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Well my trip to the states is just about over. Tomorrow I'll be getting on the plane for a L=O=N=G journey back across the world. Coming home has been such an amazing (albeit emotional) experience for me. The first few days were just a blur due to jet lag and reverse culture shock. I was really excited to drink tap water once again and I gorged myself on way too much cheese and sweets. The best part of being home was spending time at my house in Springfield with my family. There's just something comforting about being in the house you grew up in and being surrounded by my crazy, "colorful" family. It was nice to have dinners at my grandma's house and to help my mom with her student teaching work.

Some highlights of the trip have been:
*my family party at grandma's
*the WEEN show in Urbana (with Rachez, Erin, Mitch and Andy)
*bonfire at Kathy and Damon's and getting to spend time with my little cousins
*flora way reunion in Normal (Audrey, Katie and Smattie)
*Chicago tour (hangin' with Mags and her new baby, Jaik, Lori, Lisa and Jeanne)
*Fun nights in Springfield with Keil, Emily, Keri, Amy B. and Jeremy
*Handing out candy on Halloween with my mom and giving a presentation about Thailand to her 3rd grade class.

Thanks so much to everyone for getting together with me and for being understanding of the time constraints. and please please PLEASE come to Thailand!!! and if you can't come, be sure to write me a letter or an email. i love you all!