Brilliant!

My first post from England! I had an amazing trip over here. Slept on the first flight, then read and talked to people during my layover in Washington. I met a nice lady that was on her way to Copenhagen, Scandinavia and a really nice guy who worked there but was walking around with me trying to help me find my gate (long story).  I finished Man's Search for Meaning. WOW. It's such an impacting book. I can't even find the words to describe it. It was like a message/sign..like it was speaking directly to me (cheesy, I know).  I couldn't have picked a better time to finish that book. I got halfway through The Hunger Games and then we boarded the flight. I watched New Year's Eve for the first two hours of the flight (cute movie), read for 30 minutes, then slept for the other three and half hours.

I arrived at 9:30 AM (4:30 AM in Miami) and my cousins were already outside waiting for me. Andre and Melissa are so grown up! Last time I saw them, Melissa was maybe 3 and Andre was 7. It's been over 10 years. There was a lot of "AHHHH!!! You're in England" and "AHHHH! I can't believe I'm in England!!!!" We got back to the house and I saw my Aunt, Uncle, and other cousin, Kat. Kat's handicapped. She's not as mobile as Debbie (Debs can use the bathroom herself and feed herself) but she's still very aware and responsive. Kat couldn't stop staring at me! She still stares at me. It's as if she recognizes me but can't figure out from where.

Les and I were planning where we were going to go visit these next two months. One of us jokingly said "France" and Les said "oh yeah, we can go there too.." The only expression on my face was: O_O. Another thing to cross off my goals list! (Les started one after seeing mine!)

Our cousin Manuel came and picked us up and we went to Wimbledon to see the dog races. This was my first time meeting Manuel and he didn't even know I was here. (Only the family that I'm staying with knows) I can't wait to see everyone else!

Les and I bet a few times.. I won twice.. I think she won three times. Then we got bored. It was so nice being with family though. It doesn't feel like I came from a completely different country.. feels like I've been here for ages and we were just hanging out.

Today was Mother's Day. Les, Andre, Melissa, Auntie Bernie, and I went to the "cinema" to see 21 Jumpstreet.

I'm trying to be as detailed as possible so when I look back and read this, I can savor every moment.

Tomorrow will be my first day in the house by myself (everyone will be at work/school). I'm not sure what I'll do.. but I'm excited! I'm too scared to leave the house yet.. I don't have a phone so if I get lost.. they'd have no way of getting in touch with me. I'll probably finish The Hunger Games and take care of stuff.

The weather is in the 40's here. I'm wearing cardigans, boots, scarves, and my only coat... I LOVE it. It rained all day Saturday but for some reason I'm really, really enjoying the weather.

Being around my cousins is making me more feminine, haha. There's something about making an effort before I go out that makes me feel good. I guess not looking like shit means I don't feel like shit, essentially. 

Anyway, it's 10 'til 11 here. Bed time...pictures coming soon!

- K

One more thing...

So, as I'm packing/cleaning my room, I've come across a lot of pictures. And, well..

.. I love my hair!! hahah

Hold your own, know your name, and go your own way.

It's 1:51 AM. I need to leave to the airport at 6:30 AM. I'm sitting on my bedroom floor. Details in the Fabric playing in the background. I'm texting Sean and Nimsi. I have two things packed so far. I'm happy. Tired, but happy.

I might not be where I want to be in life right now - career wise/financially (which is really my only issue) -  but man, do I love my life. I have the most amazing friends any one could ask for and life has only just begun. I'm excited to see where it takes all of us in the next 5 years...10 years...20 years, and I'm excited to see how we are still friends through it all.

2:08 AM. I need to pack. I may be taking this trip at a bad point in my life right now (timing wise), but it couldn't feel more right.

This is such an amazing feeling. I just want to yell because I'm so happy, appreciative, blessed, loved and I don't know any other way to express myself.. words just aren't enough. Mmm. I'm smiling from the inside out.

Thank you! Ah, being surrounded by my favorite people was so nice last night. Just what I needed to remind me how great I have it. Even if I don't have it all.. what I do have is amazing. That's what matters. The career thing will work out. I'm determined to make it work out.

Well, this is my last post from the US for at least 2 months!