It doesn't seem possible that so much time has passed since I was in Italy. A lot has happened in the last 6 months and almost all of it has been wonderful. I look back on my adventures in Italy with such happiness and longing to return to that beautiful adventure spot. My hope is that someday I make it back, even if it's only for vacations here and there.
Upon returning, I experienced the reverse culture shock everyone talked about. I understand now what they mean when people say no one really cares to hear about your travels. Someone will ask..but they are expecting one or two sentences, like when someone asks "how are you?" but only expect "fine" in return. You can't sum up a semester of experiences in 2 sentences, and I wouldn't want to. So, I started to resorting to "great" or "the best time of my life". I would have that person occupied for hours if they really let me go on and on about it. I really miss the beauty and the adventure of every day. I'm doing my hardest to find that here...and I think my upcoming move will help a lot!
I finished up my last semester at K-State and had a lot of time to spend with friends. I went back to waitressing and was able to start pulling myself out of the financial black hole that I had been in thanks to my travels abroad! :) (even though it was sooo worth it). I'll admit I had a couple of pitty parties for myself because I felt very secluded and left-out of all my friend's lives. I had to remember that although I had my experiences, they had just as many here and I wasn't necessarily a part of them. Towards the end of the semester, my social life picked up...but then everyone was graduating or going off for their summer vacations, internships, or trips abroad. I walked at graduation and just finished my one summer class that I had left! :)
During the semester, I spent a lot of time applying for jobs all over the country. I considered going back to Italy, but I don't think that would be what would be best for me necessarily. I felt like I was getting nowhere with most of my applications, and had a few points of interest. I happened upon Darden at the career fair, and talked to some great ladies from Longhorn Steakhouse. I was excited when I finished talking with them, and just had that go-for-it gut feeling...the one I listen to in pretty much every decision. :) After a long interview process, and still looking around at other career opportunities, I was given an offer.
That's why I'm moving! They asked me where my dream location would be and I said one of the Carolinas. Well, ladies and gentlemen, come Tuesday, July 6th...I will be packing my things and moving to Columbia, SC. I'm truly excited. I think this is my next big adventure. I'm ready to start my career and see where it takes me. I'm ready to see a different part of this wonderful country we live in. After my journey abroad, I'm feeling a little land-locked and bored in Kansas. Not that I love Kansas any less, because it will always be home...but I am ready for new, ready for change. For a while it didn't look like Eric would be moving with me. We are such opposites and although change frightens both of us, it spurs me and halts him. However, we've done a lot of soul searching and truly believe that we are meant for eachother. We want to be with eachother and see where our lives take us. So, he's packing his happy ass up and moving with me! :)
I'm excited for all the changes, but still, it will be hard leaving friends and family. I'm hoping everyone will use us as a vacation spot and come and visit...and hopefully, vacation time will allow us to return home a time or two.
I'm not keeping a diary or journal, so I'm going to try to keep this up as I transfer from college to career. I hope it's not tooo boring to read!
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