15 Days

These late summer days seem to slip through my fingers no matter how hard I try to hold on to them. 15 days until China, 2 weeks until I leave for California. I can't decide whether I want these days to move a little quicker so I can just get there already, or if I want to put them into slow motion so they last a bit longer. It's been a little interesting :).

The one thing that makes me feel so much better about leaving is having conversations with some of people going with me next year. They are all so nice and I can't wait to meet them! It's amazing to find yourself talking to a total stranger (who won't be a stranger for long) and find out how many things you have in common. I've talked to people who like the same music and movies, but I've also talked to people who share the same sorts of worries and concerns. They have the same hopes for next year- to learn Chinese (obviously), but then deeper ones too like understanding more of the world and to push themselves to become better people.

Well my bed is calling me and tomorrow my empty suit case awaits. TIme to start packing!

Until next time,
Julia

My friend suggested I change Song of the Week to Song of the Day because I write these a little irregularly so here goes

Song of the Day: Calling You by Blue October

30 Days

China, China, China. It seems to be everywhere.
When I go past a newspaper or magazine rack the word CHINA is the first thing I see. There is an excess of articles about the Olympics, the pollution, and the general excitement surrounding it this year.
It's all I talk about, it's all my parents talk about, it's what my friends dread to talk about, but it seems to come up all the time anyway.
Every time I see something even slightly Asian themed, be it a book or dress or picture, I gravitate towards it, hoping perhaps it can give me some clue of what I am in for next year.
I have taken out half the books in my library about China hoping to familiarise myself enough with its history, people, and customs that I won't completely fall on my face and embarrass myself with my own ignorance when I arrive.
Every day I listen to Chinese language tapes so that when I get there I won't sound completely demented and ridiculous. However, it is highly likely that I will end up sounding like an American idiot who clearly doesn't belong even with my best efforts. I will continue to try and learn anyway.
It is clear from all of this that I have become a little tiny bit China obsessed.
Anyway, less than 1 month left til my departure. I am undeniably nervous, but becoming more and more excited to meet my new classmates and explore my new home. I know this next month of tedious preparations and difficult goodbyes will be hard, but I also can see that once I'm there, it's all going to be worth it.
Til' next time,
Julia

Song of the Week: Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel

90 days

Is it uncommon to dread a day completely but at the same time yearn for it like none other? That is how I have felt about the last day of school at Holy Child, being yesterday, for a very long time. I couldn't wait to break out the doors towards sunshine and the promise of freedom! However, all good things have consequences that can be painful at times. I had to say goodbye to my teachers, who I look up to and respect. I had to say goodbye to some of my classmates too and it was so difficult. It was so bittersweet, but now I look forward.
My departure to China keeps drawing nearer and I am so nervous. I want to go so badly because it will be an incredible experience, but it still means breaking out of the comfort zone I have been building up in Rye for the past 8 years. I am comfortable here with my loving family, friends, all my possessions, my school, and my own little niche in Rye. But that's the problem. I have gotten too comfortable and have stopped challenging myself to grow as an individual. Going away for a year is a big challenge and I hope that with it comes great rewards. I want my eyes to be opened to another part of the world. I want to see another way of life so that I can challenge my own ideals and mores.
Until next time,
Julia

ps. I have decided to include in my blog a "Song of the Week" just for fun.

Song of the Week: Jamie All Over by Mayday Parade

134 Days and Counting

Well, it is still 134 days until I leave for Beijing, but I can't even say how excited I am! However, with this sense of excitement is a growing apprehension about what life is going to be like next year. So, the nerd in me took over for a while and I did some research about Beijing. Here is some of the stuff I found out:

*Basically, Beijing is HUGE! The total population for the city and all the little suburbs is right around 15 MILLION people!!! In the city alone there are 7.3 million! Just to give you an idea of how many people that is, in 2000 Manhattan's population was just over 1.5 million people.
*Beijing gets REALLY cold. I mean like right around 5 degrees F cold... with blisteringly bitter winds ripping down the mountains that surround the city... BRRRRR!
*When I typed in "traditional food in Beijing" roast duck and "hot pot" with mutton came up as the most commonly eaten foods... Good bye being a vegetarian!
*There was also a ton of cool stuff on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall and I am so excited to go see them!

Anyway, even though the size, weather, and food came across as slightly intimidating, it hasn't turned me off going at all. In fact, it just makes me want to see and experience it all for myself.
Well, until next time- Julia

The Letter

I have never applied to college. I have never applied to for a job. In short, I have never had to wait basically helpless for a decision I care so much about, that is until this past month. All of March and the beginning of April I have been waiting desperately to find out whether I got into SYA China (school year abroad), an opportunity to go live in China for a full 9 months!!! For a person like me who has a constant itch to travel and see new things, this was an opportunity of a life time, and I sent in my application praying I would be accepted. Well yesterday, after a long month of nerves, break downs, and some serious "basket-case" moments, the letter arrived. I was at play practice and my mom opened it with me on the phone... IT SAID YES!!! I imagine I would have been quite a sight bouncing around and screaming my lungs off, but honestly it was such an amazing feeling. My mom was a little sad sounding and told me that it was a "bittersweet" moment for her. I'd be doing something that would incredible and life changing, but I would be gone and she would miss me (I'm going to miss her a TON as well). But this morning I saw one of many examples of how lucky I am to have parents who love me. Even though my mom really does not want me to go, this morning when I came downstairs she was filling out the forms for me to go. I have to admit I got a little teary (though this may also have had to do with the fact that when I come downstairs in the morning my dog greets me by biting my hands...). it was incredibly sweet of her though and it just goes to show parents aren't always that bad ;).

But that was just the beginning! Once I got to school everyone was so AMAZING and supportive. Also, I can honestly say I have the BEST friends in the entire world. They really don't want me to leave but their enthusiasm and support were completely genuine. I love them to death (you know who you are).

Anyway I am a little sleep deprived (thanks AP history :P) and need to fit in some serious REM cycles...
Until next time- Julia
PS. It is currently 10:21 AM in Beijing!!!