Since my Birthday over a month ago things have relaxed. The Spring term ended three weeks ago meaning I have officially completed my first year as a graduate assistant! I think overall everything worked out, even if it was a hell of a learning experience. As far as my GA responsibilities go I am mostly free until August, just some loose ends to tie up.
Since spring term ended I have actually been taking a Sport Psychology "Summer School" class. Each Summer school term only lasts 5 weeks, meaning I have class every day. It's been incredibly intense, but with only that to focus on (and my Thesis as always) I've developed a good daily routine. Gym in the morning followed by class, followed by swimming/sunbathing at the pool, heading home for a nap and eventually completing my work or readings for the next day. Its been pretty relaxed and I've certainly started getting the Cali tan I've been working for since I arrived!
Having said that, school dragging out an extra 5 weeks has stared to take its toll. When I've got summer plans, particularly my plans to fly home, it's hard to enjoy the things keeping me here. With 2 weeks left of summer school I'm hoping I can hold on a little longer even with the home sickness starting to hit me.
These last few days in particular have been a real struggle. Firstly, the brutal attack in London really hit me. You never know when you might lose some one you love, and I've never felt a more compelling urge to be closer to my family and friends. Then secondly, while I hope they all enjoyed their final week, all of my friends leaving my old uni have been documenting their goodbyes all over Facebook. It's difficult to read when I have so many great memories and friends moving on to bigger things, there's a part of me (and I'm sure all alums) that wishes I could have been there. Lastly, you might remember the friend that came to visit me who had been attending Oklahoma State? Well he's now back in my home town celebrating with our old school mates. Again another difficult thing knowing he's home now and I'm not. Don't get me wrong, I'm not wishing away my time in the States, but I am very homesick!
It's not all bad though. Two weeks from now Summer school will be finished and I'll be free, driving down the coast of California heading for L.A.
A few weeks ago I also had an awesome opportunity to go and play some hockey with some college teams!
It was so amazing to pick up a stick and play after nearly a year out of the game! Apart for some clear fitness issues, and unfamiliarity with the heat, I think I managed to keep up! We played on a high school American football pitch as you can see below (the size of high school sports facilities still blow my mind). It was rubber-crumb turf so it wasn't too difficult to play on, and 7-a-side so we didn't collapse in exhaustion. You can see from the picture it turned out to be a rare cloudy day which was a real blessing for me since I'm used to playing in more harsh conditions (rain, hail, snow, ice). We got a few rays of sun later in the day to make up for it.
So, I'll be flying home for the U.K. at the end of June, and so this may well be one of my last blog entries for a while! Anyone at home, I have 6 weeks in England, you can buy me a drink ;-)
Take care everyone!
xoxo
