Much busier than expected.

So...I started the courses for my master's degree this week. Just in case anyone is interested (even though I know most of you are not :P) they are: The Political Economy of International Development, Research Methods for International Development Studies, and Childhoods of the Global South (basically a class that relates to children in many different capacities: child soldiers, children in poverty, street children, sex-trafficked children, etc.) They all have extremely busy schedules and more reading than I think I have ever seen in my life. That statement is coming from someone who REALLY loves to read. It's incredible to me how much work I will be doing in just the next few months. I am sure it will end up being ok and I will adjust to it but for now I am still a little overwhelmed.

I also decided to take Dutch classes: I know here I am complaining about how much work I have to do and I just keep adding to my responsibilities! However, I think it is important that I improve my language skills especially if I decide when I am finished with this degree that I would like to stay and work in Holland...I also think you should make a concerted effort to learn the language of any foreign country you are living in. I tested into the pre-intermediate level, which to me did not sound very challenging until I saw the book and then I understood why they recommended that I take the 2nd beginners level classes. Of course I argued that point with them thinking that I can learn quickly and I don't want to be in any class labeled "beginner"! Hopefully I made the right decision, it will be something else I have to work toward though. I am looking forward to it.

I am starting to miss some of the little things from home (of course in addition to my family and friends who I have been missing since day 1!). Some of the stranger things I never thought I would even think of like Claussen pickles (and they MUST be Claussen, the pickles here are horrible). Iced tea, which for some reason here they turned into a kind of soda and it only comes carbonated. Mexican food (ok I knew I would miss that but after a month it's really starting to set in). Cheap food! Everything here, even groceries are way more expensive, I feel like I am paying to eat out just to cook something simple for myself for dinnner.

I guess that's about it for now, I have a master's orientation very soon so I will try and write more later. Also, if anyone reading this has (or can get) Aunt Sue's email, Deb and Robs email, and Shawn and Nicoles email I would appreciate it. I want to make sure I can keep in touch with everyone! Please email them to me if you have them available. Thanks! Love to all.