Please note that I was too tired to finish writing my
blog last night, but I thought my first few lines were funny and too true to
not include. Enjoy!
It’s late. Not an “Oh, I should probably go to bed” late. It’s more of a “I’m tired but since I’m a social butterfly the only time I can get things done is when everyone else is asleep,” kind of late. I can’t believe how fast the past two weeks have gone! Since finishing finals, I’ve felt like I’m in a perpetual state of movement. I’ve easily driven over 1,000 miles visiting friends and family. The amount of money I’ve spent on breakfast/lunch/dinner and midnight food runs is about as difficult to swallow as a cold BigMac. And I don’t remember when I was in bed and asleep by midnight. But with everything said and done, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The holiday celebrations and amazing conversations have been worth every penny and second. I’m so thankful for all the support I have going into this adventure.
By some miracle (and it is nothing short of a miracle) I am fully packed! This never happens. I’m the girl who will need to leave in an hour for a 5 day trip and then run out the door fifteen minutes late with two bags cause she “Just couldn’t decide.” I have all my clothes, toiletries, and other things packed away in my two suitcases and carryon. It was a good thing that no one was at the apartment Friday because I took over the living room. Seriously, I just kept standing in the middle feeling overwhelmed with all my things and my future. Don’t worry, no crying was done. I keep fearing that I won’t have something to wear to the clubs or to a special occasion, but I’m trying to let it go. I’ll make friends, right? They’ll take me under their wing, right? This is really where the social butterfly thing comes into play. My dad has always said I could be best friends with a rock. I can only imagine trying to charm a rock in Quito with my Spanish abilities. Surely, it will be done, and hopefully, someone will look at my humility and decide enough is enough and give me help. If not, I’ve never minded looking like a fool. I’m not trying to impress anyone either.
It’s late. Not an “Oh, I should probably go to bed” late. It’s more of a “I’m tired but since I’m a social butterfly the only time I can get things done is when everyone else is asleep,” kind of late. I can’t believe how fast the past two weeks have gone! Since finishing finals, I’ve felt like I’m in a perpetual state of movement. I’ve easily driven over 1,000 miles visiting friends and family. The amount of money I’ve spent on breakfast/lunch/dinner and midnight food runs is about as difficult to swallow as a cold BigMac. And I don’t remember when I was in bed and asleep by midnight. But with everything said and done, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The holiday celebrations and amazing conversations have been worth every penny and second. I’m so thankful for all the support I have going into this adventure.
By some miracle (and it is nothing short of a miracle) I am fully packed! This never happens. I’m the girl who will need to leave in an hour for a 5 day trip and then run out the door fifteen minutes late with two bags cause she “Just couldn’t decide.” I have all my clothes, toiletries, and other things packed away in my two suitcases and carryon. It was a good thing that no one was at the apartment Friday because I took over the living room. Seriously, I just kept standing in the middle feeling overwhelmed with all my things and my future. Don’t worry, no crying was done. I keep fearing that I won’t have something to wear to the clubs or to a special occasion, but I’m trying to let it go. I’ll make friends, right? They’ll take me under their wing, right? This is really where the social butterfly thing comes into play. My dad has always said I could be best friends with a rock. I can only imagine trying to charm a rock in Quito with my Spanish abilities. Surely, it will be done, and hopefully, someone will look at my humility and decide enough is enough and give me help. If not, I’ve never minded looking like a fool. I’m not trying to impress anyone either.
For those of you who don’t know my schedule, here are some
details. My flight leaves at noon from Indianapolis on January 1st.
I’ll spend a few hours in Atlanta before catching my flight to Quito. I’ll land
around 11:20p.m., meet up with my director, then take a bus to a hostel. After
some sleep, lots of water, and probably a few aspirin (the altitude is really
high and can cause a lot of trouble if you don’t take care of yourself) I’ll
begin my 3 day orientation. On the third day, I will meet my host family and go
home with them! I haven’t spent more than a week with any parental figure for
years so this will definitely be a change. In each family there is at least one
person who speaks English. I hear it’s more like Spanglish, but who am I to
judge? Classes start January 9th so I’ll have some time to acclimate
myself to the area and culture before jumping into the academic portion of the
journey.
Speaking of acclimating, I’m going to do my best to stay away from social media for the first few weeks. Yes, I love you. And yes, I’m still alive. This is not an attempt to give anyone heart attacks or cut someone out of my life. I know I can all too easily get caught up in the twitter/facebook/snapchat sphere if I allow myself. I really need the first few weeks to settle in and build a life in Quito. If I don’t, the next few months will be really hard. Don’t worry, I’ll still post on my blog so check in every week or so and try to keep up ;)
And yes, I will post as soon as I can that I have arrived safe and sound in Quito but I’ll get to the hostel at 1:30 so please don’t hold your breath!
I don’t know what more to say but thank you to all my friends and family. It will be said many times, but it is sincere. I’m leaving some truly wonderful people but I’m excited to share my adventures and conquests! I love you all! And I’m excited that my next post will be from Ecuador!!
With peace and love,
Trinity Ann
Speaking of acclimating, I’m going to do my best to stay away from social media for the first few weeks. Yes, I love you. And yes, I’m still alive. This is not an attempt to give anyone heart attacks or cut someone out of my life. I know I can all too easily get caught up in the twitter/facebook/snapchat sphere if I allow myself. I really need the first few weeks to settle in and build a life in Quito. If I don’t, the next few months will be really hard. Don’t worry, I’ll still post on my blog so check in every week or so and try to keep up ;)
And yes, I will post as soon as I can that I have arrived safe and sound in Quito but I’ll get to the hostel at 1:30 so please don’t hold your breath!
I don’t know what more to say but thank you to all my friends and family. It will be said many times, but it is sincere. I’m leaving some truly wonderful people but I’m excited to share my adventures and conquests! I love you all! And I’m excited that my next post will be from Ecuador!!
With peace and love,
Trinity Ann
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