I did keep a daily journal (more like a crude list) of the goings-on. My journey began here in Lugano on Thursday night, traveling into Milan for my 6:30am flight the next day. Then into Porto later that morning. After 2 full days, I would catch a morning flight on Sunday back into Milan, roughly doing things back in reverse. And, without further ado, with some comment, my Porto Journal:

Day 0: Thursday, February 14 -
- All Packed
- Mom's Big Valentine's surpise arrived just in time for me to get running. (that I will fill you in on a bit later!)
- Catch bus to train station
- Meet up with girls from school who are en route to Brussels, Belguim via Milan. Share compartment with them on train
- From Milano Centrale Train Station take ghetto sketchy bus to Bergamo Airport
- Tried to sleep in small corner of airport, but then kicked out
- Instead, "slept" in old, cold, concrete terminal along with 100+ others
- "Woke-up" at 4:30 to stand in line for ticket
- Chocolate muffin and water breakfast
- Had entire row to self on plane...slept!

Day 1: Friday, February 15 -
- Landed 8:30am their time
- After initial confusion, found Metro and took 30 minute ride per my research to hotel area
- Realized I forgot to bring Hotel address, but crudely put idea together and asked locals (first instance of "Oh wow...I know 0% Portuguese!")
-Room not ready, but drop bag and purchase bus tour ticket
- Took forever to find stop, but eventually did find it
- Took long tour, checking out what I wanted to venture back to later
- Delicious lunch near river (grilled pork, roasted potatoes, rice)
- Made way back to hotel, checked in, stopped at Corte Igles
- Decent room, actually shower and get ready
- BEST PART OF THE TWO DAYS: AMERICAN TV!!! Oprah, What Not to Wear, Globe Trekker, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
- Head back out into city - small park over looking city, small monastery along river
- See sunset over city and get ideas for next day, shop
- Dinner on river: Cheese Burger and citrus iced tea
- Walk along ghetto area, back across bridge to the metro and back to room
- Get rest and fall in love with Miami Ink

Day 2: Saturday, February 16 -
-Relaxing morning - breakfast at hotel
- Charge batteries for camera and watch What Not to Wear
- Walk down to river bank and wineries
- Stop and shop a little
- Tour Calem Port Winery (tasting and tour...interesting...) AS SEEN ON THE AMAZING RACE!
- AMAZING lunch, grilled pork again (with potatoes and rice...a local thing, I guess)
- Metro into city for a self-guided walking tour
- Got major lost...end up WAY down river
- Find one of the listed stops and tour a church
- More walking, but tired...in need of refreshment...McDonald's Sundae!
- Hit post office
- Found pedestrian only street (shopped, saw Cafe Majestic (AS SEEN ON THE AMAZING RACE!)
- Hussle across river to see if there were any night cruises of the Duoro...apparently there were not.
- Stroll leisurly along both sides of river
- Dinner at small restaurant along river - Turkey with muchrooms...yummo
- Last minute gifts, then funicular - Metro - Hotel
- Pack up, watch some Miami Ink and 30 Rock and then hit the sack

Day 3: Sunday February 17 -
- Up at 5:30am
- Check out and barely get to the Airport on time (delays with metro...)
- Had to pay for checking in a bag (because of some...liquid gifts)
- Crazy confusion with gate (Paris flight was still there but they started to call us...delayed for like 15 minutes, but in the end didn't matter too much
- Horrible take off...
- Apparently strangers hate me...second time with no one in my row!
- Only one on the shuttle from the airport to the train station
- At train station hours before train left, so switched tickets for earlier train, resulting in running to the platform.
- Back to Lugano to recover from my whirlwind Portuguese experience!

Happy "Extra Day of Every Four Years" Day!

Hey all! So it is the end of midterms, I leave for my Academic Travel in 2 days (I haven't explained anything about that yet, have I? huh...that'll be another post...), and quite a special day! Happy Leap Year Day!

Seriously, I could go into the history of this day, but let's face it, if you find this blog entertaining, you probably wouldn't find that entertaining...just a thought.

Oh, and let me shoot out a Happy Birthday to Aunt Patty!

The Ballad of the Cam...

So you know when you have a plan...a really good one...but something gets in the way? Welcome to me situation...in this, "the plan" was Traveling Porto: Documentary Style. It would just be me, my camcorder, and a list of must-stops. Playing the role of the "thing that gets in the way" was played by my camcorder.

Apparently, I haven't used my camcorder in a really long time. That was, precisely, in El Paso, Texas when I was there over Winter Break. And, somehow, between Texas, Wisconsin, and Swizterland, I lost my camera's charger...

This was a problem. A huge problem in fact. Honestly, my camera, and the spare battery that I had, was dead. Not working. Finito. What would this trip be without the camera? It wouldn't be like any documentary that I have seen...

I had a few solutions for this unfortunate problem. First, I contacted the hotel that we stayed at by email. After a week or so of no response, I kinda gave up that idea and focused on alerting the family to search at home. Again, after nothing had been found, Missy called the hotel, and an "extensive search of their lost and found would be done"...I don't think they ever called back...

So, with mere days before the trip, I came to the realization that I would need to fork out some money to get me a new one. And Lugano...it's a pretty big city...it's gotta have something that works...right?

My journey continued...I headed downtown, and went to the one electronics store that I know, and found what appeared to be a charger that would work...I get it home, gleefully rip it out of the package, and...it didn't fit. At all...seriously, I must have been thinking "this is it...this thing has no hope...oh wait...what about a new battery??"

Now, the search was batteries compatable with my camcorder. Sony FH...something or another... The thought did come up about its charge...would it have one in the package? Well, if I were lucky enough to find one, I would investigate. So, after countless shows, I actually did find one! The right model (I even brought the camera with to make sure), and it even said that it had 1.5 hours of charge. Score! A quick swipe of the charge card (thanks parents!) and I was off to home, ready for it to all work out!

And then, when I got home and gleefully ripped that package open, snapped the battery into place, turned the dial to "REC" and...nothing... That stupid battery...blurg...now all I had was a collection of dead Sony HandyCam batteries! Score!...

Alas, that was the day before my Porto excursion, and this tale doesn't have a great ending. I was unable to make this the documentary that I wanted it to be, but in the end it all worked out just fine. Oh! And, about a week and a half later, I recieved a new battery charger, just in time for Academic Travel. And, with Kristen's Italian skills, I was able to return the hastily opened dead battery. I guess it turned out just fine...

Thus ends the Ballad of the Cam...

Traveling...That's My Thing...

Franklin College...the school of the traveler. That should be their motto, because in all reality, that's the best thing going for it...

And since I am here, I have been taking advantage of that. I should say that there aren't too many opportunities for traveling, but then I guess weekends (and "long weekends...consisting of a Friday or Monday off) will have to do.

My first weekend was "Carnevale Break" early in February. Now, a lot of people really wanted to go places that weekend, and I was game for anything...under a few conditions. (A) It had to be a brand new place - no where that I have already been. Best instance would be new country (I have to cross more off of that Facebook Map!). (B) It had to be cheap/relatively inexpensive. I have no money, so flying somewhere far and staying in great accomodations...out of the question.

There were many plans thrown about, but nothing was really settling, and it was roughly 10 days before the actual break. Alas, I was coming to terms that I would not be traveling anywhere for this break. But then an online conversation changed everything...

So I was chatting with my mom, seeing how things were going (and yes, my mom does have a screen name on AIM...she's technologically savvy...beat that!), and the topic of travel came up. I laid it all out, saying that a trip wasn't looking too probable, but she wasn't as "Oh, I understand" as I imagined. Instead, I got exactly what I needed - the ol' "Is that not why you went there? To travel... Seriously, find somewhere inexpensive and just go!" And, that's what I did...all night long.

I wanted to make sure, with a week left, that things would all still line up (trains to airports, flights, hotels, etc...), so I would literally find myself with 8 windows open searching random cities. But then, I finally found one... Enter Porto, Portugal! A new country, relatively inexpensive to be in, and a city from the Amazing Race (my friends, that's a trifecta...cannot beat that!). So, literally in the course of one evening I booked...

-Train from Lugano -> Milan
-Bus from Milan Centrale -> Airport
-Flight from Milan -> Porto
-Hotel for 2 nights in Porto (actually cheaper than the hostel)
-Flight back
-Shuttle to train
-Train from Milan -> Lugano

...and the grand total...roughly $240. That's pretty good, right?! God, I should do planning for a living...

Now, I will say that this trip came with some conditions. Mainly, I would have to leave others that I was thinking about traveling with behind...and that I would be traveling alone. But, I was prepared, and they were all understanding. It would just be me, my multiple confirmation #s, and my camcorder...(enter "The Ballad of the Cam...)

Well, it is time for class once again! Check back later to see just how the experience went! And also, find out the troubles with technology (well, mainly chargers and batteries...).

...is this my first cliff-hanger?!

Help me out a bit!

Hey all! So I am sooo excited to see all of your feedback on my posts! However, could you do me a favor? Please sign your comment - that way I know who to direct thanks and praise to!

Thanks again guys for all your comments! Keep 'em coming!

Quick Note!!!

So I tried to post this on the appropriate day, but it wasn't working...sorry!

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HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY, JESSI!!!!

LOVE YA!!!

(your present awaits your arrival!!!)

Finally, I Know...Here it is!

So, everytime that a certain sister that is just older than me who currently attends the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, working part time at American Family Insurance (but I am not naming any names or anything...) logs onto my blog, she comments after that she still hasn't seen this post. Well, here ya go!
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If you were living in a European country and hear that your family back in the states is planning a trip to New York, generally there wouldn't be too much jealousy. However, add a chance to meet Acadamy Award winning Megan Mullally into the mix and you start getting something...

*Side note - Megan Mullally, for those that do not know, it one of the most talented and funny, actresses ever. You may know her by her many aliases, including Anastasia Beaverhausen and her most famous, Karen Walker from Will and Grace.*

Now, how would they have such an incredible opportunity? Well, she just so happens to be starring in the new smash hit Broadway musical "Young Frankenstein" - a new Mel Brooks original. My family got tickets to see this, and I, in a word, was...well...livid.

She is one of those people that are on the life list for people to meet. I think she is hilarious and we would be best friends. However, I would not be a part of the fanfare of meeting her whilst attending college in Switzerland. I was bummed...that was, until the bast plan ever was crafted...Operation: Converse with Ms. Beaverhausen commenced.

Here was the plan. After every Broadway show, the actors and actresses parade out of the stage door and are greeted by their loyal fans begging for pictures and autographs...and this time, one with a cell phone. My sister would call me on my cell when she was approaching, and then get her attention with that ol' "Can you talk to my brother who is a huge fan and is attending college in Switzerland?" ploy...works everytime! Then, she and I would regale in laughter and talk for hours. That was the plan...but here are the kinks that needed to be worked out, with solutions of course:

A) I am in Switzerland, and they are in New York City...That is a 6 hour difference. Now, if their show gets out around 10:30pm, they would be able to call me around 4:30am...Solution: Dude, superfans must make sacrifices, therefore, who cares about that night of sleep? Anyways, it was a Friday night/Saturday morning...all good. AND, silver lining, this was the night before the Phone-A-Thone started, therefore I was able to get into the "stay up late" swing of things early...just call it conditioning.

B) Again, I am in Switzerland, and they are in New York City. Do you know how much a phone call in between those places costs!? From cell phones to boot! Solution: Dude, this opportunity is priceless. I am (ok, the parents are) willing to pay for this. (And, I guess when you think about it, they really had to pay the cost of a ticket to meet her, so whatever that price was can be the amount that would be alright for the call) Besides, it also gives me something to gloat about for at least a week, and again, those types of things are priceless!

So, it was going to go down. I was actually really frazzled all throughout that night. I was like cancelling plans, acting all crazy, debating a nap...Seriously, I was beside myself. But, to aid in my focus, and share in this moment, a sykpe conference call between Jessi, Rodefer, and I helped ease any tension. (By the way, Sarah is equally a huge fan of hers - I almost felt bad that I was going to talk to her and not her...sorry!)

And then...it happened...

I got the call on my cell around 5:15am...I hadn't slept, but I was still wired. I had Jessi and Sarah on Skype, and they were both quite excited. It was Missy telling me that she was about "20 people or so down"...(a little extra warning than probably needed, but whatever, it wasn't on my bill!). I asked her frequently how long it would be, and then when I asked again, there was literally a "Here ya go" and there she was (that, my friend, was a little bit too little warning...I was kinda scattered). This is what I can remember from our conversation...if anyone on either side can remember anything more (the Skype crew or NY crew) please let me know...

Megan: "Hi there, so why are you in switzerland?"
Me: "Oh, college"
Megan: "well, thats good...wow, it must be like 4 in the morning there"
Me: "oh, its 5:15am...i have waited up all night for this!"
Megan: "Oh my goodness! Wow...well, your parents are taping this..."
Me: "Oh, thats them for you...wow, its just so awesome that I am talking to you! I am such a huge fan!!!! I am sure that you did absolutely amazing in it like always!"
Megan: "Oh, well thank you. You will have to come and see it."
Me: "Oh, you bet I will!"
Megan: "Ok, well, it was nice talking with you, and here are your parents"
Me: "THANKS SO MUCH!!! It was so nice talking to you!!!"

And that was it! My moment with a celebrity. Yes, I did kinda get a little creepy in there, but let's face it, I was sleep-deprived, and is was Megan Mullally...How would you act!? (question only aimed to fellow fans).

Well, check that one off of the list!
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Oh, and I should probably post this, too. This is the family's proof of the instance. This was no crazy dream, people!



Picture taken of her actually on the phone with me! You can't make this stuff up, people!!!

Involvement...a Big Step, I Know...

You may be thinking..."If he doesn't want to be there, surely he doesn't plan on actually getting involved in the school."

WRONG! Dude, I am actually thinking the opposite on this one...Hypothetically speaking, on the off chance that I transfer at the end of this semester (wink wink), I will want other schools to see how involved I can be, just like back in High School. ow, clearly, this place does not have the number of extra-curriculars to fit how many I was in back at West, but I might as well givie it a go. Oh, and also, I do want to have some fun while I am still here, so why not explore the many outlets that Franklin has to offer.

*Getting Paid to Talk...Sign Me Up...Again!

That's right, the Franklin Phone-A-Thon stikes again! Twice since being back, actually. Staying up into the wee hours of the morning begging people for money...and actually getting results. Oh so much fun. The "not so much fun"/"We will laugh at this in a few years" was my attempt at calling Thailand...I was so confident in this like 28 letter name, but when the person answered, I froze...half way through their name. That was embarrassing. I totally understand why they hung up on me. Oh, and I have learned to beware of calling while people are moving. Seriously, who answers their phone while moving...AND yells at you when you aren't talking fast enough...yikes.

But, nonetheless, it was fun, and I got paid. Win-Win! I wonder if this career will continue at my new venue next year? After all, no one can refrain from donating to a UNICEF kid look-a-like.

*Yea, People My Height Should Probably Refrain From This...eh, too late...

What am I referring to? It may not be exactly what you think...I actually partook (is that a word?!) in a yoga class. **Pause for laughter** And back. Yes, I did, and I must say, it wasn't half bad. First of all, this was the first time I have been in our gymnasium (I really wasn't missing much) and second of all, it was super relaxing...well...kinda. The excrutiating pain that came later kinda (and remained for the next week) took that away, but during it, after the initial embarrassment wore off, I was content. And yes, I am sure many of you would pay to see me doing this, because let's face it, it must look hilarious. But dude, don't knock it till you try it!

*Yes, I Cooked That...Don't Look Surprised!

Since being back this semester, I promised myself that I would cook more, and that I have. And, I have even been given a few chances to share these creationg with others. The first chance was at our residence first event back - a Potluck Dinner! When I heard about it, I was stoked. What could I make that would be a crowd pleaser? Well what do you think of these:

- My (famous) Bruschetta (Tomatoes, pepers and garlic with olive oil, balsamic, and some seasoning
- Crushed pretzels bites with peanuts, melted chocolate and peanut butter and covered in powdered sugar

They all went pretty well (infact, I didn't have anything leftover). And the best part, every dish we made, we were entered into a drawing to win some incredible prizes (this time not from trash night - these had some value!). Up for grabs were things like Books, Chinese coded DVDs (only the best!), and what I ended up winning, American fruit snacks! Score!

The next Potluck is this Saturday - I will let you know how that one turns out, too!

*Man, I Cannot Wait for Tap Night!

There are annual events at colleges that gets the entire student body excited with anticipation. One here is the Jazz Night that takes place sometime early second semester. In the past, this classy event included live music, appetizers, and beverages of choice. So, needless to say, I was very interested and curious. Would this year's live up to the expectations of the past? Well, in laymen's terms...no.

Seriously, I arrived like 5 minutes after it "started"...there was no one there. But, this did give me some opportunity to scour the scene pre-people, and see what was in store for the evening. First thing that I noticed was the snack selection. There were some people walking around with trays of cheese and crackers, and some other little things, but my favorites were on this little table. This actually made me laugh out loud (sorry to the people that decided these). Seriously, the snacks included breadsticks in glasses, taffy, and (my personal favorite) a bowl of oranges. Umm...condusive for a migling, black-tie event? Yea, I don't really think so.

Also, I did notice one thing that sort of surprised me. There was no area designated for the "Live Music" that was promised to us. Was this going to be like one of those strolling mistrel things? Again, Jazz-y? Eh, whatever, that would be cool. However, after further inspection and question, I found out that there was going to be no live music...buzzkill! Instead, however, there were large speakers connected to someone's iPod. But, not to worry, there was a Jazz Night playlist created to fulfill Jazz quota. Unfortunately, this ment a continuous loop of the "Chicago" soundtrack and some Michael Buble.

But, besides all of the set backs, the night did turn out alright. The people, like in any event, are what makes it good. Everyone showed up and had fun, and left with the best gift ever - their recommended daily dose of Vitamin C from the snacks. Score!

The evening was capped off with something that I can finally check off of my "Things to do While Still at Franklin" List: I went to the Pub! Ok...*lift jaws*...let me clarify. I went with the intent of seeing what it was like, and let me tell you...I felt soooo sober. Wow. First off, I was escorted (cough*dragged*cough) by Michael, Petra (who abandoned us) and Fleur. Kristen was also with us but stayed for only a bit.

Now, the Pub itself isn't too big, but it is kinda cool. The uncool, crazy thing, this night anyways, was the amount of people in it. Again...wow. How do you say "Fire Code" in Italian? Anywho...I got my scope of the place, a water, and left content. The best part, though...I could actually remember what happened the next day.

*It is True...I Am in Office...

In high school, as many remember, I was in A LOT of organizations. I was involved in, well, everything. Here, though, I sort of let that go. And, this void was recognized. So, I started attending Student Programming Board (SPB) meetings. This organization on campus is set to allocate funds to student run events and assist in organizing them. This sounded like a great opportunity - not only do I like planning things, but this involvment would look great on any further applications. I attended a 4+ hour workshop one Sunday where events were brainstormed and planned, and procedures and such were explained and ironed out. At this event, I decided to make an actual commitment to the organization - I was going to run for Resident Liason!

First step, collect 10 signatures from other residents. That was an adventure in itself. I started with people in my classes, but I still needed 4 more. So, the night before the paper was due, I decided to go explore and meet some new neighbors. I literally went door-to-door to incoming students to introduce myself and ask them for the signature. And just like that, all done!

In the end, I did become the liason. Was there an exciting election between myself and another student? Did it come down to the hanging chads in the end? (Is that too old of a joke to use? sorry...) Actually, no. It turned out I was the only one from my residence, so I was just given the job. No drama, oh well.

My official duties will be to update the bulletin board in our hall, attend all SPB meetings, and the report back to our fellow residents at our monthly hall meetings. The first one of those is next week, so that should be interesting!

*Like Fred Astaire (but without the whole grace part)

As you know, last semester I started dance lessons here. They started as basic and have ended...well...still basic. Nothing really increased level wise, so going was fairly tedious. The amount inclass dropped from around 8 to 4. But, for some reason, I have stuck with it. I think there is this respect thing amongst the few of us that are left - if just one misses, it gets awkward for the rest of us. Therefore, we all come and endure week after week.

Wherever I am next semester, I think I will try and keep these up. I have actually enjoyed them, and the teacher said that I wasn't half bad (he actually said something like "A natural"...or whatever...). However, apparently, this week will be the last one - with midterms and travel coming up, I think it will be the best - go out on a semi-descent note.

I AM DONE...well...

I am finally done! With that list of posts from my first week back anyways...phew! What a relief! Now, I get to dive into the more recent stuff...and oh, do I have things to talk about! Let's see...there was the phone-a-thon, take 2...the readjusting to life on my own...a call from an Emmy winner (seriously, you can't make this stuff up)...actually getting involved with the school...

Oh yes, it does in fact seem that things are looking up for me once again! And, I have some fun travel plans to look forward to! So, stay tuned for more! Right now, thought, it's actually time for some homework...oh brother...

Let's Take a Look at the Schedule!

I must confess...during break, when I realized that there was no more Franklin in my future post-this year, I actually did something that I am kind of regretting now...I actually went online and "dumbed down" my schedule. Seriously, my thoughts:

"A) If/When I transfer, what would look better, a higher GPA or classes that my future institution may not even accept the credits for? and B) If I really want to enjoy all of the facets of this location, I cannot be too bogged down with work. Therefore, bring on the change."

I did, however, get an email from my advisor asking me if we had discussed these changes or if I were just switching majors. I didn't get that email until after school had begun, so I guess things went through. Though, I did have one episode that kinda really ticked me off...See, I had wanted to get rid of this Business Systems class, because, well, it was at 8:30am at the further campus...I am lazy, what can I say!? Also, brought to my attention by my mom, I had wanted to switch my Sculpture class for Painting, for ease of getting the finished works home. So, when our onine registration program was up online, I had dropped those two courses, and then went to replace with Comparative Religion (sounds interesting...) and Painting. However, apparently I hadn't acted fast enough, and I was placed in Religion and Intro to Computing (which I was apparently on the wait list since the first round of registration...blurg). Therefor, here is how my current schedule stands, with some notes from the first 4 weeks:

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays:
-12:00pm-12:50pm: Spanish 201 (4th semester Spanish)
This class...well...blatantly, I cannot stand it. I think it is his middle school-esque teaching mixed with the fact that even though everything is presented stupidly easy (literally, with like crossword puzzles and charts), I (and most of the class) cannot get above a B on any given quiz...that's an issue. I am pretty good with the vocab, but its those stupid pronouns and strange verb things that always get me...grr.

-2:20pm-3:10pm: Intro to Accounting 115
I was pretty sure that this class was going to be addition and chart things, but apparently, I did not read the description close enough...oops. This is a lot more memorizing and such than I was ready for. Who knew? And, we have to write a very long, last-semester-Seminar-esque paper about a business again (with the same teacher) where we write a little, get it critiqued, and then continue, meaning lotsa work, but hopefully a good grade. If I can remember the differences between a Journal Entry, Ledger, and Income Statement; an Expense and Revenue or a Liability and an Asset, I should be fine...

Every other Wednesday:
-3:30pm-4:45pm Travel: Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia (and others to boot):
This is actually looking very interesting. I mean, there are the standard few long, tedious lectures pre-trip, but the actual trip is sounding extremely interesting. However, two hangups. First, I have a trouble finding a roommate for this trip. See, I know none of the guys going on this trip, therefore, I will get stuck with whoever is left. Fine, but last trip, didn't really bode well...And second, there is yet another paper with this one...10+ pages regarding something that we can research from the area...I actually have an idea about a loophole with this one...but that's for another post...

Tuesday and Thursday:
-10:05am-11:20am: Intercultureal Communication 102
Wow, who knew communicating was so complex!? Seriously, lots of details involved in this class, but the activity and discussion base is great. Very intersting, however, has yet another long paper due at some point through out the semester. This topic: our choice (always a hard one...) but I have decided to write on culture clash bringing creating one's personality...intersting?

-11:40am-12:55pm: Intro to Computing 105
This is my "If I get a bad grade in this class, who allowed me to graduate from Middle School?" class of the semester. Seriously, I love it, based on the fact that even though I can get good grades on every project and activity, there is still a ton of extra credit offered...um...score! There is a lot of teacher hands-on help which is great for getting a good grade on things. This is my time to check the email, Facebook, and even this thing!

-2:50pm-4:05pm: Comparative Religion 100
This class sounds interesting. There is potential for great discussion, debate, and learnign within a class entitled this. However, well, it's not really the case. Thusfar, anyways. It is still offering very deep information, but the stimulous isn't really there. We do watch some videos on different religions, and then get lectured about similar things. The killer, though, 3 longer papers for this class. Ouch...and, the first one is due in 4 days, and I have yet to really begin it...but I have an idea! Phew...5-8 pages of FUN! I think this one will pick up...I hope anyways...

So, schedule in review: I think with some focus, and a few hours a week, I will actually be able to do really good this semester. So far, I am not worried. I am a little aprehensive with all of those papers, but if I can get on them ahead of time, I should be fine. Well, here is to a semester of typing, memorizing and sucking up (c'mon, it always works...)!!!

Am I OK? I Think I am...

I am OK.

Things are in full swing here - class, events, travels - so lately, things have been busy enough for me to think about what could have been. My schedule is, for the most part, full. Which is good. I stay focused on the Now a lot better since I can barely take two minutes to think about other things. Therefore, I am fine. I have a semi-social life here (I know...I actually did something on a Saturday night...crazy, right?!), I have some great friends, and I am doing pretty well in all of my classes - I really cannot complain...

As I have said before, "No regrets - Live life to the Fullest - No day but today!"

I am OK.
I am OK.
I am OK.

I just have to keep telling myself that...

*Thanks mom for the edit!!!!*

Reflecting on Me Not Wanting to be Here Anymore!

Yes, it is true, I have been slightly regretting my desicion to come back to Franklin for a second semester. Honestly, in my head, I was kind of done with the place - ready to move on. (And before I go any further, I really want to say that I do feel a little childish and ungreatful for thinking this - it's like I have been given this great opportunity, but all I want to do is escape it. You know?)

I have two ideas of why I really didn't want to be here...

A) I really think this is a reflection of the fact that knowing that I will not be back makes me not want to get attached to another place. It's like, ok, I have made up my mind...finally. Nothing else can stand in my way of coming back to the states. And, if anything does get in my way (i.e. another semester at Franklin), I complain. I make up any excuse not to enjoy it. Switzerland is an amazing place, and is home to great possibilities, but I am trying to find all of the negatives so I won't be swayed in staying more years.

B) I am too much of a homebody. First family, then friends, then me. Honestly, I miss everyone, and I think seeing them for just a month was not sufficient. I have such amazing relationships back in the states that being gone for so long just isn't what I am cut out for. People have said that the only way to break off and become truly independant from my "past life" is to do something like this - separate from it for an extended period and grow OK with seeing people that I love only once in a while. But, honestly, is that me? I know traveling has been my dream, and to do so would mean this type of lifestyle, but is that really me? Can I be separated for so long?

Well, I am not so regretful to just pack up and head back, so I am going to stick out the semester. I think I was feeling this way at the beginning of last semester (but I really didn't blog about it...oops) so maybe it's just a phase. Well, fingers crossed anyways.

Living in regret for 4 months? That I can tell you is not me. No more regret - make the best of any situation - no day but today! (Thank you "Rent"!)

Back to the Grind: Swiss Edition

Alright, I am here, as it has been established like 15 times already. Definitely very hard to readjust this time around. I think it was the realization that I was in fact back, mixed with some wicked jet leg, and the fact that we also landed the day before classes started again…but anyways, it was hard.

However, no matter what, I am back in the Swissland, so things had to happen. First thing is first, since we arrived on a Sunday, no real proper food shopping, but I did get some milk and snacks at the BP…what would I do without thee?

So, unpacking my bags was definitely in order…it was only like 2:30pm, so I somehow had to keep myself awake until at least 9 (which didn’t really work out…) so my body could readjust. After the hour or so that took, I remade my bed (having stripped it, washing the bedding, and folding it away in my closet for over break – I am a genious…right?). Literally, it was like 4pm, and that realization of “wow, there is nothing to do in Lugano” was sinking in fast…

And, much like Franklin, I didn’t have internet when I arrived. Only the best here! But, somehow, I had it in the common room upstairs, so I was able to spill to whoever was online (Kim at the time) about how much I didn’t want to be here…(this was day one folks, was it going to get better? Worse? Oy…)

Ok, so after a nap, Kristen graced me with her presence, but I think it was just too late for me…I was dead. We visited, but my mind was somewhere else… In any case, she headed back up the hill, and I tried to sleep. But no matter how much I tried, it just wasn’t working – I had too many thoughts racing through my head. “Was I ready to come back?” “Should I have?” “Can I continue to go to a school that’s far from home?” “Will I be able to last a semester more?” Seriously…it was bad…but, I shall leave an entire post for this pouring out of emotions…

A Very Big Apology...

Ok, so this I hoped I wouldn’t have to do…but alas, I am stupid and over book myself WAY too much. Thus, I must send some apologies out to the following people:

Aunt Sue: I am SOOOO SORRY that things did not work out to go bowling or to a movie! I was soooooo looking forward to anything – seriously, sounded so much fun! But, dates and times never seemed to align. But I promise, when I return, we are getting together for a full Day O’ Fun! Bowling, movie, dinner – whatever!

Mensa (especially Teresa): Many apologies for my lack-of stopping at Target on my last day. Again, things got super busy, and apparently there is some unwritten rule that states that you have to hang out with family the night before you leave for four months…? Anywho, again, I apologize, but this is a written rain check for me stopping by Madison when I return (maybe as a pre-attending campus tour?!) – and this time there is no holiday excuse to stop me (well, there is a wedding, but that should be a little less stress on me – after all, I am 5th in line…)!

Nikki – In basically the same form to Mensa, I am sorry that things didn’t work out to get together on the last day. Our pre-leaving Starbucks run was awesome in the fall, and definitely would have made my home visit this past time that much more complete. When I return, Starbucks is on me!

And a general apology to anyone that I said we were going to get together, but weren't able to! Can't wait until summer!

Well, if anyone feels like they, too, deserve a personal apology, just comment…I promise to write you the most heartfelt apology that I can!

Checkin' off the list...

Well, as you all have figured out (either by reading this or just my lack of being in the states) I am back in Switzerland. For better or worse. I miss everyone, everything, in the states, but the show must go on (I should have prepared you for my big use of clichés here…my apologies).

But nonetheless, I have been wondering…before coming home, I had made this quite detailed list of things that needed to get done. How did I do? Well, let’s take a look…

From the November 30 post “What to do…the Home Edition”:

While at home, I have to...

√ Perform "The longest hug EVER" in O'Hare International (oh, it was…)
√ Hang out with my family and friends! (seriously, like everyday…from just hanging out at home, to going to play bingo (we don’t mess around!), to trying to go to bowling but then being shutdown by the mean guy at the bowling alley, we did it all)
√ Webbs? (3 times…there were two days in a row, too…fun times!)
√ A Wicked Chicago Excursion (not to the extent, but Missy and I did get Jessi down there!!! Congrats first timer!)
√ Walk aimlessly through Wal-Mart (c'mon, I miss it!) (Yea, this was a day 2 thing…wow. Literally, I looked at EVERYTHING! Do I need furniture? No, but why not take a look!)
√ Target, as well (yea, same story…but this time with Julie…hahaha)
√ Catch up on "the shows" (not enough, but I definitely tuned in)
√ Play with the niece for a good 4 days straight (not straight, but we did get some quality time in…I mean, she didn’t really remember me at all, but you know, that’ll take some time again)
√ Assist Jessi in planning the Wedding of the Year (next year that is...) (I went to a wedding show…that’s all I’m saying…)
√ Literally sit in my room and do absolutely nothing (waking up in my bed for the first time in months…yea, this happened…just sitting there for a good hour…it was nice)
√ Use the oven (again, I miss it!) (you had better believe it! Regular oven AND toaster oven…I felt empowered!)
√ Cook A LOT for the fam and friends (yes, I cooked a lot, but if you look later in the list, I had a lot of places to eat, so this didn’t really happen as much as I envisioned…)
√ Drive...a lot... (dude, I ran errands for the family willingly…it was SO nice to drive!)
√ Play with niece some more! (don’t have to ask me twice)
√ Texas Wedding! (Oh soooo much fun! *see previous posts*)
√ Do not think about the current school situation while planning my future years (dude, I just put it out of my mind that I had to return…and it worked!)
√ Make people laugh/smile (c’mon it’s me…daily, of course!)
√ Watch good ol' movies including "Clue" (saw a few, but not “Clue…dangit!)

While at home, I have to EAT...

- Pumpkin and cream cheese bread (NO idea where this came from, but doesn't that sound AMAZING!?!?) (yea, didn’t really pursue this one…and now it sounds delicious again…blurg…)
- Bacon and horseradish dip (same explanation as above) (and again, same explanation)
- Anything but pasta (I lied, the first thing that I made when I got home were lo mien noodles…whoops!)
√ A hot dog (same explanation as the Wal-Mart item)
√ Gramma's pork and potatoes (mmm....) (dude, she actually read this, and before heading down to Florida, actually baked this for me…you rock!)
- Apple / lemon meringue pie (ok, she didn’t quite take this hint, but 1 outta 2 ain’t bad!)
√ Nachos (thanks to my friends at Taco Bell)
√ FAST FOOD! (Oh how I missed thee the most) :
√ Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich with a medium fruit punch and a Caesar Salad (one of the first things…)
√ Culver's Buffalo Chicken Tenders with cheese curds and a vanilla shake (like twice)
√ McDonald's double cheese burger Mighty Kids meal with a blue PowerAde (just snuck this one in, but yes it happened)
- Burger King onion rings (OK, NO idea how this one slipped under the radar)
- Quizno's...anything... (same here…oy)
- Noodle's & Co. Japanese pan fried noodles with chicken, lemonade, and flatbread (guess I lied about the "No pasta" thing...but Noodles & Co. is always an exception!) (dude, I am striking out here!)
√ Starbuck's Holiday Drink (the peppermint hot chocolate...yummo) (Ok, this one I had…yummo!)
- Pretzel Maker original salted pretzel with honey mustard (mouth watering, but apparently not at the time)
- ABC Chicken salad sandwich with salad/soup (didn’t even have time to go…soooo sad)
√ Great Wrap's Tupelo Turkey on a spinach wrap with fries and lemonade (lunch with Jessi and Julie)
- JIMMY'S GROTTO pepperoni ponza rota!!! (I actually tried, but got lost…must try again in the spring!)
- Barbierie's (SP?) pizza and garlic bread...yummo! (Ok, no…but in my defense, I ate at Ann’s…almost equally as delish)
√ Tuna Casserole (made it myself at Ali’s…yummo fantastico!)
√ Chancery food (with my Mensa ladies)
- Chicken, cream of mushroom, and rice casserole (no…and why not?)
- Sunday ham, cole slaw, potato salad... (this one hurts…hmm…)
√ BP CHICKEN!!! (after visiting Jessi and church, what better to do!?)

Well, I think that was sufficient. In only 28 days, I was able to cross off all 18 off of the first part of the list, and 12 outta 25 on the food one…with only so many meals to go around, I think I did pretty well!

Me reasoning about lagging a little with the latter part of the list...Well, honestly, I was expecting myself to come home and be somewhat of a tourist. After a while, I realized, I was home, back to the old life. I wasn't pushing myself 24/7 to get special things accomplished, especially regarding food and such. Still, though, I am pretty happy with what I did get accomplished!

Where has the time gone?

Well folks, great things must come to an end...and my visit home was no exception. Seriously, it did not feel like the month (or just two days shy of a moth) that it actually was.

I so was not prepared for coming back. Seriously. I kept reminding myself that it was coming, but when you get used to the life that you were once so accustomed to, it's hard to say "good-bye".

And don't get me wrong - there were times when I was STOKED to come back to the Swissland. Life living alone. Always on my own schedule. Seeing some people that I hadn't seen in weeks. But no matter what excuses I had for wanting to come back, that mundane, everyday American life is what I knew I wanted to live.

The first 4 months seemed to go fast. So the next 4 should be the same...right?