I love life.

Do you ever have moments when you realize just how thankful you are for everyone and everything in your life?

I got to see Sarah tonight!!! and we had a blast. I showed her my dilapidated living quarters, then we took the tube to Regent Street and meandered through the streets for a couple of hours, taking in all the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. We stopped by Starbucks to grab the requisite muffin and Christmasy-flavoured drinks, then went back to the flat to chill with the girls for a bit. Then we hit up another coffee shop for the next two hours, talking and laughing with her friends Courtney and Kevin. It was just SUCH a nice evening. When I left the coffeehouse at quarter to 2, the streets were nearly empty (as much as they can be in London) and the night air was so crisp and a full moon hung in the sky. It was perfect.

I just keep thinking about how lucky I am. I have had the best experience. Look at me. I left my much-adored family, got here and quickly feared that I was going to turn into THAT GIRL - the girl who comes to London and leaves 13 hours later because she just can't make it. More than three months later, I'm just so content and happy. I love London. Sarah told me tonight that she can totally see me living here forever. I love that. I think I just fit. I think it fits ME.

I am so so so thankful for my family. My mom and dad have worked so hard for me to be able to be here right now. If I could change one thing, it would be that they would be here instead of me, but I know they wouldn't want that. Gosh, I can't wait until my mom gets here. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry because she will be SO excited. I feel like I'm getting the chance to rediscover my mom. I'm not sure that I know who she is away from 'the mom' setting. She so deserves this. So does my dad. So much more than me.

And my friends. I think they're the best in the world. As Carly once said, "If you think your friends are the best, then you must not know mine."

I think I just love everyone tonight. Also, I love staying up late when I'm really tired, so that when I finally do pass out, it feels like heaven. I'm planning to sleep well into the afternoon tomorrow, so I best be undisturbed.

When I was walking to meet Sarah tonight, some English guy stopped me and asked for directions to Earl's Court tube station. I explained that you take a left on THIS road, and then another left on so-and-so road, followed by a final right and you'll run right into the tube station. When I finished my diatribe, he smiled sheepishly and said, "I can't believe I just asked an American for directions." I LIVE FOR THIS.