Thinking of home.

I finally feel settled in here. My family is working out great. I have a routine down for going to school. I spend a lot of time on nights and weekends out exploring the city. My stomach feels much better. Everything is falling into place! Even though I am really happy here, lately I have found myself longing for a few things from home...

1. Fall- The weather here is nothing like I would be experiencing in Iowa. I miss the crisp autumn days and the changing colors of the trees. I also miss eating (local, fresh) apples with caramel and pumpkins. I wish I could be making a Halloween costume and getting ready for Fall Break! And also starting to listen to Christmas music way too early. I am going to miss the entire run up to Christmas this year. And Thanksgiving! I will miss having Thanksgiving a lot. Which reminds me of another thing...
2. Comfort food! Especially having been sick, I have been craving chicken noodle soup and mashed potatoes with gravy. I eat potatoes almost every day, but there is nothing quite like warm, gooey food on a lovely fall day. The food here is usually pretty spicy, which is not what a person with an upset stomach is inclined to eat...
3. My bed- I have never been really attached to my bed, but the idea of a bed with a comforter and a pillow and the ability to just curl up under some covers is irresistible! It gets really hot here at night, so covers would be foolish, but sometimes I wake up wrapped in my flat sheet sweating profusely. I think I just like the feeling of being all bundled up. Especially since it turns out I am afraid of the dark.
4. Grinnell- It is different living in a bustling city than spending most of my time in a quiet Iowa town. I miss the community on campus and the ability to walk almost anywhere in 5 minutes. It is also way weird not getting to see my closest pals at a moment's notice!

I am happy that I made the decision to come home in time for Christmas. I have a lot to look forward to immediately upon my return! I am really enjoying my time here, but the prospect of having so long remaining before I get to go home gets a little daunting sometimes!