Did the last 4 months even happen?

I think I ask myself that question every single day. Being back at home has been fabulous; sleeping in my own, comfortable bed, catching up with friends, being with family again...of course it has been great. But being back in this "normal" environment sometimes makes it feel that the past 4 months never actually happened. While telling stories, which I'm sure will continue to come up in conversation for quite a while (so I apologize in advance if you keeping hearing "while in Rome..." or "one time in Athens...") it just doesn't seem possible that I was in Italy, Germany, Greece and Ireland. I cannot be any more grateful for such an experience of a life time! I am honestly just completely flabbergasted every day, thinking that I had this chance!

It has been a bit on the tough side adjusting to life back at home, to be quite honest; just getting used to "normal" life has been interesting! One thing I know for sure is that I have put my mother MUCH more at ease since being back state side! haha! I am very "Rome" sick though...and I think my family abroad can all agree to that. It's weird not having them around all the time and I miss that, a lot. I cannot wait to see them all back on campus! I am truly enjoying being back home though, and it was especially nice during Christmas :)

This trip has really put some things into perspective for me. One thing is for sure, I have such a stronger passion for LIFE. I just want to experience all that I possibly can and as cliche as it sounds, live life to the fullest. I truly think being abroad has helped me realize this. I know sometimes where I don't do anything during the day except lounge around, (which, can I say, has been great to be able to do every now and then?!) it might not seem that I do, but it is quite the opposite!

It is going to be so weird, but exciting to be back on campus and back to "normal" school. I've noticed that I've used the word "normal" quite a bit in this one about home. Not that home is boring, but it is certainly not the lifestyle abroad! Again, I am so grateful for this experience and am sad to say that it is completely over...but thank goodness for my family of 30 to reminisce :)



The fam at Christmas, minus Andrew :(

 It has been a such a pleasure and so much fun to keep up with this blog. I hope those that read this had some fun as well :) (this is the final final blog, by the way)

Who knows, maybe I'll be out and about in Europe someday again soon. One can only hope :) Until then, enjoy!

Over and out,
Laura :)