a whole new level, with all the packing and planning. A trip down to Chicago yielded a Bed, Bath, and Beyond for dorm furnishings, but choosing was not a simple process. I thought I was going to go mad before I walked out the door!

I crawled out of bed on August 16th, 2009, ready as I'd ever be. I choked down breakfast with a smiling face, but the nerves were silently destroying me. The butterflies in my stomach threaten to escape through my throat and my mind was whirring so fast that I thought it would burn out on me.

The time finally came to pack up and head out. It was surreal, to say the least. You've heard the phrase, "I must be dreaming?" Well, it wasn't until I was walking out that door that I realized what that dreaming feeling felt like... and it was surely more dreamlike than any dream I've ever had.

Driving out of town, two of my friends stop us from the side of the road. Along with hugs goodbye, they handed me a box of muffins. While they turned out to be the worst muffins in the world, it's the thought that counts, and it wasn't until then I realized how much I would miss them.

Two hours later, 5400 North Black Oak Lake Road was in the process of becoming home.

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