Holy monkeys it's February.
With that said, I've got to say this: bloody Americans and their need to change things! I just found out that the first Harry Potter was originally called (and is still called in every place BUT America) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Yes, I watched the first Harry Potter and yes, I was completely aghast when Hermione talked about the "Philosopher's stone" instead of the Sorcerer's stone. That means that they had to refilm the bits where the name of the stone is actually mentioned because the American title is different. It couldn't have been redubbed because certainly we would have noticed the lips not matching up with the words. Can you imagine how costly the reshooting must have been? I'm mildly outraged and embarrassed that America has to have things done in a different way. For example, we've got Fahrenheit instead of Celsius, gallons instead of liters; words are missing their u's and have z's instead of s's. I mean honestly.
On a more personal note, 9 am suddenly feels like the crack of dawn to me. All of a sudden it's hard to be clean and ready for a lecture at 10, never mind actually being clean/ready for one at 9. I don't know what the deal is. I've had 8 am classes everyday for a full semester before and that wasn't a big deal. I barely missed a class and it only became really hard in the winter when the heat in my room was a joke and getting out of my blankets meant losing all the heat I'd stored while sleeping. Now I'm waking up at 8:45 cursing myself while scrambling to swipe my toothbrush over my teeth once while throwing my (crazed) hair into a pony tail before pulling on the nearest pair of pants and shoes. Some days I only have time to grab a stick of gum (read: no teeth brushing!) and pull on a (mostly) dirty hoodie. Either way, the differences are strange.
I can't believe it's already been a month since I've been here. What's even crazier is that there is only two months before Dave (read: my amazing brother) comes out to see me and we embark on a fantastic trip to Italy. Crazy. Still crazier than that is I have recently found out that my roommate Becca (who is doing a summer course in Italy) will be here the same time I am. Seriously. It seems like a wonderful opportunity to visit her while she's studying and vice versa. Very exciting times.
Sorry it's been ages since I've posted anything. Most days I'm preoccupied with thinking about doing my homework but not actually accomplishing much. That's got to change though because things are going to pick up soon. It'll be week 10 before I know it and my essay will be due. Bleh. But you all should know that I'm doing well and I'm branching out in my cooking ability. It has (always) been easiest to buy/make pasta because it's cheap and delicious. Well, I'm eating more fruits and vegetables and I've taken to making myself chicken stir fry, which is something I've never made at the 305 (read: my apartment in Columbia).
But yes, I hope you all enjoyed the Liverpool video. I'm off to bed because it's nearly 2 am and I'm supposed to be up at a (semi) decent hour to help make/help eat pancakes.
*EDIT*
It has come to my attention that I've made a glaring mistake. I live with 9 first year Brits (5 boys and 4 girls). I forgot about one girl because I never really see her. She's always with her boyfriend. She's lovely though and her and her boyfriend usually cook together which is both cute and sickening, but mostly cute. She even gave me some of her juice when a bunch of drunks stole mine (now that is a long story to be told at another time). I just realized it because I was looking back over my posts (by the way, I'm talking about the post "A Meditation on Culture" when I describe my living situation).
Listen to Falling Into Reverie
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
I am a Traveler of Both Time and Space
Hello my fantastic blog readers!
So it's been ages since I've put anything up and for that I apologize. I had a busy weekend last weekend. I spent the day in Liverpool on Saturday and went out with my flat mates on Saturday night. What a great time. I met some cool people.
We went to Liverpool via train. It was about an hour and a half ride. I traveled with 8 other girls, two from my flat, two others from my college and four that were other internationals that we had the pleasure of meeting. On the way down there, I very nearly had myself a P.S. I Love You moment. There was this really attractive British man who I sat across from on the train. He was really friendly. We talked about what he likes about America and what I like about Britain. Sadly, he left at the stop after I got on so that was a very short lived moment. But I had one nonetheless. We had to change trains at one place, the name of which escapes me now, but after that we journeyed on toward Liverpool. Once we got there, we found maps and I tried to use the bathroom but it cost 30 pence! I said hell no and we all pondered in amazement the consequences of having to pay for a public toilet. From there we walked down the street to find Liverpool Cathedral, which had beautiful stained glass windows. I bought some cheap postcards and took pictures. Then we walked down to Albert Dock to grab some cheap lunch and see The Beatles Story, a museum dedicated to The Beatles. I decided I was too cheap to actually take the tour so I bought some small souvenirs for my family and friends at one of the shops on the dock. From there we walked to the shopping district and fought crowds to get good deals at this place called Primark. I only bought socks because I didn't feel like doing laundry to wash my socks (wow, I know). After that it was getting kind of late, some girls left for Lancaster while others, myself included, continued to shop and decided to find some cheap dinner (less than four pounds for a burger, fries and a drink!). Then we went back to good ol' Lancaster.
That night, Danielle and I decided to join our lovely flat mates and a few of their friends out to a pub called the Friary. They were going to go to a club called the Sugarhouse which we didn't really feel like going to because you had to pay to get in. Well, after two cheap pitchers of Grolsch beer, we decided that these chaps we were hanging out with were fantastic so we went to Sugarhouse. A few more beers and lots of dancing later, we finally made out way back to the flat at 4 in the morning. But first we had to get some food at the only place on campus that was open: Sultans, which is like a curry place but they also sell fries and garlic bread. So I made Withers (one of my flat mates' friends who is quite fun to have around) order fries and garlic bread (which I paid for). Well, they gave away my garlic bread to someone else so I made them a (drunken) deal: I'd pay them 25 pence for the cheesy fries that were ready, instead of waiting for more garlic bread. They jumped at it and I had myself some delicious cheesy fries, which I shared with all the drunks at my table (don't worry, I knew them all). I got Dave (another friend of a flat mate, also fantastic) to explain the game of cricket, after Withers failed miserably. I don't quite understand it now but at the time it made perfect sense. After arriving at the flat, I had a conversation in Spanish, which was weird because I understood this guy perfectly but I couldn't formulate any Spanish words back so I answered in English. After that I came into my room and (for whatever reason) decided to get on Skype where Jacquie, Becca, Katie, and John (friends from CoMo) were on and got to see my ridiculous drunken antics. Good times.
But yes, I have made a short video of my times at Liverpool. Also I'll be posting pictures soon enough.
Music used:
Polythene Pam by The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles
So it's been ages since I've put anything up and for that I apologize. I had a busy weekend last weekend. I spent the day in Liverpool on Saturday and went out with my flat mates on Saturday night. What a great time. I met some cool people.
We went to Liverpool via train. It was about an hour and a half ride. I traveled with 8 other girls, two from my flat, two others from my college and four that were other internationals that we had the pleasure of meeting. On the way down there, I very nearly had myself a P.S. I Love You moment. There was this really attractive British man who I sat across from on the train. He was really friendly. We talked about what he likes about America and what I like about Britain. Sadly, he left at the stop after I got on so that was a very short lived moment. But I had one nonetheless. We had to change trains at one place, the name of which escapes me now, but after that we journeyed on toward Liverpool. Once we got there, we found maps and I tried to use the bathroom but it cost 30 pence! I said hell no and we all pondered in amazement the consequences of having to pay for a public toilet. From there we walked down the street to find Liverpool Cathedral, which had beautiful stained glass windows. I bought some cheap postcards and took pictures. Then we walked down to Albert Dock to grab some cheap lunch and see The Beatles Story, a museum dedicated to The Beatles. I decided I was too cheap to actually take the tour so I bought some small souvenirs for my family and friends at one of the shops on the dock. From there we walked to the shopping district and fought crowds to get good deals at this place called Primark. I only bought socks because I didn't feel like doing laundry to wash my socks (wow, I know). After that it was getting kind of late, some girls left for Lancaster while others, myself included, continued to shop and decided to find some cheap dinner (less than four pounds for a burger, fries and a drink!). Then we went back to good ol' Lancaster.
That night, Danielle and I decided to join our lovely flat mates and a few of their friends out to a pub called the Friary. They were going to go to a club called the Sugarhouse which we didn't really feel like going to because you had to pay to get in. Well, after two cheap pitchers of Grolsch beer, we decided that these chaps we were hanging out with were fantastic so we went to Sugarhouse. A few more beers and lots of dancing later, we finally made out way back to the flat at 4 in the morning. But first we had to get some food at the only place on campus that was open: Sultans, which is like a curry place but they also sell fries and garlic bread. So I made Withers (one of my flat mates' friends who is quite fun to have around) order fries and garlic bread (which I paid for). Well, they gave away my garlic bread to someone else so I made them a (drunken) deal: I'd pay them 25 pence for the cheesy fries that were ready, instead of waiting for more garlic bread. They jumped at it and I had myself some delicious cheesy fries, which I shared with all the drunks at my table (don't worry, I knew them all). I got Dave (another friend of a flat mate, also fantastic) to explain the game of cricket, after Withers failed miserably. I don't quite understand it now but at the time it made perfect sense. After arriving at the flat, I had a conversation in Spanish, which was weird because I understood this guy perfectly but I couldn't formulate any Spanish words back so I answered in English. After that I came into my room and (for whatever reason) decided to get on Skype where Jacquie, Becca, Katie, and John (friends from CoMo) were on and got to see my ridiculous drunken antics. Good times.
But yes, I have made a short video of my times at Liverpool. Also I'll be posting pictures soon enough.
Music used:
Polythene Pam by The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Meditation on Culture
I've gotten a lot of questions about how the food is and things like that so I'm going to do my best to 1)remember what you have asked and 2) answer those questions. :)
Food:
The only thing I've eaten that was "different"/English was bangers and mash. Bangers and mash is sausage and mashed potatoes with gravy. Holy crap, it was delicious. I haven't had fish and chips but I'm not really into fried fish. I will eat it eventually I promise. Other than that, Coke tastes a little weird but after a while, I stop noticing it. Ketchup is different too (if you know anything about me, you know how much I like ketchup). It has a different taste (though not so different I couldn't eat it) and it's got a slightly different color. Once I ate it all, the dribbles left on the plate were pink! The fries are called chips and the chips are called crisps. Crackers are savory biscuits. Cookies are biscuits as well. Kebabs are really big too apparently, though I haven't had one yet. There are a bunch of interesting candies/chocolates. Cadbury is everywhere and it's not too terribly expensive either. The fruit is very cheap which makes me happy. I bought a bunch of clementines for about 99 pence (a little over a dollar) and a bunch of blue berries and kiwi for a pound (again, a little over a dollar). There are lots of things called "bakes" which is basically like a hand held pot pie. I've had a chicken bake and it was quite good.
Alcohol:
I haven't sampled too much yet but I did order a Newcastle beer at one of the bars on campus. It was HUGE! I couldn't believe it. It was a pint and a half (24 ounces/3 cups) and yes, I drank it all. I've only had one other beer here and it was Carlsberg. It was decent enough. This drink called VK Orange is pretty popular. It's vodka and orange flavoring, similar to smirnoff ice but very sugary. I had one and a half and got a stomach ache.
Classes:
There are lectures and seminars, just like back home but I'm spending a lot less time in class. I only have 10 hours of class time and I don't have such a set schedule like I did at Mizzou (only one lecture and seminar per class-except my linguistics class has two lectures). Other than that, things are pretty much the same. School is school. I don't have as many things to be graded. In fact, there is only one exam or paper in each course I have. That sounds great doesn't it? Well, if I do poorly on that one thing, there goes my entire grade for the course. Either way, it's not so bad.
Accommodation:
I live in a flat (it's just half of a floor on a building) with three other international girls (two Australians and one other American) and 8 first year Brits (5 guys-three of which are named James-and 3 girls). They're all 18/19 years old. They like to go out and drink and they go out nearly every night of the week. They're good kids though. I like them well enough. I live alone in my own room (as you saw in the video). It's nice. I share a bathroom and a kitchen with the rest of the flat.
Cooking is a bit awkward but only because I don't have any of my own pots. I don't really see the point in buying them (though I did buy a cup/bowl for 20 pence at the Charity Shop). My flat mates are very nice and said that it wouldn't be a problem for me to use their pots/pans if I clean them. And I always wash up directly after using it.
People:
I haven't seen too many people with bad teeth, which is something I've gotten asked. I did see a woman on the bus that did. Yikes. Quite the overbite as well. Other than that, people are nice. I'm having an internet problem right now. I haven't been able to connect to the internet from my room. Anyway, I've had a lot of help from the computer people and they were very lovely. At the end of the each telephone conversation I had with this one guy he said, "Thank you! Cheers! Bye now!" It made me smile each time even though they still couldn't figure out why my internet wasn't working.
Accent:
There is a difference between those from the north and those from the south. I can hear the difference but I don't know which is which. Either way, it's an accent, something different than what I'm used to and of course I love it. I have started to get a bit of an accent which makes me feel like a poser but mostly I can't believe it. It's been 9 days! But I guess that's to be expected. I love England (without any real reason behind it) and I've been jealous of the accent for years.
Though sometimes when I watch those crazy Brits speak, it's like their tongue does some weird thing. I can't explain it. It's not like a lisp or anything...I don't know.
Climate:
It's not really super cold or dry here. It's like those days in late fall/early spring where it's cold-ish and it rains, not pouring rain just the really annoying light rain. The kind that you don't really need an umbrella for but it's so annoying in your eyes that you want to put one up even if makes you look like a fool. It's not so bad though. On the days it doesn't rain, and it isn't cold, it's nice.
Nights Out:
I've only been out once. I went to a club with my flat mates on Monday night (yes, Monday! I was shocked as well). I've never been to a club before really. I frequent bars, especially when there is a band (i.e. The Blue Fugue) but never really clubs. I'm not really into dancing. Anyway, the music was...I guess I'd say electro with some dance clubbed out 90s American music. Like "Rhythm is a Dancer" and that one song that was on Jock Jams...I don't remember what it was called. But yea, I laughed a lot that night. And I danced after quite a few drinks.
When I went out to Fylde Bar (it's one of the nine bars on campus-each college has their own bar), I bought a Newcastle because it was the only beer that I was familiar with. I didn't realize how huge the bottle was. I was surprised but glad; it was sort of expensive. I drank it all like a greedy pig and was a bit drunk afterward. But that ended up being good because I talked more to the kids around me (other international students).
Anyway, that's as far as I've meditated. I'll post more later once I've experienced more things. My flat mates are trying to get me to go to Liverpool for the day on Saturday. I haven't decided yet. I'd like to but I haven't been able to get online to see my balance on my bank's website. But yes, things are going well.
*EDIT*
Good grief. I promise to do more proof reading the next time around. I think I repeated myself several times/had numerous grammatical and spelling errors. Poor showing for an English major. But yes, more proof reading in future posts, I promise.
Food:
The only thing I've eaten that was "different"/English was bangers and mash. Bangers and mash is sausage and mashed potatoes with gravy. Holy crap, it was delicious. I haven't had fish and chips but I'm not really into fried fish. I will eat it eventually I promise. Other than that, Coke tastes a little weird but after a while, I stop noticing it. Ketchup is different too (if you know anything about me, you know how much I like ketchup). It has a different taste (though not so different I couldn't eat it) and it's got a slightly different color. Once I ate it all, the dribbles left on the plate were pink! The fries are called chips and the chips are called crisps. Crackers are savory biscuits. Cookies are biscuits as well. Kebabs are really big too apparently, though I haven't had one yet. There are a bunch of interesting candies/chocolates. Cadbury is everywhere and it's not too terribly expensive either. The fruit is very cheap which makes me happy. I bought a bunch of clementines for about 99 pence (a little over a dollar) and a bunch of blue berries and kiwi for a pound (again, a little over a dollar). There are lots of things called "bakes" which is basically like a hand held pot pie. I've had a chicken bake and it was quite good.
Alcohol:
I haven't sampled too much yet but I did order a Newcastle beer at one of the bars on campus. It was HUGE! I couldn't believe it. It was a pint and a half (24 ounces/3 cups) and yes, I drank it all. I've only had one other beer here and it was Carlsberg. It was decent enough. This drink called VK Orange is pretty popular. It's vodka and orange flavoring, similar to smirnoff ice but very sugary. I had one and a half and got a stomach ache.
Classes:
There are lectures and seminars, just like back home but I'm spending a lot less time in class. I only have 10 hours of class time and I don't have such a set schedule like I did at Mizzou (only one lecture and seminar per class-except my linguistics class has two lectures). Other than that, things are pretty much the same. School is school. I don't have as many things to be graded. In fact, there is only one exam or paper in each course I have. That sounds great doesn't it? Well, if I do poorly on that one thing, there goes my entire grade for the course. Either way, it's not so bad.
Accommodation:
I live in a flat (it's just half of a floor on a building) with three other international girls (two Australians and one other American) and 8 first year Brits (5 guys-three of which are named James-and 3 girls). They're all 18/19 years old. They like to go out and drink and they go out nearly every night of the week. They're good kids though. I like them well enough. I live alone in my own room (as you saw in the video). It's nice. I share a bathroom and a kitchen with the rest of the flat.
Cooking is a bit awkward but only because I don't have any of my own pots. I don't really see the point in buying them (though I did buy a cup/bowl for 20 pence at the Charity Shop). My flat mates are very nice and said that it wouldn't be a problem for me to use their pots/pans if I clean them. And I always wash up directly after using it.
People:
I haven't seen too many people with bad teeth, which is something I've gotten asked. I did see a woman on the bus that did. Yikes. Quite the overbite as well. Other than that, people are nice. I'm having an internet problem right now. I haven't been able to connect to the internet from my room. Anyway, I've had a lot of help from the computer people and they were very lovely. At the end of the each telephone conversation I had with this one guy he said, "Thank you! Cheers! Bye now!" It made me smile each time even though they still couldn't figure out why my internet wasn't working.
Accent:
There is a difference between those from the north and those from the south. I can hear the difference but I don't know which is which. Either way, it's an accent, something different than what I'm used to and of course I love it. I have started to get a bit of an accent which makes me feel like a poser but mostly I can't believe it. It's been 9 days! But I guess that's to be expected. I love England (without any real reason behind it) and I've been jealous of the accent for years.
Though sometimes when I watch those crazy Brits speak, it's like their tongue does some weird thing. I can't explain it. It's not like a lisp or anything...I don't know.
Climate:
It's not really super cold or dry here. It's like those days in late fall/early spring where it's cold-ish and it rains, not pouring rain just the really annoying light rain. The kind that you don't really need an umbrella for but it's so annoying in your eyes that you want to put one up even if makes you look like a fool. It's not so bad though. On the days it doesn't rain, and it isn't cold, it's nice.
Nights Out:
I've only been out once. I went to a club with my flat mates on Monday night (yes, Monday! I was shocked as well). I've never been to a club before really. I frequent bars, especially when there is a band (i.e. The Blue Fugue) but never really clubs. I'm not really into dancing. Anyway, the music was...I guess I'd say electro with some dance clubbed out 90s American music. Like "Rhythm is a Dancer" and that one song that was on Jock Jams...I don't remember what it was called. But yea, I laughed a lot that night. And I danced after quite a few drinks.
When I went out to Fylde Bar (it's one of the nine bars on campus-each college has their own bar), I bought a Newcastle because it was the only beer that I was familiar with. I didn't realize how huge the bottle was. I was surprised but glad; it was sort of expensive. I drank it all like a greedy pig and was a bit drunk afterward. But that ended up being good because I talked more to the kids around me (other international students).
Anyway, that's as far as I've meditated. I'll post more later once I've experienced more things. My flat mates are trying to get me to go to Liverpool for the day on Saturday. I haven't decided yet. I'd like to but I haven't been able to get online to see my balance on my bank's website. But yes, things are going well.
*EDIT*
Good grief. I promise to do more proof reading the next time around. I think I repeated myself several times/had numerous grammatical and spelling errors. Poor showing for an English major. But yes, more proof reading in future posts, I promise.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
VIDEO!
Finally got the video to work. I hope you like it. I'm working on other videos (of Lancaster/the Lake District/sheep) and I'll get them to you when I can.
In this video you will find: a short clip of the planes and train I was on and also a bit of my room.
I promise I'll be posting a longer piece soon.
*EDIT*
Sorry the writing is so tiny! I didn't realize it would be that small. Here's a transcript of the writing I put in the video:
Title: Planes and Trains: The Way I Got to England featuring Continental Airways and the British Railway System
KC-New Jersey: The world's tiniest plane. I was upset.
KC to New Jersey in flight snack.
NJ-Manchester: In flight dinner
En route to Lancaster
My Lancaster dorm room
I made it to Lancaster in one piece. The first flight was unpleasant. The second one was better. I like my room well enough though. So far things are going well. I miss you loads.
Oh and here's a bit of technical information about my travels/the video:
My flights/train ride from KC to Newark, NJ to Manchester, to Lancaster, England
Flight One-KC to Newark (approx. 2 hours)
Flight Two- Newark to Manchester (approx. 7 hours)
Train- Manchester to Lancaster (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
My flights were pretty good. The first flight was on a terribly small plane but I managed to make it.
The second flight provided two meals: dinner and breakfast. The dinner was chicken pasta with vegetables. The breakfast was a croissant roll with fruit. I got to watch two movies and an episode of House. There were monitors on the back of the seats in front of you.
The train sounds are artificial. I found a sound bite on my computer of a steam train. I didn't actually go on a steam train.
Music used:
Come Fly With Me by Michael Buble
Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Stuff
Hey guys
I spent the day at the Lake District in England. It was beautiful. Rainy and cold but mostly beautiful. I took pictures (not too many) but I decided to make a Flickr account in order to share more pictures with you. So I added some photos from Lancaster (including the ones from the Burnt Toast entry) and some photos of the trip today. Take a look.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallingintoreverie
I'm still working on uploading the video I made. I've got a few short videos of the lake and the sheep that I'll post later. Now I've got to read a load before class tomorrow.
I spent the day at the Lake District in England. It was beautiful. Rainy and cold but mostly beautiful. I took pictures (not too many) but I decided to make a Flickr account in order to share more pictures with you. So I added some photos from Lancaster (including the ones from the Burnt Toast entry) and some photos of the trip today. Take a look.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallingintoreverie
I'm still working on uploading the video I made. I've got a few short videos of the lake and the sheep that I'll post later. Now I've got to read a load before class tomorrow.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Burnt Toast
I burned toast in the kitchen today. I feel like an idiot. It smelled God awful. The smell was so bad that I had to take a shower because the smokey smell was in my hair. I wrote a note and put it in the kitchen explaining to terrible smell and how I was sorry. Maybe that's too much but I don't want to start off on the wrong foot with people. I have never burned toast in my life and this toast burning was something akin to the Salem witch burning, if you know what I mean. I'm glad there aren't many people around yet but good grief.
Here are a few pictures:
This is the castle! that is in Lancaster. It's currently used as a prison. A low security prison, don't worry.
This is a statue that was donated by...I can't remember who but it's of Queen Elizabeth. There are a bunch of famous Brits around the base, like Charles Darwin, etc.
This is the oldest building in Lancaster. I can't remember how old it is now.
My new Lancaster University hoodie. I love it; although it does smell vaguely of mustard...
The British flag on top of the City Hall. Expecting to see an American one?
Some British money. From left to right, top to bottom row: Two pounds, one pound, fifty pence, twenty pence, ten pence, five pence, two pence (Remember "tuppence" from Mary Poppins?), one penny. It's weird that one pound and two pounds are change. When I get change back I always think I'm getting gipped.
Here is a ten pound note. It's bigger than an American dollar. The smallest note is five pounds.
Here are a few pictures:
This is the castle! that is in Lancaster. It's currently used as a prison. A low security prison, don't worry.
This is a statue that was donated by...I can't remember who but it's of Queen Elizabeth. There are a bunch of famous Brits around the base, like Charles Darwin, etc.
This is the oldest building in Lancaster. I can't remember how old it is now.
My new Lancaster University hoodie. I love it; although it does smell vaguely of mustard...
The British flag on top of the City Hall. Expecting to see an American one?
Some British money. From left to right, top to bottom row: Two pounds, one pound, fifty pence, twenty pence, ten pence, five pence, two pence (Remember "tuppence" from Mary Poppins?), one penny. It's weird that one pound and two pounds are change. When I get change back I always think I'm getting gipped.
Here is a ten pound note. It's bigger than an American dollar. The smallest note is five pounds.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sheep?
It smells like sheep here.
....Yes, sheep. I dont' know why exactly though I did see some sheep in a field on the drive up to the campus. Either way, it didn't seem like there was enough sheep to make it smell like sheep all over the place.
It's not terrible. In fact, the smell is gone today because it's rainy. And cold....but hey, it's England, I was expecting as much.
This is such a weird place. I mean, last night it rained and snowed at the same time but the grass is still a vibrant green. And there's sheep. Outside. Just chilling (literally and figuratively I suppose).
Still no proper internet. The temporary username I have obtained does not work for the internet at my room (whoa, I almost wrote home. Geh) so I can't put up the fun stuff I have promised. At least not yet. I can't because all the fun stuff is on my laptop but I can't access the internet from it. Don't worry though; I'll get my official username on Friday once I officially get registered for classes.
It has become very clear to me that I didn't bring enough of anything. Except maybe socks and underwear. But I suppose I did that subconsciously so I won't feel guilty shopping. However, feeling guilty/bad once I've spent all my money won't make it come back so I've really got to budget once things are all figured out. I'm not too worried about that. I'll figure that all out soon.
It's weird (and also wonderful) the way people are calling me "love" and saying things that I understand but still find completely intriguing. People aren't "named" things, they are "called" things.
There is a porter for my college (I think his name is John) who is very nice. I overheard him telling another girl that "things would be alright." He is very helpful and understanding (as far as I can tell anyway). In our orientation today, we were encouraged to get to know our porters (there is one on duty 24/7 during term) and that we can just "pop down" to talk over a "cup of tea." It all sounds enchanting when I write it that way huh? :D
Anyway, I did have a bit of a downer moment last night at 2 in the morning. I was cold and I suddenly felt like a complete fool for leaving home. I wished my family would be around when I woke up but I knew that wouldn't happen. I cried for a while then went back to bed. Today has been better. I met a girl that I have gotten to know a little bit. She is very nice and we've planned on going into town together tomorrow (with a tour group of other internation students). We also talked about going to London. We both want to go but not alone.
I better get off here before I'm kicked off the computer (it's a timed thing-I've been kicked off once already). More later.
....Yes, sheep. I dont' know why exactly though I did see some sheep in a field on the drive up to the campus. Either way, it didn't seem like there was enough sheep to make it smell like sheep all over the place.
It's not terrible. In fact, the smell is gone today because it's rainy. And cold....but hey, it's England, I was expecting as much.
This is such a weird place. I mean, last night it rained and snowed at the same time but the grass is still a vibrant green. And there's sheep. Outside. Just chilling (literally and figuratively I suppose).
Still no proper internet. The temporary username I have obtained does not work for the internet at my room (whoa, I almost wrote home. Geh) so I can't put up the fun stuff I have promised. At least not yet. I can't because all the fun stuff is on my laptop but I can't access the internet from it. Don't worry though; I'll get my official username on Friday once I officially get registered for classes.
It has become very clear to me that I didn't bring enough of anything. Except maybe socks and underwear. But I suppose I did that subconsciously so I won't feel guilty shopping. However, feeling guilty/bad once I've spent all my money won't make it come back so I've really got to budget once things are all figured out. I'm not too worried about that. I'll figure that all out soon.
It's weird (and also wonderful) the way people are calling me "love" and saying things that I understand but still find completely intriguing. People aren't "named" things, they are "called" things.
There is a porter for my college (I think his name is John) who is very nice. I overheard him telling another girl that "things would be alright." He is very helpful and understanding (as far as I can tell anyway). In our orientation today, we were encouraged to get to know our porters (there is one on duty 24/7 during term) and that we can just "pop down" to talk over a "cup of tea." It all sounds enchanting when I write it that way huh? :D
Anyway, I did have a bit of a downer moment last night at 2 in the morning. I was cold and I suddenly felt like a complete fool for leaving home. I wished my family would be around when I woke up but I knew that wouldn't happen. I cried for a while then went back to bed. Today has been better. I met a girl that I have gotten to know a little bit. She is very nice and we've planned on going into town together tomorrow (with a tour group of other internation students). We also talked about going to London. We both want to go but not alone.
I better get off here before I'm kicked off the computer (it's a timed thing-I've been kicked off once already). More later.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I'm in Fooking England!
Hello ladies and gents.
I'm in England. I made it. I'm alive. I do feel like my head might explode because I've been running around for the past two hours trying to find a computer to send my (worried) family an email that I made it. I'll be posting some fun stuff later. Right now, I'm heading back to my room and passing out for a while.
I'm in England. I made it. I'm alive. I do feel like my head might explode because I've been running around for the past two hours trying to find a computer to send my (worried) family an email that I made it. I'll be posting some fun stuff later. Right now, I'm heading back to my room and passing out for a while.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
With A Name Like Genochio, It Has To Be Good
So I am very nearly done packing. I'm impressed with myself. I've really left a lot of things out because in reality I can live pretty comfortably without a lot of things. I packed my favorite clothes and perfume and scarves. Other stuff too but I honestly can't remember everything.
I was looking through some old blogs and I found this, which I still enjoy greatly because it seems so random/carefree.
What do you do when you want to dance? Turn up the music and f-ing dance.
I hate it when I feel contemplative but I can't really get out a single thought. I just want to write; write anything and everything. Throw caution to the wind and say what I really mean. Ha, like I'd ever do that. I don't want to stomp on anyone's feelings, even if I end up crushing my own in the process.
I like change. I always want to rearrange my room and I love to change my profile picture. At the same time, I'm afraid of change. What happens if I deviate from the "plan"? Is there a plan? Who am I kidding, I never plan.
Say it ain't so. Go dance or something you losers.
I think it's a nice example of how I am sometimes. I'm silly but still very mindful of other people's feelings/etiquette. At the same time, I wrote that little blurb two years ago. I think now I'm more mindful of living up to my expectations and not anyone else's. I've changed in the past year. People have told me that I've changed. I feel different. I mean I actually set up this trip to England. I've always thought about going and I always wanted to. I guess it's the right time now. I feel strong enough. I feel like I could do it.
I was looking through some old blogs and I found this, which I still enjoy greatly because it seems so random/carefree.
What do you do when you want to dance? Turn up the music and f-ing dance.
I hate it when I feel contemplative but I can't really get out a single thought. I just want to write; write anything and everything. Throw caution to the wind and say what I really mean. Ha, like I'd ever do that. I don't want to stomp on anyone's feelings, even if I end up crushing my own in the process.
I like change. I always want to rearrange my room and I love to change my profile picture. At the same time, I'm afraid of change. What happens if I deviate from the "plan"? Is there a plan? Who am I kidding, I never plan.
Say it ain't so. Go dance or something you losers.
I think it's a nice example of how I am sometimes. I'm silly but still very mindful of other people's feelings/etiquette. At the same time, I wrote that little blurb two years ago. I think now I'm more mindful of living up to my expectations and not anyone else's. I've changed in the past year. People have told me that I've changed. I feel different. I mean I actually set up this trip to England. I've always thought about going and I always wanted to. I guess it's the right time now. I feel strong enough. I feel like I could do it.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Countdown To...
The countdown to 2009 is over but my countdown to England still has two days left.
I think it's interesting how every year on New Years people do a year assessment or spend time reflecting. Why does something like a new year prompt this self reflection? I spend a lot of time in self reflection. I suppose a lot of people do (at least I hope so). If not, does that once a year moment really do it for the entire year?
There are God knows how many surveys you can take with random questions like "Did you kiss a person with tattoos in 2008?" Really?
My favorite question was "Did you meet someone who changed your life?" Okay, there is some validity to that question. Some people you meet swoop in and change things up. Other you can meet but it might be years later before you realize how they changed you. The point is, how do you answer that? How can you possibly know?
I do enjoy those surveys though. They're so ridiculous 90% of the time. The things people can come up with, you know?
Alright. I'm still not packed. It's 7:30 but I'm sleepy. Packing. bleh. I don't know anyone that actually packs earlier than the night before traveling.
I think it's interesting how every year on New Years people do a year assessment or spend time reflecting. Why does something like a new year prompt this self reflection? I spend a lot of time in self reflection. I suppose a lot of people do (at least I hope so). If not, does that once a year moment really do it for the entire year?
There are God knows how many surveys you can take with random questions like "Did you kiss a person with tattoos in 2008?" Really?
My favorite question was "Did you meet someone who changed your life?" Okay, there is some validity to that question. Some people you meet swoop in and change things up. Other you can meet but it might be years later before you realize how they changed you. The point is, how do you answer that? How can you possibly know?
I do enjoy those surveys though. They're so ridiculous 90% of the time. The things people can come up with, you know?
Alright. I'm still not packed. It's 7:30 but I'm sleepy. Packing. bleh. I don't know anyone that actually packs earlier than the night before traveling.
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