Well, I decided to include one more post before leaving for Italy tomorrow.  Actually, I am really procrastinating the packing part of the trip-everything is just spread over the floor...quite overwhelming.  I don't want to mess with it, so of course I find anything else to occupy my time.

It was pretty hard saying goodbye to the girls yesterday.  It is interesting how attached a person can become to people in such a short time.  What a treasure this time has been.  I look back on it and can hardly believe that I actually did it-I have been gone for so long (at times it seemed forever until I would finally be coming home)-I never anticipated it would be as hard to say goodbye as it was.  I wish that you could all meet them...Linds and I are trying to convince them to save up some money and come over.  Hopefully that will happen...  :)  It would be a riot...especially b/c they are too young to drink in the states...whatever will we do with ourselves??  :) 

Tomorrow I am going to be picking up Eric and Crista.  Our adventure begins.  Man am I excited.  It is going to be so much fun.  I am also looking forward to the fact that I am driving to the airport.  Whoo hoo!  They will be in for a treat.  We leave for Italy in the evening where I get to see Tyler again!  Yea for that.  We are going to Venice, Florence, Lake Como, the Cinque Terre, Rome and then up to Barcelona.  So so fun. 

Oh, just to let you guys know, my granny is doing much better.  She was released from ICU the other day and got her tracheodomy removed today.  She is now in the recovery process-which is a battle within itself.  Please be praying for continued strength and perserverance, and that the pain would be at a minimum with all of the tiring physical therapy that she is going through.  Thanks friends.

Alright, I think that is all.  I hope you are all doing wonderful.  See you soon. 

Linds-I miss you already!  Tell everyone hello for me.  :)

Currently Watching Homeward Bound II - Lost in San Francisco see related

Hello hello.  I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer so far.  Things have been going pretty well here-I just got news that my grannie has made some significant improvements in her health-which is great because for the past few weeks, things have been up in the air. 

It is weird as the time in England begins to wrap up.  Linds and I move out of our room this weekend and have been gradually saying farewell to those we have met along the way.  Bizarre.  I will be leaving on Tuesday to go to Italy and Spain with Eric and Crista.  I can hardly contain my excitement.  I know it will be amazing-and will surely include a lot of laughs. 

The past couple of days I have had the opportunity to observe at the school that my cousins attend: American Community School.  It is a great school...it made me realize how much I missed being around kids!  It is always nice to get affirmation of my degree along the way.  It makes me excited for next year for sure.

Sorry this is boring...I have been gettng slack for never writing, but honestly, things are kinda dull around here (not to mention I am lazy and can't think of things to write about...)

Currently Reading Angels & Demons By Dan Brown see related

What a crazy week it has been.  It is nice to just sit down at the end of a long day and let your mind go.  I tend to be a control freak.  It is ok, I have come to terms with this area of my life and I am working on it-I think just knowing that I have this condition is a step in the right direction.

So, in regards to being a control freak, it is tough for me when unexpected things happen.  I found out the other day that my Grannie had to go into the hospital.  Please keep her in your prayers, that she will have the strength to recover and fight back.  I am at my aunt's house right now.  She left to meet her five brothers and sisters (my mother included) in Lawton.  I offered to come down and help out with watching my three cousins while my uncle is at work.  I am thankful for this opportunity to help at my aunts because it is so hard for me to be away from my family and not feel like I can help in some way or do something.  I can't control what is happening, but I can help-which helps me I guess.

It has also caused me to think about how amazing the Lord works things out.  There are no coincidences, you know?  Most of my friends (in fact all except for Lindsay) are not done with finals for another 2 weeks...I finished yesterday.  With the exception of Ingram coming to visit, I have no plans until traveling on June 8th...I have all the time in the world to help out.  Of course, it is tough not being with Ingram, she understands and is in good hands (Linds, I have faith in your hostess abilities).  That is the cool thing about friends-they can just hang out and be content.  It has been great to hang out...and she brought good weather with her, which is unbelievable!!!

Oh, and one more thing that is a little exciting/scary.  I am learning how to drive (for the second time I guess).  I had my first lesson tonight, driving the family home from dinner at a friends house.  I just have to keep repeating to myself: the driver is in the middle of the street.  It is hard not to misjudge the distance on the left, but hopefully I will do better with practice.  It is entertaining though...the roundabouts are the scariest parts so far...    Don't worry Aunt Meg, your volvo is safe with me!  (for those of you who are unaware, in England, they drive on the other side of the road-that is the left side, and the drivers seat is on the right, so it is a little confusing!)

So that is about it with me...my ceramics project went well, I think.  At least I was pleased with them, but I'm not sure what the tutor thought.  But Bryan next door asked if I would be selling the goblet I made and said he would buy it for a hundred dollars.  I think he was just saying that to be funny though...

Have a wonderful day-enjoy every second-take in the little things that are so easily overlooked (I learned that from watching my Grannie).

Currently Reading Silver Wedding By Maeve Binchy see related

Well, home at last.  I guess home away from home.  It is nice to be out of a suitcase and back to things that are somewhat normal.  Scotland was just amazing-it is a beautiful land where the air smells so fresh and clean.  We were able to see the west highlands and walk along some white beaches (although it was quite cold).  It was nice to have wide open spaces after city-hopping for so long.  Quite a relaxing end to a marvelous tour of Europe. 

So coming back to school also means coming back to the reality of work.  I am currently supposed to be working on a paper that is due on Tuesday.  It is over comparing the furniture design techniques and influences after World War II in Great Britain and Scandinavia.  It is pretty interesting, although, besides for my own self-knowledge, I'm not sure I will ever put the information to use.  Nevertheless, I am enjoying the enlightenment over the history of modern design.  Yea IKEA.

It is a delightful rainy day here in good ol Hatfield.  This morning I was surprised by a package from my friend Elliot.  It was a wonderful start to a day.  Thanks Elliot.  :)

Alright, I must be going.  Good luck to all who are busy studying for finals-you can do it!

Currently Reading The Screwtape Letters By C. S. Lewis see related