june twenty-eighth.

Today is awesome because I attempted to chew an entire pack of gum. It was bubblegum flavor, so after about the... second (lol) piece I was ready to spit (...that's what she said.) Yolie and I were at Starbuck's studying and I thought this was a fantastic idea. Of the 14 pieces that were in there, I managed to get 10 in. It was ridiculous. We were quiet for so long, and once I got this idea, the floodgates opened. At the risk of sounding incredibly childish, I love those moments where I want to do something, and I realize I CAN, that my parents aren't there to stop me. I am realizng that sentence is too messed up to redeem myself, but I shall try. OBVIOUSLY I could have tried wasting gum back home, when I was out with my friends, but I've never thought to. Maybe that was a shitty example. At the mall one time, I saw gum balls (GAH! again with the gum) I'm frusterated now. Maybe I was denied gum as a child and never realized it until now... But whatever. At the mall that day I bought two gum balls and ate them... because I was never allowed when I was little. Giddy euphoria floods my system when I leave my apartment at 3.00AM and think nothing of it. I love doing my own thing so much, but at the same time am aware that "doing my own thing" would not be at all possible with the generous (financial) support of my parents. 

Still, it's really humbling when I think about it. I came here almost 10 months ago, knowing one person, with whom I rarely talk now, and I've managed to not fail school and weave friendships and piece together my own version of this chapter in my life. Traveling is absolutely life changing. You leave what you're used to, your comfortable lifestyle and trade it for uncertainty and second guesses. It took me a good while to understand this is how it works, and I would not change it for anything. Heck yeah, I miss my sisters and cousins and friends, but... still. I would do this again in a heartbeat. I've changed more in this one year than I have in... many years put together. This super nostalgic/contemplative post is brought to you by my raging hormones, who credit the change in my birth control, and the fact than in one month at this time I'll be back in Michigan, with my first year of med school completed. Also, this guy. I found him through blogger's "note worthy" blogs or something, and I am enthralled with his journey. Just check him out. I know SO many people who say they want to travel, but end up living their entire lives in the same town,  save the occasional trip over the border to Canada to binge drink. I'm not sure how to say what I want without sounding like a superior bitch. I'll leave it at that, I guess. Three weeks of exams left (five more!) and then one week of... somewhere. We still haven't booked tickets for Ibiza, but might up going to Madrid or Brussels. 

Shower time, then Yolie's for an all-nighter for biochem in the morning. Wheee. 

ALSO, this song is my favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite. I cannot stop listening. CANNOT. ughhhhhhh ♥

xox,

loveacrosstheocean.

[photo caption: yeah, he has googly eyes. jealous?]