It has been such a long time since I have written a post. But that's because I have been busy with a few things. So I am going to write a paragraph about everything just to give you guys a little insight on what's going on with me.
First Time Skiing!!!
Alright Im from Vermont. And it is known for its amazing skiing places. Well I have lived in Vermont for over 17 years and never skied once. I don't have time for that in the winter. I have another priority. Snowmobiles. Anyway, so being on exchange means I have to try things that I would never think to try. I would have tried skiing in Vermont with some friends. But I can now say that my first time was in Sweden with a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds who can ski way better than I can. The first time for anything is always the most nerve racking time for anyone. Well for it me, it wasn't so bad. Until on my second day of skiing with only 2 hours of skiing time, my host mother thought it was the best idea for me to go all the way to the top of the mountain and go down with her and the family. I don't think I have been more afraid in my life. Well besides when spiders are involved. After skiing for about an hour straight, my legs, arms, and ankles killed. I had to take the next day off because I was starting to wabble when I walked. I love skiing now. I will totally go when I am in Vermont. Maybe with some friends at Pico or Jay Peak. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Senior Project!!
One of the hardest things of being a senior in high school. Before I got any of my paperwork, I spent months trying to think of what I wanted to do for a project. Finally, I thought hard enough and decided that I would do a project that was close to what I want to do as I finish college and work studies. This project will take most of my senior year away. I am so glad that I am getting the chance to get a head start. My English skills are a little lower than what they have been. So the extra time gives me a chance to get my ducks in a row. I am pretty excited to be a senior. Currently, I am junior/senior because of the classes I have done. I am ready to take this project, start it, do amazing with it, and start my life in college with a great start!
Colleges & Where I Want to Go
I think people don't think about college until it's right in front of their faces when they are almost ready to graduate. I have been thinking about where I want to go to college since I was in 9th grade. Of course, as most people get older. the career they want changes. Mine has changed a few times, but I have one in mind that is perfect for me. And many colleges offer the base that is needed to start towards it. I have been doing research on many different colleges. And I have narrowed down the top 5 that I will apply to. I also have some that I might apply for just to see if I could ever get into them. I have always wanted to apply to Harvard just to see if I could get into it. I know that Im not the smartest student, but it would be interesting if they said yes. But I am ready to start this process just so I have it out of the way.
Changing Host Families
OH YES!!! It's that time again. Almost time for me to gather all of my things and move down to the last host family. I have to say I can't believe that I am almost to the final family. It seems so strange for me. I have to say, I am pretty excited and also a little nervous to move again. The next host family has children that are closer to my age, which will give me another view of being an older sister to older children. The next family lives closer to my bus stop. So I will be missing my walks home, but I could go for walks in town with the children. I started packing away things that I wasn't going to need already. I want to spend my last weekend with this host family. It's going to be pretty hard for me to move. I will cry I do know that. But I am ready for another view of Sweden.
Swedish Graduation!!
I am getting pretty excited for my graduation in Sweden too. I have less than 100 days until I am officially a graduate in another country before I even graduate in the States. Many people don't really get to say that. I still have to order a white dress for that day too. Which to some people they might be say just go out and buy one. Well I won't wear just any dress. Im too picky when it comes to what I wear. I want a dress that I can wear again and again. So I look back and remember "OH yeah! I wore this to my Swedish graduation!" So it has taken me months to find one that I might like.
Weather
Right this very moment, in my hometown and homestate they are being killed by a snowstorm. They have had so much snow this year I am kinda very much jealous. The one year I am gone on exchange, Vermont gets pretty much dumped on every week. Here in Sweden, we haven't had snow since about early February. Im not saying it's a bad thing because I love spring and summer because I can be outside and be active. But I do love to ride snowmobiles, groom the trails with my father, and just play around in the snow. But I am really enjoying the weather right now! Its like typical May weather. It's warm and sunny with a slight breeze. LOVE IT!!! I would have liked to had snow a little longer here, but hey Im not mother nature.
Recent Changes
So I have to say I have very much changed since I have came to Sweden. I am more independent, more mature, and a bit more educated. Nothing is wrong with either of those. I came on exchange to have my life changed for the better. And little over seven months in, I can more than say that my life has changed a bit. And I wouldn't change it. I can say that I have also lost all of my exchange weight. Oh yeah! I mean it was about 7-10lbs. And on my body it is easily seen. So looking into the mirror I feel better about myself. I actually like looking into the mirror now. Also my hair has changed colors :O No hairdye needed. It is slightly darker and also it has different shades of red, blond, and brown. It has also grown almost 5-7 inches since I have came here too. Which is great!! Just means more for me to donate.
Overall
For me, I have to say I am doing really good. I am into the culture of Sweden. And I really love it! I am loving the food, the school, the people, the town, the culture, the everything! I can say that I am loving the Swedish lifestyle. It's nothing like my American one, which actually makes me love it a little bit more! I might love this lifestyle, but I do want my American one back. I hate to say it. I have around four months left to go. I want it to go by fast when I need it to, but I need it to go slow when I am having the time of my life. But everyone knows that won't happen. A girl can dream can't she?
