Tales from Swissland

An End?

2008-05-11T02:35:00.000-07:00

*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?!

2008-05-05T01:12:00.000-07:00

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!

Very Sorry to My Loyal Readers!

2008-04-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings all!

I am oh so very sorry about the incredible long delay! You see, I have been extremely busy these days... honestly! However, I am starting to really budget my time even better and hope to set aside a few minutes each day to crank out a post and eventually catch up!

With that said, here are somethings to look forward to:

- Actually concluding what happened with the trio visited over Easter,
- Finishing telling you about my experiences in the Former Yugoslavia
- Having a new bunch of visitors *hint: they have never been to Europe EVER and it started with "M" and ends with "om and Dad"*
- I am a winner... apparently!
- The final Countdown... and it is coming awfully fast! (18 days from this post!)
- My reflections on the experience as a whole (including a list of every place I have been to...)
- My "What Am I Gunna Do Over Summer" List... it's incredible and you will be jealous!
- My ACTUAL Plans for next school year...(that is if I know before then...)

So, I haven't forgotten about you! I swear...I have just been a little preoccupied with this thing called school...

Now, if you don't mind, I have to finish writing a paper, head off to two classes, meet with a teacher, get a paper signed, attend another class, and start packing...phew. Talk to you later!

Family Invasion...Round 2...

2008-04-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

This time up to the plate are the parents. This will be their first time here in Switzerland, well, Europe for that matter. They will be arriving around 8am Saturday in Zurich, and you know us, things start up right away! There is quite the packed itinerary for the 10 days they will be around, including stops in 5 countries (maybe even 6), climbing a mountain that bares our name, and taking me grocery shopping (oops, did I forget to mention that, mom and dad?).

This will definitely be an interesting time of firsts: First time in the country (and continent), first experiences driving on these roads, first time they will legitimately use their passports...the list goes on!

But, as I sit here swamped in work, trying to get ahead in order to spend as much time as I can showing them the lay of the land, I can't help but realize...I WILL BE HOME IN 32 Days!!! Just wanted to put that in there...

So, check back with updates on how they are taking to the Swiss (and German, and Austrian...) way of life! Until then...

Don't have school on a Wednesday? Because of school? Umm...OK!

2008-04-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

To many, Spring Forward is that time when you angrily lose a precious hour of sleep some Sunday around Easter. To a Franklin student, however, this has a whole other, more relieving meaning. In fast, it means a day off of school...let me explain.

Spring Forward was an experiment that the Student Affairs/everyone else on campus threw together. This day long event was a student's chance to get caught up with all those school issues that they have been putting off: researching clubs/organizations/leadership opportunities for the upcoming school year, declaring their major, and research other opportunities for post-graduation (resume writing, job searches, etc.). This was set on a Wednesday, with registration for many first year students in the morning, a barbecue (free!), some other small activities (sport against the faculty, short seminar-esque things, etc.) and then an award ceremony acknowledging various students for different things, including awards from teachers, organizations, and other students. Then, to cap off the evening, there was a "Tex-Mex" dinner (I will explain a bit more later...) and a concert by Swiss recording artist William White.

Ok, so my day went as follows: Even though this was a no-class day, I still had to be at campus earlier than usual (10am instead of noon) in order to meet with my advisor. In that meeting, instead of the registration that happened for most other students, I spent the time trying to convince my verrrrry optimistic and amazing advisor that I in fact would not be returning in the fall. We basically came to the conclusion that I should wait to make any set-in-stone decision until I am hounded by the school, and I hear back from other schools. Then I took this long survey about the first year experience here, in hopes of winning one of three prizes (including shopping certificates..like, or food...which I need), and collected my free "Franklin College" t-shirt...yea, they aren't messing around here! After that, it was lunch time - Swiss version of barbecue. There were salads, 5 different grilled meats, and drinks. Clearly, since it was in fact free, I definitely took advantage of that one...Oh, and there was a Strawberry Shortcake dessert...yum.

Then, there was this awkward break of time that I used to meet with other teachers, visit with Rachel, and see some other people. I would have done homework in the library (ie my Travel 10ish page paper that was due two days from then) however, the libraries were actually closed...this, I still don't understand. But alas, I did waste time till the award ceremony where I actually did receive a framed certificate from Student Programming Board (though this did feel spacial, basically everyone that holds some position on it got one...but oh well, I felt special). Then there was this humorous "Superlatives" ceremony, awarding random students titles such as "Most Likely to Lead a Revolution", "The Brangelina Award: Best Couple", and "Most Enchanting". After all of this excitement, it was time for dinner...the Swiss style Tex-Mex...one flavorless tortilla topped with a scoop of "seasoned" chicken, this bean thing, and mushy peppers, none of which had that spicy, yummy flavor of Tex-Mex, definitely leaving much to be desired. We were convinced that others (basically anyone that had ever tasted Mexican food EVER) would be able to have done better. Then we also got a piece of leftover cake from lunch. Score.

Finishing off the festivities was a concert by William White (google him...it was actually pretty good). I knew this wasn't going to be your standard concert when people started literally pulling chairs up around the stage...no moshing at this one...just sitting, swaying back and forth, and clapping while best seen appropriate. The funniest thing about this however, was his timing. First off, with the anal Swiss local government, we were only about to get him to play from 7-9pm, anything past that would be against sound regulations and we all would have been shot (they are really serious about that here...). So, at 7, we expected him to start, and living in Switzerland, we expected him to be punctual. But alas, people forgot to warn that he is actually from Barbados...he lives on island time (and apparently so does his band/sound guys who were eating cake well past 7...lame.) He finally stared up around 7:30ish, playing very Jack Johnson-esque music (or so I was told...I really had no idea who this was...) 90 minute concert, that would be fine. But then, around 8pm, he announced that he was taking a 10-15 minute break! I kid you not...most of us were just confused, thinking this was a joke, but honestly he took that break. By this time it was getting around 8:15ish, and I was tired, wanting to get home. I left early thanks to Rachel, who was borrowing someone's car.

Spring Forward was a success on many levels. It did give great opportunities for students, but there was one part that I hated. This was a day where you are at campus all day, without classes or a set schedule. Really, it felt like that last day of school where you show up to school but really have nothing to do. Where you like, socialize more than doing work. The problem was, however, that the next morning we did in fact have school. Mean and tricky...

OH! I did want to fill you in on some other small happenings around here:

-Girasole Hall Event to Parco Panoramico (which resulted in a walk to this park by just Michael and I). Very relaxing, great view, and a nice break from work. And best off, it was free!

Family in France (and Germany, and Switzerland, and Italy, and Austria...)

2008-03-30T07:21:00.001-07:00

Coming soon: Family visits - what really happened!?

They're Invading!!!

2008-03-21T02:06:00.000-07:00

HIT THE DECK!!! THEY'RE COMING!!!

Hehe...but in all seriousness...I HAVE VISITORS COMING TO VISIT ME!!! Me = sooooooo excited!!!

So here's how it goes: Jessi and fiance Andy flew into Zurich yesterday (bagless, but that is all about to change), rented a car, and shot northeast to Munich, Germany. They will then be leavng Saturday morning to join my here in Lugano WHILE Missy is flying into Zurich and bringing the train here as well! Then, after a few hours of reunion and orientation, we are hitting the road once again and are off to Nice, France for this Easter Weekend (Amen!). Then, Monday (when I am off of school) we will be heading back here via Monte Carlo, Monaco (phew!). On Tuesday, I will be heading to class (one of them anyways) while they check outsome of the local sites (i.e. funicular-ing up San Sal) and then I will join them for lunch, a tour of downtown, dinner on the lake, and then an evening of "fun"...it's kind of a surprise, so check back! Finally, Wednesday we might trek out to Bellinzona in the morning, take a look around, and then I will train back here as they continue on their way to Zurich where they will check out the sites, sleep, and then fly out the next morning...

Phew...one week, and sooo many places. True Schobers...

I must say that one of the funniest things happened with planning where we were going to travel this weekend. The idea was Rome...on Easter Sunday...along with every Catholic from Italy and surrounding countries. The thought of congestion mixed with a 7 our ride there kinda turned us off. So, instead we choose to visit the High Roller capital of the world - Monte Carlo. I definitely think my dad put it right while talking to our pastor:

"I told Pastor I wasn't sure I raised my daughters right since they decided to trade Rome on Easter Sunday for Monaco. He laughed and said it was probably a good decision since he didn't think you'd even be able to see ,much less get close to St. Peters with all the crowds."

Oh the fun!

Did I Forget to Mention? Oops...

2008-03-21T01:57:00.000-07:00

Yea, so you might have noticed that you did not hear from me in a few weeks. The reason, which I have somehow neglected to bring up, is Semester 2 Academic Travel! This brings to a close the first half of the 2nd semester (wow, its going super fast!...score!), capping off midterm exams and late nights of studying. Now...where am I going? Well, that is a WHOLE other story in itself...

As you may recall from last semester, I sent out the poll asking for your opinion, and the winner was the "Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia - former Yugoslavia" travel. However, as you may notice, Serbia these days is sort of...unstable. There is this whole issue with the region (now country) of Kosovo, and threats of violence. Therefore, with only a week or so before the trip to go, our itinerary had to be overhauled a little bit, seeing that we were to spend a good 3 days in its capital city, Belgrade. But, nonetheless, the trip was eventful in itself, even without our safety being questioned.

And, once again, I did write a day-by-day journal along the road (oh yea, this was allll done by bus!), which I can share with you all. Also, in true Schober fashion, I took a good lot of pictures and posted them online. I will get you the links as well.

Lastly, I will get all deep on you and share my feelings from visiting this recently devastated, Eastern European environment. (I know, I need to get my "Disney Channel" thoughts in everywhere...)

I do have to get running now, but keep checking back for updates!

Oh, and Happy Friday!!!

Oh yes...I am something like 1/5 Irish...I should mention...

2008-03-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

I was going to go into the long, historic story behind the day, but instead, I shall impart this wisdom onto you all...

Only 282 days left until Christmas!!!

I will let you stew over that for a little bit...

My Future?...This Should Explain Where Things Stand...

2008-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Many people have been asking me about what my future holds. Where exactly will I be for school next year? What will I study? Well, honestly...I have no clue. (ok, that's kind of a lie...I have somewhat of an idea...barring in mind that I actually get into the school that I am thinking about...)

I have applied to two schools: The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the College of Charleston. While I had started to sort things out and figure out which one I had wanted to attend, my journey to Porto kinda 180-ed that one. While Charleston was the front runner, something occured to me which shifted my opinion...

My Portuguese Epiphany...

So even though this was just a little weekend getaway, honestly, I took a lot more out of it than I thought I would. I had an epiphany-type occurance in my hotel room on the first day. Blame it on the lack of sleep or the picture of my niece on my laptop, but I think I laid out my plans for my future. This is what flashed before my eyes...

College is an important part of your life - it is essentially the jumping off point for the rest of life. However, what is the difference between schools other than the name and a dlight difference in accreditation? Honestly, you make the experience what you want. No matter where you are there is always something for you. I think that I was always the kid that wanted to be different - do something that would either shock or defy others and was always basing decisions, big or small, on how adventurous they would be. That is why a place like Franklin, being so far away, seemed so great (well, that and the Academic Travel portion, too). Even with this school cast aside for my sophomore year, I was still looking into a place where I could be the "crazy kid that went far" - Charleston. While again, there is soooo much appeal in that school for me, when it comes down to it, I think there is only one option that is best suited for me - a school closer to the things that make me who I am - make me the happiest that I can be. Those would be all of my family and friends. Let's face it, I have been blessed with an amazing family and top notch friends. Why try to fix something (my life in this case) when it's not even broke (by leaving it in pursuit for adventure).

Thuli put it best, explaining that it seemed that I picked everything thus far based on adventure - what seemed to be the most "well, we will see what happens!". But honestly, you cannot live life based on adventurous options 100% of the time. Adventure is like a spice to for life. You cannot have an entire plate of spice - that's just dangerous. You'd cover up the important things - those mundane flavors that give you what you really need. Instead, pepper your life with adventure. (wow, that got really deep...sorry!)

So...with this said, I think college is one of those important aspects of life that doesn't need too much spice of adventure. I think in order to get the important things out of it, I need to stay with the basics, and leave the spice on the side of this dish.

In layman's terms, that means (keeping in mind that I get the go ahead from them) that I will in fact be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison next fall (gah, I really hope I am not jinxing anything...). *Teresa, Niki, and Rajitha scream in excitement/pass out* I will still, though, continue to add adventure into my life, but in smaller doses - maybe join unfamiliar clubs, make is a goal to meet many new people, take frequent weekend getaways. No more huge life decisions right now based on the "well, we will see!" factor.

I should say, though, that I regret nothing by coming here. In fact, I think it was the best thing that I could have done. This experience has shown me what it is exactly that I value the most in my life, and what it is that I cannot live without. So the internationally based life isn't for me. You really cannot beat home...

So, I hope that answers any questions that may be floating out there about where my college plans stand. But just remember, I haven't received any acceptance letters yet. Things are not set in stone yet (I mean, the "tentative plan" is pretty solid, but what will actually happen is still up in the air). The idea is that if I get accepted to both, I will go to Madison, but if it's only a Yes from Charleston, then I'm heading to South Carolina! We shall see...

Receba a Porto!

2008-02-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-22T00:47:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-02-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2008-02-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

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!
-----
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...

2008-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-10T11:58:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-02-09T03:33:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-05T00:35:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-04T02:35:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-02T03:14:00.000-08:00

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?

My Promotional Skills Make Singers Out of Lawyers

2008-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so remember back about a month ago when I had asked you all to vote for my cousin to sing the National Anthem at a Marquette game? Well, when I had posted that, he was about 5% below the leader, and after only one day, somehow he jumped into first. I'm not trying to toot my own horn but...well...Toot Toot! That's right, it was because of the popularity of this blog that was selected to perform as one of two singers on the radio, and after a final vote, was chosen to sing at the game!!!

So, of course, we had to go to the game! In addition, my entire dad's office (where my cousin works) had to come. A little outing if you may. Since we purchased so many tickets, we were actually given these pretty sweet blankets (I know you hate them, Jessi, but it was free...deal with it!).

Honestly, I just went for the singing. I couldn't have cared less for the game. But anyways, the evening was fun, and it was yet another time for me to say ciao to some of my family that I saw there. So fun!

Who Needs a New Year's Eve When You Can Spend Precious Time on a Tarmac?

2008-01-26T02:34:00.001-08:00

Ok...so when I last left you, we were having a blast in Texas. But, like all good things, it had to come to an end eventually...

December 31, 2007...the last day of a whirl-wind year. The day that we had to fly back to Chicago, arrive around 5pm, and drive home for our little family New Year's shin-dig...that was the plan anyways...

...Enter Amazing Race "I Hope That Never Happens To Me" moment number two...the on-plane delay...

Ok, so the weather was amazing in Texas...low 60s I think...but elsewhere, not the case. Actually, "else where" only includes one place...Chicago, IL. Seriously, apparently the ONLY precipitation on the ENTIRE weather map was over that area...our luck! So, as anticipated, the plane was delayed for 40 minutes, giving us siblings some time to run and grab a little something pre-security for lunch. (Again, time around 2pm...we have a horrible eating schedule!). It also gave me enough time to run the key back to the Avis counter that my dad accidentally took (oops!). Anywho, so we were finally allowed to board, when the worst thing happened...Ok, I can think of a few other worse things, including incidences with people trying to light their tennis shoes on fire, but this comes in as a screaming second...we were delayed while on the plane!

Seriously, I wish this on nobody...We were taxied out to the runway, but conveniently, we were told while taxiing (is that correct?) that we were delayed due to weather in Chicago, and that the wait time was roughly an hour, but that was just a guesstimate (I hate that word...that's how much I hate this situation...). So, after watching some "Ellen in a Minute" podcasts, and taking many short naps, the hour had elapsed and so had some of our patience (ok, kinda mostly Jessi, but then I got into Amazing Race mode, so I too was getting impatient). The pilot got back onto the speaker and informed us that there was another wait where after that we would have an answer...but, in the meantime, enjoy some water and tea. Thanks guys...

So, Jessi got on her cell phone and began to make some calls... Madison Julie was her ticketing agent who was giving her other options of getting into Wisconsin in time to spend New Year's on the ground with our loved ones... The issues:

(A) We were on a plane in the middle of the tarmac...According to man sitting behind Jessi, next to Missy, if we had requested to get off, they had to let us off, but the issues came in with our luggage (which had to stay on the plane). Also, if we decided that we had to get off, but that option fell through, we then had the issue that we couldn't get back on this flight...Risky indeed...

(B) Our van was still near O'Hare at that hotel. The idea was too fly into somewhere not O'hare so that we would actually be able to land... One option that Julie found was flying into Madison, getting us in early enough, but if that fell through, well, take a look at issue (A).

(C) Delays were happening all over due to delayed flights in/out of O'Hare. The chances of getting somewhere on another flight...well, look at issues (A) and (B)...

So, we stuck with it. Then, after waiting for 3+ hours, we were given clearance to take off! This, of course, came with warning that we might have to circle for some time, but nonetheless, we would be hovering over our destination!

Well, after a blind landing (0 visibility), we arrived around 9pm...just enough time to grab the luggage, call the hotel shuttle, traverse the confusing O'Hare tunnels to the correct pick-up area, and get back to the snow covered van in the hotel's parking lot...Oy. We managed to leave fairly quickly, and after a bit, I had fallen asleep, with zero hope of being home to ring in the new year. Jessi, the optimist (did I really just say that?), called Andy and made plans to be dropped off to see him before the ball drop. Well, the race was on!

I woke up when the van stopped at the New Berlin Entertainment Center, where we let Jessi out. Looking at the clock, I saw 11:44...we still had time!

So, after 1 very long day, 3 states and thousands of miles, we managed to get home at 11:58pm - less than two minutes to spare. We neglected the bags, ran in, threw on the TV, and watched Dick Clark's countdown...we made it! So, instead of the celebration that we had loosely planned, the majority of us just hit the sack...our whirl-wind adventure was done.

Happy New Years!

Bienvenidos a Texas y Mexico!

2008-01-25T01:54:00.000-08:00

Another really long one...my apologies!

So I must say that the most highly anticipated part of my home stay was actually not at home at all...In fact, part of it wasn't even in the same country...

That's right, the part that I looked most forward to was my cousin Greg's wedding in El Paso, TX! Basically, a chance to be with family, be in a warm(er) place during break, and see my dad on an airplane!

I should start by briefly explaining our flight plans. Basically, a month or so before the day, we had nothing. Lots of research was done, but nothing was set in stone. So, one day, after some Skyping with the family, I decided to give it a go myself, finding quite the deal! A non-stop from O'Hare on great dates and times. Booked!

Alright, so the process of leaving home was very Schober family...things everywhere, triple checking everything, and packing WAY too much...But, nonetheless, and with the assistance of Helga, our "in flight navigator" (our GPS unit that my dad got from my Gramma), we got down to our Chicago hotel the night before the flight (snow had started, but things were alright...).

The next morning was the push to get to the airport on one of their shuttles. We managed to make it (eating barely nothing), however a certain engaged sister (shall remain nameless) accidentally forgot her ring in the bathroom...whoops! Back to the hotel for her...but, she did make it back in time to get checked in, and psyched out for the flight.

Now...the flight...let's just say that I think Jessi and I freaked each other out. I am very used to flying and usually am not affected by anything. Then I sat next to Jessi. Together, we thought that the turbulence during takeoff was sending us plummeting to our deaths...And let me just say that the one person who I thought was going to be the worst (Dad) was definitely asleep pre-takeoff...thank you Zanex.

But, needless to say, we arrived. Welcome to El Paso, Texas! Like nothing I have ever seen before (or at least remembering seeing). The landscape was incredible. Everything was the same sandy color. And the weather...phew. First day, pretty nice, but getting cooler as the day went on.

Getting our rental car was interesting as well. Seriously, it shouldn't have been...at all. But let's face it - some traces of the meds were still lingering with my dad, so things got fun. First off, who would have thought it a good idea to get a small car for 5 people and their luggage? Upgrade please! Second, insurance. When these people try to push insurance, and when your daughter who works in an insurance office both attempt to explain the near necessity of purchasing it, chances are tha you would go along with it. Not dad, though! He's a rebel! (we didn't really need it after the weekend was done, but still...its dangerous out there!)

So, again, Helga got us to our destination in a timely fashion - our amazing hotel, which was also the sight of the wedding reception. I honestly loved it. It was so nice, and had a great view of the city below (ok, that part is a little fudged, but in a nice room, things generally look nicer!). Oh, and we also received this sweet giftbag on arrival as a "Thank You" offering some local favorites (chip and salsa and even "Greg and Fernanda" Wedding Cookies). It felt like the Oscars!

After a little bit of exploring the hotel and relaxing, we decided that 4pm would be a good time to get something to eat (lunch? dinner?). Anyways, we found a very awesome, themey BBQ joint and had great food. Yumm... Then, we drove a bit but ended up back at the hotel to visit with the other family that flew down for the wedding as well (who, except for the wedding party's family, actually all ended up getting stuck in a variety of cities due to the inclement weather that fell during/after out flight...sorry guys!). But, we were basically dead from the long day, so bed came a'callin' pretty early.

Leading up to the wedding day, things were a little chaotic and confusing. Everyone had something that they had wanted to do, but with a lack of time and decision making skills, not much actually happened. I can say that we did get to check out the shopping scene (mostly the Walgreens a few blocks away and the Target/Barnes and Noble complex a few miles away), as well as this tram thing that Missy and Jessi suckered out of (seriously, much younger cousin wanted to go back up...c'mon!)...but anywho...

Wedding day, and much like us, we were running way late. But, somehow, we pulled it together (I honestly think that always happens, and I should just embrace it...it happens all the time, but somehow I am always surprised...that should change...). The ceremony was incredible. Jessi took feverish notes (but seriously...) and I stayed awake and even paid attention throughout the whole thing (do I hear a Win-Win?)!

Much like the ceremony, the reception was very amazing as well. So elegant, so fun! Before the doors were opened into the ballroom (it was like the anticipation before a Broadway show...if you can relate), there were appetizers, drinks, mingling, and even a Mariachi Band! How could it get better!? Umm...how about the dinner itself? Yea, that'll do it. Yummy food and great cake to follow (good luck trying to top this one, Jessi!). The night was capped off with great speeches, then music and dancing. What fun!!!

So, what would you do with a 16 person group in El Paso on a Sunday? How about boarder jumping? Okay!

Seriously, we went to Mexico...(and let me just defend myself by saying that the trolley company that took us was in fact called the "Boarder Jumpers" Trolley Company...). The system that this company runs on is kinda sketchy, but whatever, it was some of my families first time in Mexico, so it was fun. They basically drop you off at one of 5 (I think) stops, all of which are at shops which, surprise!, are owned by that company. But let's face it, we bought...way too much in fact... First stop, a cultural store, with pottery, statues, and sombreros...and that is exactly what my dad purchased (much like the thought process with my cardboard cutout, it was that "buy first, think where it will go second"). Then, we hit this amazing glass shop, where Jessi got a very sweet set of glasses and a pitcher, Missy got some statue/wall thing, and I bought a painting...do we even had room for this stuff? Eh, think about that later...

The next store was a leather goods store/distillery(?)...seriously, nice boots, belts, jackets, and bottles of cactus juice and Tequila. What more does one need!? Finally, we hit the market - the mecca for bargaining (which my dad and mom were surprisingly very good at). Somehow, with all of these stops, the 16 of us managed to stay together...well, en route the the market, the trolley was no where in sight, so some of us took taxis, and us younger ones began the 16 block walk (on the way, somehow the trolley drive observed that we were not local and picked us up...I wonder how he knew...?). As of course, leaving the market, we definitely were the last family to leave, with a short sprint out the the trolley, but we made it!

Getting back into the states was interesting...A very crowded bridge of cars and foot traffic, as well as vendors walking in and out of cars with the most recently pirated movies (seriously, Juno was out there, and that had just come out like 3 days before that...), and churros, and then there were the windshield washers that would just wash your car and then come to the window...a very different way...

Now, I know what some people think about the border - how do some many people cross illegally with the tight security? Well, let me run you through that...see, they weren't really caring about the passports that we carried (though they did remind my dad that it would probably be wise to sign his soon...), they just wanted to tax us on any alcohol that we were carrying. Oh, and they may have asked our nationality. So, basically, don't try to be ballsy and sprint over at night, just walk through security during the day, tell 'em you are American, and forget the alcohol in Mexico...case solved...

But, I digress about that...what I need to talk about, clearly, is food. Even with dinner plans, my family still hadn't experienced true Mexican food, so before leaving for our dinner plans, we walked to this restaurant that supposedly is Lance Armstrong's favorite (who knew?) for some appetizers. After taking forever, eating the delicious food, and cutting 30% off the bill, we then headed to our real dinner...at the Texas Cattleman's Ranch (something like that...). This place was...wow. Apparently it is a true working farm with over 500 seats for guests, and they have shops, and grounds to explore. We, however, got there too late to see the farm-ness as well as some of the shops, but it's too bad, because we were given an over two hour wait...joy (Seriously, with over 500 seats, and that long of a wait for 16...I hope the president was there or something...hey, maybe he was...).

But, somehow, we were seated in like 40 minutes, and the best part, and 2 tables of 8...kids and adults. Jessi, Missy, you're sitting with us kiddies! It was soooo much fun! Great times, AMAZING food (they have these steaks that come in sizes up to 5 pounds...so, we grilled (no pun intended) the waitress with questions like "How long does it take to cook?" "How many do you serve in a night?" "Did you come here alone?" (Ok, not that one...)...and wouldn't you know it, she had answers for them all, and stayed nice throughout the whole thing...she got a good tip!).

Arriving back to the hotel, the parents went down to the bar while us kids got together and played Cranium (yes, I packed that...I said that we brought way too much...).

Fun times all weekend had by all, but the next morning, it was time for us to head out...on New Year's Eve. And I thought that the weekend in El Paso was eventful...getting home is a whole other story...and post for that matter! Stay tuned!

A Very Merry Mirrored Chrismas!

2008-01-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

This year was a huge year for Christmas in my family. Not only was it Cadee's first Christmas, but we were also hosting Christmas Eve for the first time ever for my mom's side. Needless to say, when I got home on the 14th, our house was at DefCon 5 - code red. There was so much to do (including buying a Christmas Tree - per my request...sorry family!). As well, there was the shopping, the decorating, and creating the menu for our Christmas Eve dinner.

Since I had been away from a proper kitchen for quite some time, I had asked if my mom wouldn't mind me taking that entire project over - from concieving the menu to shopping for the ingredientes, to actually preparing the entire meal. For a brief moment, I think there was a "Hey, are you trying to steal my cheese?" feeling from her, but when she realized what there was still to do, I think she was willing to pass off the project.

So, I did just all of that - I created a very interesting meal plan, and shopped for all of the ingredients. Then, the night before, I actually started the prep (it soooo felt like the "calm before the storm" prep time on Top Chef). I wasn't nervous at all, and actually quite enjoyed that time...but then came Christmas Eve, when the nervous flop sweat began to drip...

Now, before I go any further, let me share with you my very optimistic and __ menu:

Appetizers:
- Tomato and Pepper Bruchetta
- Antipasto Platter with olives, meats and cheeses
- Greek Skewers with Chicken, Tomato, Cucumber and Pepper and a cucumber sauce (fancy, I know...)

Main Meal:
- Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloins
- Parmesean Polenta (from Switzerland!)
- Orzo Pasta with fresh parsley, garlic and parmesan
- Asparagus Bundles wrapped with Bacon (and we have high colestral?)
- Dill Carrots
- Fresh Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
- Breads

Dessert:
- Chocolate Fondue with fresh Strawberries, Marshmallows, and Swiss Cookies
- Mini Cheesecake Fruit Tarts with Raspberries and Kiwi)
- Mulled Wine

Hungry yet? I know I am...

So, needless to say, I had my work cut out. But, I did have my trusty sous chefs by my side - my mom and Missy (I know...she actually was of assistance...dang...). I did have my "Out of my way!" moments, but let's face it, in the kitchen, I realllllly like my space and have control issues...So basically, if you asked to assist me, and I kinda of pushed you out of the way, Sorry!!!

Ok, but thats still not it...Ok, so as I was preparing the desserts, I was kinda rushing aroung, and had my Uncle Mark kind of asking me a lot of questions and sort of blocking my view of the foyer...but at the time, since I was so frazzled I had no idea why...

So, when my dad asked me to quickly come into the living room because they had "A half birthday/half Christmas gift that they wanted me to have before others started opening their gifts," I was at first very, "Are you kidding me...I am sort of in the middle of something...", but I listened and followed him through the dining room. At that time, I noticed that he began to get "Church Giggles"...you know, that silent but hysterical laughter...and as I turned further, I noticed 4 people with cameras standing around the tree...

...and then I saw it...or I should say...and then I saw me...That's right, my parents got me a larger than life cardboard cutout of myself...(really, could I make this up!?)

Now, you may be thinking...what on earth would have prompted my wonderful (and apparently quirky) parents to purchase this...unique...gift for me? Well, apparently I may have said in a previous blog entry that one of my Life List points is that I want a wax figure/cardboard cutout made of myself...So basically, I asked for it!...

But, really, this entry needs some explanation. See, I had really meant that I had wanted to become so famous one day that an establishment of some sort would honor me by creating one. You know, like when I go promoting my book of blog entries, maybe standing next to me at the book signing at Barnes and Noble could be this life-sized me holding a book...I don't know...just a thought...

Oh, and here is the creepiest part...The "second me" is actually about 3 inches taller than me. So basicaly, it's just peering down at me...freaky!

So, needless to say, we had quite the memorable Christmas! Dinner went off with (nearly) no hitch, Cadee was spoiled beyond belief, and my bed now has an occupant for the next four months! No more lonliness for my family!

Back to the Grind...Home Edition

2008-01-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

Coming home, there was nothing that I was more excited for than getting back to those things that I found daunting in the past...those mundane activities that I nearly hated before. I missed my old routine life, and coming home, I was ready to jump back in!

First thing first...driving! No joke, I hadn't driven in 4 months, but I was ready and willing to get back behind the wheel and drive! And I know, not driving for so long, some people had doubts of whether I should even drive, but I gotta say, it was as if I was driving this entire time. Seriously, I hoped into my baby of a Ford Focus (don't judge), backed out of the drive way without hitting anything, and then I realized, I was fine. I was actually volunteering myself to run errands for the family. "We are out of milk? I'll go!" "She needs to be picked up? Where are the keys?"

The next thing...bring on West! I was sooooo excited to go back and visit my old high school. I know a lot of people are all "Wow, that's kinda lame...Seriously, you wanna go back?"...and yes, I did! I am sorry that I had an amazing high school experience, and deeply feel sorry for you if you did not. I was ready to see my old teachers, and wander the halls towering over the students, giving them that "I can leave whenever I want" look. It was great!

I first went back for this "Previous students come back and give the seniors a taste of what to expect" day. I actually woke up at 6:30, showered, and got to school by 7:30am to talk to the different classes. I was proud, but some were confused..."That's tomorrow" I was told...Are you kidding me!?!? Oy...only me, I swear... But, I did take advantage of that, and actually stayed up, drove around, and woke up with some highly coveted Starbucks.

The next day...the actual day, I went back (arriving late...you know, I am a Schober...) and was greeted (as always) with numerous, yet generally similar, questions about my experience. I think that if I just wore a t-shirt with "January 12, Lugano (Italian Speaking), Italy, Romania, Switzerland, mid-May" on it, most of the "When do you leave?", "Where is it again? What do they actually speak there?", " Where did you all get to visit?", "When do you come back in the Spring?" questions. (If you were one of these people, no hard feelings! It comes with the territory...I actually quite enjoy the attention!)

Then, it was off to the classrooms to impart wisdom upon the senior class. Each group sat in front of an english class and was asked a series of questions about his or her college. It was very interesting to see what these people worried about with their selection process, only to realize that was me only a year ago, in much the same situation. Eh, it's all relative I guess...

The day was capped off with some teacher visits, including talking with Voss for nearly an hour. It was so nice to see all of the old teachers! So much so that I actually came back! This time, with Liz and Sarah Walsh! Oh, the good times...

Now, any college student (or even former for that matter) knows that whenever the chance at earning money is thrust upon you, you have to take it. So, while back at home, I jumped at the opportunity to go back to my good ol' job of claning my dad's office...Now, I know that it isn't the most glamorous job, and that whenever it is part of my routine I always try to pass it off onto someone else, but let's face it, I needed it! And also, I actually kinda missed it...

Being back at home was such a great realizationof my current position. It was a taste of what life was like for me, full of routine and great memories, but I guess to advance any I have to look forward to the future. I have had a pretty life back in New Berlin, but hopes of an even better one lie in the distance...

My Hometime Visits

2008-01-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the gap - it was the first week of school...seriously! Besides, this is one of the long ones...I have been working on this one for DAYS! Geez...get off my back!

So while I was home for about a month, I had some absolutely incredible visits with all of my hometown peeps. I will say one thing that made these visits absolutely wonderful...this blog. Apparently people actually read this thing, and they already know most of the crazy antics that I have been up to. After only a few questions about what's really going on, we can just get back to talking about whatever, and not focus as much on my experiences. This has also made the "I haven't seen you in over 4 months...this could be interesting" awkwardness very minimal. In fact, It almost felt like I hadn't left. It felt great! So, here are some of those visits that I had while stateside.

-Home At Last...Where Are The Pastries?

Ok, so, as most of you know, I arrived home on December 14 sometime in the afternoon to an excited and eager family at O'Hare. The only way that I would even go home with them was if they had brought my donuts (I kid you not - this was the one thing that I asked for...if there was just a box donuts and a set of keys for the car waiting in the terminal, I would have been equally as happy. alright, thats a bit untrue, but thats about how excited I was for these...but I digress). They, did, as well as Kim (little stinker said she was busy all day...oh you!), and we were on our way home, first of course stopping to get some good-ol' American grub (I ate a taco and some popcorn chicken...Welcome Home!!!). I had my groundings, and was ready to see my peeps.

-My Best McMahon

First visit that we had to make - surprise Grandma and Grandpa... aka "Operation Freak-Grandma-Out-As-If-I-Were-Ed-McMahon-With-A-Million-Dollar-Check". (Before I got into detail, let me just say that even though I was a wee bit jet legged, and very out of it, her reaction definitely woke me up!) Ok, so here was the plan - My mom already knew that they would be home all day, so we figured that they would not mind visitors at all (especially the grandson that they hadn't seen in a few months!). So, we sneakily parked the van, and I alone walked up to the door and rang the bell...best part, though...I had my video camera running! Seriously, the poor woman couldn't form sentences when she saw me in the window. In fact, she excitedly just kept repeating "OH MY...DAVID...TEDDY...HERE...DAVID...TEDDY!!!" It was absolutely priceless! After I summoned the rest of the family in, we had a wonderful visit!

-Good Idea?

After 12 hours in transit, 4 different countries (Switzerland - Milan, Italy - Munich, Germany - USA), visiting with most of the family, and driving for most of the afternoon, the best thing for me would have been a relaxing evening...and I probably concur. But what would the next best this had been? How about hanging out with the gang at Webb's!?! Umm....OK!

Weeks before coming home, I made a promise to some of the friends that we had to meet up right away, and that the most appropriate place would be our good ol' George Webb's. And, as always, what time? How about 11pm?! (This already...bad idea...). I was sort of in and out of it all evening, even taking a few naps here and there, but I knew that I realllllllly wanted to see these people, so I had to pull it together and go. Thinking ahead, though, I knew that I probably wouldn't be in the best condition by that point, so I thought ahead...Missy drove!

Webb's was the best "Welcome Home" recipe ever! Throw in Liz, three Sarahs, two sisters, Marie and a Craig (did I forget anyone? hope not!!!), and you get a ridiculously fun evening! Seriously, woot woot! (Though, I will say, at some point, I did feel myself fall asleep at the table, but I rebounded when my Super George combo and hash browns came) When I was coherent and lucid, the stories and gossip flew! It was just like the lunch table again, but with better food (side note...I kinda miss hot lunch...just thought about that...sorry, it's late - having some focusing issues...). Such a fun evening!

-Never Too Much Wied!

So you know how there are some people that you could hang out with like...everyday? Like, you could travel with them or even live with them and they would never get annoying? Enter Julie Wied...absolutely one of these people!

I saw Julie a few times over this break...oh, actually more than I saw some of my family. There was that Great Wraps lunch with Jessi, that random breakfast (who does breakfast anymore...Julie!), that one time that I felt like a creeper while looking for at her throught the windows to see if she was working...Why a creeper? She works at Victoria's Secret...enough said. Oh yea, and then there was that ridiculous time with Rachel at P.F. Changs...I am still sick from that Great Wall of Chocolate! (Ok, if you have never eaten at that restaurant...GO! it is AMAZING!) No matter where we were, whenever it was, it was filled with laughter and her asking me to come to school at Milwaukee. What can I say...a true friend!

-BABY!!!!!

If there was one person/little bundle of joy that I had to see when I was home, it was my niece Cadence. I know that she has NO idea of who I am, and even is quite frieghtened by me, but let's face it, I am enamoured by her, and had to see her for at least four days (according to the list, anyways...). So, I did!

Yes, she cried whenever I tried to hold her at our family's Holiday Round Robin Festivities, but I was determined to win her back...So, I spent the entire day with her and Ali (thank GOD I didn't to win Ali back at the same time...that would have been waaaay too much for me in one day!) for some last minute Christmas shopping (aka "The box hasn't come yet with all of my gifts in it?...Plan B!" day). And, after a few stops, and multiple "If you keep doing that, its going to stay that way" faces, she was coming around! And then there was Christmas, which I will get into a bit more later, but she was SOOOOOO ADORABLE! I guess to mash into one final day of the four, I spent some hours in the mornings with her while my mom babysat...seriously, her and Shelby (best dog EVER)...a comedy team. I'd pay to just watch them together all day long (ok, that sounds kinda creepy, paying to watch an infant, but you know what I mean...)!

-Enter The Harem

Every year, my parents hold this ridiculous After Christmas party filled with good friends, great food, and the occasional designated driver (I'm just saying...). Well, this year, since it fell while I was briefly home, my parent's decided that I could invite some of my friends over. So, as always, I invited numerous people on Facebook, and wouldn't you know it, most all of them showed up! Seriously, I had 12 people come, which doesn't sounds like a lot, but if you have ever been to this party you know full well that adding 12 people into the mix is quite daunting. After the group dwindled to about 9, we somehow squeezed into my room (again, if you have seen my room, oy) and played Taboo. It was tight, but oh so much fun!

Now you may be wondering about the "Enter The Harem" subtitle...well, if you know me, chances are that you know that a majority of my friends are of the female pursuasion...seriously, I know like 5 guys...it's just one of my things...I don't know! But yea, 9 of the 12 were females, and I got anything from "Hey, congratulations!" to "How the @%$# does he do that?" the entire night...Eh, whatever...they are just jealous!

-Other Visits That I Had Better Mention For Fear Of Getting Yelled At...

--GOLDEN CORRAL follewed by the most RIDICULOUS time ever in a Wal Mart...hmm, no wonder why some of those Christmas decorations were 75% off...sooooooo fun, and great pictures!

--Chancery with Mensa (I think that's what I will call them from now on...yea, I like that...let's face it, they make me feel stupid anyways...it's fitting!). Niki, Teresa, Rajitha and I (see?) grabbed a bite to eat and debated Madison vs Charleston...but besides that, it was great!

--Culver's with YAB Nicki. Oh, so good to see her! And, so good to eat that kid's meal! Oh man...lame, I know!

--Lunch with Ali at Edwardo's! (again...if you have never been, GO!). Great catching up, hearing about the family news!

See, I did see a lot of people while I was home...it was crazy busy, but I did it! If I didn't, I am soooo sorry! A more formal apology will be coming up in a future post...

My Very "Amazing Race" Experience Through Munich

2008-01-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Here we go...

When you fly out of Europe early in the morning en route for the USofA, it is advised to stay up the night so the jet leg will be reduced...and that is exactly what Thuli and I did in the Milan airport. After a crazy car ride down there (tight, with all 5 of my bags...apologies!), we decided to lay low and watch a few movies. Nothing says "Pull an All-Nighter" like "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Shanghi Knights"... After a few much needed espressos, it was off to Munich, where we had what could have been the shortest 40 minute layover EVER...

...first, though, let me back track a bit. I know from my years of Amazing Race watching that if you have a very short connection, the only way to guarentee yourself some hope of catching the plane is to befriend the flight staff, trying to get any assistance, be it distance to your next gate, or even some seats closer to the front of the plane. So, I put this knowledge to use, and asked the woman behind the counter about how far our departure gate in Munich was from where we were landing. The only piece of information she could help us with was "Most 5 minutes...trust me, you will make it"...famous last words...

Throughout the short hour+ flight to Germany, Thuli and I were on pins and needles. It was a small plane (a VERY small plane), so we could dash off quickly and make that "5 minute" journey with time to spare...that was the thought anyways...until we realized that we were getting dropped off in the middle of the tarmac and had to wait for the entire plane to empty onto the charter busses that would take us to the building. There goes 10 minutes...

The bus stopped at Terminal G, and according to the tickets, we were taking off from Terminal H. One terminal over, thats close...right? Wrong...Enter two gates on completely opposite sides of the airport...Start "Amazing Race Jog" now (For those who are not familar, this is a slower pased jog through airports done so because of heavy backpack). Following the signs, with only 15 minutes to go, we turn a corner and find...you guessed it...a passport check!!! Didn't we just get off of an international flight en route to yet another international flight? Someone, please explain!

We got out of there with about 7 minutes until our plane was supposed to take off. At this point, we had the entire Terminal H to jog down...Enter the second passport check (seriously...you can't even make this stuff up...). This was done by our airlines. Why? Still, no clue...Just when we thought we were scott free and ready to run onto the plane, out bad luck streak continued. What's left after a bus ride and two passport checks? Oh, I know...security!!!

Literally, we could see our gate not 15 steps past this final impediment. We each hopped in separate lines, and Thuli got through pretty quickly. Thinking that I had already gone through and left her at the security, she boarded. Unfortunately, I had not...I was stuck behind Mr. "You Mean I Can't Take a Bottle of Shaving Cream on the Plane?"...time to switch lines! But my streak continued, this time behind the " 'Why is it Beeping?'...'Sir, You Didn't Take Your Wallet Out or Your Belt Off' " man...HONESTLY!??!

When you keep hearing the "Final Boarding for Flight xxx to Chicago" and you are stuck behind people, thoughts of just sprinting through the metal detectors, knocking over who or whatever is in your way enter your mind...especially when you haven't seen the family and friends in over 4 months...but, all ideas escaped my head when I was able to go through the security and finally able to get on the plane. WE MADE IT!!!

Phew...that was a long story...I hope the rest off of that list aren't this length...I DO have some studying to do every once in a while!

A Helpful Side Note (do I really have time for these?)

2008-01-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

Alright, so over break, many of you said that you had wanted to leave a comment, but it will not let you unless you are logged in. Well, after some trial and error, as well as some research, I think I have found a way!

Ok, so first off, if you wish to make a comment on any of the entries read, click on the "__ Comments" thing underneath the post (the __ refers to some number). Then, on the righthand side, type your comment into the white text box. When you are finished with your comment, SIGN YOUR NAME in the same box. Then, when complete, chose "Anonymous" under that, and then click "Post". If you need an example, click on the "__ Comments" under this to see.

Good luck! Let me know how I'm doing along the way!

I'm Back and More Crazed Than Ever!

2008-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hello!!! I am officially settled back into my subterranian swellings here at good ol' Franklin College. It has been over one month since my last post (geez...this sounds kinda like a confessional), and I apologize greatly for that. I have SOOOO much to catch you up on...and where to begin!? Well, over the rest of this week, expect some updates about:

- My very "Amazing Race" experience in Munich
- My hometime visits (including one of the best "Ed McMahon" impression on my Grandma!)
- Back to the Grind...Home Edition
- A Very Merry Mirrored Chrismas (I will try my best to get a picture in here to help explain)
- Bienvenidos a Texas y Mexico!
- Who needs a New Year's Eve when you can spend precious time on a tarmac?
- My promoting skills make singers outta lawyers
- Where has the time gone?
- Checkin' off the list...
- A VERY BIG apology...
- Back to the Grind...Swiss Edition
- Reflecting on me not wanting to be here anymore! (boy, I am leaving a lot concealed on that one!)
- Am I ok? I think I am...
- Let's take a look at the schedule!

So, wow...after typing all of this stuff out, I realized...

...I HAVE A LOT TO DO!!! Oy...wish me luck!

Last post of the year...

2007-12-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Well all...I leave tonight. One last post for the year from Florida 201. (last of the year - I will be back in 2008 tho!)

At 10pm we are meeting to head on out to Milano. A little rough start - not too sure if all of our stuff is going to fit into Samson's car, but hopefully things will work! I have more bags than anticipated...(lotsa gifts, what can i say? im a giver!)...

I NEED to get home at this point...I am finding myself irritated at the stupidest things right now. I just need to be on an airplane and let the rest just happen around me.

Well folks, heres how its all going down:

7:10am - 8:25am: Milan to Munich

9:05am - 12:05pm: Munich to CHICAGO!!!

I literally just realized that I there is only 40 minutes to catch that plane...oy. We will have to "Amazing Race" it...It'll all work out...right?

See y'all on the other side of the pond!!!

Random, but SO worth it!

2007-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hey all!!! So I know that you are all very aware that I will be home in 2.5 days!!!! However, before starting my voyage back to the USofA, there is some business to attend to...

So my cousin's husband (making him my cousin-in-law, right?), Todd, is in this competition. It's called "Oh Say, Can You Sing" and its though a local Milwaukee radio station. Apparently, the winner of this competition gets to sing the National Anthem at a Marquette Basketball game and he has been chosen in the top 5! At the website below, you can listen to the finalists, and then vote on who is the best. Since this is family, VOTE FOR TODD!!! (gah...this kinda sounds like the Mafia now...do it or ill break your kneecaps!) The top two go live on the radio to sing for a final vote. Currently (as of 11:45pm Lugano time on Tuesday, Dec. 11) he is just below the leader by .1%!!! I hope this post helps boost the international vote! GO TODD!!!

Here is the link! Enjoy, and vote for Todd!

http://www.espnmilwaukee.com/

Oh, and please respond on here if you have voted. Thanks!!!

Note...

2007-12-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I AM HOME IN ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!

-that is all

Things that get me through...

2007-12-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

So today is December 6th...

ALREADY DECEMBER 6TH!?!

Dang, it seems like only yesterday (ok, maybe the day before yesterday) when I was boarding that plane in New York City heading to that unfamiliar destination. Let me confess, I am stunned I have made it this far. Seriously. At the beginning (you can ask anyone) I was sooooo ready to come home. Rain, hills, no sleep...who wants to start their college experience like that? But, I stayed. For the better apparently.

I often wonder, "How? How did I manage? What got me to where I am right now - nearly a week away from home." Well, many things...

- Friendships. You know how you are thrown into situations where you know absolutely no one, and the only way to survive is making friends? Seriously, any camp or new school situation is reflected here. Well, that's how the first week was. People who were unfamiliar with one another trying to scope the scene for people to call their friend. This whole thing was out of desperation. You would find the thinnest excuse to be someone's friend. "Oh, you like the color orange, too! Let's be friends!" "You are from there? Oh my goodness, I went there on vacation when I was 4!!! Let's be friends!" The possibilities are endless. But as the time progressed, these "friendships" began to show each persons true color. If it weren't for that desperation at the beginning and you were back in a familiar place, would some of these people be friends? Or is it really just changing your own personality hoping that will secure at least one friend on campus? I have found myself in this position. There have been a few people that I, too, had latched onto for support at the beginning of this journey basing our relationship on a flimsy excuse. I honestly thought that these people were just like me...that was, until Academic Travel time. This seems to be the turning point where people start reconfiguring themselves and going back to the ways they are at home. Honestly, I felt myself doing the same thing. People true personalities began to show. This molting-type process was awful. Really. I feel like I am hurting some people by saying that we are not compatable - even for friendship. But throughout this college experience, I have to start setting boundries for myself, I have to see what make me "Me". I never meant to hurt anybody (far from it in fact), I just want each person to be comfortable and content in their friendships and be able to be themselves without ridicule or awkward feelings. Now, I now I have had urges to try and change said people to fit my personality, but it's not my place, and it's not their place to change me. I am Me and you are You. No changing that.
Now don't get me wrong, I have found some people that meld really well with me. Those are the people that are keeping me here next semester. (sidenote - I think it's just me, but many of these people are faculty members - that ALWAYS happens...eh, it's me I guess). These are the people that I acn spill things to. They are the ones that don't mind listening, of course if I listen in return.

- Cooking. This is my passions. I love the kitchen. Small or big, it's my domain. Get me a few ingredients, and I will whip up whatever I can - in 12 different ways of course. My little kitchenette has played its role, too, in getting me where I am today. If I was given a room without one, Wisconsin, here I come...but I got one. I find myself cooking more than using my meal plan. I hate that thing. Seriously. Don't even get me started on that (one of my upcoming posts is going to be a Pros and Cons list of Franklin...all I'm saying). The kitchen, I have found out, is one of the places where I am "Me". When I step in there, I feel so different. There are no cares in the world - just the care of how to make a meal out of a piece of chicken, some cheese and a few mushrooms.

- The List. Ok, the many lists. My life is now run on little lists. I have everything written down that I need to accomplish before getting home on my dry-erase board (aka my closet). They are not only helpful, but they really give you a sense of accomplishment when you can cross them off. THe main list, however, that is setting that path for me is that Life List. I now have goals in my life - set purposes to go on each day as if it was the last day. Oh, and I keep adding to the list, too. The latest additions:

-- Make a gingerbread house (really, I never have).
-- Hit deans list at some point.
-- Be a guest on a talk show.

I love the list. It helps you get out ridiculous dreams and thoughts. But, since they are on that list, they have to be crossed off. So, it's going to be some challenging, but fun, years ahead!

- My family and friends back at home. Let me just give a shout out to the wonderful people who created the Internet, Facebook, Skype, and AIM. Seriously guys, you were part of the force keeping me here. Kudos to you! I have been able to keep in such close contact with the people that mean sooo much to me. But honestly, even without it, I think I could have survived. I have this support of these people. The love and support that then give me surmounts any qualms I may have had about staying.

Well, this is the short list of how I am here today. Who knows, it may all change once I am back on American soil, but for now, I gotta keep being the best Me.

Update of the Christmas List!

2007-12-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was shopping in downtown Lugano yesterday, and I got some new ideas about my list. Many additions, and few (one) removals...

Thigs to add:

- A Banana Tree (kid you not...)
- A good knife (things get stressful here...so I like to cook...what did you expect?!)
- Inexpensive cribbage board
- Spices
- Kool-Aid single packets / single Propel / Iced Tea packets

Thing to be removed:

- Grey's Anatomy Soundtracks - apparently Rachel has them all and is graciously going to burn them all for me! Thanks!!!

So far, that's it. But I will relay other things once I come across them!

Poll #3...

2007-12-02T05:34:00.000-08:00

You know how last poll could have put me in jail? Well…this one might put me in the hospital...hopefully. This needs some background info...

So while attending a college overseas, the student (played by yours truly) has to purchase health insurance for the country in which they are attending. This means that Franklin College students need to purchase SWICA, the Swiss national insurance. Here is where the dilemma comes in. See, while it is GREAT and kinda important to have, I have not tapped into this account as of now. And how much had been put into this account? Well, this semester it cost $2000, and next semester it is apparently up to $3500. Here is where this week's poll comes in...

Basically, spending $7500 and getting nothing in return...kinda messed up. So, folks, what should I do? Seriously, I am willing, I just need you to tell me!

(A) Health insurance isn't meant to be taken advantage of. Don't use it if you absolutely need to. It is only there as a precautionary tool, and if the day comes that you do get sick, you will have the ability to get treated.

(B) An ear infection. Motion sickness. Pick some sickness that you need an appointment for. Something that they can check out, and if you actually have some symptoms, all the better! Medication will be a plus, too! It will help boost up the bill, too!

(C) $7500!?! That's more than my car cost! Dude, you have to take advantage of that! The best way? Something that definitely needs medical attention - break something! Anything from a toe (you have 10, one won't be that bad) to an arm or leg. Not only will they have to do something, but it'll be well worth that $7500. Too much pain for you? No worries! That's what the meds are for!

(D) Who needs that appendix anyways...? Spleen? Last set of ribs? (What, the supermodels do it?!). Operation is the key to success! Good bye guilt of spending $7500. No buyer's remorse here!

So people, you know the drill! Bring on the comments and the votes! Results next weekend!

***So apparently I have been out of a math class too long. Since when does $2000 + $3500 = $7500? Let's try that again...it will cost $5500 per year. That's better...***

What to do...the Home Edition...

2007-11-30T11:31:00.001-08:00

Well, folks, it's only 12 days away...wow. Can you believe it? I will be back on US soil in less than two weeks! And not a moment too soon! Let me just say, while I have had my fair share of trouble finding things to occupy my time here, I have created the ULTIMATE list of things to do (as well as eat) when I arrive back at home. Seriously, I have probably put more effort into this than homework lately (a good thing?...). In no particular order...

While at home, I have to...

- Perform "The longest hug EVER" in O'Hare International
- Hang out with my family and friends!
- Webbs?
- A Wicked Chicago Excursion
- Walk aimlessly through Wal-Mart (c'mon, I miss it!)
- Target, as well
- Catch up on "the shows"
- Play with the niece for a good 4 days straight
- Assist Jessi in planning the Wedding of the Year (next year that is...)
- Literally sit in my room and do absolutely nothing
- Use the oven (again, I miss it!)
- Cook A LOT for the fam and friends
- Drive...a lot...
- Play with niece some more!
- Texas Wedding!
- Do not think about the current school situation while planning my future years
- Make people laugh/smile
- Watch good ol' movies including "Clue"

While at home, I have to EAT...

- Pumpkin and cream cheese bread (NO idea where this came from, but doesn't that sound AMAZING!?!?)
- Bacon and horseradish dip (same explanation as above)
- Anything but pasta
- A hot dog (same explanation as the Wal-Mart item)
- Gramma's pork and potatoes (mmm....)
- Apple / lemon meringue pie
- Nachos
- FAST FOOD!
- Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich with a medium fruit punch and a Caesar Salad
- Culver's Buffalo Chicken Tenders with cheese curds and a vanilla shake
- McDonald's double cheese burger Mighty Kids meal with a blue PowerAde
- Burger King onion rings
- Quizno's...anything...
- 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!)
- Starbuck's Holiday Drink (the peppermint hot chocolate...yummo)
- Pretzel Maker original salted pretzel with honey mustard
- ABC Chicken salad sandwich with salad/soup
- Great Wrap's Tupelo Turkey on a spinach wrap with fries and lemonade
- JIMMY'S GROTTO pepperoni ponza rota!!!
- Barbierie's (SP?) pizza and garlic bread...yummo!
- Tuna Casserole
- Chancery food
- Chicken, cream of mushroom, and rice casserole
- Sunday ham, cole slaw, potato salad...
- BP CHICKEN!!!

This is sick...right? Well, I don't even care! I will probably gain more weight at home than freshman year of college...that's backwards...

RUSSIA?!?!?!

2007-11-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the votes! But here are the real results...

No...I did not go to Russia (though I did attend "Moscow Stars on Ice" last night...no joke...but that's another story!)
No...I did not go to Dubai (but it's on the list!)

The majority of the guesses were in fact correct. Kadie and I traveled 2.5 hours by EasyJet plane to Bucharest, Romania!
Now, I know what you may be thinking...umm...why?!? Really, it is quite simple...it was the cheapest place to fly to and stay in. No joke. Probably not the most intelligent way to pick a destination, but let me tell you something, after deciding on it, we actually got excited when we began to read up on it. Now, when even the most influential and travel-savvy Rick Steves says "Try to get out of Bucharest as quickly as you can", you should probably be a little hesitant. However, as you can see, not only did I make it back alive, but I learned an awful lot, not only about the unique and interesting country, but also a lot about myself.

This trip was one of many firsts...First time traveling to another country where the language is completely out of either of our realms. First time in Eastern Europe. First time to stay in a recently (20 years or so) liberated country. First hostel experiences...we will get into that one later...

Well, where to begin...how about a little recap.

DAY 1
- Skip classes on Thursday to head down to Milan to catch our flight.
- Get there and immediately thrown into culture shock. Crazy cabbies asking if we need a cap BEFORE leaving the airport.
- Long bus ride standing - super sick...
- Get off, no idea where we are, ask closed travel agency, and they have really no idea...take another bus, get off too early, wonder aimlessly but find street, while time being followed by dogs.
- Hostel on "sketchy" street (no joke - that’s what the book said)...and called the Funky Chicken Hostel (I kid you not...Google that!)
- Wander (with Kevlar...just kidding...) and find a place to grab some food (me still nauseous...not really feeling the food)
- Sleep in room with 2 sets of bunk beds...roommates literally come in after we "fall asleep" and leave before we wake up...(I say fall asleep because I didn't really sleep at all...I didn’t really fit on the bed. I am tall, and the bed was meant for, oh I don't know...an eight-year-old?)
- During night, very intoxicated man thought that Kadie's bed was his bed...with no pants...but was steered in the correct direction eventually...
DAY 2
- Next morning take a train to Brasov (small, cute mountainous town).
- Again, cab drama, but take a bus, get a little lost, but cops help us.
- Hostel very super homey and workers super zealous about their excursions (but I was not super willing to fork out that much money...)
- Race to bus station to take a train to city of Bran (home to the biggest draw of Romania)
- A little confusion after getting off of bus, but arrive at the place...Bran Castle...aka Dracula's Castle!
- Walk around it (not going to lie, I was a bit disappointed...seriously, it's rumor that he ever lived there, it was suuuupper small compared to what I was expecting, that show "Scariest Places on Earth" didn't even film there!, and it was used until like the 1970s so there is furnishings in there that look like a Pottery Barn throw back...but I digress).
- Shop in little bazaar and then eat pizza (So Romanian!...but really, it was like all there was that was inside)
- Bus back to Brasov, then walk city at night - very cool sights
- Dinner at good restaurant ("good" = cheap AND delicious!)
- Sleep in attic of Hostel (I kid you not) on a mattress on the floor, two blankets (and the sheet provided by Rachel - THANKS!!!), with 15 other people, heated by two space heaters in no close proximity to me (similar to an Annie-esque orphanage I think...)...again, didn't sleep much at all...
DAY 3
- Train back to Bucharest in the morning, and then back to Funky Chicken to drop stuff off
- Walk very grey streets to the National Opera House, where we purchased tickets to see that evening's performance of "Sampson and Delilah"
- Trekked to the 2nd largest building in the world (as I said, second to the Pentagon) and toured 6 of its 1000 rooms...just ridiculously grandiose (great word - try to use it today)...
- Walked some of the more "downtown" to get a real feel for the city (where the character of the city began to show) and grabbed some food
- Saw opera...first off, amazing structure...soooo old and beautiful...then the show (Sung in French, subtitles (you hear right...) in Romanian...all I can say is the dancing was really nice!)
- Retired for the night, but not before watching the Animal Planet with stoned Jacob, guy studying in Florence, and two other American girls.
DAY 4
- Morning bus ride, then hours in the Airport (thank God for those shops....I bought Honey Nut Cheerios...yummo!)
- Lost in airport shuffle, but things work out, and make it back to Milan
- Miss shuttle by minutes, so have to wait around for hours for next
- Finally back "home"...

Though definitely not the conventional locales for travelers here (majority traveled to Barcelona, Greece, or Amsterdam), it was still an amazing experience. Was it fun? I don't really know. Seriously, I wasn't really expecting it to be. I was expecting a learning experience about a culture that I knew absolutely nothing about, as well as my travel limitations. Now don't get me wrong, there were moments that I was ready to leave...seriously, in the back of my head just a picture of my little dorm with familiarity surrounding it...but I didn't give in. Though I had some Flo moments (only very experienced travelers and viewers of the Amazing Race would get that), I just reminded myself to continue and roll with the punches. It is such a unique country with such a recent past that I had to be reminded. It wasn't until we were back in Bucharest on day 3 that I really began to realize this. There was definite potential for the city in sight while looking past the depressing facades of the buildings and grey clouds and into the eyes of the people, who were so warm, friendly, and always willing to assist. Also this trip, I was taught a lot about my patience level and just how high it can go. Language barriers, pushy people, and people that operated oppositely of me tested this patience, but I think I handled myself alright.

Romania...an amazing, humbling, and downright life changing experience.

I'm back...but from where?

2007-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

*EDITED!!! TAKE A LOOK EVEN IF YOU GUESSED ALREADY!!!

Hey all! Well, as you may have guess by title, I am indeed back from my short Thanksgiving holiday (a European term for trip...I wanna see how I like it). Now, so of you may have heard where I went, but for those that do not know, here are a few clues on the locales:

1 - First city is home to over 100,000 stray dogs

2 - Second city is one of the jumping off points for a "Scariest Places on Earth" legend - and we visited it!

3 - Even though liberation came about 18 years ago, "grey" is the best word to describe this place (city one that is).

4 - The Pentagon in Washington DC just beats out the monumental structure in the main city as largest building on earth (again, in city one).

Know where I went on holiday? So, here's the deal...Add a comment to this post with your guess, and here's the thing...first one to get it right has a prize coming!!!

(family that knows not included)

Good Luck!!!

________________________

Alright...there may have been some confusion due to my very vague instructions. Let me enlighten you with more assistance. First of all, there are two (maybe three) cities that we went to that you can guess from these clues. In addition, they are all actually found in the same country. Therefore, if your guesses have more than one country in them, you might want to revise.

What I am thankful for...

2007-11-21T16:22:00.001-08:00

So, it's that time of the year when we all ponder that question. And after a huge feast up at North Campus, and some smuggled Pumpkin Pie a la Rachel, I think I know what I am thankful for this year!

As cliché as always, I will start by saying that I am thankful for the family and friends back at home and all around the world! God, it kills me to not be there right now, but definitely know how much I appreciate all of you! It's because of all of your support that I am who I am today!

Next, my AMAZING experiences and opportunities. Seriously, I am blessed. (A huge THANKS to my parents who let me do all of these things!) Look at what I have had the opportunity to do and I am only 18. I hope others take the initiative as well and get out there and experience the world, too! It's an incredible place that cries for people like y'all to explore. And remember, I am here until May - visitors always welcome! I will be thankful for that, too!!!

Well, I hope you all have a great holiday weekend surrounded by great people, food, and experiences!!! Take care, and I will be back in a few days after my own exciting holiday. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Better get this one out there!

2007-11-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hey all! So, family, before I head out to my mystery destination for the weekend (by the way - mystery for you all...not me. I know where I am going...vaguely...), I better get this done so I don't get hounded. For you use while shopping for my family, as well as proof that I am a lame college student that needs as much random yet necessary things as possible, I give you my 2007 Christmas List!!!

- Warm socks (really any color - but super warm!)
- Paper clips/stapler
- iTunes gift cards
- Ikea Gift Certificates
- Christmas CDs
- Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack
- "Hairspray"
- Target Gift Certificate
- Stove Top Stuffing (preferably Chicken or Turkey)
- Frames/Albums
- GAP/Old Navy/American Eagle/Express/Mall Gift Cards
- Travel Books
- George Webb Certificates (seriously, I'll be there enough while home...)
- Super Ropes/Red Vines (thanks to Aunt Laurie - I am now addicted!)
- A trip to Disneyworld! (c'mon, I might as well ask!)
- other (seriously, I really am an open book, and from what i hear, very easy to shop for. I trust you - famous last words...)

I think that's it...If you have and questions/clarifications, let me know! I will get back to you Sunday!

People like me...

2007-11-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

According to my personality type, we tend to be, on the outside, a little...chaotically organized (how true). However, we are organized and focused in our minds. One way that we break that is with lists. Some people use lists to write down the things that need to be done, while my people tend to make lists that we just want to get done. No don't get me wrong - I list out my life. Seriously, I have like 7 going as we speak. But, it was my patest project that fits my category the best...a life list! This is a list of the things that need to happen in my life so I can know that I had a fulfilling life.

Now I now what some people are thinking..."Really, a life list? You are 18...is that necessary yet?"

Honestly, I am actually a bit bummed that I didn't start earlier! Seriously. There are things on this list that I had the opportunity to do in the past, but now that time has come and gone. If I had written it down then, I would have really known how important it was to me.

So...what exactly does my life list entail? Well, honestly, I think there is some privacy that should come along with a list of this important. However, then it hit me - if I actually need to hit all of these things, I'll need some help getting as many connections and opportunities as possible! So ladies and gentlemen, I give you my life list:

Bartend
Perform on a cruise ship
Work at EPCOT
Live in/near Disney
Tour guide in a historic locale (i.e. Savannah or Charleston)
Learn guitar and bongos
Be on the Amazing Race
Teach an old dog a new trick
Publish a cookbook
Have a TV show
Befriend Kathy Griffin
Be in the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”
Perform on Broadway
Be a contestant/judge on Top Chef
Have a wax figure/cardboard cutout of myself
Dance with Ellen Degeneres
Publish my blog
Befriend Rachel Ray
Be apart of a scandal
Resurrect “The Mole”
Be involved in a heist
Hit every continent by the age of 25
Hit every country by the age of 40
Be a spy
Ride/drive a Rickshaw in India
Learn how to properly ice skate
Learn “the perfect cheer”
Act normally in front of a huge celebrity
Buy and renovate an old hotel
Flip houses with Jessi
Perform in Wicked and/or Rent
Learn to lay tiles
Live in the Big City (which one? No idea yet…)
Beat a Bob at chess
Learn to knit
Learn to bake/cook like both Grandmas
Meet Lisa Kudrow, Megan Mullally, and Oprah (what? She’s really famous…)
Steal Phil Keogan’s job
Semester at Sea
Stay in touch with HS gang
Kathy Griffin Roadtrip!!!
Have a celebrity leave the message on my cell phone

Over time, things may change, but for now, this is it. After reading mine, you all should get on your own list, too! Now, if you think this is a waste of time, or ridiculous for that matter, let me know. I have something for you to read...

Get it right?

2007-11-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

Here is to the End of another poll (a quick one, so I will excuse the minimal voter turnout)...I will say tho, half of the people (that would be two if anyone is counting) got this one correct!

Well, the words that describe my personality type are eNthusiastic, visionary, energetic, possibilities, new, many, people, action, excitement, creative, caring, warmth.

Some jobs that my people have include (at the top oF my list - I kid you not):
- Lodging Owner
- Design/Arts
- Chef

creePy (for those that do not know...thats me...that is exactly what i want to pursue)...

We wand and need involvement with people, and value harmony in those relationships. We derive great pleasure from meeting and talking with others, and enjoy opportunities to think out loud.

Any last guesses?

Well, I am...

actually, I already said...(reread - look for misplaced capitals)...

Can't get it? Just ask!

hmm...how did that happen?

2007-11-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry gang! My newest post some how ended up underneath the previous one. Umm...well, I guess all I can do is remind you to don't forget to read them all!!!

Results of Poll #2

2007-11-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Ok...so thanks to the myriad of loyal voters (I won't even get into that this week...).

Before we get to the technicalities of the votes, let me quickly explore one very...influential...and important part of this voting process. So I always aim to listen to "my people" and the opinions they give. However, there are some "people" that have a little more...influence on these standings. In simple terms, these would be my parents. A.k.a. my meal ticket (and education ticket) here. Basically, I don't follow them, I get into some trouble...
But, nonetheless, I want to be fair. The large majority (6 to 2) say that I should sprout some and just carry the bottles over myself (and let me just mention...Jessi...have you done that before? Honestly...good idea!). Since the remaining 2 were my mom and my other sister, I feel like if I don't listen to them, it'll be a long and awkward break as a fine looms over me and the "I told you so"-s resignate in my ears. So here's the plan:

I will ship SOME of the bottles home (mostly the "high risk" ones that would be borderline illegal for me, let alone anyone), to bring into the US. With that said, however, I will still "take the chance" and carry some with me (in my checked bags, of course). I just home that Chicago customs doesn't get ahold of this plan...

To all of the readers that chose for the winning choice, just remember...I never said this was a democracy in voting here, did I?

Something to think about...

2007-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

So, not "finding" yourself where you thought you'd be "at home" at first can look like a set back to many people. (that's a confusing, yet deep sentence...I will give you some time to reread it and process before I continue...)
.......
..........
.......
Ok. I'm back. But seriously. I thought that I would be at home here in Lugano, but when I realized that wasn't the case, I had one of two options. I could feel down about this, and struggle through the remainder of the year (or semester if too desperate) and feel depressed. Or, I could look at it a completely different way. I could start seeing what really didn't fit - what went arey. Then, I could definitely learn something from this, coming out a completely positive, content person. I have chosen the latter path. I am going to take this remaining year and use it to help define my character, and see what makes me the happiest person.

The first step in this process for me was taking the Myers-Briggs test. For those who do not know what this entails (I didn't know what it was before here...) it is a personality test that is a life saver. Basically, you answer over 40 questions about yourself - your likes, dislikes, and the way you deal with things - and then get those results analyzed by someone who has worked with these before. Enter Laura Thompson, who was my interpreter throughout the results. After an hour and some change, I think it was money well spent (did I forget to mention - it cost 16 francs to take it...but after getting the results, worth every penny!).

So, you are probably asking...What are those said results? Well...here are the options:

- Energy Source:

Extravert (E) - Gain energy from the outer world of people, action, and things
Intravert (I) - Gain energy from the inner world of concepts and ideas

-Perceiving Function: "Data Gathering"

Sensor (S) - First perceive the immediate, practical, real facts of experience. Collect here and now sensory information.
Intuitive (N) - Forst perceive possibilities, patterns, and meanings of experience. Collect information through impressions.

- Judging Function: "Decision Making"

Thinker (T) - Objective decision making. Seek clarity by detaching from problem; cause-effect oriented.
Feeler (F) - Subjective decision making. Seek harmony with inner values by going within problem.

- Outer World Orientation:

Judger (J) - Show external world judging mental function. Prefer to live in a decisive, planned way.
Perceiver (P) - Show external world perceiving mental function. Prefer to live in a spontaneous flexible way.

After answering the questions, the results are tabulated, seeing in what direct of each option you are swayed. After all is gathered, a personality type is created. This is a combination of 4 of those letters (16 combinations in all...thanks to the Statistics math that I learned last year!).

So...what am I? Well, that will be this weeks quick poll. I will give y'all until...Wednesday to think up my combination. Remember, it is created from one letter from each of the sets (my mom guessed it right away...she knows her boy!). And if you really know me, it shouldn't be too difficult!

Wow...where has the time gone?

2007-11-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Folks, I am a busy man. Therefore, cut me some slack...I started this post last Sunday night, so just bare with me...Thanks!

____________________________

Ok, it's Sunday night, 9:45pm, and I have a lot to do. But what seems to be the most fulfilling thing to do? I know! Catch all y'all up on my crazy life! Let me take you through some of the more...interesting...moments that I have had the past few weeks...but where to begin?!?!

I know! I will break it down into a few categories:

- School Today (things that happen through academics),
- School Tomorrow (things that happen through my search for a new school (if you didn't know that was coming, please read older posts)
- That would only happen to Teddy (seriously...)
- A New Dish (you know I have a lot of spare time, so I usually fill that void in the kitchen creating some new dishes)
- Are You Kidding Me!?! (seriously, you will ask yourself the same question)

--------------------------

School Today:

-So, it's a Saturday morning, quarter to ten, what do you wanna do? Sleep? Maybe go for a run? Some breakfast? Not this past weekend! I know! Let's go to a 2 hour history lecture!!! Sounds like fun! That's right, from ten until noon on a Saturday my entire history class had to sit through lecture. You see, my professor was actually at a conference for the majority of the week, and since we have a test coming up (see 'School Tomorrow' for more detail), we had to reschedule in lieu of canceling class all together. This did mean that for Wednesday and Friday, instead of waking up at 7am for my 8:30am class, I got to sleep in until 9:30. Gotta love those silver linings!

School Tomorrow:

- The only thing that's keeping me out of the "let's consider him" part of any transfer right now is my GPA. "And why?" you might ask...welcome to my history class. I am doing horrible in that class. It's sub-par grade is bringing me down (side note: the grades in the rest of my classes aren't really helping out too much either, but this one...oy). The way to bring up my GPA before sending on the applications? A little process:
1) Set goal grades for each class that, when averaged, brings you to your desired (or even above) GPA. I have set the following goals for me for the rest of the semester:
English: A-
Seminar: A
Spanish: A-
Economics: B
History: C+
2) Start the studying process. The only way to achieve success is hard work (or amazing luck, but I have seemed to run out...sad). For me, that means it's back in the books...or internet...whatever.
3) To facilitate the studying, get a study coach - someone who has been in your position, is highly positive, and very motivating. Mine is Rachel - she fits the bill AND helped me make 99 flashcards for my upcoming history test. History test...BRING IT ON!!!
4) Get sleep...Best way to stay focused is to actually be coherent while in class. No sleeping in there...only at home. This is the step that I apparently am struggling at. Seriously...bad...

Hopefully this process will work...it's still in the testing stage, and I just so happen to be its first guinea pig...wish me luck!!!

That Would Only Happen to Teddy:

-For Kristen's birthday (November 3), I cooked dinner (see A New Dish for more details). It was her, her sister, Chelsea, Kadie and I. Afterward, since it was her birthday, we all went Ice Skating (I am sure many of you can already guess where this one it heading). I am, in plain terms, a novice. Seriously, I am sure my niece Cadee will be more stable on that ice, but I still decided that I would go. For some odd reason, in my head, I was picturing myself getting out on that ice and skating like an average human being. I was thinking it would be like riding a bike. But this time, I had never learned to ride that bike. I looked ridiculous, using these walker-esque apparatus to help me maintain my vertical position. Finally, I broke free of that, and, though stumbling a bit, did actually make my way around the rink. There were only like 3 minutes left on the clock before leaving, and this song came on (what it was, I cannot remember) which made me begin to dance (upper body motion only, recognizing my flimsiness on the ice). Well, thanks to my impeccable talents, I fell. It wasn't like a graceful fall - it was one of those that would make it in the movies. I was flailing for a good 5 seconds, and then people around me were making those concerned moaning noises...you know, the ones that are all "oh my goodness, you are about to a fall, let me attempt to skate quickly over to you and catch you!" covered up by "Ahhhh..." with an extended hand about 15 feet away. It was no use...I fell, landing on my hand and me knee. I was alright, and wasn't too embarrassed since there were only like 6 people skating, but it will stick with me for a while (at least until the bruises go away...I’m just kidding...honestly...no bruises!).

-So a few days ago, my friend Kristen came over. When she left, it was really dark, so I walked her part was up the hill. It was all going fine until, out of nowhere, this giant (ok, some people over exaggerate this, but I am not kidding) raccoon came barreling down the hill at us. It was seriously darting right at us. Kristen shrieked a bit, I ran, and that thing just kept running. It finally ran into the trees, but Kristen and I, now out of breath, kept running up the hill.

A New Dish:

-So I have this philosophy when it comes to cooking. At the store (my top choice here is Megros - just a stones throw and a block away) I literally walk the aisles and buy the cheapest things that I can find. It's a fun plan, especially when you are pressed for time, because it kind of turns into a 'Supermarket Sweeps' game (remember that one? one of my favs!). Not only is it a fun time, but also challenging. Even though I will come back here with only a bag of potatoes, milk, bread, some fruit and a bag of pasta, I somehow find a way to make some pretty delicious meals (don't mean to toot my own horn...).

-Tonight, I decided to make a new twist on an old family favorite: Pork Chops and Potatoes. With my limited pantry, I was able to squeeze out a delicious pork chop with some salt/pepper/Italian seasoning/lemon juice and thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt. And to top them off, I fried some onions (they tasted just like those Frenches ones that you eat out of the can...I LOVE those!!!). It was pretty great...

-For Kristen's birthday, I promised to make a homemade meal (a promise up for grabs for anyone's birthday! if I'm in town, just ask!). What did I decide to make? How about a little Fettuccini Alfredo, bread, and salad (with homemade dressing to boot...really, it's because I'm cheap).

Are You Kidding Me?:

-So how about a trip down Irony Lane, shall we? Last weekend I decided to browse the College of Charleston website for some transfer information. I came across a page dedicated to AP standings. I wanted to see roughly how many credits I could get from my AP scores. Here at Franklin, I was only given 6 (all from my AP Statistics 4). My to my shock and You see, this year, for some reason, I am doing very...sub-par in World History. It is that grade that is bringing my GPA down. And yet, to get into the College of Charleston, I need a much higher GPA.

- So this one could have gone into the "That Would Only Happen to Teddy" category, but this one was kind of lacking, and I think it fits the bill. Where to begin...ok...Most of you have lived in a college setting with a roommate (many people see this will not bode well already). And always, no matter how nice this person may seem to be, there is always one hang-up that sends you to sputter the ill-fated words, "Are you kidding me?" Well, one of these moments happened to me recently...this is kinda just...wrong! Ok, so it was a Saturday morning, and the roomie and I woke up at roughly the same time, and since it was a Saturday, I didn't really have anywhere to be, so I let him take the first shower. La la la...I was probably doing something on the computer when he finished, and then he just laid back on his bed and fell asleep fast. I didn't really think much of it at all. So, I went into the bathroom to take my shower, and went to grab my towel (keeping in mind it's Saturday, so I have dried off with this towel all week) and I notice that it's a little damp. Thoughts processing...and then I noticed that there was no other towel around...HE USED MY TOWEL!!! I mean...WHO DOES THAT?!?!? I was just kinda stunned, scared, and took the towel and threw it out of the bathroom, muttering the phrase. Thank God that I had another clean towel in the cabinet...wow. From then on, I leave my towel in my closet hanging up out of his reach. I mean honestly...wow.

A New Calling?

2007-11-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Well, apparently, after my last post (announcing the Academic Travel results) it was brought to my attention that I could pursue a career as a Game Show host...I'll add it to the list. I am SURE this school has a fantastic Entertainment and the Arts program that I can...oh wait...what school was I thinking of? Hmm...

Well, as I promised, a new poll. This one may (or may not) put me into jail. See, there is a predicament with getting home for the holidays. It's not so much as ME getting home, but instead some of my..."precious cargo". (SIDENOTE: This kind of sounds like I have decided to take on Drug Dealing as a side job...not the case...I promise!) This "precious cargo", purchased on my Academic Travel to Italy is making me look like more of a stereotypical college student than others. I have (to date) 14 bottles of alcohol here. Now, let me clarify....these are ALL Christmas gifts as well as for Christmas and New Year Family celebrations (bought as a favor to the family). This means, none of these will be consumed by myself (why in God's name would I put this whole thing in here if they were? honestly...). Here is where the predicament comes. You see, here in Europe, it's perfectly legal for me to travel with these (meaning my flight from Milan to Munich in December). But, once I get back into the USofA, it's not. So, loyal fan base, what do I do? My options with their pros and cons:

A.) Chance it. Pack my suitcases very creatively with these bottles, using my clothes and bubble wrap to insure their security. When the bags are first scanned in Europe, the bottles will be alright and legal. And landing in the US, they hardly ever scan suitcases. To help that along, on that Declaration Paper on the plane coming in, only write "Food and Beverage - $75" (the bottles...super cheap!). No one will suspect a thing! Besides, I am too charming and friendly - no one will stop me (especially with that hat that it looks like I am terminally ill...you know...that knit one? no one will stop a UNICEF kid!)

B.) Get to the post office by the end of this week to ship that stuff home! It is too risky! Do you want to end up in jail with a fine and something on your permanent record? I sure don't want to! Especially right before the holidays! Even though it will cost an arm and a leg, it would be best. Besides, if one of those puppies break, I am a goner!

For all of those who choose (B), you can send any helpful funds for shipping to:
Keep Teddy Out of Jail
c/o Franklin College Switzerland
Via Ponte Tresa 29
6924 Sorengo (Lugano) CH

Thanks, and I cannot wait to hear what you hate to say!!! Votes will be tabulated Saturday, November 17th!

And the results...

2007-11-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all of those that voted for my pick for Academic Travel this semester! Like in true American form, an underwhelming 6 of you felt the need to share your imput! So proud! (On a side note, may I just point out, after winning, the president can't thank each person by name for their vote...in this case...I can...All I'm saying..but I digress.)

Actually, let me go further before revealing the results. So, again, like the presidetial election, while voting (at least it was like this the last time I checked...) you can't be all "this sounds good...as does this one". (I'm talking to you Dad! and Teresa! and Sarah!...thats half of the voters!...wow). C'mon people...decisiveness!

Thanks to Aunt Laurie and Rajitha for actually following proper voting format...and don't even get me started, Ali...

Ok, ok...here they are...(tho I really do not know to calculate these...thanks again!)

Well, the winner is *drum roll*

Croation, Slovakia, and Serbia!!! (actually, it may have been the second choice, but that was like one of four still open...those upperclassmen *shaking fist at them*. Even the Umbria one was filled...that got me sad!) That's right, a 2 week bus trip to the former Yugoslavia. This should be amazing...and kind of depressing...Whatever, I am still excited!

Thanks again all!!!

What will the next poll be...? Stay tuned!!!

Where procrastination will lead...

2007-11-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings all! I haven't really offered up any wisdom in a while, so let me enlighten you a bit on this cold, dark November night (how poetic, i know...). What better to do while procrastinating my English and Seminar papers and studying for my Econ quiz tomorrow...

So I have been thinking a lot lately...about a lot of things. In general, my current position as a Freshman at Franklin College. Also, though, about friendship and things that I miss from home...so, let's get into it...

First up, me at Franklin...where to begin? Well, what can I say, this is a great school...for someone that is looking for a very specified education. The class selection, the front and back of a standard piece of paper, and another half a page. If you are indecisive, needing minimal coices, and know specifically what you want to pursue, I recommend Franklin College wholeheartedly. If you are like me, however, and need some option, and aren't quite sure what you are wanting to go into, keep looking. And that, me friends, is probably what I will be doing next year. You heard it hear first (or from one of my family members or friends that I was using as a soundboard about this crutial choice) - I am currently about 80% sure that I will not be returning to this Alpine college this time next year. I need a place with more option, more creativity (hands on more or less), and people...Around Franklin, word travels fast...with a student body smaller than my high school's, it's not hard to believe. Tell one person a "secret" and it's the Campus' news in hours. I love rumors more than the next person, but if I start one (not saying that I ever would...) here, it's dangerous...those things get traced back to the origin...and fast. I need a place where people can gossip freely, and run to another group of people when they start a new rumor, without seeing any of the repercussions...(I am kidding...well, kind of...).

Franklin may lack where I am in need, but it does have some great things going for it...Academic Travel (I promiss to post the rest of the journal soon!) for one. I mean, come on, what an amazing and once in a life time experience! Getting to travel to a foreign location for almost 2 weeks with a professor and classmates to discover a completely new way of learning. Nothing comparable...In addition, the teachers and staff - for those that I have had experience with, top notch! So intellegent and always willing to help. And speaking of which...

If anyone is having doubts like me, and does not know which way to turn, talk to Rachel here at Franklin. Rachel is the Philanthropic Queen here on campus, running the Phone-a-Thon, countless other tasks on campus, and a fellow Amazing Race Superfan (I think I have this radar where I can just pick them out of a crowd - I know, it's a gift). Back during the Phone-A-Thon, I remembered her saying that she attended college somewhere in/near/around Charleston. As all of these thoughts about my school experience began to surface, I was thinking about other places where I could attend. One city that I was going to checkout before hearing about Franklin was in fact Charleston. I contacted her about this - I wanted to get the view of someone with experience in both realms, so we met. After an hour and a half, and multiple pros and cons of both schools, not only was I hooked about Charleston, but we realized that we each could help the other get through the rest of the semester, with the lending of DVDs, books, and the occasional study session. She helped me sooooo much in figuring out what would be the best for me - why stay in something when you aren't academically happy, wasting not only time but money? Why stick around hoping for the expectations of one place to change while another place beckons with qualities that fit you perfectly? Enter my hopes to transfer to the College of Charleston in, you guessed it, Charleston, South Carolina. This school has options, it has art AND music, it has a major that fits me perfectly (for the time being anyways...)...in my eyes, its a perfect fit (I thought the same for Franklin, so you better check in on me in a year...that is, if I ever get there...). She is going to be, in essence, my agent...no, advisor...guide? Whatever...basically, she is going to be my "in" for the college, offering her services as an alum by getting in contact with her compadres there, writing my a letter of recommendation, and assisting me in the tedious process of raising my grades in order for me to get into the school...did I mention that she rocks?

Well, that's about where I am in the academic world...about friends and home...stay tuned! For now, though, it's back to the books...well, the papers (that just didn't sound as...cliche)!

(I like how at the beginning, these were simple summaries, following my every move...and now, in depth about my life...welcome to my life!)

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

Even tho it is not really celebrated in Switzerland, a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all! Trick-or-Treating long gone, what are my plans this year? Well...class all day, tutor in Geometry from 1:30-2:30, work on my English research paper (on Child Labor and Sweatshops...how uplifting!), meet with my advisor to discuss my future at 4:30 (wait...email from her...changed to 5:40), work on the research more, possible carving of pumpkins at the Falcon's nest, grab some dinner with the friends at the North Campus, maybe hitting up the Halloween party from 9-11 there are well, work some more on homework and such...movie? At this point...who knows!

At any rate, Happy Halloween, and hope to finish poting the rest of Italy soon! Add it to the docket...

I Need Your Help!!!!

2007-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hey readers! So I have a favor to ask of you!

This upcoming week we will be choosing our classes and travel for next semester...but I am stuck. Or at least with the travel. So, I am putting it in your hands, loyal fan base. I am not even kidding!

Here is a list of my possible travel options. Please comment on the blog (just click on the "comment" section under this entry) and vote on the trip that sounds the best (weather for me, or for you!).

Destination:

- German Speaking Switzerland
- Namibia (Environmental Field Observation of Characteristic Ecosystems)
- Venice and its lagoon (History / Economics / Politics / Art / Literature / Environment)
- Northern Greece and Turkey (Alexander the Great/St. Paul/Ataturk)
- London: Finance and Culture (Finance and Culture)
- Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia (History and Politics)
- Istria and Belgrade (History, Politics, Culture and Traditions)
- Berlin (War, Memory, and the Reinvention of Nation)
- Cyprus (Ethnic division, its causes and attempts at resolution)
- Paris (Urban development and the arts in the 19th and 20th Century )
- Bavaria (Laptops and Lederhosen)
- Morocco in Transition (Cultural Identity, Media and Gender)
- Umbria (Making and studying art)
- Washington, DC and Historic Virginia (Culture, History and Politics)

If you wish to know more about the trip, check out this website:
http://www.fc.edu/content/academic-travel/spring-2008-travel

Voting ends Sunday, November 4th! Please help out a brother (or son, grandson, friend, nephew, stranger, family friend...whatever!)!!!

Thanks!!!

Italy contiued...

2007-10-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Parma - Modena

-Great breakfast, but God forsekenly early...(6:30am...c'mon...)
-Head to Parmesan Cheese Factory for tour!
-Outside, put on near-HazMat suits (seriously, the paper hat, jacket, shoe booties, and this surgeon-esque masks (not required, but really? of course we like al wore them!)), followed around by two random dogs (Delal and Karem wigging out over any dog)
- Inside, 15 or so giant vasts of boiling milk...spelled exactly of parmesan...heaven.
- Saw room where the cheese floats in salt water, then where it is stored for 1-3 years (called the "vault"). Over 10,000 wheels there (I'm not even kidding, you will have to check out the pictures!)
- 10 people only make 16-22 wheels/day
- From "cheese-water, the guys take out cheese using big paddle, sticks and cheese cloth. 1 vat = 2-50lb wheels), and pressed into the round forms
- Random woman comes in to use leftover water from vat to soak feet in...(I know, I know...gross...but I guess she has some condition where cheese water cures...those Italians...)
- GIFT SHOP!!!
- Walking tour of Parma, split from Adams so she can get an X-ray of her foot...
- Lose 2 on tour, but man (kinda lofty) doesn't seem phased, and continues
- See churches and piazzas (only things I can really remember)
- Split for lunch/shopping
- Our little group late to bus...whoops!
- Back in Modena, Amanda and I walked around entire city from 3:30pm-7:30 - opera house, churches, duomo, shops, market, dinner (my first ever Kabap...don't know what it is? well...neither do I...kinda like a gyro)
- Watch "From Hell" in Amanda's quite small room (bad idea...freaked out), so watch "The Comeback" for some humor (didn't work too well...)
- Accidentally locked roommate out for over an hour...did I have the only key?

Day 3 picts:
http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27238&l=9d4ff&id=713110608

http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27239&l=f0002&id=713110608

Day 4: Cars and such...woot woot...(sarcasm alert!)

- Me = sick today...cold or something
- After breakfast headed to Lamborghini Factory
- Tour of museum and factory
- All cars made by hand...dang...
- Shop (certain people take their time...)
- Bus to Ferrari museum (see the test track and plant on way)
- Sandwiches at the museum (kinda awkward)
- 2nd shop...Uber expensive...
- Bus to Ducate...sleep
- Tour of plant and museum
- Fathom that, third shop
- See Mazerati (sp?) factory from bus
- Pizza, then sleep...

Day 4 picts:
http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27244&l=39981&id=713110608

http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27245&l=c3524&id=713110608

Wow...it's been long...

2007-10-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

Phew…I am back! I have actually been back from Italy since last Wednesday, the 24th, but unfortunately, I have not had Internet since now. Only the best at dear ol’ Franklin! So, here we go – the accounts of my very first Academic Travel: Northern Italy. (by the way, I took a day by day journal by hand, so for the most part, I will be bullet pointing the day’s events. if there is any really big/eventful/very interesting event, I will go into more depth. ENJOY!) (oh, and in addition, I will attach the links to my multitude of photos. seriously…I’m a Schober…lets just say I took a lot…over a thousand…no joke…). I will post a few days at a time...

Day 1: Lugano – Genova – Portofino – La Spezia

- Leave school kinda late
- Bus huge for group of 16 (seriously, a coach bus for this group…each person could have 4 seats…overkill? no…spacious and relaxing? oh yea)
- Stop at truck stop, buy delicious sandwich (seriously…quality!)
- Watch many episodes of Friends on bus TVs
- Arrive in Genova early afternoon – city on Mediterranean Sea, known for trade, ship building and Chris Columbus
- Ate crepe with Nutella (some embarrassing-esque picts, but I’ll own that)
- Explore with Claire and Amanda – see old school red light district (wow…very cultural and disturbing…and when I say old I don’t really mean historic, I mean the…ladies…weren’t too young…but I digress)
- Met for tour – very interesting
- For educational purposes: City was an oligarchic republic, controlled by the rich merchants. At one point, though, the money went away, and they were forced to auction prime real estate to the rich people in the countryside located on the main street in downtown.
- Bus ride to Portofino – quick 45 minute stop in city (after taking a city bus in – our monster bus wouldn’t fit) where Amanda and I hiked out to furthest point
- Home to Dolce and Gabana (did you know there were real? I mean, I knew they were real, but…nevermind)
- Bus to La Spezia – more Friends
- Hotel pretty nice (a 5 star compared to upcoming nights…wait and see!)
- Walk at 8:30 to group dinner – grotto-esque place, with lotsa food
- Courses – Penne e scampi (pasta with “shrimp”…crayfish…do not lie to me!), pork and potatoes…yummo, and for dessert split berries and crème as well as cake with Nutella, lemon, and marmalade
- Hotel had (faint) internet signal!!!

Day 1 Picts:
http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27199&l=36ef5&id=713110608

http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27203&l=1428e&id=713110608

http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27204&l=7e473&id=713110608

Day 2 – Cinque Terre – Modena
- Breakfast in hotel – good spread
- Nearly miss train waiting for someone (c’mon Alexander!)
- Train ride to Vernazza (4th of 5 cities of Cinque Terre) along with Japan (seriously…everyone was…no lie)
- Vernazza was picturesque (I worked at the Calendar Club…I would know)
- So many cats everywhere!
- “Leisurely stroll**” to third city (working our way backwards)
- From trail, indescribably views – both Mediterranean Sea and the rocky terrain
- While taking a break, creepy wearing a sweater and a speedo runs past…group scared and some soiled
- Poor professor who had foot surgery last summer had troubles, but kept going
- Some of us had to leave the big group and contiue trucking (all of the stopping made us get more tired…we were losing momentum)
- Along the path, an older woman faceplanted on the rocky trail…she was alright, but dang, that was intense
- Waited at Corniglia for a while, but when rest of the group caught up, we got lunch at the most ridiculous restaurant ever…lots of confusion between servers leading to wrong dishes being brought out, anger, and a long wait on food – at least the view was good
- Missed the train by minutes (not realizing that the station was directly down hill, only accessible by steep trail peppered with switchbacks), so had to wait for an hour for the next one
- Train back to La Spezia, then bus to Modena – watched Grey’s Anatomy this time around, and slept a lot
- Hotel in Modena kind of sketchy…circa 1973 (seriously, everyone’s room was “decorated” differently, including some very…vintage…shower curtains)
- Walked around city, where the group was split for dinner, so Amanda and I found cheap, delicious pizzeria
- Used the hotel’s computer to access my life (aka email and Facebook)
- Bed for an early start!!!

Day 2 Picts:
http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27206&l=a1b14&id=713110608

http://fc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27236&l=e5767&id=713110608

** apparently in the Franklin College dictionary, "Leisurly Strool" = 2.5 hour hike on coastal, rocky terrain...who knew!

quick note in modena

2007-10-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

hey all! so i don't really have the time to dedicate to a full on post, however i received some great news that i want to share with you all...

I AM PASSING ALL OF MY CLASSES!!! even after midterms i am maintaining passing grades in all 5 of my classes (family - remember what grades constitute a passing grade...all I'm saying...).

with all of that said, at about 10:30pm, I'm off to bed. we have to be on the bus at 6:45am tomorrow to go see how Parmesan cheese is made...woot woot!

More excited, more frazzled...

2007-10-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

I LEAVE TOMORROW FOR ITALY!!!!!!!!

Now let's take a look at the list...se how we are doing...

√ laundry (sheets)
√ clean bathroom
√ clean kitchen
√ vacuum/mop/swiffer (thanks mom and dad!)
√ pack
√ clean out fridge
√ dishes
√ take out garbage
√ clean this thing off

why, I think that that's all checked off...and it's only 6:30pm...

wow, I rock! And I even found time to decorate for Halloween, courtesy of the family!

So then, now it's off to Kadie's for some pizza and movie. I am also going to take this opportunity to take my suitcase up the hill to her place where I will pick it up in the morning. I would hate to be rushed running up the hill with that beast. And it saves a few bucks by not taking a cab...man, smart and economical...I am a catch!

Excited yet frazzled...

2007-10-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

One more thing as of Saturday 3pm (no internet then, so bare with me here)...

I LEAVE IN TWO DAYS FOR MY NORTHERN ITALY ACADEMIC TRAVEL!!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

The list of things to do is quite long…(written on my makeshift dry erase board (aka my metal wardrobe)
- laundry (sheets)
- clean bathroom
- clean kitchen
- vacuum/mop/swiffer (thanks mom and dad!)
- pack
- clean out fridge
- dishes
- take out garbage
- clean this thing off

Time to go shopping for some snack and such for the time!

Oh, and I will post a list of next semester's options on here soon! I want everyone to vote, and then I will choose based on that, no joke! I love them all (ok, I will make comment about the ones that are sort of lower on the totem pole), and don't really care! It's up to you America...ok...it's up to you 20 some people that actually read this!

If I don't blog for a while, you'll know where I'll be! Ciao Ciao!!!

First Set of Midterms...√

2007-10-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official, midterms are over...phew...First week of near death done. And not a moment too early.

As I already mentioned (I think) I had already taken 2 of the midterms prior to this week. Both of those (World History and Macroeconomics...) killed me. Seriously, definitely won't be going into any of those type of jobs...for sure...But, since nearly all of the class did horribly on the history test, he allowed us a redo on this essay part (all I am saying, I had origionally recieved a 12/40 on that part...all im saying...well, I could back that up with the fact that I got a 36/40 on the part before that...but thats all that I am saying...) which was due Monday. Sunday was time for that rewrite, and thanks to Jessi, both my friend Kristen and I were able to finish. THANK YOU JESSI!!!!!!!!!

My three remaining tests (thank goodness) were later in the week, however, that still didn't help with the fact that I still had homework to do...oh well. For my Business Ethics and Scandals Seminar, the midterm was this 4 question take home thing which we only needed to complete 3 of them...The bad thing, I remembered none of the topics in the questions...so I procrastinated that assignment till the end...

Thursday came my English midterm - an inclass essay. We had the option of writing about a time that was important to us either them or now, and writing it from that perspective but with current language, or writing about a saying/some quirk about our family...since our family isnt quirky at all (umm...right...), I chose the first topic. Though thinking that would be easy, I was misconstrued...now I actually had to think of a time that was important to me...thank God we had an hour and fifteen minutes to write this...it was sooo hard to get started. But after deciding, it went well, but it got kind of emotional. The most important time to me thus far was my New York departure weekend, and the familiness (is that a word...i dont know, google it) and the fact that it was really hard because it was emotional, especially without the whole fam (ALI!), and that it was great to have everyone do something that was important to them, and that it was a happy time...yea, all of that...I ended up writing soooo much (I hope it didnt feel too rambly...(again...word?)...) I was definitely the last one to leave as the next class was waiting in the hallway outside. Oops.

So after that, I had quite an interesting meeting. I was meeting with the Dean of Students...no nothing bad (mom and dad), it was actually an interview. In the school newspaper/online newsletter thing a job for a math tutor was posted. I inquired, and got this interview, where I found out that it was actually for her high school daughter who attended the American high school in town. She was looking for someone to teach her Geometry and Algebra. I guess she liked me, because I got the job!!! Friday was our first meeting. With a lot of patience and teaching tools, I think this will go great! Geometry is up first...proofs anyone? Oy...

So my seminar midterm, due Friday, proved to me quite to struggle for a few of us. Thursday night, after another fun time with dance, my friend Melanie and I discussed the questions until 3:30am when I finally had to give up. I guess she stayed up all night...trooper. I did finally finish it, and get it in on time. My last exam was spanish...it was like middle school all over! Seriously...soo easy. Thank goodness I didn't study much because it really would not have been worth it. The only thing that I didn't know was what the name of the ticket taker on a train is (and really, does anyone? even in english?). Let's just say I was the third on to leave...20 minutes into the test...yea...

So after the midterms are done, let's look at some of the other things that happened...

- The family finally got skype working!!! Will be able to talk to them more (and be able to see CADEE!!!!! and the rest of them of course).
- Tuesday night was the "Florida Study Session" with PB&Js and baking - with the use of Fleur's oven, we baked cookies and brownies for the different departments. Tho by the end of the night it turned out to be me baking by myself (RA Angela had rounds, and everyone kinda left). But it was fun - I miss my kitchen!!!
- Started to hang out more with Rinad - from Bahrain! How cool! She was in the last week of Ramadan this week - a really cool experience for us. On Friday was the celebration after it was over = no more fasting. She was quit happy!
- The "First 52 Days of Franklin" finished on Friday...but I don't even know the last days event...that's sad.

What a cultural weekend!

2007-10-08T02:38:00.000-07:00

Quick update about my weekend (we don't have Econ today - teacher is sick - so I'll do a quick post before Spanish)...

So this weekend was quite the experience...a culinary tour of cultures if you may...

First, I had a lot of food shopping to do - I was taking part in a prestigious event on Sunday...we will get to that later!

Saturday was the highly anticipated International Food Night at the North Campus!!! There were many tables representing Franklin's ethnic clubs. The tables included Swiss (fondue and other cheese dishes), India (curries, veggies, and rice), Texas (jambalya, chili, chips and salsa, bbq chicken, cobbler...soooo good), Asian Club (spring rolls, fried rice, curry, sushi), Africa-ish (they had cakes and such...authentic?), German (bratwurst and Black Forest Cake...what more do you need?), Russian (again, desserts...oh, and vodka...stayed away from the Russian table), Arab Club (don't really know what they had - that wasn't really ready when I got there).

It was soooo good...soooo much though. Seriously...wow. Too much of a good thing = a really confused stomach. But in the end, Texas Club walked away with the People's Choice award (I, too, voted with them....) as well as a tie with India Club for the overall judge's first place. Congrats, guys!

Now for Sunday...welcome to the Schober kitchen! I spent hours slaving over a stove (and only - remember, my room comes without oven or microwave...) to get ready to participate for La Dolce Vida...fancy terms for "baking" contest! I was entered in two categories - cookies and misc. After numerous internet searches and hours at the grocery store, I came up with my recipes (sort of taking bits and pieces from other recipes) . I made:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Homemade Cinnamon Tortilla Chips with a spoonful of Cheesecake-esque filling and a Banana-Cinnamon Salsa (for creative name points I named them "'Nacho' Ordinary Dessert"...cute, right?) (by the way...made this recipe up completely...no internet for this one!)

So at the thing, there were sooooo many desserts...it was kinda like...whao way too much of a good thing...gross. And, it was free to the students, so you could literally grab a plate and fill yourself sick. How fun! Some of the other things there included a Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cake from Paul (actually very good), some...interesting renditions of some family favorites (pies, cookies, cakes) that didn't turn out as...promising as the bakers would have liked them to, and a vast array of other good sweet treats including a Jaegermiester Cake...I kid you not...but it was well gone before I got to that table...tear?

When it came to judging, sad to say, Florida didnt win any first places (the only place that they read). However, our three desserts (my two plus a tiramisu) went very quickly. Yea popularity!

So what better to do on a Sunday night after eating waaay too many sweets then study for MIDTERMS!!! And that's what I did...or at least attempted to do...

Franklin College Revelations

2007-10-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

So as I sit here this morning, I think about the lessons that I have picked up already from this school...and not the ones that one could get from a textbook or lectures...

- Hearing from the family is pretty much the best thing in the world. Either talking with them (my Mom has a screenname on AIM...how cool is she?!?) or just getting things in the mail (seriously, everyday it's like Christmas morning around here with people sooo excited about their packages - I would be in the same boat as them, but some people haven't sent me anything yet...just kidding! love ya!). I have gotten some cards, letters, and postcards (Thanks to Gramma Ro, Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob!!!). Somehow, those always come at the most opportune times - when I am a bit sad, when I don't do so hot on a test, whenever. Thanks all! Keep 'em coming!

- Mothers/domesticated fathers deserve awards or something...I have cooked, cleaned, shopped, laundered all since I have been here, and let me say...that is tedious! Seriously, dang. Go you all!

- Speaking of that, laundry is like a contact sport on the colligate level. I had desperatly needed to do some laundry (my hamper overfloweth), so i lugged the two bags up the the laundry room, and, like a hug from Jesus, they were empty (Praise Him!). So, I filled them both up (and still had one more load's worth in the hamper), and as I was starting them, four people came in with their stuff, had a look of dismay, and left, but not before forming a line of hampers, saving their place in line. After it all was done (the last load in the dryer...oh, and don't even get me started on the fact that my laundry card ran out of credit while I still had a wet load in the washer!...don't even get me started...thanks Alexis and Fluer for letting me borrow your cards!) I just proceeded to shove the cleaned clothes into my hamper to bring downstairs to fold, handing the machine to the next clothes hungry beast. Have you ever had that feeling that, after giving up the dryer for I am sure days now, and lugging your heavy, but clean clothes downstairs, that they weren't 100% dry...oh, the torture!

- College work? Please, I am going to write a cookbook! You heard it here first (ok, mom heard it last night online first, but anywho), I think I am going to write a cookbook on the essintials of college cooking: for those on a budget with little/no space. I have made some pretty delish things, so I might as well start to share them, right? Keep looking for more updates about that!

Finally:
- You really don't know your own needs and wants until you have been stuck in an unfamiliar environment for weeks on end. This one was what led to my semi-breakdown this week online...Seriously, after spending some time alone in my room, I began to contemplate my experience here...that "why am I here" thing came back. That's when I now started to ask "am I really happy here? is this the experience that will set me off on the right foot for my future?" And I think I came to the conclusion...no. I still have a lot to think about, and a lot more to explain. I know for sure that I will be here for the year, and hopefully by then I will have come around to finding something here that makes me extremely happy - that brings out my passions, but for now, that's still up in the air. Also, family helps through this part a lot...the messages, being there to hear the rants...it all.

Well, it's off to English right now! I will be back to add more insight into my insight.

and then...

2007-10-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

Weekend!

Friday was the "why is there only a half of the students in class...oh yea, Oktoberfest weekend" day. Seriously, the numbers were down, but us few brave souls that stayed back reaped the benefits of education by staying...or basically just stayed here in envy of those out of class. After class, Kadie, Kristen and I ate a delicious dinner at Giradino (tho I will say that I had a calzone with ham, cheese, mushrooms and egg...the egg was kinda raw and runny, but other than that it was great). We then enjoyed a terrifying hike through the dark up a hill to a monastery. Why the heck were we going up there, you may ask? The view and the cool lit church (I have picts on facebook, check them out!). And what a way to finish off the day than watching a Kathy Griffin Special! Oh, the good times!

Saturday was our day to explore...First stop, Ponte Tresa, Italy! That's right, cross another country off my facebook map! Kadie's seminar was going there to film a movie, so Kristen and I tagged along to explore. In the rain, we strolled through the streets and found a supermarket (ok, I know where I am going to be doing my Christmas shopping...no joke) and then happened upon the market. Wow...this thing was impressive. Though most of the stalls had knock off apparel (Nke or Puima socks...c'mon people, I can read that...), there were some cool ones with different tapestries and cultural do-dads. But my favorites had to be the food stands lining the market's edges. These had it all - breads, fruits, meats, cheeses, and a family favorite, olives. I was sort of told off by one of the merchants when I asked her if I could buy only 5 olives...and seeing that they were sold by the kilo, she wasn't too happy, and therefore didn't do along with the purchase. It's her loss of business, not mine! Oh, and there was another instance with this man who made me try on one of his jackets, and proceeded to inform me that "in Milano this same jacket was under the Dolce & Gabana name, and that it sold for like 400 Euros, but I will give it to you for 170. From Switzerland, I take francs! The states? I take dollars! I also take cards! What, none of those...how much money do you have...20 euros?!? How did they let you cross the border?!?"...yea, that was fun. He then proceeded to take the jacket off very quickly and forcefully hand me my bags and umbrella while mumbling something that I am sure wasn't nice under his breath. They love me!

So after returning to Lugano that afternoon, Kadie and I decide to take advantage of the rest of the evening and check out a festival that my Spanish professor recommended - Il Sagra Dell-Uva (The Festival of the Grape). I guess this is the prime/last harvesting time for grapes in this region, and they take them out with a bang. This thing was sooo much fun! It was in the small city of Mendrioso about 20 minutes away by train, and it covered multiple streets with the many food and wine stalls as well as shopping. I feasted on a crepe with ham and cheese (yummo) and roasted chestnuts...I'm not going to lie...I didn't like the nuts much at all. They sort of tasted like the cob of corn (you know, after you eat the corn...everyone sucks on the cob...don't deny it!). Before heading back, we trekked up yet another hill to another church (what's up with the churches up the hill here? really fit monks, I assume). Our coordination of trains coming back didn't work too well, which resulted in us sitting at the cold and barren train stop for an hour. Then we watched 10 Things I Hate About You (never seen it - good but very predictable).

Sunday...oh Sunday. How I love this day. Amen! Who ended up sleeping until 12:42pm that day? Oh yea, that's me! I spent my limited hours that day cleaning, researching, and cooking very yummy food. I must say that I made the best "brunch" ever (if you eat at 2pm, does that still constitute as a brunch?). I made a breakfast burrito (tortilla, homemade hash browns, eggs with peppers, onions, garlic, cheese and chicken) with a homemade salsa (tomatoes, red/yellow/orange peppers, onions, garlic, and fresh parsley) and French toast - all thanks to produce that only had a few days left...I should be in culinary school, I swear. Why am I wasting my time here? (Ok, I'm joking...for now...I guess we will see when grades come if that should be the truth...) I had some company for dinner, and made the most random bunch of stuff ever (lotsa pasta cuz that cheap and that's what I have on me). After everything was cleaned, I called my Grandma while everyone was over celebrating her birthday. I take she was very happy, and now everyone got to celebrate her day with her! HAPPY BIRTHDAY again GRANDMA!!!

I was sooo happy that I could refrain from hiking the hill all day...and then Kadie instant messaged me asking if she had left her adaptor at my place...so up the hill I went...I am too nice.

Well, we are officially all caught up...phew...that was a lot of typing. Hopefully I will keep up with this all week, and even post more links to my fabulous pictures!

Ciao Ciao!

Sunday...I'm Bored - let's get this thing updated!

2007-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, this one will be a multi-piecer...it's a long one...First up, last weeks events:

Ok...so I seriously gotta keep up with this thing...yikes!

So I just scrubbed my bathroom - that’s how bored I am...I guess it's time for this!

This week was one of revelation and much contemplation...haha...but seriously (that got you excited, didn't it?!?) But seriously, it was another week of the same old stuff. More reading, more essays, more of the same ol' story. However, there were some highlights!

There was this meeting that Kadie, Kristen and I were going to attend about Facebook, and the pros and cons of it, but instead Kadie and I just stayed up in her room and started planning out our trip for Thanksgiving...to....well, I will keep that under wraps for now - make sure things are set before divulging that. It will be a doozie - that's for sure!

Wednesday was my "let's catch up on everything that is due tomorrow" day. After class, that's exactly what I did. First, Wednesday was our third of four Academic Travel meetings. Have I mentioned that I am really excited to go to it? Seriously. She started out the time by speaking only in Italian which was kinda freaky, but ended up giving us a lot of very helpful sayings and words that will make our travel even more exciting. For the next meeting (right before taking off!) a few of us are going to give a presentation about our first cities - Genova and Portofino (everyone has to do a presentation, and the others go in the hotel the night before we visit the city). After leaving the meeting, I dashed back home to write two papers (an English definition essay about Reality TV (for those who know me well, I should have aced that thing!) and a research paper for our business seminar about the Sunbeam Corp. and the scandal with Al Dunlap). I had started both of them (mainly the research/brainstorming) but really needed to sit down and write - and that's exactly what I did. Oh, and you know how I got my new desk finally (If I hadn't said, I GOT MY NEW DESK...finally), well, I didn't get a chair, so writing at my desk was going to be difficult...that is until I went to our common room and stole a chair to use - hey, things have to be done around here...I wasn't waiting! I finished around 1am with those (thanks to the editing help of my neighbor Alexis!).

Thursday was kinda a packed and eventful day...well, night anyways. I had my English class again (the teacher was kinda tired/out of it, but class was still fun) and then I had time to rework my business paper. My seminar, though, was in a different format today - it was watch a 1950s Bollywood film with Professor Matthews English class (side note...this movie had nothing to do with our class...it was really good tho). We were being pushed till the last minute in the auditorium because of the lecture that was to follow. We actually ran out of time before the movie was done - like 3 minutes left, and they stop it. They then just told us the end...that was kinda lame to me...whatever. I then stayed for the lecture given by a woman who just returned from Tibet - very interesting, but way over the hour they told us. There was also something up with her slide show (the last picture in the series would stay up there for like 2 minutes, and everyone was all confused and now ready for it to be done). Following a quick dinner at the North Campus, it was dance lesson time! We were all kinda locked out because Petra was at dinner (who had the keys) but they arrived with someone else, so dancing continued. It was once again a fun time! It was more of the swing, but this week was more advanced because our 19 yr old pro brought her equally talented 17 yr old bro pro. They made us look really bad, and then really good with their moves. There were some jumping, swinging around the back, yo-yo moves that were crazy! I was pretty sore, but it was worth it! After that, Kadie and I visited Kandyce who was working the Falcon's Nest. We showed her some of our new moves (she was very jealous), and then we ended up staying and talking/downloading each other’s music to out iPods until the end of her shift - 1am...it was a long walk home, but it all worked out.

Wrapping up yet another week...

2007-09-28T01:24:00.000-07:00

Wow...so I was really tired before writing this one last time...let's try this again.

Well folks, yet another one under the belt. This experience isn't that bad...

So let's catch ya up. Last weekend (Sept 22 & 23)...That was probably the most unproductive experience ever...and I loved it! Seriously, I did do some stuff, but like nothing that I was supposed to. It was sooooo relaxing.

Saturday I decided to just take it easy. I rolled out of bed (really, just woke up and stayed in my bed with my computer) around 11:30ish, and had to start figuring out that night. It was decided that we were going to participate in a Leukemia/Cancer walk downtown. Before heading down, I decided that I should do something productive, so I did some dishes and vacuumed...so domesticated.

Well, a few of us met downtown around 4:45ish to register for the 5K walk/run through the streets, piazzas and parks of downtown Lugano. It was such a fun time - 5 of us students and thousands of locals walking for a great cause. It went by so quickly, too. I think we were done with the walk in like 35 minutes...is that really 5K? Whatever... After that, there was a free pasta dinner and entertainment. The band was crazy - we were the only ones that would clap for them, so as repay, they sang a few songs in English (none of which I knew, but it's the thought that counts...right?). We were going to get going as early as 8:30, but there were dancing lessons to follow! And who can pass up a deal like that?!? It was advertised as "fun for the whole family"...and...well...I think they should fire their promotions person...Basically, I felt both dirty and illegal for what this man was teaching us. And, to top it off, there was a sea of children in front of me doing the same moves. To the parents to the side, it was the emperor's new clothes...nothing was bothering them. There was this kinda old, creepy guy walking around. Yea - little kids + dirty dancing + creepy old man = scary thing....

The night was fun, weird, and to top it off, Kadie and I watched the Amazing Race for a few hours! Woot Woot!

Sunday...kinda similar story - but this one starts off with a brunch across the street in Girasole. It was one of their "residence events" but let's face it, Kadie and I are basically part of the family! Michael and Adam (RA extraordinaires) manned the kitchen and pumped out some yummy foods. Well, that lasted until a bit after 1, then a few more Amazing Race episodes (I am getting this place hooked one person at a time!) and then some quick shopping at BP (our Sunday shopping stop - everything else is closed).

The rest of the day...I can't even remember. That's how eventful it was. Wow...I think I read a little, maybe worked on a paper...caught up on some emails...yea, that's it. I'm cool!

Join me!

2007-09-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hey! So a lot of you have asked about Skype. Well, for those of you that don't really know what its about, its an online phnoe system basically, where you can call people on landlines and cell phones all around the world for sure cheap. For instance, I can call the family back in the states for like $.021/minute ...its such a good deal! All you need are speakers and a microphone. Go to www.skype.com to download it. It costs nothing to sign up! Plus, Skype-to-Skype calls are free! Talk to me for nothing!!! How great is that?!?

If you have any questions about that, just let me know! It's a great thing to have!

Ok, so let me get caught up...

2007-09-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry again for my lack of updates...I'm busy!

Week 3...4? I don't even know at this point. So this week, the highlight would definitely be the Phone-A-Thon. Ok, are you like me, and hate when people call you trying to get money out of you around dinnertime? Well, for two nights, that was me! Actually, on Monday and Wednesday night, I called past and present parents from the school to touch base with them, update them about the school, and then try to suck money outta them. All week there were about 1600 people that needed to be called, and the goal was to raise $30,000. As of Wednesday night, I think we raised like $26,000 or so, and Thursday was the last night, so hopefully we hit our goal!

All of the money was put toward various things around the campus, including facility updates, hiring new staff, and other projects. Most of the people were nice that I talked to, and some in fact donated to the cause (thanks mom and dad!). Others, however, yelled, go mad, or just got to the point quickly and hung up. It was quite an experience.

The leader, Rachel, is sooo fun and nice. She reminds me of a compellation of the sisters! She provided lotsa snacks for us to stay energized. It was such a fun experience, and had its ups and downs -

up: I got paid 12 francs an hour (144 francs for the week!),
down: I worked the midnight-6am shift (so we could call the states at an appropriate time),
up: there were games that you could play if you got a pledge, and the two nights I worked, I won (the first was hangman, and the second night was random trivia. Thank God I knew Alan Alda, and that the 1980 Olympic games were held in Lake Placid),
down: I definitely missed my first class at 10:05 on Thursday (doesn't help waking up at 10:40...),
up: there were spirit days, and I so won Wednesday nights "swiss day" by dressing in all of my winter gear, a red bandana (or bandeezy for some), and a Swiss flag towel (the third in the set that I sent Ali) that I wore as a cape. Was I excruciatingly hot? Yes! But did I really wanna with that mini cereal variety pack? Heck yea! So fun!

What else about this week? Umm...lotsa studying (or attempts at it), reading, and walking. Oh, there was dance lessons on Thursday again - this week, sort of whatever we wanted to learn - tango, merengue, more swing/jive. It was very fun.

On Wednesday (I think) there was this career meeting that helped us decide what steps to do next in discover what we are going to do for an occupation. I really don't know anymore what I wanna do in the future...great.

Oh, and on Tuesday, about 20 of us went to a traditional Ticinese dinner (every Wednesday, there is an "Italian Family Dinner" where you eat in the dinning hall, sit at tables with other people, and get a phrase sheet to learn Italian.) This week’s dinner was held on Tuesday and was taken on the road. It was at a traditional Grotto (which kinda looked like a big shed), and was a dinner of this slowly cooked beef and polenta. There was also a mushroom one - both of which were served family style. It was sooooo delicious! It was such a fun time - sitting and talking about random stuff with an Italian Professor. So fun.

The reason that it was moved to a day earlier was to accommodate "German Family Dinner" so people could learn some German before venturing to that part of the country (about 4 days too late, guys...). We attended that (bratwurst, potatoes, and brussel sprouts...home!). The evening was finished off with this ridiculous man playing a dulcimer. He is a professional and makes them. It was very interesting, and his English wasn't great, so it made it even better!

Well, that's about it for the week... I think I am finally caught yup! Thanks God! I will let you all know tomorrow night about this weekend!

Ciao for now! Time to get some grub!

Gutten Morgan, Zurich, con'd

2007-09-21T06:15:00.001-07:00

Ok...so where was I...

Sunday! This day was...interesting. There isn't much of anything opened on Sundays any where in this country, so we had to improvise. What are a few things that would in fact be open on that day? Why of course - churches and cafes!

After a sub-par nights sleep (I couldn't really breathe, and there were people outside till really late being really loud - oh yea, did I forget Kadie and I started the day walking around the (very desolate) city. Just 8 hours earlier, people were crowding the tight streets...and now...nothing. Occasionally, you would see the one guy sweeping up from the previous night, but other than that...no one. We did take a stroll through the old town, checked on the hours of a few churches (which were actually closed early in the morning) and got some breakfast in a cafe near the river. Most random thing ever - so we are eating our over priced croissants inside this very nice establishment, when all of a sudden we see a bird hopping around on the floor...creepy! It would just hop around, then fly up to sit on the backs of chairs, and on the menus that were on each table. I was all "do they notice that bird" and sure enough, people aren't taken back at all by if...oh, and keep in mind, it wasn't like a domestic-y bird, this was like a "there-are-thousands-of-me-right-on-the-other-side-of-that-window-but-I'm-just-special" bird. Whatever...

We checked out of the hotel of fun, and explored some more - mainly to check back on the previously closed churches, now that were all in service. Just our luck. We stopped to get Thuli some food (where I also got this pretty delicious berry torte thing...yum). Then we walked around some more, admired the quaintness of the quiet city, and finally got into our first real thing of the day - a church known for having Europe’s largest clock face - I think St. Andrews...Peters...whatever. (side note...I am pretty sure that big ben is a lot bigger, so I will check that out and let you know). Anyways, we couldn't go up it, so we headed to yet another church that’s famous for having this huge, beautifully painted stained glass windows. We had to wait for them to finish cleaning up after mass, but after that, we got in. They were, in fact, huge and beautiful. They really lived up to the expectations!

So what haven't we done in a while? Oh, I know...another cafe! This time...Schober Cafe!!! I finally have been, and it is ridiculous! I didn't take many pictures, but check this link out - it's a virtual tour.

http://www.panoramajournal.ch/schweiz/zuerich/highlights/schober/01_2000.html

This place is sooo huge, so we kept going until we couldn't and sat down I think on the 2nd floor. It was covered in silk flowers, branches, and gaudiness...how fun! We couldn't really read the menu - at all - so we all sort of made things up/ took a guess and ordered. Two hot chocolates, a mocha, two apple strudels and a chocolate torte for the table. Holy richness, Batman. Ok, I had the hot chocolate (made with milk from the farmer that morning), which was topped with unsweetened whipped cream. After folding that layer in, it was quite delicious, but I could only do half - that thing was intense! The apple strudel was very good as well, served with a side of vanilla sauce. That, too, was sooo rich. I nearly finished it, but dang there was definitely some alcohol or something going on in there - it was very..."flavorful". After eating/drinking till near explosion, we went down into their store where we I purchased some of MY chocolate bars...yup, that’s right, all mine! (Theodor Schober Chocolate Bars...I wasn't lying) The woman (who didn't speak a lick on English) was really confused at why I only wanted that type, and even tried to lead me to others, but I told her "no, just these...one of each please". And man, you should have seen her face when I paid with my credit card. She did a double take, and in my very poor, broken German, I explained "Ich heiße Theodore Schober" (my name is...you can do it). She was all "oh...wha....oh" and had to like show some people and whatever. She gave me a postcard - I felt cool! I completely forgot to ask if I get checks per month or something for the name...anything?

Side note - St. Peter's is in fact the largest clock face in Europe - it's like 7 feet bigger than Big Ben...Go St. Peter!

Back to our day. Now, time for some learning. Welcome to the Swiss National Museum! The impressive structure (truly amazing, old castle) houses a truly not-so-impressive museum. It was a little boring, but it was a good collection of really anything one would want to know about Swissland. Thuli relaxed in a park behind the museum while Kadie and I checked out the place. It was only 5 francs, so it was worth it. We cruised through, and then all chilled in the park out back (I didn't feel too great, so the nap that I took was great!). It was about 5, and our train was at a little after 6, so we headed to the train station. There are many shops below it, so we grabbed some actual food (which we really hadn't had that day) and perused the stores before heading home.

Zurich is such a beautiful city. Let me tell you though, through experience, if you only have a few days you can devote to this city, avoid Sundays - no stores of main attractions open.

Gutten Morgan, Zurich!

2007-09-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well, its 5:45 am on a Saturday morning...what do you feel like doing? Oh I know...how about a 3+ hour train ride to German speaking Switzerland....ummmm ok!

That's right folks, welcome to Zurich! An amazing city just 3 hours north of here. Thuli, Kadie and I headed there this past weekend aboard the train (which I think may have been the longest I was ever on a train...mom or dad remember?). Anyways, before getting on the train, there was a bit of nervousness (Kadie couldn't eat), but in the end we got on the correct train, and got off at the correct location, too! (Oh, and on our train was the Student Programming Board from here...they were off to Zurich for some bonding time...how cute!). Before arriving, this awesome man, called Snack Cart Man, wheeled this giant cart down the aisle, and spoke, no lie, like 5 different languages. We thought that was cool, anyways.

So, you're in Zurich...what's the first thing that you do? I know! Starbucks! Welcome back moderately expensive cups of joy! It was a great, tho kinda expensive (but it's Starbucks and some people will do anything for that stuff). Oh, this was of course after trying to check into our hotel (oh the hotel...we will get to that momentarily) at 9:30am...who does that...and we couldn't anyways...oh well.

After replenishing our caffeine levels, it was time to explore! We walked around the "Old Town" - the section that our hotel was in. There were soooo many cool shops (way too expensive...) and beautiful streets. And, we discovered something that was on the planning list since day 1...SCHOBER CAFE!!!!! That's right people, I found it! It was, no lie, one a block from our hotel...we couldn't have planned it any better. We didn't feel like eating/drinking another Starbucks-esque "meal" at that time, so we continued to walk knowing that we would be back soon. We passed some of Zurich's sights, including Fraumunster and Grossmunster, and around and over the river. It is such a picturesque city and so well laid out. We then checked this ridiculous flea market (proud...I didn't buy anything) and then we wanted to explore more, so we got on a water tour (a cruise around the lake with minimal German narrations...it was only 7.60 francs...we didn't mind).

Ok...checking into our hotel was...hard to say the less. When you are on the correct street, see 3 signs for it posted on a building, and even recognize it from pictures, finding the hotel would be relatively easy to locate...not so. It took us forever to realize that you had to take the same entrance as the attached Indian Restaurant, take some stairs, and pass through a very narrow hotel just to get to reception. From there on, smooth sailing!

Our room, and the world renowned Zic Zac Rock Hotel (google this place...it's a trip...) was...interesting. All of the rooms here are actually themed to rock and role legends (ie Beatles, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Queen, etc.). Ours, however, was...Deep Purple. Name a song and I'll give you a dollar! Oh, and the theme stopped at the plaque on the door. Inside...nothing but two spray painted "gold records" and sunshine yellow walls...how themey! Also, as I see all over here, it was as if they literally heisted everything in the room from the Ikea Scratch and Dent Center. I will give them one thing tho...English television in the room. It was CNN and subtitled MTV, but nonetheless...Points for the TV, however, are taken right back with the lack of bathroom! We had to walk down the sketchy hallway...

Later that afternoon, we climbed the Grossmunster tower, which gave amazing views of the city. Back outside, there was something we were definitely taken back by...a gathering of what seemed to be every Swiss Scout...hundreds of screaming, running, singing, crying kids...We sat outside, trying to relax, but no, they all had to see if they could create a chain around the entire church which singing and swaying...and the did! Oy...sorry mom and dad...no grand kids from this one (ok...just kidding - for now).

Hey, now that we are in a completely new city for only two days, what's the one thing that you would want to do? Oh, I know! Let's see a movie! Sure enough, we had to - it was in English, and it took us fooorrrreeeeeevvvvveeeeerrrrrr to find the theater...But, after taking the tram, walking way too long, finding some English speakers in the Red Light District...no joke...and running for a while, we kinda had to. We saw Hairspray (great movie...just don't ask Kadie). If was fun, the theater was amazing (there were light up ottoman in the lobby, the theaters were really big, and the seats were sooo comfortable (but one complaint...the cup holders were in front of you...like on the ground...kinda annoying), and there were only like 7 people there...it was a Saturday night in Zurich...we are lame.

After a long walk, we found some food (that one could actually afford) and then headed back for the night - we were beat (and our street wreaked of cheese fondue...it was nasty).

I will finally add the Sunday portion soon - keep checking back for more!

I haven't updated this thing in HOW long?...

2007-09-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry for the week delay with these posts, but I unfortunatly have more important things to do...somewhere near the top is getting an education. You know...kinda important. But enough of that, lets get into the updates:

-Last week of school (September 10-14) was pretty average. I am still really happy with my classes, but seem to just be doing average in them. No failures, no extreme greatness...just right in the middle. Hopefully I will get out of this trend and I will have some things to brag about. But as for now, just two C quizzes and some checked mandatory work. Nothing special...

-More excursions downtown. Mostly the "oh no, I need cash" runs and "hey, so I don't have food" trips. The normal things. Oh, Kadie and I did a walking tour of Lugano (thanks to her Rick Steves Swiss Guide Book...what would the world do without that man...). We toured the church in town, walked the streets and explored the city park. That place was so beautiful. Not too many people, great and relaxed atmosphere, and beautifully upkeep on the lawns (it's Switzerland...fathom that).

-We have started to get sensible and spend a lot less. Let's face it, we are here for a while and we kinda just realized that we aren't on a vacation. We actually have to support ourselves and eat...pretty important.

-Oh, and last monday was our Orientation Leader Appreciation dinner. Paul drove us down to this sweet restaurant downtown called Ethnics, where out OL family ate and mingled. The family, including our adopted daughter Thuli, had a lot of fun. Kadie and I bought some awesome, thoughtful gifts for our OL Dad...from the gas station. This included kitchen sponges (2 out of 3 in the pack...I kinda needed one, too), toilet paper, free Smintz, one piece of black licorice, a packet of his Kool-Aid that we found in his car, and, of course, boxed wine (keep in mind, here boxed wine is actually in similar containers to a carton of orange juice). Come on, that stuff is funny...don't lie. He loved it, we had to pay for our own meals, and he did not buy me alcohol...I am going on record right there...

That was last week...this past weekend (our trip to Zurich!) is coming shortly!

As I promised...

2007-09-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings all! Here are the links to all of me pictures. I have more coming (i.e. Bellinzona), but there are enough here to enjoy for now!

Room pictures (kinda out dated)

Pictures to Lugano

Orientation Week

San Salvatore

Florida Park

Blues to Bop

Enjoy!

Weekend #2, con'd

2007-09-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is taking so long - I actually have work to do this week. Bare with me...

Ok, where was I...soccer with school alcohol, downtown with whipped senior, marriage proposal...now I remember...Saturday.

Ok, Saturday is proof to all that we in fact do not go to school in the good ol' US of A. The school took us on a sponsored trip to...any guesses? Oh yes, I think I heard it in the back...a wine tasting festival. That's right people - the Bellinzona Wine Tasting Festival. The school paid everyone's train tickets (our guess is around 40 francs each) as well as a souvenir glass (6 francs) to taste a plethora of wines from around the area. Welcome to Franklin College, folks!

The group left at noon to walk down as a group to the train station, where we all boarded at 12:46 for the 30 minute trip to Bellinzona. The group, that is...minus Thuli (this is where I have to make a little interjection - someone claims that two other people were supposed to wake her up via cell phone call, but the alleged twosome had not remembered this promise...continue story). After being told at 10:45 that she wouldn't have enough time to get ready...lame...we called Thuli around 12:15 told her to run like the dickens to the train station (about 15 minutes away) to get on the train. And she did. She literally arrived (sweaty and near death) at the station as we were sitting aboard, ready to pull out (I should also comment that Kristen and I freaked Kadie out by going to get $ inside the station as the train arrived - settle down Kadie...it sits there for like 10 minutes...).

Have we seen Beauty and the Beast? Bellinzona is kinda like that city...but real...but it does have a castle! Actually, many castles! When in Bellinzona, we were able to explore the amazing city for a while before meeting to get our glasses. Off we went! First, to this counter place for lunch (delicious!), and then to Castle #1. The walk was intense, but nothing more than we are used to! The views were amazing up there - pictures for sure will not justify! Inside, there were towers, buildings, a restaurant (a little weird, but whatever...from the states - I don't judge), and this really long wall thing that went like into the city, and looked like something from a minigolf course (really long and grass covered). I will post the links to the pictures - its indescribable.

Oh! In between lunch and Castle #1, we checked out this really amazing church! It was sooo pretty, and was huge. I always feel weird taking pictures inside of churches, but since there were no visible holy people, I took them (though God was watching...that might throw a wrench in things in my future...).

So after exploring, we headed back into the town center area, checked out a few shops (the 2 franc store...I am obsessed!), got some dessert (life lesson - if you thing it will taste bad, it will - no exceptions...), and got our beautiful wine glasses (it has this thing in Italian etched on it...regifting?...we will see).

Then, it began...the most awkward 30 minutes of my life...ok, not really, but pretty close. Well, I decided based on two factors what to do: (1) I am at a Wine festival and (2) I need to do research for my Christmas dinner shopping... As you guessed, I partaked...took...whatever...in the event. While others were like slamming back one after another half glass sample, and struggled through two. The first was red - holy grossness (I was trying to find one that was church wine-esque...no such luck with this one...) and the second was white (very dry - or at least that's what I think - I don't even know the lingo!). (Kadie first tried one that smelled very similar to soy sauce - yummo) Needless to say, the research was a complete failure - got nothing accept a new appreciation for water.

Before heading back to the train, Kadie and I explored Castle #2 on top of a giant hill...it was sooo beautiful from up there! Again, I will get on those pictures...please have patience...

After the train ride, the three of us gathered at Kadie's for a crazy evening event - "camping" on the balcony...oy. After gathering proper supplies, at 11pm, after most places close, I found myself sprinting to the nearest pizzeria for dinner...wow, we are college-y... But seriously, this was totally ghetto - Thuli forgot blankets or a pillow - therefore 3 people sharing 2 pillows and 2 blankets...on the cold concrete...college concrete nonetheless...

So yea, I didn't sleep much, so after enough complaining, I finally snoozed off...for a few hours.

Sunday found us sleepy and kinda grouchy. But, of course, we had to have a fun group event. Enter movie night! First on the agenda - Amilie. The event was held in Thuli/Ruthi's room, and in attendance was Kadie, myself, Thuli, Ruthi, Paul, Michael, and a random add on, Ariel (haven’t really talked to her much so I will reserve some judgment)...I made dinner (spaghetti with tomato sauce, cheese and spinach ravioli with pesto and spaghetti with pesto...i rock!). Michael also helped by bringing her oven...only in Swissland...to make delicious garlic bread. The evening was fun - the movie was great (kinda confusing - especially with the distractions in the room...aka everyone talking) but there was a lot of negativity, too...lame!

So long weekend #2!

Oops...so much to discuss!

2007-09-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Sorry for the gap in postings, but I...well...I would say that I have been too productive, but not really. Blame it on laziness. My bad!

***Wow...things are mashing in my head. I have reworked this one to actual chronological order.***

Ok, lets get into things...First of all, things back at the loft (my dorm, as I like to refer to it as) are going good. I think the fact that it's usually only one of us in there at a time helps our lack of communicating (less one-on-one awkward silence). There is the issues of like cleaning that kinda hasn't been settled (alright, brought up...we don't talk, remember!?!). I have purchased all of the supplies, and that is the only thing that I think he believes is the only thing not to share...? I think I will be the live-in maid. Oh, well, I am used to cleaning, and it's not big. Plus, I feel a lot better about cleanliness coming from my work, than someone else's.

So who here wants to hear about my second week of school!??! No one, well that's a shame...I'll go into it anyways. Basically, nothing new. In fact, it went by extremely fast, with minimal things that stick out. More dragged out, ancient history with Mr. Bavaria; econ, which I am pretty sure is common sense...right?; Spanish 200...made for a 7 year old...its pretty easy (thankfully); scandals in business that kinda makes me sleepy, tho very interesting info (the professor knows soooo much information, that it all kinda mashes together and gets confusing...); and my English class - pretty fun indeed (i haven't fallen asleep...that's gotta be good!). Classes and reading...going good. Tedious, but good.

Now onto our fun stuff. First up - the Friday's Faculty vs Student soccer game. Clarification..."faculty" means gardening and maintenance staff...I was soooo hoping to see my professors out there...dangit! Anyways, it was pretty fun. The student assembly tailgated (grilling during the game...does that constitute?). Basically, people showed up because of one thing that makes my school extremely...unique...to me. The free beer that the Student Assembly provided...huh? WHERE AM I!?! I'm all "just water for me", to which I get "umm...orange juice alright?"...welcome to Swissland! The evening was filled with soccer (ref was kinda drunk, so I don't think the scores - which I never knew - could be accurate), drinking students and teachers, and a wedding proposal...to me! That's right people, I was proposed to! The female RA of Girasole, Michael Garcia, saw that I was wearing an "Ireland" t-shirt, to which she responds (keep in mind...beer), "Ireland...are you Irish...I am...I have an Irish passport...wanna get married?"...For the first moment here, I had no comeback...except for, of course, "ummmm..huh?". Then there was giggling, and then I think she left. I love college!

After the game, Thuli, Kadie and I got pizza at this delicious (and pretty cheap) restaurant. It was sooo good, but really confusing (it always is...). The three of us then chilaxed on Kadie's sweet balcony - dangled our feet five stories up...we are rebels! Literally, its kinda on the roof, and there is a wall like 3 feet away from the edge of the roof defining the balcony, so we climbed over that and sat over the edge. If you cant picture it, chill - I will show some pictures. We just sat there, talked, and threw rocks at the building below...we are also apparently 5 years old now. We sampled Kadie's eclectic music selection...so fun! But we had to retire early (ok, it was like 12:30...we are lame college students!), because in the morning was quite an exciting, and freightening event...

I am only on Friday night - I still have all the weekend to go! But, now it's off to class. Check back later for some more excitement!

A New Way of Living

2007-09-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

So with it being a few weeks in Switzerland, I have realized that I have begun to live my life differently. No, not dwelling on the cleaning, food shopping, laundry and cooking aspect (tho what of that is new?!), but just living in general. I have realized that I now live with an "anything goes" attitude. For start, our crazy car ride...and wasn't that fun!? No plans...just jump in, and off we go! Another crazy example would be, well, this entire evening. Today was the Club Signup Fair Thingy (very scientific name - i so cant remember what it was called) and I definitely joined like 8 clubs...it's in my blood (zoom in on me in HS...). Then, I found myself, along with Thuli and Kadie, in Paul's car (my orientation leader...you should have been introduced to him in a previous entry) and on our way downtown. Desination...who knows. We parked (after much arguement between Thules and Paul...) and got some money and then off to the crazy shoping center. I (finally - i have been looking all around for this) purchased mustard (you never know you love something till you dont have it for a while) which definitely came in this creepy toothpaste-esque tube. But anywho, my sandwiches will be very happy!
After our purchases, it was back to campus for some dinner...pasta (fathom that...). We were going to head back down to our respective rooms, when all of a sudden Tatyana (another upperclass Orietation Leader) called us over to the Administration building thing where they were giving free dance lessons...of course, we were in! It was only a few of at at first...kinda awkward - me, Thuli (Kadie had to duck out to finish a project), a teacher/administrator, and two professionals (one woman and a British old guy - just like TV, and definitely no spring chickens in there...age...lets say much more experienced than Thuli....Kadie....and I combined. We stood around for like ten minutes (time: about 8:45pm) - then more arrived, and the dancing began. On tonights agenda...boogie/jive/swing. Woot Woot! I had it down from high school gym class, and everyone else pretty much got it. More people came, so we just started to dance around - Thuli and I kinda rock...to motivate us, we pretend that we are on Dancing with the Stars, and even gave eachother Russian dancer names (thats where they are all from, right?). She is now Anakarina and I am Maxim. We are definitely going to win this. Anyways...more people came, Paul "joined in" aka was horrible, and Kadie came after her project. The night was sooo fun! We are now grand dance masters, and constitute as royalty in 5 countries. When we were all sweaty, tired, and near death, old Brit told us to watch a demo from them, and oh my god, I feared for both of their post retirement lives...fast pace, spins, dips, and even......it pains me to go here...a lift. At that moment, the entire room of like 20 went silent, hoping that all hips were still aligned, and in one piece. After we were assured, applause! It was such a fun time! We are going to make it a regular Thursday night thing, including dressup contests...which Tatyana, Thuli and I are organizing - there will be prizes and crazy weekly themes...next week - Ghetto Glam...oy. I have a bandana...I think thats all that will count. I have a week...we will win, dangit!
After that Diseny experience, we stopped at Kadie's for a bit and did the craziest off the cuff thing yet to date - WE ARE GOING ON A TRIP NEXT WEEKEND!!! Thats right (and I am assuming that this will be followed with many parental contacts...) we are going exotic...Zurich! Here's the situation - Thules needs a Euro Visa with her Zimbobwe passport, so its in the country for now! It'll be a weekend of fun - three college freshmen that dont drink in a German speaking area...did I mention that none of us speak German? Oops! Well, with the hotel booked (actulally cheaper than a hostel...weird), we just need train fare, and are golden! Sooo excited!
Well, its 1:34am, and I am nodding off. Sleepy time - only 7 hours till class!

An unexpected adventure...

2007-09-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

This was typed last night (Sunday), but since there is limited internet, I am now sitting in a dark stairwell, two floors up, typing at midnight (Monday/Tuesday)…you’d better enjoy…

So as an end to our first weekend, the Florida Residency had a little soiree ala fresco…basically an ice cream social outside. Nothing fancy, but a fun chance to meet the neighbors. There were also quirky little door prizes, including cutlery and kitchen utensils courtesy of the “housing’s extra stash”, objects that were found through tedious dumpster dives, and random other goodies. I managed to get my hands on a doozie…a tube of white acrylic paint. Doesn’t sound useful to you?…well who won’t need to worry about investing in white toothpaste to patch wall holes in the spring? That’s right…score!

Meanwhile, while I was enjoying myself, across the street, I guess Kadie and Thuli were “studying”…I really have no idea what was going on…Anywho, it was late/dark, so they asked me when I was done to walk Kadie home (a 15 minute walk uphill through some crazy streets…). I agreed, but on our way, we bumped into this Italian student (who shall remain nameless, per his request). This is the kinda stuff that probably freaks out the parents…He has a car, and asked if we’d like a ride…of course, we were up for it (this sounds like we were kidnapped or something, but trust me, it was alright – we knew him well…don’t freak out…mom). Anyways, we got into his car, and he made the decision that we shouldn’t let this beautiful night go to waste, so he insisted to drive us up Mount Bre (if you aren’t familiar, google this thing – get the nighttime mental image). Keep in mind, too, that he’s Italian…a crazy “get outta my way” driver…it was insane! There was sort of that pre-vomiting feeling present…not that we were going to throw up, but the presence was definitely there. Curve after curve, old person after cat, we kept climbing and climbing…and then we got to this big neon sign that we could see from our school (looking a lot smaller from down there). It was about 2/3 up the mountain, but still served us one of the best, breathtaking views of the Lugano area. Tiny lights were all around this giant lake. He pointed out sights that we had previously heard about, and wanted to take us further up. We got back in, started climbing again, but much to our dismay, the road was closed. He explained that the owners of a restaurant at the top close this now at night due to some rambunctious (great word – everybody try using it today) college students coming up there and drugging it up…It is people like that (clearly from my school) that make a bad name for us in this city (see previous entry for more of an explanation). In any case, we saw some fantastic views on the way back down. He invited us on more of these outing, Thuli and he connected on a “spiritual” level, and Kadie and I rode in freight, nearly soiled, in the back. We finally came to our senses (aka the mound of reading that awaited us all) and headed back to earth.

It’s these types of instances, not all of the readings or lectures, which make for great college experiences. Anyone can get a college education, but incidents like this…not everyone can be so lucky. (sorry for getting all Disney Channel on you…it needs to be done once in a while!)

Phew…now that that’s down, its time for my reading… Sunday, 11:54pm…

quick note...

2007-09-02T05:52:00.001-07:00

One more thing - for all of those who were interested...

my mailing address is:
Theodore Schober
c/o Franklin College Switzerland
Via Ponte Tresa 29 6924
Sorengo (Lugano)
Switzerland

also, I am on Skype (a free download at skype.com). It works like a phone via the internet. Skype to skype calls are free, and it's only like $.02/minute from skype to landlines and cell phones. Check it out!

Weekend #1

2007-09-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Ok, first of all, Happy Baptism to my niece Cadee!!! Now that that’s out of the way, back to me…

So it’s currently 12:43pm, and I have no Internet (the signal keeps crashing in our building so I am typing this on Word and saving it till we are patched)…only the best at Franklin College! Oh! Speaking of Franklin College…we got some interesting news this past week. I am honored to say that this establishment will be renamed sometime in the near future (forecasted for spring) to Franklin University Switzerland. That’s right, I will be attending FU Switzerland!…no joke. The t-shirts, bumper stickers, and lanyards will be in the mail for you all to support FU! (Ok, that part’s a joke - I am a college student, I have no money…)

On a more labor intensive and annoying note, I think I will be looking for a new room in this upcoming week. Things are a little awkward between us – still really haven’t had a conversation – too much silence. Also, the 2:30am “could you find somewhere else to spend the night” request (after I was asleep for an hour or so) kinda sealed that decision.

My first college weekend’s almost over, and what an experience. Friday night was the Blues to Bop Festival in downtown Lugano. Lots of music (all in English…I find that interesting) and a lot of very drunk people (I was not one of those. Y’all would be so proud!). I, instead, offered myself as a DW – designated walker. My expertise, however, was not taken advantage of, since no one that I went with (Kadie, Thuli and Kristin – tho we now call her Kristi since she was the only one without the long E sound at the end of her name) drank. It was fun, but how un-college are we – we were back by like midnight. We did, however, get some delicious gelato – pistachio and tiramisu…yummo. Are we lame?

Oh, and before that on Friday, we had this convocation thingy – lame. I don’t really know what its purpose was, but whatever. There were some speeches, music that I think was completely inappropriate for the occasion (“The Entertainer” played at a graduation-esque ceremony…really people?), and a reception afterwards. Woot woot.

So yesterday, I finally got to exercise my culinary skills for others and make people breakfast – French toast and hash browns. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but if you saw the kitchen that I cooked, you’d be impressed. Oh, and I also stocked my personal food stash. I am getting used to this thing…except for the whole money spending aspect. And speaking of spending money, I made a pretty intense purchase yesterday – a cell phone. Now a few things on the phone - first of all, it was super cheap (like 49 francs – that’s like $40) and it’s a pay as you go. This place is awesome for that. You can either add credit onto that at the post office (where all bills get paid here) or there are these ports all around the city that you can enter your phone number in, and add credit that way. Now even though it is that way, there is no way on God’s green earth that I will be calling the US on it – sorry! That in itself is a feat, as well as mucho francs.

Well, its time for one of two events – either a student vs. faculty soccer game in some town too far to walk or reading my bounty of books for my classes…time to whip out the books, I guess! Ciao for now!

The end of the week...finally...

2007-08-31T01:03:00.001-07:00

Well...it's the last day of the long first week of college. Only two more classes to go, and then it will technically be my first college weekend! I think we all know that that means...sleep (who am I kidding...really)! There is a blues festival in town this weekend, so I think Thuli, Kadie and I will be checking that out tonight. That is, after our convocation...God knows what that means...and a dinner with our individual seminars (for those who aren't familiar with the lingo (honestly, like me) that is a class that usually lines up with the major that we want to pursue that brings people of the same interest in the same class together...got it? I know I just confused myself...).

I made a very interesting and quite disturbing observation yesterday...all of the citizens of Lugano hate us. I am not even exaggerating. I mean, we get stared at, honked at...WHY AM I HERE!?! I guess they all haven't met me! Haha...just kidding! Although, I am so lovable, not to mention such a great poster child for America...well...I won't take it that far. Anywho, I guess they all are like "wow, those rich American kids invading our town and getting in our way." I guess loans and grants sort of fly right over their heads. Whatever...it's pretty, I am getting an education, I will put up with the stares and honks. Lindsay Lohan does it all the time, why can't I!?!

Also, another observation, but this one I am kinda embarrassed to admit...there is a lot of reading in college. Whose bright idea was that?!? And for all of those that know me (which should be all of you reading this, cuz otherwise that would be kinda creepy...), reading really isn't my cup of tea. Why spend time couped up somewhere reading someone else's story when you can go and experience your own...all I'm saying. Anywho, I am impressing myself - I actually have done all of my readings for this week. I think it does help that I only know a few people here, cuz my ADD (allegedly) + other people + a city that I need to get familiarized with = recipe for disaster.

My lessons learned for week 1:

-Attempting to understand history from a German professor at 8:30am MWF...useless.
-Ikea is like a heaven on earth (why haven't I ever been there...I call that bad parenting?! just kidding! love ya both!!!)
-Our school's food is pretty fantastic...especially for a college! Homemade deliciousness everyday! Yesterday, some kinda of chicken with pasta and veggies...today I can only imagine the possibilities!

Time for Econ!

Ciao!

Orientation Week Review...

2007-08-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Day 1:

So we arrived to Switzerland Tuesday, August 21st after sadly leaving New York and the family on Monday the 20th. When we arrived, baggage of course was a hassle, but only like 3 people lost things (I was not one of those...thanks to the big man upstairs...thats Jesus for you uncool people...) one of which was one of my new closest friends Kadie, from Wauwatosa. Other new friends from the flight include Thuli from Chicago and Liz from Cali, as well as Jeff who knows Caroline from elementary school (if you are lost with that...don't fret, just continue reading).

It was like 10am-ish when they picked us up, and the Orientation Leaders (upper classmen that gave up a week out of their busy schedules to lead us around like blind sheep...also referred to as OLs) were waaaay too perky for us. Anywho, they offered us some local fare, and we were on out way. The like 3 hour bus ride was beautiful, but grulling...if anyone tried to sleep, you were yelled at via microphone...I think I was one of those, but alas, did not wake from it. Also, and I cannot fail to mention this...it was pouring out...miserably (I didn't go to Seattle for this!?!).

We got to campus, and get some sandwiches at the Grotto (dining option #1)...the local specialty I assume - they force feed you them all of the time. Then, off to checkin with our Orientation Families. Our leader was Paul...the overzealous Texan who I apparently stole his room and he was (kindly) kicked off campus. Sorry Paul!

I was taken to my room...in the rain...and we kept walking....and walking.....and walking. For those of you who do not know...I live 15 minutes from the closest campus...downhill. The hill is horrible...but silver lining...I will have excellently toned legs by Christmas! Oh, and to add insult to injury, my room cleverly named 201, is actually one floor underground, or -1 according to the elevator...lame. AND! it's only supposed to be a single...enter roommate! Ryam Button from Seattle, Washington area. He and I, unfortunatly, are polar opposites. We both enjoy hanging out with people...but definitely not the same people. There are some hang ups, including the lack of commnication...conversations...no.....awkward silence...oh yea. Will we stay roommates? We will see...

My room is soooo small compared to others on campus. One desk, one armoir for us to share (and three small drawers inside to divy up), two childs beds, and a kitchenette and bathroom. You may think that's awesome that I have that stuff, but does anyone here know Windex or Clorox in Italian? Didn't think so...

After gruelling orientation in the smallest college auditorium known to any college we ate dinner...pasta...fathom that! And then there was a gellato social in the Falcon's Nest (kinda awkward "lounge" that kinda reminds me of someone's livingroom, where you are kinda afraid of the couched cuz you dont wanna catch anything...with me?). I was beat, so a few of us made the trek back down the mountain, unpacked some more, and then when my roomie had some ladies over, I finished unpacking what I could into my half of the big metal cabinet. Followed by the worst night of sleep ever...woot woot.

Days 2, 3, 4, 5...: Not as much as day 1...I can't remember everything...

Breakfasts of delicous pastries and other things that I didn't eat. I was just tired... We got introduced to the school a bit more, both as a large group and into our smaller families. Intros of all of the faculty took like 20 minutes...then some of the staff and important students. We got tours of both campuses (down the road like 7 minutes from eachother, about 15 and 20 minutes from my cave), the downtown area of Lugano (about 10 minutes in the opposite direction...I'm closer to it...visualize it. (in a line (kinda) from Lake Lugano - downtown, my residence Florida, Kaletsch Campus, North Campus).

We were shown the best grocery stores, restaurants, and bars - haha...me? I tested my skills at the store myself and bought some cookies (best EVER), gellato sandwiches (a luxury that I will probably never have again...im a poor college student now), bread that like never expires (seriously...September 19 for packages bread....really!?!), a wedge of cheese (when in Rome, right?), turkey (I was going to buy ham/beef, but I didn't know what was cooked), pinapple juice, bottles of water, pretzels, dishwashing soap, black garbage bags (law...I guess if it's white, it's a bomb...), butter and jam. Yummo! In all, I have had one too many grilled turkey and (unnamed) cheese sandwiches.

Thursday was "let's fake...i mean take....these placement tests!" day. There was an essay on the book "that we all read" and then a math placement test that we all had to take. The next day was filled with appointments with advisors to set up our schedules. I found out there that because of AP Stats (4...thanks V!) and the placement test, I had tested out of all maths. I am on the fence about that one...I kinda miss math...I am a nerd. Also, over the next X amount of years here, I will only have to take one English class, and 2 spanish classes. The 'X amount' is because I think I will be able to graduate in like 3 years...but I am not holding my breath. My schedule is as follows:

MWF - 8:30 - 9:20am World History with a German professor that I can't always understand, and Kadie
- 10:50 - 11:40am Macroeconomics with Ruthi, Thuli's rommie
- 12 - 12:50pm Spanish 200
TTH - 10:05 - 11:20am Writing in the Humanities - only english class
- 4:25 - 5:40pm First Year Seminar - Business Ethics: Scaldals in the Business World

Also, I found out that I'll be traveling to Northern Italy for my Academic travel in October. We have 4 meetings prior to the trip, where we discuss an certain topic about the place, and go over what we will be tested on when we get back...we will have a few readings, but nothing much. Our topic will be covering Italy's industries, culture, and government. The woman, who is also my advisor, is incredibly nice, and very excited, so after being down on the fact that out destination is like a 10 minute walk due south, I was happy with her and the trip. (check back for my itinerary soon!)

On Saturday night, OL groups combined and the leaders made dinner. While some made local fare - pasta, homemade calzones, pastries - we got breakfast burritos, fruit salad, and for dessert, french toast and fruit. It was fun, and I'm not complaining - the food was delicious, but I was expecting something a little more....dinner-ish. Then afterward, we went Cosmic Bowling. Woot Woot Good Ol' Times! It was super fun, super hot, and super confusing cuz people still didnt know people, but all was good. There was an instance, however, that resulted in the Italian man (not from our group) violently throwing a bowling ball into the drop ceiling, and part of it did just that, ad dropped. It was insane, and our group just stopped, and watched. Awkward!

Oh, Saturday, in the morning, we got the option of either going to the beach, the capital of this canton (state), trekking to this fishing village, or climbing up a giant mountain. As if I don't get this enough daily, I was an idiot and chose to climb Mount San Salvatore with Kadie. It started pretty good...and then we actually got to the mountain (they made us was the mile or so to the base as well as climbing to the top). It took about 2 and a half or 2 hours...but I think it was worth the work...and oh was it work. That thing was steep, rocky, hot, and at some parts like sheer drop offs. And we had to carry these bagged lunches with us that had a greasy piece of pizza in it...good planning Franklin Kitchen! Oh, and at one point, there was a split in the trail - one which for sure looked flatter but swinging around like the whole mountain, and the other that was like a staircase. A lot decided to head up the steep one, but I stayed back with the 2nd leader, and took the flatter one. And thank God...the other one - that warned people "if you are not a skilled hiker, quit" - led to a sheer rock face that you would need equiptment to climb! They literally had to climb back down the mountain like 45 minutes, and then loop around to our trail, and start the trek nearly over. Many were all "umm....no" and left. When we got to the top, we were surprised not to find them all up there, and thought that they had actually were up already and were on the way back down. Someone, tho, found us from their group, and told us their story...ouch. We were all sad and angry to see that there was in fact a funicular that takes people to the top from the base...but, as I said, all of the work was worth it, and the veiws were incredible. We saw snow capped Alps in the background, and all of the surrounding cities.

Sunday was a final hooray - a bus trip to the "Bond DAM" (this was spelled...inappropriatly for like weeks...you people need to warn me!...great, now I have to change my rating to PG...) - in the beginning of Golden Eye, I believe, he bungees a damn, and that was this exact one - as well as various stops at waterfalls, and glacial water pools where people actually jumped in off of these tall rocks and bridges...Thuli and I were smart, however, and sat in the shade with ice cream...were rebels...
We finished out the day with an all school barbaque...kinda lame, but free food - I'm in!

Thats our orientation week in review. Any questions thus far? If I remember any fun and important things, I'll post those soon! Keep check back - I'll do this at least twice a week! Ciao for now!

Finally getting this started!

2007-08-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Switzerland! It's been about a week and a half since arriving, and already so much to say! I have met some pretty great people, some not so great, but overall quite an experience thus far. I will try to keep this this updated daily, so if you see I'm slacking, someone kindly remind me!

*** Side note to any sticklers for grammar and spelling....you are in the wrong place! Don't hate...just read! ***