James is one of the leaders at Student Union at the University of Leicester. The study abroad students have had to sit through 2 days of lectures on all kinds of subjects from campus safety to healthcare. When James and the rest of the Student Union leaders came in to give their talk, it was a jolt of fun and energy that we all needed. I was a Vice President in the English Majors Association back home, but I hadn't given any thought to joining clubs here. After meeting James and seeing how absolutely kind and fun he is, I have no choice!
My second full day in Leicester started out a bit bad. I had an emotional evening last night because I skyped with my mom, who cried. My mom isn't supposed to cry. She's scrappy. She's a psych nurse at a state hospital so she knows very well how to handle stress. I've seen my dad cry about 10 times more than I've seen my mom. So any time my mom shed tears, it usually means someone has died; but no worries, everyone is still truckin' back home! It just breaks my heart to see her cry. I didn't sleep well again last night (jet lag is kicking my ass) and that old familiar feeling of hopelessness overcame me as my alarm went off. I smeared on make-up through bleary eyes and dressed in the warmest clothes I could find since today was even colder than yesterday (and by the way, I've seen far too many people wearing short skirts and even shorter shorts out today. That's just uncalled for! It's all about the English showing off their threshold of cold endurance. It would be the same if you came to Texas and I wore a wool sweater in August.). I walked to the bus and I have to admit again that I found it very difficult to be anything but thankful and giddy at the sight of the snow-covered buildings. The bus ride was wonderful except the people near me, bless their hearts, were discussing the fact that there aren't as many fat people here as there are in the states, and how good that is. For a fleeting moment, I had an overwhelming feeling of homesickness for my happily fat state; but that made me crave chili so I stopped that thought real quick! The day truly became better when James began speaking. I know I've gushed about his vivacity before, but turning a bad day into a good one takes some talent! OOO! I finally got my schedule for classes... or timetable for modules, as they say here. I have no classes on Mondays which is brilliant! But I also got my reading lists... Yeesh! I can do it though. It all seems terribly interesting (and I mean that in the best way!). I'm officially registered as well. I've taken care of all the house-keeping practical things and now I can concentrate on the immensely important issues of catching up on my sleep and unpacking my ridiculously overpacked suitcases.
All in all, this day tried its best to be my breakdown; but this city is just too good to let that happen!
Cheers!
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