One Week Down...One Year to Go

I survived the first week. Although, I obviously need to find things to do during the hours in between classes. Aside from wandering. Wandering aimlessly is fun...unless there's a very strong, cold wind...and then it's not so much fun.
But, I'm starting to get things together for my thesis now, so I'm sure I will find plenty to do instead. Namely: hunch over books scanning bibliographies in a vain attempt to find something new to add to the topic I've chosen and will fill up the thesis. I already have about 2 pages worth of books to look into after looking over some book lists I compiled last semester. Clearly I was far too bored this afternoon.

Yesterday, to celebrate making it through the week (my first of classes, and Nienke's first of actually having to teach Latin & Greek grammar), we went to Franciscan Wells (pub & brewery). It was fun. Although this very random (& I'm almost positive very drunk) Irishman decided to "quiz" me on random things from American history. Like -- how did the word "Yankee" come about? In general it was just weird randomness...slightly amusing, but I felt bad for Nienke, 'cause he kept looking at her like she was American as well and should know some of the answers.
Although, he was suitably impressed that I knew what was wrong with this statement: "I got some bourbon from Tennessee." Bourbon comes from Kentucky, not Tennessee. It seems fairly common to me, but then, I do have a relative in who works for Jack Daniels, so maybe that rubbed off somehow? (It's more likely that since my mom is from Ohio things like that found their way into my head.)

Saw Little Miss Sunshine tonight. Amazing. I loved it. The characters were brilliant.
Also, their were no previews prior to the movie. It was a bit jarring. I'm so use to ads, movie trailers, etc. beforehand.

Tomorrow it's off to Killarney! With Arcadia study abroad kids. For which I get paid a ridiculous amount of money. And, thus, as a poor postgrad student, I really can't complain.
I'm glad I was slightly devious in finding a way into this "job".
Even if the lady in charge here thinks my name is Cathy. Which brings me to my next point: I've found a worse nickname than being called "Katie" -- that name at least makes sense as a diminutive for "Katherine"..."Cathy" however is slightly harder to get too, I think. Especially in a country full of Kates.
But maybe that's just me.

I've been here for just over three weeks now. It feels like so much more. Odd how the mind warps time like that.

Christina: I have a midterm today
Me: Icky. ... Also, it's weird that you're having midterms whereas it's just the 2nd week of term here
Christina: It's weird that its the second week over there. I'm the normal one
Me: The Irish would argue the opposite
Christina: Well ... the Irish are opposite ... so there