A Year Ago

It is crazy how much life changes in a year!  I just remembered that a year ago today I was flying home from Alaska.  I had completely different friends, and my outlook on life had only just begun to unravel itself before my eyes.  That is one thing I love about growing up...the variety that life brings is at a much faster pace.  I remember when all I had to worry about was which barbie doll I was going to play with that day, or how to convince my little brothers to play pretend with me.  Whether that variety it good or bad, it only makes me learn more about myself in how I deal with it.  I don't mean to be all heartfelt by any means (I guess I kinda do...), it is just easy to get into a mode of reflection and contemplation halfway around the world.

 One thing I did know a year ago today was that I was going to study abroad coming the next fall semester.  I clearly remember discussing this with my mother at the dinner table, not knowing how she would take it.  Looking back, it makes me a little emotional thinking about how important that moment really was to me...getting her approval.  I love how she didn't even hesitate to reply in favor of it all.  Love you for that, and everything else :)

Ok, here is some things I did awhile ago that are worth mentioning.  I feel like I am blogging up a storm lately, but I just realized how stupid I am for not keeping a personal diary of all the things I have done, so I just don't want to forget all the little moments! Awwwww.....

I explored more of the cliffs nearby my flat:

I realize a lot of the coast pictures are similar, but trust me: It NEVER gets old looking at it!

I went sailing for my first time with my neighbor, glad he knew how to sail! And got completely soaked with freezing cold ocean water while still maintaining a decent enough body temperature.  I have never taken a longer hot shower when I got back though...haha!  Funny story that comes along with this experience (that will expose my gullibility..yikes!)  We were sailing back into the harbor and the boat had some water in it, so Ryan tells me to take the plastic container and scoop out some of the water.  So I get couple scoops of water out, and I drop the container in the ocean.  He tells me that I need to start scooping it out by hand before the excess water sinks the boat.  Of course, I believe him because he sounded so serious and I personally did NOT want to drown!  I do this for about 30 seconds before I realize he is laughing at me.  And this is on video too.  Lovely! 

One of the bigger sailboats in the harbor.  The one I went on was heaps smaller.

I hiked to see the glow worms at night (one of the two places in the world where they exist).  Crazy cool, it was like glow in the dark stars, but better.  I could not get a good picture of them, but here is their life cycle:

I saw them in their larvae stage.

Right near the glow worms, are Nichols Falls.

It was so green.  Tarzan was going to swing through at any moment.

I also bought my first box of tea bags...I never knew how good it is!!!  Or maybe I have just been missing caffeine. Whatever the reason, I feel like a sophisticated lady sipping my tea in the morning! Oh gosh...