Things are going really well. Today as well as the rest of this past weekend has been just really chill, and therefore amazing. As much as I love having every second of my life planned and scheduled, this weekend was nice because that wasn't the case at all.
The past couple of days I've just really been relaxing and getting to know my flatmates. We've had a lot of meals together and just enjoyed sitting together in the kitchen getting to know eachother. Without getting ready and going out (as much as I enjoy doing so), we've been just enjoying eachothers company. They're just really nice girls who I can really relate to and get along with. The flat is "tidy" and I like that it stays that way. They aren't obnoxious or OCD about cleaning, but in comparison with another American's flat who lives with one girl and three other boys, it's immaculate! (Kind of nice to have toilet paper, because there is literally no way I would be able to go everyday of my life without that .. sorry, TMI) Everyone just cleans up after themselves which makes for a nice living environment.
Today, we had "Food Day" and ended up going to Roper Hall (^) which is a pub a few minutes away for a late lunch with the girls. Afterwards, we got desserts and split them between us which is just something cute and fun that I did in England. Because saying that just never gets old!! Haha!
Lately the weather has been incredibly nice (as I knock on wood..) Besides the ice storm that came through yesterday, it has been sunny and not too chilly. Even today, all of the ice was melted and it was just pretty out. I must admit though, it's a little rough knowing that everyone back home is living in practically Spring weather, or wearing shorts like Jake in Texas. However, I am in England, and I guess that kind of evens the playing field =]
When I was coming back from class on Thursday, I ran into Emily and Chris (who is a full-year exchange student from Germany) and because of the nice weather, we decided to walk on over to the Avenham Park. These pictures are from Google, because I forgot to bring my camera, but I promise to bring it next time. Basically there is this little cafe right in the middle of this huuuuuge open field, all kinds of walking trails, it's right next to the river that we always hear people talking about that none of the Americans had seen since we'd been here, this little Japanese Garden, and of course, football pitches (soccer fields). Now I know that it wasn't designed by the same guy who designed Central Park like all of our parks in Louisville, but it still is pretty gorgeous!
I finally got a chance to make it to mass this morning. Above is St. Walburge's Church (again, pictures from Google, sorry). Apparently the steeple is 309 feet high (my area code at home, clever, I know), is the highest point in Preston, and is the third highest steeple in England. And I know, most of you don't care at all, but my grandparents read this, and they would like it haha! But this morning I came in to mass and started taking off my coats and the older lady in front of me goes "Oh love, your going to want to keep your skins on for this one." I was assuming this meant put your coat back on; so, I did. Little did I know, they don't put heat in churches that were built in 1850. Literally. So, with 28 degree weather outside, and even colder inside, me and all of my closest 55 year old friends plus, could see our breath all of mass. Like you can see in the picture, the pews and kneelers were not cushioned, and there was about a foot of extra space between you and the pew in front of you. Verrry different atmosphere, but the thing that I love most about being Catholic was that mass was exactly the same. That, above all, made me feel most at home.
I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again (mainly for Mom's sake), I just feel comfortable here. And that comfort level increases every day. I know that when I am going to get groceries by myself, to remember to bring cash, a pound coin to use a cart, and my reusable bags (Thanks Jenny and Jeff!). Today, when I did laundry, I knew where the money and the soap was supposed to go. I knew that I could put my suitcase/make-shift-laundry-basket on top of the dryers while washing and drying, and above all, I knew that I had to push the door open.
I'm really developing a routine which is my biggest comfort. I'm starting to learn not to let things get to me. I'm starting to be able to coordinate my schedule with everyone at home to be able to skype with them. My flatmates are awesome. I'm making friends with my classmates. I love my American friends. I'm getting to know my tutours (professors), and I'm making new friends everyday.
I read a quote the other day that said "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" and for the first time, I feel like I'm actually enjoying having to find my comfort zone. It makes life interesting, exciting, and overall more fun. And isn't that what it's all about?
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