Let's Rewind.
So I have not posted in a long while, because well...I have been very busy. For four weeks after my Euro-trip, I resided in the city of Lyon, France. I was there attempting to expand ma vocabulaire francaise. While I slightly succeeded in improving upon my foreign language skills, most of the time I spent reflecting upon my last 7 months abroad, and figuring out what matters most in life. For all the other girls (17!!) I was in France with, it was just the beginning of their abroad adventure. But for me, it was my last hurrah.
In truth, I was all partied out. I was sick of the mind-numbing euro-techno always playing at bars and clubs. I was not phased by the weird cultural differences that the other american girls seemed to notice. I was annoyed, not even offended, when a disgusting street man would grab at me or make lewd remarks. I was even just relying on my survival instincts when some drunk man pointed who-knows-what at me and my friends on the street.
In short, I was exhausted.
All that aside, France was a wonderful experience. I met some wonderful people while in Lyon (and now have friends in Germany, Australia, China and Taiwan....and West Virginia...which I also believe is a different country). I found much time for myself, and also marveled at the beautiful things France had to offer (The basilica in Lyon very well could be the most amazing structure on earth).
After Lyon, we had a wild week in Paris, which to me went by in the blink of an eye.
And then...that was it.
I got on a BO filled plane..and went back to the United States of America. I sat next to a Dutch Family, behind a Turkish Family, across from some French and in front of my American counterparts, and I thought...ya this seems right.
I got off the plane, and saw my amazing boyfriend waiting there for me (God his hair got long!). We embraced, gazed into each others eyes after what seemed like a lifetime apart, and I whispered ever so gently in his ear, "I reek of BO...I gotta go to the bathroom"
We made our way immediately down to Cape Cod, where part of the Gallagher Clan was residing. I saw Mom and Mary, and after spending a relaxing weekend on the beach, I saw Dad, Frankie and Danny. I didn't see my car...I was then informed that my family had crashed it in my absence...no surprise there.
So I went from living this exciting, jet-setting adventurous life...to living at home with my parents, with no car, no job, and loan payments piling up. Woot!
But if there is one thing I learned from all these travels, its to appreciate the things you have. When I heard Danny crashed my car, I was of course upset, but I was also just happy he was OK. The Annie from over a year ago wouldn't have been so quick to think that way. When I got home and looked in my closet, I realized I had so much stuff I just didn't need. The Annie from over a year ago would have thought I needed to go shopping for something new. When I come home, I know I have a place to stay and food to eat, and family and friends who care about me...the Annie from over a year ago would have immediately been looking to move away again.
Don't get me wrong, I am still the exact same person. Not a whole lot has changed, except some outlooks on life. And now, life begins. I am actually going to be a real person. I am done for a while with classes, and grades, and other social college nonsense.
So I am going to do what I do best and make it all work...but I will definitely be keeping you posted!
And if you know if anyone is hiring.......
Peace
G
