10 things I’ve learned about myself this month!

I was just talking to my wonderful mother-in-law (Terri Hurst), and I wrote her a reply to a Facebook message that I’ve learned a lot about myself in one month, and I thought I would share.

If you don’t know me let me give you a little back story real quick. I was the girl that lived in the same house my entire life, I went to school with the same kids I went to kindergarten with, I lived 5 minutes from my grandparents, and spent every holiday with my family. When I was a senior in high school I realized I didn’t want to go to the community college as I noticed a trend that everyone that went there stayed in our small town. (Sorry friends that went to Vol State)
So I applied to every public college in Tennessee. I was accepted to every public college in Tennessee. So I decided to put all the colleges in a bag and draw one out. I got The University of Tennessee at Martin. That should have been the first sign of my adventurous side, which brings to attention the first thing that I have learned about myself.

1. I am ADVENTUROUS! Like BIG TIME and I had no clue!! Living in Europe this past month, I have learned I love to try new things, take (minor risks) and figure things out! The perfect example was day 3 living in Slovenia I decided to try and take a bus…all alone…no husband no one! Somehow I got to where I wanted to go and got back with no issues. Mind you I have never been on an American bus before haha

2. I like a CHALLENGE! I love figuring things out and learning new things. The best example was walking in through the kitchen of Nolan’s (now school) trying to figure out how I could sign him up for Kindergarten. That was a challenge because not everyone at his school speaks good English, and it took a minute for them to find me a translator.

3. I don’t get EMBARRASSED! I literally have been laughed at many times since living here trying to say something.. HAHA It’s almost a comic show every time I try to say something, and the locals think it’s hilarious! HAHA I think it’s hilarious although anyone else might get a little nervous, or even embarrassed. I’m like whatever I’m over here trying to speak your SUPER hard very rare language. (Only 2 million people speak Slovene.) So at least help me say the word right..pretty please.

4. I love RIDING MY BIKE! So before moving here, I had not been on a bike in 19 years!!! Yes it’s true you never forget how to ride a bike, I got on it like I was on it yesterday no problems. I can ride to the city center, go to the flea market, shop for fresh produce, and never take my car, even better I don’t have to find a parking spot.

5. I had a bit of ANXIETY DRIVING in Slovenia.I’m not sure why, but I decided the best way to get that fear behind me was to drive during rush hour. IT WORKED! I LOVE driving here. I also know when I move back to The United States I will get a speeding ticket (They drive FAST) I will also get a ticket for running a stop sign (They don’t really have stop signs they have yield signs at 4 way stops) I’ve already started to save for my tickets in the States.

6. I’m not a picky EATER, food can be tricky. We don’t have a commissary (Military Food Store) so all our food comes from Slovenia, finding meat, cereal, cooking supplies, and well ZERO can goods has been a straight learning curve. But I’m figuring it out slowly, I’m going to try my hardest not to depend on driving 2 hours to a commissary, I want to learn to do things their way.

7. I’m PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! Every time I open my mouth the first question I get is where are you from… The United States and then the questions roll in. My most common question is if I’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge, and been to New York city. I went to an English school for children yesterday to be a guest speaker, and the high school girls were HILARIOUS they kept asking me questions about our pop culture, landmarks, and what it was like to live in America. Not going to lie I felt like the cool kid in school.

8. Slovenia has taught me to be a better parent. The way that Slovenian’s parent is so sweet and all the children are so well behaved. I started taking notes, as my children are the only kids throwing fits, or fighting with each other! My new strategies seem to be working! This is shaping up to be another blog post so stay tuned.

9. I could LIVE with nothing but TV, internet, and a mattress! I told Tyler the other day I could almost do this for a year (we’re two months in with zero furniture)… I would just miss the decorating side of things.

10. I LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE this really isn’t new. If you know me, you know I LOVE talking. What I didn’t know is I LOVE talking to people, not from the States! I love hearing about them, and their families, and well making true Slovenian friends. (I was invited to a mom group of Slovenians, and I’m SUPER EXCITED to start going)

I can’t wait to see where I am in a year! It’s only been six weeks and I’m head over hills for this country, traveling, and exploring.

Adijo (Bye is Slovenian)
-Brittany

  • Brandi
    January 21, 2017

    Seems you’re fitting it just fine and loving every minute! I’m proud to be an American but I also love learning and embracing other cultures. I had no doubt you would sparkle abroad.

  • Tammy Hurst
    January 21, 2017

    Thanks for sharing! I love reading about your adventures

  • Kristal
    January 22, 2017

    I love these so much and I cannot wait for the parenting notes for sure I noticed similar thing in Germany and I was definitely a better parent there and we were all a little more free and less stressed!

  • Courtney Moore
    January 22, 2017

    #7 cracked me up and I’m staying tuned for Slovenian parenting tips! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

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