things that i miss.

This post will be dedicated to the things I miss about home. I don't mean to whine or pout. It just seems that this week my mind drifts more frequently to home, maybe because the other students are getting ready to leave (their flights to the US are all on Saturday). They are nearly done and I am just reaching the halfway point. I feel futile, a bit lonely, and afraid that I will be bored without them. I know that I'm incredibly lucky and blessed to be here in Ecuador and that I have nothing AT ALL to complain about...but indulge me a little. 

I miss: 

1. My family and friends. I miss my brother and sister. I miss my puppy. I miss my mom (you worry too much!) and dad. I miss Katie Hall. I miss Emma Sandoe. I miss Kristin Luciani. I miss Armin and Nicole. I really miss my grandparents and my cousins (Jennie! Jamie!) and my uncle and aunt. I miss MOLLY KORT!!! I MISS MY ROOMMATES LIKE CRAZY. I miss you.

2. UCSD (a thousand times over)

3. The Student Foundation (and all of the Trustees!!!)

4. Thanksgiving (what the heck was I thinking coming home at the end of November?!?!?!)

5. Toilet paper

6. Free drinkable water

7. Using my debit card

8. People having change for more than $5. 

9. Not feeling on the brink of death every time I enter a vehicle.

10. Movies/TV in English

11. Driving. I really, really miss driving. 

12. The purple bug zapper at home. 

13. Not having to DEET every waking (and non-waking) moment of my life. 

14. Church in English. 

15. Onion juice. 

16. Studying.

17. Texting.

18. Wearing my normal clothes (I dress like a boy here, I kind of have to). 

19. Sarcasm (I can't seem to get this across in Spanish...)

Now, here's the funny thing. I thought that writing this list would just send me on a downward spiral of sadness, but it seems to have actually made me feel better. Like this next month won't be too bad. As if I'll see all of these things soon enough! :) 

Smiles here in Ecuador.  Wishing you smiles where ever you may be, friends. (LIKE NEW YORK!?!?!?! Neg, write me about your adventures!!!)