As most of you have probably noticed I haven't updated this in a while, and you're probably assuming it is because I forgot, however I really did not. Nothing has been updated, as nothing has changed until recently. As time has passed this summer the idea of me not being here in the Spring still seems distant. I may receive comments from my wonderful roommates that I am a terrible roommate because I am leaving them, or that I am going to miss out on some of the best swim meets of the year in the brand new pool that I am now manager of. Until I actually unpacked my apartment and moved in, it didn't hit me how much I am going to miss everyone and everything, however, I know it will be an experience of a lifetime, and I won't have time to get as emotional as I do when you talk to me now.
Currently I am in the process of applying for my visa, my housing, paying deposits and verifying that my passport is indeed MY passport. It seems that the paperwork never ends, however if you know me at all, I love being organized and doing what seems like busy work to everyone else i.e. writing my name and address approximately 20 times repeatedly on about 20 different forms that are all going to basically the same place. I have been reading handbooks and guidebooks and packing lists and opinions from former students of my IES program in Madrid. Oh, and did I mention I'm filling out a Spanish job application for an internship while abroad? That's a task in it of itself. The biggest advantage I have, that I have come to realize is that because I am from the midwest I am able to have my program deal with the consulate and get my visa for me, rather than having to appear in person to receive my visa like many of my peers who have studied abroad for an extended amount of time. This means not as many 2 hour drives to Chicago from home, multiple hours waiting in lines, and no forgotten or lost paperwork.
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