Preparation Week EEKKK!!

I can't believe this week has already arrived. I feel like it was just yesterday that one of my best friends and I were bored walking around SLU and stumbled upon the 'Study Abroad' office and found this pamphlet about studying in Australia. Of course, initially we were joking about it and thought of all the possibilities about us leaving our families and friends for four months to travel half way around the world, never did we ever think this wishful thinking would soon become a reality.


Tonight as I sit in my room I attempt to pack and organize all my belonging that I wish to take with me I thought that this would be the perfect time to write my first post. Today my boyfriend (Alec) and I thought we would spend the day hanging out and getting some last minute items that I would need. We first went to his aunt and uncles house to hang out with his little cousins (Dawson, Sydney, and Ryan) whom we enjoyed talking with and picking out colors for Sydney's room. As I was leaving there it finally hit me that I need to start preparing to say my good-byes to all those who I will miss dearly. We then went to Fairview Heights to do our last minute shopping (and when I say our I mean MY).  Fortunately for us we made it back to Breese just in time to have dinner with Alec's parents (Jeff & Michelle) and grandparents (Turk &Barb) at Knotty Pine. Throughout our dinner talk I realized just how much I'm going to miss even the small things about home; such as, knowing half the people in a restaurant. 


Today was the start of saying my good-byes. It was sad of course, but made me so excited for what I have to prepare myself for the rest of the week and months to follow; it also made me realize how many people I truly care about and how many I will miss. Alec's family has been more than accepting of me for the past two years. They have all made me feel like part of their family and I will miss them all dearly. As I was pulling away from Alec's house my eyes started to tear up after saying good-bye to his mom and dad; not only because I wouldn't see them for four months, but also because I knew Alec was sad he was also saying good-bye to his parents to return to school. However, I then had to tell myself: "Everything will be ok, they will be here when I get back and I need to fully enjoy this experience". A phrase that I think I will be saying a lot over the next week. 


Right now I am 'skyping' (online webcam) with Alec and hanging out with my younger brother and sister. I am reflecting on what they have all taught me. My older brother DJ, who although I don't know if he will ever move out of Bartleso/Breese he has always taught me to stand up for myself and make every situation presented to me enjoyable and I think with that advice he has shaped me to become the person that I am. My younger brother Joey, without a doubt is one of the most caring people I have ever met, although to many people he seems quite he has always shown me the love and care that my family has for each other and that is something I will take to Australia with me and remind myself each day. Of course Julie she is my best friend without her making me laugh everyday and being there for me I don't know what I would do, she has taught me to never give up and she motivates me to be all I can be in hopes that she will look up to me. I can't forget Alec, who has been with me for the past 2 and half years, although he might not be thrilled me "leaving him" for 4 months, he has always been there to tell me that it will be a remarkable experience and has always supported me with most of the decisions I make.  My parents of course are my inspiration for this, my mom didn't think I would ever do this and my dad is pretty nervous about the experience. However, I hope to show them that I can do this and I am an independent girl who can live on her own for four months.  They have taught me everything I know up into this point in my life and I know from their daily lesson it will help me be successful while I'm away.

Traveling to Australia of course is going to be hard to say good-bye to all my family and friends in my small hometown of Breese, IL. However, I realize that four months from now I will return to one of the greatest places that will always be important to me; my home in Clinton County. But right now I have to continue with my adventurous personality and do a thing that many people don't think I can; and that is travel across the world out of my comfort zone to a whole new place. I would like to thank of course my family for making this possible. With all the lessons that my family and friends have taught me I will embark on the next journey of my life, and I can ensure you it will be one that I never forget. Just remember "Life's a dance, and you learn as you go"...this quote is from a country song and it's a quote that I hope to remind myself of daily especially when I am struggling away from my parents.

Well I better get back to packing!!! I hope to update this every other day so check and feel free to leave feedback!

G' nighttt!! SEEE yaaa (thought Lily and Molly would enjoy that )