I'll Be Home for Christmas:

Well, I can't believe it, but tomorrow morning, bright and early, I set off back across the Atlantic home for Christmas. It has been exactly 12 weeks (3 months) since I first left home. In some respects, such as missing family and friends (cough Jeffrey cough) it has felt so much longer than a quarter of my year. But in others, new experiences, new friends, new adventures (I could go on for ages) it feels as if I've just arrived. I guess I really have just arrived. Although I'm quite settled in my life in Oxford, I haven't been here very long. Everyday there are still new things to see, new friends to make. I really do love it here. I wish there was some way to reconcile here and home more easily, but I wouldn't give up either for anything. It's amazing how I have been able to maintain both, and though it's not easy to be away, I have been so blessed in coming here. I am thankful for this opportunity, and thankful for the time at home. I now pray that I arrive safely.

I've spent the last two weeks engaged in Christmas activities and research endeavors. I've completed my Christmas shopping and though I have little to offer because of the expense of Britain, I'm happy to say that I've tried to provide everyone with a little piece of England. I've also picked a research topic for my thesis and begun the work with my primary source, a 15th century edition of the Golden Legend as Englished by William Caxton. I will be looking at the role of parenthood in the hagiography of saints and I'm very excited by this prospect!

I went to Christmas dinner in hall in the 8th week of term and enjoyed a turkey dinner accompanied by a rousing and drunken version of The Twelve Days of Christmas as sung by the Oriel Chapel Choir. Sadly they could not remember all the words despite the fact that they were printed in the choir books which they held in hand. :) I also cooked a belated Thanksgiving feast for eight at the beginning of 9th week which was enjoyed by all. It was my first attempt at such a large dinner and was quite successful! At least I count it as successful by the evidence of no left-overs!

This past weekend I made my way into Cardiff, Wales and was welcomed warmly into the home of my friend Rich's parents. His mother cooked a big Sunday roast for us. It was wonderful to see a city much more like Louisville in its structure and layout. And it was absolutely fantastic to be in a family home again. I hadn't realized just how much I was out of my normal routine being away from Mom and Dad and the Coulters until being in Cardiff. It didn't feel like Christmas until being in their home. Thank you Sandford's!

We've had wonderful Christmas parties and dinners for the last few weeks. I am quite overloaded with food and I believe I have gained back the weight I lost initially in my arrival here! So much food!!! I am fearful for what happens back in the presence of the wonderful cooking of Mom, Regina, and Granny! I will surely need new clothes to compensate for weight gain! Anyone want to take long walks with me while I'm home? :)

I fly out at 6:20 am EST tomorrow morning and will arrive in Cincy at 3:30 pm EST. Those awake please send prayers for my safe travel! I hate to fly! This time I don't have Jeffrey to distract me! I love you all on both sides of the Atlantic. Those at home...I can't wait to see you!! Those in Oxford...I will miss you very much. Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas to all! See everyone soon! Cheers!!

A Day Late and A Dollar Short:

Happy belated Birthdays to my Uncle Steve and cousin Erika! I'm so sorry I'm busy! I miss and love you both! I think of you daily. I hope you had wonderful, fulfilled, and very happy birthdays! Cheers!!

The Blog Can't Keep Me Down:

I apologize for my lack of entries over the last few weeks.  To say things have
been busy is an understatement, but really, being busy had nothing to do with my
lack of writing.  I wrote an entry around the 10th of November which my blog
decided to erase on its own.  In protest I've refused to write.  Also, I'm quite
afraid I will once again spend an hour of my time writing only to find my entry
gone!  I can't handle another great loss.  It's too much.  So, enough of the
dramatics.  Cross my fingers and here I go:

I'm a bit perplexed as to how I will begin this monumental blog.  Readers
beware, this will be a long one.  Chronological order seems to make sense, but
I've lost the ability to think back that far.  I suppose I'll move backward and
hit the highlights.  Most days have been spent in bed with various illnesses.
Three trips to the doctor later I was asked, "When are you going home?" as if
to imply that wellness will evade me in this British utopia.  Perhaps then,
it's not a utopia afterall.  (Maybe I haven't stepped away from the dramatics!
:) Hee.)

I spent yesterday in London with my dear friends Ruth and Sam, and met up for
dinner with my friend Chris (from UL/Louisville.  Doing a Master's in
Comparitive Ethnic Conflict at Queen's University in Belfast.  So nice to see
someone from home!!).  We spent time in the British Museum, Harrod's,
and.....Russell Square!!!  It was incredibly amusing for me being in a place
that said Russell everywhere.  Russell Square, Russell Station, Russell Street,
Russell Hotel, Russell restaurants....I could go on for ages.  I will certainly
be taking Mom and Dad back on their visit to the UK.  The British Museum was
less exciting for me simply because my historian's mind could not take in all
there was to see in a way that suited me.  The museum is vast and the
collections are remarkable.  It would literally take me at least a week to look
through the museum the way I wanted to.  We hit the major exhibits seeing the
relics from the burial ship of Sutton Hoo and spending an immense amount of time
in the Egyptian collection.  Cleopatra's mummy and the Rosetta Stone were of
course my favorites.  I am not ashamed to admit that I teared up upon
encountering the Rosetta Stone.  It was a dream nearly 10 years in the making to
see it.  It was wonderful!! *sigh*

Harrod's is like a museum.  It encompasses an entire city block and because of
the Christmas season was packed full of so many people that I felt sardined in
every department.  It was an amazing store however and I am very proud to say
that I left without purchasing anything!  Though, if I have time I will return
for some christmas shopping for others before I head home.

Last week we had MCR Guest Night in which only graduate students and their
guests eat in hall.  We packed in nearly 150 people for a five course meal!  It
was lovely.  I brought with me one of my fellow historians, Bryony, and enjoyed
a night of stuffing myself!  It was good I stuffed myself for Guest Night
because Thanksgiving was a rather large disappointment.  With no time off to
cook, a turkey was out of the question.  Without certain staples like canned
pumpkin, the fixings left a lot to be desired as well.  I got together with
three other Americans and we cooked a nice meal of Chicken, green beans, corn,
Mac and Cheese, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes.  It was great food, but I
really missed being home.  Mom and Dad have sent me the proper Thanksgiving
fixings, which should arrive tomorrow, and after term ends this week I will take
the time and cook a proper dinner for my British friends.  I was redeemed by the
fact that I spoke to nearly all of my close family on Thursday however.  In
particular, Granny and Ted, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve, and Aidan, whose voices
I hadn't heard since I left home!  It was wonderful!

Speaking of wonderful things...I travelled a few weeks ago to Blenheim Palace,
the childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill which lies in Woodstock, about 30
min. from Oxford.  I spent all day with my friend Rich exploring the palace and
the extensive grounds (we walked at least 10 miles that day!) and learning how
to make a Christmas pudding.  I tasted my first Christmas pudding last week and
was quite shocked at how delicious it is!  There will be Christmas puddings
given out as gifts this year!  You can't get more British than a Christmas
pudding!  Yummy.

I suppose those are the highlights.  I've had many wonderful letters and cards
from the Coulter family (Jeff and Regina, Jeffrey, Mimi, Beth, Char), Aunt
Norma, Walter and Marilyn, and Liza!  These have been a welcome addition to my
pigeon hole and now all adorn my walls.  My research is starting to focus
finally.  I'm looking at the role of parenthood and the liturgy of parenthood
on the saints.  I'm not sure exactly where I'm going with this, but it's great
to have some direction.  I have wonderful friends here, and I'm very much
looking forward to coming home for three weeks at Christmas.  I can't wait to
be with friends and family watching Cardinal athletics and enjoying each others
company.  It's sure to be a busy and stressful, but wonderful holiday.  I love
everyone.  Please send your prayers for my safe travels home!  I'm off to eat
cake!  Cheers!

Livin' in the Post-Victory High:

Only slept about 3 and a half hours last night. Only slept about 4-5 the night before. For some reason this week sleep evades me. I say this to warn you, my precious readers, that I'm sure this particular entry will be laden with errors and confusing statements. I'm beginning to realize that my level 3 length (I meant strength. I could have erased that, but I wanted you to see my exhaustion) cup of tea is just not strong enough.

Last night was completely my own fault. You my faithful friends and family know very well that though I am so excited to be in Oxford, I would've flown home for the game (#5 U of L vs. #3 West Virginia, both undefeated, and at home, for those of you living under a rock!) last night in an absolute instant had it been possible. I can't believe I had to miss the BIGGEST game in school history!!! Ergh. On the plus side, I was able to pay $6.95/month to listen to good ole 84 WHAS over my computer. Also on the plus side, my wonderful friend Alvin called me repeatedly during the game so that I could feel included. Jeffrey called me immediately after to give me the full recap. And Roy, well Roy did the best thing of all. Roy taped the game for me so I can watch it when I come home for Christmas. Don't worry folks, my life in Oxford has not dampened my genetic cardinal mania one little bit. Ooh, and my $6.95/month will get me through the rest of football season and all of basketball season for approx. $35.00!! Rock on! I foresee many late nights ahead. Totally worth it. (PS. I hate/love you my friends who got to storm the field. I'm so damn jealous I can't see straight!)

So, bed time at 5 and up again at 8:30 is no fun, but I have tea! And it's my last day of Paleography! *insert choir of angels singing Handel's Messiah* Next week we FINALLY get to venture into the Bodleian to look at actual manuscripts. Whoo hoo! I'm certainly improving, though I don't think I'll ever reach scholarly status with these things. It all depends on the latin. Latin! At least I can translate the words to Mozart's Requiem, which I saw last night in honor of All Souls day. The Magdalen (pronounced Maud-lyn) Chapel Choir performed the requiem during their choral eucharist. It was an all boys choir, which I enjoyed immensely simply because of the enthusiasm of the young boys and irrespective of their actual talent. Cut offs were sloppy as were some of the introductions, and you couldn't hear the priest for anything, but I really enjoyed myself. I couldn't help thinking how wonderful it would've been to enjoy with Mom, Aunt Kathy, and Uncle Steve.

Tuesday marked Halloween; a very unimportant celebration on the British holiday priority list. We (15 members of the Oriel MCR) went to Lady Margaret Hall for an exchange dinner (they will come to Oriel this Thursday) and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Some of us too much after the game 'Penny' was introduced. I won't elaborate on the rules of this game, as I don't want my semi-teetotaler image to be curtailed, but pennies and wine don't mix, and I only had 2 glasses of wine. You can thus imagine how much some of my compatriots enjoyed themselves. It was so much fun though, and I finally (nearly six weeks in to this British experiment) got my first hug! I have been missing hugs. That I've missed them from Jeffrey is a no-brainer, but even the lack of hugs from my friends has left me lonely. We are a huggy-bunch you know. So, the LMH exchange really became a turning point for all of us new to the Oriel MCR, for we finally crossed the boundary of 'still getting to know you' into 'actually know you really well' friends. It's nice to have a sense of security in my friendships here.

Monday I attempted the creation of 'Mama's Chili,' my granny's recipe that is a fall staple in my house, particularly on Halloween. I was missing the key ingredient, Bloemer's Chili, which is only found frozen and might only be in Louisville. It's certainly not here! I was thus fighting an uphill battle with this chili, but I managed with some extra tomato paste, chili powder, and some tumeric to make a delicious meal. It wasn't right, but I was the only one who knew that. Rich and Sam ate three bowls each. As a result I mark my first attempt at my families' prized chili recipe as a success. Yeah me! Now I have to make fried chicken, biscuits (not the British kind), and gravy, as well as Thanksgiving dinner. Any emailed recipes will be welcome. And will someone please send me some Bisquick? :) Cheers!

Teenagers: Idiots in Every Country

In an effort to satisfy a desire for ice cream which I'd been holding for about four days, I convinced Rich and Tom to abandon cocktails for a brief interim to journey to G & D's, Oxford's very own ice cream shop, for a refreshing chocolatey treat last night. We arrived and each purchased a 'Cookie Monster,' in which ice cream was sandwiched between two GIANT cookies! (Unfortunately Tom's ice cream was chili flavored, but that's a whole other story.) I should've known better. It was a waste of my three pounds because I couldn't eat it all. But no matter: teenagers to the rescue!! A drunken group of teenagers arrived, and recognized Tom from Scottish dancing and thus invited themselves to our table. This was not a major imposition, until an 18 year old reached across the table and took part of my cookie without asking! I looked at Rich and Tom flabbergasted and did the only thing I could. I laughed. And then I thought to myself, "Self, how could these doofs get into Oxford?" I wasn't keen on her touching my food but, we wouldn't be there long. The humor continued as one of the girls looked at me and said, "You're American, right?" I said yes and then she looked at Rich and asked the same question. He responded "Yeah." in his best American accent which was hilarious because he's from Wales. The night reached its high point when the youngest looking, brace-faced 18 year old, the very same one who stole my cookie, began to throw said cookie at Tom, whom she'd been calling 'Mucky I Never Wear a Kilt' because she thought it was funny. Mucky handled it all very well. I would've punched her. But it just goes to show you that even in the capital of higher learning and intelligence, stupid teenagers still exist. And here, they can legally drink.

Neil Diamond and the Hokey Pokey:

Last night was a lesson in the internationalism of Neil Diamond. Now, there have been countless occasions in my month-long adventure here in which I've said things like "really?" or "I didn't know that!" because there are many cultural differences that I didn't think would exist for some reason or another. For instance, when discussing some of the differences between our two countries, my friend Rich asked "Why do people always say 'Have a nice day' when leaving somewhere in the US?" It was something I hadn't thought about before and something that I hadn't realized wasn't being said to me here. A valid question. My reply was something along the lines of "Well, because it's a nice thing to say." I shot back with "Why do you all (I didn't say y'all, though I kinda wish I had) not say 'You're welcome' after someone says 'Thank you'?" Apparently he had been wondering why we do. And it struck me how it's the little things in a new place that are more shocking than the overt differences. I would kill to get a 'Bless you' over here after I sneeze. I think I may start saying it to myself!

Anyhoo. Neil Diamond. I've been plagued with questions about Kentucky Fried Chicken since I first arrived. Not that I mind, I'm proud there is some frame of reference for my state, though I would be more satisfied with the Derby, but that seems to be small potatoes over here. Besides, they pronounce it 'Darby' anyway. But, the fascination with chicken soon wears off, and well, even the other Americans know very little about our fair commonwealth. And quite frankly, I'm tired of saying 'Looeyville' when people ask where I'm from. Not even the other Americans say it correctly. I am determined to teach everyone to say it properly however. Oh! And there's a pronunciation sample on wikipedia (thanks Rich!)! Who knew? But I digress. Last night, somehow, the conversation came upon the wonderful Neil Diamond. Tom began to sing, seems he is a big fan. And I said "Do you know 'Kentucky Woman'?" And he began to sing!! I was so excited! Finally, a new Kentucky reference outside of fried chicken, bourbon, and my lack of southern accent! Thank you Neil Diamond. Thank you for your beautiful and immortal words about we, the shining and loved women of Kentucky.

As for the Hokey Pokey. Thank you Murray, for your presence at this conversation, because I would've hated having to defend this on my own. In the same night, I posed a question about the music selection which played. Sam said that it was a "German version of the Hokey Cokey," to which Murray and I said concurrently, "The what?" "The Hokey Cokey. You know, you put your right foot in, you put your right foot out, you put your right foot in and..." "No!" Murray and I exclaimed. "It's the Hokey Pokey" with extra emphasis on the P. There was mass confusion. Ruth kept saying to me, "No, surely you're lying. It's not the Hokey Pokey. You must be joking." And I kept defending, "No, I'm not lying. It's the Hokey Pokey." She then said, "Maybe it's not the same song. Sing it." To which I did sing it and we were all shocked to figure out that it was in fact the same song. I am interested to know where this division happened. How could the Hokey Pokey Cokey have two different names? Maybe it was a three worded song before and Europe and North America each removed a different word for a better rhythmic fit with the tune. I say North America because Murray is from Canada. I'm glad he is too, because if not, I would have had to defend the honor of the Hokey Pokey to five Brits all by myself.

It's Official: Now They Can't Get Rid of Me!

I've posted the slideshow below so everyone can see what I've been up to. It's been a busy week here in Oxford. It was the first week of term and everyone was rushing around in stressful craziness, running into the tourists in their path. The libraries are already full of students, and the books are going off the shelves as fast as the librarians can put them back on. I began a four week session in Paleography and Diplomatic, courses in which I learn how to read medieval manuscripts. It's very interesting and extremely difficult. Unfortunately, the other Americans and I feel we are at a disadvantage because the British students have all seen manuscripts before and this is our first time exposed to them. I was frustrated early because I just couldn't get it. I would look at the 12th, 13th, and 15th century script and see absolutely nothing. Not a thing. Not one familiar letter. It was easier for me to read the medieval French than the English or Latin. As per usual for Oxford profs, Professor Sharpe refused to tell us what any of the letters were. As much as I appreciated the sentiment that we should be figuring it out on our own I had no way of knowing what the suspension and contraction symbols were without him telling me. It wasn't until Friday when he finally gave in for the class and explained that a 'p' with a line through the stem meant that an 'er' or 're' had been left out, and various other keys to this medieval manuscript map. It was an epiphany for me. I could finally see what he and so many of the British students had already been seeing. Yeah!!! Watch out British system, this American is coming to conquer you!

On the social front, Thursday marked our graduate fresher's dinner at Oriel in which all the Freshers and fellows had dinner with the provost in celebration of our membership in the college. This event was an interesting one for me, as it fully demonstrated the British love of socializing and well, for lack of a better word, alcohol. At 6:30 I met with the other history grad students and our college tutor for drinks in his office. At 7:00 we proceeded to the senior common room to have drinks with the other grad students and Fellows. At 7:30 dinner began, with wine already at our seats when we arrived. Throughout the evening as I turned to chat with the Emeritus professor or Romanian doctoral student sitting next to me my glass would be magically refilled as if Dumbledore has set to plan some spell in which we would never be thirsty. After dinner (as you can probably guess) there were more drinks. Wow. It was a quite enjoyable evening even though I sat in assigned seating away from my friends who are ALL scientists. The historians are a fun bunch. Our tutor had us bet on how long the Provost would speak to the hall. With a bet of 9 minutes, I won. That's right. I won the bet. My prize? Wine, of course.

Saturday was matriculation. This is the traditional ceremony in which the Vice-Chancellor inducts us as official members of the University. We were required to wear our sub-fusc (white shirt, black trousers, black shoes, black ribbon-tie, hat, and robe) and come early for a college photograph. Well actually, let me restate a part of that. We were required to carry our hats because although we had to purchase them, we aren't allowed to wear them until graduation. As you can see from a few of the photos I cheated there a bit. :) The ceremony was short and partly in Latin. And to top it off, once the Vice-Chancellor left the Sheldonian Theatre (in which Matriculation is always held), a fire drill came on immediately stating "Danger! Please exit the building as soon as possible!" This certainly put a humorous spin on things, but I was a bit disappointed because it really dampened the sentiment of the ceremony for me. Oh well. I got the impression that a large part of the ceremony is the 20 minutes before hand when we have to stand outside and wait to get into the Sheldonian. I say this because lined up all along Broad Street were hundreds of tourists snapping pictures of us as if we were an attraction. I guess we are, but it just struck me as strange that these people would develop these pictures of me on my Matriculation day and put them in their photo album. Oxford really is another world!

After Matriculation we went to the Turf Tavern, the traditional tavern of post-matriculation, post-examination, and post-graduation Oxonian students. It was crowded obviously. But really exciting to do something that so many have done for so many years. The Turf has been open since the 16th century, so this is certainly a well-established tradition. We wandered Oxford afterwards visiting Exeter, Lincoln, Jesus, and Brasenose colleges. Exeter chapel was extremely impressive, but the 1960s buildings next to it ruined the feel for me. The others had beautiful quads, but I was struck with how much I like Oriel everytime I stepped into a different college. Oriel is small, not very ornate or glamorous, but it's charming, welcoming, and full of character. I'm glad I made the choice to be here.

Three week inventory:
-I'm so blessed to be here!
-It's warmer here than at home :)~
-I've eaten pheasant twice this week. I now know what people mean when they say something tastes 'gamey'. It's eh.
-Pate (don't have accents sorry: so duck liver) tastes just like Vienna Sausages.
-Thanks to Mom and Dad for my first package, it's so great to have something in my pigeonhole. -I stayed up until 2:30 am watching the ticker change on Espn.com for the UL/Cincy game last night. I really miss ESPN and I have to remind myself that I'm not crazy for wanting to know what's happening with my team or nearly having a panic attack at the computer as we nearly lost the game! Seriously Cards, what's going on? Are you playing poorly because I'm no longer in the country?
-Medieval scribes were lazy: they abbreviate nearly every word in manuscripts, no wonder I had trouble initially.
-Loving the reading for my tutor, hating the reading for my core seminar. I don't care about Braudel and the geographical history of the Mediterranean. I'm sorry, I just don't.
P.S. Uncle Steve, I was assigned to read Duffy's "Stripping of the Altars", ha!
-I look cute in silly Oxonian caps. And I LOVE my college scarf. Everyone is jealous of it.
-The more I'm here, the more I love it, but also the more I love Kentucky. I'm proud of where I come from.
- I still love Jeffrey!

Thanks for reading! Miss you all! Can't wait till everyone visits! Cheers!

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Hermione I Am Not:

I'm off very soon for my first formal hall. I'm dressed up, but not in a dress, it's too cold for that. I have my graduate robe, and an empty stomach. I just found out that the cap I paid £15 for I'm not allowed to wear until after graduation. You gotta love Oxonian tradition. Oh and my programme is messed up. The history department seems to think I'm only supposed to be here for a year. I'll find out tomorrow whether or not this is true. But for now, I'm off first to evensong and then to hall. I don't look a thing like a character from Harry Potter, but I do have my college scarf and an arm full of books I have to read by wednesday. Do you think there's any chance I can get one of those time turners Hermione uses in book three? I really need more than 24 hours in the day. :)

Two Week Recap for those keeping score:

Arrived in England on Friday 22 September (British dates) and caught the hotel shuttle to Hever Hotel in Hever, Kent. The hotel was on the grounds of Hever Castle (though not as close as I hoped), the family castle of Anne Boelyn: ill-fated wife of Henry VIII. Beautiful castle from the outside but the £10 cost kept us away (that's $20 if you're keeping track). Unfortunately for Jeffrey and I, the hotel, though beautiful, was about 3-4 miles from the town of Edenbridge, from whence you could catch a train, and there were only two taxi services in the area, which were always busy and thus could never take us where we wanted to go. The nearest bus stop was a perilous mile walk away (curvey, small British roads, no sidewalks, little grass, fast cars). So, sadly, we found ourselves stuck in a community that was beautiful, but had very little to do, and an unfortunate presence of anti-American sentiment. Now I won't say that some of this wasn't expected, but I sure didn't think I would have a taxi driver reiterating an insult just to make sure we knew he didn't like us. As a result of all of this, Jeffrey and I packed up four days early and came to Oxford on Tuesday night.

I had planned on being in Oxford for the day on Wednesday anyway because of international graduate student orientation. I went to orientation and found myself in Oxford's famous examination schools, where all students go for end of term exams dressed in their traditional student gowns (you know, the Harry Potter-like ones). The rooms in the examination schools are overwhelming (of course, so is much of Oxford). High ceilings, large portraits of dead men (administrators I suppose), and annoyingly loud ticking clocks fill the rooms. It's a sight to see, and certainly helped me to realize I was in fact in Oxford, which was easy to forget surrounded by hundreds of other Americans. Yes, there are a lot of Americans here. It seems that about 10 percent of the student body is from the US, and another large percent comes from countries not in the UK. I've since met more people from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, and Peru than England, Scotland, N. Ireland, or Wales. Speaking of the student body, it's relatively small, only about 17,000 students. I had always thought there were more. Not sure why, but this number just suprised me.

After being orientated (they say that, though I'm not sure if it's really correct), Jeffrey and I embarked Thursday on our own tour of the city. We walked all over, which really isn't far. You can cross the most important parts of the city in 20-30 minutes on foot. We saw the Radcliffe Camera (which is right across the street from my college on one side and the history department on the other), the Bodleian (which I later explored on my own- let me tell you, that is overwhelming!), and many of the colleges. Christ Church is huge, Hertford's famous Bridge of Sighs is not as amazing as all the tourist books say, though very interesting. All the colleges have beautiful and overwhelming facades. It's easy to take them for granted after a few days because looking at these architectual masterpieces just becomes commonplace. We then ventured down Park Road looking for the University Parks, which I had seen from a bus window on the way to orienation. Once there we walked a while and found a seat on a bench in the middle as the sun was setting.

Now, you have to understand that our trials in Kent had been very stressful. I hadn't handled the trip very well: immediate stress, worry about not being home, missing everyone, fearing the worst. Jeffrey had endured a lot and had handled it much better than I. It was very expensive, and we didn't eat much because we couldn't afford it as all our money was going to hotel rooms and transportation. In hindsight it would have been better to rent a car, but oh well. So, even though we had planned to go to Eastbourne on the coast on Friday, we had to abandon our trip in order to afford the extra nights in Oxford. We talked about all this as we sat on this bench in the middle of University Park, at sunset. In the midst of our talk Jeffrey looked at me and stated that he had something that he had to do, reaching for his pocket as he said it. Being a doof, I said "What do you have to do?", or something similar, and then noticed him reaching for his pocket. At this point, those of you who really know me know that I began to cry. The proverbial light bulb turned on and I realized what he was doing. Five years of trials, tears, and more love and trust than ever came crashing over me as Jeffrey got down on one knee and opened the box exclaiming "will you marry me?" There is some dispute whether I said "yes" or "of course", but the sentiment was the same, and he placed the ring on my finger making the dreams I've had since I was 17 come true. With that I asked "Did you ask my Dad?" And Jeffrey replied "Of course." It was at this point that I realized that I was the luckiest person in the world.

The next day we were off to London and then to Dover to escape the very horrible hotel (hostel is more like it) in which we were staying in Oxford. We saw the sights and then came back on Sunday to move me in. My dorm room is great: very large with four big windows and lots of space (my own bathroom too!). And then we prepared for Jeffrey to go home. :( He left on Monday and since then I've been in a mix of inductions, MCR (graduate student organization in my college) events, meetings, and down time. It's been very trying, especially with the introduction of the massive amounts of course work I'll be doing today. I swear, MA students at UL in History, I'm sorry, but your degree is easy. I now actually miss semesters. But, as much as I want to pack it in looking at the four books I have to read a week for just one class, I know that this is going to be a valuable experience. I really do love the city, and I really like my college. The people here are great. They come from all backgrounds and disciplines. They are all very kind and a lot of fun. I'll let you know later about the profs. I'm just dealing daily with the newness of it all, my own insecurities, and the emptiness I feel without my family, friends, and especially Jeffrey.

So, two week inventory:
-I'm engaged!!!
-I'm studying at Oxford!
-I'm STUDYING at Oxford :(
-I'm learning to live on my own.
-I'm learning to eat things even when I don't know what's in them.
-I like lamb.
-I like tea.
-I've started to say "quite", "lovely", and "a bit" a lot.
-I might row...Samantha's working on that. We'll see.
-I miss everyone very much: I am looking forward to coming home at Christmas.
-I miss Walmart and Target. Yes I said it. But when you can't find laundry detergent, hand soap, a laundry basket, or shower curtain because they don't make specific shops for those things you just wish you had a place where you can get everything at once.
-I love Jeffrey (had to throw that in there)!!

Off to dinner now: a weird experience indeed because they serve you, there's candle light, and medieval tables and stained glass windows all around. Cheers!

Just to let everyone know....I'm in Oxford, I'm safe, and I think I may actually love it here! Once orientation gets under way and I have a more stable and free internet connection I'll fill everyone in on what's been going on the last week. I have much to tell!! But for now, just know I miss and love everyone back home!! Especially Mom, Dad, and Granny who I know are all checking this!

I love rainy days. I'm not sure how much I will love them when they are ever-present and cold, but I love rainy days. I love the smell of rain, I love the cool breeze it brings on an otherwise dreadfully hot summer day. I watched it rain this afternoon outside the large window in my classroom. The kids were not interested in the rain, only frustrated that they could not play outside. I found myself struck by the beauty of it; the flowers outside seemed to stand up instantly as the water reached the ground. It reminded me of how quickly things change; how the world so easily rebuilds itself.

My students operate in the same manner. A life and death, blood-curdling cry can be changed to uproarious laughter nearly instantaneously. It's alarming at the speed with which they can refocus their attention. It's disheartening that they cannot maintain their attention when I need them to. It's refreshing that they have the ability to be interested in so many things. I love when they ask me questions. I wish they would ask more. And I love the absolute trust they give me, because whatever answer I give, they take it as an absolute truth. It's funny how they can hate me one second for a punishment I give and then run up and state with certainty, "Ms. Elizabeth, I love you" just a moment later. I could have worked many other better paying jobs this summer. I could've set myself up in a better financial footing, and yet, I have a rewarding job, which is more than I can say for most people. I quite enjoy comforting one of my girls after they've fallen; or impressing the boys with my speed at freeze tag. My job renews my youth.

I can't wait until I see Isaac again. He was only six months old or so the last time we spent time together. His 1st birthday is rapidly approaching and it has occurred to me that it will be many years before he knows me. I am destined to reintroduce and reimpress him at every infrequent meeting. I suppose I should have to work for the love of my nephew. He is so smart, he deserves a fully involved and interested aunt. I am that of course, but I wish I could be more of the ever-present type aunt. I will say though, that my aunt and uncle were very present, despite the distance between us. I suppose I'm just amazed at how quickly he has grown and what an indepent little boy he is becoming. Erika called me this week to ask if his biting was normal at his age. It struck me that it was a little early, leading me to believe that he is much more intelligent than the average 10 month old. He has already figured out that there are ways to get what you want even without the luxury of words. I know he will thrive and operate much more effectively with words, but I am proud that he figured out that force can sometimes get you that toy of your dreams from a bigger bully. Go Isaac. I'm proud he's a fighter. Maybe there's a good Cards fan in him yet.

The post-vacation letdown is a doozie. I swear, you think you want to go back to regular life because you are refreshed and energized, but then you realize that what you really want to do is stay on vacation where you feel refreshed and energized. Of course, I have gained a few pounds eating in an environment where I feel so relaxed I convince myself that ice cream is actually good for me. Potato salad: healthy. Reece's Peanut Butter Cups: delicious and nutritious. Yep, the vacation fog is a wonderful thing. No wonder the French have 6 weeks of government mandated, paid vacation a year. Now that's brilliant.

I miss the beach; I miss Jeffrey's nieces and the wonderful contentment that comes from unconditionally loving a child. There were too many moments where Jeffrey and I looked at each other and thought, "Yes, we want one of those." Thankfully, we are people of reason, otherwise I think we would have fifteen kids by the time we're 35. But those moments singing Lily to sleep made me question my devotion to school. I admire those women, such as my cousin Erika, who can have both a career and an amazing relationship with their children. The thought of both is just exhausting. All in good time I must continue to remind myself. All in good time. I can do much more for my children as a fulfilled and educated woman than I can do now, too young to know better. And yet, damn, our children would be cute. :)

So, what is it? Something in the neighborhood of 9-10 weeks before I leave. Dear Lord, it's coming on fast. As it nears I continue to remind myself of the sage-like advice of my much missed cousin Aidan: it will all unfold as it should. I need to work only to eliminate as much stress and suffering as possible. This leads me to wonder: doesn't the two-year-long composition of a 150+ page master's thesis equal suffering? Just a thought. But I won't know for sure until I try.

It seems already as if the summer is flying by with at a pace so rapid that I am unprepared for the ramifications. I work too much, but I love my job. There are not enough hours in the day to spend with the people so precious in my life that I am to be leaving soon. I have less fear about moving to a new place and meeting new people as I do losing connection with those already established in my life. Jeffrey is my biggest worry. When things are finally where they should be between us I have to leave. I wish he could come with me, but that has yet to become part of the plan. I fear that my family and friends don't know how vital they are to me. So I worry and wonder if my parents and grandparents know how scared I am to leave them. And I pray daily that my friends will remain my friends, and that Jeffrey will remain my Jeffrey. I'm excited about Oxford, of course. But occasionally, I have to let myself feel the pain and sadness that is my leaving.

So, tomorrow I celebrate the fifth anniversary of my graduation from high school. It's hard to believe the time has flown so quickly when my high school years seemed to drag on for ages. I'm not complaining; I was one of the fortunate ones that actually loved high school. And yet, it's a bittersweet feeling looking back, for I've loved college very much, and I'm sad that my time at Centre and U of L went by so very quickly. How fast will it go once I have a family of my own? I anticipate my years in England will fly, unless the dredgery of research finds me and my psyche in an endless stream of research and an existance solely within the hollowed walls of the library. Regardless, I am only grateful for my time in both high school and college. I am lucky, extremely lucky, because this school stuff has always come easy to me, and it's always been a joy. I'm good at this, which is why I intend to do it as long as possible. In the end, these years which pass quickly by may or may not be the best in my life. One always hopes for better things to come, and fortunately for me, that means a fantastic and exciting future. But for now, I'm content to celebrate the past. I am a historian you know.

I'm exhausted. For the past three days I've worked three jobs, attempted to maintain some semblance of a social life, and attempted to find the $30,000 I need to go to graduate school. The term "busy" doesn't even begin to explain my current and continuous status for the rest of the summer. Hopefully I'll wear myself out so much that the constant study required at Oxford will be a welcome respite to this movement-filled existence I'm calling my summer break.

So, I've never done this blog thing before. And actually, I'm rather unsure of it. But, as I am heading off to the English unknown, I figure this may actually be a good way to keep in touch. We'll see. Anyway, this is a trial period. I'm not sure if this is my "Cup of tea." I suppose I should be getting used to tea. Ah, the British journey soon begins....