So, just for a change I wanted to talk about some good stuff.  I'm going to graduate with my Master's in winter, and then I scheduled a trip to Rome for a week.  I got a really good deal on it-on Expedia for about $850.00 for the hotel and the flight. The hotel is refundable if I don't go, but the flight is not, so I have to take the L if it gets cancelled for whatever reason.  I'm extremely happy about this, I've never traveled abroad and have been dreaming of it for years. I'm also practicing my Italian.

Per usual, my family will probably be angry and issue some type of threats. I rent a house from them. When I graduate and get a better job, my plan is to move out of here. My rent here is pretty low and it really helps when I am going to school. I suspect that my mom will be angry when she finds out I'm taking a major trip when I live on a pretty low rent here. I suppose I could see it from that point of view, but the truth is they are mad all the time about something. I know years back I wanted to teach and live abroad, and her statement was, "If you do that don't ever come back."  In all likelihood, my parents are narcissists.

I'm not  telling them.  Pretty much every time I've done anything that exhibits autonomy or shows some type of independence, my parents, esp. my mom  will have major issues. I suspect it's why I haven't had even better success in life.  In truth, if I was renting elsewhere, where I travel would be irrelevant as long as I pay the bills and follow the laws. I've never missed my rent in ten years. I also have spent about two grand in house repairs here. Today I spent 500 fixing the dryer.  My next plan when I get a really good job is to buy my own house. At least I have practice fixing things around the house how, and paying for it.

I remember when I was in high school, dating was a nightmare. My mom did everything to stop it.  Her big focus in life is her. Is the attention on her? You aren't going too far to get away from ME are you?  Getting a driver's license was a big issue too.  I remember my high school friends wondering what the H was going on with my parents, everyone thought they were freakishly controlling.

I'm not even going to tell them I'm going likely until right before I fly out.  I've done this on my other trips. Usually due to some type of sabotage.  In truth there are only so many years we have here on this planet and there are a lot of things I have not done. So many things I've put off or avoided doing in the service of 'being responsible and paying the bills," which I will be doing anyway, whether I make a point of doing what I want in life or not. One of my colleagues at work told me that if I didn't put travel on the calendar, it won't happen. Next year it's Mexico City.

Well, now it's on the calendar!  I didn't even tell my friends yet. One of my friends is so narcissistic that she will flip if she finds out I will be too far away from HER. She's crazy.  I did tell a few other more logical, balanced friends. 

To be fair, this was well planned and budgeted. I will likely be able to pay for this trip in cash, and pay it off soon.  I have two or three main things that I will be doing. I think getting my Master's is a great reason to do something like this, and a week is a fair amount of time.  I'll be stopping in London for the layover.  Unfortunately I will miss walking the stage at the university but that's OK. I did it when I got my Bachelor's.  I also plan on getting dual citizenship there due to my background. I think my aunt and uncle had dual citizenship.

I feel very grateful for everything.