Free At Last, Free At Last!

As I sit here writing, Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall (Pt. 2) is playing in the background. If that doesn't sound familiar, it the song with the chorus of angry little Brits yelling "We don't need no education". Although I normally would listen to this songs before taking tests (somehow it relaxes and inspires me), it is also fitting for me today because a few hours ago I took my last exam of the semester!! More precisely, I took my last undergraduate exam. After a three hour test yesterday, the 15 minute exam today was a bit more pleasant. However, it was an exam unlike any I've taken before, as it was an oral exam :) Me and my literature professor, trapped in an air-conditionerless room for circa 20 minutes at 11 a.m. on a Saturday morning. What an ending to four years of study. And, although I was a bit stumped on a few of the questions and sweated like I stole something, I think it went pretty well. My relief, excitement, happiness, etc. immediately following the test was a bit dashed by the fact that I had once again managed to leave my key inside of my locked room as well as the fear that I'd have to pay 10 euros to get back in. Even though I was unable to break in using my AAA Card, Student ID Card, and Kroger Plus Card, I found someone to let me in...free! So, now the reality of being essentially finished with undergrad has begun to sink in. It feels good, I must admit. But, although it just ended and I'll be taking a year off before continuing grad school, I am already ready looking forward to going back to school. It's much better than working, and college, though extremely stressful if done right, is at the same time a very rewarding experience. I couldn't imagine it being over just yet. But, for now I'll bask in what little glory I've been afforded and pray that I actually passed the exams!

A small taste of home

It goes without saying that I miss my family, friends, and Memphis. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, I will forego mentioning them in this entry. Since I have been in Germany, I have somehow managed to go, for the most part, without the few American items that one may purchase here. Admittedly, I have had a few cokes and even 3 amazing Dr. Pepper´s, but other than two or three other items, I have had to go cold turkey. But, a southern boy can never stop thinking of the food he loves. Don´t get me wrong, the food here is also delicious, but now and then, everyone needs a little taste of home. Talking with my brother while he was here only made me long for many of the foods from home. So, I will present a short list, in no particular order, of the few things I crave..

1. Liters of Dr. Pepper



2. Sweet Tea



3. Biscuits



4. White beans



5. Pinto beans



6. Mixed beans



7. White beans w/ chowchow



8. White beans w/ white cheese from Shelbyville



9. White beans with green onions



10. My parents´fried "tatters"



11. Fried cabbage with peppers (if you haven´t had this, my dad can give you the recipe :)
    



12. Country Ham



13. Chocolate oatmeal cookies



14. Chili-cheese fries (especially from Backyard Burger)



15. Creamed corn



16. Hoe cakes (not sure if that is the correct spelling)



17. Mexican food



18. #6 Spicy chicken sandwhich from Wendy´s



19. BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! from the BBQ shop and Central BBQ



20. Half of a slab of dry-rub ribs with fries, beans, and sweet tea from Corky´s



21. Cracker Barrel



22. Pancakes



23. Little Debbie Brownies



24. Mac and Cheese



25. Donuts after 11 p.m from Gibson´s with Turner´s Dutch Chocolate Milk



26. Extra spicy Dorritos



27. Momma´s vegetable soup



28. Garribaldi´s BBQ Chicken Pizza



29. Reese´s and Watchamacallit´s



30. Hamburger Helper



31. Zataran´s Spanish Rice



32. Zataran´s Dirty Rice w/ Cheese (use spicy sausage instead of beef)
    

Now, I know this is a short list that could be easily expanded, but for now, that´s all I have ;) Perhaps before I return home, I will lose 20 lbs. so that I might enjoy these delicacies without shame!