I am official!

Last week, I officially became a Fulbrighter when I received my award notification from the Fulbright Commission in Prague. I felt as if I had just been called to the stage at the Academy Awards. "I'd like to thank all the people who made this possible..."

Seriously, without my principal, Dr. Lasiter, my dream of living abroad would have remained dashed on the rocks of --and Gennady B. in Washington, DC. He really worked wonders. Okay, he was probably just doing his job in his eyes, but not everyone just does his job, so in my eyes, he worked wonders.

It was really a mixture of relief, anticipation, happiness, and okay let's continue moving with the rest of the things that must be done before I go. Because believe me the list is still very long. I don't really mind it though. I am already packing! The more I get done now, the more relaxed I feel about being ready when the time comes to go. I'll be anxious and restless if I leave too many things until the last minute--or should I say MORE anxious and restless than I already am. I really want to go, and I want to go now.

But, this anticipation is part of the enjoyment of the experience. So I will be patient (not my strong suit), take care of here and now, and enjoy my dreams of the year to come.

I Haven't Left Yet

I am still in Los Angeles at the moment. I won't leave for the Czech Republic for a few more months. I want to make sure this blog is in working order before I go away. I attended a Fulbright preparation meeting in San Diego yesterday. I must say, the people associated with the Fulbright program are awesome. They are all so friendly, open, and willing to share with and assist others. It was a really good feeling to be among them. Even though we had serious business to attend to, i.e., getting properly prepared for these year-long adventures and completing the red tape that accompanies them, the feeling was still very relaxed and comfortable. I am very happy to be participating in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange.