The Weather and Everyone's Health

The Weather and Everyone's Health

Monday, September 18, 2006

Attitude/adjustment

Today I

Went to the International Center to get my arrival pack full of information! It was a mob scene.

Checked in with the administrative person for my program to make sure I had the right time/place for the introduction and enrolment (with one L!). It's Wednesday and apparently involves standing in a long line with your ID.

Thought I would still be somewhat on California time, but the good/bad news is that I think I am now in no-man's-land in terms of circadian rhythm.

Had lunch at the "refectory" (dining hall). Yesterday I had a sandwich, fries (chips), diet coke and tea for 4.05 (incl. 20p ketchup), and today I had pizza, salad, tea and water for 3.65ish. Finding I don't have a lot of appetite but eating enough to keep up the strength. If my portion size stays down that's actually a good thing because I can save both $ and calories.

Met a nice vegetarian German postgraduate math student at lunch. She's in her second year and gave me some good advice about catching the bus into town/getting to London. I think her name was Nicole. She seemed shy and geeky, so maybe we'll be friends, though I didn't get her contact info.

Found out there's an LGBT choir in London. I am looking at their website and thinking about joining. They don't require an audition. I wonder if there's a band, too? But choir would be fun.

Went to a free capoeira workshop/demo and even participated a little. I figured it would be good for me and my jet lag to get the blood pumping. I just might join the club; the people had a good attitude and the movements look like fun.

At the workshop I sat by a "contact" (2nd & 3rd years in bright t-shirts who help with new student orientations) named Jay who told me that he lives in my hall, that the noisy inter-hall competitions would be over this week, and that his sister's name is Priya (I'm the third "Priyer" he's met today).

Went by the gym and picked up a flyer but didn't sign up. Might do that later. They have aerobics classes, a weight room and a rock-climbing wall (among other things). But it looks like possibly the renovation is still going on and it won't be open for another month??

Saw flyers for martial arts and general sports. Keeping those in mind. There *is* women's rugby, but I already have a girlfriend.

At 3pm (so in a half hour) there's a trip into town (Uxbridge) for international students and I'm going to go. I was thinking about walking by myself, but I didn't want to get lost, so when I saw the flyer I thought it would be a good idea. Plus I think I got enough exercise for today at the Capoeira demo. I will shop for an alarm clock/radio and maybe some basic food (bread, fruit, already have tea bags)

- posted by k @ 6:28 AM