<24 hours

I have finished packing. It actually wasn't too bad. In fact, I'm not bringing a whole lot of stuff; I only have one large suitcase of clothing, a smaller suitcase of stuff (including peanut butter <3), a duffel bag for Week 1/potential luggage loss, and a backpack for my electronics and documents.

Today I went to NYC and bought a gift for my homestay family: a NYC snow globe depicting King Kong terrorizing the city and a baseball key chain. There were a few snow globes to choose from, with varying degrees of NYC loyalty and patriotism. I went with the King Kong one because I thought it was the most special, while still being appropriate in case my homestay family is anti-American. I also bought a baseball keychain because baseball's pretty American and "I <3 NYC" was written on it. Gotta have the "I <3 NYC" merch.

I'm spending my final 24 hours at home not really doing anything. I think I will try to finish the book I've been reading (How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. "Like you need any help with that!" you may jest). As for the bigger picture, I'm feeling pretty excited about spending a couple days in London meeting other American students in the study abroad program and just taking in the sights! As for the even bigger picture, I'm pretty optimistic about how the overall study abroad experience will turn out. I'll definitely be trying new things and, whether good or bad will come of it, I will be glad, regardless, for having the opportunity to see what's out there in the rest of the world. Corny, but true.

And now I will peace out. My flight isn't until 6:25pm tomorrow, so feel free to call me if you want to chat. I will sincerely miss every one of you. If you would like to stay in touch with me (outside of this blog), just ask me for my contact information (I even have Skype!).

Good bye and see you in London!