Hopefully it's not the same old, same old.

Here I am, reading The Importance of Being Earnest in my room, completely unproductive and feeling worthless. Nursing a somewhat battered left knee and a smidge of a hangover, and all I can say is, I hope I snap out of this soon. I'm already getting behind in my classes, I think, I haven't wandered properly, and I feel so groggy and tired because I've been staying up so late. What's happening to me? I'm honestly having the best time of my life, but I know there's so much missing from this experience right now, and I just can't bring myself to remedy that. I can't believe how incredibly slack I've already become on the school work. And now I feel a bit like last semester all over again, devoting myself to meaningless assignments and not fully taking in my surroundings. Except, rather than always homeworking, I'm always wasted, so the school work is suffering as well.

I'm not complaining at all; I wouldn't go out, party, yell GREEEEEEEEEEEEEECE with Bob, and hustle off to class after 4 hours of sleep if I didn't want to. But still, where's the purpose? Where's the meaning? I talked to Ali for almost an hour today, and it made me feel wonderful. I already have all of these insanely funny stories, and I know for certain so many more, and so many more hilarious photos, are to come. But the words of an annoying mouse of a 24 year old keep ringing in my mind, and they weren't even spoken to me. I have travel plans, asshole. I meeting new people and gaining new experiences every second I am in this country. Just becaue I haven't found my way out Shottingham yet doesn't mean I'm not exploring. Ok, enough ranting.

Seriously, though, things are so expensive here, and it really has been difficult to figure out weekend travel plans because of it. Luckily I have ISA, so Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Salisbury, and South Wales, here I come! I must make my way out to the Lake District as well. Hopefully I can convince Mom and Dad to go there with me. Also, luckily Brenz is coming on Thursday!! Being with here will definitely help me snap back into the routines I WANT to be in, rather than these lazy, lethargic ones of been in so far. London and Bristol should be amazing, and I am also going to head out to Oxford to see Ms. Jenny in a couple of weeks. Need to fit in Dublin, Edinburgh, Dover, Cambridge and Paris (BIRTHDAY!! WOOT WOOT!) as well. Goodness goodness, so much to see.

Work it out.

Planning 5 weeks of travel is rough. Let me tell you. I'm really happy that Bob and I basically decided we are traveling together; it's going to be wonderful, and even better when we meet up with people in random spots. March, here we come. Here is the (tentative) itenerary:

Prague
Berlin
Amsterdam (THE TULIPS!!! hahaha)
Montenegro (possibly)
Greece
Italy
Spain
France (Where I'm meeting up with the fam)
England (With the fam once more)

All in 5 weeks...oh, goodness. I am happy to be traveling with someone else, now, rather than go by myself. Sitting on Jer's floor last night, I realized that a) I need to stop being such a loner all of the time and b) I will probably get killed and eaten like in the movie Hostel if I go by myself. No, just joking, I can take care of myself. But the more I think about it, the more I think Bob and I are going to have the most amazing time together. Slash, of course we'll meet up with the others at certain points..Milan game with Spence, definitely. and maybe some other rendezvous around Europa. Utterly fabulous.

We've also been trying to plan weekend trips, mostly to get certain cities out of the way (so to speak) in order spend more time in countries over the break. Normandy sounds wonderful, Dublin/Ireland soon, and other places as well. I really need to figure out visiting Stuart AND my birthday weekend in Paris as well. God, I am going to spend so much money. SO much. I guess you only have opportunities like this rarely...still, I need to work on my budget.

Home away from home.

I've been running around for the past few days, trying to make it to class on time, trying to figure out all of my travel plans and trying to stay hydrated. It's a hard life, let me tell you.

Actually, despite having started classes and beginning to adjust to the crazy scheduling these Brit kids are so used to, I still don't feel like I'm at school. And I know I never will be. Mike Jones and I had an interesting conversation at the bus stop yesterday that really got me thinking. Here in Leicester, I keep forgetting that my friends and family are actually living completely different existences as me. It's so strange to think that, after I will have been here for four months, I am absolutely guaranteed to be a different person than I was last fall, guaranteed to have a different mindset, different outlook on life, different experiences, new friends, loads of stories....and I know that returning to home and, even stranger, KU will be hard to readjust to. Mike Jones said his study abroad orientation had a seminar about reverse culture shock-returning home to the States after being away for months-and I am already trying to guage how rough my reverse culture shock will be. In many ways, I was ready to get away from KU for a bit. I love Lawrence, love love love everything and everyone there, but I really needed a change from the little bubble I was falling into. Brenna and I had a lot of conversation about how people would treat us once we got back to school after having missed an entire semester of craziness and drama and Templin happenings, but, only having been in England for almost two weeks now, I maintain that I am so happy to be here. I really hope people don't expect me to be the same or expect me to be completely different either. All I'm doing is studying at another Uni for a semester. Nothing too drastic, nothing too life-changing (well, in the negative sense). If anything, I'm growing more as a person than any of my friends who stayed at home possibly could. I'm meeting new (AMAZING) people, exploring new places and acquiring more stories and photos than I could possibly know what to do with. It's breathtaking.

Mike and I also talked about what life will be like when we return home and are away from this group of people who we've already grown so close to. For instance, Mike goes to school in North Dakota, so the chances of us seeing each other after Uni here are slim. Moreover, what about the family? I mean, here we are so close-knit already, but back at KU the 4 of us lead COMPLETELY different lives. I wonder how things will change come August.

I am also getting ahead of myself, though. I mean, who knows if I'll still even like any of these people in 4 months time...;)

So much for not feeling overwhelmed.

The work is already beginning to pile up, and yet I still don't feel like I'm at school. Still feels like a vacation, and I am certain it will for a long while. At least I've decorated my room, so this place feels more like home everyday. The weather outside right now is absolutely gorgeous, and I really should be out exploring...Leicester is such a quaint place. Riding on the bus, I love looking at the rows and rows of homes by Vicky Park. It's just like where the Darlings live in Peter Pan. Completely magical.

Brenna is almost in Europe, and I must say that I am quite excited to see her. Once she arrives, I'll probably trip out to Bristol with her for my first (unless I leave this weekend...) trip out of Leicester since I've been here. The start of this week made me remember that I've got to get on top of planning out all of my travels; I think it will be quite easy to get all wrapped up in the drunken broohaha that is Leicester, which is so so fun, but I really want to see Europe and the UK as well. I feel quite behind, and it frustrates me, particularly since I had all of these grand plans to get organized and settled. I'll do it, though. I will.

I love Leicester completely and fully, even if I did wake up this morning with bruises on my face and wrists. Damn that son of mine.

And it's all coming together...

Wow, the last couple of days have been INSANE. I feel like I've been going a bit nonstop ever since I got to England, which is funny since I'll have so much down-time once classes start. That's to be expected, though, since I just got here. Registration has been somewhat of a hassle, but I've had it much easier than a lot of other people since all of my classes are in one department. I'm taking:

Renaissance Drama: Shakespeare and his Contemporaries
History of the English Language
Victorians to Moderns: Literature from 1870-1945

I'm excited about all of my classes (I think), but the scheduling here is so much different than in the US. Rather than having class in the same place, at the same time, on the same days, the timetables are all mishmashed. So, I have about 1 class per day, and that's really it. Unfortunately I have class on Fridays, so I can't duck out for long weekends. Pretty much everybody has class on Fridays, though, so I won't be missing many travel opps with the group! I'm still not certain if I've completely figured everything out, so I that's on my to-do list, along with MANY other tasks, for today.

Last night was RIDICULOUS and amazing. I think my favorite quote BY FAR was "Look at how hammered my brother is right now..." Looks like the family is back together!! I knew it couldn't stay broken for too long. But last night was so fun. The Students' Union has a dance club, and there's a huge party on Friday nights that everyone goes to. It's such a different atmosphere/feeling than going to an SUA party at KU, for instance. Haha, probably because there were 4 or 5 bars, and from 10 to 11 they have £1 drinks. Reminds me a bit of Bourbon Street on a Thursday, in that regard...hehe. It's been really nice to come here and actually be able to feel like more of an adult (maybe a highly alcoholic, irresponsible adult, but an adult nonetheless).

The people we went out with are the same ones since the first night. The majority of them live in Black Block (I, unfortunately, live in Yellow Block, but, luckily, it's only a few hops and a skip away from Black), and they are absolutely wonderful. I can't believe how friendly and open they've all been. They're used to Americans, so I think that has something to do with it, but usually all you hear is that Brits are frigid. They are completely welcoming and really outgoing. Actually, I'm reallllly surprised at how outgoing they've been. I thought they'd all be really reserved and a bit "prude" in some senses, but, damn, these kids completely let go of their inhibitions. And it's quite a site to see.

Today I plan on exploring the city, going downtown with everyone, maybe do some shopping....ha, today's the first day I've gotten to sleep in, but I had to get up at 9 because I really couldn't sleep anymore. I've adjusted to the time difference quite well, and haven't napped since I've been here. So proud, so proud.

Unfortunately, though, I haven't really had any opportunities to wander around and explore yet. I'm hoping that after classes I'll just be able to take a book with me and go sit somewhere and people watch. It's really the best way to observe people completely, I think.

What a wonderful feeling.

Wow, England is honestly amazing, and I haven't been here for an entire week yet. I can't believe I was just in London, and now I'm in Leicester, and it is equally wonderful! The last two days in London were terrific, although a lot was jammed in in very short period of time. I guess that's to be expected, though, when you're a tourist. I can't wait to go back to London with Brenz, the fam, and by myself, just to wander and explore like I wish I could've done this week. However, I did see all of the highlights (as Susanna, our tour guide, kept calling them...but honestly, isn't EVERYTHING in London a highlight?)--Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, British Museum, Globe Theater, River Thames, Jack the Ripper walking tour--and much more, particularly when some of us would just wander off, or go out at night. London is absolutely beautiful, and, thankfully, we had two days of really gorgeous weather. Also, I must say I can't wait to go to Berlin and Prague because the guy leading the tour, Simon, is HILARIOUS. Oh wow, more good times ahead.

And now I'm in Leicester, still not feeling like I'm actually going to go to school, but I guess I'm not really. My classes should be rather easy, so the majority of my time here will be spent travelling, boozing (yes, I am THAT girl, haha), and getting to know all of the Brits, who have been so welcoming already. Last night was completely belige and out of control, and FABULOUS. It's so great to be welcomed in by all of these people; they're used to Americans, so that's refreshing. Apparently, though, we all have some pretty huge shoes to fill this semester.

Ha, I think we can do it, judging by last night's debacle...hehe.

Ooooh, la la London!

Gah, yes, I am finallllly in London! I absolutely cannot believe I'm here. Today/yesterday, after several hours spent on airplanes and sitting around in airports, I met some wonderful people in my group and toured the Tower of London and boated on the Thames. Oh my, I am in England.

I do have to say, it still feels completely surreal. Yesterday, I was in Atlanta. Now I am across a GIANT ocean in a completely different world. I am in Love with London already. And I've only been here since 6:50 this morning. It must have been love at first sight.

Today made me realize once and for all, though, that the whole tourist gig really isn't my scene. I hate being restricted to the schedule of a group, and I hate walking around in a huge group period. I'd much rather take it all in by myself. I know I'd be looking at these sites and this city in general with an entirely different frame of surrounding if I were alone. Of course, I am still exploring and wandering and absorbing and basking in the beauties of London. Yet, I think the combination of jet lag and overbooked scheduling are hindering my abilities to delve into London. Oh well, it's not like this is going to be my one and only excursion into the city.

I did, however, get the opportunity to take some great photos of the Tower and such while we had some free time. There were some amazing blue doors on the Queen's House, and I spent a fair amount of time snapping shots while everyone else partook in the different methods of torture used at the Tower throughout history. Well, of course I also saw the torture chamber, too. :)

Taking photos today made me wish I a) had a better camera (like Angie's, perhaps...hehe) and b) had a bit of expertise in the photo-taking area. I know I'm not doing London any justice at all. Hopefully, though, I'll get better as the trip rolls along; I really want some memorable photos to come out of this trip.

F**K, I would lose my passport the day before I leave the country...

Luckily I found it after a frantic hour of searching (in a bag in my closet, no less..eh, go figure). I must say that having my trip slip through my fingers that easily didn't make it seem any less surreal to me. I'm going to England. I AM GOING TO ENGLAND. Oh my, the next 5 months are going to be something else, to say the least.

Gah, I am so excited and, honestly, not nervous at all. Yes, I am completely brash, completely loud, completely outspoken, quite outgoing, and probably too damn American for my own good, but, regardless of how others perceive me, I know Europe will be absolutely amazing. I will be poor (damned pound!!) and have to basically start all over again in the friend market, but none of that worries me at all. It's England, for goodness sake, and I don't really see how anyone could not have a good time studying and travelling in another country.

I've heard stories about studying abroad being lonely and secluded if you don't really put yourself out there. Yet, that doesn't scare me at all. I love wandering around by myself, I love BEING by myself, so I am pretty certain I will be golden the whole time. Chin up, eyes open, ready to explore.

Well, I guess there is one thing I am a bit worried about...I'm worried I'll never want to come back!

Packing.

I hate to Bogart Brenna's entry title, but I do feel "Packing." is the only way to describe the state of my life at present. It seems as though I am perpetually packing, whether getting ready for England or for a night over at someone's house.

I used to love packing. The thought of actually going somewhere always made me so excited, and then I'd spend hours picking out exactly what I wanted to bring and inevitably overstuffing some rolly suitcase. Now that I'm older and going to college so far away from home, I feel like packing has almost become a burden. Honestly, how can you possibly pack your entire life away into one checked bag and one small carry-on? For even a normal person (and by normal, I mean someone who doesn't have a million pairs of shoes that she is dying to wear in Europe..ha) this is an almost impossible task. I don't want to go to England with the mentality that it is not where I'm living, only staying for awhile until I go "home." I'm going to school in Leicester. I'm living in Leicester. I am not just visiting. Knowing this, how I possibly sit down and decide what is important enough to take with me and what is not? Don't I own these things, these relics of my life because I found something important, something BEAUTIFUL, about every single piece?

And then there's this question of what home really is. I mean, if my parent's house in Roswell is my "home," why are the things from my room, my childhood obects, packed away in boxes? Sometimes I feel less at home in my house in Georgia than I do in other places, like my room at school. So why wouldn't I try to make England my home? Who knows, maybe I'll end up falling in love with Europe (ok, that's definitely a given) and never want to come "home" again (that may be a stretch, but we'll see how I feel come May.)

With all of this in mind, then, I guess I'll continue packing and re-packing. I refuse to be limited by the rules of the shuttle bus completely.

I guess the post office employees and I will just have to become best friends.