I’ve been attempting to do a wrap up post for some time now, I mean, I got back to the states almost a week ago. Sorry. But its hard because I feel like as soon as I publish this post it will all be over. For real.

It is so good to be back but its also really strange. Because of the time change I’ve been going to bed at 9:00 or 10:00 and waking up oh so very early. The first morning I was back I went on a run at 6:30am and watched the sun rise. Am I growing up because I like the morning now? Oh no!

Its also really strange being back because I basically went from the most Christmas-spirited place to summer vacation. When its 80 outside I really just feel like laying out by the pool and drinking lemonade. Its wonderful, but weird. Personally, I would much rather wear one layer of clothing than five. 

What else have I been doing since being back? Well, I went to the dentist three times, got a cavity filled, bought some new shoes since I lost(refer to past post)/threw away two pairs back in England, and organized my room like never before. Well, the organization thing is an ongoing project. I also went to Costco TWICE because I missed it so much.

I am so happy to be back. It has been incredible to be able to just pick up the phone and call people without having to arrange skype “dates”. I love it, and I’ve probably spent about, wait let me check, around four hours talking on the phone in the past few days. 

I really miss England and the amazing, amazing people I traveled with this past semester. I learned so much. I gained so much. The person who got on the plane back in August had no idea all that was in store… That was cheesy sorry. But its true. Sometimes I’ll just remember little things that happened and my heart will ache because its over. Weird!

But if I’ve learned a little something in the past 20 (and almost 21) years of my life its that the adventure isn’t over! Its never over. Its always just beginning.

Thank you for following me through this time in my life. 

-Seeing the play Black Watch tonight
-Seeing Romeo and Juliet RSC version tomorrow afternoon… again.
-Ice skating.
-Arcade Fire at the O2 tomorrow night
-Seeing a play called Cinderella Friday night 
-Flying home saturday afternoon.

Crazy! 

FINALS DONE

LONDON TOMORROW

HOME SUNDAY

currently smiling ear to ear.

Well, its been pretty uneventful. Although that sometimes is a beautiful thing, isn’t it? I was thinking to myself today (because I have a lot of time to think here), when am I ever going to have another time in my life where my sole purpose is to learn? I don’t have to work, I have absolutely zero friendship/relationship-type stress, and I’m responsible to no one except two professors and one more deadline. I don’t know when the next time will be that I can allow myself to relax this much. So I am soaking in this beautiful, wonderful, boring state of being. 

I had so much time today that I finished my last paper, crocheted, read for fun, danced, played spoons, and looked up videos of kittens on YouTube (you would be amazed how many there are haha!). 

But my time here is almost over. I leave on Wednesday for London. And then, on Saturday, I go home. Or almost home because I have an overnight layover in LA. I honestly can’t believe it. I still have so much I want to do and see! I’m not ready! 

In many ways I am ready though. I want my own bed. I want to be able to plug things into walls without a converter. I want ranch dressing. I want to drive places in my car. I want hangers. You know, simple things like that. 

I will miss blogging after my adventure abroad is over. Thanks for sticking with me my faithful readers. This isn’t my last post though so don’t worry… I’m planning some special ones like “RACHEL’S GUIDE TO LONDON” edition for when you come here :)

This was my first Thanksgiving away from my family. It was really tough since I know that they are all together but it was made a lot easier because of the AMAZING food, company, and snow. 

It was so much fun to cook together in community and contribute to a giant meal that consisted of more than just turkey and mashed potatoes. At our feast we had Gumbo, Mussels, Spam Musabi, and Mac and Cheese! We have so many left overs. We may or may not have already dipped into the leftover stash :)

About 50 people attended the dinner and we decorated the dining room with some fall leaves we found outside, candles, and some branches. It looked beautiful. 

And other than food, the weather was incredible. Can’t wait to play in the snow tomorrow and not do any homework!

And yes. The Arizonan is wearing short sleeves in the snow.