Predeparture Jitters, i.e. the Post About Absolutely Nothing Relevant

Many, if not all people, have nervous habits. Sucking on their hair, scratching their nose, alcoholism, murder. 

Mine?

I bite my nails. Gross, I know. You can always tell how anxious I am at any given time by looking at my sad, stubby fingers. 

This week, my nails have progressively become shorter and shorter as time continues -- but why am I nervous? What is the cause of such great worry? Also, why don't I have a better, less grotesque nervous habit, like flower-picking and singing to wild birds?!?

Well, it's only that Monday I leave the country. For ELEVEN MONTHS.  

Dani's brain = JFFJW!!IORUKWPWCB%@LJLKAJSLKJTQE)((*OQIUHSJKLAH@!@#!@#!!!!!!DSJHDL(profanities)KJANKLJSDA!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOLYSHIT!OWIDJKLAPOTATOJWEQ!(#*@)(*)JKLDNN!

Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited too! I have the amazingly wonderful opportunity to not only study abroad in the beautiful country of France for the entire academic year at the Université de Sciences Po in Rennes, but to also travel before my studies begin with my hilarious, amazing, and sassy best friend: the one and only Jessica Higgins. Here's a picture of our beautiful friendship. 

High school. Some of us did it better than others.

I know for a fact that we are going to have the best time of our lives together, and that studying abroad is going to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime deali-os that many people never get the opportunity to have. But at the same time, it's bloody nerve-wracking to think that I, little Dani, will be off on my own across the freakin' Atlantic Ocean until my next birthday!! 

WHAT IF I LOSE MY LEG IN A FREAK WHALING EXPEDITION??? WHAT IF I WAKE UP ONE DAY AND I CAN NO LONGER SPEAK ANY FRENCH WHATSOEVER AND MUST RESORT TO GRUNTING AS MY PRIMARY MEANS OF COMMUNICATION???? WHAT IF I'M ABDUCTED BY A NUDIST COLONY?

Fortunately, none of these are likely to happen (although if asked, I may voluntarily join the nudist colony... more on this later). But alas, thoughts such as these may come to mind as one faces a big change in life. I remember having similar fears when first leaving for college, entering high school, moving to Colorado for the first time in seventh grade.......

Life is full of these moments, moments of trepidation and worry, but also of exhilaration and sheer adventure. I may be nervous about leaving home, but I certainly won't allow my fear to get in the way of me being a total nomadic bad ass. 

On that note, I would like to welcome you to my blog -- perhaps a little strange and chaotic, but mildly entertaining. Just like me. 

This will be where I tell my story, a story about a journey in a foreign place with foreign people; a story throughout which I, the main character, will develop, change, thrive, suffer, laugh, cry, get lost, and get found.

And, now that I have expressed my nervousness in words for all to see...

                                                                             I'm greatly looking forward to writing my story.