People in my life

Thought I would post about the people who I might talk about while blogging. This way I don't have to explain each person in each post.

• Mom- Pretty self explanatory this is the woman who gave me life! She is awesome. I can talk to her about anything! I love it! Sure we fight but we never stay mad for long because we always end up needing something from the other.
  
• Dad-  Again pretty self explanatory this is my daddy! He is fantastic! I have always been a daddy's girl. Growing up I was the one interested in sports and would go to football and hockey games with my dad. I like to hang out with my dad whenever I get the chance.
  
• Heather- My older sister. We aren't that close like some sisters are but we are always there when it counts. She is a graphic designer for the BPO. She has a bunny named Fitz who is my only "nephew"
  
• Harry- My brother in law. He designs toys for Fisher Price. He is such a great guy! Always fun to hang out with.
  
• Andrew- My brother (twin) Andrew is in 10th grade and is in the international studies program. He is a fantastic wrestler!
  
• Nathan- My other brother (twin) Nathan is in 10th grade, also in international studies. He is also a fantastic wrestler!
  
• Gabe- My families dog. He is a wonderful giant golden retriever.
  
• Robert- My wonderful boyfriend. He is an event manager at HSBC Arena and works lots of hours. We have been together for 2 fabulous years. He is extremely supportive of me going to Germany. He is amazing. We are both excited to see what the future has in store for us.
  
• Manny- Bobs dog who is pretty much mine too. He is a husky mix.. we think he is mixed with poodle so we call him a huskadoodle. He is awesome! We got him from the SPCA February 2nd, 2010. Life is an adventure with that pooch. We love him so much!
  
• Pam- Bob's mom, she is great! She helps out with Manny on nights Bob and I both work.
  
• Mike Sr.- Bob's dad, he is... well he is a Neumann. I can't describe it exactly but he is a good guy to have in your life.
  
• Mara- Mother to the kids I nanny for. I live on their 3rd floor. Mara is the Special Assistant to the President for Educational Initiatives; Director of BPS/UB Partnership. She works extremely hard and runs a family.
  
• John- Father of the kids I nanny for. His family owns O'Connells on Main St across from UB and he helps run the business. He also helps coach Owen's (see below) hockey team.
  
• Elena- The oldest of 4 kids. She is 9 years old and loves to sing. Like any 9 yr old girl, she tests my patience on a daily basis.
  
• Owen- The only boy of 4 kids. He is a hockey loving 8 year old.
  
• Claire- Claire is 5 years old and loves gymnastics. She is a bundle of energy. She is always moving. She complains that nobody ever cuddles with her but it is impossible to! She won't sit still.
  
• Natalie- The youngest of the 4 and cute as can be. As cute as she is boy can she be stubborn. Once Natalie gets something in her head she won't stop until she gets it. She is the cuddler of the bunch. She will come and sit on your lap and snuggle up.

There are more people to add to my list but for now I am tired so I will update this post another time.

Countdown to Germany: 186 days 

A new chapter

Decided I wanted to Blog about my experiences but thought I should start before because I have something to do for Germany every day.

I found out that I was accepted into the program in October. I was so excited when I found out but the next day I freaked out. I started crying and realizing what a year abroad actually entails. I won't be able to see my family and friends for a whole year! Sure we will skype and email but that isn't the same as being there in person. For those of you who don't know me, I am very family oriented. I talk to my mom about 5 times a day. Usually I call just to talk or tell her something quick. I won't be able to do that once I get to Germany. It will be so weird!

Then there is Robert, my boyfriend of 2 years. I have to leave him and Manny our huskadoodle that Bob got from the SPCA last year. Leaving them is going to be extremely difficult. As I am typing this I am crying because it makes me so sad to think about leaving them. I know that we will make it through this. I trust Robert completely and he trusts me but it will really test our relationship. I must say that he has been extremely supportive of me going. He doesn't want to hold me back from a once in a lifetime opportunity which is awesome. We have a great relationship and his support has meant so much to me. I seriously don't know what I would do without him!

I just have so many mixed emotions about going. Its funny because there are 3 other girls going with me Claire, Wendy, and Sam. None of them seemed to fazed at leaving for a year. I am glad that I have them to talk to and it is nice knowing I will have friends when I get there and won't be alone. There is also Amy who is studying there now. She has been such a HUGE help to all of us! Answering all of our questions must be annoying but she does it and it has really helped all of us.

Well that is it for now. Maybe I will post later today about something not related to the trip... maybe about the BUFFALO SABRES and what a whirlwind week it has been here in Buffalo with Terry Pegula taking over the team.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Hope people read this and even if people don't I won't care because it is more for me to vent and keep track of what is going on in my life and so I can reflect on it in the future.

-Brit