Tonight wasn't Saturday night, it was Friday night. Tell that to me and Ashley a few hours ago.
This 4 day (5 day for Ashley) weekend really screws you up! Doesn't matter. After noon tomorrow it will be all business!
But tonight was the first night out for the camera. Some good ones coming!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
You make me want to activate my oncogenes. (and my first celebrity sighting!)
It was my first week of school, so I think I can be excused for not blogging!
School isn't too intense yet. But, life will be over shortly... They structure classes so strangely here. We don't have a finals week, but a finals month. June. No one talk to me in June. OK, thanks. I take all of these classes (6 total) and take the finals for 2 weeks in June. I get to pick it in the next 2 weeks. (Cross your fingers that I get chlamydia...) I have to read every paper ever about the organism/system and write a project proposoal by December. All with the classes, and with their papers, and their paper bashing, and their poster projects, etc. I just want to get a project I will love (chlamydia) so it will be fun and not work (chlamydia). This weekend I am going to read over all of the labs, then meet with profs next week to discuss (the chlamydia).
I had molecular therapeutics and molecular diagnostics today. Therapeutics is like molecular biology and it's ethical and legislative components all together at once! And the professor keeps class interesting and entertaining, and knows everything! She is like IU's Winkie! I was dreading sitting in class for three (3!!!) hours but it was over before I knew it...
My classmates and I then headed off to diagnostics for another 3 hours of fun-filled-bio-learning! And it was TERRIBLE. The professor cannot do public speaking whatsoever! I feel bad for him, but, dude, you are a professor... I was really surprised because he is youngish and really really nice looking. But, everyone (EVERYONE) was looking around to see if this was serious. If he had to read something from a sheet of paper, he would put it over his face about an inch from his nose. We had a break an hour and a half in and half the class packed up their things and left. My friend and I were laughing outside about the general response from the class (Again, I do feel bad for him, and I wouldn't ever leave, because that is mean...) and one guy asked us if we still had a pulse... At one point the professor said, "I hope you find molecular diagnostics interesting..." The class all started laughing. It was really funny, but I felt really guilty... because I couldn't help but laugh too.
I was going to give this it's own post, but frankly he isn't worth it. You'll see.--- After class I went to Lilywhites (Picidilly Circus) to see if I could get some yoga pants for my 7:00 p.m. pilates class. This is what happened: They took my money. I bought bangles for goddsakes. BANLGES! I will be wearing those stupid bangles in my grave, just out of shame. Anyway, as I was walking by Eros (really famous statue) at P. Circus to go to my gym, I had to sneeze, and so I turn all the way back around (habit - not sure why). I saw a camera, and thought, "Huh, what is being filmed?" Ryan Seacrest. HAHAHAHAHAHA!! I walked right past him and didn't notice. Thank God I sneezed! Then I went to class.
Terry: Where the * are you? E-mail me (mdmetcal@gmail.com) and then get on Yahoo so we can talk.
School isn't too intense yet. But, life will be over shortly... They structure classes so strangely here. We don't have a finals week, but a finals month. June. No one talk to me in June. OK, thanks. I take all of these classes (6 total) and take the finals for 2 weeks in June. I get to pick it in the next 2 weeks. (Cross your fingers that I get chlamydia...) I have to read every paper ever about the organism/system and write a project proposoal by December. All with the classes, and with their papers, and their paper bashing, and their poster projects, etc. I just want to get a project I will love (chlamydia) so it will be fun and not work (chlamydia). This weekend I am going to read over all of the labs, then meet with profs next week to discuss (the chlamydia).
I had molecular therapeutics and molecular diagnostics today. Therapeutics is like molecular biology and it's ethical and legislative components all together at once! And the professor keeps class interesting and entertaining, and knows everything! She is like IU's Winkie! I was dreading sitting in class for three (3!!!) hours but it was over before I knew it...
My classmates and I then headed off to diagnostics for another 3 hours of fun-filled-bio-learning! And it was TERRIBLE. The professor cannot do public speaking whatsoever! I feel bad for him, but, dude, you are a professor... I was really surprised because he is youngish and really really nice looking. But, everyone (EVERYONE) was looking around to see if this was serious. If he had to read something from a sheet of paper, he would put it over his face about an inch from his nose. We had a break an hour and a half in and half the class packed up their things and left. My friend and I were laughing outside about the general response from the class (Again, I do feel bad for him, and I wouldn't ever leave, because that is mean...) and one guy asked us if we still had a pulse... At one point the professor said, "I hope you find molecular diagnostics interesting..." The class all started laughing. It was really funny, but I felt really guilty... because I couldn't help but laugh too.
I was going to give this it's own post, but frankly he isn't worth it. You'll see.--- After class I went to Lilywhites (Picidilly Circus) to see if I could get some yoga pants for my 7:00 p.m. pilates class. This is what happened: They took my money. I bought bangles for goddsakes. BANLGES! I will be wearing those stupid bangles in my grave, just out of shame. Anyway, as I was walking by Eros (really famous statue) at P. Circus to go to my gym, I had to sneeze, and so I turn all the way back around (habit - not sure why). I saw a camera, and thought, "Huh, what is being filmed?" Ryan Seacrest. HAHAHAHAHAHA!! I walked right past him and didn't notice. Thank God I sneezed! Then I went to class.
Terry: Where the * are you? E-mail me (mdmetcal@gmail.com) and then get on Yahoo so we can talk.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Let's play Ketchup.
THURSDAY: Ashley and I gathered our dirty things (ie. everything) and did some much needed laundry. (It was day three in my blue argyles...) The launderette (what a ridiculous word) in our complex is 3£ per load, so we called e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e in London - in the north, in the south- to find somewhere cheaper. It is 3£ everywhere. We sucked it up, combined our 3 loads of clothes. Then we each vowed to do everything possible make a friend with washing/drying facilities in our travel zone. (Success: see Friday) Then it was 20 pence to dry. Not too bad. Oh wait, the machine stops after 3 minutes. So, make that 20 pence every 3 minutes! We just kept throwing 20p coins in the machines. Finally, when we were out of even our copper (1 and 2p coins [complete junk, usually]) we just walked home with damp clothes. I've had them scattered around my room for the past 48 hours.
Later in the evening I went to a 'girls night' event with a facebook friend at a posh bar near Trafalgar. A professional stylist curled my hair. Well, it was given a good wave, which lasted approximately 1 hour. I did get a goodie bag with all sorts of nice things. Earlier in the evening the club had only girls in it, which was really fun. At about 10 they started letting men in. This was the first time (and last time) in history I had a hand at getting a man kicked out of a club. Later, Ashley and I went dancing at TigerTiger, to commemorate school starting, when nothing will be the same!
FRIDAY: OK.... I slept late. Really late. Anyway, by the time I was finally awake and functioning it was about time to go ice skating, which, by the way- I am really good at. ... or at least good considering I had only skated once before. I was better than most newbies. In fact, one girl was inching her way along, holding on to the edge of the rink and fell. Instinctively she grabbed whatever she could. What did she grab? My hair. Luckily, she must have realized what she did and let go because I didn't go down. And good for her, because my feet had actual blades attached to them, and I was much more skilled at using them, and she was already down. But, nah, she let go, so I was a good sport.
I felt bad because ice-skating was expensive, so I treated my friend to a game of bowling. This costs 12 dollars/person. This made me suck.so.much.air! He told me he thought we were also required to rent shoes. I pretended I didn't hear him. In London, I am considered a really really good at bowler. He asked me why I was so good. I am from Indiana, I say. (I bowled an 80!!!) Then we went to a pub boat on the embankment and took in some nice night time views of the city. Priceless! And my friend lives in zone 2 (Brixton....) and has a washer and dryer. Because I am willing to sacrifice being knived for free, clean laundry. Ashley has also stated that the risk is well worth it.
TODAY: I started getting sick so I rested a lot. Finally I got up and went to one of my favorite museums in London, the Tate Modern. What a great place! A lot of people go there to just hang out all day. I know this because there is one really long wall that is painted black. There are couches facing the wall and people are constantly sitting there sleeping, reading, drawing, writing, etc. It is mostly great for this reason: I was walking around and saw some 'creamer cups.' You know, those things you get at gas stations and put in coffee to make it taste delicious. NO ONE PUTS CREAM IN COFFEE HERE. They use milk. And usually skim milk. They are degenerates (when it comes to coffee). I walked FAST to the cafe, bought a cup of coffee and put 3 little cups of cream in my coffee (it wasn't half and half...) and one little cup of milk. This is what it tasted like: Goddamn heaven.
New photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/mdmetcal/LastOfIndianaFirstOfLondon
Later in the evening I went to a 'girls night' event with a facebook friend at a posh bar near Trafalgar. A professional stylist curled my hair. Well, it was given a good wave, which lasted approximately 1 hour. I did get a goodie bag with all sorts of nice things. Earlier in the evening the club had only girls in it, which was really fun. At about 10 they started letting men in. This was the first time (and last time) in history I had a hand at getting a man kicked out of a club. Later, Ashley and I went dancing at TigerTiger, to commemorate school starting, when nothing will be the same!
FRIDAY: OK.... I slept late. Really late. Anyway, by the time I was finally awake and functioning it was about time to go ice skating, which, by the way- I am really good at. ... or at least good considering I had only skated once before. I was better than most newbies. In fact, one girl was inching her way along, holding on to the edge of the rink and fell. Instinctively she grabbed whatever she could. What did she grab? My hair. Luckily, she must have realized what she did and let go because I didn't go down. And good for her, because my feet had actual blades attached to them, and I was much more skilled at using them, and she was already down. But, nah, she let go, so I was a good sport.
I felt bad because ice-skating was expensive, so I treated my friend to a game of bowling. This costs 12 dollars/person. This made me suck.so.much.air! He told me he thought we were also required to rent shoes. I pretended I didn't hear him. In London, I am considered a really really good at bowler. He asked me why I was so good. I am from Indiana, I say. (I bowled an 80!!!) Then we went to a pub boat on the embankment and took in some nice night time views of the city. Priceless! And my friend lives in zone 2 (Brixton....) and has a washer and dryer. Because I am willing to sacrifice being knived for free, clean laundry. Ashley has also stated that the risk is well worth it.
TODAY: I started getting sick so I rested a lot. Finally I got up and went to one of my favorite museums in London, the Tate Modern. What a great place! A lot of people go there to just hang out all day. I know this because there is one really long wall that is painted black. There are couches facing the wall and people are constantly sitting there sleeping, reading, drawing, writing, etc. It is mostly great for this reason: I was walking around and saw some 'creamer cups.' You know, those things you get at gas stations and put in coffee to make it taste delicious. NO ONE PUTS CREAM IN COFFEE HERE. They use milk. And usually skim milk. They are degenerates (when it comes to coffee). I walked FAST to the cafe, bought a cup of coffee and put 3 little cups of cream in my coffee (it wasn't half and half...) and one little cup of milk. This is what it tasted like: Goddamn heaven.
New photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/mdmetcal/LastOfIndianaFirstOfLondon
Thursday, September 20, 2007
What a long night!!!
Finally figured my way around the night buses. It may be 4.15 before I am home (now...) but I made it!
And it really didn't take too long.
It was a fun night, but I am not too into the typing mood now.
'Till morning.
Michelle
And it really didn't take too long.
It was a fun night, but I am not too into the typing mood now.
'Till morning.
Michelle
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Too many KBs in the kitchen...
Here are a few things I am decently good at:
Finding my way around.
Sounding like Bob Dylan.
School.
Yo-yo's.
However, there are some things that I am admittedly not good at.
Driving.
Cooking.
Playing pool.
Keeping my shoe-laces tied for any appropriate amount of time.
And cooking.
I planned my first prepared meal in my new kitchen: Store-bought tortellini with sauce, fresh green beans, and ciabbata bread. Not a half bad meal for me....
I cut a slit in the pasta package, pour some water in and put it in the microwave. My friend Ashley gives me hell for not doing things the old-fashioned way (something about a stove and a pot...). I say, "uhhhhh, the package says you can do it like this."
I put a bit of olive oil in the pan, throw in the green beans and wait for them to be edible.... This Chinese girl Tan-Tan asks why I've put it on such low heat. I shrug and turn it up just a little. Then the noises start. Tan-Tan starts ducking. She asks very helfully and politely, "Just what are you trying to do with the beans?" Just cook them, I say.... She turns the heat down to wear I'd swear it had just been and boom they are perfect.
I'm almost finished with dinner and realize I forgot about my bread. I like to eat my pasta on my bread, so I slice it in half, put a bit of pasta sauce on it, throw on some cheese, and put it in the microwave. Ashley says, "What they hell are you trying to do to that bread?"
It tasted good. I wish everyone would just leave me alone to my kitchen!!!
In other news, Ashely really wanted to go to ASDA's (Wal-Mart) today. I take her to one near Battersea (south Thames) where I used to go before. I only knew one way to get there so it was a huge pain. I really hate having to pay for the 2 pound journey to Wembly, and I am still bitter about having to pay twice on Saturday. So after about 30 min on the tube and another 30 on a bus, and 25 min total on foot we're there! ... and I paid 6 dollars for hair styling mousse that would have certainly cost 87 cents at home. Sigh......
Tomorrow I am errand-running and finally taking pictures. And I really have to do laundry. Such boring things!! Then I might go out with my friends to Haymarket to go dancing. Then Friday I am going ice-skating.
Finding my way around.
Sounding like Bob Dylan.
School.
Yo-yo's.
However, there are some things that I am admittedly not good at.
Driving.
Cooking.
Playing pool.
Keeping my shoe-laces tied for any appropriate amount of time.
And cooking.
I planned my first prepared meal in my new kitchen: Store-bought tortellini with sauce, fresh green beans, and ciabbata bread. Not a half bad meal for me....
I cut a slit in the pasta package, pour some water in and put it in the microwave. My friend Ashley gives me hell for not doing things the old-fashioned way (something about a stove and a pot...). I say, "uhhhhh, the package says you can do it like this."
I put a bit of olive oil in the pan, throw in the green beans and wait for them to be edible.... This Chinese girl Tan-Tan asks why I've put it on such low heat. I shrug and turn it up just a little. Then the noises start. Tan-Tan starts ducking. She asks very helfully and politely, "Just what are you trying to do with the beans?" Just cook them, I say.... She turns the heat down to wear I'd swear it had just been and boom they are perfect.
I'm almost finished with dinner and realize I forgot about my bread. I like to eat my pasta on my bread, so I slice it in half, put a bit of pasta sauce on it, throw on some cheese, and put it in the microwave. Ashley says, "What they hell are you trying to do to that bread?"
It tasted good. I wish everyone would just leave me alone to my kitchen!!!
In other news, Ashely really wanted to go to ASDA's (Wal-Mart) today. I take her to one near Battersea (south Thames) where I used to go before. I only knew one way to get there so it was a huge pain. I really hate having to pay for the 2 pound journey to Wembly, and I am still bitter about having to pay twice on Saturday. So after about 30 min on the tube and another 30 on a bus, and 25 min total on foot we're there! ... and I paid 6 dollars for hair styling mousse that would have certainly cost 87 cents at home. Sigh......
Tomorrow I am errand-running and finally taking pictures. And I really have to do laundry. Such boring things!! Then I might go out with my friends to Haymarket to go dancing. Then Friday I am going ice-skating.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
HobNobs!!
What a wonderful night in London!!!
First I got my class schedule.... which I will update on later. But it will be a lot of work. Thank God!
Then I went out for a few pints with a new friend, which was pretty fun. More importantly, I met my new BFF. And it is a GIRL! Thank goodness, I need a girl in this town! All my friends before were guys, and meeting girls (when you are a girl) is nearly impossible...
Anyway, more on all of this later.
SLEEEEEP!
First I got my class schedule.... which I will update on later. But it will be a lot of work. Thank God!
Then I went out for a few pints with a new friend, which was pretty fun. More importantly, I met my new BFF. And it is a GIRL! Thank goodness, I need a girl in this town! All my friends before were guys, and meeting girls (when you are a girl) is nearly impossible...
Anyway, more on all of this later.
SLEEEEEP!
Photos
Mom wanted a photo of my room. I added a few more from Indiana. I really haven't taken many here, other than really terrible ones after the Prince show, which I would never put on the internet...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Nothing Compares 2 Prince.
The Artist BLEW away all of my expectations! My seats failed to hold up to my expectations, though. We were in the second to last row. But, after a while we decided we could be more dancy if we took up the last row instead. I think we had more fun than anyone else there. Or, we just drank more than anyone else there. Not that it matters. These are 5 songs that will never be the same:
What A Wonderful World
Purple Rain (of course)
Nothing Compares 2 U
Kiss
Raspberry Beret
My body certainly feels like it spent a night out dancing. But I think I was actually in bed by 1. What a night!
I thought the 02 arena was going to be huge- it is the largest domed arena. But - and this is what is cool about it - the dome actually covers a variety of venues and TONS of bars and restaurants. It's like a world in a tent - very Truman Show-esque. So, in the end our seats were more than close enough to see Prince well!! And we got free CDs!
I didn't take photos though. We went pubbing in my area, but my camera batteries died and I couldn't wait six hours (KIDDING!!!). ;)
Anyway. Prince might be the highlight of the year!!! Yet -so soon!!
In other news, I am over being in London with nothing to do. They give international students SO MUCH TIME! I don't start classes until next Monday. But, I find out my class schedule tomorrow, so at least I can start hitting up the recommended reading lists. I am really antsy to be a student again.
But, for the rest of the week I do have a lot of errands to do. And I also plan to use this time to hit up the museums I missed out last time.
What A Wonderful World
Purple Rain (of course)
Nothing Compares 2 U
Kiss
Raspberry Beret
My body certainly feels like it spent a night out dancing. But I think I was actually in bed by 1. What a night!
I thought the 02 arena was going to be huge- it is the largest domed arena. But - and this is what is cool about it - the dome actually covers a variety of venues and TONS of bars and restaurants. It's like a world in a tent - very Truman Show-esque. So, in the end our seats were more than close enough to see Prince well!! And we got free CDs!
I didn't take photos though. We went pubbing in my area, but my camera batteries died and I couldn't wait six hours (KIDDING!!!). ;)
Anyway. Prince might be the highlight of the year!!! Yet -so soon!!
In other news, I am over being in London with nothing to do. They give international students SO MUCH TIME! I don't start classes until next Monday. But, I find out my class schedule tomorrow, so at least I can start hitting up the recommended reading lists. I am really antsy to be a student again.
But, for the rest of the week I do have a lot of errands to do. And I also plan to use this time to hit up the museums I missed out last time.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Stella and I have been fully reacquainted.
I am finally fully functioning in London time. I had a wonderful sleep last night and didn't feel at all like a blob today!
About London, I know from experience that it is the most dangerous place on the planet.... if you can't always remember to look in the non-intuitive direction when crossing streets. A double-decker and me almost got really really intimate yesterday.
I think everyone has heard the old wise-tale that people on the tube never make eye contact. I would like to then know why everyone on the tube feels like striking up a conversation with me!! The most interesting example of this happened yesterday, when a guy my age came on the tube and started talking to me one stop before I was to get off. I would like to know what he said, but I was listening to my iPod. So I just nodded. A minute later I put my iPod away because I hate trying to do it on the escalators and in the busy stations. All of a sudden he was chatting me up, and I said, "OK, this is my stop, buh-bye." He asked for my number... by then the doors had open. I told him I didn't know it (which is true!!). He insisted on getting OUT OF THE TRAIN and putting his number in my phone. Whaaat??? Everyone on my train just stared at us, probably seconding my emotion (total shock). It was really really mortifying....
Thursday and Friday I saw my friends from last summer. That was really nice. It made London seem less foreign. It was also nice to see familiar faces, even if they weren't ones from home... The trouble is that it was really hard to understand them. But, now I know that a "do" is a party, and a "bird" is a lady. And that you can be banned from an internet company for being a hell bent racist.... against your own race (Indians......).
Anyway, I am really happy to be here! I thought it would be euphoric at first, but it wasn't, which really disappointed me the first day. It seemed like I had just been here yesterday, but when I thought about it that made me feel really confident and reassured about coming back.
Tomorrow is the Prince concert!! Unfortunately that means I can't watch the Colts game!!! But the CUBS are in FIRST PLACE!! Up by 1.5 games. St. Louis has fallen apart!!! WHAT!WHAT!
Michelle
About London, I know from experience that it is the most dangerous place on the planet.... if you can't always remember to look in the non-intuitive direction when crossing streets. A double-decker and me almost got really really intimate yesterday.
I think everyone has heard the old wise-tale that people on the tube never make eye contact. I would like to then know why everyone on the tube feels like striking up a conversation with me!! The most interesting example of this happened yesterday, when a guy my age came on the tube and started talking to me one stop before I was to get off. I would like to know what he said, but I was listening to my iPod. So I just nodded. A minute later I put my iPod away because I hate trying to do it on the escalators and in the busy stations. All of a sudden he was chatting me up, and I said, "OK, this is my stop, buh-bye." He asked for my number... by then the doors had open. I told him I didn't know it (which is true!!). He insisted on getting OUT OF THE TRAIN and putting his number in my phone. Whaaat??? Everyone on my train just stared at us, probably seconding my emotion (total shock). It was really really mortifying....
Thursday and Friday I saw my friends from last summer. That was really nice. It made London seem less foreign. It was also nice to see familiar faces, even if they weren't ones from home... The trouble is that it was really hard to understand them. But, now I know that a "do" is a party, and a "bird" is a lady. And that you can be banned from an internet company for being a hell bent racist.... against your own race (Indians......).
Anyway, I am really happy to be here! I thought it would be euphoric at first, but it wasn't, which really disappointed me the first day. It seemed like I had just been here yesterday, but when I thought about it that made me feel really confident and reassured about coming back.
Tomorrow is the Prince concert!! Unfortunately that means I can't watch the Colts game!!! But the CUBS are in FIRST PLACE!! Up by 1.5 games. St. Louis has fallen apart!!! WHAT!WHAT!
Michelle
Friday, September 14, 2007
Lies, all lies!!
I experienced so many lies when I was preparing to move in here.
Such as the internet being 12 dollars/week. NOT TRUE!!! It if free! Whoopee!!
Also, there is a 350 dollar non-refundable electricity bill. NOT TRUE... so far.
My room is bigger than I expected. Still oh so small. Small environments make me feel cozy... and this space is way smaller than my last microscopic apartment, so I am really really snug and cozy. But I think I have enough space... for now. The closet has approximately 8 inches of space for hanging clothes... wha??
I am off to nap. Today's story will be told later. But, I am very happy to almost be unpacked and in Hoxton, which I just discovered is the coolest place in London.
Such as the internet being 12 dollars/week. NOT TRUE!!! It if free! Whoopee!!
Also, there is a 350 dollar non-refundable electricity bill. NOT TRUE... so far.
My room is bigger than I expected. Still oh so small. Small environments make me feel cozy... and this space is way smaller than my last microscopic apartment, so I am really really snug and cozy. But I think I have enough space... for now. The closet has approximately 8 inches of space for hanging clothes... wha??
I am off to nap. Today's story will be told later. But, I am very happy to almost be unpacked and in Hoxton, which I just discovered is the coolest place in London.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Orientation is OVER!!! Long post, may be last 'till Monday.
All I have to do next week is do enrollment (all day) on Tuesay, where I will meet my profs, and do tedious administrative things!
Today was really nice. At orientation we didn't play dumb games, we just learned about the school. It is a pretty big school, so there are a lot of long lines and red tape for everything you need to do. Also, no one really cares to help you unless you look like you are about to cry or about to strangle them. It is a lot like IU, and I think I am going to really love it!!! Also, I talked to a microbiology undergraduate student who did the tour and she says all the biology labs are amazing! Wahoo. Ta-ta Jordan Hall 451!
I worked out my student loan issues. The problem (shortened for your attention span): I have to pay X sum of money to live in my dorms for the semester. However, I have to a. get the loan refund from the school. b. put it in my bank in America. c. get it back to the school.... all before my credit card is due!! A few Americans in my position went to ask about this and the guy at the finance office said that the States puts us in this situation, so the University always gives us more time to pay fees because of all the crap the federal goverment does with our money before we can see it. (It comes in 3 installments, so you can never actually pay all of what you need when you need to.) Anyway, this guy made my day!!
Last night insisted Tom and I meet at Holborn station because it is never crowded. Just as I was changing train lines to get there, the line CLOSED!! I had to run to Holborn and the station is PACKED with refugee tube riders- so there is no way to find Tom. After 30 minutes I really started to worry I wouldn't find him, then I look at my phone and Tom left me a message forty minutes earlier saying he will be 30 min late. :)
Then we hit a few pubs, 'watched' the England blow away Russia in soccer, and then managed to stay out late enough to just miss the last tube train. And my night train knowledge is not what it used to be.....
Earlier we went to a convenience store and this old-ish red faced British man looks me in the eye and says, "I am from Summerset." II am from Indiana, I say. "INDIA?!" Noop, sir, Indiana. "Is that in Northern England?" HAHAHAHAHAHA!
OK 2 min left on internet. No time to write e-mails.
KB: Make sure British Mark has my number!!!!
Parents: Call me tonight, .... TONIGHT.
Today was really nice. At orientation we didn't play dumb games, we just learned about the school. It is a pretty big school, so there are a lot of long lines and red tape for everything you need to do. Also, no one really cares to help you unless you look like you are about to cry or about to strangle them. It is a lot like IU, and I think I am going to really love it!!! Also, I talked to a microbiology undergraduate student who did the tour and she says all the biology labs are amazing! Wahoo. Ta-ta Jordan Hall 451!
I worked out my student loan issues. The problem (shortened for your attention span): I have to pay X sum of money to live in my dorms for the semester. However, I have to a. get the loan refund from the school. b. put it in my bank in America. c. get it back to the school.... all before my credit card is due!! A few Americans in my position went to ask about this and the guy at the finance office said that the States puts us in this situation, so the University always gives us more time to pay fees because of all the crap the federal goverment does with our money before we can see it. (It comes in 3 installments, so you can never actually pay all of what you need when you need to.) Anyway, this guy made my day!!
Last night insisted Tom and I meet at Holborn station because it is never crowded. Just as I was changing train lines to get there, the line CLOSED!! I had to run to Holborn and the station is PACKED with refugee tube riders- so there is no way to find Tom. After 30 minutes I really started to worry I wouldn't find him, then I look at my phone and Tom left me a message forty minutes earlier saying he will be 30 min late. :)
Then we hit a few pubs, 'watched' the England blow away Russia in soccer, and then managed to stay out late enough to just miss the last tube train. And my night train knowledge is not what it used to be.....
Earlier we went to a convenience store and this old-ish red faced British man looks me in the eye and says, "I am from Summerset." II am from Indiana, I say. "INDIA?!" Noop, sir, Indiana. "Is that in Northern England?" HAHAHAHAHAHA!
OK 2 min left on internet. No time to write e-mails.
KB: Make sure British Mark has my number!!!!
Parents: Call me tonight, .... TONIGHT.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Time changes ruin everything!
I had orientation almost all day today. But, I still feel like a big blob, hopefully because of jet lag. Or because we spent time doing things like playing 'people bingo.' Blah....
But, this guy did come up to me today during our FREE sandwich lunch and say, "I am from Slovakia, and I HATE sandwiches." That's like hating water. Am I right? Or pizza. There is a pizza for everyone out there! Just like sandwiches. So, of course, I am staying as far away as possible from that guy.
I have heard from some people that they can't get comments to work. I assume it is user error because it is my dad and Adam the Polish Man. :) But, you click on where it says "2(etc) comments," put your name (or anonymous, and just sign your name at the end of the comment), type your comment. Or--- Kris just write if I am wrong.
It is almost 4.30 here. I am meeting Tom at 7.00! Yay!
I don't have enough time to think about blogs when I am at this cafe!! I can't wait to have internet at HOME!!! Or, for that matter to have a home. FRIDAY!!!
But, this guy did come up to me today during our FREE sandwich lunch and say, "I am from Slovakia, and I HATE sandwiches." That's like hating water. Am I right? Or pizza. There is a pizza for everyone out there! Just like sandwiches. So, of course, I am staying as far away as possible from that guy.
I have heard from some people that they can't get comments to work. I assume it is user error because it is my dad and Adam the Polish Man. :) But, you click on where it says "2(etc) comments," put your name (or anonymous, and just sign your name at the end of the comment), type your comment. Or--- Kris just write if I am wrong.
It is almost 4.30 here. I am meeting Tom at 7.00! Yay!
I don't have enough time to think about blogs when I am at this cafe!! I can't wait to have internet at HOME!!! Or, for that matter to have a home. FRIDAY!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I am on Indiana time, still.
I couldn't fall asleep until 4 am last night. I bought Breakfast at Tiffany's to read on the plane and just sat and read it cover to cover last night...
I only have 4 min to write. Excuse the lack of organization and the randomness.
I bought a phone last night. I went with someone in my dorm and we had all of these questions that seem unreasonable to the man at the store. For instance, "How much does it cost to talk when someone calls me?" He was like nothing, you idiot. "Is there an activation fee?" Of course not, retard.
My friend and I hand over our credit cards to pay 29.99 pounds and he asked where our chips were. What are CHIPS?? Apparently they only take credit cards with chips.... huh. So then we had to pay an extra ten pound because we were paying in cash. Stupid!!!!!!
Then I went to buy a hairdryer at a small appliance store. Found a box that said hairdryer, straightener and curling iron: 9 pound. Great. I pick up the box and it is empty. A store clerk came over and asked if he could help me, blah blah blah. I handed him the box, he shook it. He asked the manager if they had it in stock. The manager said, "NO, it's just a BOX!" And then he turned to me ready to ring up a 9 pound empty box.
I start orientation tonight.
Must go.
Michelle
I only have 4 min to write. Excuse the lack of organization and the randomness.
I bought a phone last night. I went with someone in my dorm and we had all of these questions that seem unreasonable to the man at the store. For instance, "How much does it cost to talk when someone calls me?" He was like nothing, you idiot. "Is there an activation fee?" Of course not, retard.
My friend and I hand over our credit cards to pay 29.99 pounds and he asked where our chips were. What are CHIPS?? Apparently they only take credit cards with chips.... huh. So then we had to pay an extra ten pound because we were paying in cash. Stupid!!!!!!
Then I went to buy a hairdryer at a small appliance store. Found a box that said hairdryer, straightener and curling iron: 9 pound. Great. I pick up the box and it is empty. A store clerk came over and asked if he could help me, blah blah blah. I handed him the box, he shook it. He asked the manager if they had it in stock. The manager said, "NO, it's just a BOX!" And then he turned to me ready to ring up a 9 pound empty box.
I start orientation tonight.
Must go.
Michelle
Monday, September 10, 2007
Alive
I am thanking God that I have a better than decent sense of direction and a little experience in this town.
The flight was great. It wasn't full, and no one sat next to me. And I actually managed to sleep a bit. Unfortunately the woman in front of me spilled her vodka tonic all over the place. It spilled on her armrest so it all funneled back to me. She asked if any got on my things. I was like "Yes. There is vodka all over my backpack and shoes." She was like, 'Oh, I am so sorry.' I hope a bus hit her. I was already nursing a really nice hangover from the previous night and the last thing I wanted to do was sit there and smell vodka on an 8 hour flight.
I arrived at Gatwick and took the express train to Victoria Station. I knew the station was close to my dorm, so I decided splurge on a cab since I was carrying at least 90 pounds of luggage. I stood in the taxi line for 10 min., told him where I needed to go. He said "NO"! He told me that it was in walking distance and is right around the corner. 'which corner??' "that one over there." I just stood for a while, waiting for nothing. I finally asked someone at information for directions, and he couldn't believe the cab refused me. I believe the definition of 'walking distance' depends on many factors other than DISTANCE! I finally made it to my dorm, taking breaks every 50 feet or so.
The room wasn't ready until 2, so I had 2.5 hours to wonder. I just took off in a direction trying to kill time. I walked by Parliament, the Abbey, and finally Trafalgar square. I killed time in a coffee shop, etc. Walking back I was trying really hard to 1. look LEFT 2. Not get pickpocketed, considering how tired I was. And 3. retracing my steps exactly so I wouldn't get lost (all while looking left and not get pickpocketed).
Anyway, I picked up my cell phone, checked out my neighborhood near Old Street and have been enjoying the blur that is London on 3 hours of sleep.
Also, London smells strange. It kind of smells like some perfume my grandma would pick up at flea market. It's not so much bad, just weird. Why would a city smell of musk??
Must go! @internet cafe.
The flight was great. It wasn't full, and no one sat next to me. And I actually managed to sleep a bit. Unfortunately the woman in front of me spilled her vodka tonic all over the place. It spilled on her armrest so it all funneled back to me. She asked if any got on my things. I was like "Yes. There is vodka all over my backpack and shoes." She was like, 'Oh, I am so sorry.' I hope a bus hit her. I was already nursing a really nice hangover from the previous night and the last thing I wanted to do was sit there and smell vodka on an 8 hour flight.
I arrived at Gatwick and took the express train to Victoria Station. I knew the station was close to my dorm, so I decided splurge on a cab since I was carrying at least 90 pounds of luggage. I stood in the taxi line for 10 min., told him where I needed to go. He said "NO"! He told me that it was in walking distance and is right around the corner. 'which corner??' "that one over there." I just stood for a while, waiting for nothing. I finally asked someone at information for directions, and he couldn't believe the cab refused me. I believe the definition of 'walking distance' depends on many factors other than DISTANCE! I finally made it to my dorm, taking breaks every 50 feet or so.
The room wasn't ready until 2, so I had 2.5 hours to wonder. I just took off in a direction trying to kill time. I walked by Parliament, the Abbey, and finally Trafalgar square. I killed time in a coffee shop, etc. Walking back I was trying really hard to 1. look LEFT 2. Not get pickpocketed, considering how tired I was. And 3. retracing my steps exactly so I wouldn't get lost (all while looking left and not get pickpocketed).
Anyway, I picked up my cell phone, checked out my neighborhood near Old Street and have been enjoying the blur that is London on 3 hours of sleep.
Also, London smells strange. It kind of smells like some perfume my grandma would pick up at flea market. It's not so much bad, just weird. Why would a city smell of musk??
Must go! @internet cafe.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Hold the phone
I received a call yesterday from the student housing agent, and I was offered a place to stay from the waitlist. No more apartment hunting!
I also just closed down the local Elks Lodge, at a meager 11:00 pm.
I flew back from Florida yesterday. Mom and I almost missed our direct flight back to Indiana. I passed through customs swimmingly and was putting my belt, shoes, etc back on when I noticed my mom was not right behind me. I looked back and she was being detained by security. The STA agent came up to me and said, "Your mom failed the 'puff' test." I asked what the puff test tested for. He replied, "Explosives." I said, "Oh. I can't take her anywhere." He said she tested positive for nitroglycerine. ... Huh....
The end.
I also just closed down the local Elks Lodge, at a meager 11:00 pm.
I flew back from Florida yesterday. Mom and I almost missed our direct flight back to Indiana. I passed through customs swimmingly and was putting my belt, shoes, etc back on when I noticed my mom was not right behind me. I looked back and she was being detained by security. The STA agent came up to me and said, "Your mom failed the 'puff' test." I asked what the puff test tested for. He replied, "Explosives." I said, "Oh. I can't take her anywhere." He said she tested positive for nitroglycerine. ... Huh....
The end.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
A sleeping bag and an Underground tunnel...
On Friday I finally received word about my student housing situation. I didn't get it!! Bollocks!! Where does that leave me? Apparently apartment hunting starting moments after my plane lands in a foreign country. Thank God I have an indomitable spirit. ...Right? Somehow I am kind of relieved. Maybe now I can find a place with a washer and dryer. It may also be character building. Clearly, I am pathetically practicing positive thinking. Cross your fingers for me, y'all! At least it should make blogging more interesting for the first few days!
Florida has been great! I've gotten lots of sunshine and lots of time with my grampa. It has also kept my mind off the fact that I'm a soon to be homeless kid in London and given me a smidgen of a tan. Monday was Labor Day and my big bro's birthday. We all went to a club that had 1$ drinks. -- Fabulous! Either the waitress was skimping on my drinks or I am finally in London drinking shape. (Most likely the first explanation.) My sister-in-law and I felt great, but brother and Kris were in b-a-d shape :)
I leave for Indiana tomorrow, for London on Sunday. Next week: I am going to see my boss Tom on Wednesday and Prince on Sunday!!!
Photo: Kris, yours truly, and my brother.
Florida has been great! I've gotten lots of sunshine and lots of time with my grampa. It has also kept my mind off the fact that I'm a soon to be homeless kid in London and given me a smidgen of a tan. Monday was Labor Day and my big bro's birthday. We all went to a club that had 1$ drinks. -- Fabulous! Either the waitress was skimping on my drinks or I am finally in London drinking shape. (Most likely the first explanation.) My sister-in-law and I felt great, but brother and Kris were in b-a-d shape :)
I leave for Indiana tomorrow, for London on Sunday. Next week: I am going to see my boss Tom on Wednesday and Prince on Sunday!!!
Photo: Kris, yours truly, and my brother.
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