I know, I know… I’m posting again before departure. I’m going to change the name of my blog to “An American Girl Dreaming of Athens” since none of my recent adventures actually take place there. But I did want to put up some pictures from my mom’s going away party that she threw for me on Sunday.
I drove up to my dad’s house on Monday and did a little dinner, too. On the way I stopped at CMC, but I didn’t stay long. I was afraid going there was going to make me regret my study abroad decision, but surprisingly, it only confirmed it. As much as I love CMC, it would have been so boring just to go back…
I’ve typically been very excited, but last night, I had another minor panic. My mom provided an insightful analysis. As she pointed out, the day of departure is drawing closer and closer, but I’m stuck here waiting and feeling out of control. I was (irrationally) lamenting not doing the Washington D.C. program again, but she reminded me that I had good reasons for choosing Greece and suggested that talking to Brendan and thinking about how much more “safe” D.C. would feel in comparison to Athens was making me screwy in the head. I had to reluctantly agree, and to get my mind off of my fears, we went late-night shopping for the last few shirts I needed for my upcoming travels…
My class schedule seems to be finally set and is as follows:
The Greek Key Seminar: Either M or W, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Modern Greek Society: M-W, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Modern Greek Literature: M-W, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Byzantine History and Civilization: T-Th, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Beginning Modern Greek: T-Th, 4:00pm – 6:00 pm
All of my shopping is pretty much done… now it’s just cleaning up my room and practicing my Greek. And I promise, if there is only one more pre-departure post, it will be in my New York City hotel on the eve of the big flight.
P.S. I have eaten frozen yogurt every day since last Sunday, and I plan to have some tonight and tomorrow. That’s 12 days in a row. I’m going to miss frozen yogurt…
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Delays – Panic Attacks
4 comments
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September 3, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Lisa
Just Breathe!!! It’ll all be fine.
Don’t think of EVERYTHING at once – that’s a guaranteed panic attack. Just deal with the immediate – one step at a time. Meet each challenge as it comes to you but don’t waste your psychic energy on problems that don’t exist (the “what ifs”).
Robbie McEwen (one of my favorite bike riders) was asked how he dealt with getting over the Alps and the Pyrenees in the Tour de France (he’s a sprinter not a climber). I loved his response because it can be applied to so many things – he just concentrates on turning the pedals, one rotation at a time. He doesn’t think about the giant steep mountain, he just thinks about the next pedal stroke. And eventually he’s over the mountain.
So go forth and pedal!! :)
XXOO A Sdbq
P.S. The party was great fun. And since you’re so busy, I won’t hold you to the honey cake recipe but let your mom know where it is. I’ll bug her while you’re gone!!! Lol
September 5, 2008 at 12:28 am
Emily
this made me crave frozen yogurt so badly! acai berry or green tea with mochi and blackberries PLEASEEEE!!
September 5, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Mitera
Talk about panic – mother’s panic too!! Yikes, just left you at the airport Bri and I’m filled with excitement for you tinged with good old mother’s (aka Samia Syndrome) anxieties about your safety and well-being. I know you will have an incredible adventure that you won’t regret. In fact, I may have to beg you to come back to the United States come December. I hid a small package in your carry-on duffel for tonight in the hotel — I expect to see one of those items in pictures of various historical sites across Greece. Forget the “Where’s Matt” dance, you’ve got a better shtick.
I love Aunt Lisa’s advice, she always has something wonderful to say – a calming perspective. We’ll all be with you in spirit and prose while you’re off on this great adventure. To quote Skype, “Take a deep breath” and enjoy!!
XOXO Mommy
September 5, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Lisa
Here’s something to keep you occupied while you’re in NY – find out how to say “Aunt” in Greek. And if that’s too easy, I’ll come up with some other more nefarious…oops, I mean challenging…projects.
XXOO A. Sdbq
P.S. Thanks Mom!
P.P.S. I’m thinking of downloading this Skype thingee so I can be part of all the fun while you’re in Greece. I’ll let you know when I’m “activated”.