My First Travel Woe

Ahhh... August has arrived, and along with it, my first travel woe... I had to get a smart phone today. As many of you may know, I've had the same Samsung flip phone for more than three years. However, to my great dismay, Mr. Verizon told me the sad news that my flippy-flip is incompatible overseas. So it was either get a smart phone or do without for four months... It was a tough choice. It'll be alright though. They say I can switch back to my trusty flipper when I get back home. But my biggest fear is... by then I might not want to.

Getting my phone plan arranged and organizing other details for my semester abroad makes it seem closer than ever. Nerves and excitement seem to be chummy companions. They're always together when I'm around. I've never left the country before. Not even to dip my toes into Horseshoe Falls or to have a Coca-Cola in Juarez. Thus, my first step across the US border will be a four month excursion to Europe. That's normal... right? The painting above is one of Monet's many "Water Lilies"; a painting I had the pleasure of seeing this summer at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Looking at it reminds me of all the works of art and works of creation I'll be witness to by the end of 2013. Perhaps in a couple months, I'll have some pictures of my own as inspiring as this one. That way I won't be so dependent on Bing images.