Mary had a little lamb, fries and a coke

Here are some more additions to my list of observations that now make up my new normal:

- there are no squirrels for the dogs to chase, and no coyotes to get the dogs

- McDonalds serves lamb burgers. Their most recent ad: "Mary had a little lamb, fries and a coke." Very, very clever.

- campus wear is *not* mostly jeans, especially for female students who dress very individualistically. While most individualism is quite stylish, it can also be just individualistic. Example: The 25-30ish year old staff member who gave me a tutorial on how to use the online student management system was dressed in a new dress that was somewhat of a cross between a square dance dress and a traditional German dress, but with lacing on the back. It was quite lovely and very unique.

- some folks walk around barefoot (or in the winter, in flipflops)

- style, even in college administration, is less conservative. Example: one of the 30ish year old staff members in the dean's office has her hair died very bright pink.

- the water from the tap is the best water I've ever tasted, and it's free.

- prepositions can differ from what I'm used to. Example: 1. "Just give a call and we can talk on what's needed." ( I'd say 'talk *about* what's needed'). 2. Sign on bus: "Not on service" (I'd say 'not *in* service')

- I have even more of an accent now than I did when I lived in the States (not that the way I speak has necessarily changed much :)

Cheers,
Beth