Catching Up

Im not sure yet whether or not I want to continue blogging. It is more difficult to write openly while Im at home because in Italy everything was foreign and everyone was detached from the writing, while in Austin I have a harder time with it. I will give recaps though and this is the first one:
I started classes at the new university and I love it! I take two biology courses and two upper division english courses, which are all going well. One course, 18th century english, is taught by a hilarious professor who is really spunky and earthy. I think Ill really love that, especially since the 19th century is my favorite period and the 18th century sort of moves into that era. My biology courses are both for non-science majors but still incredibly difficult and really information-packed.
I work again at the middle school. I knew I had missed my kiddos but I never realized how much until I saw them again and laughed with them again. They just brighten up my life - I love it. I will miss some of them so greatly when they leave for high school and I cant see them or be involved in their lives everyday. On the other hand, Im noticing some great 5th and 6th graders moving up in the school who I will get to know, and I cant wait for that!
Ive been spending a lot of time with the family and that has been a huge blessing. Moving gave me a new appreciation for them and Ive been trying to show that since I got back. My mom and I get to spend a lot more time together and I think will be starting some yoga courses soon, which will be great! I have to get into gym-mode again to lose the insane weight I gained in Italy and also to get fit, which I havent been in a long time. I quit playing sports at the end of high school, but I used to rely on them heavily to stay in shape and never had a problem. Working out never felt like work, so Im trying to set that up in my life now. My good friend, Tara, runs everyday and seems to be really changed by a new healthy lifestyle since she went to college, and I think thats a great habit to learn.
I moved into a new apartment and I love it! Its easy to get to school from it, and I love the staff and the location. Its close to home and also to downtown - perfection, as far as I am concerned!
Right now Im just staying calm and getting things done, and trying to enrich my life with small things that I didnt make time for before I was in Italy. We'll see how it goes!!!