T-Minus 22

I've felt very adventurous since I got here two months ago. This new found search for excitement led to me getting my nose pierced on Friday. It definitely wasn't an impulse decision at all, I had been thinking about it for a month and had finally decided to wait until I got home to do it. That idea was shot when Molly wandered off after class one day and got her nose pierced. The minute I saw she had gotten it done I couldn't wait any longer so I studied up for the Classical course final and prepared for the paper and then I rewarded myself by going to getting my nose pierced the next day. Kegs and Zak already had their noses pierced for quite some time before they came on the trip and Kegs described the pain the next days after as "getting punched in the face over and over". Enticing, right? Make you really want to do it, I know! Regardless of what Kegs told me I decided that I had to do it so when I left our hotel to go do it I grabbed the first Lake Forest person I saw. It was James. In theory, Waffles was probably not the best choice but I just needed someone who was mean enough to not let me leave even if I wanted to.
Anyway, I couldn't decide where to get my piercing done so James was in charge of choosing the shop. He chose this place called "Nico Tattoo Crew" and I was helped by a guy with a million piercings. The shop didn't have the cool little guns that pierce your nose, they used a needle instead. Million Piercings showed me the needle but thanks to the packaging it was in, I couldn't see exactly how big it was. Right before Million Piercings started he told me not to worry about crying a lot because it was a natural reaction and everyone did it. I had absolutely no intention of keeping my eyes open during this whole endeavor so I automatically closed my eyes and started singing in my head the song from this week's Glee episode that I had chosen on the walk over. It was "Go Your Own Way". Needle went into nose and stayed there for a few seconds. Some sort of clamp was used and then the needle was pulled out. Then Million Piercings put in the crystal stud I had chosen. Not a tear. It definitely hurt, but not a single tear. I actually surprised Million Piercings a little because he was confused that I wasn't crying and showed no intention of crying for two minutes afterward. After swearing to Million Piercings that I was fine, he let me go and I paid my 24 euro and I left. Thankfully, the punched in the face feeling has not set in like Kegs said she felt when she had her nose pierced.
But here's my concern with this whole situation: Set me in front of any Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Lifetime Movie, song on the radio and I can practically cry on cue. Why do I cry when I witness anything sentimental but a guy shoving a needle into my nose does not phase in the least bit?
My nose hurt when my nostrils flared, I sneezed, I coughed, and yawned during the first day after. I sneezed at breakfast the other day and I immediately flinched and James automatically told me I was sick after a week of bragging that I hadn't caught what everyone else had. Clearly I had to put Waffles in his place so I told him "I sneezed. I don't know if you heard but I had a needle jabbed through my nose yesterday and it's sore!"

I have lived with the entire group since the day we left for Mykonos. April 20th. That makes just over two continuous weeks living with my classmates and I still have four nights until we get back to Athens. My overexposure is finally beginning to show and I'm more than excited to be living with strangers in Backpackers again. It honestly can't some soon enough.

This trip has shown me a lot about myself. In addition to my new revelation that some people just really suck at life, I've also learned a little about what I need to do next with my life. Without a doubt, I love traveling. New places. New people. New stories. New discoveries. What's not to love about that. I've already e-mailed my dad and told him to not get me anything for my 21st or 22nd birthdays or for Christmas for at least the next year and Graduation so that I can get a trip abroad for next summer. I really want to do this. My only question is where to go? Oh, the possibilities. I've also come to grips with the fact that I have zero clue about what I want to do with my life. However, as I think more about it, I realize that the Peace Corps is something that seems right for me. I'm alright with being in new places and meeting people that I don't know. I love traveling or just learning about a new culture if that's all I can get. I clearly have an affinity for helping people, especially complete strangers, as has been reinforced lately. Maybe there I'll get a good idea about what I want to do. Miracles can happen, right? I've also begun to reevaluate what I really want out of life, the whole picture isn't here yet but I'm getting there.
Personal philosophies have also changed but I don't want to explain those, probably never will either.lol

This is an early Mother's Day shout out to my mom. She's quite possibly the only person who reads this blog but it seems like she's pretty entertained by it. I love you, Mom! I miss you lots and I can't wait until I'm home. In case you haven't started your count down, I'll be back in 22 days (if customs goes smoothly and I make my connection from Newark to Houston....then Houston to Denver....then Denver to Kansas City). If I don't make that connection then I'll see you eventually I guess! I love you bunches and bunches and bunches. Thanks for always listening to me and laughing at my jokes when no one else will. You are the best mom and I couldn't ask for anyone better!! I think of all of you back home everyday. <3