May 2004

May 10, 2004 - Four days to graduation!

"Wowsers

In two days my parents will be here, in four days I will walk across a stage signifying the completion of my education, and in five days... In five days I will say goodbye to some of the most awesome people I have ever met. Without a doubt, this will be the hardest part of my week. (that and not tripping in front of hundreds of people) I am trying to look to the future, to New Zealand and the wonderful adventures which await me, but I must also reconcile with my time here. I must say goodbye to this wonderful chapter in my life and close a scrapbook in my mind and heart, reserved for all the great memories which have been made.

I'm excited, sad, glad, anxious, anticipatory, happy, angry, nervous, and even relieved to be graduating. There was a time in my life when I had some doubts, I always swore I would continue until I graduated, but after being put on academic suspension at my first University I wasn't sure I'd be able to. Coming here gave me a new outlook and a new drive. This place, the people in it, and my family and friends are the reason I have succeeded. My supportive family and friends who were there for me all the way, who wanted nothing but my happiness, they are my support structure and I love them and appreciate them more than they know."

May 18, 2004

"I made it.

I walked across the stage without tripping and I shook the proper hands... I have officially "walked" in a college graduation ceremony. Now all that's left to get my diploma is to complete my student teaching - in NEW ZEALAND!

Woot! Woot!

I am settling into Aya's mom's house and enjoying the beautiful MN Spring. It sure beats TX!

I think my parents enjoyed their trip up north, except for mom getting so so sick :( She's decided to come back up in July though to help me move home. I'll get to show her all sorts of good stuff then!

I already miss my friends. The reality of leaving is settling in and bringing with it a pang of sadness. I know now why I focussed so much on having my parents come up. That gave me something to think about other than leaving so many people I care for. I made it through dorm check-outs, graduation, sick mother, graduation party, moving, and all sorts of other stresses and now... now I have nothing to do. I don't start work for another two weeks. I'm mostly settled into my new place (for only a month and a half) and I really don't have anything pressing. It's odd, but I long for something to do. It would keep my mind off of people and changing situations.

Don't get me wrong, I'm INCREDIBLY excited about going to NZ, it just seems a ways off and I'm so nervous about it. Anxious and nervous. Sad and happy. Yeesh. Throw almost every emotion possible into a pot and I've experienced it at some point during the past week.

Lots of changes in store."

May 28, 2004

"In other news, my mother is flying up here in July so she can drive back with me. She just couldn't stand the thought of her baby driving all the way back to TX by herself :)

I'm excited to show her around - since she didn't see ANYTHING when she was here for graduation :( Being sick suxors.

Ten weeks. 10 weeks... and I will be in New Zealand! It seems very unrealistic. Surely something will happen - I don't have my plane tickets yet - going today to do that. Perhaps they will decide they don't want me... Ugh I hate voicing/writing my fears. It makes them seem that much more likely to come true.

No. Deep inside I know this WILL happen, because it was meant to be. I have worked hard to get to this point in my life and many different choices I have made have led to this possibility. So it WILL happen. And I will have the time of my life and learn everything I can about teaching in those 14 weeks.

Now, I'm off to talk to a travel agent about plane tickets!"

Going to the travel agent proved to be an excellent idea - he got me better deals than I could have gotten on my own.

May 29, 2004

"Bought my plane tickets yesterday and I was floating on cloud nine the rest of the day... until 2am!

Sweeeeeeeet!"

Move on to JunE2004

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