TODAY

This was my stomach upon waking this morning. Waking up too early, I might add. And before I was even lucid, my body knew. I'm so excited, I can barely stand it!!

My baby sister is staying home from school today to hang out with me. I thought that was very sacrificial of her. Not that she doesn't like getting a free day of hooky, but I'm sure she forfeited several obligations, just to spend more time with me.

Perhaps I'll update this when I'm in Chicago, on my layover.

The Penultimate Day

I woke up this morning and screamed in my head a little. TOMORROW. I didn't think these last few days in the states would ever come, but here I am packing and smothering my family before the plunge. My Grammy called me a while ago and wanted to say goodbye. Since she doesn't have internet and I won't be making many phone calls without it back to the US, I know that was the last time I would hear her voice for a year. We'll stick to letter writing. I'm fond of that. She was about to hang up the phone and started choking on tears. Eesh, that's tough. My Grammy never cries.

I think I'll go out shopping (window shopping, really. I don't have room for many more things in my luggage,) because my mom and sister are at school until later today.

Ramen Cravings

I don't think that I've ever tasted a decent bowl of Ramen noodles and broth. Sure, sure, there's the .90 cups that get a body through college and other times of similar poverty, but now I have this intense hankering for a Ramen broth. My wonderful friend, Katie, is always suggesting new movies and shows, since I recently signed up for Netflix. Tonight's movie was The Ramen Girl. Very entertaining. Cheesy, as I was warned, but still fun.

I realize that Japan (where the movie was set) is an entirely different animal than Korea - - I get it - - but it's somewhat akin, right? I thought I would be indulgent with my eastern fantasies. Soon enough I'll be totally submerged in a culture whose first language is not English. This will be interesting.

I'm surprised that the movie was made in 2008. The costumes felt slightly dated - and yet still intrigued me. {For those that don't know, I made my college career about costume design, so that's usually what I notice in a film. Well, it's one of the things. And I will gush:

 Abby (Brittany Murphy's character) always happened to look cute - even when she was supposed to look "a mess." Oh Hollywood, when will you be realistic? I digress.

 She wears this adorable denim apron all throughout the movie - made me want to make one for myself! Except I don't cook nearly enough to need one. I am messy enough to need one, though...

I'm digging the scarf and textured sweater. Is it fair to assume it's knit? I wish I had the patience to make it.

...and the hat's not my favorite. But the coat was cute when not obstructed by the onions.

Annnnndddddd during the movie, I was busy knitting a tubular, infinity scarf. It's a wool/acrylic 20/80 blend. Hopefully the wool won't overpower the knit and make my neck feel like I'm wearing a hay bale. I will post a picture of the finished product. Eventually.

Jordy

I had to say goodbye to another friend this morning. Oh Jordan, I love you. I'm going to be nostalgic and post a baby picture of the two of us. We're a little over a year apart in age, but this girl has basically been my twin growing up. We could communicate before she could talk and we still kind of know what the other is thinking. It's nice to be friends with a sister.

I'm tired of crying! I'm not looking forward to leaving the airport on Wednesday when my parents and little sister drop me off. No mascara for me, thanks.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day! I don't have a Valentine (and I didn't really have one last year, either) but that's ok. I'm going to be nice to myself, eat as much chocolate as I want, watch a lot of The Office and hang out with my mom. Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers, but for people to show that they care. And I have enough loved ones to keep up with, without worrying about a lover ;-)

2 days...

Leaving the country...

As my flight date is quickly approaching, I'm becoming more nervous. I went through a freak-out period right before Christmas, but I've since settled into the idea of living in SoKo. However, I have a little over two weeks before I'm gone for a year and I'm beginning to sweat. I need to keep remembering that no matter where I am, I can be happy and God will be with me. There's no need to fear the unknown. I just need to keep my mind broad and continue looking for the positive!