this is my monthly report. 

uni:  Classes are going well- there are a lot of essays due in November so I need to get on that before I end up kicking myself later. (Let's see if that actually happens!)  Being here is turning me into the reader I've always wanted to be.  The system here is based strongly on independent learning.  You don't even want to see the reading lists that the lecturers put in our course books...gulp.  It's refreshing wanting to read the text to fully understand the topics.  You can't rely on asking questions in class- it just doesn't really happen here unless you are in a tutorial which consists of less than 20 people. 

the flatmates:  3/4 Hermits Croft is still a happening place.  All of us are getting along perfectly.  Dishing are accumulating faster then before but it's bearable.  We're still holding flat meals Sunday nights- it's my turn this weekend!  Everyone has become more open and the kitchen has turned into a sharing paradise.  We're all so friendly with each other that it's extremely comfortable for all of us girls to go out together.

 Edinburgh:  The weather is descent.  I have been wearing jumpers, my vest, and my scarf.  Only when it looks like rain or I'm on a day trip do I need my Adidas rain slicker.  I'm wondering if I'll ever end up buying a thicker jacket or another blanket.  I thought since the first night in my flat I would be purchasing another blanket but I realized I can successful survive the night with my room heater up just a bit more.  Tourist season is officially over- prices are going down in the shops and there are less crowds.  And of course, the city is as beautiful as the first day I arrived.

my health:  There was a time there in the past 4 weeks I was afraid malnutrition was going to get the best of me.  My diet is basically the same as the beginning- I'm getting a little more creative though- bought some pasta sauce and added tuna to jazz up my pasta.  Also, from baking cookies I have butter- which adds pizazz to my dry toast.  I've been keeping up with my daily vitamins which I think has been protecting me from all the fall illnesses here.  On average, I've been walking 2 miles (if not more) a day.  I love how it is nothing to have to walk 45 minutes to get somewhere- no way I'm going to pay for a taxi or even a bus!  Not this girl!  ha.  There were a good 5 days where my wisdom teeth (the 2 that are still remaining) ached and were doing the cha cha but they've calmed down now.  Overall- I give myself a 7 out of 10 in the health department...after taking the pints and dancing into consideration.

money:  I still have some.  My budget was dented by my tickets for Dublin that I ordered but it was a must.  If only I had enough to touch down in Germany, France, or Switzerland...or Prague!  BUT I know some day I'll backpack around and take care of my travel Europe craving.  Eating simple has helped immensely- along with shopping at the warehouse-like grocery store Lidl. 

Misc:  Haven't been homesick a bit this past month.  Haven't experience "culture shock".  The number of Aussies I've met:  5.  I'm still attending bagpipe lessons- learning a tune but still on the chanter.  I found a passion for cooking.  I finished a book.  I made www.worldnews.com my homepage.  I'm on a search to find a job for when I graduate that will allow me to travel.  The only music I have is on my computer.  I loaded a number of CDs before I left but it's starting to get old so I've begun a search for a radio station online worth listening to.  I love dancing.