The title of this post pretty much sums up how I’m feeling… on so many levels.
I have pretty much been a wiggling ball of excitement this whole entire month. Our trip to Charleston for Ryan’s birthday was relaxing, enchanting and oh-so-needed (especially after an intense summer-semester spent with my head buried in Epidemiology books – which, by the way, I ended up getting a High Pass – the highest grade possible for the class. My jaw is still on the floor from the initial shock. Don’t worry, I’ve wiped up the resulting pool of drool. Multiple times.).
Charleston with the Birthday Boy!
And the few days I spent in Chapel Hill over this past weekend for my MPH orientation? Well, let’s just sum it up and say they were hands down INCREDIBLE! I feel so blessed… and so honored to be a part of such a talented and dedicated group of people.
Seriously, people.
The Public Health field is about to move mountains. I cannot even begin to imagine all of the greatness that is going to be a result of this MPH program.
It may have taken a few twists and turnsfor me to get into this program, but the journey was well worth it. And I know it’s only the beginning. (More on this in a future post!).
And you know what’s even more exciting? The fact that my advisor is totally, completely, 100% on my level.
Mean to be.
I get her. She gets me. Heck, we were even finishing each other’s sentences! We chatted for over an hour, and it was one of the most incredible hours I’ve ever spent. By the end of our time together, we mapped out an academic plan that allows me to graduate…(are you sitting down?) IN A YEAR! So next December, I’ll have my MPH. Hot damn, talk about exciting news.
I have so much more to say, but I’m trying to keep this post short (HA!). I promise I’ll recap my orientation experience and our trip to Charleston next week, as both deserve a lot of attention.
But today? Ah yes, today… I must get my things in order for yet another trip! (I know I know, I’ve been a traveling machine, as of late. The Happs is not pleased. Not one little bit).
You see, I am jetting off to Philadelphia tomorrow to attend the oh-so-anticipated Healthy Living Summit(HLS, for those of you who are down the with bloggyland lingo).
The City of Bloggerly Love… (just roll with me, here).
And I am *BEYOND* excited. Exclamation Point. (!!!!!!!!)
Ya feel me?
Alright. Good.
Glad I got that out of my system. That little outburst should tide me over for ohhhh… you know, the next 5 minutes.
Good thing I have a 14mile long-run planned for today. Should help keep me occupied. Psh, I might as well use my time running to brainstorm my packing list. And yes, I say “brainstorm” here because, well, I am a horrible packer. And with all the crazy plane fees goin’ on these days, I’m not about to check a bag. (What am I – made of money??! Riiiight). So, homegirl has to get a little creative and figure out what to pack in a light-as-a-feather fashion. (I can see my dear boyfriend rolling his eyes right now as he reads this at work…). I promise, I am gonna make this happen!
Gulp.
Anywho, there’s another reason why I’m super pumped for Philly. I just found out last night that my long-lost BFF (I’m looking at YOU, Ryan Murray!) from Australia is attending Law-School… in Philly! And his new apartment is less than a mile from my hotel! Ohmylanta, chaos is about to ensue. I should probably do a recap post of my year abroad in Australia, and then y’all would understand. We were a serious force to be reckoned with.
Sailing in the Whitsundays (Australia, Spring 2007)
Byron Bay Mansion (Australia, Spring 2007)
Self Explanatory
Team Awesome
Sheningans on the Boardwalk at Bond Uni (Australia, Spring 2007)
Oh Dear.
Hands down one of the best years in my entire life. Seriously brings tears to my eyes just thinking about all the good times that year brought. A few of my other friends from Australia are currently living in Philly, too, so hopefully I can meet up with them (Hi Emily!).
Ohhh you know… Me, Emily and her twin sister, Kate... hanging out with Kelly Slater
Oh right. I guess I should explain. You’re probably wondering who this Kelly Slater character is…
No biggie, really. He’s only the one of the world’s best surfers…
Anyway, after chattin’ it up with Kelly (and discussing our mutual love for G-Love and Special Sauce, random I know… but that’s what you get with me. I know no stranger.) we walked into the QuickSilver store right across the street… and found this:
You know, ain't no thang
Oh yes, that would be good ‘ole KellBell’s face pinned up… on a billboard. I definitely did a double take. And then promptly got my picture taken with the billboard (I must’ve known blogging was in my future…).
Whew, enough with memory lane. Now that I’ve obviously wandered to the Land Down Under (has it really been 5 years already?!), I’m off to hit the pavement. And dream-up my packing list.
Fourteen Miles? You are miiiiine!
Are you an over-packer? Did you ever study abroad? Are you attending HLS? (If you are, make sure to find me and say hi!!!!!!!) Are you training for a fall race? If so, which one? Would you be interested in hearing more about my Australian Adventures?
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