Wow

Sitting here in the basement with my grandpa's suit hanging on the door, my bag (yes, singular) packed, and my stack of West Wing DvDs to return- I am going to Arkansas tomorrow. Holy Poop.

I don't mean to be too melodramatic, but this is huge for me. I can't believe it's all happening. All that has gone into all of this preparing, researching, studying for tests, writing annoying personal statements, paying annoying application fees, wondering, worrying, waiting, hoping- so much has gone into this. It feels strangely like Graduation from PLU in the sense that it's somewhat anticlimatic; it's like after all of this waiting and anticipating it's here. Maybe that's how it will always be with me and big moments. But, in a very different way, it feels new. 

Typically the night before something big- a race, a test, a trip- I can't sleep. Last night wasn't much different. I had to read for a while to get to the exhaustion point. Finally fell asleep at midnight. Waking up I knew this would be an extra strong cup of coffee kinda morning. I sat down read some emails, reviewed the UArkansas website, checked my planner for my to do list before leaving (I know your smiling somewhere Dad). Just spent the morning with good music, strong coffee, and myself down in the basement. This place here in Moscow really has been the perfect place for me to prepare for this next adventure. I have full time work. I have a few random social connections I can call on. I have my own space (to a significant degree) in the basement. And spending time just being around with Grandma and Grandpa has kept me focused on what's really important. 

Well,  I've prepared myself as best I know how. I got a hair cut. I got a suit. I've prepared myself this whole last year for this. I really liked what the UTenn program director said to all invited interviewees: "think of this not as weeding out-we already did that. Think of this as match making." So I laughed because it seems a bit like Eharmony for Graduate School. But hey, good thought. I think it's kinda true- I've spent the last year doing research, reading profiles, and looking at different value statements to find someone that I think has great potential. This someone has read my profile, looked at my value statements, and thinks I might have that great potential too. So now I just hope that I can chill out enough to simply be myself, enjoy the process, and trust that I will know which someone is the one to start a relationship with. Those of you who really know me- never fear- I know that I've been looking to hit a home run on the first pitch my whole life. Hell, maybe that's why it's taken me 5 years to finally find some ambition. Know that I'm just focused on getting to first base (even if it's bunt).

Ike