When I tell other people that I’m going to study abroad in Costa Rica for two weeks, they usually ask if I’m excited.  The truth is no – at least not yet.  I was really happy when I found out that I’m going, but since then, my mind has been filled with thoughts of running errands and finishing up tasks.  I am worried that if I allow myself to get too enthusiastic about the upcoming trip, I’ll just ignore everything else in my life and only focus on preparing for those two weeks!

I’m trying to think far enough ahead that when I come back from Costa Rica, I will have a smooth transition into the fall semester.  It would be too stressful to return home and face a bunch of issues that require immediate attention instead of getting to reflect, relax, and return to normal life.  For now, I’m going to concentrate on crossing off the rest of the items on my to-do list.  By the time I’m leaving Tampa, however, I shouldn’t have any more worries concerning school or personal matters.  (And that’s good because it will be difficult to take care of anything happening at home when I’m over a thousand miles away.)  When I’m on that flight, I’ll finally let myself get excited.  I’ll anticipate the experiences I’m going to have, the things I’m going to learn, and the food I’ll definitely enjoy.  =)