Firsts

Yesterday I biked into town on my own, and picked up some groceries and other necessary household items.  In some ways, I feel like a child, because it seems like each small step like this is cause for celebration.  For me, it's these small steps that will make this feel like home.

I was really nervous.  I knew that many people in town speak English, so I wasn't likely to get "stuck", I knew that Barneveld was a very small town, I knew that I would recognize most of the streets and shops that I drove by.  Even though I had no logical reason to be nervous, I felt the same nerves that I haven't felt since my years of music recitals, performances, competitions and exams.  You know, when your stomach is in a knot, and every muscle in your body is filled with adrenaline, wanting to just get up there and get it over with?  I guess you can tell that I was the "nervous" type of performer.  Wow, this sounds pretty intense.  Don't worry, I tried to play it cool, so I don't think anyone noticed how nervous I was... except the two preteen boys who yelled at me (in Dutch), after I parked my bike too slowly.  (Note: I must become a more aggressive bike driver.)

Anyways, nervous as I was, I went, didn't get lost, got something extra from a cashier (I'm not sure what it was... maybe a coupon), and I got home safely and with everything that I needed.  What a sigh of relief, and more than anything, a good thing to have under my belt.  I'm sure each time I go into town will get easier and will become more normal.  I think my job right now is to do what I can to make these seemingly big steps become normal, as quickly as possible.  For now, I'm glad that that's done, and I'm looking forward to learning the streets in Barneveld by heart, so that I don't have to look at a map before I leave :)