I still have emotions?

Tonight at the study abroad meeting the question came up "What do you still need to do to prepare emotionally before going abroad."

What? They care about our feelings?! I've been so overwhelmed with endless paperwork, lists, and the french bureaucratic system that I haven't even thought about preparing emotionally. 

I've said goodbye to my family 2 times before but only for a few weeks at a time. I've been away from my boyfriend but not in different countries. On the other hand, I have said goodbye to my home in Texas and established a life thousands of miles from my family (not on purpose, of course). I'd say I'm fairly independent for a 20 year old. 

Does that mean I'm emotionally prepared? NO! 

My life is about to change drastically and I anticipate experiencing all ups and downs of the "W" curve. I just need to get to the point where I'm less stressed out and more able to think about how I actually feel about everything.

Typical! It always happens the same way. I'm in the middle of writing an A paper for Germany History...tied up the religious controversies of Old Regime Germany...when wham! My internet addiction and instant gratification of up-to-date news convinces me to pull up one measly browser just to check the e-mail or weather. Before I know it I'm checking everyone's blog and looking at updated facebook pictures. This is the attitude my journalism teacher encourages but my Italian Civilization teacher despises. Talk about mixed signals.

20 bucks says the USDA comes up with a medication for my "disease" in the next 10 years... Hey, they hand out speed for ADD like it's candy. 

This episode is over. Back to anti-Semitism and Wilhelmine Germany.