one month later

I left Kansas a month ago. A month! There's only 12 of them in a year and I've spent an entire one in Australia. What to make of this, I'm not sure. Time is tricky. In some ways this month has gone by way too quickly, but at the same time, every day seems long and eventful. When I look back at the many MANY pictures we've taken, I am astounded by how much we've already done. So to commemorate my first month down under, here are some reflections (because who doesn't love to reflect?)

1. Modern technology is freaking incredible. Even though I'm 9000 miles from home, I can talk to my parents, email little Al, iChat with Eric, write on Tara's facebook wall, and it's like I'm right there with them. Sort of. The 15 hour time difference can be irritating, but college students run on bizarre schedules, so somebody is always awake.

2. Everyone should take a break from their normal setting. Being away from the everyday routine has been so good for me. New people, new environment, new lifestyle. It's just necessary every so often before you get stuck in a rut.

3. I have a newfound appreciation and love for WashU. I have never and will never be WashU's biggest fan - in a lot of ways, I resent that institution and am glad to be out of the bubble for a semester. But absence does make the heart grow fonder and I find myself really missing certain aspects of that place. Ex: food at all hours; knowing at least five people you see en route to any place on campus; heated buildings. Plus I'm starting to miss the activities I'm involved with at school, especially Chi O. I'm going to go back refreshed and ready for the WashU world again.

4. Sleeping is fun, watching TV is funner, but socializing is funnest (also, I am digging the fact that funner & funnest are real words now). I am by no means the life of the party and I usually go out once a week, twice if it's a particular crazy weekend. Usually I'm just really tired, busy, & lazy so going out is not as appealing as Gossip Girl (but let's be real, what party surpasses the greatness of GG?). But here I am all about having fun and being with people. Part of it is that I'm not overwhelmed with extracurriculars and responsibilities here. Part of it is the general attitude of Australia. It's so laidback and relaxed that you can't help but get the happy vibe, too.

5. America has extreme influence over the rest of the world. Every day, in every class, there is at least one mention of the US -- an American author, an American city, an American politician, an American stereotype. It's amusing yet fascinating. At some points it makes me ashamed to be American (Iraq, obesity, treatment of Native Americans, Palin, etc.) but mostly I have a strong sense of patriotism at every mention of America. Home sweet home.

Five is a good number. I don't want to overwhelm you by the sheer amount of reflecting I have done. Leaving for a field trip in the morning, my first field trip in years. It is my opinion that the world would be so much better if we all went on more field trips.