Happy New Year!

Ah, a new year and a new beginning. It also means that I leave for Spain in a short few days. I cannot believe it is almost here!!! It is surreal. I've been waiting for this moment ever since high school and the fact that it is almost here is so exciting. But with this excitement comes with a lot of anxiety and nervousness. I keep on thinking that I will forget something when I pack or that the trip over could turn into a total nightmare. I just have to stay positive and be prepared. I am also nervous about my ability to speak Spanish. I felt that during this past semester my Spanish went from good to just ok or even worse. I am hoping that once I arrive in Spain I will become more confident in my speaking and my ability to speak will reach the level it once was (and hopefully by the time I arrive in the United States I will have reached some level of fluency).

Today my mother and I went shopping for some last minute travel needs and I also bought two Wisconsin coffee mugs and hot chocolate for my host family. I hope they like it!

Yesterday was Christmas with the Stauffachers. It was a great time filled with football, amazing food, and a lot of laughs. My Aunt Lori also made a video containing a collection of photos from my family's travels in Europe this past summer. Seeing those photos only made me more excited for my own travels. Anyway, spending time with my family was awesome and I will miss them all when I'm in Europe. (The picture to the left is Grandma and Grandpa Stauffacher with all their grandchildren, but missing Logan)


New Year's Eve was also a great time with some friends I don't get to see very often. My journey with Jamie for pizza at four in the morning was a hilarious and memorable moment. It was probably the best New Year's Eve I've ever had.

I guess I should wrap up now, I'm watching the Badger game and I need to start paying attention. Go Badgers.

Happy 2012 and I wish all the best!