In less than two weeks I’ll be back in London attending lectures, studying and writing my papers. I am thankful that going to London this time will be less stressful than last September when I had no idea what I was actually getting myself into. For example, this time I won’t be shocked at the discovery of my meager lodgings or have to go through awkward introductions with new people. I do love my life in London and am eager to carry on, but when I think about how much I have to do once I get back, I get overwhelmed and start to panic—what if I don’t get everything done?!? I start two new modules next term and I’m worried about how I will manage those classes, plus work on the blasted papers from first term AND begin research for my dissertation (thesis). Before I actually begin that research, I have to decide on a topic…What if the topic I choose is a dud? What if I get bored with it? What if I fail!?

OK Mindi, breathe--get a hold of yourself...take a step back…

A better perspective is to focus on the great time I’ve had being home so far and the nearly two weeks ahead that I still have to enjoy in Michigan and Illinois.

Here are some things that I missed while I was in London and have been able to do since coming home:

• sleeping in my own beds (Holland and Lansing) with soft sheets and fluffy pillows
• spending time with my family (immediate and extended)
• wearing the half of my winter wardrobe that I couldn't bring with me
  
• eating Mexican food
• wandering the streets of Chicago
• attending my church in IL
• drinking coffee at the local coffee shop
  
• seeing my friends
• using my cell phone
• reading a few novels
• lounging on my blue couch, or any couch, actually
  
• watching TV (I've missed you, my friend.)
  

Here are some things that I look forward to before going back to London on 8 January:

• more of the above
• shopping for good deals
• snow (?)