from my nest-bed.

It feels so good to be home. With a renewed sense of what home means, I am perfectly content to be where I am. I am so happy to have returned to the arms of the people I love most in the world, and for life to be able to carry on as if I never left.

It is strange, though, being able to carry on as if I never left.
Sometimes it feels as if I just hit my head and had a colorful dream, filled with loving characters that pulled me off into a new world, only to inevitably wake up and be back in my familiar bed. It is as if I am in one of those stories where at the last moment, the author writes and then she awoke from a dream. 

And what a dream it was!

oh, the notion of going home.

In three days, I will be home. I will be in the car with my loved ones, on the way to go eat my weight in Mexican food. I can't express the delight that I feel, knowing that I will once again be surrounded by the people I care most for...don't tell them, but secretly I'm most excited about cuddling my dogs again.

This is where I begin to feel incredibly selfish.
I have been given such an amazing opportunity, and here I am, practically squeaking at the thought of it being over. I would hop on a plane right this very moment, if I could.

I am so very, very grateful to everyone who helped make this adventure possible. By everyone I mean everyone. The sweet women in the study abroad office. The friendly Boarder Patrol officer that gave us a warm greeting in Ireland. The Porter who came to unlock my bedroom door that night we locked our keys inside...everyone has culminated together to create this possibility for which I can't give enough thanks.

I have seen and done some amazing things here. I have met some incredible people. I have eaten all the unfamiliar foods I have been given, and I've almost always liked it.

That being said, the notion that it is possible to go home makes me feel all warm and gooey inside, and super, super emotional. I now understand the silly little phrase "home is where the heart is". As cliche as it is...it's true. I now realize that although I can roam around the world if I so choose (during this trip, maybe I  have gained toooo much independence and self assuredness?), I would not be completely satisfied if I did so by myself. I could be anywhere, doing anything, and it wouldn't be the same without the people you love. I would rather look someone in the eyes and share the experience rather than capture it on film, add a filter, and alert the world.

I have realized that I have undoubtedly taken some people for granted, and being away from them only highlights the fact that the treasured moments we have had are worth going home to. Being away from everything and everyone has put my life in perspective, and I feel much more willing to strive to be a better friend, daughter, lover, etc. to the people in my life.

I love you all and I can't wait to come home to you.

xoxo

okay, sap over.

things deserve time.

Whether they be blog posts or long walks or writing papers...take your time. 

Do as I say, not as I do. 

As my departure date looms (three days and twenty-two hours until I hop on the plane!!), so do the due dates for my papers. Why am I making such a big deal about six measly papers? I have always been a paper generator, literally spouting out words that string together like a piece of yarn made out of the wool of a very fat sheep. Like, world's fattest sheep. Monster sheep with a wool as thick as the day is long. 

My brain is just so very clogged and I feel like I'm entirely made up from gobs of anxiety. (Is that the papers talking or the embarrassing amount of eggnog lattes I've been drinking?) I hate that this is my last experience in England. I don't know if I expected to be having tea with Kate or be leading some parade in a little English village...but this just isn't how you're supposed to say goodbye to your has-been-home. 

That being said, you know where I'll be. (In the 'quiet study' section of the library basement.) 

If you need me, I practically have my mail delivered here, now. ;) 

Thoughts of encouragement go out to you, too! I know I'm not the only one going through all of this paper writing nonsense. It's final exam week for everybody, so I'm on your side! You've got this, sparky. 

xoxo