not to be melodramatic....

While trying to write a scholarship essay I discovered a bunch of stuff I had written about Japan when I got back that I completely forgot about:

List some of the most important things you learned during this study travel that you haven’t already described.

When I returned from Japan I couldn't quite place my finger on what had changed. All I knew is that something had. However, after speaking with Casey about this and realizing that we were both feeling the same way, we were able to pin this feeling down.

Since my return I have had a better relationship with my family. I've decided which homework is important, and which 20 points are not going to affect my life. I've had a greater understanding of who I want to be friends with, and who I can let go. I've made new friends, important friends, that I'd always kept at arms distance. I've made investments and big decisions for my future. I've listened to better music and I've eaten healthier. I've felt better. I've realized what is important and what is not.

My life has become simpler, yet fuller. This is very hard to put in words, but I think Japan really just let me realize what I need in life. Since then, this is sort of how I spend my day:

I wake up. I love my family. I go to school. I appreciate my classes and teachers - but I don't let them stress me out. I read to enjoy. I do my homework, but I don't let it weigh me down. I spend time with the people that make me a better person, the people that make me laugh and the people that make me cry for the right reasons. I'm okay with being myself. I'm proud of my accomplishments, but I want other people to have the same opportunities. My life has more to it, but is easier to handle. I sleep.

I just wish everyone could have the same experience I did, because it was a very good one.


This was really interesting to read because these are all things that I take for granted now - but I guess two years ago they were new ideas. What was I like before I went to Japan??? And will I even recognize myself when I come back from France?

I like lists and these are all very good lists...

Coping tips for living in Paris


Surprises about living in Paris


10 Things to Do in 24 Hours


Also after talking to my new friend Georg last night I did a little youtubing of tectonique and found these videos amusing:




also one of my favorite Yelle songs








Bientôt!
Clara

P.S. I spelled tectonik, tectonique, tecktonik, etc. quite a few different ways on this post. bare with me.

It's funny how facebook keeps referring to me as vous. Dude facebook - come on! Don't you think we're on a tu basis already???