back to the mainland

i've been back in the states for a week now! it's been a bit surreal, to say the least. gotta love how you can get a nice dose of culture shock without even technically leaving the country (although st thomas sometimes felt a world away).

i flew straight into middle-of-nowhere ohio to see my mom last wednesday. i was not at all prepared for how painfully COLD it would be here. i had my mom bring me a big down feather jacket when she picked me up from the airport, aaaaand i haven't taken it off since... okay i took it off to shower. but ive showered less than i'd like to admit because this cold makes me cringe. #dontjudge

and what's worse, my dear mother didn't want to refill the oil for her heater since the winter should be over soon... so there's NO heat in the house! YAYYY! in other words, i've been perched in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine to keep warm.

also helping me cope, i ordered myself a pretty pair of green packable hunter boots, while i was still in st thomas. i'm so thoughtful sometimes ;) i figured they'd be good for traveling and farming and life. i like them so much that i've been wearing them out on days with complete sunshine.

and every time we go out, i keep telling my mom she's driving on the wrong side of the road. i only drove ONCE when i lived on the island, but just riding passenger for 6 months got me used to the ways of the roads down there. "keep left" is engrained in my subconscious. and i've yet to drive on the right again yet. i'll let you all know if something interesting comes of it ;)