Farewell England

I have been back in UConn almost a week. It's a completely bizarre and surreal feeling because it almost feels that the Christmas holidays haven't occurred. I had the same feeling when I went back to England in December and UConn seemed like something of the distant past, another life. Now I am back in that life and oh my gosh it's a cold one!

My last few days in England were lovely, I (sadly) passed up the invitation to go up to Warwick, my home university, for a mad night or two (I'm sorry!!!) and instead relished home life. I slept in my own comfortable bed, went out for walks in the morning with my Mum and enjoyed the use of the kitchen, tv and the sofa. It was bliss. As the days wound down though it was also strange thinking of all the things that I was going to really miss. Obviously my friends and family but also the little things. Being able to walk into town just for the sake of it. Having the option of jumping on a train whenever I wanted to go and visit a friend. Goofing around with my sister in an attempt to escape doing the washing up. Relaxing on the sofa and playing silly games. Actually just the sofa! Although my bed acts for the majority of the time as a sofa on which I lounge about, read, watch films and occasionally do some work, it's just not the same. You just can't beat curling up on a big, comfy sofa with a blanket, a glass of wine and a good book. Or monging with your best friends and having hour long catch ups about everything that you've missed in each others lives for the past few months.

The first week back has been busy. I don't think I've quiet got over my jet lag as I still begin to wilt at about 9.30pm and then wake up stupidly early at around 7 am. Not cool. I've finally organised what classes I'm taken (you'll find out in a blog to come) and have unpacked and just about sorted my life out. It's been difficult launching myself back into the swing of working but, funnily enough, the weather has definitely helped. It is freezing. I say that, but people are constantly reminding me that it is only going to get colder, to which I genuinely have to refrain from having a minor break down accompanied by crying and hyperventilation - I don't cope well with the cold. I have done everything in my power to go outside as little as possible. This includes having brunch - only going outside for one meal rather than two: genius. As a result I have little better to do than stay inside and try and complete the copious amounts of reading I have to do. That and plan all the excitements that are to come this semester...

Last day in England with the Fam - hopefully it will be a bit warmer when I return!