The Current State of Affairs... in a nutshell.

I don't even know where to begin with updating... I think I will just give a somewhat brief overview of things before getting into specifics.


Let's start with...

AUSTRIA:

My six-month exchange was a major learning experience. Maybe not so much in terms of school, but maybe more about myself and personal growth (or lack thereof). I feel so lame saying that... shouldn't I know myself pretty well now that I am in my dirty thirties?

I had good times and I had bad times in Austria (including some legal issues that I will save for another post), but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! I did some traveling to other beautiful and fascinating European countries. I met some great friends who have become some of the most important people in my life. Though I would not necessarily want to stay in Austria forever--or even necessarily want to go back there-- I was certainly not ready to come home.

HOME:

Now that I am back in Canada, I've been faced with a few tough decisions and challenges. Nothing major--my life is hardly so exciting--but just your typical stress-inducing issues that many people face at one point or another. 

My living situation is odd. My 6-year relationship has been called off, but I am sharing my tiny house with my ex, an Austrian house guest, and my cat. It is at times awkward, often crowded, but generally it just feels temporary, so I am not overly anxiety-ridden about it. Things should be different in the new year when my house guest is gone, the ex follows through on his plan to move to England, and my cat and I must find somewhere new to live.

On the job front, I went back to the job I held before I left for Austria. What sucks about it is that they replaced me when I left (understandably) and could only offer me a four month contract upon my return. The company is experiencing some difficulties right now, so they are not in a position to extend that contract. I am waiting to hear back from another company I had an interview with last week, but there is a very real possibility that I will be unemployed as of December 2.

FINLAND:

Honestly though, I am not panicking about a long term career yet because what I really want to do is pursue a Master's program in Finland. If I don't get a new job in my field, I am okay with taking a shit job until I can get back to school. That is, if I can get accepted to the program with my somewhat unusual credentials. I've already contacted someone about it, and she did say I am eligible to apply... but I still feel a lot of uncertainty or a lack of confidence that my credentials are good enough.

Another truth: The reason why I even considered Finland in the first place was because of a Finn I met on my Austrian exchange who had/has become a key player in my life. As I explored the possibilities of going to Finland, however, I stumbled across this Master's program (Multidisciplinary Studies on Urban Environmental Issues). Everything about the program appeals to me. I read every square inch of their website and it feels like the program was specifically tailored to my interests. Now, if I can just convey that sentiment in my application...

I will be absolutely heartbroken if I am not accepted. In just over a week the application window will be open. I'm so nervous! After I apply I will not know if I am accepted or rejected until April or May. How much is that wait going to kill me?

So... I guess that's where I am in life. I'll try to write some posts that are a little more fun. ;)