It seems like the universe is conspiring against me! It's been really tough to get down to business and do my pre-work over the past two weeks. So many of my friends are graduating or back home for the summer and it's very tough to say no to hanging out with them. I've had three birthdays happen in the past two weeks, plus having a cookout, going to the lake, Indiana Jones, Friday frak parties, my cousin Ashley came to visit, I went to Hilton Head and Savannah, c...

Some friends asked me what kind of luggage I use, especially for a trip this long, so I typed up a really long post for them. Here is a condensed version of it. From top to bottom, right to left we have:- Samsonite hard-body large suitcase - my main one if I need to check a bag, for any trips 1 week and up.- Samsonite soft carry-on spinner - the new suitcase, will become my main carry-on from now on. I may also check it sometimes.- Random soft carry-on - I got ...

Our first assignment: a pre-departure essay. Here's mine. This program in St. Petersburg is the realization of a dream for me. Not only to visit Russia, but to live and study in such a complex and relevant country. While I have traveled to many areas of the world, I have never had the experience of being fully immersed in a new culture. This will be the longest trip I have ever taken and by far the most fulfilling. With our own country and economy in turmoil r...

So, what are your summer plans? Leave me a comment, I want to know. Here's a rundown of mine so far.¤ This weekend, May 8-10 - down to Savannah to hang out with Lauren and Ashley, then to Jacksonville for the Shinedown concert¤ Next weekend, May 14-18 - up to Myrtle Beach with my cousin Ashley¤ May 29 - July 2 - leaving for 4 1/2 weeks in St. Petersburg, Russia to study at SPSPU¤ July 4 - Another 4th of July BBQ, anyone? Go down to the square and watch firewo...

43 days to go until I leave for St. Petersburg. If I've guessed the right flight (we don't have the tickets in hand yet), it 's 43 days, 18 hours, and 30 minutes. Today I received my pre-orientation study packet, which is basically the Russian alphabet and a few sheets of common phrases, plus a reading practice booklet. I was pretty proud of myself. Back in February I started learning some Russian through CDs in my car during my commute. I only made it through 3 ...