Here's my key philosophy...

A freak like me
Just needs infinity

Relax
Take your time

And take your time
To trust in me
And you will find
Infinity, infinity, infinity,
infinity, infinity, infinity, infinity

And take your time
To trust in me
And you will find

The time goes by
So naturally
Why you'll receive
Infinity

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w9KnuJZkBjg

I can't get enough of this song! The music over here in general is just so up beat and fun.

And you want to know what's better?

I hear Hot Chip being played at totally random places. People actually know who Hot Chip is!

You probably don't even know who Hot Chip is. :P

Are?

Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Say it, say it, say it, say it, say it, say it, say it now

Well today I am off to the most America-like place in Wales...Llandudno Junction! They call it Mini America. We're going to see Valkyrie. I get to ride on a train. I am SO EXCITED!

I should NOT have looked that up...

"Cockroaches are very gregarious, like to party and boogey on down, yeah man..!!, and they emit an aggregation pheromone, in other words a gathering together smell, which is why you see lots of them together when there is a problem. On this page I am only going to cover the four main species which give us problems in the U.K.

DISTRIBUTION:
Cockroaches are common in commercial premises associated with the production or handling of food. Also in public buildings and domestic premises eg blocks of flats. Gregarious and nocturnal, they spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices around such areas as sinks, drains, cookers, the backs of cupboards and in refrigerator motor compartments. They especially favour buildings with service ducts and complex plumbing installations. Infestations may be introduced as egg cases or adults in incoming laundry, on raw materials, in crates and packaging, or arise as the insects enter buildings via such routes as drains or refuse chutes.

SIGNIFICANCE:
Cockroaches are potential vectors of diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid and poliomyelitis. Their diet is omnivorous and includes fermenting substances, soiled septic dressings, hair, leather, parchment, wallpaper, faeces and food for human consumption. The latter may be contaminated either by the mechanical transfer of causative agents of disease from the insect’s body, or by transmission in the faeces. An outbreak of food poisoning in a Brussels hospital subsided immediately an infestation of B. germanica was controlled.

Cockroaches and their faeces may cause allergic reactions especially amongst sensitive individuals eg asthmatics. Exposure may result from ingestion or through the inhalation of materials derived from cockroaches in airborne dust. In addition, food may be tainted with the characteristic smell of the cockroach, which is produced by faeces and salivary/abdominal gland secretions, or by the dead insects."

Blasted enter key...

The weather has been so interesting today. It's been sunny...it's been cloudy...and most strange of all, it got really and foggy and ICY earlier. The rapid change in weather reflects the diversity of the landscape and the people and the traditions. In being here for just about two weeks (tomorrow), I have already grown so comfortable in the changing landscapes and weathers and differences in lifestyle. I think I was comfortable the 2nd day I was here. But I think that really reinforces my need to be here. Being comfortable means I was right.

Being right is nice.

Being here has really gotten me to think about things in my life. It has helped me to see how I can handle different emotions; become like a chameleon and blend in with my surroundings; expand my creative skills; understand and learn more about different cultures, traditions and beliefs...

I have come to understand more about who I am and who I want to be. I am coming to realize just what I want out of life.

I know what I want out of a relationship. I know what I don't want...I know what I've had...I know what I have now. What I have now is more than I could have ever asked for.

I remember laying home sick from work on the couch during the summer this past year and watching hour after hour of a Secret Life of an American Teenager marathon. This has happened before when I'm sick. That exact way is how I got addicted to Dawson's Creek when I was younger. Anyway...I remember thinking, episode after episode, that the character Ben...the boyfriend of the girl (Amy) who was pregnant would be the perfect boyfriend to have. He was caring, mature (way more mature than any 15 year old boy I had ever encountered), down to earth, responsible, loving...I didn't think guys like that existed. What he was was not something I thought I would ever have or even deserve.

I know I have had some realtionships in the past that I thought meant a lot to me. I guess they may have at the time...but now I can hardly remember them. I know now that I deserve so much better than what those guys...those who I can only see now as blurs...had to offer. I didn't matter to them. I wasn't important. I wasn't a priority.

But now I feel like I am worth something. I feel cared about. I feel respected. I feel deserving. I feel loved. I feel wanted.

I feel...for the first time in my life...that I am important to someone else. I feel...no, I believe...that I am needed.

That's incredible to me. Beyond words. Every time I think about it I feel like I've reached the end of the universe and there's nothing more to say. No words can possibly encapsulate what I am feeling or what I want to do.

I feel creative non-stop.
I always want to make him smile.
I want to do everything with him.
I am happy all the time...and even when I'm sad I am the happiest girl in the world because all I have to do is remember that he is there and everything is perfect again.

But what does this have to do with the UK? Well...I have been doing some thinking.

A lot of thinking.

I had two things I have wanted all of my life. One was to come to the UK.

Check!

The other was to have someone like him...as much as I didn't think it was possible...I always still wanted it.

But no check here. That isn't something I just want to have just done in my life. It's not something I can cure by stepping foot onto the soil and taking in the sights, smells and sounds. Being with him is something I want to cherish for as long as I can. Every look, every word, every moment feels like it lasts a lifetime. The UK has been here forever. Patrick is here now.

Now please...I don't want you to think I'm regretting being here...because I'm not. It's just opening my eyes about my life.

Everyone has dreams and goals in their life. Mine was to come here. My dream is being fulfilled every second I sit here and I am enjoying every bit of it. It's just not every day when a person gets the beautiful chance to be with someone they really connect with so completely. I feel like the absolute luckiest and most blessed person to have been give what I've been given.


((Hold on...I need to answer Grandma's questions before I get too deep into what I'm saying...

The main religion in Wales is Christianity...72%. The Presbyterian Church of Wales is the largest denomination and was born out of the Welsh Methodist revival in the 18th century and seceded from the Church of England in 1811. The Church in Wales is the next largest denomination, and forms part of the Anglican Communion. It too was part of the Church of England, and was disestablished by the British Government under the Welsh Church Act 1914 (the act did not take effect until 1920). The Roman Catholic Church makes up the next largest denomination at 3% of the population. Non-Christian religions are small in Wales, making up approximately 1.5% of the population. 18% of people declare no religion.

Tecwyn is the Wales program director for Central College but works in the international office to help all students if they need it. He is also a professor of Welsh culture, The languages of Welsh, Spanish and German (I think?) and possibly other courses. He's basically like our tourguide and helps us with anything we may need to better understand all that is going on. :]))


I know I've always been one to put others before myself...but now I am finally learning how amazing it is for others to genuinely care about you enough to put you before themselves. I still question every day why I should have been so lucky to get him in my life...but then I remember how amazingly happy I am and I don't have to worry about it a second more.

I don't have to be sad.
I don't have to question things.
I don't have to worry about anything.
I don't have to be afraid.
I don't have to wonder "what if".

And no matter what happens...I will be eternally grateful that I've had this happen in my life. Some people never get something like this in their life. Some people never get to know what love is or feels like.

Well now I know how incredible it is and what it feels like.

I know I have him and that's what keeps me going.

That and the fact that I get to wake up to the beautiful scenery of the Menai Strait and the snowy Mt. Snowdon. Seriously...how did I get the two things I've always wanted at the same time? I really think that if I died now I'd be truly happy and will have gotten everything I've wanted out of life. I just hope now I can learn all that I can while I'm here and bring it home to share it with everyone. I want everyone to have the experiences I've had...seen the things I've seen.

Mainly my Grams. I know she always wanted to come here...so I feel like I'm doing this for her...I'm living her dream too. I was talking about this earlier with my mom. A few of my friends and I have discussed visiting Germany and I would really like to go...but if it doesn't happen then it doesn't happen. I know that Grandma has been there...whereas she hasn't been to the UK...in a way it's like we're sharing if I don't make it there. She went there for me and didn't know it. Now I'm experiencing the UK for her through picture and word. I'd rather do what I can to see her smile than I would myself. But we'll see.

I don't even feel that anything I have said this entire entry has made a single drop of sense. Oh well...I feel better to have gotten it out even though I have loads more to say.

All in all...I love life. I love my family, I love my friends, I love the UK and I love him.

My life, as I know it, is perfect.

Fish

Is it strange that I find myself thinking in an English accent? And I say English as the English population of students here at Bangor outweighs the Welsh 60% o 40%. I can only name about 5 Welsh students I've met. In addition to these number, Tecwyn says the International students (meaning here everyone not from Wales) make up 85-90% of the Bangor U population...or was it the Bangor city population? Either way, his point was that because of these numbers, Bangor is losing it's "Welshness", as it were.

Why do people use that phrase "as it were"? I don't even entirely understand it but I stick it places anyway...

Back when Tecwyn was in school at Bangor - since he's "32" now that would have been just a few years ago, right? lol - Bangor University wanted to let lots of International students come here so that they could blend with the Welsh community. However, what actually started to happen was that since more English people came, the Welsh language and traditions slowly began to die out. Now rather than 100% of the population being native Welsh speakers, the numbers have dropped to a mere 50%. Luckily, the surrounding smaller towns still hold the language firm...for now. With more English students coming in, the increase in interest of living in a house rather than a hall has resulted in students searching for places outside of Bangor. So as you see, eventually and very sad as it is, the Welsh land will be taken over by English so that they can study in a Welsh school and the Welsh language will no longer exist. What I find ironic is that many of the English claim to hate the Welsh...so why do they come here to study? It makes no sense!

Anyways, I figured I'd start the routine of gathering questions from family members so they can better understand what life is like here. My grandma asked the following:

1. How many in a class?
Depends on the class...as it does at Central. They will let you into a class and make more sections/times/groups/whatever you want to call them to fit everyone in who is interested.

2. Mostly male or female instructors?
As far as I know there are more males. But that's just from looking at pictures. All of my instructors will be male I think.

3. Are the class rooms like yours at Central?
No. They are more lecture style or stadium seating. We only have like 2 rooms like that (that I am aware of) at Central. In addition to that, they don't have the super cool camera and radio studios I get to work with while I'm here!

4. How long is each class?
Well there are different types of classes. Lectures/Seminars, which are 1-3; Practicals which can be 1-8...as one of my classes is 8 hours long; and fieltrips, which can last all day.

5. Are any of them from the USA?
Are any what of who...what? Who/what are from the USA? I don't have anyone in my 8 hour Essentials of Media Production class. All of the USA kids are in Tecwyn's Introduction to Welsh History and Culture ("Over Here") class and will be in Outdoor Pursuits, and I am not sure about my Cellular and Molecular Biology class because I haven't had that yet!

6. What are some of the Welsh names that are not common here?
So far I've run into Gaz, Tiddid (I think? I can't spell it), Owain (Owen), Tecwyn (obviously), Daz, Illtud...that's it.

In addition to these lovely and thoughtful questions, my uncle wanted to know if I'm anywhere near High Castle. Am I?

Let me look it up...

No. Can't find it. Sorry.

Well I'm knackered...or as Dani and I would say, "naked"..even though it's only 9 AM, I think I will head back to bed for a bit before I go out to get my railway pass with some friends later.

Cheers! xx

p.s. Don't let Welsh-speaking Japanese tycoon billionaires tear down Bangor U buildings to start a casino.
p.p.s. I don't expect you to get that. ;)

For my curious family members...:)

I know I haven't written much lately and yes, Grandma love, it is because I have been quite busy!

I have been everywhere from shopping on High Street,

at Morrison's and Aldi's

to visiting the Pier

to drink holy water in Holywell

to see a "wedding cake church"

to Chester, England

to Llandudno

to Mt. Snowdon

to Maude Jones' House, lol

to another castle...

Yeah. We can say I've been busy. I'll have more indepth information on each of the educational/informational sites I've been to once Tecwyn gives us instruction on how to journal properly.

Now to answer some questions my lovely (and might I add very patient) Grams posed:

1. Are the Welsh shorter people than in the states?
Yes. Quite shorter. I'm about the same height as most of the guys. Some are just a bit taller but rarely any are super tall. I think the English boys are the taller ones...because the boys I know like Chris and
Michael are much, much taller and they are from England. But I'm not saying there can't be a tall Welshman...I'm sure it's possible...I just have yet to encounter one!

2. Have you done any cooking?
Yes I have! It is quite fun! I do most of my cooking with other people and we make a big meal together. So far I've made pasta, grilled cheese, garlic bread and cheese bread...we're too afraid to venture much
beyond that just yet. However, Dani and I have stumbled upon something quite miraculous: we were made to be eating buddies! Whenever we go out we split the meals we buy. And another thing...we've discovered
we LOVE Welsh breakfasts! Such a breakfast includes bacon, eggs, sausages, hashbrowns, baked beans, tomatoes (sometimes...but we don't like those, lol) and toast. What's even better is that what one of us
doesn't like the other will eat...so that makes it even better! AND...yes...AND!...these breakfasts are served ALL DAY so we can have them WHENEVER WE WANT! We've even had them for lunch and dinner!

hehe

3. How big is your common living room?
It is about the size of your bedroom, Grams...however big that is...with counters, stoves, fridges, etc. along the outside. It's just a small kitchen with tables and chairs.

Well...I had better be off! Big day tomorrow!! CLASSES START! Eep! I hope everyone's well! Love you!

xxx

Did that really just happen?

A bird flew onto the roof of the lower level of my building. It was black and white and reminded me of a crow...but it was much prettier.

Anywho...yay for getting classes registered and getting some shopping done.

Now I get to relax for two days until we leave for Mt. Snowdon and Chester, England this weekend!! :) WOO HOO!

Waaaaaaales!

So far I've...

Been on a plane.
Seen a castle.
Danced all night at a disco.
Sang karaoke.
Topped up.
Made some lovely new friends.
Learned what Chevrons are.
Spoken a bit of Welsh.
Bought a Man U poster!
Been inside a mountain.
Touched the Irish Sea.
Slipped into a terrible accent.
Discovered they put corn on pizza and sandwiches.
Gone through the most difficult registration process ever!
Played in the snow by the mountains.

And so much more...

But let me back up a bit.

I wrote a few things down while making my journey to Bangor...


Wednesday, January 14th

So thus my great journey begins. My journey to the place I've only dreamed about since I was little.

I still can't believe this is real. I guess we'll find out for sure at 9 AM tomorrow.


Thursday, January 15th

2:38 AM US, 7:38 AM UK

I notice we're flying over the Irish sea.

...the day I went to sea. I climbed aboard a pirate ship and the captain said to me, "We're goin' this way, that way, forward, backward, over the Irish Sea! A bottle of rum to warm my tum and that's the life for me! Duh duh duh dun!"

I can almost see the ground. Here come the tears. I just wish I got more than 20 minutes of sleep!

((Notes from the road from Manchester to Bangor...))

- They don't have a billion billboards and advertisements alongside the highway as we do! Just road signs.

- "Keep apart two Chevrons" > >

......nobody follows this.......

- All houses look the same! Browns, tans, whites, brick!

- SHEEP!

- English-looking grass ( as if that makes sense...). It's got a different texture and has random little bushes.

- What's the speed limit?

- Semis are different...and cars can just be randomly parked alongside the HIGHWAY!? Woah!

- The exit/entrance ramps are reallllllllllly long!

...And then I arrived in Bangor.