"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. >:]