Term Is OVER

Today was the last day of class for me! That was really, really, REALLY fast. I mean, if we'd started later and had a week spring break, plus random days off like we normally do back at home, it would have been longer. But an 11 week term is short enough as it is, and then no breaks. It's a straight shot, and it flew right past me. I was so busy trying to keep on top of all my work (came nowhere close) and just focused on the day-to-day that I didn't notice that almost three months have gone by. I have a little bit more than two months left. I don't understand how this always happens to me -- time flies by it seems, and always catches me by surprise.

Although, these three months abroad have afforded me a much different lifestyle than back at home. I took it as a chance to experiment with my work habits/ethic, and to listen to myself over other people. As a result, I think my grades have been better, and my social life not so crazy. But it's not a terrible change. I don't miss waking
up for class in the morning completely wiped out because I was out late the night before, and only got 4 hours of sleep. I don't miss spending a ton of money on things I don't want to do just because other people want to do it (granted, it happens here sometimes, but not too ridiculous I think). And most importantly, I've had time to myself. I hope that I can keep up that habit when I go home. I have a tendency to neglect taking care of myself, like giving myself a day off from work or partying, letting myself sleep, actually going to the doctor when I'm sick, etc. It's been rather nice.

This past week has been a bit hectic, not only because I had to get the last of my essays done for submission, but also because I had to figure out my classes and schedule. This would have been something much more easily done if i were on campus, and in the proper time zone. I have come to appreciate e-mail a lot more than I used to. When I get back, I'll be a year away from graduation. This means I've got to start scouting out grad schools and make sure I'm ready for the GRE's.

A great reminder that even when you leave the country, the rest of life goes on. And may be a bit faster than you'd think :-)

Tomorrow at 1:50 PM, Easyjet is taking me from Edinburgh to Belfast to reunite me with one of my best friends, Ethan. I'm really excited to spending several days with him and see Belfast. He's gotten to come see me twice for two short one-day trips, and itll be a fun change to go see someone instead of being visited. After that, I'm off to Copenhagen to see Kevin, and the following week I return here to be visited by Jess, and together we're going to London to meet up with Ethan and some other friends who are in the area.

It's going to be traveling up and out the wazoo. I will be happy to be sitting still and studying in my room for the two and half weeks after I get back. Okay, maybe not that happy.

I need to go back to packing, and tidying things up before I head out tomorrow. (The pictures are from St.Patrick's Day, and the birthday party we had for Sonia, one of my friends from Spain)