The bathroom is the most violent process. I'm battling with dust bunnies and old product residue. I can't wait until I get rid of all these things. I feel like I'm doing the BC all over again. Chopping off all the split ends and meaningless rubbish.

Let it go! Let it go!

I have been cleaning since 8:30 this morning. I've made progress but I'm not satisfied. It's so hard to throw things away. I didn't realize how attached I was to little things like stuffed animals and 4th grade notes I passed to my friends. I have been living in the comfort of all my stuff; stuff I have been dragging along with me like a little red wagon through the various stages of my life. I've been wondering why progress has not been made. Maybe because I have been dead set on holding on to the things that once made me laugh, cry, or scream. There are new things in my life that do those very same things. Maybe I should leave the past back there where it belongs.

Dear memories,
You were wonderful. I will miss you dearly. But I'm going to have to lock you up in my mind and throw your trash away.

Love,
Courtney


Now as for the 5 year old hair products and half empty bottles of lotion...

Janelle Monae - Cold War [Official Music Video]

This video had me crying by the end.

A new life and new look

I got a headache when I walked in my room today. I was overwhelmed by my stuff. It's too much. I want to clear my head and I can't do that because I'm being consumed by the clothes and the garbage that freely and comfortably coexist with me in this tiny space. There is not enough room for the two of us and one of us has got to go. Lately it's been me. It's time for a change. I'm going to throw away all the old magazines and donate old clothes. There is no doubt in my mind that these things have got to go. "100 thing" challenge? I don't know about that yet. Let me get it down to 200.

The Day Before Day 1

12:40 AM

In less than 12 hours I will be en route to Reagan International to begin my long journey to Salvador Bahia. No I have not finished packing and no I probably will not be getting any sleep tonight. Instead of packing and preparing for this trip like the responsible person I am I will instead write this blog post and Skype with my amigo until I realize that the day has finally arrived and I really will be leaving for Brazil for a five week study abroad program. I will be documenting what happens on this trip right here. So check back for updates. For those of you who don't know or are too lazy to google Salvador Bahia here's a map of where I will be for the next five weeks of my life:

Someone just asked me how I feel right now. To be completely honest, I feel nervous and excited at the same time but I need sleep so I can retain all the Portuguese I learned today.

Boa Noite