Recent developments since leaving "The States"

-My complexion is the most fair it has ever been. Not flattering. Definitely missin’ that So Cal sun. But at least this way I fit in better with everyone over here.

-I have not gone shopping since I left, which in all honesty is the most difficult part of traveling. BUT I have acquired a few Europe “necessities” to “enhance” my experience. Two pairs of earring in Holland, a purse in Brussels, shoes in London and a jacket in Ireland. One of the pairs of earrings was birthday gift from Alicia's aunt, the purse and impulse buy, the shoes because I really needed some cute flats other than my running shoes, and the jacked because my other black wool coat was left on a bus after over 12 hours of straight traveling.

-The biggest predictor of change being that I have ceased to nervously nibble at my nails. A disgusting habit I acquired as a anxious Type A toddler. I use hand sanitizer constantly here because things just feel dirty. So the nail biting first ceased because I am now a self proclaimed Germaphobe. But I now find that even with that fact aside, I am now just a less anxious, nervous person in general. Fairly difficult feat to be worried when traveling through paradise, but still. We have encountered some very stressful situations, but rather than my first reaction to be of overreaction, we just deal. We have become masters at getting all the options we can, weighing the pros and cons, determining the “best” outcome and deciding accordingly. Basically, because of this trip I’m just better than all of you.