toast and such

Ah, yes...the ever personal blog. So personal that anyone with internet access could fortunately google themself right here to this very page. So, to those of you Googlers out there: sawat-dee (hi in Thai) (in your case, also means Goodbye because you've most likely figured out this is a blog of someone you don't know)...

And then there's the rest of you- those of you whom I know personally and probably most dearly. Sadly enough this post was written from Charlotte, NC as I haven't left the country yet. I've had an amazing time here with my family. I've been here long enough to learn the lyrics to Bob the Builder, completely trash my sister's guest bedroom and somehow mentally map the confusing streets of Charlotte. I haven't been this close to family in..well, forever. The last time I saw Taryn for this long was probably when I was five, so, it's been quite satisfying getting this dose of sisterness (something I wouldn't mind having more of in my life).

It's official. It's 12:01am right now on Monday, July 16th. Officially ONE WEEK before I leave. Actually one week and 12 hours to get all technical and annoying. I really do feel as though this veil of "hey, I'm leaving...so we better spend some time together" has covered my most valued relationships. I've spent such memorable times with close friends since graudation. Amber (you're amazing!) and I went on a cruise together....highlights being the most frightening comedic act EVER, the three stupids, VW mexico car and frozen drinks...ahhhhhh. Oh Amber, I love you! I've gotten to go camping and to Busch Gardens 4 times with various friends. I've tubed 6 miles down the James river which has carved the most beautiful pathway through the Blue Ridge Mountains- it's beautiful! Needless to say- I feel like I've been living life to the fullest all because I'm not going to have these opporutnities for the next year. In all this I find myself wondering why I haven't lived life like this before? Why haven't I always lived for great oppportunities, seeking memorable and relationship-building adventure? Does it take knowing that I won't have the everyday convenience of friends and locality to really LIVE?
I want to live life like I'm always going to Bangkok. Things just seem to be so much...so much...brighter.

As I lay here on the bed, nestled inbetween 25 walmart bags packed full of years worth of bobby pins, toothpaste and socks..I am speechless. If you were to take anxiety, excitement, peace, thrill, uncertainty and certainty and put them all in a blender (with a little ice) you'd have a frozen Lauren's emotion smoothie. My soon-to-be friend Michael said Bangkok was so hot it's like "hell spewed fire all over the streets".

My favorite word in Thai thus far is: khanom pang ping (pronounce: KA-KNOME-PANG-PING). It means toast, but...there's just something fun about saying it.

So, with this comforting welcome slogan in my sleepy mind: I can't wait!