10 More Sleeps!

I know, I know, don't wish your days away. But I can't help but be excited and glad that after 10 more sleeps I'll be on my journey home to Canada for the holidays!!!!!

No one really tells you how hard it can be to be far away from home, and no one really prepares you for what you might feel emotionally on an adventure abroad. So let me be the first to say, it's hard. It's BEEN hard. The phrase "You don't know what you've got until it's gone" is a phrase I have a much greater understanding of because of my current experience.
I have an amazing family. My parents are supportive and generous, fun to be around, and 2 of my absolute favourite people. My brother and I have this teasing-joking sibling relationship that I wouldn't trade for anything. There's times where the teasing has gotten to me and I've wanted my space (and silence) away from him, but now that I've actually been away from it for a few months, there is no one else who will ever tease me the same way or have the same sense of humour. I can't wait to spend 2 and a half weeks having adventures with my family. I'm so glad that I asked for quality time this year for Christmas. That's something that you can't have on an adventure abroad, quality time with your family. But gifts and things can be bought anywhere, so this year those things just aren't special enough.
I even miss the simplicity of life in a small town. That's something I NEVER thought I would say. I miss riding in a car. I miss road trips. I miss just running errands in a car. I have a much greater appreciation for a simpler lifestyle even after spending just a few months living in one of the biggest cities in the world. Yes, London is exciting. Yes, London always has thing to do. But, there's nothing like spending a night in at a friend's house watching movies and laughing until your stomach hurts. And a night like that just is more appealing in a smaller city and town.
So Canada, I've decided I won't be away forever. I'm not even sure exactly how long I'll be away. But I will come home to you, because I appreciate you as a place to live much more know that I've been away.

In true Katie style, here's a song that expresses my feelings about home. Take it away Miley Cyrus...

You wake up, it's raining and it's MondayLooks like one of those rough daysTime's up, you're late again so get out the door
Sometimes you feel like runningFind a whole new life and jump inLet go, get up and hit the dance floor
But when the lights go down it's the ending of the showAnd you're feeling like you got nowhere to goDon't you know?
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style, you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
Your best friends, your little hometownAre waiting up wherever you go nowYou know that you can always turn around
'Cause this world is big and it's crazyAnd this girl is thinking that maybeThis life is what some people dream about
'Cause when I'm feeling down and I am all aloneI've always got a place where I can go'Cause I know
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style, you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
Where they know exactly who you are?Where the real you is the superstarYou know it's never too far away
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style and you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
You'll always find your way back homeYou'll always find your way back homeYou'll always find your way back home