Dance, Sing, Floss, Travel: Let the Festivities Begin

Let the Festivities Begin

It is so strange to realize how much you take for granted. I find myself looking around my home, my town and admiring its beauty, with the underlying fear of not remembering it while I am gone. I sometimes just go for walks and take mental pictures of everything in my mind so that when I get home sick I can look back on those images. I have also come to realize how awesome my community is. With the beautiful beaches at Balm, the historic building in downtown Midland, the view of Georgian Bay, constantly beckon you to explore. Oh, I am going to miss this.

As the 7^th of August approaches, the festivities start. Last weekend, I had my teenage friendly going away party at my cottage in Huntsville. My closest friends and I drove up to the cottage, on Friday morning, stopping at Weber’s along the way for a classic Burger lunch. We arrived in the early afternoon, and set up our tents. I would say it was a race but, the boys had a pop up tent so that idea was swiftly dismissed. In the next few hours, we kayaked over to some nearby cliffs and jumped off for a few hours. This was really cool because, it’s something, I had always wanted to try, but it loses its magic without friends. So thanks guys, you’re awesome: D We filled the rest of the weekend tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding and all night dance parties. It was the perfect way to say farewell to my friends. Leave with good memories, what could be better?

We dressed the boys up as girls! ( Emily, Kate, Ben, Kurtis, Holly and I)

Tomorrow, we are having my family farewell party, in my same classic low-key manner. My family and I will be spending the day at the beach. (What can I say? As Simon would call it, I’m a “Beach Baby”) For me it’s not about the fact that I am leaving more just about creating good memories before I leave, to remember everyone by. Plus if you have a chance to party, you might as well make it memorable.

I often get asked, “Are you nervous?”, and I just wanted to take some time to explain exactly how I am feeling about leaving for this exchange because I am sure you are all wondering. I am not nervous, I can’t be. First off it’s not in my nature, maybe I just don’t think about my actions thoroughly enough, maybe I actually don’t fear the unknown, but I do know I have always been up for an adventure. When it comes to being in nervous, you have to know the situation well enough to fear it. The thing is Thailand is so completely out of my realm of imagination, that I really don’t know what to fear. I am going to Thailand with no expectations, just a sense of adventure and a suitcase full of Canadian souvenirs. Whatever happens happens.

On another note, I also often get asked, “Are you getting excited?” and I say yes, because I am but I think this answer may be misleading. I am not excited to leave my family, friends and town I have known my whole life. I am excited to get on the plane and start my adventure. I am not excited to go to Thailand; I am excited to see what I find out about myself. I am excited to see how I survive on my own in this world. I am excited for the first time in my life, to be able to think for myself. No influence of parents, family or friends. I get to be me, and that is exciting.