So, today is June 6. I go home June 22. EEK!!! I remember when I first got off the plane the morning I arrived in the Netherlands, beyond jet lagged and without a clue as to what I had just gotten myself into. Although, even after four months I sometimes wonder what I got myself into...


For so long I wouldn't let myself think about going home because it seemed so far away (and I was a little worried I wasn't going to make it)! Now, with only 16 days left here, I can't believe I can actually say that I am soon going home. If you are wondering if I am excited, the answer is YES!! I cannot wait to see everyone and be back home, although, I am genuinely going to miss Utrecht and the Netherlands in general as I have really come to love it here. Although, I don't know how much longer I could go without an air conditioner and my clothes are definitely on their last days without ever being put through a dryer (stiff jeans are not fun).  Similarly, the fact that I will go home and get my first manicure in FIVE MONTHS is amazing to me. I can definitely add that to the list of things I have learned about myself while abroad: I can go 5 months without getting a manicure and come out okay. Some other things that I am looking forward to are chips and salsa--no, I swear I cannot find good salsa, and the whole Tostitos concept definitely got lost in translation--, sushi, iced coffees, and chopped salads. I know what you are thinking, "you can't get iced coffee?!". In response, I can but I better have 4 lactaid on me as an iced coffee in this neck of the woods means I am getting a drink that consists of ice, coffee, ice cream, and milk. No thanks. And no, believe it or not, Starbucks hasn't infiltrated Utrecht yet, unless you count the train station, so yes, ice coffee is something I am excited for.


That being said, here is my schedule for my first day back. 


Fly out of the Netherlands at 11 am. 8 hours and 15 minutes later I will arrive in the US around 1 pm. Within forty minutes or so (dear God, it better not be that long) I expect to be greeted by my family and have my first Starbucks Iced Coffee of the day. Then, off to lunch-- most likely The Pizza Place (yes, that is the name) to have some good old New York Pizza and a chopped salad-- followed by a trip to the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure with ma sista. 4:30 to be exact. Dinner that night will be at Satsuki, my favorite sushi restaurant. And then, sleep. I refuse to be jet lagged but we'll see how that plan works out.


If you think I am crazy for planning my first day home 16 days before I even get there, think again. Its been planned for a whole lot longer than that. Reservations/ appointments included.