Matriculation

Matriculation is the formal process of entering a university, or of becoming eligible to enter by fulfilling certain academic requirements such as a matriculation examination.

This morning I...matriculated...was matriculated...performed a matriculation...?  Can I use this word as a verb?  Anyway this morning I walked across the Baily, borrowed a black gown, qued alphabetically, and finally entered the several hundred year old St. John's Chapel to announce my name, sign THE book for St. John's College, and have my (borrowed) gown placed upon my shoulders.  It was all very old school and awesome.  Seriously USA, you gotta try for some more pomp and circumstance.

In other news I am still getting over jet lag...and by getting over I mean caught in the throws of insomnia and exhaustion that has taken over my existence.  It is only bad between the hours of 10 pm - 3 am and 3 pm - 6 pm.  I don't know why, but those are definitely the times.

I am going through my checklist of things to do before the madness starts.  It is so strange to feel like you totally belong somewhere but have absolutely no idea what you are doing.  Things are all a little off (culturally, linguistically, gastronomically) but I feel peace and I really am trying to face each challenge with courage.  Except for the beans with breakfast, I ran from that like a bat out of hell.  Thank goodness there are so many breakfast options here - tender mercy there.