London Study Abroad

So much gin, so little time.

I start my journey for Greece in less than twelve hours from this moment.  wowzah.  I am packed; jamies, shoes, hairbrush, happy pills and my cute new dress; all in this tiny duffel that I purchased for 5 pounds, but I do believe it will turn out to be a brilliant purchase, exactly what I needed for this trip. And I get to try out my new backpack, so all in all the luggage situation is in excellent condition, I mean what more do you need?

All right, so this weekend, I don't think I can find just one word to hold all of it's experiences.  Matt came, Jim and Sara Beth were here, I met new people, and I danced. 

My mother told me on the phone today, "sometimes we forget how much we connect to familiarity."  Matthew is familiar, a very solid presence in my life, and I have been on such a high having him here.  His genuine spirit, deep thoughts, awareness of the moment and ability to see the positive side to most situations, and his flexibility just amazes me.  I love watching him grow, and boy is he growing, (he is currently studying in Siena), and he knows it too, which is so cool to observe and be around someone with such self awareness that they can witness their own changes right now.  He processes and thinks, actually takes the time to assess life and attempts to answer and explore the big questions.  If you can't tell, I love this boy, immensely, and I am very sad to send him off, but it makes me just all the more excited to get back and have him around everyday again.  He does bring such joy, light and laughter to my life.  

I think I already explained Thursday night, so I will skip to Friday.  What fun.  Started off a little rocky, had a minor, but somewhat major panic attack about the ferry trip on Tuesday.  It all worked out, but it just reminded me how there is so much I don't know, and to give myself a break because I have never planned a trip like this before.  With so many details to keep track of, it just makes my head spin a bit.  But, no worries, Kelsey and I are all set, and if not, well then I suppose we will tackle that as it arises, but not before.  As far as I know all of our bases are covered. 

After that little scenario Matthew, Kelsey and I headed over to Brick Lane.  That proved to be more difficult than intended.  We somehow got all turned around, and must have asked at least two different mates for directions, but alas, we walked upon Brick Lane, and I have to say I was a bit disappointed.  I just did a whole presentation on it, so I know all about its history, but I guess I was just expecting more glamor, even though it is a low income area.  We stopped at an Indian restaurant, the waiter was nice, didn't charge us for our beers.  From there we headed back to the Petticoat Lane Market, (where we bought our bags, Kelsey purchased one too...it was such a deal) I also got a dress, and oh! Kelsey and I got pocket watches.  Pretty snazzy. 

Not sure what we did after that, but at some point we ended up going to Islington, near Angel, to meet Matthew's friend that he had planned to stay with, Lizzy (a girl from home that he knows who is also studying abroad).  We also met her roommate and a few other girls....potential new friends!!! (be excited for us!!!...please).  From her flat we wound up meeting Shauna and her husband Stephen and Walter at a pub.  They were clearly closing, so we walked across the street to Chartehouse Bar (I think that is the name) and had the most fantastic time ever.  Had a few drinks...yes some gin, very delicious.  I took Shauna by the hand and pulled her out on the dance floor, no one was moving to the music, not okay.  There were a few lads, but all too tight, everyone just needed to loosen and move a bit.  They did.  Eventually my whole group got up and enjoyed the really good music.  See it wasn't club music, it was good oldies with this constant rhythm throughout the whole night, never missing a beat.  It doesn't get better than that.  I just danced and danced and danced and smiled, and laughed, and moved my hips, hands, feel and head.  I felt free, relaxed, and just so happy.  Everyone had a really great time, and Shauna was approached when we were leaving asking us not to go.

Saturday, well let's just say we all felt a bit tired.  We ate some lunch, oh, and we made dinner.  Had some actual veggies, that was yummy.  The four of us headed back over to Angel, met some more of Lizzy's friends, and then walked back to the same club, except last night was club/techno music.  My kind of music, not going to lie, but just wasn't the same as the night before.  Didn't stay for too long, I tried to dance, but people were not feeling it so much. 

Sunday, today, was wonderful.  Matt came back, we had yummy sandwiches, and then went to the park.  We had so much fun watching the little boy try to roll down the hill horizontally, but somehow he kept trying to roll vertically, a bit of a challenge I must admit.  His sweet grandmother joined him though.  There were some other very sweet father/daughter groups and like tween boys who were also rolling.  Very fun people watching, and just lovely to be with my people, Kelsey and Matthew. 

Tonight, we had some dinner and then came back and ended up playing kings cup....with water. No joke, still a pretty fun game, I recommend it for all. We said farewell to Walter, he left for his big adventure tonight.  I hope he has a really great time.  Once Kelsey and I leave there will only be two people left in the flat, so weird.  Go from 16 to 2. 

I am ready to go.  Not quite ready to say bye to Matthew, but he will find his way back and settle more deeply into his time and space in Italy, and I will travel to Greece, have my own adventure and live in the sun, all with my best pal.  Please wish me luck that it all goes smoothly.  I might have internet, but not sure. I feel like a big girl, giddy, packed bags, a few butterflies trying to land and settle in my vast tummy, and too excited to sleep. 

I will of course give a full report when I get back.

Take care dear ones!

oh, I almost forgot, we had dinner with Kent Chabotar last week, enjoyed some raw tuna, and crispy sea bass. Food was delicious, although the atmosphere was not quite what I expected, I learn something new everyday here, that is for sure. 

okay, be well!!!

beautiful life

Today was a beautiful day.  Absolutely gorgeous.  The weather wasn't that great, a bit cloudy, but everything else was perfect. 

I woke up, went to the gym, and then got my new backpack! It is pretty stellar I must say.  Red and black, just what I like, sort of like the next generation of what I had.  Pretty fantastic. 

MATT CAME TODAY!!!!!!! I met him at Liverpool station, and just, ah, home sweet home, that's what I felt.  This boy, truly one of my best friends, gets me, feels me, loves me, and I in return.  It is just so nice to be around a peer who really understands me and appreciates me.  Let's see, we went back to my flat dropped of his big bag (so that there was less stealing possibility at the hostel), we then went and got sandwiches and went in ate in the park.  I got attacked by a swan, it picked at my hair, and then later a pigeon flew at my head.  Apparently I was looking good for the birds today....go figure. 

Anywho, then we made our way to his hostel, checked in and then headed for the Thames River.  We thought about going to the Tate Modern, but instead we went to a pub and got a pint.  It was so nice just to talk to him. Share with him my experience and where I am right now, and to hear where he is, and just really love the present moment.  It was so nice.

For dinner I passed him off to Kelsey, and I went and had dinner with Jim Hood and Sara Beth at Gloucester Arms.  It was truly unbelievable to have them here, and spend some quality time with them.  They really are my home away from home, and I just was beaming before I got there (because I had spent the afternoon with Matt) and continued to beam throughout dinner.  It was so lovely.  I was able to vent, giver perspective, just look at people I love and feel so happy.  I feel so happy right now.  I agree with Kelsey's statement, "I haven't been this happy in so long," tis true tis true.  We had a delicious dinner, best fish and chips I have had (and I have tried quite a few), and a yummy bottle of wine.  Thank you Jim and Sara Beth. 

Now I am sitting in my bed, thinking about how great today was. Thinking about how much I love my friends, seeing Matt has been terrific, but it has also reminded me how much I miss my other friends from home.  It is strange to see people I love.  I love them, no question, but when Jim and Sara Beth left, I got a bit teary eyed, it was like I was saying goodbye to my parents. 

Matt is still here though, lucky lucky me!! He is a happy boy, and Kelsey and I are happy.  Tomorrow we will play it by year, perhaps some museums, food, sightseeing hanging out.  Good times, good times, nothing but the best with him. 

I will check in later, but for now I will continue on this high road.  I love good people.  I really really do. 

Smile and hug those you love today. 

Be well dear ones. 

Yummy Dinner tonight!!!!!

Hello Happy People!!!

Well, I guess I don't know if you all are happy, but I sure am, in about 3 hours I will be doing with the first part of the semester.  My final finished this morning (eh, not so great, but hey, I'm just letting it go) and in about 40 minutes Joe and I will present on the globalization of Brick Lane.  And then I am free* as a bird!!!

*Free meaning that two of my courses are done, I still have another class that will continue, and my internship class will start after break along with the actual internship.

So I went to a football match!  So fun! So fun! I smiled the whole time pretty much, saw no fights, not too many drunks, but definitely a lot of supporters.  But not like an average supporter who knows the names of the players and their records, but these guys live for these teams.  I am sure they know shoe size, where they get their hair buzzed, which trainers they use, and all the ins and outs of these (oh so attractive) players.  Sure the game itself was fun, but people watching was more entertaining.  I went with Kelsey and Matt, and we were not sure how to get there, and we ended up following these two young English mates they led the way for us.  They couldn't believe we didn't know who some of the most famous American players are (and I embarrassed to admit that I can't remember the names they said except Beckham, but everyone knows Beckham).  They were nice guys though, very passionate about the sport, they brought their own program with them, I'll call that dedication.  I did notice though that out of the other students we sat with Kelsey Matt and I did not chit chat...we focused.  Oh yes, we didn't talk about how peanut butter is so different here (because it really isn't) or how Primark is busy at all times of the day any day of the week, or where to get cute boots, no, we watched the passes, the kicks, the sweat fly off when they hit the ball with their head, and kept rooting for Fulham as they tried oh so hard to get a goal.  Now, I played soccer back in the day, so I can't blame them too much, but I just really wanted them to kick the ball INTO the goal.  These boys would get right up to the goal/goalie/post, and pass it away, just TAKE THE SHOT. jeez.  I know, easier said than done.  Kelsey had a lot of fun too, it was really fun to see her so giddy about the whole experience. OH, lesson to all sporting vendors who read this blog, DO NOT RUN OUT OF HOT DOGS. That is a disgrace to the entire game itself.  We couldn't believe it that after standing in the queue with the masses for like twenty minutes they announced that people ate all the hot dogs, really lame guys, really lame.  We did however find a sasuage stand, more expensive and not a hot dog but still pretty good.  We won of course.  I'm actually not sure if that deserves an of course, Fulham seems all right, but not fantastic, I'm not sure if I will be burned alive for saying that....if I die, you all will know why. 

Anywho, we made it back safe and sound, had a really great time, and we all want to go again.  It was also fun because I hadn't really hung out with Matt at all, it was nice to actually do something together besides watching TV together in the flat. 

Yesterday I puked a lot.  I got hardly a wink of sleep, toss and turn rollover, toss and turn for the whole night, not fun.  I got up feeling really nauseous, and then followed through with that feeling.  I ended up going to class although I felt like shit.  kept leaving class because I was afraid that the next burp would make more than a slight sound.  Shauna gave me some medicine that was magical, it made me feel so much better right away, but then I tried to eat too much, and felt sick again.  It's an unfortunate cycle, or rather, I wasn't patient enough and wanted food in my stomach.  I then got a pretty bad headache, popped some advil for that and headed to class. Just kind of a weird physical day, my body was out of whack, and I was super stressed, and I not only had the sausage but a hot chocolate at the game and I think the combination of it all led my body to freak out on me.  Lesson learned.  Prepare better, don't leave things until the last minute, and don't drink aero hot chocolate (especially because I really don't do a lot of dairy, any little bit is an attack on the system, although interestingly enough Ice cream doesn't seem to be effecting me as much...I wish it would because then I would stop eating so much!)

So today is the big day, the big dinner with Kent! I am so excited.  I am trying not to eat too much (oh I am feeling much better today) now, because I want room for all the yummies at dinner!  I haven't had a nice dinner like this in so long, I really cannot wait.  I will fill you in on all the details later for sure. 

So my sister is coming in T minus three weeks!!!! I am even more pumped for that.  I will see Matt tomorrow, getting my new back pack today, and Greece on Monday.  So many adventures, I am just smiling with all this excitement, I feel like I am finally getting settled here in this city, and I can't wait to explore it more. 

I wish you all well on this glorious day!

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot! Dinner with Sara Beth and Jim Hood tomorrow night! That should be yummy as well! and really great company too!! 

Be well everyone!

Life

Okay, let's figure out my life right now. 

I have a class presentation about music in Sikhism. A 2000 word review of the movie Fish Tank that includes themes from my social welfare class. A final to study for (social welfare) and an essay on a religious diaspora.  Oh and I am turning in a paper that reviewed the film East is East today, everything else is due Wednesday.

So that is work.

I am going to a football match tonight, pretty excited, a little nervous, have heard many stories about what goes down at these matches, but hopefully I will come out alive, although I can't speak for everyone else.  I am also a bit anxious because although I want to go to the game (which has already been paid for) it is taking precious study time away.  I also have an awkwardly placed class (1-4) today, which is just right in the middle, so I am up now, (8), going to the gym, working on papers, going to class, then in an ideal land I would work some more, but realistically I will just not work and wait for the game to begin.  Hmph. This whole balance of work and play can be so difficult sometimes.

On top of the work and hard decisions, my back pack is out of commission.  An unfortunate incident occurred that involved a drunk girl somehow puking in my bag...just a wee bit gross.  It is all being taken care of, I am being fully compensated, and the situation is taking care of itself, just the timing of it all will someday make my chuckle...but not quite yet. 

I did have a good ending to last week though.  On Thursday Walter and I went out to dinner and had drinks, and we made our way to a Karaoke bar and refused cheese from a tall young man in a black coat on the dance floor, sang to songs even if I didn't know them, and left when the man I was dancing with made it clear that he would be all right with more than dancing.  All in all a fun night.

Friday was exciting because Daniel came to visit.  Well, I happen to be here, his folks flew in the next morning, and there was an Arsenal match Saturday afternoon, we all knew his top priority...We had a nice time though.  He arrived at the train station, a little shaky because everything had been delayed but no worries, he got there.  We went to a pub in Piccadilly, had a yummy wheat beer (he of course stuck with Guinness), and also ate some dinner.  From there we roamed about until we decided (because we can here) to take some drinks down to the river.  It was a bit chilly, yup just a bit.  We found warmth by heading into Giraffe (a fantastic chain here I must say) to enjoy some dessert, and a yummy dessert wine, which I wish I could remember the name, but no such luck.  From there we headed back to his family friend's house in Islington (he twisted my arm because I was promised a free breakfast and I could see his parents...and in my own head I knew I would get my own room for just a night, but that made me pretty giddy).  It was this great house, fantastic bed, slept beautifully, and woke well rested the next morning.  I was glad I stayed because I received big hugs from Sara Beth and Jim, I think of them as my family away from home while I am at school, and the fact that they are in London, just makes my heart smile. 

I headed home, and the rest of saturday and sunday remained uneventful.  Stressed out, yeah, a bit overwhelmed, I know I know, I always get things done, and really this semester can't even compare to one semester at Guilford, but if I stop and just feel this moment, I am anxious. So, what does that mean? Gym time! Yup yup, Shauna showed me how to use this machine that is like rowing a boat, and I just love it, so I will get right on that, well after I warm up of course. 

Things to look out for this week: results of football match, success of all work accomplished, dinner with the president of Guilford, Kent Chabotar, and the arrival of Matthew Fisher!!!! Oh Oh Oh GREECE A WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!

Have great fantastic lovely days everyone.

be well.

SCOTLAND!!!!!!!!

Here it is, finally, thank you for your patience, I appreciate it greatly.

4:00 am on Friday, I woke from a deep two hour sleep put on some clothes, washed my face, finished gathering some things, threw it in Kelsey's suitcase and joined the others as we walked like zombies to HIgh Street Kensington tube station.  It wasn't open when we got there, go figure.  We all sort of fell asleep or nodded of on the tube.  I snapped some pictures, I was tired, but really excited.  WE WERE GOING ON VACATION!!! such a nice feeling.

6:15 am, our train left from Kings Cross station.  Before we boarded we met with the International Friends tour guide, Tom.  We picked up some water and then got on board.  We managed to score seats with a table in between, a bit tight, but nice to have for sleeping purposes, and my head went down. sleep time.  Shauna probably slept the most, I slept some, Walter got some shut eye, and Kelsey a wee bit.  The scenery was gorgeous (I will have to come up with different ways of explaining the beauty I saw, let's see if I can make Kaylene proud).  I didn't realize we were so close to the coast, but I guess that just supports my total lack of geography knowledge.  It was neat to see so many sheep and cows along the way and then cliffs with black rocks on the North Sea.  The train is wicked fun.  Hard to walk without feeling like you haven't had any luck for the last twenty years getting around day to day, but possible, it is just inevitable to land in someone's lap.  Although I did not. 

5 hours later, 11:15 am we arrived in Edinburgh.  We then went on a tour hour bus tour, before going to our hostel.  Okay, I think it is a good idea to go on a tour of the city when we first arrived, but two hours was too long after sitting for the last five.  The beginning was fascinating, I was captured by the stunning views and simplicity of the buildings, but then it dragged on.  Like dragged on in the sense he talked about pointless, dull, non-engaging facts about the city or the buildings, he would stop the bus outside of a building and spend twenty minutes talking about it, and at first he was lively and animated, but then I think he himself got tired, and it became a bit excruciating. 

We finally arrived at the hostel.  Elas hostel, a man and woman run it, and well, I would describe them as grumpy.  Not mean but grumpy, like they have been doing this for way too long and have dealt with too many bad experiences that they are tired of everyone and put on a front before we even walk it.  We had requested to be in a room with just the four of us, that was a very smart thing on our part because otherwise we could have been with 8 other girls in one room with one bathroom...welcome to hostel living.  We sat on the beds, and said, "oh" hmm, not comfy at all.  Kelsey wondered if these were the same beds they used in 1812, it sort of felt like they were, and they had the plastic around the mattress so it crackled  every time I moved.  Also, this was new to me, they put a cover for the mattress, then a blanket, then a sheet and on top the comforter.  I couldn't figure out how I was supposed to deal with that so I just slept under the comforter.  Worked well enough.  We had a nice view though, and the room itself was fairly large with 5 beds (but only four of us were in there).  

Lunch was next.  We, well me in particular, were starving! So, so hungry.  We decided to walk around until we found something, so we did.  We stopped at the first pub we saw, a mighty good find I must admit.  I had nachos and a Raven Ale (a scottish beer).  Shauna, being the outgoing friendly woman that she is, chatted with a member of the Edinburgh city council who happened to be enjoying a pint of beer with his mate in the Cask and Barrel.  Shauna's chattiness and his interest in us led him to draw a map of the Royal Mile, good pubs to eat at, fun museums, and entertaining musicians who play at night.  I think Walter still has the receipt with the drawing on the back.  We followed his plan for the day pretty closely too.  We headed over to the Royal Mile, has a bunch of shops, pubs and restaurants, went to the Museum of Childhood (really cool toys from generations ago, and a room full of scary scary dolls...) We headed to a pub that council man said had good live music, but eh, not quite our style.  We got a drink, chatted for a bit, then headed off to find another spot for dinner.  We ended up going to Tesco to get snacks for the next day, and got take away for dinner.  It was about 7:30 when we were settled in our sketchy room, and I wanted a drink.  There was a social gathering that night to meet other people in the group over drinks at a pub, but I just wanted to go with Walter and Shauna.  (Kelsey went to sleep).  We went back to the Cask and Barrel, I enjoyed two different scotches, two yummy scotches, I think my palate is changing...for the better.  Bed time lights out after we returned. 

6:00 am wake up, breakfast at 7:00.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELSEY.  We had a bit of an odd ball breakfast, pastries, cold pancakes, toast, warm somewhat runny hard boiled eggs, oscar meyer, hot dogs, orange juice and tea.  I ate a lot, it was yummy, but just a little weird combination. Oh I think there may have been bologna too.  I presented Kelsey her gift from the group, tickets to go see the Lion King, I think she was a happy girl. 

7:47 am walk down the steps Tom informs us that we are late.  Sorry Tom for being two minutes late.  We walk quickly to the bus, Fred, the guide, called us out for being late, thanks Fred, way to start my morning.  Actually, Fred thought he was hysterical, and brilliant, but really his jokes were bad and I was put off my his initial interaction with us.  We drove for a couple hours, I slept for most of it, although I did notice the lovely landscape peeping outside the window.  We met the bull, he has a name of which I have forgotten, pretty sweet, total model, he clearly knows is role and purpose in life, stand and be attractive, I wish we all knew our purpose like that.  lucky bastard. 

And the drive continued on, and on, and yet even further up into the highlands.  There was a lunch stop where a free whiskey sample took place, yum yum.  I fully took advantage of that.   From there, we curved in and around the mountains, the tall, sturdy, solid, textured, foggy, crisp, mystical yet practical mountains that just consumed my whole body.  I have never in my life been struck by such beauty, it was utterly breath taking, a true sight not to miss.  I highly recommend everyone see these views in real life. 

We made it to the Urquhart Castle (I think that is the name) It was cool, the people who lived there years ago blew it up because they didn't want anyone else to enjoy it, so there are bits and pieces left, but it is right on Loch Ness.  By the time we got there the sun had come out, so I was able to get some pictures of the sun on the water and the castle.  We took a ferry across Loch Ness, did not see the monster, but more importantly were not eaten by the monster, so we cleared it with no problem, phew. 

Then there was the ride home, a very long ride home with no stops.  Don't forget it is still Kelsey's birthday here, so we had to find the perfect place for dinner...and we did. Well Kelsey did.  We walked up the street from Cask and Barrel, and found Nom de Plume.  It is this authentic Sicilian restaurant that is adorable inside, multi colored, nice wait staff, quiet, and delicious!  We had such a fun night. I had Haggis and Tatties (a traditional Scottish dish) according to Wikipedia it is, "a dish containing sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours." It was so good, no matter what others think, I enjoyed it.  mmm we had dessert too, lemon cheesecake for me, and the other girls got Cannachan (also a traditional Scottish dessert).  We had a gooood time.  Lots of laughing, drinks, food, and just really good company.  We definitely ended a fantastic day with the ultimate high. 

7:00 wake up, breakfast, same as the day before, and headed out in town.  It was so fun to just walk around Edinburgh.  I felt so calm, peaceful, happy, I couldn't stop smiling.  We attempted to go into the castle, but they wanted 10 pound, mm don't think so.  So we took pictures outside and pretended we were inside, it worked for me.  Oh, I also sent a postcard off from Scotland, I hope my friend gets it soon!  We ended up going back to Nom de Plume for lunch, it was yummy and friendly all over again, and we were very sad to leave, but well life must go on, can't stay in wonderland forever.  We got back on the train, it was another six hours, I know you are ready for me to be home now, tired of reading, I'm tired of writing, but alas we are not quite done.  Almost.  The train was packed, apparently they sell tickets till the cows come home, because there were people standing in between the cars, blocking the restrooms, and then giving me funny looks when I wanted to occupy it, hmm... So there we were, six hours sitting on our bums, let's have a drink! mmm I love traveling.

Finally made it home around 10 pm.  I could not have asked for a better weekend.  I would go back with my family, a partner, my friends, or by myself.  Part of me wishes I had studied there instead of London.  I like London a lot, but I haven't connected with it like I did with Scotland, that felt like home, that was the place where I could really settle and stand firm.  It's nice to know it is out there, and I have a feeling Scotland won't be the only place like that, I just have to find it! Make sure to check out the pictures from a few posts below, but really take a trip yourself.  Very lovely. 

Thanks for getting this far, kudos to you.  Have a fantastic night everyone and dream of the wonderful places to travel too!!!!

This Week

Hey, hey,

I had my interview today!!  It went well I think.  It was strange because it was not really an 'interview' per say.  Instead I met Rita (volunteer coordinator) talked to her about London Friend, their services, and showed me around the very small building.  Then I met Frances (the boss) and we talked more specifics of what is expected of me and what we both hope to get out of this experience.  Both were very nice older lesbian women...part of me feels right at home.  It sounds like I will be doing a lot of admin work, copying, filing, sorting what not, but they also want me to get hands on experience so I can sit in on some of the groups and go with them on outreach programs.  They are not quite sure all of what they want me to do yet, since they haven't had an intern like me for this period of time before.  But it looks like they are flexible with time, so some work days can be switched around (meaning traveling on Friday's could be a reality!).  But of course work is more important and I will put my full effort into all of the tasks assigned.  I am excited, it is small, but seems fairly laid back, I can dress casual, actually they asked me to dress casual (because of the lower income clientele) and everyone working there or volunteering identifies with the LGBTQ community...I've never been in an environment where that was true before. 

Anywho, on Monday I was assigned three new projects...yuck. I haven't really in all honesty done much work this semester, but now is the time that everything is assigned and due, pretty lame, but it must get done.  I have a couple papers, presentations and a final all in the next week.  Tuesday I did a presentation on Unemployment in the UK, pretty successful I must say, chatted for a bit, showed a video, went through my powerpoint, I'd like to think mine wasn't as dry as some others, but who am I to really judge that. 

I skipped my morning field trip today because of my interview, I heard it was all right, but I didn't miss too much, I'm not even sure where they went.  But this afternoon, after my interview, I changed from my interview skirt to trousers so I could be appropriate for the Sikh temple we went to in Southhall.  We ate food, got a little tour, talked to a Sikh man, went into the main hall and listened to music (music plays all day long in the front of the room).  It was a bit of a trek away, so I was pretty ready to come home. 

Now I need to figure out food, thought hard about going to spin class, but I think I will pass tonight (I know I know I should go, I like it so much and I always feel good after but because of timing and my very low energy level I think I will treat my body to the couch tonight) there is always tomorrow morning!!

Make sure to read my next blog......SCOTLAND time!

troubleshooting

hey guys quick question.  I have had a couple people tell me that the links for the pictures are not working.  Can some of you let me know whether it works for you or not?  If not I will work on fixing it.  Just trying to get a sense of how wide spread the the broken link is.  Thanks guys.

Try this one!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=288114607211%3A1729535944

Photos from Scotland!!!

All right, just so I can relive some of the suspense, I have most some (well actually quite a number) of photos from the most fantastic and beautiful trip.  I will admit, there are a lot, so I will not be offended if you take a couple different times to look through them...but do make sure to look.  Scotland, Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands are just too stunning to be pushed aside.  I will update and share my trip when I have a bit more time, right now I spent way too long putting these together (and I apologize for some of the photos being out of order).  They might make more sense when you get the whole description of the trip. Honestly I am just excited to share them with you.  I really did have the most wonderful time....Enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?albumId=293709507211&ownerId=761841055211

Can I get a Woo Woo?

Okay people, let's get down to business.

Avenue Q tickets purchased for tomorrow night......check.

Figured out ATM and money situation.......check check.

EXCITED FOR SCOTLAND THIS WEEKEND.........CHECK CHECK CHECK!

today. get ready. morning class. figured out that I wanted to go to Avenue Q tomorrow night, need an early night because getting up at like 4 in the morning to head to the train station. (ridiculously early) sent email out, figured out tickets for 10 pounds!!! (well 12 with the service charge, but still, really good deal I must say).  Had lunch with a potential new friend, I am trying here, give me a little credit.  Sewer pipe broke in FIE building, gross, smelly, yet has chairs to sit, so I embraced it. 

After lunch, met with Transnational Studies peeps and professor and headed to the Regents Park Mosque.  Really really interesting...wish I knew more about Islam though.  He was great, totally blanking on his name (he being our guide person) articulate, passionate, knowledgeable, and very sincere.  Also young and not bad looking.  We first went into the room that faces Mecca where all the major worshiping and praying happens (again blanking on the name, I think I am a bit tired, but in the sense that my brain is moving way too fast to catch anything whizzing by).  In this room we did some Q&A, and this is where my desire for more education of Islam developed.  We didn't have a basic introduction, so we weren't really sure what questions to ask. I threw one in there though, helped the team out (the team being a very quiet, quiet like a mouse quite group of a bunch of girls and one boy, who are so shy it is ridiculous).  Questions were asked, answers were given, he was quite engaging and really did make me want to learn more about Islam.  Perhaps a Guilford Islam course is in my future...

We left in the pouring rain, I still have not made the 2.99 pound purchase for the oh so helpful invention of the umbrella.  But, I did wear the fantastic raincoat that my sister got me for my birthday, so all was not lost...just a tad wet. 

I got home and entered a FUNK. like a bad mood for no reason.  Crazy I know, PMS? one might think, possibly, but don't think so.  Just a funk. Irritable, and on edge. I signed onto AIM, and low and behold my mother was on. So we skyped. Yup. We sure did, saw David, that was cute and fun, and then chatted with my mom for awhile.  (I also talked to another friend from Guilford who went and saw Nervous But Excited, one of my favorite musical groups in the entire world that I know about, so I was a bit jealous, but also really glad she got to hear them even though I couldn't).  I felt much better after chatting with my mother, she has a way of always being just the perfect thing I need.  Pretty much every time.  

We also decided that I would go to SPIN class tonight.  Yes, yes, I went to spin again!! It was AMAZING.  unbelievable.  Everyone should go, seriously, I don't care your shape, foot size, ankle width, what color underwear you are wearing, or how long your armpit hair is........GO. sign up, right now, find your local gym, just don't feel embarrassed! oh man I am being a mini PR service here. But do you get my jist?  I realized that I can bring my own shower upon me, no need for a faucet, I just have my sweat...ride hard enough then it comes pouring out, or like a light rain that just flows down arms and legs.  some might find that gross...yes...but totally worth it.

Before class I went to go lift some weights, good idea, but didn't take into account the time of day...rush hour, everyone just got off work.  Meaning that highly attractive men and women came piling in to the room and used up the machines...so let's just say I stayed on the mats and did some ab work, and well, not going to lie here...I observed, looked around, realized I was way out of my game and went to the bike...where I soon felt right at home in the midst of all of our sweat. 

Oh, but even more good news....I feel like I am in much better shape than I was when I first went to Spin class, because I did not suffer nearly as much.  My arms could support me much better, and my legs were not strained so much.  That is great to actually feel because I know I am actually gaining something out of my time spent at the gym...and oh I think I have become one of those people who can feel it in my body when I don't go to the gym...hence I have a feeling I was irritable earlier because I hadn't had my session of daily release).

I tried to get money out of the ATM afterward, no such luck.  I later figured out after talking to Walter and Kelsey that I hadn't told my bank (Wachovia) that I was leaving the country. whoops. I called, using Walter's skype account, and after numerous security questions finally got through, and am all set.  No worries if you are confused, all you need to know is that I have access to money again.  hoorray. 

Now the Matrix is on, how can I resist that movie? and my computer is about to die...no joke. so i better peace out, but know that I AM GOING TO SCOTLAND THIS WEEKEND. so don't worry if you don't hear form me, but I will probably post something tomorrow. 

Love to you all,

take care of yourself today, do something that will make you smile.

The Indican Wave

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ViewSlideshow.action?&collidparam=761841055211.356150007211.1254830491443

Hello Hello,

These are pictures from the Dawali Festival that Walter and I went to on Sunday.  This was a really fun, vibrant, loud, crowded, yummy Hindu festival of lights.  It was all about diversity, bringing people together from all over India through dance and song.  I love live dance performances, so I was in a pretty happy place.  Plus, there was an older man in front of me who kept informing me of where each dance was from, and how if certain dances were not performed the festival would not be complete, so that was cool.  Apparently there was a little girl snapping pictures of me, but I have a feeling that it wasn't because of my pure beauty, but rather I was one of the few white women in the crowd.  I heard someone say that there were around 40,000 people, and for those of you who know me well I do not do crowds, although I feel I am growing a bit more comfortable because I didn't freak out, I simply told Walter I was feeling too claustrophobic and we moved away from the front of the stage.  No need to be uncomfortable if there are alternatives to a situation. 

So I spent a long time last night planning trips.  This is what I have come up with, Scotland this weekend, Wales Coast and Mountains the following weekend, Greece for break, then in November (Clea and Mik come!!!!!! so excited about that) Ireland (to see Daniel in Limerick), and the week after Paris (to see my Uncle Dan and his fiance Tara), and hopefully a weekend trip in December to Bath and Stonehenge Christmas market, oh and of course, a day trip to Glastonbury, so we can get a rock for Kelsey's mother. 

Big plans.  Pretty excited about it all.  I just like that it is all coming together. 

In about an hour or so I will have my first meeting about the internships.  I think I will get a packet with more specific information.  I am excited to get started on this part of the journey here.  I'll fill you in when I know more.

Class tonight. I should really do some reading and get a head start on some work since I will be gone the next two weekends. 

oh. about my subject for this blog, the "indican wave" - at the festival they call the "wave" like what you do in a stadium and everyone puts their arms up and it looks like a wave, well they call that a mexican wave (which we looked up and in British English they call it a Mexican Wave), but they put a spin on it, and had us move our shoulders up and down so it was the Indian wave, and when you put them together it becomes the "Indican Wave." Clever.  I think it could take off, become a common trend. 

that's all for now folks.

be well enjoy your Tuesday!