Nyquil Knockout

Hello from Glasgow!!!!

I arrived around lunch time yesterday. I would like to say that it was an interesting trip, but I actually don't remember a thing about it. Here's why:

I have been fighting a cold and before my lengthy flight from Chicago to London, I decided to buy some Nyquil. The cashier handed me a sample of this new "Sleep Potion" stuff that is supposed to help you fall asleep. It was a mixture of natural things like Melatonin. As soon as I got on the plane, I took the recommended dose of Nyquil, realized I had no water to wash it down, and quickly grabbed the "Sleep Potion" stuff. Bad idea. Why? Because I woke up SEVEN HOURS later to a flight attendant telling me it was time for landing. I was slumped over with my head on the food tray (with an awful tray impression on my face). I don't remember a thing.

That doesn't sound so bad right? Well yeah, it would have been wonderful...if I didn't have to navigate the massive London airport in a Nyquil-haze. You see, to get around the London airport, you have to catch buses. By the time I went through customs, I felt like a zombie. They almost didn't let me in, haha.

XOXO-Kels

Packing woes.

My brother's room before packing began. 

Yesterday, my sweet mother and I went through my things and separated them into the "organized" piles you see above:

1. Accessories

2. Carry-on stuff

3. Checked bag- "Yesses"

4. Checked bag- "Maybes"

5. No's :(

Unfortunately, after the "yesses" made their way into my checked bag(s), the "maybes" had no room. 

With the help of my GENIUS mother, I have packed everything into two checked suitcases and one small carry-on. 

Initially, my Dad told me that I would probably have to make sacrifices and "only take necessities." He described it as if I were in the Army, and could only take a satchel. I quickly reminded him that what I don't take from home I will have to purchase abroad...he changed his views on the situation. 

I'm not looking forward to the goodbyes, nor am I looking forward to the holiday travel. However, what is waiting for me on the other side of the pond is worth every bit of it.

XOXO-Kels

Goodbyes (Part I)

I was looking over my notes for my final and I had a countdown on the top of my notes. It seems so crazy that at one point, we still had 72 days left. Now, I leave in 14 days!

Yesterday, I moved out of the ADPi house, which was a bittersweet moment. I feel like my time with friends was rushed, but I know I will enjoy my time at home.

Although there are some things I really won't miss (at all) about Mercer, I really wish I could pack up my friends and bring them along.

Things that I will NOT miss about Mercer
1. Terrible professors. This past semester, three out of the five professors I had were TERRIBLE, which normally isn't the case at Mercer. I hope that won't be the case next semester!
2. Macon. I don't think I need to elaborate on that.
3. Ian isn't there! I know, cheesy.

Things that I WILL miss about Mercer
1. Friends.
2. ADPi.
3. SGA.
4. Having a job.

There was so many last minute details that I had to complete before leaving. Moving away for six months means you have to change your magazine subscriptions (haha), get six months worth of medicine, get six months worth of contacts, find someone you trust (Kivi) to handle your mail, cancel your housing contract...

                                        Empty room ready for little Miss Morgan McCombs!

I hope everyone has a fun and relaxing holiday! My next post will probably be from Scotland!

40 Days and 40 Nights...of uncertainty.

Let's see, as of right now, 40 days prior to my departure, I have no idea:
1.) What classes I'm going to take
2.) What books I will need
3.) How much this is going to cost my parents
4.) How I'm going to get all of my stuff there

and worst of all:

5.) IF I AM EVEN ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY.

Yep, I'm crazy huh?

Apparently it is common to not receive acceptance from the "Uni" until right before your departure. Regardless, I am a planner, and planners don't like uncertainty. It definitely freaks me out knowing I have booked (an expensive) flight and no idea if I can actually study there.
Good things come to those who wait...right? RIGHT?!

As far as classes go, I finally received a list of classes that I can take (however, I won't have a clue about what I'm actually taking until I get over there). Apparently, I can take America: Land of the Free?, American Politics, and American TV History...'Merica!

I will be allowed to stay over there for six months on a "Student Visitor Pass." Because I am not getting the full-blown visa, I won't be allowed to work. My parents have said they will help me out each month, but I don't think they realize how bad the exchange rate is. For example, if they put 200 USD in my account, I will get 100 pounds...not good. As much as it's going to kill me, I don't plan on shopping a lot. I really need money for a cell phone and train pass...and wine...plenty of wine.

As some of you may know, I love my clothes/shoes/scarves/boots/jewelry/coats a lot. Every single day I wonder how I am going to fit all of it! Right now, I plan on taking two big suitcases, 1 rolly carry-on and a big purse. The extra suitcase will cost me $50, but I am actually more worried about what is family is going to think.

4 bags = DIVA.

I hope you are all keeping your fingers crossed for me. This has already been a crazy experience and I'm not even there yet.

XOXO
Kels

53 Days Left!

I know I am 53 days early for this blog, but I wanted to include all of the exciting things about planning the trip (packing, goodbyes). And let me tell you, the amount of planning that has gone into this trip has been lengthy.

Next semester, I will studying at the University of the West of Scotland in Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow is such a fun city, but let's be real, the reason I chose Scotland is because that is where my boyfriend, Ian, lives. We met at Mercer University my freshman year (he was a Junior) and 1 1/2 years later, here we are! After graduating, he moved back home to study Quantitative Finance (whatever that is?)  at the University of Glasgow. Our (really, really, really) long distance relationship has been doable, but being on the same continent is much more preferable.

At first, I dreaded the process of studying abroad: applications, funding, feasibility. I was afraid I would have to apply through a program outside of Mercer, which costs a ton of money. Luckily for me, Mercer exchanges with a school only 15 minutes from Ian's house, which  means I will ultimately be paying the same amount to attend UWS than I would to attend Mercer...fate?

At this point, I am getting everything finalized. Last week I booked my flight, which cost a small fortune...I will be surviving on Ramen Noodles for a while. I booked it in a campus coffee shop called Jittery Joes and I had a small breakdown. Booking the flight made everything a lot more "real," and I started freaking out about silly things like understanding my professors with their thick Scottish accents, missing my family/friends, gaining weight from all the yummy food, doing well in school and maintaining good relations with Ian's family (haha, seriously). The anxious feelings were quickly replaced by excited feelings. Although I know I am going to miss my family and friends terribly, I am sure this is going to be a wonderful experience. As for the accent thing...well, we will see!


Please keep up with my blog as I set out on the adventure of a lifetime!



 XOXO-Kels