A week in review.

Well this whole not having internet in the apartment thing is really taking a toll on my blogging/facebooking/skyping/blog stalking/emailing. It is been both terrible and weirdly freeing at the same time. However today was the first day of school therefore the internet and I have connected once again. So because my blogging is so behind(and again not by choice) this is my week in review. There has been lots of meetings which normally entail the school repeating itself and all of us using our 7th grade lookin nokia phones to play snake, it's turned into quite the competition. We have eaten tons of sandwiches and pizza, walked what seems to be a million miles, and have gotten very lost. We have made some wonderful friends and have had them over for dinner where Lauren caught fire and could have burned the apartment down. Public transportation has been mastered, and we took the 7 bus up to see my wonderful math teacher from freshman year who opened her door up to us, made us feel warm, and filled our tummies with yummy pesto pasta. And to end the week we went and saw the David at the Academy yesterday, where I literally stood in awe for 30 minutes staring at the flawless work. It kills me that I haven't taken any photos, but in my defense I had a little scare when I thought my camera was broken. Needless to say I prayed over it, and because the Lord is loving and gracious it was healed.However my friend Evan who is a fantastic photographer snapped some amazing shots of our rainy day yesterday. This is one of my favorites of his of our new little Italian family.

they say that home is where the heart is.

After 2 plane rides, 5 movies, 4 tv shows, 1000 hours of waiting, 2 days, and a handful of new friends, I have made it to florence. And due to the fact that I do not have internet in my apartment, I could not post this sooner. However with a bit of grace from God, internet came our way this morning. Florence is a beautiful city. Filled with wonder and history. The buildings look like something out of a story book, and the people are fabulous. It is safe to say we are all enjoying ourselves. Steph, Lauren and I's apartment is quaint. It has arches and wood floors, and big windows looking over our street. It is old, but there is something so enchanting about the fact our apartment has a past. Florence you are my city and I love you.

I will post pictures asap. just gotta keep this internet alive here in our apartment.

with love,

Leah

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane.

Today's the day. I am currently sitting on the floor of LAX next to my dear friend Lauren. It is unbelievable that this adventure is finally here. So with my body pumping with excitment, joy, and fear, I am about to jump head first into the unknown.

nodding my head like yeah. moving my hips like yeah.

On Friday night Lauren (1 of my 2 amazing roomies) and I had a little BBQ with our dearest college friends. It was so wonderful to have everyone I love in one place for our last Party in the USA(until the summer)...Thank you Miley for the inspiration. We shared a good ol' fashion meal of hot dogs and hamburgers and sat around the fire pit laughing and telling stories, before heading inside to have an ultimate dance off with Just Dance 2. The best game in the entire world in my opinion. As I looked around my living room that was packed with beautiful hearts, I couldn't help feeling extremely blessed for the people the Lord has put in my life. My heart over flows with love and joy for my friends and family here in the States. It is safe to say that they will be missed very much over these next few months. Even though its kills me not being able to be with them everyday, I find so much comfort knowing that I will be seeing their shinny pretty faces in May. So thank you friends for the love you have shown me, and for making my world better.

when i see you smiling i go oh oh oh

Now call me crazy, but is it too much to wish for an adventure like Lizzie Mcguire? A girl can dream...

Video dedicated to Colin Olsen.

Moats & boats & waterfalls, alleyways, & pay phone calls

Today I found out that my new home may possibly be in a very lovely and historic hotel building. My first thought was.. I'm going to be like Eloise at the Plaza. Yes!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

with love,

Leah

Bye Bye miss American pie

Today I was lucky enough to meet with one of my most favorite people in the entire world, Trish. To us she is known as Zia (meaning aunt in Italian). Zia is the most beautiful woman I have ever met and she also has an amazing heart. Zia was able to sit down with me and go over some of the basic Italian words, so that I wouldn't look like an helpless american when I arrived in Italy. The Italian language is stunning, and it is like butter to speak it. The entire time I was practicing I was picturing myself sitting in a Cafe ordering a cappuccino and flipping through Italian Vogue. It is hard to think that in only 12 days that will become a reality for me. So thank you Trish for making this American girl a little more Italian. And in attempt to keep this Italian persona alive I am going to leave you with my favorite phrase I learned today. Sogni d'oro meaning dreams of gold.

with love,

Leah

two weeks notice.

Originally, I was going to kick off this blog with my first post starting the day I leave. However since I am an impatient and anxious girl, I let my vices take the best of me and I began writing this post two weeks in advance. So with that disclaimer, comes this. Hello there. I am an american graphic design student who in exactly two weeks from today is picking up my comfortable and sunny lifestyle in San Diego and moving to Florence, Italy for four months to study. With every bit of excitement, nervousness, joy, and fear, I am headed to a unknown place to experience life at its fullest. With a few of my dearest friends at my side, I await the journey I will be traveling. I invite you to take part in these lovely adventures with me via this blog.

with love,

Leah