I have more crap than a dog park.

In my new attempt to not have so much stuff, I have been making my way through all of my clothes and other odd items that I have accumulated in the last 21 years. You may ask, "Laura, haven't you done this many times before?" Ah, yes, my friends, I have. But this time it's totally different. Well, at least that is what I keep telling myself. I even found a pair of jeans from 8th grade in my collection. 8th GRADE! They didn't quite fit just right and they were definitely not in style anymore so they just had to go. I hope someone will love them as much as I once did. Sigh. I'll never forget about you, Mr. 8th-Grade-Jeans. (Don't ask why they are a Mr.)

Overall, let me just say that the Goodwill/Salvation Army is going to love my family very soon. That is right, this is a family affair. You should see some of the fantastic things we have gathered over the years. I guess my parents figure that they too might as well get rid of it now before they decide to move for real. (Not that they moved for fake, but their constant talk on this moving matter makes me think it won't really happen...until it really happens.)

Also, I found a bunch of notes that the most random people had written me. Some of them were from around the high school time period (from retreats and random birthdays) and some from college. THEN I found pictures. I think I peed my pants (but not my 8th grade pants) laughing from some of the silly things we use to do. Those types of things always bring back the most random memories. Let's just say that I was a really good kid who never did anything bad. Ever. (Hey, mom and dad!)

Last night, my two favorite people (Jeanne and Mark, who are basically family even if the DNA says otherwise) came over for dinner. (Hey, don't be mad if I'm not talking about you but there is a chance that I really like you too. Okay?) Anyways, they both gave me some good advice on what to look forward to in Europe and the overall feeling that I probably will experience. Jeanne was so excited and just wanted to know everything which made me feel so good. I love it when people care about other's lives. It made me feel special. Plus, I got to see their new Prius Hybrid which was super cool. It was so fancy and futuristic.

In regards to Europe, I am so disorganized. Thankfully, my mom is on my butt about getting things done. Otherwise, I would just be a constant mess.

Since I'll be leaving in less than two weeks (August 23rd!), my anticipation has been building (as well as my nervous-ness). Oddly enough, I feel like I am going away to college again. If you compare the two, the only real difference is that this upcoming adventure is much farther away and there is this tiny language thing going on. Otherwise, I am jumping into a cannon and praying I make a safe landing, just like 3 years ago. Well, I suppose that went pretty fantastic, so I should be more than optimistic this time around.

But I did get my classes figured out. I am taking Management of Fashion and Design Company (perfect for Milan, eh?), Visual Cultures, and Business Strategy. Not to brag or anything but Wednesday is the only time I have two classes in one day. Don't be jealous, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were. :)