I Was Never Really Gone, Just Lurking in the Background.

Hello.

Hi. 

I'm Lauren. 

You probably already know that. 

I feel it's necessary to introduce myself because I haven't blogged since the beginning of September and I think I need to acknowledge that. 

This semester was a test. I was challenged and pushed academically which challenged me emotionally. I felt pulled in multiple directions to do both things that I didn't want to do, things I felt I had to do, and things I did want to do. 

Because of that and because I wasn't doing anything nearly as exciting as the stories I was blogging about last fall I didn't blog. I didn't have anything. 

I do have a half written blog about Kellie and I running a 10 miler. That was back in October. 

I also wanted to blog about the Friendsgiving Josh, Tori, Pat, and I had but I went home for actual Thanksgiving right after it and never found the time to write.

I have thought about blogging multiple times, my fingers even itched for it but I never but pen to paper. Or, actually, type to screen. Oh well, I am blogging now and that is all that matters right?

Sure.

This is happening because I am about to depart on another adventure. That's right, I am going back on Semester at Sea. Another four months of exploring a new country once a week, eating weird foods and looking at some of the world's most beautiful scenery.

Goal: to beat the 22,000 photos I took last time.

So what's my itinerary you ask?

I will tell you, actually show you:

There it is. Different than last time, yes. Mostly Asia and I only repeat three places. I will be visiting the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal. I will be riding elephants and swimming with sharks. It should be a wonderful adventure.

And now I've blogged! I survived, and it didn't feel like pulling teeth. I knew I wold get back into it easily. Now only 113 days of blogging to go!