I can't believe it but I will back in the USA in just twenty days...WOW!! Don't get me wrong, I still love it here but 6 months away from my home country hasn't always been easy. So I came up with the idea to list 20 things I am looking foward to upon my return to the States. This list is at times random and other times quite predictable. I am more than positive I have left things out but these are just a few of the things that came to my mind at the moment. They are in no particular order. I've also realized that if I return to Finland next season I will probably only be home 4 months, less time than I've been here this season. So I hope to take full advantage of all the items on my list and waste no time in enjoying them all :) So here it goes...ENJOY!!
1) FAMILY & FRIENDS
Probably my most predictable one but definitely my most important one!! Before coming here, I assumed it wouldn't be that difficult. I mean during college I would go 4-5 months at a time without seeing my friends and some of my family. But FaceTime and text messages overseas just aren't the same. Although I have to admit I think I've stayed in better contact with my family and close friends here than I ever did in college. Maybe I'm finally appreciating these relationships and understanding how important they are...atleast let's hope so :) I think I now understanding the old saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder."
2) DRIVING
I have always loved driving and 6 months without it hasn't been easy. I finally understand how James feels living in NYC without his car. I just hope I'm not too rusty when I get back home. I plan on driving a lot since I've gotten my fill of public transportation since being in FInland, which leads me to my next item on the list.
3) ROADTRIPS
Now that I have graduated college my friends are scattered around the state and some even in other states, so that means one thing...ROADTRIP TIME :) I have already warned my close friends that I will be visiting so be ready for that hahah I also hope to get in a NYC trip to see James. I think I will enjoy the big city a little more this time since I have been a bit of a city girl these past 6 months.
4) FOOD
Anyone who knows me would've expected this to be on the list. Don't get me wrong, Finland has great food but sometimes you just need some Taco Bell or a greasy burger or a huge milkshake...and that's exactly what I plan to do when I'm back. (atleast a few times)
5) STARBUCKS
Finland consumes an unreal amount of coffee but surprisingly they only have one Starbucks in the ENTIRE country...and it's at the airport. So you already know I am getting one before I board my flight. And another in the Paris airport. And another in the Atlanta airport. And maybe if I'm feeling really good, another in the RDU airport. So even though my family expects me to be exhausted after traveling and being awake 24+ hours during my trip home...little do they know I will have pure Starbucks running through my veins :)
6) CHURCH
I have definitely missed my home church and although I failed to get involved in church when I was in Wilmington during college (something I now REALLY regret) I have really missed my church family. I hope to get involved in a Bible Study and/or Sunday Class. It's been about 4 years since I've been home for an extended time, so I am excited about getting Church back into my routine!!
7) AMERICAN MONEY
I am looking forward to using US money again. And using my debit card without any extra charges. Let's just hope I have some money when I get back haha
8) CHEAPER PRICES
The cost of things here in Finland are a "little" expensive. Sometimes I think it's not that bad then I remember that Euros are worth more that USD. I am looking forward to cheaper clothes, food, etc. But I am afraid I might go a little crazy at first because I will think things are so cheap and buy too much!!
9) TAKING MY PHONE OFF AIRPLANE MODE
I have never been out of the country before this (besides one cruise back in Middle School) and never for such an extended period of time. I have had to have my phone on airplane mode ever since I stepped on the plane from ATL to Paris back in April. I mean sometimes it's not so bad, but I do miss regular texting and being able to use apps and internet when I'm not in wifi.
10) BIGGER BED & OWN ROOM
Sometimes I feel like I've time traveled back 4 years and I'm a freshman in college again, sharing a room and having a twin size bed. So I am DEFINITELY looking forward to having my own room and being able to get away at times. I never really knew how introverted I was until I got here. I am someone who needs to be able to get away at times and it is one of the things I've missed the most since being here.
11) COACHING & TRAINING
When entering college I thought Physical Therapy was the route for me, now I am leaning more towards coaching and individual training. These are things I truly enjoy and although I may not profit financially as much from them, I know I will be happy and isn't that what really matters? I am planning on getting involved with Guilford United and helping out anyway I can. I also want to train individually as much as possible. Check out secondsoccertraining.weebly.com for more information!
12) TELEVISION
I hope I am not as addicted to shows as I was before coming here but simply having access to more than 2 or 3 English channels will be nice :)
13) COMFY COUCHES
Anyone who has sat on my couches I had in college will understand this one. They are the best couches ever and I look forward to the many naps I will take on them while I'm home haha
14) ENGLISH
Yes, I am looking foward to hearing English again. Anytime I hear it while I'm out in the city I get excited!! It'll be nice to see English signs, hear English TV commercials, read English newspapers and simply be able to understand everything that's around me. Definitely something I didn't use to appreciate but sometimes the Finnish broken English I've become accustomed to just isn't the same! This is also a fair warning if I speak broken English when I first get back....I SORRY :)
15) WARM WEATHER
I am hoping I get to experience a little warmer weather while I'm home. Let's just say 30 degree weather in September isn't as great as you would think!
16) MUSCLE MILK
This one's random but I am definitely missing my muscle milk while being here...hoping I can bring some with me if I return next season.
17) SPENDING HOLIDAYS AT HOME
I am fortunate that I get to spend all the best holidays at home with my family and friends. My birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's....I am so excited to celebrate all of these and really appreciate the family time that comes with it!! And eating all the good food that comes with it too haha
18) OFFSEASON TRAINING
Some people will think I am crazy for this one but I finally started to really enjoy this part of being an athlete. I love being able to make my own workouts. There's something that really improves your mental game, when you're on a field by yourself and running sprints until you just can't run anymore. I strangely enjoy pushing myself beyond the point of exhaustion. And I am looking forward to working out, running and doing field work on my own during this short break.
19) DRYING MY CLOTHES
Another random one, but since being in Finland I have not been able to dry my clothes since most people here just line dry their clothes.
20) LIVING AT HOME
Anyone that knows me might be most surprised by this one. I was the kid in college who only went home on holidays and even spent 2 out of 3 summers in Wilmington. But I think I will finally appreciate all that comes with living at home. The free meals, free living, help with clothes and cleaning, and I am looking forward to spending time with my parents and getting to build relationships with them as an adult. Living in another country for half a year has made me grow up and mature a little bit....something that was MUCH needed in my life so I am looking foward to how this will change my attitude and relationships with my family and friends :)
1) FAMILY & FRIENDS
Probably my most predictable one but definitely my most important one!! Before coming here, I assumed it wouldn't be that difficult. I mean during college I would go 4-5 months at a time without seeing my friends and some of my family. But FaceTime and text messages overseas just aren't the same. Although I have to admit I think I've stayed in better contact with my family and close friends here than I ever did in college. Maybe I'm finally appreciating these relationships and understanding how important they are...atleast let's hope so :) I think I now understanding the old saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder."
2) DRIVING
I have always loved driving and 6 months without it hasn't been easy. I finally understand how James feels living in NYC without his car. I just hope I'm not too rusty when I get back home. I plan on driving a lot since I've gotten my fill of public transportation since being in FInland, which leads me to my next item on the list.
3) ROADTRIPS
Now that I have graduated college my friends are scattered around the state and some even in other states, so that means one thing...ROADTRIP TIME :) I have already warned my close friends that I will be visiting so be ready for that hahah I also hope to get in a NYC trip to see James. I think I will enjoy the big city a little more this time since I have been a bit of a city girl these past 6 months.
4) FOOD
Anyone who knows me would've expected this to be on the list. Don't get me wrong, Finland has great food but sometimes you just need some Taco Bell or a greasy burger or a huge milkshake...and that's exactly what I plan to do when I'm back. (atleast a few times)
5) STARBUCKS
Finland consumes an unreal amount of coffee but surprisingly they only have one Starbucks in the ENTIRE country...and it's at the airport. So you already know I am getting one before I board my flight. And another in the Paris airport. And another in the Atlanta airport. And maybe if I'm feeling really good, another in the RDU airport. So even though my family expects me to be exhausted after traveling and being awake 24+ hours during my trip home...little do they know I will have pure Starbucks running through my veins :)
6) CHURCH
I have definitely missed my home church and although I failed to get involved in church when I was in Wilmington during college (something I now REALLY regret) I have really missed my church family. I hope to get involved in a Bible Study and/or Sunday Class. It's been about 4 years since I've been home for an extended time, so I am excited about getting Church back into my routine!!
7) AMERICAN MONEY
I am looking forward to using US money again. And using my debit card without any extra charges. Let's just hope I have some money when I get back haha
8) CHEAPER PRICES
The cost of things here in Finland are a "little" expensive. Sometimes I think it's not that bad then I remember that Euros are worth more that USD. I am looking forward to cheaper clothes, food, etc. But I am afraid I might go a little crazy at first because I will think things are so cheap and buy too much!!
9) TAKING MY PHONE OFF AIRPLANE MODE
I have never been out of the country before this (besides one cruise back in Middle School) and never for such an extended period of time. I have had to have my phone on airplane mode ever since I stepped on the plane from ATL to Paris back in April. I mean sometimes it's not so bad, but I do miss regular texting and being able to use apps and internet when I'm not in wifi.
10) BIGGER BED & OWN ROOM
Sometimes I feel like I've time traveled back 4 years and I'm a freshman in college again, sharing a room and having a twin size bed. So I am DEFINITELY looking forward to having my own room and being able to get away at times. I never really knew how introverted I was until I got here. I am someone who needs to be able to get away at times and it is one of the things I've missed the most since being here.
11) COACHING & TRAINING
When entering college I thought Physical Therapy was the route for me, now I am leaning more towards coaching and individual training. These are things I truly enjoy and although I may not profit financially as much from them, I know I will be happy and isn't that what really matters? I am planning on getting involved with Guilford United and helping out anyway I can. I also want to train individually as much as possible. Check out secondsoccertraining.weebly.com for more information!
12) TELEVISION
I hope I am not as addicted to shows as I was before coming here but simply having access to more than 2 or 3 English channels will be nice :)
13) COMFY COUCHES
Anyone who has sat on my couches I had in college will understand this one. They are the best couches ever and I look forward to the many naps I will take on them while I'm home haha
14) ENGLISH
Yes, I am looking foward to hearing English again. Anytime I hear it while I'm out in the city I get excited!! It'll be nice to see English signs, hear English TV commercials, read English newspapers and simply be able to understand everything that's around me. Definitely something I didn't use to appreciate but sometimes the Finnish broken English I've become accustomed to just isn't the same! This is also a fair warning if I speak broken English when I first get back....I SORRY :)
15) WARM WEATHER
I am hoping I get to experience a little warmer weather while I'm home. Let's just say 30 degree weather in September isn't as great as you would think!
16) MUSCLE MILK
This one's random but I am definitely missing my muscle milk while being here...hoping I can bring some with me if I return next season.
17) SPENDING HOLIDAYS AT HOME
I am fortunate that I get to spend all the best holidays at home with my family and friends. My birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's....I am so excited to celebrate all of these and really appreciate the family time that comes with it!! And eating all the good food that comes with it too haha
18) OFFSEASON TRAINING
Some people will think I am crazy for this one but I finally started to really enjoy this part of being an athlete. I love being able to make my own workouts. There's something that really improves your mental game, when you're on a field by yourself and running sprints until you just can't run anymore. I strangely enjoy pushing myself beyond the point of exhaustion. And I am looking forward to working out, running and doing field work on my own during this short break.
19) DRYING MY CLOTHES
Another random one, but since being in Finland I have not been able to dry my clothes since most people here just line dry their clothes.
20) LIVING AT HOME
Anyone that knows me might be most surprised by this one. I was the kid in college who only went home on holidays and even spent 2 out of 3 summers in Wilmington. But I think I will finally appreciate all that comes with living at home. The free meals, free living, help with clothes and cleaning, and I am looking forward to spending time with my parents and getting to build relationships with them as an adult. Living in another country for half a year has made me grow up and mature a little bit....something that was MUCH needed in my life so I am looking foward to how this will change my attitude and relationships with my family and friends :)