Journey.

What's it like to drive halfway across the country?  Usually, I would say awful.  Motion sickness has always accompanied me on all my trips.

This almost caused me to have a nervous breakdown because I realized Thursday, the day before I left, that I was incredibly unprepared for the test that I had to take on Monday.  There was no way I was going to feel ready if I wasn't able to study in the car.

BUT.  By some miracle (thank you for your prayers), not only was I able to sit in the car for thirteen hours without getting nauseous, but I was able to read!  The entire time.

Also everything important has gone smoothly.  We had to stop by the Finnish embassy in LA to renew my passport, and I was done by the time my mom was able to find a parking spot.  There was relatively little traffic most of the way, and somehow we weren't exhausted when we reached our destinations at the end of the day. I took my test this morning, and we got there with plenty of time to spare.  I really hope I passed.  I have to pass.  I will know in about a week what the results are.  I also had to get fingerprinted today, and that was super quick and easy.

My thoughts about Dallas so far- SO much traffic.  Like LA status.  So many freeways.  So few clearly marked freeways and exits.  No carpool lane?  SMU is beautiful.  I have never been so happy to see a Whole Foods in my life.  (Comfort in the familiar things.)  Ahhh, my official first day is tomorrow!!  What have I gotten myself into?  I'm so excited!