Kelly --
Welcome back to the USA! I am with MAD for Madrid, sounds like we went through similar situations.... was 15 years ago that I went through the reverse culture shock and am now back living in Spain. Actually right now I have the immense pleasure of taking my parents around who are here visiting for the month. After all these years, they are finally learning and seeing why I am so in love with Spain!

MAD gave some excellent advice, don´t forget Spain, but do remember that you have your culture to re-integrate yourself back into. Your friends and family WILL tire of hearing your Spain stories and seeing your Spain pictures. But don´t lose hope, it´s a great way to get out and meet new people. There must be a Spanish community in IL no? Seek it out! Read the Spanish papers and magazines online: El País , El Mundo .

Look for the opportunities to keep up the Spanish. Chat online with Spaniards. Start a tapas club in your area...there are tons of things that you can do!

Good luck!