Janine Long: January 2012

The past week has felt like I was visiting Florence on a vacation, but yesterday, the first day of classes was the first day it really sunk in that I am living here for good. What a change of mindset it has been! I still can't get over how much I really love it here and orientation things are finally settling down so we are not as busy. That being said... "we" is my roommates and I. I feel as though I have said this many times but I seriously lucked out with the housing and roommate situation. I LOVE every single one of them and we all get along great! I couldn't ask for a better situation.

It is interesting getting used to living on my own completely. Back at ISU, yes, I lived on my own but I still had a food plan, someone to clean my (public) bathroom, etc. Here we are cooking and buying our own food, toiletries, clothes, everything you can think of. Personally, I like this arrangement so much better but it just needs some getting used to. There is a food market down the street called Despar that we have been going to, but today we found on named Conad that was much bigger and CHEAPER! Yes! Being the college students that we are, we have been buying the cheapest things available therefore my diet has been and will be cheese, bread, pasta and paninis. I also have found a newfound love for tiramisu and mango juice. Random, I know, and no, not together!

My two classes that I've had so far have gone GREAT, graphic design and italian language. The teacher for graphic design is really goofy and seems like he's going to be a lot of fun (Which is good, because the class is 6 HOURS LONG), and the italian language teacher seems like she is passionate about us learning.

Last thing I want to add is I have confirmed my love for cities. Although this city is not as big as cities I'm used to, I still LOVE this whole atmosphere and way of life!!! That being said, I heard back from my first college about the applications I sent to art schools for fall 2012. I have been accepted to The School of Visual Arts in New York City! I am bbbbeyond excited!!!