Three days before I go, and I’m definitely no more prepared.
I don’t have a host family, and for some reason I have not contacted anyone “”official” about the situation because: a) I inherently distrust beaurocratic/insitutional authorities and their ability to get anything done; b) there’s something sickly exciting about not knowing where or with whom I will live for six weeks; c) I’ve been busy/lazy, depending on your perspective.
We had a huge going-away/birthday party for my old roomie Tyler and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. Giant cooler of very potent and surprisingly delicious Jungle Juice, Bud light keg, beer pong, loud thumping dance music, candy-filled pinata, and a huge turn-out of people–friends, acquaintences, friends of friends. I was trying very hard to be a good hostess and handle my liquor, and I’d say I did a good job (although not immune to the day-after “wait, we did not makeout!” debates). A good time was had by all.
It was great seeing the people I’ve known and the friends I’ve accumulated in the last few years. In the bustle of it all I think I got a way with saying fewer goodbyes than I probably should have, but at least I got the hello and welcome part down pat.
I much prefer greetings. Who doesn’t? Goodbyes are a solumn endeavor, a sad moment of mutual recognition: this is it, at least for a while. You promise to stay in touch, to see each other, and maybe you will.
I tried not to overthink it, but blogging has a way of bringing out the emo in all of us. That was, in fact, my final hurrah in Bloomington, though, and I know it. Next year I’ll come back down to party, but it won’t be at my house, and a majority of my friends will have graduated. Such is a life, I suppose. We’re moving onto bigger and better things, or so they say.
Well I’m off to finish my last work-related project so I can get on with the real nitty-gritty of packing, etc. I have to pack for 5 months, but I’ll probably bouncing from place to place the first month so I can’t bring a fat suitcase. But a backpack?
Decisions. Decsions.
