It's been exactly seven days since I arrived in Washington D.C.

So what have I been up to? It's almost as if i've lived first year university all over again in the past week - it's as if I have a second chance at doing frosh year better. This time, I'l worry less and enjoy life more. This time, I'll take the time to actually be present with my friends. This time, I'll just be me and not worry about the consequences.

Each day has been an adventure! But let's be real: I'm not going to glorify my experience. Along with the great times are hardships, such as being far away from home and in alien surroundings. Having to introduce myself six million times over and worrying about getting lost in the metro. Having to adjust my living habits to three new roommates who each come from very different worlds. In my mother's wise words, it's all about character building.

But let's talk about the week of firsts:
- first time passing through custom alone - let's just say my *smile* was the best passport through the border and that no, I haven't carried any agricultural products with me. No mad cow here!
- first time sharing a room with someone - her name is Lorraine, and as luck would have it (or other powers) she's probably the only other strong Christian in the washington centre program. We both have a lot to learn from each other.
- first time eating a MICROWAVE DINNER (yes, I am also appalled)
- first time REALLY clubbing (and not caring about how i looked, what i drank, etc. - but just having a purely good time dancing with my girls - yay for no boys!

The Washington D.C. metro deserves a post all on itself. DC has experienced "inclement weather" since the weekend, and I have to hold myself back from snidely rubbing it in that Canada is much better prepared for such natural "disasters." Hilarious moment: watching a local newscaster actually REPORT on how the snow is CRUNCHY. She literally put the microphone down to the ground as she walked on it, and with all seriousness, reported that the snow was ACTUALLY crunchy. Stop the presses!!

Okay, it's almost midnight and I'm supposedly being "schooled" in all the American comedic culture I've been deprived of all these years. Two days ago it was "Arrested Development and the Daily Show with John Stewart," tonight is "Sportsnight." Oh dear, how can you tell I'm friends with guys??! :) hahaa

On the God front, I can only be silent and thankful. Image: lifting my face into the dark sky as large snowflakes drift down from the heavens.