Two Down, One To Go

After not hearing from anyone for about a month (it has been 5 weeks now since I heard from Glasgow), I decided to check in with Edinburgh earlier this week since I couldn't find anything on their website that told me how long their average decision wait time was. After having some difficulty even finding who to e-mail, I found a general e-mail who forwarded me on to the actual department I applied to. I heard back from them Friday morning apologizing for the wait. Of course, I sent in my applications when they were welcoming the new recruits I guess but I've been told my application has been expedited and I should hear my decision within a week (and if not, to check back). I'm nearly dying of anticipation! It's been nine weeks as of Friday since I've applied to my schools so I'm ready to hear!

Coincidentally, I did get my offer of acceptance to University of Birmingham this morning! It is the program (International Studies) I always imagined doing (which makes it sound like I've always dreamed of grad school so I should say 'the program I've imagined enrolling in these last five months) and would be best for my prospective career (study abroad/international education) but I believe my heart is set on graduate school in Scotland. No idea why.

This Thursday, we celebrated Thanksgiving in America. It's a great time to be with family. I love the tradition (the history it's based on...we'll ignore that for now - just like they do in history class!). It's my second favorite holiday after Christmas. It definitely sets the tone for the holiday season. My nearly entire family traveled out to our house. They got to see our newly remodeled kitchen and we got some new furniture as well. It was a crowded bunch, as always when we're all gathered in one place. It consisted of:
-Mom, Dad, and I
-Uncle Jimmy and his friend John who was in the area visiting
-Aunt Ann, Uncle Roland, and Christine
-Aunt Helen
-Aunt Mary, Uncle Joe, and Carolyn
-Aunt Rita, Uncle Dan, Danny, and Victoria
-Aunt Eileen, Uncle Andrew, Matt, Erin, and Kevin
-Aunt Christine, Uncle Livingston, Danielle, Madison, and nanny Pamela

That's 26 in total. Possibly a new record! If only my cousin Kelly, her husband Nathan, and their children Natalie, Sara, Mallory, and Trent could join us but they were off in KY hosting their own Thanksgiving now that they've got a growing family. And my cousin Julie is off living in Germany with her husband Andreas being all German and crafty :) We just got to see her last month as she was in America for two weeks before the holiday season blew up the travel.

Not including my mom's side (which consists of only 5 people now - quite small compared to my dad's) that's my entire family. I love spending time with them. Already, I've got two Christmas-y days scheduled for December!

I've had off work since Wednesday and although it went by slow at first, this much needed break is almost over. One more month until winter break though where I have off between Christmas and New Year's! The decorations for Christmas went up today :)

28 days until Christmas!!