That Moment When You Realize, Crap, You're GOING TO SPAIN.

I am currently engaging in the Mental Preparation stage of my pre-departure schedule. Part One of this involved actually reading the extensive and informative packet that my study-abroad program provided me with. While the packing lists and international cell phone details are sure to come in handy, the information that I was most pleased to be provided with regards my social integration in Madrid--something I have due cause to be concerned about (For example, does my sense of humor translate into Spanish? This remains to be seen).

There are a few key phrases from the packet that I have really honed in on. Specifically, the packet kindly reminds me to "be (discreetly) aggressive" in my social life, and to "be valiant" about making friends. I'm not 100% confident that I understand what this means, but I am prepared to attempt behavior so (discreetly) aggressive it's not even funny.

Luckily, I was also provided with a Pre-Departure Orientation DVD to watch, which also gives social advice. To quote the DVD directly, "You cannot put a relationship in a microwave and have it done in 10 seconds." Touche.

I'm hoping all of this information will help me to gracefully befriend Madridians, most particularly my homestay "Mom," who seems like she will be lovely, as well as her 33 year old son, let's call him "Manu." Speaking as someone who has awkward interactions in English, I am going to need all the help I can get to appear normal and sociable when I'm interacting in Español.

To this end, I have also started reminding myself of Spanish phrases that will allow me to be friendly, i.e., "¿Puedo ayudar con los platos?" (Can I help with the dishes?) and "¡La comida está deliciosa!" (The food is delicious!).

In my Justin Bieber Preparatory notebook, these genial phrases are neatly recorded for future use, followed by one that perhaps falls into the "aggressive" category more than the "discrete" one. It reads: "Estoy segura que el viaje cuesta cuarenta euros. ¡Solamente tengo cuarenta euros!" (I am sure that the trip costs forty euros. I only have forty euros!) This one's for the taxi driver, whose services I will require immediately upon landing in Madrid, and who I'm told I need to take NO nonsense from. I cannot wait.