a little homesick

Pouring rain today. Good thing my umbrella is so cute.

Woke up and felt pretty homesick. Before I came, there was a meeting at Towson with some kids who'd studied abroad before. They sat us down and told us how to prepare, and what to expect from our trips abroad. They said that the first 3 weeks or so were really hard; that it'd be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I remember thinking that that wouldn't be the case for me. Being new to a school is not a big deal. After Liberty, CSM and then Towson, I've got being the new kid down to an art. I get along with the majority of people I meet, and it takes a lot to get me down. And yeah, I knew it'd be hard to leave for so long, but I had no idea how hard it would actually be. I'm not used to being so moody- it is a bit like a roller coaster. My high's are really high, and my low's are really low.

My parents have been so supportive. I feel so lucky to have them. I called last night during family night, and hearing my siblings voices was great. I miss the noise of being home. Just little stuff like the vacuum going or Phoebe's collar clinking. I miss Towson as well! Having a cafeteria right outside my dorm is something I'd taken for granted. I miss the stuff I was involved in. I need to find somewhere to sing here ASAP. I miss swapping little anecdotes with my roommates/suitemates :)

I'm anxious to start classes; getting into a routine is key.

I've become really dependent on Christ- that's been a big positive about this whole situation. I talk to Him constantly, and I feel prayers from home. It is so comforting to know that while I'm so far away from everyone and everything I know, He's right here. There is something so incredibly comforting about knowing He's in control and has a plan for me.

Here Comes The Sun, do n do do...

The sun came out today! I never thought I'd be blogging about the sun, but here I am. It was so nice to see it. Kinda like a visit from an American friend or something. Even if our visit consisted of a quick hello and then good bye, I was SO happy to have a little sun on my face.

It surprises me that I have a hard time understanding the British sometimes. Their accent, awesome as it is, is almost lazy. They don't articulate much, consonants at the ends of words are completely lost. They don't say "th" they say "f", like think vs fink. Their lingo is funny too. "Ta" means thank you, as well as "Cheers". Everyone calls you love, and they actually refer to the bathroom as the "loo". I kinda thought that was only in movies. I asked a saleswoman where rain boots were, and she didn't know what I was talking about. They call them "wellies" here. (Olen ;) It's a mobile, not a cell phone. It's a marion, not a mall. They have milk here that lasts 6 months. How is that possible? And why don't we have it in the US?

Also, the girls in Leeds are notorious for skimpy clothing. I've never seen anything like it. Yes, at Towson I'd see those girls walking around in January in a little black dress on their way to a club, but that's nothing compared to Leeds. I would say the majority of the girls here walk around in a mini skirt and tanktop. Us study abroad kids can't get over it. We just stand there, jaws dropped, shivering in our coats and hats. If it wasn't a creeper thing to do, I'd get a picture for you. What's that all about? Craziness.

Anyway, I'm doing fine here. A little more homesick than I anticipated, but every day is a little easier. I am starting to get used to the city too. Living on this city campus is totally different than what I' used too at Towson. Cooking is a challenge. If you know any easy recipes, send them my way, eh?

More later! :)

An English Birthday

I have never been so miserable and so happy all in one day.
I also don't have time to be writing now; It's 1 am here and I need sleep. I'm just pumped. And so much has happened I feel I will forget it by tomorrow :) Here it goes.

I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and verbally informed myself that today was going to be a good day. (Don't judge) Then I looked out the window. Rainy. Then I took a shower. Cold as a mo fo. Then I plugged in my hair dryer. It BLEW UP. My fingers got this black crap all over them that took ages to get off. Good Lord, England. Why do you hate me?

Went to orientation (with cold wet hair, mind you) and met some cool kids. We got some lunch. Well, they got lunch. I have been sick to my stomach since my arrival. I had no idea how much my stomach responds to nerves. Then again, I have never been this nervous in my entire life. Ick. I called my parents who wished me a happy birthday and told me to look in a pocket of my luggage for a gift. It was my favorite pair of earrings, that happen to be my mothers. I love them. I read my facebook posts, and the comments on my blog, and missed home so much I could have died. I'd made plans with the international kids earlier to meet up for dinner, but was scared because I had to walk alone in the dark, and didn't know my way. I started inviting random people from the dorm, so I'd have someone to walk with. No one said yes.

A few minutes later I heard a knock at my door and it was this sweet Chinese dude, Tod. He told me I wasn't walking alone- that'd he take me. I wanted to give him a big hug. We met up with the others and everything turned around. It was a GREAT night. I feel so close with the study abroad kids already- they are such interesting, worth while people, not to mention a great time :D The whole time I kept thinking about how well my English friends and my American friends would get along. Seriously, you'd love them. Sara and Ruby, I can't wait for you to meet them when you come! I told them it was my 21st birthday and they bought me drinks the rest of the night. The night life here is insane. Plus, flashing my ID for a bouncer gave me the biggest thrill. I feel like I could go on and on and ON about tonight, but I won't bore you :) Over all, things are looking up. WAY up.

All is well that ends well, eh?

Cheers!!

Over the Pond...

Well, I'm here, and it's been the quite the day. I've had about 2 hours of sleep in the last 28, so after this I will be heading off to bed.

Saying good bye to my family was at the airport was hard; I did shed some tears, but I got that 10 bucks anyway :) The flight was AMAZING. I haven't flown in about 5 years or so, but wow have things improved. Last I checked, there was one movie- if you like it cool, if not, oh well- and the choices for lunch were turkey or ham. On this flight I had my own personal screen and about 20 movies to choose from. (watched The Hangover and couldn't help laughing out loud. Sorry, guy napping infront of me) Plus I had freakin salmon for lunch. Salmon! And this green stuff I didn't recognize that was delicious. If you don't recognize it, it must be fancy, yeah?

Upon arrival, I was disappointed to find that my flat mates weren't here. It's pretty lonely so far. I also hadn't been able to get a connection to anyone at home, which was hard. I was really tired, but even more hungry, so I decided to venture into town for some groceries. I met a couple on the bus who reminded me of my parents and asked them where the nearest grocery store was. Our conversation:(ps- I'd like to point out that she was gesturing at me with her closed umbrella the whole time :)

Me: Excuse me, do you know where the nearest grocery store is?
Lady: Oh my goodness, are you from America?
Me: Yeah, I'm studying here til June.
Lady: Well, you're a ballsy one! (haha.) You're here alone then?
Me: Yeah, I just arrived a few hours ago.
Lady: Oh my! Have you rung your mum yet? (I gather this lady was a "mum" herself.)
Me: *shakes head no*
Lady: Are you frightened?
Me: *shakes head yes and starts crying*

Sigh. Not my proudest moment. They went on to tell me how I brave I was (needed to hear that), and that it's okay to be scared. Then they got off and walked me all the way to the store. I like the British.

Finally got a hold of my family and Ruby this afternoon, took a short nap, and later heard some noise in an upstairs hall. I went up, introduced myself and had dinner with Vincent from France and Fatima from India. I couldn't have been happier to meet them :)

So far I've been a little out of my comfort zone, and I've been on the brink of tears for most of the day :/ But I'm staying positive. I keep telling myself to just get through the first week. I know I'll adapt soon.

This, plus a back pack was all I took with me

England, Here I Come!

About 8 months ago, I saw a Study Abroad flyer in the Student Union at Towson. In about 8 hours, I'll board a plane to Leeds, England. Yikes. Spending a semester in another country has been on my To Do list since my cousin Nicole studied in Spain when I was 10. I remember her coming back all grown up, with lots of stories to share, and some sweet Spanish boots. I want that for myself. Even the boots.

It was pretty trippy waking up today knowing I wouldn't be waking up in America for another 5 months. Gotta say, I'm pretty pumped. I've been mad nervous all week, to the point of nausea even, but today feels good. Hoping this feeling lasts. Plus, Dad told me he'd give me 10 bucks if I didn't cry at the gate. And with this exchange rate, I could use 10 bucks ;)