Signs that time is passing...

It's officially spring here in Vienna, down to the freshly blooming flower beds (okay, so I watched the guys plant them on my way to school, but they are still pretty right?). I have just tossed out my second bottle of allergy medicine and I am staring at my single pair of contacts thinking--by the time I need you, I will be back in States. My roommates and I have also developed a schedule. We all know who gets up when and which pan to use for the eggs in the morning. I have my favorite foods to buy at the grocery store (cherry tomatoes still on the vine) and the Kebap guy and I wave whenever we see each other although I suppose I should learn his name someday.

I know I have been bad about posting in my blog recently but I have found it difficult to find both the time and motivation. It's easy to write about the crazy ski trip I just went on or adventures I had with my sisters--but writing about life? That's a little harder. Here's the fact of the matter: somewhere along the line, during this crazy fun semester, I created a life for myself in this city. I look around me and I talk to my friends who have lived in or near here all their lives and I hate to think that I will be gone in a month. I barely know these wonderful fabulous people--I barely know this wonderful fabulous city. I knew coming into this semester that I wanted to LIVE in Vienna, not just vacation here for five months. The result of that effort and I am sitting here shaking my head--where do I go from here?

The whole venture is somewhat ironic. All of high school I knew I would be leaving--don't worry about it, it'll just happen. In college I have had a blast but I know we will all disappear to the corners of the world after graduation. All the friendship group and small communities have felt wonderful but the knowledge of their temporary nature lurks in the back of my mind. And then, I come to a city where I know I will be staying only five months and life feels, well, more permanent. More like I could stay here and do this for a few years longer and be happy to stay in one place. Let my wandering feet breathe for a while (well, at least during the work week) in place with good coffee and the beginnings of good friends.

I was talking to my roommate Eloise earlier and the conversation went like this:

"You know, I just want to stay in Vienna long enough to get sick of it."
"I don't think that's ever gonna happen."
"Yes, but it would be nice to find out."

Am I crazy to fall in love with a place that is SO difficult to move to and live in? I swear there is more paperwork per square inch of this place than people in this crazy city, but it still has its shiney. For some reason, this beautiful, quiet, reserved, history-filled, dancing, eating, noise-filled city has captured my heart. Honeymoon period? For certain. But will it change with more time? I really, really want to find out...

Happy Dreaming!