Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Leavin' On a Jet Plane

"But if we learn to think of it as anticipation, as learning, as growing, if we think of the time we spend waiting for the big things of life as an opportunity instead of a passing of time, what wonderful horizons open out!" Anna Neagle

I hope these blogs aren't getting too dull/repetitive. The problem with waiting, is that you tend to wait for a long time without much real activity. The good stuff will be coming soon, though, because I'M ONE WEEK AWAY FROM DEPARTURE!

For all the time where waiting seemed to drag out forever, I'm now amazed that it's FINALLY almost time to go. If I had to pick one word to summarize my experience so far, that word would be growth. Although this process has been far from easy, it has been worth it. A Stephanie Gasior waiting patiently with composure for something huge and rationally handling change? Never thought I'd see the day. But, yet, here I am. I'd say that my bags are packed and I'm totally ready to go, but I haven't even started that yet. Some things never change, and apparently my hatred of packing is one of them. Who's going to be packing down to the last second? This girl. Still, life is good. Maybe even a little beyond that: life is fantastically awesome.

There are so many thoughts going through my mind right now that I am going to end this post right here. My mind is too much of a jumbled mess of excitement for anything else to make sense to anyone who isn't here right now. Thanks to all of you who've shown me so much support throughout this entire process, I am such a lucky girl to have so many incredible friends and family members. This journey has had ups and downs that have competed with the fiercest roller coaster, and you've all helped me to grow in patience, composure, and rationality. As the journey continues from Cameroon, I know that I've got the best cheering section anyone could ever ask for.

I love you all, and I'll see you on the flip side!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Two Weeks Left?

"A deadline is negative inspiration. Still, it's better than no inspiration at all." Rita Mae Brown

Two Weeks. Two weeks. Two weeks. Two weeks.

The pressure is on. With just two short weeks left of life in the US (at least for this chapter of my life,) I'm remembering just how much I love waiting til the last second to do everything. Problematic? Maybe a bit. Who says you can't master French, finish shopping for necessary supplies, pack up two years worth of stuff, say a million "see you later"s, and still have time left to spend with the family?Apparently, not me. Challenge accepted.

So, having just come back from a refreshing and beautiful trip to Oregon for my cousin's wedding, I am feeling empowered and ready for this next adventure to begin. The hardest part of the wait is over, and now I'm just overcome by adrenaline. Watching everyone move forward with their lives as they start their new jobs, new years of school, or entirely new schools these past few weeks has been exciting, but now it's my turn.

Wait up world, I'm coming--just let me finish out my packing first!