winding down..

THE END IS IN SIGHT.
Gosh, that's so weird to say. Three weeks left in Leuven - that's it. I have really mixed feelings about leaving this wonderful place I've come to call home, and honestly? I don't really want to get into those feelings.. not just yet. I've got three weeks, and I intend for them to hold lots of studying, frites, beer, quality time with newfound friends, studying, waffles, travel, andddd.... studying. Did I mention that I have a lot of studying to do?

Let me just put it into perspective for you... At Hanover, I take four classes each semester. Here in Leuven, I'm taking six. SIX. Did I mention that four of them are graduate level courses? Oh, yeah... that. Also, I should probably just add in that I'm definitely not a graduate level student. Furthermore, most students who study in Leuven (aka, not Exchange students who are only here for the semester) don't take their exams until the end of January. That's right, folks. They get their entire Christmas break and a large part of January solely devoted to studying for exams. And - here's the kicker - if they do poorly? They can just re-take the exams. THAT'S SO NEAT. I, however, am afforded neither of those luxuries. Splendid.

I was emailed my official finals schedule yesterday morning and had a little panic attack.. seriously. But then I took a couple deep breaths, make a list of things that I need to do, and went from there. Lists always make me feel better.. is my type-A personality showing? So that's that. I'm generally the biggest procrastinator on the face of the planet, and that simply will not do. These next three weeks I'm going to (try to) be super focused, super motivated, and super productive. Watch out world.


In other news, I've also got a little bit of travel planned.. so much for being focused on school. But, hey! I've got to take advantage of it while I'm here, right? This weekend I'm going with Evelyn and her family to a Christmas market in Germany and then headed back to her home to spend the night. Then on Sunday, she asked if I would want to help them decorate their Christmas tree. IS THE POPE CATHOLIC?! Of course he is, and OF COURSE I want to help decorate your Christmas tree, Evelyn! It's weird enough that I'll be away from home for Christmas, and even more weird that my living arrangements currently show no signs of my favorite holiday season. I'm so touched that Evelyn and her family have invited me to participate in something that so strongly represents Christmas & family to me. I'm absolutely ecstatic.

ALSO, I'm going to Amsterdam next weekend with two of my friends, Dana and Nic - SUPER EXCITED!! We're taking the cheap route and going by bus (meh).. but I'm so excited to see Amsterdam! And I think the two of them will be really fun to travel with, too.


As you can see.. I've got a few jammed packed weeks headed my way. I'll try to keep you all in the loop of my life, but I apologize in advance if I'm super spacey over the next month. Keep me in your prayers & maybe I'll be able to make it out of this stressful swamp unscathed.


23 DAYS UNTIL DAVE, MAUREEN, AND MEGGO ARE IN BELGIUM!
31 DAYS UNTIL I'M BACK IN THE HOMELAND!

Where has time gone? I miss you all!