Livin la Viiida!!!

So I just got back from the grocery store... spent another 23 euros... I've been spending those like they're going out of style... oh well at least now i have some spices to work with... i was definitely lacking there for a while!! Tonight I sauteed carrots, spinach, onions, garlic and drenched it in pepper and then put in milk and breadcrumbs to try to thicken it up to make it like a cream sauce.... it was more like a peppery milk soup with soaked bread crumbs... Thus the need for some proper cooking ingredients. I may be pov line but I have my decency haha!

Today we had an introduction to the school and particularly my specialization. In the school itself there are 200 students in 17 different International Development specializations. We represent 60+ different countries, and so far I've only met 1 other American. It is amazing to run into a person from Thailand and ask them first hand about the breaking unrest that's just been front page news, or from Georgia about the reality behind it's conflict with Russia. I am seriously in heaven. Cannot believe it!!!

As far as my specialization goes, we had a meeting with all the students and overseeing profs. The professors are amazing, a couple of them have taught at the London School of Economics, each have an expansive command of experience and credentials. The two head profs are from India and the others are European (but have lived all over the world). I am so excited to start learning! My program is Poverty Studies and Policy Analysis, basically we approach poverty from a multidisciplinary perspective, researching the whys and hows of its existence and subsequently analyzing the ways and hows to fix it! It's going to be a challenge, but I couldn't think of a better suited subject to dedicate myself to!!!

Equally impressive are my classmates in my specialization ... I'm the only person from the Americas except for an Ecuadorian guy. There are others from Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Ghana), Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and Thailand! We are 11 total (3 of us Women). It's more than amazing to have such diverse viewpoints represented from the students alone! Each have some pretty impressive backgrounds. Many work for their own country's government, but there are others from the World Bank, to other NGOs. I guess most students will return to their job after their degree, this is just to boost their knowledge and bring some fresh resources to their governments or organizations. I am seriously among such incredible company. Each person I talk to have these dream jobs and actually liiiive doing the work I'm passionate about. We can just chat informally firsthand about topics I get excited reading about...much less interact day to day... I just am slightly dumbfounded this is really possible... I cannot believe it! :D I am so happy I chose this school!

I am nervous for school a little bit it should be very very difficult. Apparently the average grade is a C and they like to keep it that way... I''m going to do my best though and see what happens! I'm up for the challenge. If that is the main thing I'm focusing on I think I will have a lot of energy for the task. I am still getting used to actually having free time. The past year and a half working two jobs on top of my busy social/family/volunteering/working out/traveling life left little time for anything else... I think this will be a nice opportunity to still work hard but just focus on my improving my mind and enjoying life on the side (and only get a job if absolutely necessary!). I'm stoked to see what wonderful things lie ahead!!!

Hope every one is doing great, thanks for all the great comments! And don't forget to vote about your favorite dutch invention on the right side of my blog... I'm curious to see which will win ;). Take care!!!

With lots of love and EXCITEMENT!!!
Ruth :D