Home:

That's where I am! Here are some going home-inspired songs with which I identified prior to my arrival.





Merry Christmas to all, hoping you find some familiar feeling of home wherever you are.
Love,
Elizabeth

Randomness in the Library:

I'm stuck in the library downloading, transcribing, and copying up until it closes to make sure I have everything I could possibly need at home for my thesis. Happy Holidays to me. *Sigh* I will be working at home, and I'm sorry about that, but to be honest, I've put so much of myself into this thesis that I want it to be the best it can be and if that means working at home, then so be it.

I think my blog has been boring of late, so I'm putting up a pretty picture from last Christmas.


Work or no, I cannot wait to get home to that sight, and my family and friends. Though again, I wish I didn't have to fly to do it. I really hate it. I wish I didn't but I do.

Hopefully my downloading will finish soon and I can start packing! Grrr at bringing home loads of books. But at least there's the Oriel Christmas party tonight to have a proper goodbye to my wonderful friends here. I'll leave you with a few images from our shindig last year.

American Girls:


Group Shot:


An Angel and a Reindeer:


Please pray for me and my trip. Happy Christmas!

I love you all,
Elizabeth

P.S.:

BIG shout-out and thank yous to Ruth for letting me take her computer so I could finish writing and Rich who fed me all weekend so I could have this marathon writing session. Thank you!!!!

Love you guys,
Elizabeth

Editing: Way Better Than Writing:

That's right folks...I have finished the draft!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, while I know there are loads of changes that need to be made and I know that several more eyes other than mine and my supervisors will see it before I submit (a month from today and I already have a draft!), I'm now editing and not writing. Whatever I add is a change, but not part of the larger structure. I swear, I've never been more proud of myself. Honestly, I've always been the work up until the last minute person, which admittedly has gotten me by just fine, but now, it's written, and early, and I'm just editing, and it feels great. :) Thank you Jesus.

Oooh...interviews were so much fun. I can't wait to tell you all about it. That being said, I'm not sure Oriel or the university would be happy about me putting it out there on cyberspace, so you'll have to ask me when I'm home for Christmas in five days. Or six. Depends how you count really, but I'm going with five. Incidentally, that means start praying family. You know my feelings on flying.

Uncle Steve, a draft is coming your way tomorrow. Whoo hoo!

Love,
Elizabeth

My Advice? Don't Start an Electrical Fire:

Um yeah...so I burnt up the power cables to my laptop, mobile phone, and ipod yesterday...not to mention the surge protector (which obviously didn't really do it's job) because my humidifier decided to have a day and fry itself. So I'm sorta without a computer (I'm on one in the college computer lab, but this is not something I can pick up and take into the library...I think that would make the college mad at me) until my new power cord arrives. :( This is what you call bad timing folks, cause, you know, I'm writing my thesis and all. Boo. Hiss. Thankfully (visualizes silver lining on cloud) I only need to take some more notes today, so it's the good ole pen and paper for me. And I think Ruth is going to let me borrow her laptop. Yay for good friends!! And thankfully, the electronics themselves still work. The humidifier? Not so much. Incidentally, fried humidifiers do not smell good. Just so ya know.

My work, other than this little setback, is going fairly well at the moment. My supervisor is happy, I've been asked to interview and help select the next class of Oriel College undergraduate historians, which is a HUGE honor, and my proposal to speak at the International Medieval Congress (Leeds) next July has been approved. Also, my housemate Becca and I cooked an awesome Thanksgiving dinner last night for 20 people. We rocked it. I'm still full. So, I suppose with all this good it's only natural that something would go up in smoke. I just didn't expect it to be so literal. C'est la vie.

Love,
Elizabeth xxx

More Than Halfway There:

According to Rich's calculations I'm 61.3% of the way through with my thesis.

Rock on.

Love,
Elizabeth

Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!:

Yay!!!!!!!!!! What a way to wake up! I love my Cards! Congrats to them, to Brian, and to Art Carmody: the new NCAA record scoring kicker! :) Oh I'm so thrilled. I'm more ready to do my own work today than ever before. Thank you Cardinals. Thank you.

For something new and fun (well, not that new as Erika did it with Isaac a while back), here's the Russell Family Look-Alike Meter. Care to guess whether I look more like Mom or Dad? Here's the answer:



There you have it! I'm equal parts Mom and Dad. Couldn't ask for more really!

Hope everyone is well. I'm stressed, but still here! Back to work now!

Love,
Elizabeth

The Final Farewell:

I've copied Rick Bozich's latest to my entry today in honor of my Cards, the Brohms, and especially Brian. I don't care about the losing record, especially when you look at what this family has given to our city and university. So I pray that the fans give one last amazing cheer and the players have one last victory for the other seniors and for the first family of U of L athletics. Thanks Brohms. And thank you Seniors. It's been a wild ride.

The Brohms' lullaby will be sung tonight:

Oscar Brohm says it all began on a Little League field at Highview Park 32 years ago, when his oldest son, Greg, was a 6-year-old hitter taking a vicious rip at his first fastball.

His wife, Donna, thinks there was some organized batting, dribbling or quarterbacking by the fabulous Brohm boys before that, but she isn't certain.

"You're not the first person to ask how many games I've watched my children play," she said. "I tried to take a paper and pencil to it, but there's just no way."

From Highview Park to St. Bernard to Trinity High School to the University of the Louisville. Those are the stops that Oscar and Donna's three sons -- Greg, Jeff and Brian -- have made. Please don't forget that their daughter, Kim, was a four-sport star at St. Bernard, Mercy Academy and Spalding University.

"She might have been the best athlete in the group," Oscar Brohm said.

On Tuesday afternoon, when Oscar wiped a tear from his cheek as he walked off U of L's football practice field, he closed his eyes and started to contemplate something an entire stadium will contemplate tonight:

This is it.

The last game one of Oscar and Donna Brohm's four dynamic and precocious children will play for their hometown schools. Brian Brohm, U of L's senior quarterback, will say goodbye and begin his transition to the NFL after he directs the Cardinals against Rutgers in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

ESPN intends to help the Brohms celebrate the farewell the right way. The network invited Mom to tape the video introduction of the Cards' starters.

"When I stop and think about it, I get a little emotional," Oscar said. "I have to be careful because it makes my eyes tear up. I'll say it's the wind in my eyes, but it gets to you."

"It's been great, especially the last four years when all three boys have been together," Donna said.

"But I'm sure it will be emotional. We went through it once when Greg (1992) and Jeff (1993) finished their careers. But back then we still had two more kids who had all kinds of activities. This will be different."

Different for the Brohms, who watch the games from different spots because Donna has been known to pace while Oscar sits quietly and tries to read defenses and call the plays his son is calling.

And it will be different for the U of L football program, where Brian is the quarterback, Jeff is assistant head coach and Greg is director of football operations.

Starting in 1988, there has been at least one of Oscar and Donna's sons on 10 U of L football teams. The Cards' record in those 10 seasons: 77-38-1, including victories in the Fiesta, Liberty and Orange bowls.

"I remember when they were my sons," Oscar said with a laugh. "Now I'm their dad."

Stop your booing of this season's lackluster 5-6 team for a night and remember the Brohms have been critical participants in many of the most memorable U of L football moments.

Beating Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl to cap a 10-1-1 season in 1990. A one-point loss at Ohio State in 1992, a game in which Jeff threw a touchdown pass to Greg. Whipping Michigan State in the 1993 Liberty Bowl, with Jeff leaving Memphis as the MVP. Those were the Greg and Jeff years.

Brian enrolled at U of L in 2004. He played on teams that beat Kentucky three times. Last season he quarterbacked a team that delivered victories against three top-20 teams, punctuated by the 24-13 win over Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2, with Brian leaving Miami as the MVP.

The fabulous Brohm boys have combined to complete 1,170 of 1,878 passes for 15,989 yards and 108 touchdowns. Greg, a receiver who arrived as a Howard Schnellenberger recruit in 1988, caught 45 passes for 722 yards -- and his father is certain he dropped only one ball.

"And it was a tough catch," Oscar said.

Don't forget the five state championships they won at Trinity or that Greg, Jeff and Brian also won one Toy Bowl at St. Bernard. Or that Jeff and Brian were voted Mr. Football and drafted by major league baseball teams. Or that Jeff preceded Brian into the NFL.

But there have been many brother acts in elementary and high school. The Brohms loyally took their act to the hometown university even though they could have sprinted to schools with more football sizzle than U of L, especially when Greg and Jeff started this journey.

Credit Oscar and Donna, who both grew up in this town. Oscar played quarterback at Flaget High and at U of L in 1968-69. But don't be so quick to credit all the athletic DNA to Dad. Donna was a three-sport star at Angela Merici High School.

"A lot of people say they got their ability from her," Oscar said.

And credit Schnellenberger, who was wise enough to recruit Greg out of Trinity after UK stopped pursuing him because Jerry Claiborne's staff questioned his size and speed.

"Then Greg played on the Kentucky All-Star team with 10 guys that Kentucky signed and he outran every one of them," Oscar recalled. "They took all the times and matched him against the next-fastest kid, and he beat him head up."

The pipeline was in place. Jeff followed Greg, waving off scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Kentucky and others. Ditto for Brian, who passed his way onto the cover of Sports Illustrated before he left high school.

Now the run that began at Highview Park Little League 32 years ago concludes with its 117th University of Louisville football game tonight.

"We're very thankful because it's been a fabulous ride," Donna Brohm said.

Go Cards! Love, Elizabeth

The Struggle:

Writing is the bane of my existence.

Love,
Elizabeth

So Sleepy:

This is what I feel like most days: too exhausted to function and perpetually annoyed by a piece of fluff, which in my case is in my brain. Thank you Winnie the Pooh.



Enjoy all!

Love,
Elizabeth

Gobble, Gobble:

Happy Thanksgiving!! It's not Turkey Day over here. In fact, I just ate a ham sandwich. Nevertheless, here's wishing everyone at home a lovely day filled with wonderful food, family, and friends. (I soooooo wish I was eating some of Regina's mashed potatoes made with THREE sticks of butter at the moment, but I digress) I've tried to be vocal about how thankful I am for my family and friends this year on various holidays, so I won't go overboard with specifics (plus I'd be here all day), but I am very thankful for each and every one of you in my life. To all my friends and family (biological and adopted), I love you. I hope today is wonderful, but selfishly slightly less wonderful than it would be if I were there! :) At least I'm honest!!

Before I jet back to work, or maybe I'll do some Christmas shopping instead...I just want to point out, if you had been wondering, that I still don't like egg nog. In my hopes to recapture something American today I bought a Starbuck's egg nog latte. I know, I know, I've never liked egg nog, but I've been eating a lot of things I used to shy away from of late, so I thought I'd give it a go. It was a bad idea. I actually had to add more coffee to the latte to be able to drink it because the egg nog flavor was so gross. Ok so it's flavor and not real egg nog, but I think I'll be sticking to the boiled custard when I get home. Mmmm...boiled custard.

Well family and friends, I love and miss you so! Three more weeks! Crap...three more weeks. I guess I'll be working after the shopping after all. No holiday for me!

Love,
Elizabeth

P.S. I'm also thankful for U of L basketball. Go Cards! I'll be more thankful if you beat BYU tomorrow. ;)

Grrrrrr:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3119221

Why? Why? Why?

I am sad.

Go Cards!
Elizabeth

Gorillas Are Fun:

Hiya! I've been meaning to blog about this for ages, but just kept forgetting, so here it is, some very important news. Folks, Phil Collins' 1981 hit 'In the Air Tonight' is one of the best selling singles in Britain right now. It's topping the charts and is now a popular phone ringtone. Not some imitation version (though there are some good ones...the one by a band called Nonpoint springs to mind), but the real thing. Why this blast from the past? Well, Cadbury of course. Cadbury released it's newest advert earlier in the fall which features a gorilla playing the drums to Phil's hit. This gorilla single-handedly (is that what you say when referencing gorillas?) brought Phil Collins to a new generation of listeners, and now the song is everywhere! I'm grateful. Having been raised on Phil Collins I'm all for a resurrection of his tunes. It's just funny it came from chocolate and a gorilla. Here's the ad if you want to see what all the fuss is about. I think it's great.



I've had a bit of a lazy weekend which probably isn't timely, but was needed. We had our termly Guest Night on Friday where we dress up and bring in friends, family, or profs from outside Oriel to wine and dine. I had three wonderful guests in Oliver, Graham, and Oksan. Oli and Graham are new medievalists to Oxford this year and two of my Latin mates. And Okie is finally here in Oxford! We had a great time, and even the venison was decent. Not to mention the fact that Louisville won both it's basketball games (we won't discuss football) and I got to listen to one of them. I'll leave you with a few pictures from Guest Night of me and my friends.


Look! I did my hair myself!:


Me and Okie:


Oliver and Graham:


Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving week!

Love,
Elizabeth

From The Courier:

If anyone has ever wondered how I know so much about what's going on in the Ville from the ford of the ox, well I'm ready to reveal my source. Every morning, before I begin my work, I read the Courier Journal. Unlike Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve, I don't have it sent to me, but I am able to enjoy most of it's delights via it's webpage. In fact, sometimes I think the news may be better this way. It's up to date, quick, and I can choose what I want to read without feeling guilty for killing trees. Ok, so my carbon footprint grows with each second on the computer, but I'm on it anyway, and I bike, so it's all good.

The thing I love about www.courier-journal.com is that it's easy to navigate and informative, but also allows me to feel the humanity, caring, and thought that I feel is all involved in being a Louisvillian. There's something very special about being a Louisvillian. I would not trade it for the world. As I shift ever closer to the stage where I will be out searching for a career, raising a family, and settling down (so to speak), I feel more and more remorse that my interests as a medieval historian are less and less conducive to life in Louisville. On the other hand, I am more and more convinced that Louisville is the best place in the world in which to grow up. I am biased of course, but the combination of city, small town, close community, diversity, southern charm, and mid-western accent and quite frankly, loads of friendliness, is ideal. It's a safe place, but it's not a utopia. It's as human as a place can be. Not to mention, a premier University with great athletics and academics (yeah, athletics sadly comes first) and the BEST school in the entire world, the Brown School (and bias raises it's ugly head again).

The reason I'm off on this tangent is the recent inundation on the website of the Hughes family's home remodel via Extreme Makeover:Home Edition. I've seen Patrick Henry Hughes and his father in U of L football games, and on Oprah. This is an amazing family. Patrick Henry is so full of positive thought, his parents and brothers so full of love and support. It warms my heart each time I hear his story. And I've gotta tell you folks, I've been crying like a big homesick baby this week reading all about the adventure in Buechel. Had I been home I know I would've been there. Who would want to miss that? I guess my rambling point is, that I am so proud of this family, and so so happy they come from my hometown.

And what drove this home for me? The quote from Patrick's father in this morning's web article: "I'm just a guy." And you know what? He is. He's just a guy. He's just a Louisville guy. Loving, kind, selfless, and a family man. That's not to say that he's not unusual or special, because of course he is. But more often than not, from Louisville, you've got 'just guys'. I know because they permeate my own family. Generations of them. I suppose I should expand that to Kentucky, but the truth is, no matter how long you've lived in Louisville, whether for a lifetime or a few days, it becomes part of you. So three cheers to this amazing family. And three more to my own.

Love,
Elizabeth

P.S. Check out some of today's most heartwarming articles from the CJ online:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS01/71116002
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS02/711160438
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/COLUMNISTS02/71116005

The last one about Louisville Basketball is especially heartwarming. :) Go Cards!

Non Napoleon!:

Just a quick link to share with you which I think all will enjoy. The BBC recently posted an article describing the most ridiculous laws in the UK. Check it out below. Just so you know, if you ever visit the Houses of Parliament, you aren't allowed to die there. So, make sure you stay alive!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7081038.stm


Not included, but equally amusing, is the French law that prohibits the naming of one's pig Napoleon. :) Gotta love it.

Love,
Elizabeth

The Fear:

It's set in. The paralyzing fear that prohibits me from writing. The fear that erases all I've researched and all my ideas, leaving me grasping for basic words and composing nonsensical sentences. It comes in slowly, through small acts of procrastination: "I'll write the next sentence AFTER I check my email for the fifteenth time," until I realize it's hold over me has already taken place and instead of a small battle, I'm facing an all-out war. But this time, I've noticed it earlier. And this time, I'm better prepared. And this time, I have an army of supporters (editors) behind me. So watch out fear, I'm coming to conquer you. And anyway, I'm finishing three weeks early to come home for Christmas, so there, I win.

Love,
Elizabeth

No Longer A Russell:

Ok, so I cannot keep my treachery secret any longer. I've defied my roots and succumbed to the Straney side of my genes. I, once a Russell, love .....coffee. That's right! I admit it! It's delicious! And not just the flavored kind. I know I mentioned taste-testing before, but this is different. This is deeper, darker, more powerful. I can drink plain coffee with milk or even... *gasp*... black. In fact, I crave it. Everyday, I need coffee. It's an expensive addiction this. It keeps me giving my money to cafes and Starbucks. More than that, it's expensive in time. I stand in queues to buy my coffee. I wait to drink it. I have to leave the library to do so because I cannot take the pick-me-up in with me. And God forbid I decide to enter the graduate common room (MCR) for a free cup of coffee, for that vacuum of time takes up my entire afternoon. Yes, it's best I spend money on coffee. Or perhaps, it would be better to go back to my Russell roots. Free from the chains which bind me to that caffeine-inducing, delicious, and warm cup of coffee each day.

Love,
Elizabeth

Remembrance Sunday:

It's that time of year in Britain, when fake poppies emerge by the thousands, pinned to the lapels of young and old, men and women, in honor of the sacrifices made by soldiers for the freedom of the Western world. "On the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, at the eleventh hour..." you will recall. And today, on Remembrance Sunday, I too, want to remember and encourage the same in others.

A news report yesterday displayed the names, faces, and lives of the five remaining World War I veterans in the UK. There are only five, and at over 100 years all of them, sadly they will not be on this earth for much longer. It is so important to know the sacrifices of these men and their peers, the lost generation. It is vital to remember the veterans who volunteered themselves a generation later to fight a second World War. Without these men, and those that worked and continue to work tirelessly since, the opportunities and freedoms we all enjoy would not be possible. I am thankful for these men both in the UK and in my homeland.

I love the poppies. I love the way in which an entire nation remembers together by the simple act of an accessory to one's wardrobe. It is so simple, yet so effective. The poppies speak, each of them, of each sacrifice, each brave action, each son or daughter. They lay in wreaths across memorials and graves. They sit firmly in the center of handmade crosses. Together, as they cover a country, the poppies paint the image of the dead sitting peacefully in a field of the delicate red blossoms, blanketing their exalted part of heaven.



"Prayer to St. Peter" by Edwin McCain

Let them in, Peter
For they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep
And light those fires
Let them wake whole again
To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun
Not war-time's bloody guns
May their peace be deep
Remember where their broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were
To have to die
You know God knows how young they were
To have to die

Give them things they like
Let them make some noise
Give dance hall bands, not golden harps
To these our boys
Let them love Peter
For they've had no time
They should have bird songs
And trees and hills to climb
The taste of summer
And a ripened pear
And girls as sweet as meadow wind
And flowing hair
And tell them how they are missed
But say not to fear
It's gonna be alright
With us down here

Let them in, Peter
For they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep
And light those fires
Let them wake whole again
To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun
Not war-time's bloody guns
May their peace be deep
Remember where their broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were
To have to die
You know God knows how young they were
To have to die

And tell them how they are missed
But say not to fear
It's gonna be alright
With us down here



I will not be silent. I will speak out to remember those who sacrificed their lives for a greater good. I am thankful for them all. Especially, I am thankful for the veterans in my own family, and those who serve faithfully today. So to Ted, Poppa Joe, and Chris this one is for you. I am proud: immensely, without wavering, and in complete faith of you all. Thank you. Today and always, thank you.

All my love,
Elizabeth

From A Sinus-y Haze:

Ill again my family and friends! I'm ill again. For those keeping score that means that Annie the Pug, it's your turn to head to the vet! It all started with a bad cold and led to the inevitable sinus infection. Ugh and grrr I say. I can't write too much here, just as I can't work too much on my thesis, because somehow the combo of the computer screen and the gunk in my clogged sinuses makes me very dizzy. In fact, in those few sentences I had many typos! Normally I can type pretty quickly with a low instance of error. Sad me.

Anyhoo, just wanted everyone to know I'm around. I've been sleeping a lot this week since I can't really work, which I guess is preparation for when I heal, because I won't be sleeping then! I have 35 days to finish my thesis! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! That means there are 45 days until Christmas. That's it, just 45! Seriously I'm not ready for either of those things. One thing at a time I guess. P.S. Uncle Steve, have you time to read drafts soon? :)

It's turned cold here, and smells very much like winter. The shops are now all decorated for Christmas with no Thanksgiving to look forward to since Halloween. I've been eating loads of soup and stopping off for winter flavored Starbucks loads recently. Though with no caramel apple cider or peppermint hot chocolate I'm slightly at a loss. I quite like winter in Oxford though. Something about the British penchant for tea lends itself to cold weather. And nothing beats roasted winter veg.

Well, that's about all my head can handle for the moment. Sorry to stop so abruptly. Here's wishing all are happy, healthy, and well. I'm off to finish my peppermint tea and lay down a bit before dinner. Ah the joy of British TV while ill. Nothing beats reruns of the OC, Sally Jesse Raphael, and the Wonder Years. Yeah, we're current with the times here. ;)

Love to all,
Missing you much,
Elizabeth

In Times of Stress, Blog Multimedia:

Here's a sample of my favorite tunes at the moment. I hope you'll listen and enjoy!

Love,
Elizabeth

Erika Started It:

Since Erika has been on a youtube blogging spree (and I have no time or anything interesting to report: read, take notes, read, take notes, write, read, take notes, eat, read, sleep...), I thought I would entertain you with two videos from my very favorite Green brothers. I promised videos from these two vloggers a while ago. So here are two recent ones celebrating what I imagine to be a great part about having siblings, namely, making fun of them. Or, in the case of the second video, making fun of yourself. In any case, they are humorous, and only 3 min. long. So check 'em out and let me know what you think!





Love,
Elizabeth

Halloween (or Hallowe'en) Rants:



Happy Halloween! Or, Hallowe'en if you're from England. For some reason (I'll leave it up to someone else to do that research), every correspondence I've received over here regarding this ghoulish holiday includes that blasted apostrophe. And I don't have the time to investigate it. Well, anyway, Happy Halloween to all. I cannot wait for pics of all my nieces and nephews in their costumes! :) And thank you Mummy (hee hee) and Daddy for all the candy and decor! My mates are thrilled. Sam was particularly happy with the nerds and Rich was excited to try tootsie rolls. Ruth was more thrilled with her bat ring. She proclaimed loudly to Sam that hers was better than his Frankenstein. It has certainly felt as if I were in the presence of children! :)

Now for the ranting:
Several things have me particularly grumpy at the moment. First, daylight savings time. This far north, daylight savings time is unnecessary. It's dark at 4:30. I mean sheesh. It makes me feel like it's much later than in actually is in the time vacuum in which I work called the Bod. I hate cycling in the dark too. I would much prefer darkness at 5:30. I don't know why really, but it just feels more settling.

Second, my boots. I bought these wonderful lace-up, lambswool, boots for 15 quid about a month ago. I love them! But I had to return them yesterday because one of the boots was separating from its sole. I intended to exchange them, but they don't have my size and aren't getting anymore in. Thankfully I got my money back, but mostly I'm just sad at the loss of my furry winter boots. And they were so comfy too.

Third, library etiquette. Ok so, it is a commonly established tradition that when you go to lunch in the Bod, you leave your books to save your desk. This enables a quick transition back to work after lunch. We all do it. On Monday, I returned to find a scruffy, sniffly, and downright rude man in my seat! He had moved my books and taken over the seat even though there were seven empty seats directly in the vicinity of mine! Grrrr. I was quite tempted to steal his tissues when he went to the bathroom, but I didn't (have to be the better person and passive-aggressively complain about it on my blog). Seriously though, how rude! If order is to be maintained in the library we must follow tradition. So there.

Fourth, housemates. Um...yeah, that's all I'm going to say.

I suppose that's the end of my ranting on this All Hallows Eve. I'll leave with a wonderful happiness-inducing photo of Jada's first Halloween. Look at the cute little ghost! I can't wait for Izzy, Mac, Lily, and Wex photos too!



Happy Halloween!
Love,
Elizabeth

A Little Insight:

Here's a snippet of what I read everyday. This is an excerpt from 'The Lives of Saints Quirine and Juliet' included in Caxton's Golden Legend. This particular portion comes from the 1900 publication by J.M. Dent and Co. so it's readable in modern English. Enjoy!

“Then the provost took the child in his arms, and Juliet his mother refusing to do sacrifice, he made her to be scourged with raw sinews. And when the child saw his mother beaten he wept bitterly and made a lamentable noise, but the provost took it in his arms and danced it upon his knees, and would fain please the child with kissings and fair words. The child, alway beholding his mother, abhorred the kissings of the provost, and turned his head away from him with great indignation and scratched his face with his nails, and gave his cries consonant unto his mother, as he should have said: And I am also christian. Then he bit the provost, and wrestling with him all to-scratched him. Then the provost, having indignation hereof and in a great anger, threw down the child off the steps whereas he sad in judgment, that the tender brain fell abroad our of his head upon the steps.” Vol. III Pg. 225

Love,
Elizabeth

Breaking Radio Silence:

Well, I'm back from holiday (as of a while ago) and straight into all things thesis. I've just met with my supervisor and he seemed pleased with my outline, so writing here I come. Too bad I have loads to read yet! The countdown has certainly begun though. I need to finish in seven weeks. Seven. That's it. I don't submit for ten more weeks, but I highly doubt Mom will be pleased if I spend Christmas locked up in my room writing, so seven it is! If I'm infrequent in my posts, I'm sorry, it's a result of the work and the stress. Sadly it leaves me without anything to say, which is particularly frustrating when trying to write a thesis. C'est la vie.

Just a few catch up things before I go back to work. First, another (reminder) congrats to Uncle Steve, who is being honored at U of L tomorrow. Yay!!! Also a note to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve: Lewis has been filming around town as of late and I've seen him up close twice! I also may be in a scene. Though I doubt it. I must say though, being told not to look at a camera makes me want to look at a camera. If the producers had not mentioned it I would have continued through town with no notice of Lewis or his television show! I don't think I have a future in acting.

Um...I had other things to say, but I've lost them. Oh, I'll post some pics from Spain soon, but most are really from the day Jeffrey and I spent in Morocco. Sooooooo cool. Honestly, the most amazing place I've been yet. And the food? Delicious. But yeah, I've been to Africa. :)

Fingers crossed please for my friend Oksan who has just applied for a job....here in Oxford! Oksan was with me at Centre and is living in London at the moment with her fiance Robert. But Robert works in Didcot, near Oxford, so they are looking to relocate here. Small world eh? I'm super excited and really hope it comes to pass.

If people have not checked out the pics of Isaac from his jaunt to Hilton Head on Erika and Andrew's webpage, please do so. My nephew is a cutie, and I have to say, it's so wonderful to see pictures of him mimicking pictures of us from, what?, 22-23 years ago?! Same pool. Same ocean. It's so amazing. And so wonderful to see my Granny enjoying time with her great grandson just like she did her grandchildren. Makes my heart sing.

That's enough for now. I've got to get back to it. Oh...last thing...prayers for me for this evening. I'm playing darts (I think) for the proper Oriel darts team. Oriel I. The first one. Better than the second. Yah, so anyway I'm not playing because I'm good, but because they need someone to play. But, you all know I'm quite competitive, so I'd like to do well. Mostly, I want to score, not win, just score. This is made difficult by the fact that I have to hit a double before my other points start to count. Is Elizabeth good or consistent at hitting doubles? Not so much, no. So I'll take any good thoughts people would like to give. I suppose I should mention that traditionally, if you lose without doubling in, you have to run around the front quad with no trousers on. So really, this is a dire situation. I refuse to do that by the way, but still!

K, best to all!
Love,
Elizabeth

Holiday, Celebrate:

I'm off to meet Jeffrey in Spain and have a week of fun in the sun! With intensive Latin over it's well deserved. :) I most likely won't be able to post for the next week. Please keep both Jeffrey and I in your prayers. Especially on the safe travel front. Miss and love everyone much!

Love,
Elizabeth

Jada:

Here she is folks! Miss Jada! Isn't she adorable?! I cannot wait to see her in person. Gotta get me some cuddles. :)


In other news, it's fresher's week here in Oxford, so all the new students have just arrived. It's strange being the old student and more difficult than I thought it would be trying to meet all the new students. I'm having trouble remembering names! Uh oh! I'll let you know more about it soon.

I also went to hear my supervisor sing in his very own concert on Saturday. He has a beautiful baritone voice and sang about 15 Schumann songs all by himself! I was very impressed. His 16 year old daughter brought him flowers at then end and it reminded me so much of when I would do that for my mom. It was a lovely time and I wish my momma could've been around to enjoy it with me.

I best go to lunch now,
Yummy!
Elizabeth

I'm an Auntie!:

My wonderful friends Jon and Ashley had a baby yesterday, Sept. 25; a beautiful (I'm assuming, I mean just look at them pictured below) baby girl whom I think is named Jada Cyan Walker. :) I will confirm all the details, but the call that woke me up at 5 this morning was such a joy to hear, even though I was too sleepy and confused to get all the information. But, I do know that Mom and Baby are doing well and that is enough for me. So, if everyone could keep sending out prayers for this new family that would be wonderful. Oh and if you are wondering why I'm saying I'm an Auntie it's because Jon has basically been my big brother since I was 6. :) I'm still holding out for the title of Godmother however. Hee hee.



Love,
Elizabeth

P.S. When did I get old enough to have friends who have babies?! Wow time flies when you're having fun! Blessings to all!

Photos!

I am so so so busy at the moment and I can think of nothing to say except Latin is hard, I have too much that I want/need to read for my thesis, and I am severely grumpy that my ipod died after only two years, that I thought I would entertain you with a few pics from Oriel in Dublin. I'm also including a pic I took in the train station in Paris with my parents that I forgot to post earlier. It is part of a French advertisement, but I thought it was priceless and all of you that know the Coulters and Annie the Pug will probably agree. I should also say thank you for all the support I've received in my U of L-induced melancholy. Thank you family and friends! And Poppa Joe, you're right, basketball season is right around the corner! Thankfully I'll be home for a few of those games! :)

The Group in Trinity College, Dublin Quad:


Me, Being Cold:


Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil:


The Villain:


Back to Work!

Love,
Elizabeth

I Lied:

My spirits could be dampened today, and the Cardinals did it. :( I don't know what to say, so I will let Waylon Jennings lift the mood for me, with a video from my childhood.



Ugh,
Elizabeth

A Year in Review:

I did not want to occupy my post yesterday with a mention of my one year anniversary in Britain, but I did want to bring everyone's attention to it briefly today. One year ago yesterday, I embarked on a life changing experience. I walked nervously to the edge of security at the Cincinnati airport with only Jeffrey's guiding hand to pull me on the plane. I hugged my dear friends Alvin, Stevie, and Roy, as well as Jeffrey's mom Regina, and my parents not wanting to let go. With tears streaming down my face I inched towards the line, thankful Jeffrey was still with me so that I was not embarking on this journey completely alone. It's a vivid memory really, and yet it seems so long ago. In a strange way this year has crept and flown by all at the same time. I won't go on about my experiences, I've tried to keep those as up to date as my time and psyche would allow, but I just wanted to address what I think is the amazing rapidity by which this year has passed. So many changes, so many new friends, so much have I learned! I am continually shocked by this world and what it has to offer. So much happens in a year! As I sit here on a Saturday morning about to embark on more work, I suppose I just wanted to mark the anniversary of my departure with some acknowledgement, and look ahead to what exciting adventures are still to come my way over the next 10 months and unnumbered years. Oh the possibilities! What hope I have for my future and the future of those around me. Even the dullness of rote Latin practice cannot dampen my spirits this day. And that really is an accomplishment!

Wishing positive thoughts to all,
Elizabeth

P.S. I'm sending out a prayer request for my dear friends Ashley and Jon who are very soon to have their first child. I ask that everyone pray for the safe delivery of their hopefully healthy and happy baby! And if you wish, please pray that they officially ask me to be the God-mommy of their beautiful baby (hint, hint). ;)

Felicitation:

Imagine my surprise this morning when I received in my little pidge a thick, full envelope from the University of Louisville Alumni Awards Presentation. I opened it carefully, removing a cardinal red, golden sealed invitation to this year's 2007 Alumnus of the Year and Alumni Fellows presentation. Now, how could I be so lucky as to receive such a prestigious invitation? Well, I will happily and most excitedly tell you. One of the honorees to become an Alumni Fellow is my very own Uncle Steve, the so-called scholar who loves me. I could not be more thrilled! And to be honest, the award could not go to one more deserving. I have always been in awe of my uncle and appreciative of the interest which he took in me. Since my childhood I've received postcards, letters, and notes allowing me into his world, dutifully preserving the art of hand-written communication, and talking to me as if I were intelligent enough to understand his great mind. Like my mother, my uncle reached a level of education to which I aspire, and I am so lucky to have him not only as an influence, but also as a help. He reads all my papers, suggesting changes while pointing out positives in my writing and research. He is also a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. And I can, along with his other nieces I'm sure, vouch for his great abilities in the field of uncle-hood. I speak often of how blessed I am because of my family, and my uncle Steve is another facet of these unending blessings. I wish so much to be able to attend the presentation and reception, for I know the speech he will give shall be informative, clever, and a joy to hear. I also know how very proud the rest of our family will be sitting in the audience. As a proud niece and a proud U of L alumna, I can think of nothing better to celebrate my family and our love for such a wonderful university. So far three generations in my family have degrees from U of L, and I hope many more will continue so to do. There is nothing more precious than a degree from a university which houses both education and your community. U of L is more than just a place of learning, it is a place of life. So as my uncle accepts this highest of honors I would just like to issue my felicitation of complete and utter pride. Congratulations Uncle Steve! You are so deserving and I am so very happy for you! If only I could be there in person to congratulate you. And yet, it seems fitting that I can textually send my congratulations, for it is through text that our communication properly began.

With great love, and great delight,
Elizabeth

You Are Being Tracked!:

Tee hee. Thanks to Sarah I've got this nifty map at the bottom of my page now (scroll all the way down if you want to see it!) which shows from where my readers are, well, reading. It's fun! So, watch out all, big brother knows where you are! Just the city though, so don't worry too much.

I guess while I'm on here I will briefly let you know that I'm managing intermediate Latin and my research for the moment, though I have very little time for my research and I am pretty much continuously exhausted. I am however able to study in front of the television again because of the Latin (can't you see me sitting in the living room chair Regina?!). :) So that's fun.

Well, this is cutting in to my only 3.5 hours of library time a day, so I best be off. Because: si studeo, laeto (If I study, I am happy). Not really, but I can't find the word for sleepy in my dictionary. ;)

Love,
Elizabeth

What I Learned About Myself in Dublin:

I'm back from Ireland and have just finished my first of 15 days of intensive Latin. Whoo! What this really means is that I'm absolutely knackered. Honestly I don't think I've ever felt this tired. I can identify fully with my cousin Aidan about how stress and emotional exhaustion can lead to physical detriment. I can also identify with his common claims about the acknowledgement of aging. After this weekend, I can certainly see that age has changed me slightly, so with that in mind I shall tell you what it is I learned about myself this weekend in Dublin.

The first and most important thing I learned about myself this weekend is that I LOVE to see new places, learn new things, and explore. The problem with this love is that I HATE to travel. You all know I am afraid to fly, but I'm also just not comfortable flying. The air is stale, it can be turbulent, it's difficult to sleep. I just don't like it. Worse than flying though, I cannot stand to ride a bus. Particularly a bus through winding, small, and bumpy European roads. I have somehow adopted Emelia's motion sickness (thanks babe) and I become so very ill when I ride. My temperature rises, my stomach ties itself in knots, and I have to physically stop myself from letting the contents of my stomach emerge. Sorry to be unpleasant, but that is what happened on the four bus trips I took this weekend. I no longer have a tolerance for buses like I used to. I cannot explain this except to think that it has something to do with a change in my body due to age. My body has new comfort zones, and buses are not part of said zones. In summary, if someone could get on that teleporter they promised to build me (I won't name names here) that would be swell. The Star Trek method of transportation is far more appealing than any of our modern ways.

I learned this weekend that I have some addictions and preferences that severely alter how I experience life. Now, I know this is true for everyone, but I hadn't really thought about these things before. I guess I should begin by saying "Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am an email addict. I am also addicted to University of Louisville athletics, talking on the telephone, and vegetables. I went 59 hours without any of these things. It goes without saying that I am addicted to chocolate and shopping, but I have some control over these things." So my travel-induced technology sobriety was pretty successful. I had an itch for the computer, primarily because of the game (I will not discuss the present depression I am experiencing except to reply to my friend Bobby whose email this morning stated that statistically the Cards had to lose to the pussycats sooner or later. Well Bobby, accepting your logic is true, I will be emailing you on the morning of Jan. 6, 2008 to remind you of said statistics. If I'm right, there has been a three year drought in a basketball victory for my Cards, so that must mean... P.S. I believe (in terms of Football at least) there are such things as statistical anomalies.) but also because as a graduate student, my main method of communication is through the computer. Email, blog, facebook, etc. Everything I do is on this thing! It's both handy and scary actually. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the time when I had a life without a phone and computer, but I fear that would be too difficult to do. Especially in my present 'life overseas' situation. Can you imagine what this experience would be like if I could not so easily communicate with all of you at home? But I did better than expected. Though I turned on my phone and dialed Dad to find out the score of the game as soon as I landed in Heathrow. But hey, I tried.

I am also addicted to and in need of a daily dose of fresh fruit and veg. I ate like poo on this holiday. Carbs, protein, and fat. Not even chocolate! Just rubbish bacon, potatoes, chips (french fries), fried fish, and some cheese. The only bad thing I did enjoy immensely was Smithwick's, which is an Irish Ale I love drinking at my weekly trivia sessions in Louisville, and does not exist in England. But anyway, three days without fruit and veg left me feeling weak, lethargic, lazy, and unable to concentrate. I was whiny. I need good food! It is not lost on me that I am lucky to be able to afford fresh food, but man, ever since my eating habits changed with Dad's massive weight loss last year, I now see that I've trained my body to enjoy healthy alternatives. So, I may crave chocolate and the occasional salty food, but I cannot live on those things. Also, I should here make a public apology to my Momma. Mom, I am sorry I was not understanding when you needed to eat regularly in Paris. I now get it. I hope you will accept my apology because like you, I need to eat at certain intervals or I cannot function either. Please forgive me.

Rereading my entry so far, this all sounds rather negative, and I assure you, I had a lovely time in Ireland. It is beautiful and Dublin is a great city. It is full of life and history. After taking a tour of the city and learning some of the basic modern history about which I will admit I was shaky, it occurred to me how young is the modern Republic of Ireland. America is a young country historically speaking, but in terms of modern government, Ireland is just a baby. 1922. That's it. And that got me thinking about Israel and the African countries that also formed in the mid to late 20th century after escaping Imperial rule. Some of our world is so young and so fragile. With what feels like fragility in the US pretty constantly, I cannot imagine the insecurity of being one of the revolutionaries to reform and reestablish a country. I guess it just goes to show that history is a living thing. It is ever-present, ever-changing, and this goes for what has already occurred in the past. I won't go on about this, but I think the term 'interpretation' says it all.

I will post pictures of our adventure in Dublin soon. I ought to go now and get back to work. It will be a crazy few weeks. So, what I learned about myself in Dublin: I both love and hate travel, I need healthy food, I prefer the accessibility of technology though am glad I can live without it, and I am, in fact, getting older. I am opinionated, stuck in my ways, and have specific expectations on how one should experience a new country that may not mesh with other peoples expectations. This is ok. My gray hair, my need for sleep, my new love of coffee because of the death of my taste buds, these things are all ok. My joy at sitting next to a woman with a five month old baby on the plane when others cringe, my excitement that she was breastfeeding and not giving the baby a bottle, and my absolute desire to hold said beautiful girl are all aspects and lessons of my childhood that have morphed into who I am and what I prefer as an adult. My need to be around friends or family, my growing appreciation for home and for new places all come from my experiences. I am so amazed at how certain interests from my youth have faded into the background of my life, while new things have taken over, or old things have obtained a further importance. This is growth, this is life. I am neither overjoyed nor upset at my aging. I just am. It is all ok. Certain people and places will become more or less important to me over time. Certain memories will become more faint; new ones will be made. But I will always prefer to travel with music and people, will always love to talk to anyone, will always love to be surprised by something new or by something rediscovered for that matter. I will always love my Cards. I will always cling to Grandpa's old pocket New Testament when I fly. I will always love children. I will always need friends and good, healthy food. I will always be overjoyed to step into a size smaller pair of jeans. I will always be in awe of my family and the blessings they all bring me. I will always love to learn and sleep. I will always want to be challenged in my work and I will always challenge the comments of the historical tour guide (Christianity was not solely a textual religion inaccessible to the masses!...what do you call stained glass windows and sermons buddy?). But mostly, I will always yearn to see new things, go new places, and be able to be fully myself: more aware, more content, and ever evolving, especially if I can do it without having to get on a bus.

Peace and love,
Elizabeth

Na hOrielenses i mBaile Átha Cliath And Spiders:

My title today is in Irish, not made up, I promise. Well, the spider part is in English, but I'm sure you could figure that out. Anyhoo, I leave tomorrow morning with 8 other members of the Oriel MCR to head to Dublin for the weekend in order to get to know some of the members of our sister college TCD (Trinity College Dublin). You know, building bridges and all. I'm excited about my first proper trip to Ireland (I flew directly over it when I came home at Easter, instead of underneath it which is what usually happens), and nervous about the flight (duh). So, once again I will beg for prayers, mostly because we are flying a budget airline which doesn't even provide peanuts or drinks! I'm sure my anxiety will be worsened without my normal ginger ale to soothe me. Too bad they don't sell it in the airports.

Or, maybe they do! We are setting off from Heathrow, which until now I have been able to avoid. I'm not that keen to go to the busiest airport in the world. It just means more people, lax security, and the ability to lose myself from the group in the crowd. Fun times. But maybe they will have ginger ale, though Patrick has already told me not to hold out for root beer. Seems that is a bit too American. By the way, have I ever mentioned that there are two types (not brands, types) of ginger ale over here? There is 'Ginger Ale' and 'American Ginger Ale'. There is also 'Ginger Beer,' which, like 'Ginger Ale,' I would advise avoiding. But you can on occasion find good ole 'Canada Dry' which makes me very happy. This gal likes ginger ale, especially when feeling sick (and we all know that's pretty much all the time).

I guess what this all means besides having lots to tell when I return and probably some after-effects from continuous pints of Guinness is that I won't be writing this weekend, not even to comment on the upcoming (and scary!) U of L v. UK game. Nope, won't even know the score until I return Sunday night. The lack of internet and computer will cause this, as well as my cell phone not working in Ireland. Though, if I become desperate, I'm sure I can find a calling card. But, I'm trying to save those funds for some Euro-based shopping which is cheaper than Pound-based. Yay!!!! I need new jeans you see. They are falling off of me again. Before you go: 'lucky girl,' please think about this problem from my perspective and imagine how difficult it is to hike up said baggy pants while cycling. I think I've given entirely too many truck drivers a show. :( And Phil, I'm eating...I promise!

I'm not sure about the frequency of my posts the next three weeks either. I will do my best, but I awake Monday morning to three weeks of 'Intensive Latin'! Yup, Latin, twice a day, while finishing my research so I can start writing my thesis in October. Joy of all joys. I am so very excited! Not really. Actually I'm just kicking myself for letting my Latin deteriorate to a state where I have to participate in intensive Latin. Boo, hiss on myself there. That is something I will have to work majorly hard to avoid once I leave Oxford. So, who is up for reading some Caesar with me? Anyone? Bueller? I really don't like Caesar. He isn't a fan of concise sentences. I'll have to find some medieval Latin texts with which to practice I guess.

I'll wrap up today by explaining to all that I live in the house in which the film 'Arachnophobia' was filmed. Every single day I kill at least one spider. I am petrified of spiders. I cannot stand them. Ever since stupid Zoo Camp when they made me hold a tarantula (I'm still bitter, yes). But you know what? I'm starting to feel guilty! I'm taking away a life unnecessarily because of my fear, not because it is harming me in any way. So, I now leave the little ones and attempt to take the big ones (some are huge!) outside. Though if they resist, sorry dude, ya gotta go somehow. I will say that I appreciate the role of spiders much more now, as our old house with no air conditioning or screens also has a problem with mosquitoes. So I have to pick the lesser of two evils, and in this case, heck, the spiders can fill the whole fricking house with webs if it means it gets rid of those darn mosquitoes. I also have a spider living on my bike. I've named him Nuisance. I should've picked something more like Shadow, because I've never seen him. And yet, every morning, I emerge to find a brand new little web between the back of my seat and my basket. And every morning I have to break it to move the bike onto the road. I apologize to him too. Can you believe it? I say sorry to the spider, because I know he must've worked all night. But what can ya do? I don't want him crawling into my trousers and I have to move my bike.

So there ya have it. I won't go on about my anxiety about the game Saturday, which for once has surpassed my anxiety for flying. I pray that I have a safe trip and that my Cards play their very best. I also pray that Kentucky does not end the season of another one of our players and that the offensive line successfully protects Brian. With that, I will bid my adieu.

Love, and a Go Cards for the road!
Elizabeth

Providing Some Laughs:

Not much to say, so here are a few Whose Line videos for your enjoyment.







:)
Elizabeth

A Few Loose Ends:

Not too much to say today folks, yet I have an overwhelming need to type or talk. And as it is expensive to call home, I shall type. So with not much to say, why do I feel the need to communicate? It's funny, communication. It's so vital to human interaction. It makes and breaks relationships. It malfunctions. It's effective. Communication can be fluid or non-existent. And it can happen even when we say nothing at all. But communication expresses so much. Feelings, thoughts, needs. Without communication what do we have? I mean, we even communicate with ourselves, with our own bodies. I suppose for me, this textual communication is just a means of furthering communication with those at home. It also records my thoughts and my experiences here in a distant land. And in some way it proves my existence. It reminds myself, and everyone who reads it, that I am here. I am alive.

I guess this all leads to the necessary self-plug that Sarah gave in her blog today. If you are reading, can you let me know you are there? I know I have faithful readers, but it sometimes feels as if I'm all alone in this cyber world. It's nice to know that my friends and family take the time to read my thoughts. It would be even nicer to know if my thoughts meant anything to them. So, if you get the chance, would you occasionally make a comment, or send me an email, or call, regarding one of my posts. I would love to know you are all alive too.

I've found recently that when I'm particularly pensive and in need of answers or comfort to life's big questions or problems, God finds some way to provide to me a sense of peace. It most often comes in the sermon topic on Sunday evenings, which seem to eerily relate to my life. But today, I was reminded that sometimes comfort comes outside of the walls of church. I'm not sure how many of you know my cousin Aidan. I am sure most of you know that I'm particularly close to my wonderful cousins Aidan and Erika. I consider them to be my siblings. They are both so very special. Clever, kind, funny, loving...I am so blessed to have them in my life. And I really believe that we are closer than some brothers and sisters. Erika always has a way of providing me with advice and comfort when we talk together. Aidan does too. Aidan also has a way of making me think more deeply about things bigger than myself. His humanity is humbling and his words always make me question my actions and choices. Today his blog struck a chord with me that I didn't expect. I can't exactly explain why. But I suppose the comfort I garnered from it was enough to prompt me to express publicly my thanks for my cousin. In fact, thanks for both my cousins. I love and miss you both so very much. My heart aches for you daily.

This leads to a loose end which I am ashamed to have missed personally in my blog. A belated Happy Birthday to my beautiful nephew Isaac, who turned two on Friday. I love you Izzy. I cannot wait to see you in December.

I suppose I should also mention that I've had some success with my work lately. I find myself to be a rather slow reader and processor of information. I think it may stem from an ease to which I slip into boredom. I'm starting to realize that I've eased through most of my education. Concepts, lessons, lectures, facts have all come easily to me. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't always done my fair share of reading. I could figure out points of interest without reading an entire text and once I did I got bored and stopped reading. I'm thankful that I have this ability because it means that I have an internal intelligence that I consider to be a blessing. But my ease into boredom becomes more worrying the further I go in my academic career. I want to work hard, I want to read everything I can, and know all I can know about my field and my research. And you know what? I need to know it all too. None of this is meant in a bragging, self-aggrandizing kind of way. It's just mentioned as a matter of fact and observation. My time in Oxford has enabled me to learn to work harder. Again, I don't mean that I never worked hard before. I worked very hard in undergrad. But I always had the sneaking suspicion that I could work harder. And I can. So right now, I am. And I love it. I love reading an entire article and knowing what it will contribute to my thesis. I love having so many ideas I can't even begin to figure out how they will all find a place in my work. And I love, love, love having the support of such wonderful supervisors, who believe in me and encourage me. Even if my work never contributes anything to the field of medieval history, I will know that it contributed to making me a better scholar, a better worker, and a better person. I am thankful and proud for that.

I guess I did have some things to say. I am my mother's daughter after all, so I imagine (and hope) I will always have something to say that is of value. To sum up this evenings ramblings, I hope all my readers know how very much I love and miss them. I am thankful for you all and recently am particularly sensitive to all the blessings God has granted me. I cannot understand why, but I am happy to bear the burden of a well-loved person. I wish everyone had this burden (and of course, I know it isn't a burden). I hope you all know you are well-loved by me.

Blessings and love to all,
Elizabeth

A Lesson In Humility:

Um...so, surprise, surprise....the US is not so good in the rugby market. Nope. Not so good. We lost 28-10. I had to endure endless taunts by commentators and Englishmen alike. It was not fun. The US played hard. They never gave up. They made me proud. But I couldn't help wishing this were a basketball game against England. That we would win. I had to learn some humility in all of the goings-on, and it wasn't easy. In fact, it was quite upsetting. I guess it's the same humility I had to accept while cursing at the computer on Thursday night. And the same humility I may have to accept on Sat. when we play UK. It's the kind of humility that hurts, deep down, because you see effort, but not results. I think though, that this is the best kind of humility, because when the pain goes away, when the sting lessens, what remains is pride. Pride and hope that your team competed at all, and will compete another day. After all, sport is supposed to be fun. So, I guess, as always, I will end with a vibrant and proud Go Cards! And of course, a GO USA! As the song says, I'm proud to be an American.

Love,
Elizabeth

Did You Know:

That the US has a rugby team? And we are playing in the World Cup as I type? Yah, we are playing England. I thought about putting up a minute by minute post, but I'm not that talented. And I have to be able to banter with this room full of English-people as we watch the match. I'm the lone American. :( Thankfully I have Rich, who is Welsh and thus hates all things English in terms of national athletics. I'll let you know how it goes. Right now it's 6-3 to England, but we are playing better than expected. I'm slightly agitated by the lack of respect for the US team. We aren't a rugby nation and the announcers are only talking about how the English team aren't playing well. "While they will win this game..." etc. Grrrrr. I feel as if I'm watching a U of L game in which no respect is ever shown for our team, particularly from national commentators. Yeah, I'm talking about you ESPN. Ugh. 9-3 now. And a US player sent off for 10 min. in the sin bin (penalty box). Incidentally, I won't mention how upset I am about the Cards performance on Thursday. Except to say I expect this will be a much longer season than first thought. With that, I'll support my country in their certain defeat.

Go USA!
Elizabeth

Feeling Nostalgic:



Mom and Dad, I hope you remember this one!

Loving everyone from home so so so much,
Elizabeth

Thank God for Kentucky Boys:

So I step out of my front door this morning to the raucous noise of what can only be described as a group of truant teenage boys walking past me. For some reason said boys assumed they had the permission to begin calling me by such friendly terms as 'baby' and 'sweetie'. Now, I thought this was odd as they weren't my closest friends or family. The tallest of the bunch decided to continue practicing his cat-calling vocabulary with a few choice phrases to which I responded with a scowl and frown and some muttered expletives under my breath. They continued on their merry way as they obviously had nothing of value to attend to while I unlocked my bike. Needless to say, I was grumpy. I just do not understand how they felt it was acceptable to speak to me in this way. I do not, as a whole, understand the purpose of cat-calling. It steps outside my boundaries of comfort. And while it can be flattering, mostly it just makes you feel uncomfortable (it's not as if this has happened to me much, though it did also happen yesterday while I was biking...grrr) and self-conscious. So, just as I had lost all faith in mankind a voice frightened me from across my garden wall. It said "Louisville, Kentucky, right?" I looked up startled to find a young man looking inquisitively at me, and pointing at my sweatshirt. "Yeah," I said. "I'm from Kentucky," he said kindly "are you from Louisville?" "I am," I responded, my breathing returning to normal with each passing moment, "Where are you from?" " Oh, about a half hour from Ashland. Do you know where Ashland is?" "Of course, I've been through it several times." He smiled at my knowledge of Ashland and said "My Mom went to Medical School at U of L." "Great! Football season starts today, that's why I'm wearing my sweatshirt," I replied, placing my lock in the basket at the back of my bike. With a knowing glace he muttered "Well, their football team is way better than Kentucky's." And I smiled brightly, responding "Thank God for that." With that he wished me a great day and headed on his way. I imagine he was a Kentucky fan, but I can't be sure. And I know nothing more about him. But as I passed the same group of obnoxious boys on my bike a few minutes later their derogatory comments didn't phase me. Because you know what? Football season starts today, the world really is a lot smaller than we think, and the best boys in the world, the ones from Kentucky, exist over here too. Thank God for that.

Go Cards!
Elizabeth

Coffee Buzz? I Think Not:

Well, I've just participated in the first MCR coffee tasting in which I consumed six shots of espresso in little less than two hours. So two things. First, I drank black coffee and I didn't puke. I made some funny faces at the less than favorable flavours (that 'u' was not on purpose, it just came out and I'm leaving it because I think it's funny that I now have to think to not include an arguably unnecessary 'u'), but I kept on drinking. Most of you know that as a Russell, I am not really a coffee drinker. In recent years with the advent of Starbucks et al, I've been able to venture into the world of flavored (sans 'u') coffees, mostly with a chocolaty tinge. Upon my arrival in England I've been able to add coffees with milk or foam to my repertoire (i.e.: lattes, cappuccinos and the like). But today, for the first time, I had plain ole coffee beans in espresso form. I'm not sure if I've defeated my genetic disinclination towards coffee or if my mother's half of me has finally supersede the Russell bias, but nevertheless, here I am with six cups of espresso in my system. Second, I find it intriguing that I'm now more sleepy than I was before drinking said coffees. Honestly, I want to leave the library and go take a nap. It is all I can do to keep myself here, eyes growing heavier by the second, pretending to read. Geoff assured me that in about six hours from consumption (that means I have about four more to go...) I will be wired. I just have to wonder: why the delay? To further increase the likelihood of some type of coffee/sugar-induced buzz I also ate five or six (I lost count!) biscuits (of the Danish shortbread cookie variety...incidentally, those don't really count in your daily calorie intake do they? I mean, it's one bite per cookie!). So why am I sleepy? And why should I feel guilty if I take a small nap in the Bod? I've been here since 9 am. That should count for something. Regardless, I'm now living in perpetual fear of the ever-impending coffee buzz. I think next time, I may opt-out of the taste testing. Or, at least avoid tasting every coffee.

Love,
Elizabeth

P.S. I now smell like coffee too!

Hardin County, Kentucky:

I'm not sure if I've discussed 'University Challenge' or not on here, but as it is a Monday night tradition, I shall take the time to go over it for the first time or once more. 'Univeristy Challenge' is a quiz show in which teams from various British universities compete against each other answering very difficult questions. I guess it's a thinking/learned man's game show or something like that. Anyway, there are four contestants on each team (two teams) and the host, one Jeremy Paxman, is probably the most cruel and pretentious man to have ever walked the face of the earth (or at least the world of game shows). He has an obvious bias towards Oxbridge colleges over other universities and has no patience for a team that does not know the answer to a question he finds easy. His demeanor and tone are so frightening that I believe some forget themselves in his presence. I've seen contestants sink from a level of high confidence to nothingness, as evidenced by a shrinking in posture and a reduction in the volume of their voice. That being said, as a home viewer (believe me, I would never subject myself to that torture in person) it is very rewarding when you know the answer to a question. So much so that my mates and I find ourselves screaming at the television in hopes that we can be heard; mostly, I might add, for the benefit of the failing contestants. It is a rare occurrence indeed when I know the answer to one of these questions (Jeopardy it is not). They are specific and read at a rate of rapidity which prohibits me from hearing the entire question sometimes (or at least befuddles my brain into a loss of confidence about what I think I heard). But last night, for a brief moment, I felt the empowerment that comes from knowing the answer to a 'University Challenge' question. Two, in fact. For Mr. Paxman asked what battle raged in Hardin County, TN in April 1862, and I wavered, but decided on the Battle of Shiloh. I was not confident, but I was correct. And when Paxman asked what American president was born in Hardin County, KY, I did not even wait for him to add in the date of birth when I found myself screaming 'Abraham Lincoln' at the telly, hoping one of the ignorant members of the Worcester College, Oxford team would hear my determined call. They did not, for either question actually, and Paxman scoffed his usual scoff, and the contestants from both colleges shrunk further in their chairs. I, however, sat taller; confident that for once, I knew an answer to a question on 'University Challenge'.

Love,
Elizabeth

New Perspective:

Well folks, I'm all moved into my new house across town. By all moved in I really mean that all my stuff is out of JMH and somewhere in the new house. My room is pretty well settled, though it's half the size of my old room, so I'm having some trouble fitting everything in it. I had to move my wardrobe into the hallway because I was becoming claustrophobic with it in my room. It's a lovely little room though, on the third floor of the house, with a fireplace and a nice view of the many trees behind our house. I am hoping to continue on my road to fitness with this room, as I now have to walk down a flight and a half of stairs to get to the bathroom and three flights to get to the kitchen. I never realized how great I had it in the dorms! It is nice to be surrounded by so many wonderful housemates, and I'm trying to temper my jealousy at their very large rooms. But I wanted to pay the least amount, so here I am. I do have to wonder why my rooms in recent years are always yellow however. It's like being back home! I will post pictures once we have the internet, which will be several weeks. For now, I'm enjoying the opportunity to view Oxford from this new perspective.

I'm slightly grumpy today as it is a bank holiday here in the UK and everything is closed. Our house needs many things: garbage cans, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. and we cannot purchase them today. I find this ridiculous because this is the one day when we could all conceivably be off work. I, for one, attempted to go to work this morning and was livid when I found the library was open for the enjoyment of tourists but not for students! I couldn't believe it. Why can I not be allowed to read my books?! I have three weeks until my intensive Latin course begins and I'm attempting to get as much research done before that day. With the library closed on Sundays and only open for 4 hours on Saturdays, as well as closing 3 hours earlier everyday because it's summer, I'm losing precious hours of study time. It makes me even more annoyed that I can't be trusted to remove my books from the library. A historian has more reverence and protectiveness towards books and sources than anyone. I can be trusted!

In sports news, football season begins this week! Yeah!!! And in the world of British football, Manchester United has finally won their first game after three weeks without a win. We are out of relegation and in 10th place in the league table. Chelsea is first...grrrrr. I really feel a sense of U of L v. UK rivalry in my attitude towards Man U and Chelsea. Red v. Blue. Hard workers v. whiny punks. ;) Anyway, I don't like Chelsea. I'll leave you with a great image of celebrations after Nani's goal in the 68th min. to win it for Man U. He's only 20. Sheesh.



Wishing everyone a great week full of new perspectives and victories for teams wearing red,
Elizabeth

Over My Head:

Well, here it is, my last week in my amazingly big dorm room. I'm sad about leaving it, leaving this side of town, and having to pack up. I'm thrilled to be leaving the parts of my room which are mold-infested and that ever growing wet spot on the ceiling that runs from the collapsed part dangerously close to the light. I'm concerned about a lack of privacy in the new place with five housemates (will I be able to sing in the shower?), but excited about the opportunity to grow closer to these friends. I will miss the convenience of this side of Oxford: my best friends, most everyone from Oriel, Cowley shops and restaurants (Coco's, Kashmir, Nando's), Tesco (cheaper groceries), and Saleem's (where I get my haircut). But am looking forward to the new close amenities on the other side of the Isis (Thames): closer to college and the history faculty, closer to the shops (this might not be a good thing!), G & D's (ice cream shop!), St. Ebbe's, movie theatres, restaurants, fresh produce from the covered market, and proximity to the train station and all the beautiful scenic walks in Oxford.

I'm trading in my closeness to the gym for a nearby basketball court. And I'm saving at least 40 quid a month on rent. And I know that it's only a 20 min cycle back to all the things I'm leaving behind. But all this change seems to be a reminder that a year has already past (so quickly, I might add) and that I only have one left. And although I miss everyone and everything at home so much, I'm dreading having to leave this place where I feel so alive and a part of something so much bigger than myself. A place where I am constantly challenged, perpetually thinking and questioning, and maintain a healthy feeling of excitement and adventure always. So as I pack up my things that used to fit into three suitcases, I'm already starting to say goodbye, when it still feels like I've just begun my time here. And I guess in terms of life choices and changes, I will always feel like a girl who's just a little over her head and out of her depth.

Love to all as I sit amongst these boxes and memories,
Elizabeth