Pre-Departure______?

Choose a word - any word. I could probably substantiate claims that the words anxiety, confusion, numbness, excitement, dread, apprehension, bewilderment, and pondering would all fit perfectly into the title of this post.

I arrived home from Syracuse about three hours ago. It was a really long, difficult ride home. I say that because 5 1/2 hours is a long time to think about stuff. Thoughts of the past two weeks of orientation were rushing around in my head while being mixed together with questions about how things are at home with my parents and puppy and sister now out in California. Not to mention the fact that I was going to be in a different country for four months in under 24 hours.

It's a lot to grapple with. Whatever was happening in my head in the car carried over into finishing up packing and getting my life in order so I can be out of here by 9am. I'm really just blank. I'm exhausted which I'm sure isn't helping much. My room has been hit by some monstrous typhoon and I'm convinced that I am going to leave a vital item in my room when I leave (such as Slapshot, blankie, or one of my obscenely orange shirts).

Amidst all the insanity, I knew that I wanted to get this blog thing underway. I will update it as much as possible in the upcoming months I and hope you will follow it so you don't miss out on what I'll be up to, not only in Florence but all throughout Europe as well.

Arrivederci miei amici.