Flat 9

I know I've been remiss on updating, and I promised an update last week after my awesome visit with the Warwick folks up at Purdue.
Lots has been going on!  I got a place to live (finally!) through the University of Warwick off-campus accommodations.  I'll be living about 4 miles from campus, in the little town of Kenilworth.  Apparently, I'm right by the bus line to campus, plus a coffee shop, pub and grocery all very close.  I'm excited.

I had a great visit with the Warwick guys at Purdue as well.  Had a meeting with Steven Maggs to talk a bit more about my role and what I will be doing as a new grad student at Warwick.  (or Postgrad, as it is called in the UK).
I also was able to take them to the Piano Bar at Purdue (Anyone who knows me knows this is my happy place!) and fun was had by all!
Anyways, more news to post soon!
I am heading to Michigan tomorrow for the holidays, to spend some time with my mom and brother.  Hopefully I will have more downtime to write then!

White Riot

(Note that is post title is a song title by The Clash.) 
So for those of you that may be worried about possible riots in the UK whilst I am over there, there has been a new technology released to help with that.
Check out this article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/16137543

According to the BBC, the riot laser will temporarily blind those in the three meter "wall of light."
Because, as we all know, "If you can't look at something you can't attack it."
Though you can swing your appendages around and possibly hit something (or someone) anyway.  Takes away the precision.

Anyway, I now feel a touch bit more safe to make my journey.  Maybe I will even make it to the Olympics.

Three weeks from tomorrow!

In other news, I am STILL looking for a place to live.  I got an email today from on-campus housing saying they still didn't have any opening in the dorms, and suggesting I investigate off-campus housing.  I wasn't particularly interested in this, since I won't have a car and I wanted to be within walking distance, but I will check it out.  I need something furnished.  I will start my hunt on that and keep everyone posted. 
More news soon!

My Attempt at British Cooking

So this weekend I decided to try to make some British food and I got a recipe (http://www.marthastewart.com/319350/cheddar-topped-shepherds-pie) for shepherd's pie.  It turned out really really good (I also added in some fresh minced garlic)

Here is a pic of my bowl (not as decorative as Martha's but who can ever make anything look that good anyway?)

My Bowl!

Of course, I was told by Stuart Cole that since I used beef and not lamb, this technically is a Cottage Pie.  I think I am going to need to find lamb next time to make a proper Shepherd's Pie.  :)

Countdown until my flight:  four weeks from today!!

I am excited that one of my advisors and some others from Warwick will be visiting Purdue next week!  Hopefully I will get a chance to catch up a bit before I fly over.

Cheesy Moments

So I finally figured out the perfect title to my blog: "Cheesy Moments"

A snack I came to appreciate on my initial visit to Warwick

Whilst I was in the UK, I was introduced to Cheese Moments, a snack that was available at the bar at the hotel we were staying at.  I found them to be quite tasty and Ben Wood was nice enough to get me several to take home.
Also, I love broccoli, so much so, that I said that it was "like my crack" meaning like a drug for me.  Apparently, this may have a different connotation for the Brits.  I am sure that I shall have more cultural things to learn along my journey the next four years.
Therefore, I dub this blog "Cheesy Moments" and hope that it will document many moments of this journey upon which I am beginning.
(Special thanks to Ben and Melissa for helping me to figure this out.  Over a nice beer.  This evening.)

Blog Title?

Ok, so I've already changed the blog title from the original one.
I still don't know if I like it.
Suggestions, anyone?  :)

First Post!

Today is my first post!
I, however, am not technically in the UK just yet...but I did purchase a plane ticket (one way!) this week that shall, in the words of Captain Picard, make it so.  In one month and three days.  (January 4th) So here is a breakdown of everything I have had to do (and am still doing) up to this point:
1) Apply and get accepted to the University of Warwick - check!
2) Apply for visa, including a visit to get photographed and fingerprinted at the US Department of Homeland Security in Indianapolis - check!
3) Buy a one way plane ticket - check!
4) Find a place to live....working on that....
5) Purge most things that I own and whittle down everything I will need for the next four years to 3 suitcases and a carry-on....also working on that.
6) Figure out a way to eventually bring my puppy, Holly, over.

There are more, less exciting details I need to work on, but that's the fun stuff for now.  And this is just the first post...
I shall conclude it with a picture of my puppy!