12-25-10 (Colleyville, TX, USA)
It was a fairly slow Christmas this year, but for good reason. My time living abroad will probably cost more than I think since I am not used to exchange fees and rates. I am extremely grateful for the help my parents are giving me in funding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Christmas was not entirely without a few great presents however. I got a large bottle of Burberry Brit cologne as well as some pretty interesting ear-muffs that fit behind one's head instead of over it. My mom also found me a frame that would accommodate my UT ID card with Mack Brown's signature on it.
Tomorrow (Sunday the 26th) is the last day I have to get my luggage in order and make sure everything I need is packed. So far I have all of my dress shirts, ties, sweaters, t-shirts, underwear and shorts in one duffel bag. I plan on putting shoes (with socks stuffed inside), polos, and misc items into my other duffel tomorrow. My dad was kind enough to loan me his ultra-roomy laptop backpack, which is large enough to fit my computer gear, files, and school supplies (including extra batteries for the calculator.)
For those readers who have traveled oversees before, please feel free to make comments about what items you would pack or leave. Most of my stuff revolves around items of clothing so I'm trying to bring outfits that will work in layers for each weather season. I'll have two medium/large size duffel bags, one backpack, and one hang-up bag for my suits and sport coats.
Sitting down for Christmas dinner tonight reminded me of all the things I am leaving behind and all the people I am going to miss. It feels like my entire life has drastically been altered in a surprisingly short amount of time so I hope that I am mentally prepared to make the transition. A few weeks ago I was sitting on my couch with the woman I love, watching sci-fi on netflix and playing with my cats. Today I was still watching sci-fi, but Leroy (my youngest cat) was my only company. I can't help but think of the empty apartment in Norman, Oklahoma where I once had a pretty stable, comfortable life. Although I won't let the past get in the way of an amazing journey in Europe, I'll always look back fondly at my time in Oklahoma and always hope that parts of that life are not entirely gone forever.
Lastly, I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to leave my cat, Leroy, behind. He is pretty dependent on me and follows me around the house looking for attention. When I am not in his line of site, he tracks me down, howling to me to come find him. I'm glad he will be living with my parents and brother as well as our family cat, Koala. The two cats seem to be getting along pretty smoothly, despite Koala's old age and stubborn ways. Leroy has been very respectful of Koala's territory and has not tried to attack him. Koala has been good so far, with very minimal growling. I think he is actually more interested in going into my room when Leroy is out and about so that he (Koala) can eat Leroy's canned food.
Song(s) of the Day: Christmas music!
Dude, it's the capital of the fifth-largest economy in the world. If you forget anything you can pick it up at Walmart.
ReplyDeleteJust pack like you're going on a five-day business trip, and then fill the rest of the space with clothes that you want, and any personal items that can't be purchased.
"sarcasm" Yeah, my friend Alexandre told me that the French even have electricity and internet now. That will be a HUGE relief... "/sarcasm"
ReplyDelete