Another Blog Already?!

Yeah, I know it hasn't been long since I last posted. But I miss y'all and I wanna keep you informed.

You got a problem with that?!


........

Didn't think so :p

ANYWAY, I just wanted to say that my first day into my second week [at Keele] has been great! My classes are going smoothly, and I signed up for the gym! It felt great to just get on that treadmil and run all my stress away! (Actually, there isn't much stress, as I already did most of my work for the next few weeks because SOMEBODY told me my classes were going to be hard!)

Lemme rewind a bit. This past weekend was AMAZING! I went to the SU (Students Union) on Friday for Refresher's ball. That was pretty fun, but Saturday was the best. All I did Saturday was wake up at noon, clean my room, do laundry, and hang out with my blockmates. Why was that better than a ball/concert you ask?

1. I felt very self-sufficient; that was my first time using a public laundrette (it went off without a hitch, if anyone was wondering!)
2. It was cheaper than going back to the SU (the alcohol I bought was a fraction of the costs at the SU)
3. I got to just hang out with my blockmates and get to know them better! And that, to me, beats any day out! (Plus, I just got to lounge around in my yoga pants and slippers :p)

Sunday was also very nice. A bunch of friends and I met up at ye olde Snyde Arms for a dinner. I really like that little tradition we have going! Plus some of our friends went out to Manchester for the weekend, so it was nice catching up and sharing stories :)

I'm glad I'm starting to settle into life abroad. At first, I was really skeptical, homesick, and almost regretting my decision to come here. Now I'm remembering why I did this trip in the first place; to find myself. Yeah, I may have left some important things back home (one very recent event in particular!) but I know a world that is both familiar and new will be awaiting my return! One thing my Mom taught me was to stick with something once I chose it and to follow through. I wasn't about to let a few days of homesickness change a once in a lifetime experience! I'm saying all this because one of my friends here who is also studying abroad is contemplating bailing out and going back home. Don't do it! You put so much time and money into this trip, and it will be well worth it in the end! One day you'll look back and feel proud of yourself for following through! Yeah, times may seem hard right now, but those are the times that make you stronger!

OK, enough Oprahesque empowerment (although that's better than ANY medicine!) I think I may have a domestic streak inside me, afterall. I recently bought groceries (cold groceries...which means I actually HAVE to go to the kitchen now) and saw a world of opportunities! I actually caught myself planning recipes to cook with my fellow Americans in E-block! I suppose this isn't a bad thing...or it could be; I'm the only girl in this kitchen-alliance, and I have a feeling I'll be the one volunteering to cook. But it's OK, I need the practice! And watch out, Mimi, I might be the one cooking the gumbo next year ;) [if she doesn't yell at me to GET OUT OF HER KITCHEN!]

Well, I'll keep you all updated on my next adventure/enlightening moment! Until then!

First week: Completed!

Hey y'all!

Well, my first week of actual class at Keele is coming to a close. I went through three different stages in this week, which ended up making it a crazy and new experience!

The first stage was disbelief...I don't have classes here! There's no way! My school's waaaay across the Atlantic Ocean, and I'm waaaay over here on extended vacation---oh, hello 9 AM psychology lecture! Yeah, it took me til about Thursday to accept the fact that I AM in school and I HAVE to do work!

The second stage was a bit of a downer; I didn't understand why I came here in the first place; if I wanted to go to school, I should've just stayed home where I had all of my friends and I knew all of my professors already. Made no sense to me to just become a freshman again.

The third stage was acceptance and enjoyment. I decided yesterday that I really like it here! This past week has been "Refreshers week" which is similar to Loyola week back home but with cooler events, because Keele has bars and clubs in their student union. The events range from a "skins" themed party to a ball that took place last night. Overall, they're just excuses to dress up a bit and go out! We also had a Keele reception in the fancy-fancy building that is Keele hall. They were passing out wine and h'orderves, and it was a very good night! We all went to a bar that's close to my dorm after for 1.10 drinks, which is a pretty good deal! I went to quite a few events, and I'm really glad I did; I made a lot of new friends and got to know my blockmates and the internationals better.

Speaking of the other internationals, they're making this trip for me! We do almost everything together and provide such a great support-system for each other! Plus, they're all really fun people! A bunch of us went into town last Wednesday and easily made it the best day here so far. It's just great knowing that other people here are going through the adjustments and changes that I'm experiencing.

Anywho, I guess the classes are important. I absolutely adore my philosophy class! We had a seminar yesterday, and I totally owned the debate (go Aristotle!) I like how the classes are set up with a lecture one hour with a seminar as a separate class. My English class is going to be really fun, as well! Psychology seems to be my least interesting class, but it should be an easy-A! I swapped my history course for Japanese, and the sensei put me in Japanese 6!! That's the highest level Keele offers, but she thinks that even that class will be too easy for me! I'm not complaining; I'm on vacation, remember?

I can't believe January is coming to a close! That means Mardi Gras season is starting soon, which I know is going to make me extremely homesick! I miss all of you dearly, but find solace in the face that I am having a great time here!

Happy hump day!

How's everyone's Wednesday been? Mine's been GREAT. Wanna know why?

Do ya...?

I didn't have class today :p Apparently Wednesday is free for most students, so we can catch up on work, participate in clubs, play sports, etc. So, last night, I went out with Sue and her roommates to Revolution's which is sort of like a pub-club hybrid. It just so happened to be 2 for 1, so we got some pitchers and just hung out. I was glad I went out with them, because I had been feeling really down earlier. I guess it's just adjusting to England...also, the weather here really is dreary. I've only seen the sun once since I moved onto campus...and it was only out for 30 minutes! I need my sun! Also, my hair seems to just go curly while I'm here, as well. I wonder if that'll continue when I come back home for the summer...
Speaking of summer, I'm already missing my NOLA weather. What's that? It's cold over there, too? OK, well come to England for a week and let me know how you feel about your 50* "chill" I am going to bask in the sun for an entire week straight when I come back. OK, that's a lie...I'd look like an alligator if I did that!

Anywho, I'm getting to know the other int'ls very well. They're all really great friends! A bunch of us went to Newcastle today to do some shopping, and I figured out my phone plan. I only pay 10 pounds/month for unlimited texting and 100 minutes. That's a pretty sweet deal! Some people were talking about not getting a phone, but I really think I need one...just in case, you know? I also went out with some of my blockmates Monday night. They're all really sweet (guys and gals included) and take good care of their friends!

I also got the rest of my groceries and various goods today. It feels great having real pillows, mugs, bowls, and food in my room! I also bought some small postcards to decorate my room with. Whenever I get homesick, I can always write on one!
I've had most of my classes already, and they really don't seem so bad. English is going to be a lot of reading, and I already have a paper due tomorrow night for philosophy, but the workload isn't really that heavy. And with a lot of breaks in between, I think I can keep up my grades while enjoying myself! I'm probably going to swap history for Japanese tomorrow, so I just stay in practice and hopefully can continue with the right class when I return to Loyola.

We had a club fair today, and I saw a few clubs I'd like to join. Most of them cost money, but the magazine club is free...I think it'd be neet to submit some written pieces for Keele's magazine...there's also a karate club, but I need to save my money!

I can't believe my first week of classes is already halfway over! In 2 more months, I'll be leaving for my "adventures abroad" whilst on break. I already feel like time is flying by!

As always, I'll keep you cats back home posted! I miss you all dearly! I'll try to post some pictures of the school and surrounding places up soon!

Settled!

Yoooo!

Well, I'm finally settled into my new "home" for the next 5 mos. It's the absolute last dorm that I wanted, but it's really not that bad. The 20 minute walk every morning/evening is going to kill me, but I met some int'ls that are here, and we're gonna make a pact to walk together to most things. The people in my building are CRAZY though! In a good kind of way! I was greeted with a beer and alt. music, so they're all right in my book. Most of the girls keep to themselves, but I've met quite a few guys. I'll turn it into a proper co-ed frat house soon enough!

The first night, I went to the Snyde Arms, which is a quaint little pub (the kind one sees in theatres, mainly) that attracts a lot of locals, so I got to meet some non-uni people, as well. I had too much fun that night and overslept for my orientation the next day...it's OK, I was only an hour late, got everything I needed, and I won't be doing it again as I have an alarm clock now! I went shopping with the other int'ls, which was a lot of fun. I also got a lot of essentials that I needed, so I felt better after coming back (glad to have my phone, especially!) Tonight, I went to the Students Union, which has various bars, lounges, and nightclubs. It was toga-themed tonight...I'm so mad I left my toga at home! I would've been the only one reppin' the black and gold! WHO DAT! (I got into a fight with two Americans over the Saints...don't worry, I defended my boys valiantly!) Everyone seems really cool, though, and I can't wait to meet more of the actual Keele students!

School por la manana!

Yo all!

As most of you know, I went to Liverpool yesterday with Sue and Alex. It was fun having a "Loyola runion" while bumming around liverpool. By the way, I've found my city soulmate. Does love at first sight of a city exist? I think so! Liverpool is fantastic!!! With the mix of old and VERY new, it's the perfect city for me! It's also by a river, just like New Orleans! Naturally, I went to a Beatles museum, which was a kick in the butt! I got to see a lot of old things that belonged to them, and I found a replica of Paul's bass. If I have enough money in May, I'm going back to buy it...or I might just get the tiny replica that's cheaper...anyway, I'm definitely frequenting that place, as it's only an hour away.

Also, I got my first taste of the English family lifestyle. Sue and her parents have been amazing hosts! I had my first real pudding tonight, which was super! And homemade French onion, and spaghetti, and amazing hospitality! I think the South has some competition!

Oh, and I got to see the English Wal*Mart, ASDA. It's basically a more organized version of walmart with two stories and a sweet elevator (carries your cart up with you!) The prices are just like walmart at home, so I know where I'm going for groceries, supplies, etc. They serve SoCo in a can...I can't escape New Orleans! I also got to see this place called Argos, where you order your product from a catalogue and then wait to pick up your product (about 4 min wait.) ...yeah, it's still strange for the English, lol!

Overall, my stay has been great so far. Now the actual schooling begins...I'm just a little nervous to be starting a new school. I'm sure it'll be fine! I get to find out where I'm staying tomorrow, so I'll keep y'all updated!

TOUCHDOWN!

Yeah, I know the Saints are out. Funny story, though. The lady checking boarding passes in Atlanta wouldn't let me through because I had on my Shockey jersey. Too bad the dirty birds' wings have been clipped!

Anyway, both flights were OK. This nice man from South Africa sat next to me and helped me with a lot of things. He even got me a trolley and helped me load my luggage! Just goes to show you that there are nice people in this world! I hope he has a nice trip with his daughter :) Also, I'm officially and immigrant! Border patrol went off without a hitch...I'm envious

My girl, Sue, picked me up from the airport, and I got my first experience of the London Tube. It's basically a cleaner, nicer version of NYC's subway...but the people on there are just as unfriendly. No Southern hospitality around here, no siree! I didn't get to see much of London...I had no idea how HUGE that city was! Also, I'm pretty jetlagged, so I had to cut my trip short. I'll be back! It's just insane to think of how OLD that city is and how much history lives here...I like being a part of something that holds such a great and long legacy! I mean I thought New Orleans was old, but DAYUM!

Anywho, just wanted to see I'm here, safe, and well looked after! I'll have a permanent address by Friday, for whoever wants it! P.S. I ADORE snail mail :)

Peace out, girl scouts!

And so it begins...

Well, here I am...sitting in my room for the last night. Everything's packed...well, except for the laptop...and my makeup...and I need to load my carry-on. OK, so everything's pretty much packed! I guess I'm still in denial. I'm not leaving tomorrow. Hell no!

Oh,I am?

Heh...

I've been waiting for this ever since I started Loyola. I know it's going to be good for me. I'm a pretty sheltered kid...it's time to see the world on my own. Well, not completely on my own. I got my P.I.C. Sue, and we are going to feel so fly like a G6! And I'll get to go to other countries while I'm there! I guess I'm mostly apprehensive because I don't know what to expect. I'm stepping out into the world for my first time. It's going to be VERY strange being away from the only city I've ever called home...and I'm going to miss all of my friends, of course! (...some more than others :p)

But that's why I have this blog! I'll be able to recount all of my various adventures here (hopefully weekly) for your entertainment/knowledge/cure for late night boredom!

Anywho, the other posts will hopefully be more entertaining than this one, and don't forget to keep in touch! My Skype screenname is: smoketheforce. And I'll get whoever wants my address next Friday!

Keep it real!