So the time continues to wind down as I ready myself for my British adventure.

Today I simultaneously experienced panic and excitement about leaving. I have never been this far away from home, nor have I been away from home this long. Don't get me wrong, I love college and being independent; but I still love being able to talk to my family and friends at my own leisure.

With the help of email, Skype, and payphones I will be contacting home but it really puts things in perspective. I've taken easy-accessed-communication-to-my-family for granted.

One of my brothers, Daniel, will be going to Phoenix, Arizona this Monday. I'm to drive him to my brother, Chris's house. This may make leaving home a little easier. It's one less person to hug goodbye on one day. Stay out of trouble, and those are my only orders. :)


I've asked my family (mom, stepdad, little sister & Grannie) to not go to the airport with me because I don't want to be a teary mess. I'll be going to my brother's house on Sunday afternoon and leaving on the following day. This way I'll have had a day to dry my eyes. I can't help it, I'm a cry baby! Whether this is a mistake or not, I am not sure. Should they come with me or not?

Charlotte (my BFF, of course) has made things a lot easier for me. She started a group on facebook called, "I'll miss Cara a lot when she's off with the Brits." It made me feel really good that people care about me and will miss me as much as I miss them. The Dynamic Duo-est. 2001. Miss you, already!

I've resorted to reading a lot to kill time. Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Love Story, and two versions of Mr. Darcy's version. Mr. Darcy's Diary and An Affair Such As This. After a great deal of threat from the human race, I decided to read Harry Potter. For those who just peed their pants, let me explain. When I was younger and the books just came out, I tried to read them. I guess try isn't a good word. I got to the word "muggle" and put the book down. At the time, I was not into this kind of style. Picky, as usual. But I've just recently finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I couldn't put it down. Numerous times my brother found me passed out with the book on my face, with the lights still on.


Number of days before departure: 9

Fin.

It has been several months since I've last posted anything. Now that I'm getting ready to leave the country for a full 5 months, I feel like this blog could be the key to sanity.

I leave for Sheffield, England to study English Literature at Sheffield University on February 1. With a 6:45 pm flight and a transfer to Amsterdam into Birmingham, my ETA is approximately 10:15 am on February 2. At this point, a very kind friend of the family, Neville, will pick me up and drive me to Derby. We are supposedly taking the scenic route so I can see some of the English countryside.


Above is a picture of the Peace Gardens at Sheffield.

A lot of people have been asking me, "Why England?" Well, firstly I am a sucker for a British accent. Besides a fine jaw line, that is the most attractive thing. Secondly, the history. Helloo?? Ancestors?? England has a lot to offer, people! Manchester United? Scotland's Loch Ness isn't that far either. Bonus, British theater is rumored to be the best of the best (ie Les Miserables).

Below a picture of a "fine jaw line" and the most important reason to go to England.


I've been planning on going on this trip for over a year. I can't believe I'll be in England in two weeks. All of the stress from deadlines and money, it's all a thing in the past. Please let it be.

I am going to miss my family, friends (Charlotte, Serge, & Sabrina), and my Phi Sigma Pi brothers (I LOVE YOU, ALPHA RHO) so much but I can't wait to meet new people. Oh, and burgers being a normal thing.. I will miss that. Hello, fish and chips!

I won't be completely alone though. Two VT friends of mine will also be going, Marin and Arielle.

So far, I've planned to attend at least one of the Six Nations Rugby Championship games and perhaps a Manchester United game. Wayne Rooney. 'Nough said. Loch Ness will be a place I visit for sure. Old Nessy better be ready to make an appearance. Stonehenge--how did they do that?


There are thousands of castles in Europe so Marin and I are planning a castle hunt. Prague Castle, the biggest in the world, is my favorite.

Number of days before departure: 13.
Number of times I've packed and unpacked: 4.
Number of times I've had a crisis prior to leaving: 6

Fin.