Nothing I've done today has felt good enough. It's just been one of those days. I'm so stressed out and I feel simply inadequate. I really, really want Aaron to be home. Less than 6 days. I can do this.

Tokyo was incredible, but I'm sure it had much to do with the amazing company I was in. :) I can't believe how lucky I am. This can't be real... and yet it is.

I'm going to Tokyo! Meeting up with Aaron for a few days and exploring the city. This is my fall break excursion- just over a week away! Yay, spontaneity!!

My best friend is en route to the other side of the world. He'll get there around 11am Louisville time tomorrow. Saying goodbye at the airport was one of the most difficult things I've had to do. It felt surreal, and still does. I already miss him. 79 days.

Aaron leaves on the 11th, and won't be back until December. Three months sounds like such a long time. I'm going to need to keep myself as distracted and busy as possible over that span of time. Maybe I'll focus more on my studies. Maybe I'll go running more often. Maybe I'll learn to cook better. Maybe I'll catch up with old friends. And I can always have late night skypes with Aaron. You know, through all of this, I haven't once questioned that this would work. I know that it will. And I know that when he comes back, it'll be even better than it is now.

So begins a new semester... I'm thinking it will be a stressful one. I've probably signed myself onto too many things. Each group I dedicate myself to is one I truly like; I just really hope I'm not spreading myself too thin. To top off this pity party, Aaron is going to work in Bangkok for three months. My favorite person in the world... will be on the other side of the world. To see that in writing makes it feel so much closer, and so much scarier. I just typed an entire paragraph, listing off my bizarre mixture of feelings, but it's all pretty ineffable. I should simply leave it at this: I'm so proud of him.

It's been a great weekend. Casino success, seeing old friends, and I can call myself someone's girlfriend. So weird and amazing to see that last thought in writing... Can I say again just how lucky I am?

I am a lucky, lucky girl.

I can't get that image out of my head. That smile was so, so much better than any I've ever seen. I feel like I'm finally doing something right.

Signed the lease for an apartment yesterday! One hour bus commute becomes 15 minutes. I'm so pumped.