Monday, September 13, 2010

Whoa!


So much stuff has been going on!!

We had:
IFSA-Butler Orientation
Move-in/ getting settled
Start of Fresher's Week- there are a TON of activities to do in this world-renowned Freshman orientation

Also, I think I'm officially entering the second phase of culture adjustment.

Here are some things that are different and kind of annoying (that's the culture shock talking):
1. You can only use minimum self-defense in any situation- it's illegal to carry mace or pepper spray.
2. You must be 18 to buy knives, even butter knives.
3. The weather changes every block, and so do the street names. For example, I can walk 2 miles down my street and the name changes at least 7 or 8 times.
4. Condiments are in glass jars, which is pretty classy but also makes carrying groceries heavy.

Here are some things that are different and kind of cool:
1. Tax is included in all prices and you only tip 10% (and not at all for bartenders).
2. Everything is OLD.
3. Kettles are sold in almost every store and there's an entire aisle for tea.

Yesterday we met this really cool group of 4th years from England at a poetry slam and ended up going to a bar with them after it ended. They were super funny- they totally had the whole British are supreme attitude going on which was really funny to listen to.

Anyways, off to more Fresher events- here's some pictures of my room. I'm especially proud of my bedside decorations. The ceilings are soo tall (although you can't tell from the pics) and yes, the walls are an obnoxious salmon color.


Monday, September 6, 2010

Extended Chicago Layover

Since buying a ticket out of Chicago was cheaper than one out of Seattle, I decided to spend Labor Day weekend in Chicago with my uncle, aunt, and 2 cousins (5 and 3). It was super fun, super busy, and not just a little tourist-y. All in all, a great extended layover and chance to visit a new city.

Some highlights:

Riding the train with Emily (5)


Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and the Skydeck

Me and May (3). She spent about 5 minutes with her face pressed to the glass bottom staring at the street below

Navy Pier


Belugas at the Shedd Aquarium



The Bean Sculpture


Giant S'mores in the backyard



I'm leaving the country tomorrow... Having an actual ticket is surprisingly more stressful than not having one... Who knew?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Address

Hey guys! I finally got an address that you can send me love to... Looks like I will be in a single this semester :)

Miss LeeAnn Allen
19 Sciennes
Edinburgh EH9 1NH
UNITED KINGDOM

I'm leaving for Chicago tomorrow and I'm so FREAKING nervous/excited. Ahhh geez.
On the plus side, I'm 90% packed- the only things left are stuff I'll need tonight.

O.O