If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that this week has been soooo busy. In a good way. But I’m exhausted and I haven’t even left the country yet!
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I saw Passenger in concert this Tuesday with my friend Nicole. We went to dinner beforehand and arrived at the concert fashionably late (for the opener at least). The concert was amazing (aside from the obnoxious and very clearly intoxicated superfan right next to us who was constantly getting in our way). Mike Rosenberg, who is Passenger is so down to earth. Not only was he fabulous live (he sounded exactly like, if not better, than the recording), but he was really quite funny and engaging, also.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you about the brush with fame I had after the concert. Nicole and I decided to go to a bar a few blocks down from the concert venue afterwards for some drinks before calling it a night. Shortly after we sat down at our table (on the spacious outdoor patio since it was an absolutely gorgeous night), Nicole all the sudden looked at me really funny and then said with much urgency, “I think that Roger Sterling from Mad Men is sitting right next to us.” Roger Sterling, who is played by the actor John Slattery, that is. Well, I was in this awkward position where I wanted to see who she was talking about, but the table in question was right behind me; I didn’t want to too obviously turn around to get a glimpse, as that would have been mega awkward. So, Nicole, who was kind of on the verge of freaking out she was so star struck, took a creeper picture for me and sent it to my phone and man it did look a lot like Roger Sterling and we decided we were pretty sure it was him…so she spent the whole rest of the time we were there debating if she should ask him for a picture and finally I said, “Nicole, are you going to regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t do it?” and she said, “Yes, yes I will.” So, before we left, she asked if he was John Slattery, which he affirmed. She got a picture with him and he shook my hand and introduced himself to me, which I thought was pretty cool. I, for one, didn’t get a formal picture with him…but it turns out I got a bit of an informal one since I ended up in the creeper picture Nicole had taken earlier.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my research from my internship last summer has finally been published online. I was so giddy with excitement when I saw the e-mail from my former boss yesterday. The intern’s research is hardly a top priority, hence the year-long wait, and it’s so amazing to finally see it up and running. I’m no longer just a former Smithsonian intern. I’m now a published Smithsonian author (okay, perhaps a stretch…this is a dinky site that most people will never see in their lives…but it’s still fun for me to say).
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! a.k.a I’ve been preparing hard core for Thailand of late because I leave in just a few short days. I got a second new computer (my first new computer, which I told you about in this post, was having issues so I needed to return it) and am so excited to bring it with me on my adventure. I actually like it way more than the first one I got. It was a bit more expensive and more money than I was planning on initially spending, but I can already tell it’s so worth it…It’s better quality overall, is easier to type on, and has a lot more memory than the first computer I bought. I think it will come in handy for teaching, too. I also bought a travel backpack the other day as I didn’t want to have to be carrying a big huge bulky suitcase around multiple airports in multiple countries, especially with my eleven hour layover in Hong Kong. I still have some things to pick up and get sorted out and of course I have to pack, but every little bit counts, ay?
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you about my coffee date yesterday with one of my best college friends who was in the Twin Cities for a couple days. This is only the second time I’ve seen her since graduation and it was so great to sit and chat and be merry together with Americanos in hand.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my last day of work is on Sunday. It’s bittersweet. I’ll miss work, but it’s time for this new adventure.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I woke up extremely anxious on Wednesday morning. I haven’t felt so anxious in months. It’s been an on and off feeling for the last couple days and I know it’s because I’m getting nervous. As exciting as this new adventure is going to be, it’s also incredibly scary. I’m going to a foreign country with a completely different culture and language and oh, of course I know I will be fine and I’ll have such an amazing time. But it’s still a big life change. And these nerves–my upset stomach and the ache in my chest–there’s nothing wrong with any of it. This journey isn’t going to be easy. And that’s why I know I have to take it.
If we were having coffee, I’d be about ready to switch it off to you–and I’d ask you if you have anything to share over coffee.
This post is part of the Weekend Coffee Share link up at Part Time Monster.
It's a Britta Bottle! 
You definitely had an exciting week! Congrats on being a published author and meeting Roger Sterling. And have a fabulous time in Thailand!
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It was exciting, that’s for sure. Now to take it a bit slow as I get to packing and preparing to leave! Thank you…it’s going to be such an adventure.
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Our first sentences are almost identical! LOL! And I absolutely LOVE your caption apology on the creeper pic!!!!
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Haha, thanks! I mean, the chance that he will ever come across my blog and this post in particular is very, very slim…but in the event that he does, one must be prepared. 🙂
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I think the modern world is funny – both you and Mr.Slattery are sitting with other people yet glued to your phones. OK, I know you were waiting for this picture, but it’s still funny 😉 Cool about having your article published. Have a great flight over! I hope you are going to keep your blog up and running while in Thailand!
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Out modern world is quite funny. I actually wasn’t expecting the picture…she just sent it to me and I think I was on my phone because she was on her phone (taking and sending the picture, of course) so I didn’t know what else to do.
I’m definitely going to keep it up and running…wouldn’t dream of anything else! I may be absent the first month or so when I’m taking my teacher training course, but there is no way I’m quitting blogging because of this adventure! All the more reasons to blog, I say….with everything I’ll experience while there.
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Hey, you have a layover at Hongkong? Are you planning on leaving the airport for awhile although the airport is like a huge mall too and you can spend hours just looking at the shops but if you like to see a little Hongkong on the side, let me know. I have a friend who works there and if he is free, he can probably give you a quick tour. 🙂
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Yes, but it’s at night. I get in at like, 9 pm and fly out at 8 am. Or something like that. I was planning on sticking to the airport. Thanks for the offer, though!
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aw, yeah that would suck! you’ll enjoy their airport though. pretty comfy enough to sleep in for a couple of hours. you’re welcome!
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Stay safe on your trip!
Our encounter was funny. Nice to see actors so laid back and approachable. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks!!
Yes, my friend was worried that she was being annoying by asking for a picture, but he WAS really laid back, which was nice.
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What a delightful post full of amazing news! Congratulations on being published! What a great accomplishment for the research you’ve done!!! And the concert and the John Slattery sighting are also super cool! I tend also to get nervous when I see famous people and don’t ask for a picture. But your photo photo is still great and I can see that it’s him. I’m glad you’re getting ready for Thailand and got a good travel backpack. It will definitely come in handy!
Your last day of work is tomorrow…I’m sure it’s bittersweet But like you said it’s time to move on.
My Saturday is full of sunshine and still summer warmth which makes me super happy!
Take care and here’s to the countdown to Thailand !!
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Thank you so much, Lia! Your words are always so heartfelt and encouraging. ❤
Yeah, my friend Nicole was super nervous and she thought asking for a photo would be really annoying but I was like, well, when else are you going to randomly run into John Slattery at a bar in Minneapolis? Even if it seems awkward, go for it! The worst he could do is say no. Luckily, he was very gracious and kind, so that didn't end up being a problem anyways.
I'm super psyched about the travel backpack. I have a feeling it will be worth every penny!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thank you so much, again, Lia, for your supportive words. Here's to Thailand and my new adventure! 🙂
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Okay, that picture of you with John Slattery is priceless :-). Congratulations on your first published article! Was so excited for you that I had to share on G+. And speaking of excited, Thailand is so close to becoming a reality that you can almost touch it. Can not wait to see you there. Won’t be long now.
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Hehe. I think I prefer this one to any staged photo I could have taken with him. It’s just so weird and random and awkward and I love it. 🙂
Thank you, Lisa, and wow, thank you for sharing it! What an honor.
I can’t wait to be there and I especially can’t wait to share all of my experiences with you all! It certainly wont be long.
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Congratulations on getting published Britta, that’s fantastic, well done. I love your creeper photo, that’s kinda cool. It sounds like you’ve happily packed in a lot of cool adventures before your trip. Enjoy your last day of work and just think about what happens next!!! How exciting!! Xx
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Thank you so much, Desley! I certainly have packed in a lot. Taking it slow the next few days as I finish up at work and get to buying some last minute things and packing.
I’m definitely going to enjoy my last day. Said goodbye to some people today who aren’t working tomorrow and it was really bittersweet. I never imagined I grow to love my work and my coworkers as much as I do. I’m really going to miss it…but my next adventure is calling.
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Well, you had a busy week indeed.
Published author. Congrats!
Meeting stars. Exciting and funny story!
Prep for Thailand going very well! Hurray!
And still working and having time to unwind with friends.
You’re the best, Britta!
Of course you’re nervous, and of course it’s super ok to be anxious.
It’s not a mundane action to pack and travel all the way to Asia to live there and even be an English teacher! It’s a lot of excitement!
Having crossed three continents to live abroad has shown that each time I did it, the excitement (nervousness as well) was the same, and that’s fine.
Relax and prepare for a great adventure!
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It definitely was an exciting week and I’ve been taking it much slower these last few days as I prepare for my travels later this week.
Thanks so much, Lucile. I definitely don’t always feel like the best…like now, when I leave in two days and have absolutely zero packing done and still need to pick up a few things at some stores. I’ll get there, though…I know it. Thank you so much for you encouragement…and for sharing a bit of your own experiences with moving abroad. 🙂
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Wow, you’re about to travel!
I won’t take much of your most needed time to pack!
Let me just wish you a safe and relaxing journey and a fantastic start of your new adventure. Best of luck and much happiness.
I’ll be here looking forward to hearing from your discoveries.
Have fun, enjoy and be happy!
Hugs from Amsterdam!
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Ah, thank you so much, Lucils! Today’s the day!!!
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Hurray! Safe travels!
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So exciting! Can’t wait for you to arrive in Thailand. 😀
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It’s going to be an adventure, that’s for sure.
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Sounds like QUITE the week!! I’ve never had an out and about celebrity sighting. Congrats on the published research! That’s super exciting!
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It sure was! I’ve never had an out and about celebrity sighting before, either. Maybe if it was in L.A. or New York City or something, I wouldn’t have been so surprised…but in Minneapolis? I just wasn’t expecting that at all (though I guess John Slattery’s brother lives in the area, so it does make some amount of sense).
Also, thanks…it is super exciting!
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I am so excited to hear all about your adventure!
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It’s certainly going to be exciting.
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What a week. All the best with what sounds like a move to Thailand and not just a holiday. xx Rowena
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Thank you! It certainly is a move. Well, a temporary move, but a move none-the-less. I’ll be teaching English there for a while!
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Britta, as I read this, it is Sunday night! How was your last day at work? So many before me have already left you wonderful comments, and I do not have much to add, other than Just. Be. Happy!
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My last day of work went really well. Bittersweet, but it was a good way to end my time there. I’m picking up my last check on Tuesday, so that’s when my goodbye with many of my coworkers will take place, and that will be VERY bittersweet because I’ve truly enjoyed working with them all this summer and goodbyes are hard. I just have to remind myself that it’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later…I’ll definitely be back to visit my work when I return to the States!
Thank you so much, Terri! I’m trying–easier said than done with all the nerves and anxiety I’ve been experiencing in the last few days…but this move of mine is going to be so good. I can feel it.
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If i was going to Thailand in a matter of days, I’d binge on everything American. Well, mostly food. Wait, if you saw me this past weekend, you might assume I was going to Thailand in a matter of days! I love Merica.
I suspect your actor friend might have been creeping on Nicole. Maybe he was showing his dining mate the picture of her.
Know what’s going to be cool? To see your pictures from over there. You’re taking us all along with you a little, too.
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Haha, you always make me laugh, Eli. I guess I’m not binging too much. Though I did have a cream cheese filled pumpkin muffin at Starbucks today…something tells me I wont be able to find anything like that in Thailand.
Hm. It’s very possible he was. I mean, she was freaking out pretty hard over seeing him. He probably was doing the same. We just didn’t realize it. Yeah, that’s probably definitely what happened. No question.
Ah, yes! I’m so excited to share my adventures with you all. I am kind of taking you along with me, in a way. 🙂
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What an awesome week you’ve had, Britta!! I wish I had known about the Passenger concert. I’m going to several indie shows over the next few weeks and am quite excited. 🙂 I can’t believe Thailand is almost here!! I completely understand the nerves that come before going abroad. (Although my time was MUCH shorter than yours.) I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts this week! I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. 🙂
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Passenger was SOOO good. If you ever have a chance to see him live, DO IT! Sounds like you have a lot of fun concerts coming up, though!
Ah, me neither! Currently, I have my suitcase and travel backpack sprawled across my bedroom floor both half filled. I’m so worried I’m going to pack too much! I’ve been told so many times in the past few months to PACK LIGHT and I’m realizing I have no idea what that actually means. I mean, I have a one way ticket to Thailand and I don’t know when I’m coming back and sure, I can buy stuff there, but I repeat, I have a one way ticket to Thailand and I need things! Also, I totally forgot about packing things like pajamas and undergarments and stuff like that…and I’m realizing that those things take up a lot of space!
Agh, I’ll figure it out. Don’t mind me as I word vomit all of my packing anxieties into this reply. 🙂
Can’t wait to share my travels with everyone in the blogosphere, though!
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Safe travels, Britta! I can’t wait to read about your big adventure!
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Thanks Amy!
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