Naughth Week

What, what is this? Two non-dismal posts in a row? This must be the calm before the storm if there ever was one.

I am in the last few days of "0th Week" (pronounced "naughth week") - the week before 1st week, when term starts (terms here are 8 weeks and the weeks are spoken of as 1st-8th). I have to say I don't feel prepared. I still have to sort out several major things - like my class schedule!

It's been an up and down week - ask the people I've been texting! (thanks for putting up with me guys) - but the last two days or so have been good. Busy, but that's good too. I've gotten to hang around Wycliffe more in the mornings, and get to know my Hall mates. There are some cool people here, one or two of whom I even remember their names! And getting to be with the Phil students in the evenings. Fresher's Fair was also today, when the new students are all very rapidly introduced to the many, many, many, many groups on campus - from charities to job placement to academic clubs to fan clubs to sports to choirs to language lessons to plays to end of the year dances/balls, you name it, it was there. I signed up for about 90000 things, and will probably have to unsubscribe from about all but 4. But still. I got a scoop of free ice cream and a free slice of pizza out of it :P And a stress ball...

Anyway. I just thought I would let you know that I am doing all right. If I can, i'll use my phone to post some pictures - probably in a post right after this one. I, among other things, was inducted into the Bodleian library this week! Getting your library card is a pretty big deal here and the library is gorgeous! They won't let you take pictures of the coolest parts though. I also visited the Ashmolean museum, which was awesome!

Also also, I got to meet my supervisor for the next few terms, Dr. Karen Nielsen. We emailed a bit, and I got really scared at first because I realized when she asked that I had no idea what I wanted to write about. I didn't even know in that moment why I ever wanted to do ancient philosophy to start with. But she's helped me find my feet a bit already. So here's to hoping (and praying!) that my first essay for her goes well. I'm still scared to death of it.

I'm definitely still getting settled here - my room is such a mess! - but I've been doing somewhat better. I still don't have what I would call close friends, but I have people I'm more comfortable talking to, both at the hall and the phil department.One thing that has helped is occupying my evenings, when I've been tired and in my room and feeling down. The thing which has helped the most with this is, surprisingly, Steven Universe. (Don't judge. I can feel a few of you judging me.) For those who don't know this is a pretty strange animated kids show that's great because it teaches some pretty grown up lessons about getting along with others. Anyway, in case you watch that, I'm near the end of season 1 right now. And yes I already know spoilers for the twist there. :P

Anyway. I should go to bed now. I will try to get some of those pictures posted soon. These will be on Facebook whenever The Normandy (my laptop) stops being a butt. (it was totally fine! Now it says it's "connected" to the network here but "no internet connection". Anyone else have trouble with this? All my other devices are fine on the same network.)

Thanks as always for reading everyone. I love you! And thank you for your prayers and concern.

Rissa