Well bless my heart and shut my mouth, I'm back in the South y'all.

Well ladies and gents, I'm a little over the halfway point in my trip home. Besides the fact that I've eaten way too much unhealthy southern food and spent way too much money in Target (how again am I getting that stuff to Italy?), I've really enjoyed my time here. The weather has just been amazing. I mean, 70s and 80s? Could I ask for anything better?

The first week consisted of seeing everyone I didn't get to see over Christmas and planning a special one-year-old's birthday party. When I come back home, the time change works out in my favor because I wake up around 430 or 5 and I go to sleep around 8 or 9. It makes for very productive days. Did you know how much stuff you can get done before sunrise?! All of the party decorations were basically finished and put up in the week leading to the party. All I had to do on Friday was make food and put some final touches on things, and then Saturday it was time to party! People wanted to give my sister and me a hard time for putting so much effort into a one-year-old's party, but everything came together so perfectly. It was the best first birthday party I've ever been to! And I mean, honestly, did you think I would have done anything less? Its my only niece we're talking about. I can't wait to see some of the pictures from it!

I also attended The Royal Wedding of Newberry. John Ralph's cousin, Mary Frances, got hitched and it was nothing short of spectacular. Beautiful bride, good food, delicious drinks, groovy band. I only have one regret, and that is that I didn't do intense leg workouts beforehand. I don't think I've worn heels since our wedding and all that dancing had me feeling like an old woman!

It has been so wonderful hanging out with my girlfriends. I've gotten to tag along on wedding dress shopping and wedding ring shopping, and have had plenty of dinner and lunch dates. When people ask my what's the hardest thing about living in Italy, the answer is, hands down, being so far away from my girlfriends. I know you make different friends throughout all of the seasons of your life, but these girls and I have survived elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and now we're entering into adulthood together. There is something special to say about friendships that last no matter how far across the world you are or how little you actually get to talk.

The next eleven days are packed full of friend and family time. As much as I hate to leave again, I'm so ready to see John Ralph. Being away from each other for a month really makes you like your significant other a lot! Ha! I had to laugh a little, because when choosing the day to fly back, I picked a day that I thought would give him plenty of cushion to be able to get me from the airport. He was supposed to get home about three days before me, but lo and behold, I got word yesterday that I'm probably going to beat him back to Italy. Don't ever hold your breath when it comes to the Army. I can guarantee that they'll take them away when they say they are going to...it's just getting them back that's the tricky part! ;)

I probably won't update again until I'm back in Italy, but it really has been wonderful being back in the good ol U S of A. We're going to have some exciting things to post about during the first part of April, so don't worry...I won't be too boring in the coming weeks. Ciao for now!