Long time no see DU!

[Ava]

I know, I know. It's been a long time(other than a picture thread, lol). I've been swamped with moving preparations. I don't think I realized how hard moving across the country would be! As I type this there is an empty box in my bedroom floor waiting to be packed and addressed. There is also a list lying next to me of books that I must purchase for classes, and a half-read copy of Othello that must be completed before welcome week.

As I pack up my things and get ready for this huge change that begins a week from today I am beginning to realize how hard leaving behind my loved ones will be. I have a large family - an older brother, three little sisters, an amazing mother and stepfather, two dogs, and three cats. After I use a one way ticket to New York City next week I will be putting over 1,000 miles between us. I will also be leaving behind the friends that I love and the place that I grew up. I'm leaving behind the wooded area behind my house and the crickets who invade that area at night. I won't be able to see a night sky filled with too many stars to even imagine counting, and no more taking a dip in the lake or driving down to the Gulf of Mexico for the weekend. I can't describe how much I'll miss being able to hop into a car and drive a couple hours to see my Granny and Papa in south Alabama - no more hours long conversations with my Granny in her yellow living room or with my Papa in his library that contains hundreds of books that he has read. I'll be home during breaks and be able to visit these things that I love, but it isn't the same, and preparing to leave has made me realize how much I love my home and those who make it home.

But, there are still boxes and suitcases waiting to be packed, books to be ordered, and farewells to be made. I'm excited about this new page in my life, and I'm confident that attending the best damn film school around will help me grow as a filmmaker and a person.

[NJmaverick]

1. You are off on a wonderful adventure

I wish you the best of luck on it. Enjoy, it should be exciting. When you get to NYC and you see what sort of internet connection you have (and assuming your family has a good one) you guys might want to invest in a couple of computer video cameras so you can do video conferencing with your family back home. Should help bridge the 1000 mile gap.

[Ava]

4. i'm living in a dorm, so i'll have a good net connection

my laptop and the computer here at home both have built in webcams(macs) so we plan to keep in touch via skype.

thanks!

[graywarrior]

2. I'm so proud...

[Ava]

5. thanks my crazy comrade

[lightningandsnow]

3. Oh, I'm so excited for you!

I think you're going to have the time of your life.

Keep in touch, k?

[Ava]

6. thanks.. will do! you too!

you have my aim s/n

[femmocrat]

10. We expect reports from you too, lightningandsnow!

Can't wait to hear how you are doing in school this year! Best wishes and a big !!!

[femmocrat]

7. I cried like a baby when each of my kids went off to college.

But when I went--- I couldn't wait! Never looked back. Just think how many new adventures you will have, all the excitement of living in NYC, the new friends, and how much you will have to share with your family when you see them.

And you will be able to show them all around NYC when they come to visit you! It's going to be fine, Sweetie. Just don't forget about us old-timers here on DU who can't wait to hear how you are doing.

and best wishes!

[Ava]

8. i know it's going to be great

but i will miss my family.. they're going to have to visit me in between my breaks

thanks!

[Javaman]

9. Ava, you rock!

from one old filmmaker to a young filmmaker, you had reinspried me.

Cheers and the very best of luck!