Leaving London

Wow, I can't believe I have less than a week left in London.  Rundown of the week:

• Tuesday: Writing class final due, all-class afternoon tea, finish up homework, pub in the evening
• Wednesday: last class with Peter, final projects due, final exam
• Thursday: Contemporary Britatin paper due, farewell party with class at a pub
• Friday: packing to head home, pub in the evening
• Saturday: flight home @ 3:05 PM, arrive back in Seattle at 4:40 PM Seattle time (that'll be 1:40 AM London time... bring on the brutal jet-lag!)

It's definitely bittersweet, being so close to time to go home.  On one hand, I've been having so much fun here, exploring the city and making friends with some awesome people who live in the area.  Definitely hoping those friendships can continue once I go home.  I feel like there's still so much I want to do in London and all over, with so little time.  No worries, though, because I'll definitely be back, hopefully sometime very soon!

On the other hand, going home will be amazing, too.  It'll be great to see family and friends I haven't seen in 2 1/2 months, and I absolutely can't wait to cuddle my puppy again!  I know she's been sleeping on my bed while I've been gone so I'm sure she thinks it's hers now... I've missed her so much, I'll give her a couple weeks before I kick her off and send her back to her doggie bed in the corner of my bedroom.  Sleeping in my own bed, in my own room will be absolutely lovely, taking a shower in my own bathroom, cooking in my own kitchen... just being in my own house!  And, of course, I can't talk about missing things at home without mentioning the beloved... jacuzzi (yes, new English friends, I have a jacuzzi at home... have I convinced you to come visit me yet?)

Either way, this has definitely been an experience that I will remember the rest of my life.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep in touch and hang out with the other students who were here with me, because this is an experience we'll always be able to share and look back on (London reunions in the future, I'm guessing?).  Whenever I have kids (not even close to being ready for that, haha), and when they go to college, I definitely want to encourage them to do a study abroad.  I've gained so much independence since being here, and I feel like I've grown so much as a person (but don't worry, guys, I'm still the same Chani!).

AND... when I get home, I graduate a week later! Ah, don't know if I'm ready for the real world yet!  What's the plan after graduation?  Probably just chill for the summer (or find a part-time job), go back to my job at SCDS in the fall (there, Ryan, you happy?), and then look into taking real estate licencing classes, then work on the career from there.  Hopefully by then, the real estate market will have had a chance to improve a little more, and then I can get work at an agency.  That's the tentative plan... we'll see how well I stick to it.

Much love to all my family and friends back home!  As much as I keep saying I'm not ready to leave, it will definitely be wonderful to see you all in a few days!

And to all my new friends back here in England: don't forget me and keep in touch, and I would genuinely love for you to make your way out to Seattle sometime to come visit!  I can show you a good time, Seattle-style!

(Most of) our Spring in London: 2011 group.  Thanks for the memories!



Cheers for good times and new friends. Keep in touch, guys!



Ima be getting one of these real soon!