So, it's a good thing I didn't update this in class, like I was going to. I didn't know what was going to be in store for me then, but I guess my subconscious had a hunch.

A little background:
As you guys know, my grandma was looking for flights for me. Well, I heard back from her Wednesday, and she said that they wouldn't let her book a flight that wasn't round trip, and they also wouldn't let her use her miles during August or December. She suggested using the travel agent my mom used (she, her sister, and their brother are visiting me in October). So I gave the dates to my mother to see what would happen. Last night I got an email from my grandma, telling me that she would try again. She called the airline today, and spent hours on the phone, and got a flight for me!!! I'll leave August 18th from Portland to Toronto, then to London, then finally to Stuttgart, Germany where my cousin lives with her family. I get to come back on the 10th from Paris, to DC, then back to Portland. All of this for less than 200 dollars, and my grandma said it'll be my birthday present. YAY!!! I'm so relieved that I finally have a flight settled. And so grateful to my grandmother for going through the hassle of calling the airline and spending hours talking to airline personnel. She's so great, and I'm excited to see her in a few weeks when she comes up for my little brother's high school graduation.

The next step is to drive to San Francisco to get my visa. I need to talk to my parents about that, but the tentative plan is to drive down with my step dad. I don't know anything other than that yet. But the visa is, as far as I know, the last step in getting everything gathered to go to France. I've also been freaking out about fashion... kind of stupid I suppose. But I want to try to blend in as much as I can. I don't want to feel like a tourist the whole time.  I'm getting closer and closer to going, which is very exciting. I can't wait!!

Here's a comic I find morbidly hilarious. I hope you guys like it. :)