despite the fact that this entire week I have been a nervous wreck (as in may or may not have had a minor panic attack while I was running yesterday morning), i am as cool as a cucumber right now, only old people are actually aloud to say that. I am very relaxed. because I realized something. even though new things are kind of scary, they are also so exciting. you learn from them. they change you. it's like jumping off rocks into a lake, or trying a food you've never had before, or running a trail you've never been on. obviously this whole italy thing is on a much bigger scale, but when it comes down to it let's be real; it could completly suck or it could be great. and most of the time, it's great and it becomes your new favorite thing. so what exactly do I have to worry about?

I somehow managed to compress my entire life into 2 suitcases and an intense hiker backpack. Thank God for my mom otherwise who knows if I could have done that. also, I am now a proud owner of a pair of chacos. pop those babies on with the backpack and my arm party of braclets and what do you get? NATURE GIRL. woot woot. the shoes are a tad earthy for my style, but jean cutoffs and running shoes is so 80's mom. I just don't think I could handle that. 

so guess where I am right now? the airoport. in charlotte. sitting at a starbucks drinking an iced coconut coffee. (and guess what? technically coconut season at starbucks is over. so i lucked out. almost hugged the barista when he said they still had it) listening to Grace Potter and Fleetwood Mac. watching people walk run to their gates wondering where they might be going. got my books and US weekly all set for my flight which leaves in less than 2 hours. obviously I have to updated on Kim Kardashian's honeymoon. well I'll stop spewing my stream of consiousness now. next time I talk to yall I'll be in ITALY. isn't that crazy? yeah it is.

something to listen to till you get to read again