pre-party

(ahem-hem) Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present to you your new reference tool for the life updates, adventures, and drama of Nicole Lee Smugala—aka moi. Go ahead, Mom and Dad, feel free to add this site to your favorites as I’m sure you will obsessively check it for the entire duration of my trip. Just a forewarning, readers: my personal style is often sarcastic, which, depending on your personal style, may or may not be appreciated. I also use a lot of prepositions. Grin and bear it. ….or just bear it, no one likes a phony. As this will be my diary of some sort for the next five or so months (don’t worry I’ll keep it PG), it could be a tasty treat for some of you. Recognized first by my mother, and later confirmed by the writing center complimentary of Saint Louis University, I am much better at expressing myself through writing than any other form of communication (with the exception of sign language….. smell the sarcasm?). I figured this blog would be the easiest way for me to share with you all everything that I’m getting into on the other side of the world. Most likely, it’s probably pretty convenient for you guys, too. And once I start uploading pics on here you guys can vicariously live through me. Awesomeeeee.

Broad overview: For the first time in my life, I’m about to leave the only place I’ve ever known for longer than a two week period. Despite the tone of the previous sentence, I’m pretty upbeat about it. Spain. For five months. Come to mama. My housing assignment is with a Madrid native + 2 other students in an apartment in downtown Madrid. The apartment is about a two minute walk from plaza de espana. Since Google now offers you world surveillance at just a click away, Google earth it if you’re curious. I have successfully completed six spanish credits two summers ago, but currently my Spanish knowledge only consists of “yo quiero taco bell” (when in fact, no quiero taco bell). Needless to say, I need a little brushing up. Since I’ve been located in the same area for my entire 20 years, I’m pretty used to having all my belongings available to me within arm’s reach—or at least a 20 minute drive. For my travels, I am limited to two 50 lbs suitcases + a carry on…. yikes. I’m almost certain this will be the most difficult slice of my entire abroad experience. Partly because I’m a pack rat, and partly because I want what I want when I want it (both of which I’m pretty sure I inherited- from which side, I’ll never tell). But hey, I can have my cake and eat it too, right?

Anyway, I’m off to prepare for this wild goose chase [Europe being the goose and I the chaser]. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy for the last 23 days I’m here. It’s been swell, America, but I’m bored. Time for something new. Stay tuned. ;)