love at first sight

So that's where I'm living. Can you even freaking believe it?? Oxford is a million times more beautiful than I remember it (which isn't saying very much since I was about 14 when I saw it last). Molly made the comment "we're in Narnia." So true, its scary. It is difficult to even describe how much I love it here- the town is quaint, goregous, and full of HOT accents. The campus is covered in ivy, flowers, lakes with lilypads, and secret grottos.

We were so excited to get to the UK because finally we could communicate without feeling completely guilty and stupid for not knowing the language. Turns out, its a pretty different language here- the Queen's English and all that. Local vernacular: "provost" (president), "porter" (security guard), "scouts" (maids). God, don't you just love the English?? Today I went to the Buttery (can you believe it? that's the name of the quick-trip-esque thing for sodas and candy) to get a diet coke (YES! THEY HAVE DIET NOT LIGHT! I knew I loved Brits!) and when the little man handed me my change he said, "There you go, love. Have a splendid day." Everything sounds more polite here- here's to hoping I pick up an accent, ala Madonna style!

Classes are great- lots of "buddies" in each class. Jane Austin is going to rock my world- we get to watch segments of Clueless, Bridget Jones' Diary, and What a Girl Wants (in addition to the film adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, etc) and compare and contrast the films and books. We're also filming a scene from one of the books for a project- how utterly cool is that?

This weekend, we're talking about taking a day trip to Bath- its so close, why not? I've been there before and don't have very fond memories- but then, I was 10 and cold and tired of traveling. I think this might be slightly better circumstances.

Right now, the weather is amazing. Clear skies, highs in the high 60's, low 50's at night. So nice- bet its over 90 in memphis.

Loving being here, but missing home a little now at this point. Its Schulzke family reunion time in Kansas City and while I have a pretty good excuse for not being able to attend, its hard knowing all my family is together- I haven't seen some of my cousins in over 2 years, which is hard when they are changing so rapidly. Ah well, there's always Skype.

Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, give the puppies giant hugs for me and the cats as well- i miss my animals almost as much as my family! Everyone, I mean everyone, takes their pets EVERYWHERE here- grocery store, town, restaurants. Its great, but it makes me miss my little german shepherd and basenji, who I understand are tearing apart car covers at home- glad to hear some things never change!

Well, better head to bed. Cheerio, old chap!