spring has definitely sprung.

Is it just me, or is EVERYTHING better in the spring time? I mean, really... has anybody else noticed that the world just explodes in happiness when it gets warm and sunny?

We have had about a week or two of gorgeous weather now. It has been fantastic. I have a tan. I repeat, I have a tan..... and it is only April. This is encouraging. These last few days have felt more like summer than like spring, which is 1. the best thing ever, and 2. rather intimidating to think about what it will be like when June rolls around. But for now, it has been really great.

All of this sunny warm weather is reminding me of home, and how much I love Pittsburgh in the summer time. I believe that this is the most homesick I have felt. Ever. I want to drive a car, my car. I want to listen to country music with the windows down, while driving somewhere, anywhere, far away. I want to have a pool party. I want to eat hamburgers that were cooked on a grill. I want to go to Kennywood. I can't wait for the Arts Festival (why?? I have no idea). I want to listen to DVE in the morning. I want to ride my bike. I want to be in my city, with my friends and family. I want to sit on my porch and read a book. I want to take a nap with my kitty cats sitting beside me, to sprawl out on my couch, or on my own bed, to take my shoes off (house shoes included), and just be comfortable.
Needless to say, I am expecting it to be a great summer.

All of that being said, I hope you don't think that my anticipation for this summer is slowing me down in Toledo. It is not. I am rather enjoying myself, actually. I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather. I've spent many an hour reading outside, or meandering through the streets, trying to get lost, and discovering new streets and plazas that I never knew existed. It has been great to see Toledo burst with life again after so many months of bitter cold. We've been meeting new people, making new friends, having picnics, and discovering new bars with outdoor patios. "Summer" will be good in Toledo, too!

School has been going well. And even better? Easter break starts next weekend. And guess where I'm going! Budapest! And Vienna. Pretty awesome, right?! I'm pretty darn excited.
I am trying to get some travel plans together for the last couple of months here. And I am trying to figure out when I am coming home for sure. I still don't have a plane ticket yet... so as of now, anything is a possibility! But I am really excited for the months to come.

I am basically living the life right now.
(And I mean, I have been for the last 6 months.)

edit: turns out I'll miss the arts festival this year! Bummer! It's one of the coolest events in Pittsburgh.....