It took me leaving home twice for my parents to have the reaction I thought they would. This year, my Dad has taken to calling me out of the blue to say hello and check in with me (as opposed to with some pressing concern which needs to be addressed asap). My mom is flying out on Monday for a short visit. I know it doesn't sound like much, however, it's a big change from last year (in a good way- I think).

I am really looking forward to my mom being out here. (Although, I'm a little concerned about the fact that she's here Mon-Wed and I have exams on Wed. and Thur.) We definetely get along well and I'm (selfishly) looking forward to having her to myself for a few days (with 2 younger sisters, it does not happen often).

I'll be going home for the long weekend in October to see my family. I know my grandparents (who, coincidentally, are also my next door neighbors) are looking forward to that. I'm still flip-flopping between whether or not I'll be going home for Thanksgiving so a visit in October will be a good thing for all involved. All I have to do now is buy the tickets...

I have yet to become sincerely homesick. There are moments (and every great once in a while, days) where I miss certain people. Generally, there's not enough time to be homesick. Between classes, homework, organizational stuff, friends, and the time reserved for sleep, there is a lot to do and not enough hours to do it in. When I'm here, I fall into my groove- I know what I have to do, I do it, and then I still have time to take care of the non-necessities (i.e. the socks I'm knitting). At the very least, I'm comfortable here. My "second family" has made it much easier to not miss my own.