tipping point?

I just applied for the first traineeship ever in Bahrain for next year. And I submitted the acceptance form that says that if they accept me, I'll take it for sure. I decided that I was going to do this in a matter of hours, and I didn't even call my mom to ask her opinion, which I always do. I should find out if I got it in less than a week.

It feels good to be spontaneous about the present and my future. Everything has been planned out for so long, I'm more than ready to just go.

vicarious

Hey there, AIESEC MADISON!!!

In all of y'all's honor, we are currently - literally this second - doing our award-winning roll call in a hotel room overlooking the pool (complete with water slide) in Guanajuato, Mexico and thinking of y'all fondly.

But in all seriousness, AXLDS in Mexico has given each of us a fresh perspective on AIESEC Madison's role in the world. Out of twenty country delegations here, the ten delegates of the USA - including five badgers - have distinguished themselves as curious, worldly and innovative.

The Global Village was in the center square of colonial Guanajuato and the USA had an assortment of candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, marshmallows, cheese whiz, oreos, Yankee Doodles and Girl Scout cookies. The mob at the US table was four people deep at almost all times throughout the three-hour fair. Several of us had chats with local Mexicans and American visitors to Guanajuato about AIESEC as the public walked among the tables. The highlight for us, though, was visiting the tables from countries around Latin America and learning about their different cultures (in addition to collecting bracelets and tasty treats from them all).

On another note, we have a photo of the President of AIESEC International (the big cheese himself) with his mouth wide open while Dave, perched in a tree, squirted cheese whiz into his mouth. HOT.

We'll have more updates as the conference goes on, but we'll be sure to bring back a bit of the Mexican flava for you all!

Besitos,

Ariane (aka. Dancing Queen), Katy (aka. Margarita Mama), Brett ("Bye, BRET."), "Strong" Javi and Dave "White Boy Cracker" Barr

I just got a whiff of tequila from somewhere...

... there's a good chance it's Katy.

Between all the bonding, the latin men and the pio-pios, this is the best vacation ever. Viva Mexico!

P.S. How does Blogger know I'm in Mexico? Si, quiero "ver blog." Muchas gracias, Blogger.

the day has come!

FINALLY, today is the day we're starting our viaje a Mexico!!

Last night at 2 a.m., I finished the last assignment I had due before the trip, a hulking take-home midterm. When I pressed the "send" button on the e-mail message to my prof, I congratulated myself out loud and did a little victory dance. :)

All that's left is to get through my one discussion section today, do some final errands, go to GMM and pack while listening to awesome AIESEC music (to practice my dances, of course).

This time tomorrow, I'll be on a plane over Mexico! (And I don't even care that I'll have limited access to my e-mail. In fact, it will probably be good for me.)

Two weeks of viviendo el sueno en Mexico. I've already told myself that I will leave the stress, to do lists and cold weather behind for sure. I'm even bringing books to read for FUN - no homework! Does it get any better?

AYAYayayayayayya!!!!

for dad

My dad retired on Friday.

There have been a few events, some with his staff, some with the other leadership at the hospital... Sitting there, listening to people describe the way my dad has influenced their lives and how he created a sense of community and family and responsibility at the hospital is very emotional for him and for my entire family.

I've obviously known my dad in a completely different capacity than most of these people, but at the same time, something my mom said tonight resonated with me. The staff at the hospital have been our family. Neither my mom nor my dad had any family in the country when he first got the job 20 years ago. The hospital took them in, one VP in particular even took three-year-old Ariane around the hospital and fed her popcorn for a few hours while my parents were working the details of the position out. They helped us become true Madisonians by offering support and advice. When my sister, just born, stopped breathing; when I, at the age of eight, was given a shot of penicillin and we realized I was highly allergic; when my dad had a seizure last year, we went to Meriter.

People talked about my dad's deep loyalty, his travels, his ability to inspire others, his focus, his innovation, his priorities, his timeliness, his charm. I like to think I inherited or learned more than one of those qualities from him. And I know I'm still learning from him. In fact, I think I'm trying harder than ever to absorb his talents, experiences and abilities and make them my own. I marvel at how lucky I am to have a father that can - and wants to - teach me this much about myself, about business and about life.

But it's bittersweet. This, just like my sister entering college, my graduation and my mom's job in Indianapolis, is a sign of things changing more than I had ever imagined when I was young. This is truly the end of an era, the signal of a new time in my life.

Above all, I am so grateful that my family is here to share the effect of these changes together. That is more important than anything to me.

spring has sprung (I hope)

I'm so on top of things right now... or at least for the next few hours. And only a week left until Mexico!!

Opened my windows today for the first time in months so I could enjoy the gorgeous weather. This morning when I woke up, even the air in my apartment smelled like spring.

It's the smell I've looked forward to every year for almost my entire life, living in Madison. I'm wondering if I'll still feel the same way this time next year, wherever I end up... Is the air as fresh as it is now in Madison during springtime in Bahrain or Istanbul? Will it be possible to step outside on a gorgeous day after weeks of grey dreariness in New York City and still have it make my day? The smells, the feelings and the routines will be replaced by new ones without a doubt..... but I think I'm ready.

The only problem is picking a path to follow. Which is really only a problem because I want to do everything.

X∆BITCH!

As my favorite travel buddy and I were Google-talking across the room in our X∆ meeting, we realized that we only have 13 days left until the best spring break ever!!!

In two weeks minus one day, five AIESECers from Madison will be flying to Guanajuato (on the same flight, no less) for fifteen days of sun, surprises and inspiration... oooh baby. I can't wait.

All good

Went out last night, skipped class all day today... it feels great! :)

Listened to "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" twenty times in the past few hours for inspiration while making the coolest powerpoint ever, to be seen for the first time on Wednesday. Decided that Carmen Sandiego is my alter ego.

Finalizing plans to go to NYC to work on national marketing strategy next weekend. Finally! But worried about continuity as a job for next year is still up in the air. There's one in particular that I have in mind, but the reality is questionable.

Saw bestest friend ever last night for the first time in what feels like a lifetime. Wondering about status of the third.

Questioning people's motive for engaging in romantic relationships. Don't really care either way.

Signed up for intramural coed soccer team for spring. Don't know anyone on the team. Can't wait to start.

Looking forward to slash already annoyed by dinner tonight with entire family for first time in threeish months. It's so interesting how we all fall into the exact same roles when we get back together. Any way to break the cycle?

Just happy overall. :)