Hey guys!
I figured it was about time that I talk to you about some stuff that I know many of you deal with or will have to in the future. So now, I'm starting this new 'series' type of thing called Real Talk where I'll talk to you about something. As you can tell by the title this first one is about moving...
Back story first, I have quite the track record when it comes to moving. I've lived in a few different countries and switched schools several times so trust my advice on this, ok? My first big move was to the USA and I was very young so I don't remember it too well. I remember not speaking the language and how hard it was at first. But after a few months I'd already learned english and everything was swell once again!
But when I moved from the USA to Brazil, I was already a teenager and let me tell you... It was HARD. I had a whole life back in the US, I had great friends, a boyfriend type of thing, I loved my school, I had everything. Meanwhile, I had nothing in Brazil and I'd forgotten most of my Portuguese since I had spoken english for the past 8 years. I spent a very long time denying that I was back, I'd focus strictly on my life back in America and wouldn't do anything in Brazil. I'd spend the entire year counting down to the day when I'd go visit. I closed myself off from meeting new people because I was in denial.
It took me a year or two of struggling and being unhappy to figure out that the only problem was me. I was denying myself from participating, from making new friends and from being happy. So I decided to try. In a few months, I'd already made new friends and I had plans every weekend. Life was good once again. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there! People are nicer than we tend to think, most people won't reject you. Don't focus on your old life, work on making your new life the best it can be.
Now, after that I moved to France and it was a little different. Once again, I didn't speak the language but I was already 17 and knew who I was. I'd already had the experience of living in a different country. But this time around I didn't have my parents with me. Making friends was easy, if you're a foreign exchange student it's likely that you'll bond with other exchange students. They're the only ones who fully understand what you're going through. Some of the people I met during this time are people I consider my best friends. It also helps you figure out who your real friends are back home.
Getting used to a new culture, a new routine is difficult but if you're considering foreign exchange it's something you have to do. My advice is don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to talk to people, to ask for help, to try new things, to speak the language, to make mistakes, to share how you really feel. Just don't be afraid. Your fear is what will hold you back so get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At the end of the day, the whole experience is extremely rewarding and you'll come back with new friends, new stories, a home away from home and you'll be a new you. More responsible and more independent. Take it from me, it's hard. But it's also one of the best things you'll ever do.
I hope this was helpful to some of you, if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask me!
Hello there lovely readers!
To say it's been a while since I've last written would be an understatement and I have no particular reason as to why I haven't written. So much has happened in the past couple months like the fact that I'm sort of 18 now?? If I were to write it all down we'd be here for a few more months therefore I figured the best way to get back into blogging would be through doing the "Get To Know Me" tag because I'm not the same person I was a year ago... So hi there! I'm Anna, nice to meet you!
1. What's your middle name?
I don't have one!
2. What is your favorite color?
Whenever anyone asks me this I'll always say red in a burgundy or maroon shade but I constantly find myself gravitating towards navy blue and khaki green clothes.
3. Who was your first best friend?
When I was really young I have no idea... The first one I can think of would have to be Karen.
4. How tall are you?
Last year I was 5'4 but I think I'm like 5'5 or 5'6 now.
5. Cats or dogs?
Dogs 100%... Sorry cat people!
6. Funniest moment throughout school?
Hmm... I can't think of one right now.
7. How many countries have you visited?
I've been to Canada, USA, Brazil, Bahamas, France, Spain, Germany and Monaco... So 8 countries.. But that number will go up in the next year!!
8. Are you in college?
I graduated high school December last year and am currently doing a prelaw type of thing. But I will soon be starting college, majoring in economy.
9. What was your favorite/least favorite subject in high school?
I loved math and chemistry in high school and now I also like geography, which I hated in high school. Least favorite was and still is physics and grammar.
10. What is your favorite drink?
Probably pink lemonade.
11. What is your favorite animal?
I like whales, foxes, wolves, bears and dogs... I can't just pick one favorite!
12. What is your favorite perfume?
Currently it's Nirvana by Elizabeth and James... I haven't been very into perfumes lately.
13. Tea or coffee?
I like iced coffee and I'll drink green tea for health purposes. But I'm not a fan of either, tbh.
14. What would you name your children?
I don't see myself having children in the future but that might change one day. So if I had a child I'd name her Stella Marie or Sienna or Savannah. For a boy, I'd name him either Nicolas or Christopher.
15. What sports do you/have you played?
Sports aren't my thing. But as a kid, I did ballet and did swimming.
16. What is your favorite book?
Currently it's Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, amazing read. Go check it out, it's such a quick and amazing read.
17. Who are some of your favorite youtubers?
I haven't been watching much Youtube lately but my favorites are, definitely, David Dobrik, Jessi Smiles and Tana Mongeau.
18. What is your favorite movie?
This hasn't changed... My favorite movie is still One Day. Followed by Across The Universe and 500 Days of Summer. Also any romantic comedy, basically. Specially from the 90s.
19. Are you single or taken?
Single af.
20. What's your ideal first date?
Honestly, anything but dinner/lunch or any meal. Like I'd rather do something fun than go out to eat. I find it really awkward to sit with people and eat, I like eating alone at home. An amusement park would honestly be the best date ever.
21. How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had?
Ugh... Define boyfriend... I've been in situations where we're dating but not official. But if you want to know like official official, like changing my facebook relationship status serious then only 1. But I date, I just haven't found anyone I'm too thrilled about lately to be quite honest.
22. Favorite memory from childhood?
I hate questions like this because I can never think of one. I mean.... I don't know. I haven't given it much thought.
23. Do you speak any different languages and how well?
I speak English and Portuguese fluently. I also speak french and I can get by... I mean I lived in France for a while. I have been practicing my Spanish lately and it's improving... I hope.
24. Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have an older sister who is 2 years older.
25. How would you describe your fashion sense?
My friends describe it as pretty conservative, I hate showing off skin. But I'm more on the girly side than on the edgy side. Honestly, I just wear what I like.
26. What is your favorite restaurant?
Probably Cheesecake Factory, I'm in love with their pasta carbonara. Or maybe Outback because their baked potatoes give me life.
27. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
I really like Modern Family, Friends, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Grey's Anatomy, House, Suits, How To Get Away With Murder, I'll watch anything really. But (unpopular opinion time) I don't like Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones.
28. PC or Mac?
Mac, no doubt.
29. What phone do you have?
The iPhone 6s in rose gold.
30. Tell us one of your bad habits.
The one I can think of right now (because I'm currently doing it) is I stay up till late and always regret it when I wake up at 5AM to go to class....
Anyways... That's it for this tag!! Feel free to answer it in the comments below! Also, if you sent me an email or anything I did not ignore you! My email got hacked and I just got it back after months of struggling so feel free to contact me at bohemian-nightmares@hotmail.com... See you soon!
