Due Settimane...

Two weeks.

I cannot believe this is all going to be over in two weeks. Part of me wants to not think that way and just accept what I have right now, but the other part of me wants to think of how we are leaving soon. I think it helps, though...realizing how little time I have left has made me appreciate everything a little bit more. Especially considering the next two weeks are going to be way too busy...

We are seeing Otello this weekend in the nearby town of Fermo. I am singing on Sunday. Arlene and Chris performed a concert two nights ago (it was a huge success...the two of them are so talented and nice at the same time, a rare thing to find these days). The following week begins the homstretch for all of our projects a presentations: I have to finish setting "Erlkonig" by Schubert by the time we leave for an orchestra, and then I have to present a small presentation and write a paper in regards to Christianity from the death of Christ to Constantine for archeology. I then have to do voice a piano juries, two more recitals for the faculty and for accompinent class, and course selection. Tomorrow housing is due, which I am terrified for...I really want a good room (preferably a single...I will pray hard for that one...)

I think it has become the general concensus that we are all, for the most part, done with school. Not so much Italy, just school...although I really, really want to go home and see my friends and family, but I already dedicated my last entry to that. I am just so tired...and although I love everyone on this trip, I think we are all more or less ready for a nice, long break from one another. I think two months away is just what I need, for my sanity...

I used to say to my parents "I go to college! I know responsibility, I know how to live on my own, stop treating me like I am two!" Well, there is nothing more shocking then having to go into your own apartment and have to cook, clean, and support yourself. The real world sucks, especially in another language. But I am determined to not look at this as defeat: the next time I have my own space, now I know what to expect. I suppose it takes mold growing on your walls twice to figure out how to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Two more weeks...two more weeks of hill climbing, classes, tests, and Italian life, and then I am home. It seems so strange...I cannot believe that it seems like yesterday we were saying two weeks have gone by! But, as I have learned, so much can happen in that time...

Until next time, I pray for myself that I can manage to stay afloat, alive, and well rested the next few weeks. And as much as I love it here, one thing keeps me going with this sudden workload increase: the vision of stepping off my transatlantic flight home into the waiting arms of my family...