“ta-ta teens”

January 28, 2007 at 5:52 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Slightly disconnected thoughts from a slightly disconnected twenty year old…

I write from the peaks of crossed legs atop the mounds of cushioning in the living room couch. Thanks to my generous neighbors who fail to block their wireless internet, the living room has recently become less stark and more inviting as the omnipresence of my laptop illuminates the room with the glow from its battery meter and lived-in feeling. I

t could be any other Saturday of the year. But its January 27th. Everything just feels special today.  I

nhaling has transitioned from an involuntary chore to a guilt-free treat as the aroma of my celebratory pastry fills my house.  T

his anniversary of my birth has brought an agenda quite different from past birthdays: Turbokick, Catch and Release and mariachi bands. While the movie and a Mexican dinner are certainly standard ways of celebrating, this morning’s Turbokick class was unusual as not many choose to pour sweat from every square inch of their body on their birthday. Perhaps this is just another sign that I’m growing up. I’m earning the right to display the numbers 2-0 by choosing something more than pajamas, cartoons and laziness on my birthday (although I still insist on requesting the day off of work).  A

nother sign that I might be growing up: no need for expensive, extravagent presents. My family has won me over with old favorites: daisies, flautas, and carrot cake.

.sep.ar.at.e: me

January 24, 2007 at 10:46 pm | In A Beginning, brilliant | 1 Comment

Since confirming my acceptance to Semester at Sea last August, I have cupped my heart in my hands: attempting to shield out the world. I have had a few gentlemen come my way since then, but I remained skeptical about attachment. Each time a possible suitor would draw near, I would begin to fall… but I caught myself well before I ever hit the ground. I will even admit to using this trip as both an excuse (to dismiss another) and as a security blanket (to dismiss any lonely feelings). In retrospect, perhaps I wasted some months by being so cautious in the world of dating and relating. However, I ought to be grateful that I am entering this excursion uninhibited by feelings of sadness, separation or worry.

Bringing this practice to another level, I have applied it to more than potential love interests. Each time I received information in the mail regarding satellite phones, international cell phones and similar mediums of long distance communication, I scoffed at the material and cast it to the wastebasket. I’m not paying a large sum of money to get away, only to find myself constantly interacting with where I got away from. I mean no offense to any friends or family, but calling, texting, Facebooking and IM-ing will not be a reality on this trip (this does not apply to letters and post cards as I will gladly take time to write). I am venturing the seas to discover for myself the world and who I am in it.

The freedom to think, act, and feel how I please will be grand (not to mention the freedom from spending hundreds of dollars frequently telephoning someone).

This brings a fantastic image to mind: sprinting towards the water, removing clothing mid stride, until the plunge brings moisture to the skin and the refreshing nature of it all cancels any negative thoughts or feelings one might have. Marvelous.

choice outcome!

January 23, 2007 at 1:18 am | In brilliant | Leave a Comment

As luck would have it, I received ALL of the SAS trips that I requested… great success!  This means that I will be hiking through Brazil, spending time in a remote village in India, and visiting the “Hawaii of Vietnam.”  I don’t know what more a girl could ask for…

.worrying.woes.

January 22, 2007 at 7:17 am | In downs | 1 Comment

Amidst a Brothers and Sisters follow up discussion with Kangas, my father instructed me to turn to channel 35 (the Weather channel). After only a few seconds I was very aware of what I was watching: the Storm Stories highlighting the Spring 2005 voyage of the MV Explorer (http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/02/08/63130) It was very interesting to see the ship in a such a different light (surprisingly, I experienced very limited anxiety). The moment the ending credits began to roll, my father called down for a reaction from me. The first thing out of my mouth was, “Mom didn’t see this, did she?… No? Good.” The last thing my mother needs is another cause for concern about my wellbeing on this trip.

yearning for… yen?

January 21, 2007 at 5:22 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

The SAS Bon Voyage event’s agenda was predictable in its inclusion of food, photos, and friendly alum (though something could certainly be said about the eclectic spread- Ritz crackers snuggled in between some type of bean pod and traditional Turkish pastries).   However, when I pulled on my stylish plum sweater and gold toned kitten heels that morning, I did not foresee myself dashing through the marble halls of the St. Paul Public library.  The otherwise relaxing event was livened up with a rousing scavenger hunt through the stacks and levels of the library.  As an intense member of team Japanese Kickers, it was our goal to complete the hunt first to obtain a share of the mystery prize.  Despite a vision of a slightly lame award, my competitive desire kicked in and I found myself bounding up four flights of stairs to complete the contest (nearly leaving my teammates in the dust).   Wouldn’t you know, the prize turned out to be quite excellent: 3000 Yen (about 26USD).

:dash:to:dsm:

January 20, 2007 at 9:08 am | In reflections | Leave a Comment

I spent a glorious 40 some hours at Drake (I know, I never pictured myself assigning such a positive review for traveling to the state of Iowa). I ventured down in hopes of both celebrating the 20th anniversary of my birth and seeking a more relaxed setting to say my goodbyes for the semester (as everyone was so rushed with finals at the end of December). It was a marvelous visit.  Everything was comfortable (alternating chewing and chuckling during lunch at DG, sniffling through Oprah with Emma, late nights at the Library)….but also rather eerie. For the first time since my campus tour in 2005, I was a visitor at Drake. Walking through the doors of Goodwin-Kirk felt so familiar, but also so… mundane. I am definitely ready for the change of pace that traveling will present.

bye, bye bad

January 16, 2007 at 6:51 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Embarking on a nearly four month trek around the world entitles a traveler to miss some luxuries of home. But far more interesting than the comforts that I’ll pine for during the voyage are the things won’t miss.  They include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:

  • The perpetual need to check my email/Facebook/email/AIM….
  • Worrying about keeping my car’s fuel gage elevated and attempting to decipher the optimum moment of the day/week to refuel.
  • The state(s) of boredom, idleness, and Iowa.
  • My sister’s belief that my closet is a no-fee mall.
  • Squabbling with said sibling over usage of the Taurus, Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds versus their nut-less counterpart, and square-inch usage of the bathroom.
  • The most obvious: frigid mornings of Minnesota in January.
  • The family dog’s desire to make her presence audible…. Beginning around 7am.
  • Stressing about packing every pertinent item (this feeling will quickly transition to wondering exactly which items were accidentally left behind).
  • Speaking only of future excitement and failing to enjoy the present to the fullest.

recognizing.reality

January 15, 2007 at 11:58 am | In A Beginning | 1 Comment

…it’s interesting to notice the moment in time when something leaves the realm of day dream and fantasy… the point at which you move from abstract mysticism into concrete acceptance. This transition is often delayed for those experiencing devasting tragedies, but I have found myself in a similar mindset for this voyage.

Despite engaging conversations that toe the line of uninhibited bragging about my future excursions, the trip has always felt far beyond my reach. A subject of conversation and thought, but never a reality. And yet there have been so many opportunites for accecptance: writing the $1000USD deposit cheque, registering for courses, signing my study abroad contract. None of these actions stirred a realization of the approaching reality of going abroad.

Luckily for me (and perhaps in the best interest of completling my To Do list) this realization has occurred. After all of these important events had come and gone, it was a much simpler one. The moment I purchsed a pair of Vasque brand hiking boots was the day reality hit me. I will be traveling around the world. In less than one month.

for him

January 8, 2007 at 1:01 pm | In Longing | Leave a Comment

I’ve been waiting for over a month. You’d never know it though. I’ve felt the need to play it cool; be coy, you know? But as of late, the anticipation has been building. I have found myself wanting to just pick up the phone for a brief inquiry, but this would only grant him the satisfaction of knowing that I have been impatient. So instead I wait and keep the issue low on my list of priorities…

But I’ve been notified that my wait and self control will pay off “today”. This begs the question, “what is exactly included in the definition of the day?” In order to distinguish “day” from both morning, afternoon, and evening, the window must be something close to the hours between ten and two. I spent the “day” drifting between the kitchen table and the couch in the sitting room, attempting to avoid boredom but never engaging in enough activity to create a distraction. I was thoroughly fatigued, but I never permitted myself sleep for fear of missing him again.

It would be luck for the rapping at the front door to come mid stroke of my toothbrush. I quickly discarded it and raced down the stairs, failing to check my appearance in the mirror (which became instantly clear from the half-smirk I received from the toothpaste that clung to the corner of my lip). As I reach for the door, I quickly extinguish any desire to leap into the arms of the man on the other side; it would be too forward and certainly not coy, I remind myself. I open the door with a smile, attempting to contain my excitement. I’m cordial and brief. He’s gone as suddenly as he arrived. Inhibitions got the best of me and I failed to make even a simple gesture of physicality. But I show no remorse. After all, I don’t think bear hugs are a common occurrence for UPS delivery men, no matter how excited people may be about receiving their US Passports and foreign visas.

a fun fact…

January 2, 2007 at 11:13 am | In Tasty Tidbits | Leave a Comment

the slightly gruff looking fellow who helped me fit my backpacking pack looked very much in his element in the Camping/Outdoors section of Gander Mountain.  From reading his name badge I learned his name was Justin.

The next day I spent over an hour intensely scrutinizing each pair of hiking boots that were sold at REI Co-op.  The gentleman who worked to fit me with the perfect shoes was also named Justin.

The next time I go into say, Best Buy.  I’m just going to ask for “Justin” and see what happens.   I expect nothing but positive results.

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