List

A few things I've come to appreciate in London:

1. Phone calls and texts: Every text, every call is like an affirmation! You feel good that people are actually willing to pay upwards of 20 cents a minute/text to speak to YOU.

2. Solid deodorant: Solid roll-on is vastly superior to liquid roll-on.

3. American television/movies: This one comes with a little bit of shame, as I must admit that Gossip Girl has been a constant companion while abroad. Other favorites of the year are movies Stranger Than Fiction and Something's Gotta Give.

4. Reading: Who woulda' thunk? Semi-notorious as a non-reader among friends, I actually had time to read for pleasure here in London. Favorite reads of the year? Giovanni's Room and The World According to Garp (re-read).

5. Podcasts: The "commute" to school had a large role in my slow but steady addiction to podcasts. Favorites include the Savage Love Podcast and NPR's Bryant Park Project.

6. Buses: Much more enjoyable than the tube, the bus is a scenic and usually pleasant journey from Point A to B with unlimited people/things to stare at along the way.

7. Google Reader: This blog aggregator is my own personal newspaper each day.

8. Tea: I became a tea-drinker due to laziness (the preparation of coffee is slightly more labor intensive) and budget constraints, but I continue to drink tea for its own merits.

9. Pubs: Relaxing, social, and often ornate in decor.

10. Pounds sterling: No, not the exchange rate. I'm particularly fond of the pound coins.

11. Local music: "You know that band you read about on that blog?" -"Yeah... they're playing at Rough Trades. I'm seeing them for free."

12. Free time: Do anything you want. Anytime you want. All the time.

Alright. One more to go!

Multi-tasking

I can shampoo, rinse, and pee all at once! All in my tiny bathroom cubicle. When I first turned on the water, I thought, "Maybe this shower curtain will work." No. The water was basically going into the toilet, so I had to put the seat down. The mysterious water stains outside the bathroom door are no longer mysterious: they're from water leakage, which short showers will hopefully limit.

I'm a little overwhelmed by moving to London, mostly because I don't have everything all under control. I've blown a fuse twice now, despite following directions on the pamphlet, etc. I give up on that, because I can't bear to hear the fateful *POP* again and have to walk down and ask them to reset it. Having an aunt who lives here and my mom to help me are immeasurable luxuries. A car. Amen. People to buy me toilet paper and dinner? Oh. my. god. At least I can speak English. I've already been frustrated with the LSE housing staff not knowing how to help me with plugs, the internet, etc. Thank God I have the internet right now or I would be flipping out. The internet is my comfort, my connection to the world and my former life. I have only had 2 hours of sleep in the past 24 hours and I need rest. It's 8:45PM London time. Did I mention that my room overlooks the entrance to The Atlas, the on-site student pub? I hear the dull hum of conversation.

I've met no one here so far, but I don't care. I was too tired to make a good first impression and I'm feeling good about going to sleep. First entry complete. I'm a bit frantic about meeting up with other Georgetown LSE people and man, I wish I was in High Holborn Hall with Jared and JP.