An End?

*Cliche Alert - An Apology for the Very Disney Movie Feel*

Not too long ago I was talking about the many "firsts" that would be happening throughout my journey. Now, alas, it is time to move those away and talk about the "lasts". The last class. The last weekend. The last goodbyes. It seems like only yesterday that I was expressing my feelings, doubts, and hopes for this year, but now it is time to look forward to my many more adventures and see what this world has in store for me. For a moment though, I do want to dwell on this experience, while sitting in my very white, very empty room here in Lugano for what could be the last time.

This experience...where to begin. These past 8 months have tried me through and through, with some of the best ups and worst downs one could imagine. But taking this time now to look back, there are no regrets. I would not have given this up for the world. I have learned a great deal about friendships, about myself and my limits, about looking at different people and cultures with excitement and not ethnocentrism, but most importantly, I have learned so much about appreciating home. It is so cliche, but so incredibly true that you appreciate something even more when you don't have it. And this was the case for the life back at home. I had always felt close to my family, friends and environment while there, but being away for this time has really shined new light on things, and made me feel that much more connected to it.

So, as this door of opportunities closes, a new one somewhere will open. Where? Well, this I cannot tell you. I really have yet to make a decision. With all of my studies and my attempts at taking the most out of this last few days here, I have pushed that decision aside for the time being and will make that decision back in the states. I can tell you that I have been accepted to Madison, however, contradicting with a previous post, the two school are back at a level playing field. I am torn 100%. This decision making thing is much harder that I thought...

This is definitely not a goodbye from me, though. I will continue this for sometime yet. Filling in the gaps that I have left over this past few weeks (again, my apologies), and letting you know where this next fall will take me.

But for now, it is almost time to say "Good Bye" to this place. Its spirit. Its scenery. Its amazing people. You know a place has affected you when it is harder and harder to let it go. I honestly never thought that was going to happen. While with my countdowns, my constant thoughts of home, and everything to look forward to, I now feel this strange and strong bond to this place - something that I feel sad to let go. But, I must. It is time to say "So long" here and welcome on the new opportunities, struggles, and goals that my life will bring. No regrets.

Where has the time gone?!

Dear extensive fan base,

I want to apologize once again for the amount of time between posts. Things here have been, well, a little crazy. See, with my time dwindling down here in Lugano, I have decided to focus my time on the many things that I will not be able to do anymore, so computer time has been limited. I can say, though, that I have been able to cross many more things off of some of my lists. This is true.

In addition to those things that are occupying my time, this week (as well as last Friday) is Exam time. Yes, that is right, the dreaded final exams. I can say, however, that I think my exams will not be too terrible (as I have heard so many people's are...sorry). This is my schedule with my predictions:

Friday, May 2:
- Financial Accounting (My hardest one probably. I do think, however, that I did pretty good. The teacher is really good, and he let us use our books, so yea, i think i did fine.)

Monday, May 5:
- Spanish (So this one, too, might be a little tricky. There is an awful lot to remember, but, is it sheer coincidence that the exam falls on Cinco de Mayo? I think not...)

Tuesday, May 6:
- Intercultural Communications (Umm...yea, I think I will do fine. I did very well on the midterm, and with half of the questions from that test, I think I can rock this one, too)
- Computers (If I can't get an A on this one, I shouldn't be in college. Enough said...)
- Religion (This is an opinion one. Three short essays: one on a movie reaction, one about violence in the name of religion, and one on women in religion. Sounds great, but I know my place in there...B+...)

So, as you can see, there is reason for my absence the past few weeks. It is already May 5, meaning two very important things: HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO to all of my Hispanic Fans, but more importantly I WILL BE HOME IN ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! This is ridiculous and quite possibly my most bittersweet moment ever. Seriously. It is like I will be leaving the longest, most emotion-filled summer camp ever, with the possibility that I may never see some of these amazing people again (enter low playing background music of "For Good"). So on one hand, it is soooo absolutely sad. But on the other hand, the excitement is just beginning. Time to see those old friends, hang out with the family, and get a job. Woot. Yea....

I leave you now with a little taste of what my final week has in store. Oh, and don't worry, those other posts that I alluded to last time are in the making and *fingers crossed* should be up within the next week. So, here is what I still have in store these last few precious days:

- Finish up exams and final paper (Accounting...that thing will never leave me alone!)
- Finish packing...what the chore.
- Ship my boxes (I was actually going to ship only one or two, and then have another one be a 3rd bag checked in for my flight, because it would be cheaper. However, after further investigation, I remembered that I have to switch airlines in NY, therefore I would really be paying twice for that third piece of luggage. That is a no go.)
- End of the year dinners/hanging out with friends
- Sell some of my bigger items that I cannot ship
- Attend Graduation (and possibly work it...that is still in the works...)
- Oh yea...and go to London. Have I forgot to mention that one? Oops... Well, I will update you soon about that one. But yup, it is true, in the 7 days I have left, one of those (literally, like 20 hours...) will be spent in London. Why? Well, you will just have to come back to see why!

Right now, its off to grab some breakfast and cram...I mean refresh for Spanish.

Have a fantastic week ahead! After all the dust settled and the chaos subdues, I know I will!