Down to the Wire

This week marked a monumental moment in my lifetime - probably in anyone's lifetime, but definitely in mine. This past Thursday marked my 21st birthday. Not only was it a day that I was counting down to because I would be 21 years old, but I would also be turning 21 on the 21st. That key detail made the day all the more special for me.

My birthday was celebrated much like my other birthdays: a family dinner. This year, however, I was able to bring my friend Judith along, so it was pretty great. There was a very awkward conversation which led to a mild argument about Catholics and the state of their soul (a conversation which I apologized profusely to Judith for after dinner), and then that calmed down, only for another one to pop up...so basically, I've decided from here on out to make a rule that on my birthdays, we're not discussing religion or politics at dinner anymore. Along with that decision which, trust me, it's definitely a decision for the betterment of things, I've also come to the conclusion that the Great Wall of Chocolate from P.F. Changs is most definitely the most fantastically perfect cake in the world. It's just....beautiful. Don't believe me? See for yourself:

Quite honestly, it's perfect. I definitely think everyone should experience this cake in their life. At least once.

Saturday night was a night with my friends for my birthday, and it was a whooooole lot of fun. There were pancakes involved, and while I generally do not like pancakes, they were most definitely delicious. Unfortunately, Judith got sick and wasn't able to come, but it was better that she stayed home to get better. She seems to be doing way better today.

And in everything Sussex related - this Friday is the application deadline! I've still not heard back from Arelis, which is honestly really frustrating to me. I emailed her a week and a half ago, worried because I don't have a passport still. Processing is a 6 week deal, and though I've had the paperwork completed, I haven't been able to go to the passport office yet due to conflicting schedules. Fortunately, tomorrow morning I will have the opportunity to go to the office and get the paperwork processed. The problem is that on February 7, she moved the deadline for the Sussex application up to March 1, even though the university itself does not need the application until May 1. So even if I'd gone to get my passport during that week or the week following, I still would not have had the passport number for my application in a timely manner that would allow me to have it by March 1.

So basically, I'm getting nervous and worried. I'm going to try and stop by her office tomorrow morning after I go to the passport office and see if there is any information that I can get pertaining to the situation. If everything gets derailed over something as simple as this, I am going to be so wildly upset, it'll be ridiculous. This is something that I've been working extremely hard for, and if all the hard work and effort was for no reason, I'm going to be absolutely heartbroken. Prayers and good vibes would be welcomed if you could spare them.

Aside from that, everything is going well. I'm ordering my transcript tomorrow, my Italian professor is writing an academic reference for me, and everything seems to be in order. I'm just starting to get worried and nervous because it's me and that's what I do. 

I hope everyone's having a wonderful February!

Until next time - Keep Calm and Brighton On!

-Tayma xx