Thursday, February 10, 2011

First Post

It’s sortof strange, planning an introduction to a blog. Do I say I’ve never tried this before?  Warn everyone in advance that I may flake out and let it wither within weeks?  Or remind them that I’ve spent the last four years either out of school, or in agricultural school, neither of which help out a writer in the creative ways that allow for slick, hiccup-free blogging.

I have elected to spend a semester in Brazil. To help fund this experience, the Study Abroad Office at school has generously awarded me two scholarships.  In order to receive this money, I have to commit to a set amount of work hours, and the list of work options kinda looks like fun.  Options include a flicker account with all my  (“decent lady”) pictures of the experience, a blog documenting the travels, classes, food, and dancing I am so looking forward to, visits to local high schools recruiting for K-State, womanning the study abroad table at the fair, etc….. I mean, come on.  This is work?  This sounds fishy to me. But, I bit.

This blog is born for two specific reasons.  It will help fulfill some of my obligations to the International Affairs Office.  But, the more I think about it, the more I wish this was my idea.  I will be in a completely new country for almost seven months, with no phone, and a family at home that is capable of worrying holes through stones.  This is a perfect opportunity to keep them up on life in Santa Maria without having to call all fifty of them on my free weekends.  When I am tired and don’t want to put forth the effort of formulating complete, adult-level lines of thought, I plan to just post some pretty pictures.  Brilliant!

Now, if I could only get there, maybe I could start to sleep.

 As the date on my itinerary nears, I find myself awake in the quiet hours of the night, scribbling lists which form a mad woman’s novel: get epi-pen prescription updated, give Katie her tights back,  email out visa application checklists for my family, find bowl for fish….. oh, crap, TAXES…..  cancel car insurance, phone service, utilities….  Scrap papers litter the floor around my bed, the cup holder in my car, the extra fridge space, the pockets of all my old man sweaters.  So much has been done already.  Everything I own is in a 10x12’ storage unit, my mail is forwarded to Dad’s office,  my financial aid is all lined out (I hope), I finally got my visa, I have given away my fish and my worm farm (which would be difficult for most people, but my family is just so cool… ), And yet, every night, another lightbulb sets off a chain reaction.  This whole thing has more of a feel of migration than temporary observation. That is to say, it feels big.   But don’t tell Dad and Goggie I said that…  There just aren’t stones enough.

8 comments:

  1. Laura, You are a very talented and creative writer!! I envy your adventuresome spirit! After all, you were dropped on the doorstep by gypsies! :) Really, I am excited for you to have the opportunity for this experience. I know you will return safely and much enriched from your travels and the people you meet. You will be a great ambassador for K-State. I look forward to seeing Brazil through your words!
    Missing you already..........Love & Kisses....*MOM*

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  2. Wow, Laura..great first blog, you could be a writer too.
    I hope you have a grand experience there.
    You're in my prayers every evening..love, ya.
    "Grandpa" Gordon.
    ps. Happy Valentines Day, next Monday.

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  3. I am SO excited for you Laura! Add to your list of obligations a presentation to K-State's Agronomy Department!

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  4. Mom, Gordon,
    Miss you both already.

    Dana,
    Getch yo sweet self down here.

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  5. Dear Lala,
    Just came from a visit with Noah, your dad, & Pam. Noah had been making Valentine crafts. :) He couldn't wait to show us the big Pinewood Derby trophy. They couldn't wait to tell us about the start of your adventure & hook us up with your blog. It all seems to fit you to a T. How cool! We will be thinking about you in the exciting days ahead. What a fantastic opportunity for you to live & learn! Go girl!

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  6. Thanks, Deb! Hope school is going great so far!

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  7. Tempo para enviar fotos. Voce tambem pode enviar fotos do celular apenas como uma mensagem de texto. Esteja seguro, amor, pai.

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  8. Fantastic pics, as well as interesting & intertaining commentary! Love all of the GREEN! Thanks for sharing your adventure. Take care of yourself.

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