"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams"

Hey everyone!!!
So, like Josh said, my name is Cassie and I’m a TCK like these other two crazies on here. Just to let you know a little bit about me: I was born in Haiti, grew up in the DRC, and now attend Colby College in Maine, USA! Crazy bit of a life, but it’s all good.

I just wrapped up my first semester of college, so I finally have a bit of free time to write a post! Seeing as it’s the beginning of Christmas break, I’ll make this one something seasonal. In the rush and stress of finals, packing, and nerf gun fights in these past few weeks, my friends and I talked a lot about the holidays. There were some who were looking forward to home cooked meals, some who couldn’t wait for family time, and some who just wanted to be able to fall asleep smelling something other than their roommates. Mostly, everyone just wanted to go home… and that’s where the dreaded question came in. Sitting in the common room, studying in the library, or eating in the dining halls, I just couldn’t get away from it: “Are you going home for Christmas?” Every time it was asked, I cringed inside and answered, “No, I’m going to Kenya.”
What is “going home for the holidays”? Does it mean you’re going to wherever your family is or does it mean you’re going to the place where you’ve spent most of your life? If you’re lucky, those two are the same place. If you’re like me, and many other college freshman TCKs, they’re completely different.

One of my friends remarked that, “home is where the heart is”, at which point I had to hold myself back from ranting about how he COULD say that, coming from a town he’s lived in his entire life. But, it’s true. Home is where the heart is. The problem is that my heart is separated all over the world – in Kenya, Congo, Maine, and all the places in between. Still, after being in Nairobi for a couple hours now, I realized that just because I’m sleeping in a new bed, in a new apartment, in a new country, doesn’t mean that I can’t feel like I’m home. I’ve had to accept that I might never completely feel that way in the typical meaning, but I’ve found that there are little things that bring the sense of comfort, peace, and, “Oh yeah, I remember this.” Lying underneath a mosquito net, listening to crickets, and keeping my eyes spotted for cockroaches to kill, I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I can find a piece of home anywhere. So, wherever you are for the holiday season, remember that you can always be home; whether you’re with people you love, in a place you grew up in, or even stuck in an airport, staring at those familiar tacky decorations; there’s a piece of your heart wherever you go. Merry Christmas everyone and have a very happy New Year! See you in 2012!!!

Three dentist appointments, two hair appointments, and a partridge in a pear tree...

SO! Today, I get on that plane to go (to Paris and then) HOME!!! I am so excited. Unless you're a TCK, I don't think you can fully understand. From the DRC (which is on the equator) I moved to Massachusetts. Massachusetts!! So, it's been pretty cold. Needless to say, I miss the warm, sunny, chaotic mess that is my home.

Anyways, yesterday. Yesterday was AMAZING. I mean, I woke up around 4 like I have been, and then I think I talked to Josh. We talked for a while, and then each went to go get our respective breakfasts. I had 2 poached eggs, one on toast, the other on a croissant. Yum. ANTYWAYS. Then, I went to my 3rd dentist appointment I've had this week. Pretty masochistic of me. Then, I went into town. And I had to take....the subway!! *cue creepy music* The thing about the subway is...if you're from a place where you, your parents, or your chauffer drive you everywhere, you usually have no idea how to use it. So every time I'd get on, I would have a panic attack because I thought the train was going somewhere I didn't wanna go. For example, I got on the train going to Alewife (which is in the direction of my hotel) and I freaked out because it didn't say "going to Harvard Square", which is where I needed to get off. ANOTHER THING! Boston accents are one of the most annoying accents in the world (sorry Bostoners.) Worse then New York accents. Moving on. After about 30 minutes of sub-terranian chaos, I made it to Newbury street, which is like...the shopping district of Boston. Anyways, after a lovely day of pampering myself at salons and such, I went shopping, and bought myself new kicks and other things.

To end the day, I bought myself a Caramel Brulée latte from Starbucks, and took the subway home. By then I was exhausted. I did laundry, talked to Josh, and then went to sleep. And I slept so well! I went to bed around 11:30 pm, and then woke up at around 9:30 am. It was amazing.
Then I headed towards Harvard Square, had breakfast at Starbucks, wandered around aimlessly in the Square, window shopped, and then headed back to the B&B that I'm staying at, where I am now writing this blog. Josh just missed his flight, but luckily, he got another ticket, which makes me happy. I need to see this guy! He's like a big brother to me (even though he's 2 months younger than me). Not to mention he helped me get this blog going.

Anyways, guys, I'ma wrap things up, cuz I'm gonna have to get a taxi to the airport soon. Like Josh, I'm not sure if I'll be able to write posts in Congo, because of the slow internet speed, but I'll try my best. If I can't I will keep a log, and tell you all everything once I get back. Until then - Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I will see you when I see you.

If there was a fish that could fly, would his name be Harry or George?

I'm not even going to discuss what time it is right now. If you want to know simply look below at the time stamp below the post.... You back? Ok good. Yeah, I know it's absurd but I can explain. A really long night on reading day eve (aka: biggest party night of the year) plus sleeping in until 3pm today plus having to re-write 4 different papers for my WACT class plus packing and cleaning and all that equals this hour. I'd have gone to bed by now but I'm waiting on my laundry to get finished and then all will be well. And in case, you're wondering, my papers did get finished and I'm happy with all of them! =) (and that is the last emoticon you will ever see me use on this blog).

And in other news we will soon have a new author: Cassie! She is another TCK and she also happens to be one of my close friends and she graduated with Shanti and I from The international School Of Kinshasa, or, TASOK. I'll refrain from saying to much about her lest she have nothing new to say when she gets here but just know that she's a great person and we should all give her a warm welcome!

Speaking of this blog, I'm reminded of other blogs. Three to be exact. This one: http://coolbeans3.blogspot.com is written by my mom. She's an amazing lady and a talented writer and a mother of three. All that and she can post on the internet? What madness is this? That's right guys, my mom rocks! Another blog that's actually pretty new to the internet is this one: http://alexaestelle.blogspot.com/ and it's run by one of my good friends Lexi. She's pretty awesome herself and she used to go to college with me (long story, maybe later). And the last one I have for you today is this blog: http://shepherdandsheep.wordpress.com/ by my good buddy Zach. He's a Shepherd and is that wasn't cool enough he's pretty much the go-to guy at the BSU which is AWESOME to say the least. And perhaps now that I've posted their blogs maybe I'll get a mention or two? Well.... guys?

And alas tomorow (fine....today) marks my last day of this semester. I have a meeting at 8:00am and a final in my theater class at 12:30pm. So a bit more time to pack in there and then I'll be off to my Grandpa's for Thursday night, then I'll go to my Aunt's house in St. Louis on Friday. Then, on Saturday. my plane leaves!!! And 30 or so hours from there I'll be home!!! And sadly I very likely will not be posting while due to bad internet and busy schedule. But I promise I'll keep a log and post when I get back as I'm sure Shanti will as well and possibly Cassie. But this can be a good thing for you guys! You see. If we don't post then you wont read and then you can enjoy your break by spending time with your friends and family instead of reading the most awesome blog on the planet! See how great this is!?

So this is me saying sianara, chao, adios, aurevior and goodbye for now. I'll see you either in a day or so, or maybe a month. Time will tell. Merry Christmas and a happy new year guys! Take Care!

Ps. We just broke 500 total page views! #party

Brains: they fart.

Hokay. So I'm not sure how to put this... ButIhavenoideahat'sgoingonrightnowandIhavenotimetofigureitout!!!!!! *deep inhale* I'm procrastinating hardcore right now with a blog post. You see, the thing about the internet is that you don't really know what you can put on it before you get in trouble or something happens that ticks someone off. Case in point: Life happens faster than you'd think possible. There's issues in the Congo, issues here at school, crazy professors, exams, drama, and to top it all off, I don't know how to handle it! Something tells me it will get better next semester, but my other half says no. Advice? I'll post more later tonight when my brain clears and I can remember something that has been fun to post about for you entertainment... Good night and good luck.

Cake, Cops, and Creepers

Sitting on my bed, perusing the internet, looking at fashion websites (collegefashion.net) and cracked.com, chatting with friends...I am so content right now. Though my brain has been a day behind for the past two days now. Today, I thought it was Friday, and yesterday, I thought it was Thursday. Wierd stuff, huh?

Anyways, I'm elated because I'm doing stuff I like, and also...BECAUSE I'LL BE HOME ON SATURDAY! That's 7 days! I'm so excited. I'm also getting braces on the 14th, and braids on the 15th. Fun stuff, but what can I say? 'Beauty knows no pain?'. Whatever. Whoever said that has never had their hair braided or their braces tightened.

My weekend has started out pretty nicely. Solitarily, but nicely. On Friday evening, I watched Teen Titans and ate cake. Shortly afterwards, a friend of mine (who was intoxicated at the time) wandered into my room...I gave him cake and talked to him for a little while, and then sent him on his way. Honestly, I was a little uncomfortable, because he was saying things he shouldn't have, and crossing lines that I was afraid he would cross if I didn't say anything. So I sent him on my way. I love my boyfriend, and I have never once been unfaithful. I have lost him once already, and there's no way I'm losing him again, especially not for something like that. Anyways, then, at 2 a.m., a friend of mine texted to tell me that a friend of mine had just gotten arrested. Try and sleep then! So I skyped Josh and told him about what had happened (the intoxicated dude and the arrest), and we talked for a bit, then called it a night and I went to sleep.

I kind of got to sleep in today. I went to say goodbye to a friend of mine and got to meet 2 of her mom's dogs. They were adorable black labs, one was a puppy, and one was older. That was fun. Then brunch, and then I got to skype with my boyfriend, which was awesome!...until the internet kept on messing up. So our conversation would be like: "Good thing you...." "What's that sound?" "What sound?" "Dear sweet Jesus, it sounds like there's a battalion going by your window." "I give up!"...yeah. Anyways, then, I went to dinner. There I met up with a couple friends of mine, one of whom is absolutely hilarious. We talked about combining The Lion King and Fight Club into one movie that would be called Lion Club.

And now, here I am. Chillin'. My life is kind of blah at the moment. But when I get home, I'm sure it'll spice right up.

It's nothing huge, just the fate of the world.

Right now I'm sitting in the "study bubble" in our dorm hall. Obviously, I am not studying. I'm people watching and reminiscing about my day. Not much of a day but I feel I got a lot done.

I woke up and went to the last Writing As Critical Thinking class of the semester (can I get a woot woot?)!! Got a B+ over all and I feel good about it! Muwahahaha. Did some Christmas shopping and due to the sensitive nature of the information contained I cannot post on this blog that which I bought or that which was looked upon with consideration. Sorry guys.... No peeky peeky here. Haha! *ahem* So I also learned that I cannot cash checks in Kirksville which makes for an awkward moment with the cashier at the bank. But crisis averted and all is well. Got the problem sorted out an I should have my money soon.

I am also slightly disturbed at the elections in D.R.C... Postponed for another day? Really Congo? How hard is this? Count the votes, elect winner. End of story. Thank you and goodnight.

Ok. So this current paragraph is being written at 2:37am (central U.S time) on 12/9/2011.

Thought I'd touch up my post before it hit the internet. With what? I don't know. But really what's on my mind right now is the sheer amount of intolerance that is out there towards Christians. Especially Christians in politics. People may say that we should separate church and state but that does not mean taking God out of the equation. The church is an organised group autonomous from the state but both fall under God's command. It's fine and dandy to ignore the truly religious minority (and those that are, are becoming more and more rare) and generalize Christians with all the other Christians; but say a Muslim is like all other Muslims and they all blow things up will likely get you sued, shot, hate mail or all of the above. Say the same thing about Jews and you're suddenly Hitler. Say it about the GBLT and you're intolerant in the highest degree. But, say anything you want about Christianity and you're golden, you're praised, you might even be given a Nobel prize. Regardless of your beliefs, I'm sure that as an intelligent individual you can see the target. It's simply not fair and it needs to stop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAJNntoRgA

Can't you see that it's just rainin', ain't no need to go outside...

Well, if you can deduct from the title, today was a cloudy, rainy day. But surprisingly, not too cold. I woke up, and it was raining which resulted in the instant desire to burrow back under the covers and go back to sleep. So I did, because I didn't have class today. :) Anyways, that said, I only slept in until about 10-10:30, at which point I decided to get up and get online, check Facebook and such, went to lunch, and then decided to go to town. I was in a pretty good mood, and I popped in my earphones and jammed all the way there on the bus. You don't need to know the boring details of what I did in town, but I will say this...if you have a giant gash on one of your fingers, DO NOT, I repeat do NOT go get a manicure. They will put nail polish remover and cuticle sticks all up in there without even thinking that they may be making you want to cry. But, all in all, at least my nails look prettiful.

When I got back from town, I got to Skype with almost my entire family, (minus a brother), which was really nice. Then I headed to the Bridge for dinner, and have been working/chilling/skyping with said missing brother since. All my finals are due on Friday, and then I am officially done with my first semester of college! I think celebration will be in order. But now, with the rain pattering on my window, I think I should get some rest.

Side note: Congo election results are posted today at 6pm EST, or midnight Kinshasa time. Please keep Congo in your thoughts and prayers, and hope that no violence befalls the beautiful country.

With that, goodnight, folks. I will post again on Saturday!

my stupid, logger-headed, hasty-witted, canker-blossom of a phone

Sometimes a day will open with a sigh and close with the exhale. Kinda like today. I woke up, was on my way downstairs for some tasty coffee and I had the misfortune of looking out the window and seeing some strange powdery white stuff on the ground. My mind was thinking powdered sugar or cocaine or something when I realized that the people outside not only looked miserable but also cold, very cold. Then, my product-of-Florida-and-D.R.C brain arrived at the conclusion that what I was seeing was neither of the aforementioned things. But in fact, frozen bits of H2O that had come from the sky; or (as most non-science majors call it) snow. I would have given up and gone back to bed right then but my class in really only 80 feet from my front door.... Figured I had to at this point. So I showed up with a doughnut and coffee (much to the envy of everyone). Then I returned to my dorm and went back to sleep thinking of waking at 12:30pm right? Wrong, my stupid, logger-headed, hasty-witted, canker-blossom of a phone decided that it was only going to go off on Sundays......So I woke up at 3:30.... Fully refreshed but behind. Moral of this story: Move to Florida and don't assume the intelligence of your mobile device.

On a slightly more personal and certainly more important note: Congo election results are being announced today. Really hoping there's no violence this time and praying for a smooth transition of power or a secure maintenance of the current leader. It's not really like he's done a bad job, he just has a lot to work with a lot working against him.

AN: I have just been informed that the results have been delayed 24 hours.

All in a days work and worry

I must admit, I'm feeling pretty good about myself today.

Yesterday, the choir had a concert. And while I was very, very tense because I was worrying about my family back home, my being mad at my boyfriend, and how goshdarn cold it was outside, I was glad to get out, sing, hang with friends, and just get away from it all. The concert went well, and afterwards they even served delicious junk food.

Afterwards I went back to my dorm, and I got a lot of work done. Even though I was up 'til 4 a.m. doing it. Anyways, I got about 5 papers done last night, while listening to Radio Okapi (a UN backed Congolese radio station). And then I called it quits and played Need for Speed for a bit, and then crashed. I slept like a baby until 11:30 am, and when I woke up, I finally got to skype one of my brothers. He was evacuated to the states because of the very tense election situation back home. Nothing is happening yet, and hopefully nothing will happen, but we're keeping on our toes. Results are to be announced today. Listening to Radio Okapi calms me, I don't know why. Something about the familiarity of the language (French and Lingala), and the accents, I suppose.

Today, after skyping with my bro, I worked some more, and then a friend invited me to go into town, which I haven't been able to do lately. So I jumped at the opportunity. We went into NoHo, shopped for a bit...I shouldn't have shopped, but I did. Not too much! But a little. And then we went to the mall, so she could get her ears re-pierced. On the way home, though, we got stuck at UMass Amherst. One of the sketchiest places to be at night. I had to help my friend and I escape from a very obnoxious drunk guy, but we got home safe in the end, with warm and yummy noms waiting for us. Not that much of this matters.

But I guess the moral of this post is: life can be really hectic, and sometimes you just need to step back and take a breather. It can be good for you. Every so often, you just need to stop and smell the roses.

Weekend shenanigans

Well. This weekend was just a barrel of fun! I went and saw Donald Glover live, I went to a huge party (to which Glover showed up!) and I was reminded just how weak and un-educated us men are when it comes to women. I shall begin at the start.

So, Donald Glover. Many of you may know him from the show "Community"? Well that's the first place I heard of him. And since then I've learned that he's a rapper and a stand up comic! And he's hilarious! I mean yeah, a lot of his jokes were a bit off color but most of it was just straight up funny. Although....the guy who opened for him was crude and not as funny. But that's what openers are for right? Making the next guy look good (or better at least).

So after that I went out to a party with some friends. A charming place called the Aquadome. Sketchiest place I think I've ever seen. The floor and walls shook in increments measurable in inches with the beat of the bass as we all danced. Very fun. We danced, laughed, jumped on a bed watched crazy people do questionable things and made memories to last at least until next weekend! We got there around 11:00pm and reluctantly left around 3:00am for a long walk home. Good times in K-ville, good times.

Also, I've recently started talking to my ex-girlfriend, and things are quite weird, at least for me. I'd like to think of myself as a pretty articulate guy, but when it comes to telling her how I feel I can't seem to get it out. I love her still but I can't tell her because I want her too be happy as she is. Not a day goes by when I don't wish things could have been different between her and I and I can't stand it. I know she's happier single and without the heavy burden of a long distance relationship but I still feel the way I do. I've never fallen this hard for anyone before and I hope my words can make a difference. Like I said, I somehow can never tell her this in person because I'm a guy and women can turn even the bravest of men into the most cowardly lions.

Today is just one of those days...

One of those days where I'd rather be there than here. Where the cold weather is starting to get to me, where the nights of no sleep are catching up to me, where all I want is a hug from one of my brothers, my mom, or my boyfriend. When I want to eat homemade food because dining hall goop just don't cut it. Where...impatience is just really starting to get to me.
Things aren't really that bad here. I actually had a pretty good time yesterday, at my friend's birthday party. It's just that I'm a little stressed out because of finals, and the elections back home, and that the journey home is brushing at my fingertips, just out of my reach. These past few weeks have been passing quickly, though. As long as I keep my mind occupied, (and there is never a dull moment at Hampshire) I have no problem. I just have to keep on keepin' on.

The good, the bad, and the ohmygoshit'swaytoocoldoutside!

It's getting cold.... Way too cold. Apparently not only is a snowstorm headed our way now but they're predicting a snowpocalypse 2.0 (we had one last year). Last year it was something like 4 feet and sticking and this year it's predicted to be the same or worse! All in all not terrible other than the frostbite, cold toes and fingers, the biting wind on my 1/2 mile way to class, the snowball gorilla warfare and other things. Ok. The only good points here are my Calvin and Hobbes snowmen (They WILL be made) and the possibility of a snow-day when I can build these snowmen.

But right now life's not bad. French Proff didn't show again and class is canceled problem is, it's crazy cold outside and my mind is still running with Congo/Florida seasonal signals. Meaning it shold be a good 75 degrees outside....not 7.

Perfectly Melancholy

You know those times when songs meet mood combined with the weather? I'm sure most of you do. But think of it like the idea of Christmas music with snow on the ground. But it happened to me the other day and it was simply beautiful. It was a misty, cold and rainy Sunday morning. I was listening to Mayday Parade's new album and something just clicked. I was thinking heavily about home and the potential for trouble there and I was also thinking about some recent and rather upsetting life events between both me and my friends. But those whole moment was just so beautiful I just stopped (I was standing in the middle of the road....) and prayed. It was a simple prayer and I'm not sure I could even tell you in words what I said. But it was certainly heartfelt and I would do it again anytime.

And ever since then I haven't been quite able to shake the melancholic feeling. I think I'm slightly homesick or something. Maybe I'm tired (staying up till 2am will do that when it's 5 days a week). But a shout out to all those reading this between freshman and senior high school years... Enjoy your sleep while you have it. You think you don't have any now. Oh man. It gets worse. >:]

Oh, Halfway there...

Two weeks...two weeks until I get home. I think the last weeks before you go home (as a TCK) are the worst. There's this longing, this...feeling of knowing that what you want, what you need is just at your fingertips. And you don't want to wait and go through finals, and sit on planes for 14 hours, and wait in airports for 6 hours, go through immigration....you just want to see your family! And from reading posts on Facebook, I think it's trying both my and Josh's patience, and at this point I think we both just want to go home. We've come pretty far from where we were, though. And I'm proud of us. And I know we're gonna stick it out until we can finally go home.

It's a grey area...

So, this evening, I decided that I would finally go and do something with the people of color student groups on campus. What there was, was a screening of a web series called 'Awkward Black Girl'. It's a funny show, but you have to have a sense of humor to watch it. Anyways, after the screenings, the creators of the series sat down and answered the audience's questions. It went back and forth, and people were saying how they really related to J (the main character), others were asking about starting their own web series, and then...then someone said:"Well, I'm part of the Black Student Union at my school..." and as I turned around to see who was talking, to my surprise...it was a white girl (oh, sorry. I meant Caucasian woman.) Not only did I do a double take, but, I had to try to stifle the fits of laughter that were taking over me. But in the end, I was laughing so hard I was crying. And it's not because 'Oh, my gosh, there are white people in the Black Student Union!', it was just because...I just didn't understand! I guess that it's not an exclusive thing. When I was talking to a friend about it later, she compared it to a GSA, as in 'you don't have to be black to join.'...I learn new things every day in America.

It's a dead tie

Hokay... So I was invited to a formal party/dance about a week ago. The theme (I hate themes so much) is futuristic... So my "date" decided that we would just wear silver shirts or something. So we got the bright idea that I could wear a silver tie with a black shirt instead. Makes perfect sense right? Right. But wal-mart didn't have any plain silver ties, so being the cheap losers we are, we went to the salvation army store, got a 50 cent tie and some spray paint... Yeah... In hindsight. This was probably not the best idea I've had. But anyways. After spending several minutes painting the tie and my hands silver, fumigating myself in my room (my poor roomate) and waking up early to put a second coat on it I got back outside to re-paint it for a third time but I can't find the tie. I had been painting it behind the dumpsters outback to avoid awkward questions and/or wind. I only managed to avoid the questions. Next thing I know the guys who pick up the card board recycling stuff found my tie and threw both the tie and the piece of cardboard it was sitting on in the dumpster... So not only were they not doing their job but they messed up what was going to be a pretty sweet looking tie.

So now I'm having to go to J.C Penny's with the money my awesome grandpa gave me (just for this occasion) and hope they have a tie that works... #fingerscrossed

Greetings!

Hey guys! My name is Joshua Burton, I've been friends with Shanti for over a year now and it's been a blast. We met at our high school TASOK (best on the planet) and now she has graciously granted me publishing privileges on this here blog. I'm currently a freshman at Truman State University in Kirksville Missouri and in case you don't know where that is. I'm as far away from everywhere as the middle of nowhere can be. But it's great here and I hope to update you a bit more as time goes on. Thanks!

Wanna get ma hurr did

One quick thing.
I'm from Africa. I want to get my hair braided. Now - back home, it would only cost, maybe about $15 to get braids, maybe more for micros or invisible. And so, in my search here, I'm all: "Oh, it's not gonna be that expensive. I'll pop in, sit down for a couple hours, pay $15, and come out with a new do." What happened in reality: "Hey, how much would it cost for me to get micro braids done?" "$150." "Kthxbai". And I was outta there. $150? (May I also point out, that in Kin, weaves cost $60-$80. In America, they're $120-$200. Ugh. The plights of being a black woman in America. I don't know how people here do it!...Well, that's my rant for today. If you need help understanding why I need my hair done, refer back to the picture of me combing my hair with a fork.

Why, hello there!

Okay, it's been way too long. SO, I'm gonna skip the uninteresting bit and head straight for the good bits. Right now, I'm sitting in a B&B in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You wanna know why? Because on Sunday, we got snowed out! I believe we got a good...2 feet of snow. And because the snow was so early, the trees still had leaves. And because they still had leaves, they caught the snow instead of letting it fall through the branches. And...well long story short, trees fell down and knocked out the power lines. And we have no power at school. Overnight it was okay, just a little chilly. But then morning came around. And without power, there was no breakfast. And 1500 hungry (pro-protesting) college students is not a good mix. But at least there was something. So we nommed on the last of whatever the college had, which was...not much. But at least it was something. Then, the interns (Hampshire equivalents of RA's) went around telling people that we were 'relocating' (because 'evacuating' is such a big scary word), and that if we had a way out, we were 'encouraged to leave campus'. So, I did. I found the next car heading to Boston, and I jumped in.
The ride to Boston was...frantic, to say the least. Everyone was making a beeline to the gas stations before they ran out of gas, and a lot of the gas stations were closed. We made it to Boston in...a few hours, because we got lost a few times along the way. They dropped me off at the Boston Logan airport, where I was supposed to take the silver line down to Cambridge. As I'm happily walking down to buy my subway pass, I notice something...my wallet is not in my hand, it's not in my bag...no. It's in a car on it's way to Maine. Fml, right? So, I sat in the airport, and cried for a while and had general feelings of panic until I got hold of an old friend who could get me into Cambridge. Thank goodness for him. After a long, cold, and tedious subway ride, I finally got to Cambridge, walked into the hotel (smuggled Dottie in, too) and crashed.
Now here I am, waiting for my wallet so I can go be normal. I had to brush my hair with a fork this morning. That's how little I brought with me. I am truly thankful for the privilege I have in society. Albeit I am not rich, I do have the means to have everything I need. And now I am SO thankful for that. Anyways, here are some pictures of snow, me, and the fork. :)

Moving in and Orientation

This week was filled with SO much stuff!

Day 1 - Thursday, September 1st
On orientation day, we got up kind of early, but still got to Hampshire late (what do you expect, we've been living in Africa!). We drove around a bit cuz we were kind of lost on where to go. We finally found a parking spot behind the gym, where I was supposed to go sign in. I went in, filled out some paperwork, and got my keys. Now, moving in.
So...I live on the fourth floor. And we didn't know there was an entrance other than the basement. And we had four HUGE suitcases. Not to mention various other boxes and bags....needless to say, it was kind of difficult. Luckily, my college had these wonderful young men to help move stuff. Here are before and after shots of my room.


As you can see, there is stuff piled on the bed a la teenager.
Anyways, after moving in, we had lunch (delicious hummus and tabouli spinach wraps) and then I met up with my orientation group and we did typical orientation group stuff like games and talking about the beginning of college. That night, there was a bonfire with s'mores and singing. A good ending to a long day.

Day 2 - Friday, September 2nd
That day was also filled with orientation activities, along with discussions on the common reading which was Sherry Turkle's Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less From Each Other...which I don't recommend...to anyone...at any time. It's kind of biased and based on studies done on American middle class. While I understand where she's coming from, I just think that she focuses on too much of the negative qualities, and not enough on the positive. But moving on. There was a lecture by her that evening, (which I did not participate in but my mom went to), and then I think I went to dinner with my mother. The evenings are all a real blur.

Day 3 - Saturday, September 3rd
This day was...oh yeah! I went on a hike! And for those of you who know me, I am not the hiking type. But this wasn't half bad. I met a bunch of interesting people. Theatre geeks and singers...just a bunch of fun people to hang out with. The view at the top of the mountain was absolutely incredible.



The only annoying part of the hike was the up and down of the mountain itself...because it kept on tricking us. But, all in all, I got to wear my new athletic outfit, and the girly girl in me thought I looked good. Then, we had dinner and that was that. That evening, I went to a theatre meeting to talk about auditioning and directing etc...I'm actually thinking of writing a play now, and I have the perfect idea. ^_^

Day 3 - Sunday, September 4th
This day...oh, this day. Well, we had breakfast and then some random group activities, a more detailed tour of campus and stuff like that. Then...oh, then. Then there was a presentation called 'Until Someone Wakes Up', which was about sexual consent and rape. And by the end of it, a lot of people (myself included) were tearing up. It really was a moving performance. The great thing about that day was that we actually had free time. Oh mah word. It was amazing. After free time, though, was a comedy performance by someone called Micia Mosely, who was talking about the black queer community, and how it was severely marginalized. That performance led to an absolutely amazing discussion on how race is becoming socially constructed by contemporary stereotypes. Feel free to comment if you'd like to know my opinion, but I have a feeling some of you already know, haha. That was followed up by dinner and hall meetings.

Day 4 - Monday, September 5th
Now, while today was filled with tons of fun stuff, it was also the day my mom left to go back to New Mexico before returning to DRCongo. So, needless to say, I was a little stressed out. But, life had to move on. I tried not to dwell on it. We had some orientation activities, but the afternoon was basically up to us. I kind of isolated myself in my room that afternoon. That, or I just can't remember doing anything significant.. ^_^"



Day 5 - Tuesday, September 6th
This was the day before classes started, which meant a lot of class and school related meetings. The convocation ceremony was at 4:30, and it was just kind of long and boring...but I guess it's alright. It was optional, and I went.

So that's that for orientation. Here are a couple of pictures of my beautiful campus on a lovely sunny day where I was in a good mood to go walk around and look at stuff.


Tomorrow is (was) another adventure!

And She's back!

Sorry I haven't blogged in forever, guys. Life has been REALLY hectic. My next few posts will explain why. I'm doing them chronologically in little posts so you guys aren't overwhelmed. So, here goes!

Today...

was fun, but not postworthy. Except for that I met a couple really cool kids from my college. Also, I have a major migrane right now, so I'm not up for blogging. Tomorrow, I move in, and will post some stuff then. Another adventure awaits!

Northampton, MA

I'd forgotten how much I loved this town. It's so...bohemian. Driving here was a trip, though. As soon as we got in the car, my mom started freaking out because the GPS didn't talk fast enough...'she' (the GPS) was an 'old school marm', giving us directions to our hotel. The trip altogether took about 2 hours....I was asleep for part of it. Until my mom woke me up to inform me that the GPS had stopped 'talking'. (Which reminds me of something Sherry Turkle wrote, but we'll get to that in a later post.
Finally we reached the Penrose Victorian Inn, a luxurious B&B in Haydenville, MA. It's so beautiful here. The 1st and 2nd floors are all decorated in the style of the Victorian era (No Duh). We have the top floor - the Mesa Verde room - all to ourselves.







I wish I could live here forever. After we had settled in, we decided to go explore Northampton, better known to the locals as 'NoHo'. *snicker*

Anyways, in 2 days I move into my dorm, and since I didn't have everything I needed, I figured I could use a stop at FACES. If you're ever in Northampton, MA, and need anything....at all, go to this store. They have great prices for great stuff. Among my purchases today were:

• An Elmo mug, pictured here: ---->-->
• A Breakfast Club poster
• A Johnny Depp poster
• A hippo hot water bottle
• A 'come to the dark side...we have cookies' shirt
• A magnet that says 'Hippies Welcome', in honor of my college
• Fro-Yo...that was consumed immediately
• BRIGHT RED rain boots
• A vintage photo booth sesh with my mom and I making silly faces. I love photo booths.

All in all, today was a really great day. After FACES and Fro-Yo, we went to an Asian restau called 'Zen' for dinner. They have great prices for great food. We had shrimp and chicken dumplings, Mom got the Asian Salad, and I got the sesame chicken (I prefer cashew, but oh well). All of this plus wine (for mom) and iced tea cost us about $50. Try finding that in Kinshasa! After dinner we were so tired we drove home and went right to bed...well, not right to bed. I had to blog first! So that's it. It's midnight now and I can finally go to sleep. Goodnight everyone! Tomorrow is another adventure.

Let's backtrack

Everyone knows that leaving for college is stressful. Even if you're not moving to a different country. Even if you're living at home and going to college down the street...you're growing up. And whether we like it or not, some part of us doesn't want to do that.
When I left for college, I had sort of a rough week. In the days leading up to my departure, I went through a break-up, contracted malaria for the first time (and I've lived in Africa for the past 12 years!), and realized that I knew no one in the area in which I would be going to college. So, needless to say, I freaked out, because everything I knew was changing and I felt like I didn't know anything at all anymore. I spent countless hours crying, telling my mom and my friends that I didn't want to go...hey, everyone deals with it differently! Anyways, by the end of it, I felt pathetic for being so down and not knowing why I felt that way. So, looking for a bit of insight, I picked up The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition, a book for TCK's that my mom had given me earlier in the year, but I had never bothered to read.
As I perused the pages, I came across a section labeled: "The 5 Stages of Transition", which went like this:

The 5 stages of transition as Dr. Pollock outlines them are:

1. Involvement Stage
2. Leaving Stage
3. Transition Stage
4. Entering Stage
5. Re-involvement Stage

And as I kept reading, I realized how much sense it made...

The 5 Stages

Stage 1 - Involvement

• This is the state of normalcy as you know it. It may be whare you are right now. You are settled, involved in your community, school, etc. This stage is characterized by a sense of belonging and participation. It's really the last place you can call "home".

Stage 2 - Leaving

• Leaving begins the moment you are aware of an upcoming change. It can begin as early as 3-6 months before actually leaving. This is a time characterized by a loosening of emotional ties, distancing from others, and relinquishing responsibilities.

Stage 3 - Transition

• The transition stage begins the moment you leave one place and ends once you decide, consciously or unconsciously, to settle and truly become part of your new place. This stage is characterized by chaos and ambiguity.

Stage 4 - Entering

• Things are no longer chaotic, but you are still feeling marginal and uncertain during entering. You are looking for mentors and friends in this stage to help fulfill your desire to settle in and connect with others.

Stage 5 - Re-involvement

• Re-involvement is a position of feeling settled again. You feel a sense of belonging and participation in your new surroundings. You can now call this new place "home."

Reading this put my mind at ease. Knowing that what I was feeling was completely normal. That doesn't mean that I didn't cry a few more times, but I didn't feel so bad about it. The last time cried about it was the night before I got on the plane from South Africa to leave for the U.S. Once I got on the plane, though, I was fine.
So, all in all, here I am, in Cambridge, MA. We leave for Northampton today, and orientation starts on Thursday. I'm still uncertain about it, but I know that I have to make the best of it. Back in Kinshasa is a life that I am not a part of anymore, and whether or not I like it, I have to start taking some steps by myself. It's gonna be hard, but that doesn't mean it won't be worth the struggle.