Today was my last day of work. From now until I return to the US next year, I will not have an official job. It's kind of weird for me to think about. I've had a job since I was 14 (the earliest age one can hold a job here). So, I've basically had a job for almost four years. A year without one will be kind of cool, but strange at the same time. I think what's weirder, though, is that I will be spending money without saving any. Since I've had a job, I've basically been saving it. First was for a two-week school trip to Germany. Because of my level of German class and then the fact that the trip was discontinued, I was never able to go. Then I saved for a 4-week German language camp. However, I didn't get the scholarship I applied for, and so that was never done. Lastly, I was saving for exchange. I've basically been saving for exchange since last year. So, it will be interesting to see how handle myself (don't worry, I don't plan on spending like crazy!).
Also to do with my last day of work, I said goodbye to some people I probably won't see again until next year (if ever again). I wouldn't consider myself close to these people, but most goodbyes involve a bit of sadness -- if only the sadness of losing something familiar. I'm just glad I've got a few weeks until I have to say goodbye to a lot of people who I will truly miss. That's not going to be a fun experience, to say the least...
Anyway, here's my list for July!
July:
•2nd I'm going to see a movie with my aunt and uncle this day. It should be fun!
•4th Independence Day - Basically, it will be a time of celebration, hanging out with friends, taking lots of pictures, watching a fireworks show and just generally having a good time! Needless to say, I'm looking forward to it!
•15th The final Harry Potter movie comes out! I'll be seeing it with my brother and one of my best friends. I feel like I'm repeating myself too much, but it should be fun!
•16th My going away party is this day. I know it will be sad, but I think it will be fun regardless. Let's hope people don't get too emotional!
•19th The day I fly out to DC. I have a 40-minute layover in Atlanta. Hopefully that will be enough time!
•20th Is the day of my orientation (or at least one of them). I'm not sure what the orientation will be like, but I'll be meeting other CBYX exchange students. So, that will be awesome!
•21st The day we CBYXers fly out to Germany! I can't wait for this day!
•22nd The day I start my Orientation and Language Camp (which will last until August 20th). Again, I'll be spending time with exchangers while learning German! Other than that, I'll be getting a small taste of life in an area of Germany different from where I'll be spending my year. I think that's going to be awesome to be able to get to experience two different parts! Plus, I'll have a couple of long train rides to take in the awesome German scenery!
So, that's all I have to share that's exchange related!
Bis später!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Ice Cream, Packing, Paper Chains and Goodbyes
Well, that's it. I've just gotten home from my last outing with my amazing Danish friend, Louise. We went to get some ice cream (Well, it's actually frozen custard, and yes, there is a difference. Frozen custard is so much better, and if you haven't had it, consider yourself deprived!) from a local eatery. It's kind of ironic that the last thing we did together was also one of the first things we did together. She has honestly become one of my best friends. It's amazing to think that I found someone who is so similar to me and who I get along with so well, and she's from halfway around the globe. What are the odds we'd have ever met under other circumstances? I think the only thing that's keeping me from being too sad about saying goodbye is that I might get to visit her while I'm in Germany. My fingers are crossed that it works out!
My paper chain that's counting down the days is getting so short! There are only 22 links left. It seems like only yesterday the chain was so long it wrapped around my bed, across the wall, and still had a lot dangling from the end! I'm so happy I have such an early departure!
Tomorrow marks my three-week point. Three weeks from tomorrow, I will be on my way to Washington, DC for the CBYX orientation. I'm really excited to meet up with the other CBYXers! I can't wait to find out who among those of us who were at my PDO have also gotten the scholarship (I'm still kicking myself for not being better at remembering names!). From there, it's off to my language camp in Bad Lobenstein with 9 other Americans. I'm so looking forward to meeting the other exchangers!
Tomorrow, I think I'm going to start doing a bit of packing. I want to make sure everything will fit. Plus, I want to see exactly how much I'm planning on packing. I'm going to pack everything I know I want to bring with me. Things I will probably still need to use will stay unpacked. I figure this will give me plenty of time to figure out just what I really need to bring, and how I'm going to arrange it and make it all fit. It should be fun!
Also, Louise made the comment today that this will probably be the shortest summer of my life. The Orientation and Language Camp will be basically like school. I'll have 4 hours of language training and 2 hours of orientation trainging, Monday through Friday. So, basically, I start school again on July 22nd (or maybe the 23rd, I'm not too sure how that will work out).
So, yeah, that's basically all I have to say for now. Soon, I'll be making my July "List of Events." It will be the last one before I start my adventure!
Bis später!
My paper chain that's counting down the days is getting so short! There are only 22 links left. It seems like only yesterday the chain was so long it wrapped around my bed, across the wall, and still had a lot dangling from the end! I'm so happy I have such an early departure!
Tomorrow marks my three-week point. Three weeks from tomorrow, I will be on my way to Washington, DC for the CBYX orientation. I'm really excited to meet up with the other CBYXers! I can't wait to find out who among those of us who were at my PDO have also gotten the scholarship (I'm still kicking myself for not being better at remembering names!). From there, it's off to my language camp in Bad Lobenstein with 9 other Americans. I'm so looking forward to meeting the other exchangers!
Tomorrow, I think I'm going to start doing a bit of packing. I want to make sure everything will fit. Plus, I want to see exactly how much I'm planning on packing. I'm going to pack everything I know I want to bring with me. Things I will probably still need to use will stay unpacked. I figure this will give me plenty of time to figure out just what I really need to bring, and how I'm going to arrange it and make it all fit. It should be fun!
Also, Louise made the comment today that this will probably be the shortest summer of my life. The Orientation and Language Camp will be basically like school. I'll have 4 hours of language training and 2 hours of orientation trainging, Monday through Friday. So, basically, I start school again on July 22nd (or maybe the 23rd, I'm not too sure how that will work out).
So, yeah, that's basically all I have to say for now. Soon, I'll be making my July "List of Events." It will be the last one before I start my adventure!
Bis später!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Really Real
I know I've posted at least once or twice about how my excitement/anxiety about exchange comes and goes. Well, tonight I had another moment when this crazy adventure felt really real.
I was sitting with my laptop, waiting for a game demo to finish downloading and I got to thinking, "Wow, I've been out of school for almost a month!" (Yes, I realize the real month marker isn't until July 8th, but that didn't matter in that moment.) Then I realized there are only two weeks past that marker until I'm in Germany. Two weeks after that marker I'll be living with a new family. I'll be surrounded by a new language. I'll be meeting new people and potentially making life-long friends. I'll be the farthest from home I've ever been. I'll be away from everyone and everything that's familiar and that make this place my home.
It will be hard. There may be times where I ask myself why I signed up for this in the first place. However, I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Okay, enough of that serious talk that I've already been over. Let's talk about something that might be a bit serious, too, but not quite so heavy.
I was talking with some fellow CBYX exchangers on Facebook. We were talking about our flights to DC (which airports we have layovers in, when those layovers are, etc). I found out that with my 37 minute layover in the Atlanta airport, I might be cutting things a little close. However, I should be able to give them a call and find out whether or not my flights are in the same terminal. Hopefully, they are and then all I'll need to cross my fingers for is that I won't have to deal with any delays!
Bis später!
I was sitting with my laptop, waiting for a game demo to finish downloading and I got to thinking, "Wow, I've been out of school for almost a month!" (Yes, I realize the real month marker isn't until July 8th, but that didn't matter in that moment.) Then I realized there are only two weeks past that marker until I'm in Germany. Two weeks after that marker I'll be living with a new family. I'll be surrounded by a new language. I'll be meeting new people and potentially making life-long friends. I'll be the farthest from home I've ever been. I'll be away from everyone and everything that's familiar and that make this place my home.
It will be hard. There may be times where I ask myself why I signed up for this in the first place. However, I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Okay, enough of that serious talk that I've already been over. Let's talk about something that might be a bit serious, too, but not quite so heavy.
I was talking with some fellow CBYX exchangers on Facebook. We were talking about our flights to DC (which airports we have layovers in, when those layovers are, etc). I found out that with my 37 minute layover in the Atlanta airport, I might be cutting things a little close. However, I should be able to give them a call and find out whether or not my flights are in the same terminal. Hopefully, they are and then all I'll need to cross my fingers for is that I won't have to deal with any delays!
Bis später!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Fireflies
Tonight, on my way home from work, I noticed a few small, yellowish lights blinking off to the side of the road. For the first time this summer, I saw my favorite insect (yes, I have a favorite insect): fireflies. Something about their little glowing rears that just makes me feel like a kid. Every summer, I look forward to the nights when I can go outside at night and do some firefly hunting. It's kind of a tradition for me, I guess.
Well, after I caught (and released, of course) a couple of my glowing little friends, I sat on my driveway and just watched the light show happening across the road. It was beautiful. I know it's been said many times before, but it truly is something beautiful to watch. If not for the mosquitoes, I could honestly sit there and watch them for hours.
You know what they say about roses? Well, I think the same is true about fireflies. A firefly by any other name looks just as pretty, and let me just say that I'm glad there are Leuchtkäfer in Germany.
Bis später!
Well, after I caught (and released, of course) a couple of my glowing little friends, I sat on my driveway and just watched the light show happening across the road. It was beautiful. I know it's been said many times before, but it truly is something beautiful to watch. If not for the mosquitoes, I could honestly sit there and watch them for hours.
You know what they say about roses? Well, I think the same is true about fireflies. A firefly by any other name looks just as pretty, and let me just say that I'm glad there are Leuchtkäfer in Germany.
Bis später!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Good and the Bad of Previous/Current Exchangers' Blogs
Yes, I realize that's an obnoxiously long title, but that's unimportant. Yes, I realize this is my second post today, but I feel this is something good to share. Anyway, on to the point of this post.
Reading the blogs of current exchange students (inbounds) is often fun and interesting. They help give a bit of insight into what it's like to be an exchange student. The blogs sometimes let you know some useful tips about applications, packing and interviews. You usually get to read great stories and see awesome pictures. You can often also learn a bit about another country through the experiences of another. All those things are great and are what make reading blogs fun. They give you good emotions when thinking about exchange. However, reading inbounders' blogs can also leave you with... not-so-good feelings.
Right now, it's that time when inbounds are preparing to leave their host countries. They're having to say "goodbye" once again. That in itself is sad, but when you really think about it, it's even sadder. Sure, it sucked leaving their family, friends, home and life in their home countries, but they knew they would be back in a year's time. When they're saying "goodbye" now, they have no idea when they'll get to return to what is for many a second home. Some don't know if they will even ever be able to return. They're having to say their goodbyes knowing full well they can never relive that year. Sure, they can come back, but it will never be the same. They'll never again have the opportunity to live as an exchange student. It will never be the same experience.
It's at this time that I hate to read blogs. The inbounds are reminicing about their years. They're making lists of things they'll miss. They're talking about how much they wish they could stay; wish they could relive this year. It makes me think about how that's going to be me in a year's time. It's something I'm not at all looking forward to. If I wasn't confident that my exchange year will be worth the pain at the end, such a realization would almost be enough to make me doubt my resolve to go through with this. However, I am confident. I know this year will be amazing. It will be worth any pain, any hardships I'll face. But I also know that it's up to me to make it so. I'm the one who has to make this next year amazing. I know I can do it. I will do it. No doubt about it.
Bis später
Reading the blogs of current exchange students (inbounds) is often fun and interesting. They help give a bit of insight into what it's like to be an exchange student. The blogs sometimes let you know some useful tips about applications, packing and interviews. You usually get to read great stories and see awesome pictures. You can often also learn a bit about another country through the experiences of another. All those things are great and are what make reading blogs fun. They give you good emotions when thinking about exchange. However, reading inbounders' blogs can also leave you with... not-so-good feelings.
Right now, it's that time when inbounds are preparing to leave their host countries. They're having to say "goodbye" once again. That in itself is sad, but when you really think about it, it's even sadder. Sure, it sucked leaving their family, friends, home and life in their home countries, but they knew they would be back in a year's time. When they're saying "goodbye" now, they have no idea when they'll get to return to what is for many a second home. Some don't know if they will even ever be able to return. They're having to say their goodbyes knowing full well they can never relive that year. Sure, they can come back, but it will never be the same. They'll never again have the opportunity to live as an exchange student. It will never be the same experience.
It's at this time that I hate to read blogs. The inbounds are reminicing about their years. They're making lists of things they'll miss. They're talking about how much they wish they could stay; wish they could relive this year. It makes me think about how that's going to be me in a year's time. It's something I'm not at all looking forward to. If I wasn't confident that my exchange year will be worth the pain at the end, such a realization would almost be enough to make me doubt my resolve to go through with this. However, I am confident. I know this year will be amazing. It will be worth any pain, any hardships I'll face. But I also know that it's up to me to make it so. I'm the one who has to make this next year amazing. I know I can do it. I will do it. No doubt about it.
Bis später
Cookout with the Danes
Before I get to talking about my evening with the Danes, I want to say that I feel kind of proud of myself. Yesterday, I went to the bank, alone, deposited some checks (I've done this quite frequently, though), and actually asked the teller about getting some euros and some card questions. Then I actually made an order for euros! I did that alone, by myself, without my mommmy there to ask the questions or do the talking for me! I know, I know. You're probably thinking, "Wow... Uhm, why is she that proud of doing that? I've been doing stuff like that since I was 12!" Yeah, well, I haven't. So, anything that points to me being a little more confident/independent makes me a bit proud of myself! All right, enough about that. I'll get to the cookout, now.
First of all, let me again say how awesome I think Louise's (my Danish friend) parents are! They are so nice and I think they helped my parents feel more comfortable about allowing me to actually go through with this crazy exchange thing. Also, I'm glad my family managed to behave themselves and not embarass me too much. I'm proud of them for keeping themselves in check (only joking, of course!). Our two families seemed to get along really well, and I'm happy for that.
My parents and I took Louise and her family on a tour of Dheinsville settlement (the place where my ancestors settled generations ago). It was cool to be able to show them a bit of the history of not only my family, but of our town, too. Louise's family seemed to really enjoy looking at all the old artifacts and learning a bit of the history of this small town. I'm glad we were able to share that with them!
After they had left, I realized I noticed maybe a bit of a foreshadowing of myself in Louise's brother. He's 13, and has had only a few years of English language instruction. He was pretty shy and didn't say much. I think a lot of that has to do with the language barrier. He understands much of what's said, but he's just not comfortable enough with English to really get into conversations. I think that's going to be a lot like me, in the beginning. Right now, I'd say I can figure out most of what I read. When people talk slowly and clearly about a topic I'm somewhat familiar with, I can There have been a few times when people here randomly say something to me in German. It always catches me so off-guard that I'm lucky if I reply with something remotely correct! I'm sure that will pass eventually, but I found it just a little interesting to think I'm going to basically be a little kid for a while. Hopefully, that doesn't get too frustrating!
Overall, yesterday was awesome! I only wish the cookout would have lasted a little longer. However, my parents had to work today. So, they needed to get to bed early. However, I'm glad our families got to spend some time together. Hopefully, now my parents won't have any worries about letting me visit them once I'm in Germany!
Bis später!
First of all, let me again say how awesome I think Louise's (my Danish friend) parents are! They are so nice and I think they helped my parents feel more comfortable about allowing me to actually go through with this crazy exchange thing. Also, I'm glad my family managed to behave themselves and not embarass me too much. I'm proud of them for keeping themselves in check (only joking, of course!). Our two families seemed to get along really well, and I'm happy for that.
My parents and I took Louise and her family on a tour of Dheinsville settlement (the place where my ancestors settled generations ago). It was cool to be able to show them a bit of the history of not only my family, but of our town, too. Louise's family seemed to really enjoy looking at all the old artifacts and learning a bit of the history of this small town. I'm glad we were able to share that with them!
After they had left, I realized I noticed maybe a bit of a foreshadowing of myself in Louise's brother. He's 13, and has had only a few years of English language instruction. He was pretty shy and didn't say much. I think a lot of that has to do with the language barrier. He understands much of what's said, but he's just not comfortable enough with English to really get into conversations. I think that's going to be a lot like me, in the beginning. Right now, I'd say I can figure out most of what I read. When people talk slowly and clearly about a topic I'm somewhat familiar with, I can There have been a few times when people here randomly say something to me in German. It always catches me so off-guard that I'm lucky if I reply with something remotely correct! I'm sure that will pass eventually, but I found it just a little interesting to think I'm going to basically be a little kid for a while. Hopefully, that doesn't get too frustrating!
Overall, yesterday was awesome! I only wish the cookout would have lasted a little longer. However, my parents had to work today. So, they needed to get to bed early. However, I'm glad our families got to spend some time together. Hopefully, now my parents won't have any worries about letting me visit them once I'm in Germany!
Bis später!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Fun Times!
Yesterday was pretty fun! I met my Danish friend's family. They seem like really nice people. It would be nice to visit them sometime during my exchange!
Of course, my friend had other, mutual friends there. We played card games, talked and just had a good time. Later on, those of us who were still there played Wii games with my friend's mom and brother. It was kind of fun to watch her mom... struggle to play some of the games (only because I know my own mom wouldn't have done any better!). After a few rounds of Wii games, I had to leave to go to my brother's graduation party.
This party was pretty fun, too. It was nice seeing some relatives and family friends I hadn't seen in a while. I talked a bit about my exchange and my going away party. I ate some good food and went out on the pond in a paddle boat with my mom (it was a bit of an adventure!). I left before dark and had a relaxing evening at home.
In all, a great day. Tomorrow, my Danish friend and her family are coming over for an "American" cook out. Hopefully, the weather stays nice and we all have a good time!
Bis später!
Of course, my friend had other, mutual friends there. We played card games, talked and just had a good time. Later on, those of us who were still there played Wii games with my friend's mom and brother. It was kind of fun to watch her mom... struggle to play some of the games (only because I know my own mom wouldn't have done any better!). After a few rounds of Wii games, I had to leave to go to my brother's graduation party.
This party was pretty fun, too. It was nice seeing some relatives and family friends I hadn't seen in a while. I talked a bit about my exchange and my going away party. I ate some good food and went out on the pond in a paddle boat with my mom (it was a bit of an adventure!). I left before dark and had a relaxing evening at home.
In all, a great day. Tomorrow, my Danish friend and her family are coming over for an "American" cook out. Hopefully, the weather stays nice and we all have a good time!
Bis später!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Another Chapter is Closed
Well, that's it. It's over. I've taken my last exam of the year. I'm no longer a junior. I'm now a senior. I am officially done with American high school.
It's weird to think I will never again see a lot of the people I've gone to school with for the past three years (some even more than that). It's kind of sad. I know a lot of the seniors of this year are feeling the same way, but not too many of my classmates are. It's kind of sad to think that I'm alone in feeling this way.
However, the ending of this chapter in my life is just the beginning of another. This coming chapter, of course, is my exchange. I know it's going to be one of the greatest experiences of my life (I've been told so over and over). Even though I'm totally excited and impatient for that first flight to DC, I know these next 40 days aren't going to last long. I know I need to make the most of the time I have left here in America. I want to make some really good memories of my family, friends, and life here. And I plan to do just that. Summer, here I come!
Also, I thought it would be a good time to do another of my lists.
June:
•11th - My brother's college graduation party. Also, I'm going over to my Danish friend's house to meet her biological family and to just hang out for a few hours before my brother's party. Should be a fun day!
•23rd - My other brother's birthday. I don't know if we'll be doing anything big for that, but I figured I should include it.
•28th - The day my Danish friend leaves. She's going to have a going away/birthday party a few days before she goes.
•30th - The last day I can be scheduled for work. After that, I won't have to work for a whole year!
•Also, sometime before the 21st, my family might be hosting a small get-together with my Danish friend and her family.
July:
•4th - Independence Day. There's going to be a parade, a festival of sorts and a fireworks display. I'm planning on taking a ton of pictures. I think they will be fun to share with my host families.
•15th - Final part of the Harry Potter series comes to theaters. I'll be seeing that with the older of my brothers. It will be fun to see it in English and then have the potential to see it in German (one of my hostsisters in my temporary family seems to like Harry Potter, but I don't want to think anything is definitive).
•16th - My going away party. I'm going to invite all my relatives and the friends I consider my closest. I plan to have a late-night bonfire for just my friends and they can stay as late as they want.
•19th - The actual day I fly out to DC. My flight leaves at 6 AM and will get to DC at about 11:30. There is a half-hour layover in Atlanta. I'll be flying alone. It's kind of scary, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
•20th - Some kind of orientation with my fellow CBYXers. I'm sure it will be awesome!
•21st - I say "goodbye" to America and "hello" to Germany!
That's it! That's all I have left until I finally get to Germany! I'm so excited!
Bis später!
It's weird to think I will never again see a lot of the people I've gone to school with for the past three years (some even more than that). It's kind of sad. I know a lot of the seniors of this year are feeling the same way, but not too many of my classmates are. It's kind of sad to think that I'm alone in feeling this way.
However, the ending of this chapter in my life is just the beginning of another. This coming chapter, of course, is my exchange. I know it's going to be one of the greatest experiences of my life (I've been told so over and over). Even though I'm totally excited and impatient for that first flight to DC, I know these next 40 days aren't going to last long. I know I need to make the most of the time I have left here in America. I want to make some really good memories of my family, friends, and life here. And I plan to do just that. Summer, here I come!
Also, I thought it would be a good time to do another of my lists.
June:
•11th - My brother's college graduation party. Also, I'm going over to my Danish friend's house to meet her biological family and to just hang out for a few hours before my brother's party. Should be a fun day!
•23rd - My other brother's birthday. I don't know if we'll be doing anything big for that, but I figured I should include it.
•28th - The day my Danish friend leaves. She's going to have a going away/birthday party a few days before she goes.
•30th - The last day I can be scheduled for work. After that, I won't have to work for a whole year!
•Also, sometime before the 21st, my family might be hosting a small get-together with my Danish friend and her family.
July:
•4th - Independence Day. There's going to be a parade, a festival of sorts and a fireworks display. I'm planning on taking a ton of pictures. I think they will be fun to share with my host families.
•15th - Final part of the Harry Potter series comes to theaters. I'll be seeing that with the older of my brothers. It will be fun to see it in English and then have the potential to see it in German (one of my hostsisters in my temporary family seems to like Harry Potter, but I don't want to think anything is definitive).
•16th - My going away party. I'm going to invite all my relatives and the friends I consider my closest. I plan to have a late-night bonfire for just my friends and they can stay as late as they want.
•19th - The actual day I fly out to DC. My flight leaves at 6 AM and will get to DC at about 11:30. There is a half-hour layover in Atlanta. I'll be flying alone. It's kind of scary, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
•20th - Some kind of orientation with my fellow CBYXers. I'm sure it will be awesome!
•21st - I say "goodbye" to America and "hello" to Germany!
That's it! That's all I have left until I finally get to Germany! I'm so excited!
Bis später!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Word from Hostfamilies!
I got an email from my long-term host family today! They sent me a bunch of pictures of their home and town. One showed my hostbrother holding an American flag from the window of my future bedroom! How cool/sweet! And most of the pictures had Akim, the family dalmation in them. He looks so sweet! Also, my hostmom said she's already talked to teachers at my school about getting me into an art class. That's touching that she's taking such an interest in my art like that! These people are seeming more and more awesome to me!
And I've been talking back and forth with the younger of my two short-term hostsisters. She's going to be in Canada for a few weeks, and she'll get back about five days after I arrive at her parents' home. It's kind of ironic that she hasn't been that far from home or flown, and neither have I! She also gave me her parents' email address, but they're on a trip. So, hopefully I'll hear from them soon!
I love hearing from my hostfamilies!
Bis später!
And I've been talking back and forth with the younger of my two short-term hostsisters. She's going to be in Canada for a few weeks, and she'll get back about five days after I arrive at her parents' home. It's kind of ironic that she hasn't been that far from home or flown, and neither have I! She also gave me her parents' email address, but they're on a trip. So, hopefully I'll hear from them soon!
I love hearing from my hostfamilies!
Bis später!
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