Is it really almost Christmas?

No. Can't be. I only just bloody-well got here!

Alas, it is true though. No matter how much I try and ignore the fact that my first term here is coming to a close, it is, and always has been, inevitable. Regardless, without further a due, I shall update the recent goings on.

PAPER INSANITY. Why use 5 words when 1 will do? Because that's what a good little Harvard/Oxford/Trinity College hopeful would do. So far, I have been lucky in that I have only been assigned 3 papers that need completing by the end of next week, not so lucky in that so much of my assessment is riding on them. Grr. Not really complaining though. I have read lots of studies that have turned out to be very interesting, as well as finding a use for all of those past papers that I thought I would never need to look at again. There is indeed a time for everything.

WEATHER GONE WACKY. Yes, I know it's England. Yes, I know about global warming. I also know that 40 days of rain means something in the ominous, better-start-a-prayin kind of way. Come on, I have never in my life looked at the forecast and seen nothing but rain predicted for TWO WEEKS with a 70% chance every day. Lucky for me, I live on the third floor. Gives me time to start on that ark.

PARTY TILL YOU DROP. I honestly have calmed down a bit since I first got here. Even still though, these people never stop. You give me a normal Friday night out and I'll show you the drunkest people you've ever seen in your life. Lots of end of term festivities coming up though, providing ample amounts of incentive to get more work done every day. A part of me thinks I should be keeping these kind of updates to myself, but at the same time, being so much a part of the culture, it's hard to ignore, and vital to experience.

THE MOST LOVELY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. Everywhere. All the time. Can't escape it.

THAT FEELING. That "I don't want to come back feeling". To everyone in the states, it's nothing personal. This place is addictive, the lifestyle (even minus the excessive socializing), the people (even with the assholes), and the general gist of things here just works for me. Definitely looking at coming back for grad school with more money and more options for a longer stay. Hopefully, some of my friends my follow suit. Hint.

DID I REALLY JUST AGREE TO MAKE THANKSGIVING DINNER? Enough said. I have officially lost my mind.

Over and out for now. Be back soon no doubt.

Niceties that surprise.

Having lived here in England for a while before I came recently, you would think that I would cease to be surprised by some little things that occur ever so subtly in everyday life. Here are some of those things that still make me smile:

Awesome taxi drivers. Honestly, I didn't appreciate this as much till I lived in NYC for a while.

Communal feeling to friendships. It's a big thing here to feel like you are part of something bigger. It's not pushed through the media like the newest diets to make us feel better. Everyone just seems to know that some parts of life are better with company, and they act on it.

Health care. For free. With awesome staff at the hospital. Stuff works better this way, America. Take note.

The high street. Big name shops that don't infringe on the business of smaller ones. Saw a guy fixing shoes in a proper cobble shop last week, then a guy able to tell me my suit sizes by just looking at me. They said they've been doing it all their lives.

Rain. Yes, the miserable, cold, persistent rain. As much as I like to bitch about it with my adoptive country, lets face it, like the white cliffs, palaces, and cathedrals, it's what we are known for.

Fashion forward men who aren't put off by shopping. It's out in the open, we like to look good too!

Full English breakfasts for less than £3. Quick and nasty. Always the best.

There are countless more things I could go on about, but that's a decent shortlist. More from the school report later, must get that homework done. Gotta justify going out this weekend!