Nasties, flowers, and cutest shorts ever!

Okay okay, so I kind of abandoned this whole blogging (close to) every day thing. BUT, you have to understand it has been superduper busy around here! Oxford school work is kind of ridiculous. And by "kind of" I mean "really."

I know it's been over 3 weeks since my last post, and it would be impossible to fill you in on all the details of those weeks...but I'll do my best to do a quick summary and then I'll tell you about my day today! Also, I apologize for the lack of pictures during the last few weeks...classes aren't exciting enough to photograph and neither is me stressing out in the library. OH WAIT. I did take a picture of me stressing out in the library. Typical.

The first week of classes (September 13-17) was good overall, but it was hard getting used to a bit different classroom format. History was hardest to get accustomed to because there are no desks or tables, we're just sitting around this tiny room with no air flow in chairs having a class discussion. Not my cup of tea. I need PowerPoints and note printoutsto follow...I'm not much of an audio learner. So that was tricky, but I have definitely gotten more used to it as I come up on the 4th and final week of seminars. My religion professor is awesome. She gives us a break during every class where we have cookies (biscuits as they call them here) and drinks (like soda and juice), which is a really nice gesture during a long 2 hour class.

Since there are no exams here, just essays, I've been fairly content with my school work considering I absolutely love writing and have said numerous times in the past that I would rather write a paper than take a test any day. Well, that MAY be changing, but I've made good grades so far on my paper (not sure how the one I turned in last night went, though, haha) making two A- grades in religion (one paper on Genesis 1-11 and the other on Amos & Isaiah) and a B+ on my first history paper on 17th century social order. I'll take it.

I've basically been spending my time running around the city of Oxford, which is beautiful by the way. I feel like a citizen now. I know little shortcuts and pathways, and I'm starting to get annoyed by tourists who are in my way. I also have learned which way to look when I cross the street! SUCCESS.

Oh, and I've found the best places to shop! (Is anyone surprised?) Primark is my ultimate favorite. It's like Forever 21 but way bigger and way cheaper. It's two floors of basically everything. I got my bath towels there, I bought an adorable pair of taupe flats, a sweater, some over-the-knee gray socks, and a gorgeous pleather dark green jacket (for the equivalent of $26). I adore that place. I think I browse through there at least 3 times a week, but on Saturdays it is CRAZY busy. Think Black Friday back in America busy. Every weekend.

(Not my own photo! But a good example of how busy Primark is!)

Now on to today! I decided to reward myself for finishing my second history paper last night with a fun Anna day. Well, after some much-needed laundry. Now my sheets and pillow case are clean and all my clothes smell fresh! After laundry, I strolled into Summertown (it's this adorable little village-type place about a 10-minute walk from the UGA Center) to buy groceries at this nice store called Marks & Spencer. They have an amazing food selection and everything is so fresh. I love their packaged ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook foods. I picked up some lunch and some things I could refrigerate for later and headed back.

Later I took the mile and a half walk into Oxford. It was super busy but crowds don't bother me so I had a good time. I stopped in MAC, picked up a new lipstick (called "Hue," gorgeous neutral pinkish color!). The store was tiny and crowded and everyone and their sister and their sister's baby in a stroller was in there though, so I didn't stay long (probably a good thing for my bank account). Then I wandered in and out of a few shops, finally ending up at this super cute store called Miss Selfridge - kind of like a nicer Forever 21 with adorable dresses and shoes. I picked up the CUTEST pair of high-waisted shorts (to wear paired with black tights) and got a 20% discount for being a student! I then went to Primark and got a 5-pack of sheer black tights for the equivalent of $2 (seriously).

The highlight of my day/oddest part of my day was seeing this gorgeous fresh flower stand outside by all the shops. If you don't know much about me, I LOVE flowers. Floral prints, too, but fresh flowers just make me super happy. I decided today was a good day to give myself a bouquet. I walked up smiling and said "Hi" to the vendor, who proceeded to flirt heavily with me, particularly when he found out I'm American. It was kind of awkward, but I was hoping for a discounted price, haha. He was fascinated by my five-dollar bill and we talked about American money for a bit, as he made fun of my accent. I didn't get a discount but when I left he told me he would miss me. Okaaaay old man, you're a little strange but you did brighten my day with this beautiful bouquet of the most adorable little flowers I've ever seen. So thanks.

Then, on the way back to the house, I decided to get something to drink so I picked up a can of sparkling Grape & Elderflower (juice? soda?) beverage. So yummy. But the best part is the label, stating it has "ABSOLUTELY NO NASTIES." What's a nasty? Read the label for more details :) Oh, Britain.

Okay so I know this post is super insanely lengthy, but I figured I owed you one since I've been a major slacker the past few weeks. Next week is "fresher's week," which is basically like a whole week of orientation for new Oxford students. Should be fun! It will be interesting to mingle with some more students since there haven't been that many so far. It's basically been us UGA kids and some random smart people who are here and wear Keble College polos all the time. Still not quite sure who they are - but they are nice and have intellectual conversations!

Well, time to go do a bit of nothing. Hope you enjoyed!

xoxo

Anna