a Southern lady in London: September 2013

It's hard to believe that today marks 1 year since I arrived in London. A year ago I was overwhelmed with anxiety and fear...not knowing what my Masters program would be like, my new job would entail, or what it would be like to live in such a huge city. I was also incredibly excited about moving here and living a dream I always had.
This past year has definitely been filled with ups and downs. When I first moved here I cried A LOT...I missed my family and friends, missed the ease of living in Charlotte, and felt frustrated with things I didn't know or understand about London. After a few months, the tears became fewer and farther between. I started adjusting to this new life without really even realizing I had. Tears became replaced with lots of smiles and laughter as I made friends and started new relationships.
Without the support of the people around me, and across the ocean, I wouldn't have made it through this first year! Now I wake up every morning and go to work, cook dinners at night, go out on the weekends and live a relatively 'normal' life. I've started applying for my new visa through my job, which is sponsoring me to stay for a few more years.
I guess I just want to end this post by saying that the last year of my life has taught me so much. First, it taught me that I am a capable and independent adult who can make decisions for herself and can be proud of who I am. I never felt that way before...I carried a lot of guilt and constantly questioned who I was and what I was doing. Now I know when I make a decision, it's the right decision for me. Second, this last year has taught me how much I appreciate the relationships I've been blessed with throughout my life. I no longer get to speak to my friends and family every single day like I once did; but the conversations we do have are so special to me. Every time I get a text or email or skype call from a friend or family member back home, it means the world. Finally, this last year has shown me that true love does exist. I have been so lucky to have met a wonderful man who loves me. Relationships for me in the past have been difficult but this one isn't. We laugh and talk and enjoy being around one another all the time. My attitude towards relationships is completely different from what it used to be and I've grown a lot in this area.
I feel grateful for every day of this last year and look forward to what the future brings, whether I stay in London or if I move somewhere else.
Thanks so much to everyone who reads my blog! It means a lot to me.
Sending lots of love from London
K

Let me start this post by saying that I realize I am SO lucky to have been on many trips over the last year. That is one of the great things about London...you can go anywhere in Europe in just a few hours!

A couple weeks ago, Adam and I traveled to Albufeira in Portugal. It was planned as a relaxing trip; a chance to unwind and de-stress after months of dissertation writing and trying to find a job. I definitely relaxed and de-stressed for 6 nights and 7 days! I slept, read FOUR books, and ate yummy food.

Here are a few pictures from the trip!