I am learning how to know my damn worth (my greatest lesson)

It's been 3 1/2 months in London already, and holy freakin cow, how does time fly by so quickly?

In the span of 3 1/2 months I moved here, found a place to live, now live with a great flatmate and cute dog, started dating a cute Italian, called it off with Italian last week (mutual and mature break up), and am fully living life as best I can.

London is a different feel from when I last lived here 6 years ago. I was a grad student then. I could have adventurous late nights and my hangovers didn't kill me then. I'm in my mid-thirties now (eek!) and I don't desire super late nights, nor do I desire copious amounts of alcohol. One of my worries about moving back here was that my change in lifestyle might affect my view of the city. Happy to report that while things feel different in London this time, they still feel so, so good. This is a multi-faceted city with no shortage of places to roam and amazing things to do. I'm now fully getting in the swing of things, making this a home again.

Everything I've been going through the last 3 months is about knowing my worth. Maybe that's been the point of my entire life journey and I'm just now awakening to it. Here are the things I've demanded the best from, because I am so DAMN worth it:

My Home Life: I didn't settle for a quick living arrangement out of fear. I waited to find the best fit for me, and have a flatmate on a similar life journey to me (with the cutest dog in the world, who brings waggy tails and happiness to me daily).

My Dating Life: This is the first time in my life I've been so open romantically. I jumped into dating a month into living here, and I met a great guy by leaping into the deep end. I'm so proud of myself for giving my all to the Italian. I'm also so proud of calling it off (last week!) when we realized timing was mismatched for our respective paths.

I miss the guy, but part of growing up is knowing that missing someone doesn't mean you should run back to that person. I am learning the hard lesson: loving myself is more important than running back.

So we'll move on, parallel to each other, and maybe someday those paths will cross again if it's right. Now comes the work of opening myself up to love again, whilst simultaneously closing a chapter with someone. It's a tricky, messy business and I am allowing myself to cry over this person and the hopes of what it could have been. No matter how short the relationship, he left a mark on me. I love that everyone we meet, everyone we let into our lives become a beautiful lesson that strengthens the core of who we are, and brings us back to loving ourselves. I have no anger towards him, and that might be one of the worst kind of break ups--where you think that person is so damn lovely, you simply can't hate them, but you just don't fit together at this point in time, and so you say a tearful goodbye.

My Workout Life: This is something I am about to embark on. I have never invested in workout classes before, but here I go! This is about me taking care of my mid-thirties body, which no longer sheds pounds simply by walking (darn). This is about less Nutella, and more endorphins of the sweaty variety.

My Biggest Obstacle: The biggest hurdle looming over me is my work visa, which is underway right now. In September, I fly back to the States to apply for my visa and make this all official. This is scary for me for multiple reasons. I'm leaving all of this up to fate, and I'm not going to entertain all the possible outcomes in this blog post. I know what's meant to be is meant to be, and that's what I am rolling with.

I added this to the list because I am not going to let uncertainty make me question my worth and my path. There will always be things that make us an anxious mess, but I am learning to trust the process, and to remember how strong and capable I am to make great things happen.


And there you have it. All of these life changes, all of the things mentioned above are helping me truly love myself for the first fucking time in my life. I'm not kidding, man. It was sometime back in October/November I finally realized I didn't like myself much. I was settling for a lesser life. I may have been brave moving from city to city, but I often retreated into my shell because I wasn't believing in my worth. I'd dabble in dating, then decide to abstain for months on end because I feared putting myself out there in a vulnerable way.

Well here I am, life! I am open hearted, and I am sometimes a crying mess from being so open hearted. I am knowing my worth. I am believing in the goodness of life despite shortfalls.

I am living, guys. I'm really doing this thing. And I am so incredibly proud of myself. I'm so, so worth it.

Say Yes

I've been reading Bossypants and I thought Friday would be a good time to share a great quote from it. It's where Tina Fey extracts life lessons she learned from improv school:

"The first rule of improvisation is AGREE...at least start from an open-minded place. Start with a YES and see where that takes you. As an improviser, I always find it jarring when I meet someone in real life whose first answer is no. 'No we can't do that.' 'No that is not in the budget.' 'No I will not hold your hand for a dollar.' What kind of way is that to live? The second rule of improvisation is not only to say yes, but YES, AND. You are supposed to agree then add something of your own...To me YES, AND means don't be afraid to contribute." 

This works well for life, doesn't it? When faced with a big opportunity or decision is my first inclination to say yes or no? In some instances I think quite grand, but sometimes I default to a small-minded way of thinking. I limit myself. I like Tina's idea of learning how to lead with a yes and seeing what comes from it. Even more, I like the "YES, AND" bit of the quote. It's the part of the quote that makes us responsible for what we bring to the table both professionally and personally. Some questions to ask:

• What am I (and are you) contributing to the world? 
• Do I share new ideas at work? 
• Am I contributing positively to my friends lives? 
• Am I being kind and generous to my parents? 
• Am I contributing to my own well being (health, mind, soul)?   

What do I have to contribute? The answer is PLENTY!! Spending too much time thinking negatively or diminishing my own value takes away from the time I can be DOING SOMETHING/CONTRIBUTING SOMETHING.

Obviously, I've been on a positivity kick lately. I want to continue that trend. I'm choosing to start with a yes. Thanks, Tina.

Florence: A View from the Top (and My Views on Tourism)

The cool picture above was taken by my talented photographer friend, Sasha Stylinksi. I believe she captured my true essence here! For more of her work, visit: legsflorentine.com

Ah, Florence (actually called Firenze in Italy) is one special city, one that hasn't been altered much over time. It's easy to stroll through the streets and envision Michelangelo roaming around there, finding great inspiration out of a city that is no doubt a creative powerhouse. This is a dreamy place, especially when seen from above. 

But I will say Florence is not my favorite Italian city. Rome still takes the cake, and there's a good reason why. The Florentines are a colder bunch of people--distant and distracted in their demeanor. However, I don't blame them. Whilst Florence looks peaceful and perfect from above, below its small frame can barely hold the amount of tourists crowding every crevice. There seemed to be more tourists than Italians, and thus, I heard English everywhere.

Story time:

Being that I am obsessed with coffee, I have learned how to order a cappuccino in Italian, which I did at a local cafe. Next to me comes strolling up an Australian who orders straight away in English without a flinch. I ask her (thinking I can teach her something), "Oh, are you visiting Florence for the weekend?"

She answers,"No, I've been here for three weeks. I'm studying here."

UGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. ^ MY PET PEEVE! English speakers of the world! If you are living in a country (or even visiting), you owe the country you are visiting respect by at least TRYING to speak their language.

No wonder the Florentines are annoyed. I would be too. Of course, for all my complaints about too much tourism, I was myself a tourist there and can't say much. Florence is a city that has a love/hate relationship with tourism: it's overrun by it, but it needs it to survive.

And could I ever tell you to skip Florence? Hell no. She's too damn beautiful to skip. And so the tourism cycle continues. But what we can learn to do is respect a culture and their language when we are being tourists. We are responsible for that. 

That's enough of my rant, though. ONTO PICTURES! Because seriously, I was enamored by that dome! 

And I was especially enamored by this dude. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT:

 Look at the incredible detail: 

Lest I forget to show you the food (this IS Italy, after all): 

 When you see the above sign in a restaurant, it means it's a historical eatery/bakery in Florence. The business has been making their goods for many centuries and is passed down through the generations. 

For all of her faults, Florence is still loveable. She's just a complicated girl. I can relate to that.

Life is Happening

I've been here for almost a month, and I have about 18 days to go until I head home (that means I will be here for a hefty 6 weeks! How's that for a holiday?). It's been a refreshing, often contemplative, and wonderful trip. It's given me a good dose of London, sufficient enough to "calm my cravings" and allow me to head home with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

I often spend so much time worrying about the future, it's as if I'm planning on building a time machine to leave the present. This extended stay in London has redirected my thoughts to all the life going on around me. I guess it's just more practice in the art of being mindful of the present.

I do not know if I will ever live in London again; obviously, it's something I've thought about since I've been here. It's a city that I adore, and one that will always be here for me if I need it...and I can only leave it at that. What I do know is I want to continue on with this wonderful job that has let me work while abroad--HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!

I'm very excited because I have booked two trips for next week: Florence and Prague! Sometimes when I step back from my life and look at it from the outside I realize two things:

1. I am a privileged and lucky girl. My life is grand.
2. It's not all luck. I brought myself here and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a big thinker; but more than that, I am a big doer!

I may not be blogging as much these next 18 days, so forgive me for that! I will have some banging posts after I return! Until then, enjoy your surroundings today no matter where you are. Life is happening, so don't miss it! 

The Destroying Negative Thoughts Challenge

"...the destroyer of inner peace is not some external foe, but is within us. Therefore, the solution is within us too." --Dalai Lama 

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you do? 

Me? I'm guilty of checking Facebook, the news, Instagram, and other media outlets. At times, this can be inspiring; other times, this can set a negative precedent for the rest of the day. And yet, I'll religiously do this the next day despite knowing that comparison or sad news can put me in a very, very dark mood. I then start to believe that the world is dark. And before the day even begins there is a burden. The curse of being such intelligent beings is that we are able to create very sad worlds with our own thoughts, even if that creation does not match reality. 

I'm deciding to break the cycle. I want the first thing I listen to or read in the morning to be a proper day starter: something that gets me excited for my life and what it has to offer. I've taken to doing a few things that are good day starters: 

1. Listening to a TED talk. This. This has gotta be the number 1 thing that helps me face the day with confidence and an ability to think outside my circumstances. I love speeches because they get me especially fired up. 

2. Yoga routines. This is a typical answer, I know--but it's one that works. It's hard to think about anything other than the move I'm trying to master. "Don't mind me while I try to hold this bendy octopus/pretzel position!" 

3. Writing cards for my friends. What better way to vanquish negative thoughts than by doing something positive for someone else? Writing kind words to a friend puts a smile on my face instantly. And I feel less selfish! 

4. Taking a Walk. You mean to tell me humans are made for exercise? Gee whiz!  

5. Giving somebody a hug. Do I need to even explain this one? 

Do I always do these things? Heck no. I'm one lazy S.O.B. Staying in bed is seductive; being productive feels so laaaaaame--until I actually start doing something. Then I think to myself, man! I love getting moving, I love walking, I love Yoga...I love life! Because I act like a toddler at times, I have to give myself a challenge: 

For a week straight, I vow not to check my phone first thing in the morning. I will not look at e-mails. I will not scan Facebook. I will instead do something positive (like those items listed above) FIRST thing in the morning. I'll blog about how I feel after a week, and hopefully...I can make this a continued practice! 

...well, all after coffee, of course. I am human! 

***
What do you like to do in the morning to put a positive spin on your day? Do you want to join my challenge? 

After London: A Rejuvenated Woman

I've been back in San Diego a few days and have had the chance to catch up to this time zone and my thoughts. Going to the UK was sooooooo good for my soul. I feel refreshed and less lost. I feel like I have a semi-plan. I feel like I can rest a little easy. 

Before leaving, I had this fantasy of London in my mind. It's what we do with memories: whilst I had remembered the bad things about London, the good things were dominating my every thought. There was nothing anyone could say, any therapy session could bring forward, or that I could even tell myself to calm my lusting over London. I had to go back. I had to experience the actual place again. 

London is and always will be a fantastic, cultured, and gorgeous city. It's one of my cities. But it's not the only city I can live in. By the end of my trip, I resolved that while I love London dearly, I do not have to move so many miles away from San Diego to be happy. There are comparable places to London here in the U.S., places I intend to look into. Places I'd like to check out and apply to (making big plans around here). And while I would move back to London for a good job opportunity, it's not my main target. It's a love, but not my only love. 

To finally make a decision on London and not be so confused, wishy-washy, and full of doubt is...REJUVENATING. I feel like new!

Now, get ready for an onslaught of travel posts and shameless bragging over the very inspiring, emotional, beautiful trip I just had. Dare I say I deserved it? Yes, I think going to London was simply divine. 

As For Me, I'm Looking for a Little Chaos in My Life

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This post is pretty necessary; not so much for me, but more so for ALL THE LADIES.

I can not tell you how many times I have heard some variation of this complaint in the last 3 weeks from friends: "I've had panic attacks over the fact I am not in a relationship/married/having kids/(fill in perceived life crisis here)!!!"

Honestly, people are freakin' out! Now, I know. I'm at that age. The age where the pressure is THICK: 29 years old. You would think that we all die at 30, given this psychotic urge to accomplish every life milestone, NOW.

Whoa, guys, whoa! I'm going to go ahead and say this: if you are always trying to plan your life, when exactly are you living your life? 

The push to have kids, be married, and be on "the plan" has affected me less, because well...I'm weird. Well, maybe not so much weird as understanding of the fact that this is MY LIFE. MY JOURNEY. MY UNIQUE STORY. That means I get to write this anyway I choose! If I want to go live in Granada, Spain for two years completely disregarding any notion of marrying or having kids in "my prime," I can! (And I would).

Even if you want marriage and kids, you need to ask yourself, do you truly want them now? Or do you want them because you've been told that's what you should have at this time in your life? Are you a follower in your own damn life???? (harsh, but true). 

Going to England in 2012 at the age of 27 was the best thing I have ever done in my life. Why? Because it went against any sort of plan I should have been following, and aligned more with the desires of my little Ashley heart. It also introduced some chaos to my life, which is the most refreshing medicine to stress, anxiety, and panic attacks!

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There is something freeing in learning how to let life unfold the way it is supposed to instead of trying to mold and manipulate life into what you think it's supposed to be. Planning can be so limiting.  Especially when we waste time trying to implement someone else's plans into our lives. Or try to speed up plans before their time. Because sometimes, SOMETIMES, life has bigger plans for us than what we could have even imagined or thought up.

As for me, I prefer a little chaos.

Always Believe in the Good

There is danger when we view each other in absolutes. Humans are not either good or evil, right or wrong, primal or civilized. We are a mix of all, and even more in between. The gray areas in our lives are what makes us human, and that is beautiful. We can bond in our imperfections if we choose to--love instead of hate, and all that business.

If you believe your friend has transgressed against you, what is your first response? To condemn, or to listen? Is it possible to encounter one another with understanding even when red with anger? Are you the one casting the first stone?

These are things I have been pondering of late. I want to remain in a place where I can see the good in people, first and foremost. It's not naive to believe humans have good intentions; nay, it is the worthwhile way to live.

See the good.

Believe in the good. 

Stop and Smell the Roses, Dammit.

This past Sunday, there was an art festival of sorts in San Diego, in a cute and quaint area called Little Italy. I delightfully signed on to go to the festival since I have a slight hippie spirit. I enjoy live music, sunshine, drinking good beer outside, and talking to strangers that are like-minded.

Two of my friends that came were not thrilled to be there. Bothered by the crowds and waiting, they had something to eat and rushed home to watch TV shows. Now, I know not everyone has to like the same things I like, but I think something is lost when we forfeit real human connection for the cold glow of a TV set. Being around (and enjoying) other humans is what a festival/fair is all about--heck, it's what life is all about. When did it become hard for people to just let things be? Everyday, I've been trying to focus on taking in all the happenings around me and not worrying about what needs to get done the rest of the day. In other words, stop and smell the roses, dammit.

Or in this case, stop and smell the italian food. That's amore!

Yummy pizza comparable to italy at Isola Pizza Bar. 

Because by leaving early they missed a few great things:

• Running into Big Al the harmonica player, who *attempted* to play "My Cherie Amour" when I requested it. 
  
  
  
• Brie the bartender giving me a discount on my scotch mixed drink. 
• Cool art. 
  
• A few live music performances. 
  
• Oh, and life. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Pretty sure the TV can't get give you all of that. I don't care that I'm being pushy. PUT DOWN THE NETFLIX, and TAKE A DAMN WALK OUTSIDE. And go find some roses, kid. They're all around!

Getting Hit With a Sledgehammer is Sometimes Needed

I've certainly been feeling better and less vertigo-y, which puts me in a better mood overall. I've even been able to drink a cup of coffee or two (my favorite drug).

Also, I've started work as a temp at a prominent university in San Diego. This has the possibility of leading to something permanent, so we'll see. And that has me thinking a lot about San Diego, and if it feels like home yet. Honestly, I think about such things too much, and I'm still overly nostalgic over Europe.

This prompted me to ask the ever-so-wise Ashley for some advice on the matter. Ashley writes an online advice column called Dear Salt. Not surprisingly, she gave me good advice. I asked:

I’ve recently come back from living abroad and I’m having a difficult time adjusting and appreciating my current surroundings. Living abroad gave me this sense of freedom and control that made me feel fiercely independent. I also know I have a problem with being too nostalgic. I want to learn to see the good around me, and not just scour the cheap ticket sites for the next plane to jump on. What are your recommendations for learning to love what’s here? And is this a sign that I should go back?

She gave me an answer that's been sticking with me the last few weeks. Which means it's a great response that hits home like a freakin' sledgehammer. The sledgehammer part being:

"...deciding to be happy where you are is not the same as choosing to stay there forever. You don’t have to hate a place to leave it. Making the most of this experience will probably improve your next experience abroad rather than detract from it." 

I'm so guilty of this! I make myself hate a place in order to give myself permission to leave it. This does a disservice to San Diego, my family, my friends and mostly, myself. The thing is, life is life no matter where I am living. I can choose to evolve in SD, or I can choose to remain stagnant. The choice has little to do with the city, and more to do with me.

The attractive thing about moving abroad is that you get a new identity. No one has put you into a mold yet, and so you feel free. This is not a good or bad thing, but it's a thing. So, coming back to your hometown after living abroad is way more complicated. I've changed a bit from living in London; thus, coming back to a place where there is a mold for me is the hardest part of all.

I'm pretty sure I'm the one that's made that mold. But I guess I can leave that thought for another post. From here on out, I want to focus on moving forward, which doesn't always mean moving locations (and there's that sledgehammer again).

Readjusting

To preface this post, I wanted to mention that I'm watching my sister's cat for about 3 weeks while she's on vacation. This required me packing up his stuff and moving him to my house. He's been here about 2 days, and hasn't come out of hiding. He's scared shitless and is unsure of this new territory.

This is important to bring up, because well, I'm like the cat.

I was quite comfortable in my little home in London. San Diego has always been home, so it was very distressing to come back and have it not feel like home at all. London had become my comfort zone, and in a weird twilight-zone turn of events, San Diego became unfamiliar.

This is slowly changing. SLOWWWWWLY. What helps is reading articles like this. And keeping as busy as possible. And remembering that it's ok (and normal) to feel a bit depressed. I won't wallow, and I won't frown all day, but I will acknowledge that there have been moments of sadness while being back. I'm allowed this.

HOWEVER, I am also aware that I am so, so lucky to have had this experience. I mean, I had the privilege to live overseas (a dream of mine!). I fulfilled a major life goal. I grew, I changed, I learned.

So at this time, I'm allowing myself to mourn the loss of London, while also reminding myself that I can visit again (I'm aiming for my graduation next summer)...and that things are going to be ok. Kitty and I are just readjusting. 

London Calling

Confession: I was a little worried about coming home. I've made so much progress in London building a new life and settling in, and I thought going home might shake that new life up in a bad way. I thought seeing old friends would make me yearn to live in California again. I thought being in the sunshine would seal the deal of wanting to stay in my bright, happy hometown.

But something odd came over me as I descended into the San Diego airport. I greeted my lovely parents and walked past everything that was too familiar. I glanced at the city skyline; although beautiful, it was unimpressive as I had seen it too many times before. 

Coming home for the holidays is the best decision I made because it reminds me that I'm not ready to be home yet. London is a'calling and I can't wait to go back and live my life there. I've still got that exploring bug, and it's not leaving anytime soon.

I have about nine more days left in San Diego, to which I will live up to the max with my dearest buddies. Then, happily pack my bags and jump on the next flight towards my new home. 

If It's to Be, It's Up to Me

Natural History Museum and Christmasy trees...

"At school you went to the top by waiting to be told what to do and doing it well, yet our man Mr Dobbins was instructing me to cut out the waiting, work out what I wanted and then go and do that well--'If it's to be, it's up to me.' The more I considered the nature of success the more I realised that this sense of responsibility was at the heart of personal achievement." --Ian Gilbert

Moral of the story: are you going after what you want proactively? Or are you just waiting to be told what to do?

It's Not Perfect, But It's Great

Art from the Saatchi Gallery

Some of you have commented here and there and said "Looks like you are having a blast!" and "You look so happy!" and other nice things like that.

And it's true. I took this giant leap and here I am in a new city, pretty damn proud of myself. And some nights I do have a blast, as evidenced by all the happy pictures that I post. But if you only go by pictures up on a blog, then you're probably not getting the full story.

London is not perfect--it's not a dreamy vacation. Not everyday is interesting. Some days are incredibly boring, overcast and somber. Some nights I stay in and watch a movie, when maybe I should be going out. Sometimes, the cobblestone streets get really annoying.

But the point is, I'm living my life here. Life does not become a fantasy simply by moving to a new city. It takes a lot of effort moving to a new city, and once you are there it takes even more effort to build a new life...



I'm being forced to grow and subsequently feeling those damn growing pains. Homesickness imminently creeps in (read this great post from Emily on that), and not everything stays charming. Through all of this, I'm still very happy that I came here. It's not perfect, but it's great. It's not a vacation, but it's a good life. London is changing me in ways that I needed, and that's the best thing of all.

Having a Growth Mindset

I'm starting to really feel like I'm building a life in London.

It's the sort of thing where I've got a pseudo routine in place, where I'm regularly grocery shopping and catching the right buses, and maybe even being asked for directions from tourists (soooooo legit).

It's a testament to the adaptability of humans. Even when we reach points in life where our souls feel depleted, we still somehow have the strength to recover. It's a concept I've been learning in class: the growth mindset.

Essentially, you can be one of two people: a fixed mindset person or a growth mindset person. Using the very simple example of a puzzle, the fixed mindset person will give up in frustration when met with harder and unfamiliar puzzles. They will turn back to what's familiar and easy, believing that is all they are good at. However, as you've guessed by now, the growth mindset person takes on the harder puzzles, despite the possibility of failure. They recognize the challenge.

Last year, I can safely say I had a fixed mindset. I flew to Turkey with all the usual fantasies about living overseas and was met with the reality of life. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced. A fish out of water confused by my struggle, I retreated. While I had some legitimate reasons for turning back, I was unable to really understand the root of my sadness.

Coming into London, I had already changed my mindset.

Did I tell you guys I cried my first night here? It wasn't from sadness or pain, but rather, shock. A primal reaction took over my body and there I was sobbing on the floor like a complete lunatic, taking in all that shock. Once the feeling passed, I wiped my eyes, left my room and knocked on my neighbor's door. I asked something along the lines of, "Hey! Do you wanna come out with me tonight?" It was an odd transition; but symbolic, none the less.

I was in the fledgling stage of building my new life. Of course, not everyone reacts the same way to an international move. What made my move(s) shocking for me was my fear of the unknown and the challenge ahead. Now I know it is the greatest reward to jump off the highest cliff and still clumsily find a way to fly.

I continue to welcome the challenge.

Learning How To Tie My Shoe

I've met a few Americans while living in the U.K., and recently a group of us got to talking about the differences between London and our respective hometowns. It's a misconception that the British culture is similar to American culture; on the contrary, it's VERY evident that I'm living in a completely different country.

Sure, we share a language (sort of) and a democratic government system (sort of)...and if I keep going with a list, you'll notice a lot of 'sort ofs' added on. It's the little things that add up to a lot.

For instance, I have to mentally remind myself which way to look while crossing the road because it's the opposite I've been trained to look my whole life. When checking for packages at the post office, I need to remember to ask for "parcel." The debit cards are different (they aren't swipe cards). There are more coins to memorize (the 2 pound coin exists). Fries are called chips and chips are called crisps. Zucchini is called courgette, eggplant is called aubergine and cilantro is called coriander.

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This may seem like a list of complaints to you, but don't fret, it's not. I simply want to show all the little changes that add up to a lot. While some days the changes are exciting, other days they can be frustrating. It's like being a kid and learning how to tie your shoe. Everyday, I've been learning how to cross my laces and tie a proper knot. Everyday, every single day, I learn something new here.

Doing all these new things, in turn, makes me new. I no longer feel stagnant or stuck in the same old routine.

I can already see how this is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

Getting Lost, In a Good Way

Last night, I got terribly and incredibly lost on the underground in London. Whilst I was frustrated, tired and upset, I also had a moment of clarity--every person going abroad has experienced this. So here I am...a little lost in my new country, haphazardly trying to find my way while also finding the humor in it all.

Of course, I started laughing to myself once I realized this and probably looked NUTZO to the other passengers. I blame my delirium--I had been on the trains and buses for about 4 hours trying to get to my destination, which of course I never got to and chose to go back home instead.

Home. This place is my new home. Taking the good with the bad, I'm starting to embrace that concept.

Enough talk, here a few photos for your viewing pleasure:

Remember Mo the Morning Monster? He and I were ready to go waiting to catch our night flight to London!  

Arriving on campus...

A visit to a pub in Richmond was in order :D  

Complete with a very delicious chicken and ham pie. Yummmmmmmmm. And with a side of "chips."  

 Walking about London...

Aaaaand, I just had to get one of these shots. 

And so there you have it. I've already reached lows (getting lost) and highs (hello...pub food?) while being here. I'm sort of having a blast so far. But maybe I won't be saying that on the 24th, because that's when classes start. Guess I better live up this week!