lately...

In Manchester
It's been raining! I was finally able to break out my little red umbrella yesterday. Thankfully, it hasn't been raining too hard when I've been walking to and from class. And even though I love the rain, it makes me a little sad to see how gloomy it is everyday. The sunlight after the rain gives me so much life. Speaking of the sun: I've heard from my mom that California is still hot? I'm so sorry.

In my life
I have finally exercised. I took a body conditioning class today, and oh my goodness... I am in so much pain. The instructor was really intense and made us do these exercises I'm physically not capable of doing. It made me realize how out of shape I really am. When I got out of class, my knees were trembling. And when I stopped by the grocery store, my hand was literally shaking when I grabbed a 2 litre water bottle off the shelf. I'm glad I have no classes tomorrow because I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get out of bed. So will I be back? Umm... I'll let you know.
I also went to a breakdancing class with Stacie... except I didn't breakdance. But maybe I'll give it a try next week. Wouldn't you want to see that?

I ate a rabbit quesadilla. Yes, you read right: RABBIT. The taste and texture was very similar to chicken, but I'm not sure if it's because the pinto beans, cheese, and chilli oil was hiding its true flavor. Nevertheless, it was delicious. Oh, and the name of the truck was called WrapScallion. The owner is very friendly, and he had a bunch of other items on the menu I wanted to try. I think he'll see me again next week, and maybe even the week after that.

I've been noticing my California accent (or "Valleyspeak") a lot more when I talk to people. Like OMG, it's really weird.

I finally bought not one, but TWO coats! One of them is a trench coat. I've been wanting one for so long, but all the ones I've tried on have always been way too long on me (short people problems) and made me look like a detective--a look that I sadly cannot pull off. But I finally found one that fit me well at TK Maxx (or TJ Maxx in the U.S.) at only 25 pounds! It's also warm and waterproof, so it's definitely a keeper. As for my other coat, I'm still not 100% sure if I'll keep it. I change my mind too much. Isn't being indecisive one of the worst traits you could have?

Overall, things are going well. Besides being stressed out with coursework, I've been really happy these past couple of days.

In other news
After 25 years, Twin Peaks is coming back in 2016! I can't believe it's really happening. If you've never watched this show, I suggest checking it out on Netflix. There are only two seasons, but they are two great seasons. It's a murder mystery that's all sorts of weird and wonderful. And I promise that you'll fall in love with FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. It's hard not to.

takin' care of business (+ a recipe!)

I'm sorry for the lack of updates these past couple of days. I have not forgotten you lovely readers. In fact, you are on my mind each and everyday. But I've just been busy with reading. Lots and lots of reading. So there hasn't been anything too exciting going on lately. I'm surprised that I'm actually reading because I usually put them off a few weeks before finals. Which is something I definitely do not advise, unless you're a professional procrastinator--like me. But since I plan to travel during the weekends, it's time to start new study habits and actually fill out a planner to keep organized. Let's hope that I keep this up the remainder of the semester!

I also hear that UC students finally started school today. It must feel weird to start school in October. And it's the beginning of the end for most my friends, as many of them will be graduating this year. I can't believe it's our 4th year in college. I feel so old.

Oh, and I'm finally beginning to cook real meals. Tonight, I made a quick curry chicken stir fry that I'm happy to share with you! To be honest, I kind of improvised this and didn't measure anything; the ingredients are only estimates of what I used. So I'm sorry if this becomes a complete disaster for you. It was delicious for me, though, and you can use up pretty much any veggies you have on hand.

Curry Chicken Stir-Fry

2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
2 tbsp curry powder, divided
2 tbsp fish sauce, divided
1 tsp water
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp of fresh ginger, minced
1/2 crown of broccoli, cut up into small florets
1 bell pepper (any color!), chopped
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Optional: Cooked white or brown rice, to serve

1. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp curry powder and 1 tbsp fish sauce with the water; set aside.
2. Season the cut-up chicken breasts with the remaining curry powder and fish sauce (I did this in a plastic bag).
3. On a frying pan on medium-high heat, add the olive oil and cook the chicken breasts until about half way cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. When the chicken breasts are nearly cooked through, add in the garlic, ginger, and all of the veggies and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add in the curry and fish sauce mixture, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until chicken and veggies are fully cooked.
6. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Serve with rice on the side.
8. EAT!

first day of school

First off, I want to share with you part of an email I received from Steve, one of the organizers of the International Society on campus:

Hello everyone,  

Manchester wants to rain on you.
It wants to rain on you to show you that it loves you.
Embrace Manchester's sweet rainy love.
And leave your umbrella at home.
Manchester wants to give you a lovely wet hug. 

All the best,
Steve

Don't you just love that? I think I might print that out and put it on my wall.

Anyway, today was officially my first day of school! It felt so strange to start on a Tuesday, let alone at a different university in a different country. Also, it just hit me more that I actually have to study while I'm here at the university. It is study abroad after all!

Before class, I met up with Kyle, who is also a sociology major and apart of the UCEAP program. I'm so glad she was there; I would have felt very out of place without her! The course is the "Sociology of Popular Music," which sounds more interesting than it actually is. But I guess I shouldn't make judgements based on the first day. Some parts of the class were fun, though. We took a music survey where the questions asked about our feelings towards different types of music. One of the genres was"Americana." Kyle and I were so confused on what that even meant, and we still have no idea. I've also met some great people, who are coincidentally all international students. And I understood the professor the entire lecture. Yay!

first weekend in manchester

Yes, I was complaining a bit in my last post, but I shouldn't be. I'm living in a wonderful country studying at a fantastic university, and I've been meeting such kind people with accents I've always wished to have. I should be thrilled to be here―which I totally am! It's just a little hard sometimes. It's been slightly uncomfortable being in an unfamiliar city, but I know it'll get better.

This weekend was basically running a lot of errands and trying to get settled in. There was also a lot of sleeping in. And remember that first night where I didn't have any bedding? Well, I was FREEZING. I don't think I've ever experienced such a cold night. I woke up at both 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and putting on layers didn't help at all. I didn't know how to properly turn on my heater either, and I don't know my Celsius from Fahrenheit. But thank goodness for our trip to Primark the next day. Everything there is really cheap and super cute! I'll do a "room tour" post once everything looks... nicer.

Here are a few snapshots from the other days as well:

Excuse the construction.

On Saturday I went on a shopping trip to ASDA, which is the UK equivalent of Walmart. It was packed and I could barely get around. I guess people really love those "rollback" prices. And today I picked up my ID card and joined the International Society on campus, which hosts cultural events and plans various trips around England each weekend. I'm so excited to travel to all of the different places and to meet students from other countries. Also, I had my first Sunday roast dinner--at a bar, nonetheless.

Everything is better smothered in gravy.

And now my flatmates are out for some Welcome Week events. I'm sorry, I don't want to pay 50 pounds for a wristband to get into clubs/parties. It just ain't my kind of thing. Now I'm just all alone in my room eating a Cornetto. I've always wanted to try one because of the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy. It's tastes very similar to a Drumstick, but slightly better. I'm glad I bought a box because I'll probably eat another one. Ain't no party like a Cornetto Party.

Cornetto selfies :)