September 6th

I just realized I have only had my car (drivable) for 1 week and 2 days and I have only been here for a little more than 2 weeks. Both seem like an age. I really feel like I've been here for months - although not if I think how often I still embarrass myself (at least once a day) because I do something that does not fit into this culture (like being too jovial with an assistant professor - happened today and I could feel people cringing, at which I turned brick red; or well, saying toilet instead of restroom, that's when people generally look suprised). I just continuously feel I am different, don't know whether it is my accent or what I say? Probably both.
Today I interviewed another research assistant. She was very nervous and she really did say a series of things she would have been better off not saying ("I forgot what you were doing research about"; "I am a bit behind on my studies so far"; "Do I have to work in the weekends"). She seemed keen on the job but I must say that was not a good first impression and I can't judge whether she would be better when not nervous - and she does have to interact with my participants. Trouble is I don;t have that much choice. I am now sharing one good RA with another grad student and I am waiting to hear from the person I interviewed yesterday, he was good but had little time. Everyone else has managed to find tons of them and I am frustrated.
Otherwise not much happened today, I had my "personal development" class which is interesting. Somethings are going to be helpful, others I realize I am at a later or different stage in my dissertation. we had to talk about roadblocks in our dissertation today and bring in the 'best advice' we could find on internet. I think I am lucky because I like writing, so many people's comments were focused on that.
B is a bit smelly here on my knee, he sometimes aims somewhat unfortunately when being let out, I have to ask where his doggy shampoo is so I can do something about it. Next weekend I get to look after him, look forward to that (must definitely find the doggy shampoo before then!).
This Friday we have a faculty do and everyone has to bring some food. I had just gone shopping yesterday when I heard it today -means I have to go again before Friday. It takes so long to shop, at least one hour. The closest shop without getting lost should be about 15 minutes, but then they are so big, by the time I have navigated through and got home I feel like I've been on an expedition. And all the grad students say "you have to go to the do" in a way that it sounds like an ordeal. I always like our faculty outings in Leiden. But then I worry about myself. Everyone seems so informal here but there is this hidden hierarchy I need to pay attention to. So not more than one glass of wine for me and keep that rule salient in my head.
Tomorrow I talk to a grad student who wants to work with me (she said she had read my article but could not remember what it was about or who had written it). J told me to let her take the lead so I hope I don't have to do too much.