It's been so long...

I have to say, this whole thing is quite the experience.  I wish I could account it all for you guys, but it's hard to keep up!  I feel like I haven't had a spare moment since I got here, really.

Things I could still use (if you're feeling generous):

• things to watch - I'm pretty sure my laptop will only play American DVDs, and sites like NBC.com and Amazon Unbox won't work for me while I'm here.
• mechanical pencils!
• money

My classes are all sorted.  I'm taking Contemporary Writing, and Charles Dickens.  The Dickens course will be tough because it's a third year level, which is like grad school level in America.  English majors get a Reading week before courses begin, so next week I've got to read all of Oliver Twist, Dombey and Son, and as much as I can of Bleak House.  I hope I can keep up alright.  But also neat is that I'm only in class for five hours a week!  The British educational system is far more focused on independant study.  I have one short lecture and two seminars per week.  The rest of the time I'm expected to be reading entire novels and writing thousands of words of essays.  And then by mid-may my essays will be turned in and I'll be done.  Eeeep!  Also, the grading here is marking up from zero rather than down from a hundred - therefore a grade like a 65 is really really good.  I'm quite nervous.

I'm going to do so much shopping while I'm here.  There are so many lovely shops right near by, it will be unbearable.  Also, I often feel quite underdressed here, so I've got to get some nicer clothes.  And ones that are generally more conducive to a consistently wet climate.  Like boots.  And coats.  And sweaters.  Also I like makeup and books and random cute chachkas, so you know.

It's gorgeous here.  And fun.  Anyone who has time/money must must must come and visit me.  We'll have a ball.

I'm so scatterbrained - I've got so much to do still.  I'll keep you all posted.