Antsy and Anxious

Back in the United States, I'm not exactly known for being a "calm" or "chill" person. I always have to be doing something - one reason I exercise so much is that it allows me to reflect while still DOING something. But in Senegal, ca ne marche pas (this doesn't work) with the more relaxed conception of time. I've had some great discussions with my far more relaxed friends Isaac and Alicia, and plan to continue the habit with my far more relaxed friends Katie, Rehaan, and Kelly back home (hi guys!). It's also been very nice to talk with Molly about how frustrating it can be for someone used to always being on the go to be told to SLOW DOWN. I'm succeeding, petit a petit, and now have a set of goals for each day, but without planning it down to the half hour. I still get everything that truly needs done accomplished without stress.

Another reason for the title of this post relates to academics. As I mentioned on Wednesday, after three months of listening to lectures and doing a few presentations, this last month is when everything else comes due. Most of my finals count for 50% of my grade - I have an oral exam, two written exams, an in-class group project (OK, so that won't be hard), and a final paper. None of these assignments by themselves are very difficult, but in the aggregate when I'm trying to savor my last taste of Africa for a long time, they sometimes loom over me.

Furthermore, while I'm excited to enjoy my last few weeks in Senegal, I'm also pumped to return to the United States. I miss my friends and family, and I've been informed by multiple sources that you don't realize the true power of your study abroad experience until you return. Yea reverse cultural adjustment!!! But I also have some nagging worries, since I'll be making some academic changes at the same time. Who will be my new cohort? How will I make time to see my friends when we're all being pulled in different directions? Where will I live next semester?! (OK, I have an email relating to this, but an actual piece of paper would be nice too). I've never been a "good enough" kind of person and seek out challenges if I feel myself growing too complacent. Time for some more personal growth...

PS The computer lab is supposed to be open from 12:00-10:00 pm on Saturday and the library from 12:00-4:00 pm. The former was closed. US Steven would've just cursed about how nothing works in this country. Senegalesteve is writing this post from the library library. The system does work, with modifications.
PPS When my host mother was driving me to the tailor yesterday, several taxis honked at her. She just scrunched up her face and said "Waaaaaahhhh (imagine baby crying). There's nowhere you need to get THAT quickly in Senegal!"