Well, it's been just under a month since my last post, and I have a few new things to report!
First, the big event of the season for me...
...Graduation!After 4 years, 40 classes, and several thousands of dollars, I stepped across a stage, shook a few hands, and became an official alumnus of Florida State University. Yay! In what was a whirlwind weekend, my family (minus Caleb) came into town, celebrated with friends and food, and helped me finish moving out of my apartment. I said goodbye to Bradford Oaks and several friends with a few laughs and a few tears, and we headed South to Plantation (Dad and Jeff spent an unexpected evening in Orlando due to car trouble, but made it home just 24 hours later than planned.).
I spent the next few days unpacking and trying to find new homes for my many belongings that seemed to expand as soon as I tried to fit them into my closet. I said goodbye to a few boxes of things that seemed like they would be more loved (or at least more used) in someone else's home, and after a little effort (and a trip to the storage unit), everything was settled into its new place.
Nearly as soon as I finished organizing, the company started coming! My first visitors were the Marvelous Madison and Excellent Emily. We planned to spend time basking in the sunshine, making friends with butterflies, and kayaking through the South Florida canals. We did do some kayaking, but due to rain and the threat of thunderstorms, our sunbathing and butterfly garden adventure had to wait. Instead, we spent the week eating ice cream sundaes, touring the Sawgrass Mall (we found some great deals!), and enjoying high quality entertainment together (The King's Speech, and Glee).
Madison and Emily left town on Saturday and were replaced by...the Sensational Celeste and her boyfriend Andrei as well as my Aunt Mary and Uncle Jose. We had a delicious graduation dinner with several friends and wonderful family members, which included highlights such as laughing our way through several YouTube videos and eating...3-LAYERED CHOCOLATE CAKE!
After a fun-filled week/weekend, I spent Monday doing laundry, running errands around town, swing dancing with Britnee and Annie, and repacking for a week away from home. It was quite a challenge because my trip included several destinations with even more activities.
Destination #1: St. Petersburg, Florida
Birthday festivities for Emily which included frozen yogurt, my first Zumba class, hibachi chicken and shrimp, beautiful days at the beach, quality time with 2 of my best friends, and, of course, big floppy hats!
Destination #2: Winter Park, Florida
Sushi with Madison and Celeste and Andrei thanks to a happy mistake! After dinner (and dessert), a relaxing evening of American Idol. Finally, meeting my ride to Destination #3.
Destination #3: Charleston, South Carolina
A weekend of swing dancing, relaxing on the beach, and hanging out with new and old friends...Pure bliss.
Destination #4: Plantation, Florida
Finally home! Ah...After a week away, I was relaxed and ready to sleep in my own bed once again. At least for a few days! :)
*Drumroll please...In case you're wondering why I haven't included much news on Bolivia, it's because there hasn't been much new news! BUT here's the latest (for my most faithful readers...): the past few days have been filled with visa preparations (filling out the application, taking a terrible passport picture, etc.) and reading my Pre-field Orientation materials. And today, I got my shots! Thanks to modern medicine, I will no longer have to fear the threat of Yellow Fever or Typhoid Fever.
Next item on the agenda: taking my visa application to the Bolivian Consulate Miami.
66 days and counting!
I'm happy to say...my visa is in hand!