Chapter Sixty-Three: Back "Home"

On the night of January 10, I had family and friends come over. This wasn't a big extravaganza or anything… We were just celebrating my birthday, since I wasn't going to be home for the real day. It was fun and enjoyable: we had pizza and I, of course, opened up gifts. I received a ton of cool gifts, but the entire celebration was a little bittersweet, since I was leaving so soon afterwards. I would not see my family and friends until March.

Robley, my nephew, playing with AJ, my second cousin. Feat. Granny

I knew I had to return, despite wanting to stay. It's not that I don't want to learn or anything…I'll just miss the people. My people. But this is all a part of getting older and all that rot.

January 11 was my packing day. Victoria, my best friend, came by and gave me my birthday gift. We hugged a lot and said, “See you soon,” because we knew we would. In the evening, I went to Mass for the last time in my home church. Then, after dinner, I said goodbye to my boyfriend, Luke.

We weren't too upset, simply because we have done this before. We were apart for 3 months while I was in my first semester. It was rough, but frequent Skype calls and texts made the distance bearable. (I can't imagine what people in long-distance relationships did before the Internet!) So, this time around, we were okay.

On Monday, Jenny, my roommate, picked me up. This was a huge deal for my family because it would be the first time I traveled to my university on my own (without them). It was very emotional for us, but we survived. Jenny and I had a very smooth trip. We even met up with some of our neighbors for lunch (we just happened to pass them on the highway…crazy, right??). Once we arrived, Mary and Bailey came out to greet us (hugs!) and help us with our luggage. Trust me, we had a lot.

This is just my stuff...

We came into our dorm (nice and toasty thanks to Bailey and Mary) and began to unpack a little. However, one thing led to another, and soon we were throwing aside our responsibilities to have Christmas in our room. We exchanged gifts. I gave the girls pillow pets (purple turtle for Mary, orange tiger for Jenny, and grey elephant for Bailey) and they absolutely loved them! It is such a good feeling to see someone truly happy. Anyway, Mary gave everyone something unique with us; I got The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (great movie), a little Ariel, and York Patties (which are already gone). Bailey gave me a Starbucks cup full of Kit-Kats (my favorite), M&Ms, and Rollos (Yum!). Jenny, because she is so talented, knitted all of our gifts. She knitted me a black and red scarf, perfect for Texas Tech. Bailey and Mary both got knitted beanies. All in all, Christmas in our room was nothing shy of perfect.

My gifts...Thank you!

We all traveled to the bookstore across the street and bought/rented our textbooks for the semester. Talk about a load. Mary and I got a free shirt (because who doesn't love free?) and also bought ourselves something nice. I got a long-sleeved Texas Tech shirt, which is something I have been wanting since the temperature dropped here! You can say I am very satisfied.

We ate dinner at IHOP, since nothing on campus is open yet…and Bailey and Mary were craving IHOP all day, apparently. It was great to just hang out, eat food that isn't so good for us, and talk about our lives outside of school.

We all stayed up pretty late. I think I was just running on adrenaline by the early morning. Despite this, I finished unpacking around 1:00 AM. Mary and I didn't get to talk for long because shortly after, I was knocked out. Now I'm the only one awake in the dorm…it will take me awhile to get used to the traditional college sleeping schedule (if it even exists!)

Roomies <3

I've always heard that coming back to school after winter break is the hardest. However, I don't agree with this at all. I think it was easier leaving this time than when I left in August. I had done it before, so I knew I could do it again. I am blessed beyond belief that I can receive my education at the school of my dreams…how could I not want to come back?? Besides, this time around, I have my wonderful roommates and friends to come “home” to. I may have been sad to leave home again, but I am so excited to be back. Wreck ‘Em! 



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