October
And kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall
But You go on
And on.)

*The Twenty Fifth*

November is fast approaching. Ah, that sounds almost romantic. Hardly! Today I gave an introductory speech at the school. I thought that everyone would try to do a bit of Swedish, and I was the only one! It wouldn't have been so weird if they hadn't applauded me for it. On the flipside, though, two people told me that the other students really kind of appreciate it when someone makes an effort to learn their language. I have become incredibly hyped to learn Swedish now. Emily Jean is staying here- she's here until Friday. It has been interesting to have another exchange student around. Lotsa perspective swapping. I also went to a Catholic church service Sunday evening. So depressing! Especially the part about "praising" the Lord. A lot of zombies! Notta ounce of enthusiasm. That's alright, though, if that is what they like. To each his own. I am thinking about piercings. That's kinda an aesthetic (spelling) thing, though, and I should probably save up for it, rather than blow money on it. I just blew a lot of money today sending stuff home. Twenty bucks for a large envelope. Won't be doing that much... Letters are good. Letters and email... email sometimes.

*The Seventeenth*

Today Kid A arrived. My day is complete. My year is complete. I am pretty dang happy, to say the least. I am not going to be like all those crazies out there, though, who write up how it is the greatest album of the year, until I give it another listen. Honestly, it has been a mess so far. I am only on the last song- Motion Picture Soundtrack- for the first time as I type... Other than that, the foot is okay. It is more irritating than anything... and I went to a choir practice after school- it was funny. We were singing "Motherless Child"- it was very laid back. I had fun... think I will try it again. We have this prom thing on Friday. Blech... I don't even like dances at home... my host sister said that here, the class usually gets thrown out for underage drinking at these things. I think it'd be funny to be all dressed up and suddenly be thrown into the street on your arse without knowing it. So that's that. Another exchange student is coming to stay a week here. That ought to be fun- it's EMILY JEAN- (in case you are reading this, my dear.) It'll be a full house that weekend. I had a wicked dream this morning. It scared me so bad that I was afraid to go take a shower this morning downstairs- God forbid anything stand in the way of that. Then I went back to sleep with the light on and the shades pulled down. Though, the dream was about ghosts, and I don't think ghosts care whether the shades are drawn or not. OH- and something particularly of interest to the family- I bought a WATCH!!! My god, what is the world coming to? It cost, like, two dollars fifty and is this ugly army-looking thing in shades of blue. I have it tucked under my sleeve and am not used to wearing it. The truth is- I am cursed with watches. Every watch I have ever owned, I have lost. No kidding. I think that, subconciously, I lose them on purpose because knowing the time all of the time irks me...

*The Eleventh*

It has been a lovely day, actually. At first it was only mediocre, but now I can't say that. I met someone for tea this late afternoon and actually talked about really good things. Sometimes I think that maybe I talk too much, but sometimes it all just spills out of me. I think that I am experiencing Phase Two of culture shock according to the pamphlets. (A reliable source, I am assured.) Hostility. Such a strong word. Makes it seem like I am at war. I am not really, but I am already out of phase one- amazement- and am not ready for phase three- some sort of adjustment stage. Someone from the Rotary said that if I can stick it out three months than I am in. Two months down. I think I can handle it...

*The Sixth*

I have fractured my foot... there is this tape wound around it really tight, which annoys me. I don't even like wearing socks, how can I handle tape? They think it will be better in three weeks... So life is okay, I guess. The same as it has been. It is Friday, actually. I guess that should be good news... I am starting to get ticked off at all those girls who said to bring half of the clothes you think you need. What WERE they going to bring? A whole department store? I am bored with my selection here and will probably burn all of these clothes the first chance I get. The clothes here are more expensive and I don't guess I can have fun with vintage shopping any time soon. Vintage style isn't too big, unless it is in the form of chic 80s retro. No thanx. I'll stick to my overalls and t shirts...I hate feeling like a gimp, though. It seems that everyone stares at you in the streets when you walk by them. It isn't that they look at me funny, it is just that they look at me. I sound all paranoid and stuff- "Augh! Don't Look At ME!" No, not really. Everyone here has a name day and stuff and brooklyn isn't exactly a name, so I am going with Lyn- April 14 or something. Sounds good.

*The First*

Today has been beautiful. It is about four in the afternoon, maybe a little bit past. I went on a bike ride with Ralph- my current host father- to watch Ida's- host sister- handball game. I discovered that I don't know how to ride a bike. (I do, but not *properly*) I fell off of the bike at first in the lawn and thought I sprained my foot, but it is just REALLY hurting for now and I kind of hobble pathetically on it. The game was interesting, anyway. On the bike ride you could see the season changing. Every day, someone in this family says that the next day will be cold. It hasn't happened yet. I am afraid they will jinx it! Each morning is another blue sky and I open the window and thank the gods that the greyness hasn't come yet. I am not ready for the Finnish winter- but this, this easy autumn, I can handle just fine...

go to journal.
go crazy.