The one week mark has officially hit, and I really don't think I could be more excited! My nerves are very minimal right now, but I'm pretty sure when I arrive at the airport reality will hit me.

I haven't gone through my things since I did when I first arrived in Florida at my parents.  But all of my clothes fit in my one big suitcase which is SUCH a relief.  I have my second one to use for shoes, jewelry, etc. etc.  My main concern is going to be those peacoats. But I haaaaaave to take them! I have a list of little things I need to get, but that shouldn't take up much room either. Oh and I need that extra duffle bag, because I know I'll be coming home with some extra things..

I have my list of places that I will be hitting from a girl I have been emailing about London.  She studied there last year sometime and has helped me more than ever with getting ready for what I'll be experiencing.  I plan to at least try to hit everything she listed for me to see. And I'm only a mile away from the theatre district which I about DIED when I found out. Weekend matinee shows will probably be my life.  Oh and I'm only about a mile away from Buckingham Palace, so I'll be sure to hit that up as well.  Hellloooooo Prince Harry!

It's strange that after packing up a suitcase, getting paperwork all together, saying bye to people left and right, having my classes at the University, and even having an address in London, you'd think I'd have some sort of realization that I'm living across the country.  But for some reason I just can't seem to imagine it.  I feel like a freshman going into college again; having a new area I'm researching, talking to all these new people I'll soon meet, etc. etc. It's weird. But very, VERY exciting. I think this came at a very good time for me. I've been needing a break from just about everything here, and what better way to get that then jumping into a completely new environment.  A change of scenery is good now and then .. especially now : )

As a junior in college, I have always heard this is the best time to study abroad.  My mom always told me “You will NEVER get an opportunity like this again, so you better jump at it while you can!”  I never thought she would be so encouraging for me going across the world for a half year, but she sure was.  And she is part of the reason I have decided to go through with it.  That’s right, come January 2012, I’ll be jet setting to good ol’ London, England until May.  Hoping to make some new friends, great memories, and learn a little more about myself.  I’ve read too many blogs about studying abroad, that I figured I could start one of my own adventures.  Even if people aren’t reading this, it’s nice to have a keepsake to come back to and reminisce on what I’m about to get myself into.

I think it’s time for a change anyways.  With my parents now a good 16 hour drive away from me, I’ve already had to adjust to life on my own.  There aren’t anymore quick weekend visits to get away for me anymore, but it’s been alright.  Work and school took up my summer here, as my friends headed back home to their parents and high school friends.  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that.  But it’s alright; you’ve got to grow up sometime!  And with this new independence comes new risks, like going abroad for a semester. By myself. All by myself.

I’m not too worried about it.  I have talked to many people who have already been and some who are there right now, and have never heard a thing about having a difficult time making friends.  Everyone is put in the same situation that I will be in, and I guarantee plenty of those people will have jumped on this opportunity knowing no one as well.  It will be a great experience. I’m definitely ready for this.

Okay, ready is a strong word.  I'm going across the world for six months.  How ready can I really be?  All these things running through my mind; What classes will I take? What will I wear? How much will I pack!? Where do I want to visit? How do I meet people going too? … and that’s just the beginning.  The pre-departure nerves have taken over me, and I am lost in confusion about what to do before-hand.  But I’m sure I’ll figure this out in time. Well, I'm going to have to.

I've got the one third of my plans until I leave done; box up my room and get the hell out of Cincinnati! My next stop has become Louisville for some much needed down time with my best friend and puppy... and getting ready for my two day drive to Florida.  THEN, I can start to focus on packing. Now that's going to be a great time.

Until next time!