10:30 Greenwich Time:
Happy Friday everyone!! I've had a pretty decent last-few-days and am feeling extra chipper - or is it the coffee that I just drank?! Either way, it's Friday and that's all that matters.

Things are starting to make more sense at school. I still don't feel that I'm at the top of my game, but at least now I feel like it is achievable. Another week under my belt and things are starting to feel more comfortable. I also observed a seasoned teacher's class today and it made me feel better about the chaos that takes place in certain classes of mine. I still have a lot that I want to work on, but I'm okay with that.

I got my long-lost package from my mother on Wednesday - Yea!! She shipped it on the 1st of September and I didn't get it until the 22nd. I'm very thankful to have my fleece and some sweaters, it's getting colder here. Today, I got the digital camera that she sent for my birthday. Perfect timing, too, I am heading to London for the weekend tomorrow morning! I'm not entirely sure what I am going to do or even where I am going to stay, just figured I'd get myself there and worry about the rest later (of course, if worse-comes-to-worse, it's only an hour on the train to get back here for a place to lay my head)... I know I definitely want to do the cheesy Bus Tour (that way I can get some of the things out of the way - the things I know I'm not really going to want to see other than a quick, "look kids, there's Big Ben..."). I also want to see the Tate Modern Museum: Monet, Matisse, Dali, Picasso - it sounds like heaven. Other than that, I figure I'll let the weather and my mood guide me.

I found the coolest website - www.radicaltravel.com. They have tours throughout Britain, Scotland and Ireland. They call them "backpacker tours," advertising anywhere from 3 to 7 day tours across the countryside. The prices cover travel but do not include accommodations, however, they guarantee you a place to stay (you just pay for the Hostel when you arrive -usually £13-16 a night). They have itineraries that seem pretty packed and sound like a lot of fun for people looking to travel without too much expense. They have holiday specials - "Spend the night in a Scottish Castle" over Christmas and some others that sound like a lot of fun. They have an office in London, so I think I may check it out and get more information tomorrow, since I'll be in the area. I'm also tempted to try a three-day trip before I sign up for a big 7 day one. Anyway, it sounds like a lot of fun and I have a half-term break coming up soon!

Oh! I also found out that there's a group that goes to the Pub on Fridays after school. I was shown the secret meeting place, but could not go with them today (I had to run to the bank and deposit my first pay check), hopefully next week... Yea! I may actually start to have a social life here. :)

Have a good weekend, all. I'm off to get some shut-eye for my big day tomorrow.