First Post - Still in "the States"

It's January 1, 2007 (when the hell did that happen? Right I know the answer to that). In 9 days I will be on a plane flying to London to live there for FOUR months. Which will be the longest time I have ever been away from my home (yes, I am a two-year-old and have the emotional maturity of said tyke). I am (1) scared shitless (2) scared shitless (3) excited under my scared shitlessness (4) really amused at the Lifetime movie that is currently playing as I write this and (5) another healthy dose of scared shitlessness with a side of nausea-inducing nervousness.

What I will miss while studying abroad for the aforementioned four months:

(1) My parents and their general awesomeness
(2) My dog, Maddie, basically the cutest dog ever
(3) My grandparents and their awesomeness + amazing cooking abilities
(4) My brother and his heartwarming, confidence-boosting comments
(5) My friends (especially Katie who I haven't seen since MAY!!) and my family.
(6) My tv shows, which I will not get in London. However, thank God for Itunes.
(7) Internet access because the London Program does not believe we need it in our "flats." I really have no idea how I am going to survive.
(8) My own room
(9) My money, which may sound Paris Hiltonish (well minus the whorishness and brainlessness), since I will have exactly 0 dollars and 27 cents in my bank account when I return because London is EX-PEN-SIVE
(10) And dear Lord, I can't believe I'm saying this but the South Bend area

But I will survive. And persevere. And any other motivational words I can think up to try and make me feel better.

Most importantly, I will NOT freak out. Nope, I will not. Will not. Will NOT. Okay, maybe I will a little. Just a smidge. You really don't need to bring that straitjacket. Or those pills. What are you doing with that needle? Unnecessary!

T-minus 9 days and I'm not freaking out.

Ahhh, the sweet smell of self-delusion.

Since January 3 is 2 days away, I must add this: GOOOO IRISH!