what's on my mind

At this point I feel like I have so many things to write about that any update post would be so eclectic and random that I would end up rambling on for pages. Not to mention, having so many things on my mind that I want to get into writing makes it harder for me to write logically. But once I get them all out on to the screen, my mind will be clear and you will be well informed, so let's take a shot at it.


I just got back from my region's AFS weekend. It was supposed to provide us with time to plan a performance of some sort to show at AFS's 40th birthday party. I'm not sure why exchange students are supposed to have some talent up their sleeves as well as being exchange students. I don't in any case... So I guess it works out well that my host family is having a big family reunion on the same day of the party. And with only two months left, I would rather spend my weekend with my host family anyway!
Although I am hoping to fit in one last trip down to Tournon. Since I was in Terminale in school there, all my friends will be spread out around the county next year with their etudes superieures. So as nostalgic as this is, a few days with them will be the last chance for us to easily all get together. C'est la vie. I also would love the chance to say a few words to my old teachers before I leave. Since it was vacation the last time I visited, I have yet to get the opportunity.


Today is also the last day of vacation! And although the French system gets a good amount of vacation on the calendar, this is my last break before summer! Which also shows just how close Summer is.
Two months. Just two months away. Two months, and I'll be sitting in my bedroom, which will resemble a war zone, trying to figure out how to repack my bags. Two months, and I'll be on a train from Dole to Paris, from village to city, from solitude to everyone else whose ending their year long adventure as well. Two months and I'll be sitting next to Kevin as our plane flys through the sky. It feels like just yesterday we were on the bus, driving down the French highway for the first time. I remember how nervous we were to meet out host families. Those were two people, different from who we are today. Two months and I'll be back in my families arms.
I can't tell you if this is a feeling of sadness of happiness. It is what it is. I knew this moment would come when I signed up for this. I even looked forward to it on multiple occasions. But now, it's really coming. I'm coming home. To my first home, that is. France will always be my home in it's own special way. It's the home where I became that second person, you know- that French person.


On to some lighter subjects: I'm annoyed to see that I left behind some of my clothes in the process of two house changes. Yes, this could work in my favor for the airplane's weight limit, but I just want my clothes back. A black shirt with zebras on it that I bought in Tournon in particular!
Staying materialistic, I've discovered my love for French pharmacies. If you've been to France, you've seen a pharmacy, point blank. They are everywhere. Their flashing neon green cross signs light up most streets. Well, turns out they hold fantastic skincare products. I have pretty problematic skin and use a dermatologist prescribed face wash at home. Drug strore products aren't strong enough for me, but I picked up a few products from the pharmacy the other day, and they work like magic. Hurray!


We're giving my host mom a break from cooking over this vacation. Us kids and my host dad made a calendar assigning each lunch and dinner. Tonights my night and with an egg allergy to work with it's not obvious! I'm making chicken enchiladas and a chocolate cake for dessert. Excuse to eat cake: we'll find out tonight who the new president will be!!!!


PS. Just wanted to add a note about how proud of myself I am for the amazing essay I just wrote. Due tomorrow in History class, on the colonization of Africa. I am going to beg my teacher to give me a grade!!!