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
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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
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
Monday, August 27, 2007
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
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
Monday, August 20, 2007
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
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
Sunday, August 19, 2007
On This Day in History:
Happy Birthday Ted! On this day, in 19** (I'm not that cruel), my grandfather, Ted Bridgewater was born. A chorus of angels sang and the world bowed down and praised the Lord for such a creation! (Well, ok, perhaps I'm exaggerating slightly, but nonetheless it was a joyous day I'm sure.)
I thought in honor of Ted, a retired history teacher and civil war fanatic, we could play a wonderful game entitled 'On this day in History'. So, sit back and get out your notepad and pen, 'cause here comes a short history lesson folks:
On this day in history in the year 43 BC, Octavian, later Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, convinced the Roman senate to elect him Consul, further elevating his status and power in the Roman world.
On this day in history in 1561, after thirteen years in France, Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland to rule her people and with a claim to the English throne because of her Catholic belief and in spite of the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. A tumultuous reign and life followed for the 18 year old queen, culminating in imprisonment and execution at the hands of Elizabeth in 1587.
On this day in history in 1782 the last major engagement of the American Revolution took place at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky. The battle occurred ten months after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, which had ended the war (effectively) in the east. Near the Licking River (present day Robertson County) a force of 50 British rangers and 300 American Indians ambushed and defeated 182 Kentucky militiamen. It was the worst defeat for the Kentuckians in the entire war.
On this day in history in 1812 (if you're thinking the War of 1812 then you are right on track!) the American warship the USS Constitution defeated the British HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, earning the ship the nickname 'Old Ironsides'.
And finally, on this day in history in 1862, Dakota warriors, as part of the Dakota War of 1862 and in continuing conflict with US forces to prevent the loss of land and indigenous culture bypassed the heavily guarded Fort Ridgely and decided instead to attack the settlement of New Ulm in Minnesota, killing white settlers along the way. The Indian Wars continued until the massacre at the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.
I realize I've just ended this on a depressing note. So I suppose a more light-hearted historical tidbit is necessary. On this day in history in 1934, in addition to the election of Adolf Hitler as German President (he was already Chancellor and achieved his presidency through the title of Fuhrer), the first ever All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton OH. I'm not sure who won, but I think it serves as a reminder that although history tends to most easily remember the conflicts, struggles, and altogether dark sides of the human experience, it also has room for achievements and beauty, like the memory of the soap box derby. Or, the last performance of world-renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein, who on this day in 1990, ended his career with a final performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.
A very Happy Birthday to you Ted. Here's to many more!
Love,
Elizabeth
Happy Birthday Ted! On this day, in 19** (I'm not that cruel), my grandfather, Ted Bridgewater was born. A chorus of angels sang and the world bowed down and praised the Lord for such a creation! (Well, ok, perhaps I'm exaggerating slightly, but nonetheless it was a joyous day I'm sure.)
I thought in honor of Ted, a retired history teacher and civil war fanatic, we could play a wonderful game entitled 'On this day in History'. So, sit back and get out your notepad and pen, 'cause here comes a short history lesson folks:
On this day in history in the year 43 BC, Octavian, later Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, convinced the Roman senate to elect him Consul, further elevating his status and power in the Roman world.
On this day in history in 1561, after thirteen years in France, Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland to rule her people and with a claim to the English throne because of her Catholic belief and in spite of the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. A tumultuous reign and life followed for the 18 year old queen, culminating in imprisonment and execution at the hands of Elizabeth in 1587.
On this day in history in 1782 the last major engagement of the American Revolution took place at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky. The battle occurred ten months after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, which had ended the war (effectively) in the east. Near the Licking River (present day Robertson County) a force of 50 British rangers and 300 American Indians ambushed and defeated 182 Kentucky militiamen. It was the worst defeat for the Kentuckians in the entire war.
On this day in history in 1812 (if you're thinking the War of 1812 then you are right on track!) the American warship the USS Constitution defeated the British HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, earning the ship the nickname 'Old Ironsides'.
And finally, on this day in history in 1862, Dakota warriors, as part of the Dakota War of 1862 and in continuing conflict with US forces to prevent the loss of land and indigenous culture bypassed the heavily guarded Fort Ridgely and decided instead to attack the settlement of New Ulm in Minnesota, killing white settlers along the way. The Indian Wars continued until the massacre at the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890.
I realize I've just ended this on a depressing note. So I suppose a more light-hearted historical tidbit is necessary. On this day in history in 1934, in addition to the election of Adolf Hitler as German President (he was already Chancellor and achieved his presidency through the title of Fuhrer), the first ever All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton OH. I'm not sure who won, but I think it serves as a reminder that although history tends to most easily remember the conflicts, struggles, and altogether dark sides of the human experience, it also has room for achievements and beauty, like the memory of the soap box derby. Or, the last performance of world-renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein, who on this day in 1990, ended his career with a final performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.
A very Happy Birthday to you Ted. Here's to many more!
Love,
Elizabeth
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
I'm Back Babydolls!:
First, please see the hit CBS comedy 'How I Met Your Mother' Season 1, the episode entitled "The Pineapple Incident" as a reference for my title. Also, just watch it if you are missing some good ole sitcom comedy. Best show on TV, gotta say. Wish it were on over here.
Anyhoo...hello readers! I figured since my Floridian cuz is calling me out on my lack of entries I better get on it.
Well, it's mid-August and in the mid-60s over here. Not the global warming-induced heat wave I hear is going on in the US. It's actually nice, though I wish for an appearance into the upper 70s every once and a while. My shorts and skirts are not being used as much as I expected. I had a lovely birthday (thank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts!) thanks to my wonderful friends here, in particular because of Rich, whose birthday is the day before mine. So needless to say loads of food and enormous quantities of chocolate cake were consumed, which always helps to kill the sting of missing those at home on a special day. Mmmm...cake.
I had a wonderful, but exhausting, time with Mom and Dad on their two week holiday here. We did so many things! Here are a few of my favorite pictures scattered sporadically through this blog. There's me and Mom in Paris, Dad and I on top of the Eiffel Tower, and the three of us at Windsor Castle. We didn't see the Queen there, but she was at Buckingham Palace when we were in London. We saw a fair few couples off to join her for tea. I was jealous. Sadly we never made it to Warwick or Stratford, but thankfully I'll have to graduate eventually and we can do England part two! Paris was amazing and at Christmas I'll bring 'round more photos (friends, you've probably seen them on facebook) showing the rest of the trip. Though Mom and Dad have them too, so don't be afraid to ask them!
Not much else is going on here. I'm researching and getting ready to move across town out of the dorm and into a house with five others. It will be interesting! Ah, and it did flood majorly a few weeks ago, but never reached near where I live, though was precariously close to our new house. Thankfully Oxford-proper was spared, though the grass is still looking damp near the river banks, and we were without some beautiful parks for a while.
The seventh and final Harry Potter book came out on July 21 and true to his word my supervisor gave me time off to read it. It was a great read (not my favorite of the series, but well written and imaginative) and a fitting end to the series, though I am very sad to see it go. Midnight Potter mania over here was fantastically fun and I loved being a part of that. I must say, if you are going to be stuck in a line at Borders for nearly an hour, make sure to get stuck in the Romance section. Now there are some funny reads! It's amazing people make a living writing that stuff!
Last week my wonderful Radio Disney friend Liza (Nspired) came to visit and for my birthday took me to see the play 'In Celebration' at the Duke of York theatre in London. It starred Orlando Bloom and we were on the 11th row! It was a fantastic play, well acted and well written. I enjoyed it so much! Thank you Liza!!!!!
Well I suppose that's it for now. Ooh....but I have discovered this wonderfully entertaining video blog on youtube by two brothers named John and Hank Green. They are only communicating via video blog for the whole of 2007. They are clever, witty, and genuinely good-hearted guys who are using their internet fame for good things. Check out their webpage at www.brotherhood2.com and watch some of their videos. If you like them, I'd recommend starting back at Jan. 1 to really understand some of their jokes. It's running humor. Beware, I may begin posting some of them myself! Oh and Erika, do you know John Green? He graduated from Kenyon in 2000 (majored in English and Religion I think!). If so, awesome.
I'll leave you with a link to a video on youtube which has great meaning to me. Our collective graduate (MCR) sunflower Amos was decapitated a few weeks ago and his death and funeral were made into a video by my friend Charlie. It's really remarkable. Please watch this, in particular the funeral part. Geoff and Charlie spent a long time giving Amos a viking funeral! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9vo6fCOobQ
Missing everyone at home very much!
Love,
Elizabeth
First, please see the hit CBS comedy 'How I Met Your Mother' Season 1, the episode entitled "The Pineapple Incident" as a reference for my title. Also, just watch it if you are missing some good ole sitcom comedy. Best show on TV, gotta say. Wish it were on over here.
Anyhoo...hello readers! I figured since my Floridian cuz is calling me out on my lack of entries I better get on it.
Well, it's mid-August and in the mid-60s over here. Not the global warming-induced heat wave I hear is going on in the US. It's actually nice, though I wish for an appearance into the upper 70s every once and a while. My shorts and skirts are not being used as much as I expected. I had a lovely birthday (thank you to everyone who sent cards and gifts!) thanks to my wonderful friends here, in particular because of Rich, whose birthday is the day before mine. So needless to say loads of food and enormous quantities of chocolate cake were consumed, which always helps to kill the sting of missing those at home on a special day. Mmmm...cake.
I had a wonderful, but exhausting, time with Mom and Dad on their two week holiday here. We did so many things! Here are a few of my favorite pictures scattered sporadically through this blog. There's me and Mom in Paris, Dad and I on top of the Eiffel Tower, and the three of us at Windsor Castle. We didn't see the Queen there, but she was at Buckingham Palace when we were in London. We saw a fair few couples off to join her for tea. I was jealous. Sadly we never made it to Warwick or Stratford, but thankfully I'll have to graduate eventually and we can do England part two! Paris was amazing and at Christmas I'll bring 'round more photos (friends, you've probably seen them on facebook) showing the rest of the trip. Though Mom and Dad have them too, so don't be afraid to ask them!
Not much else is going on here. I'm researching and getting ready to move across town out of the dorm and into a house with five others. It will be interesting! Ah, and it did flood majorly a few weeks ago, but never reached near where I live, though was precariously close to our new house. Thankfully Oxford-proper was spared, though the grass is still looking damp near the river banks, and we were without some beautiful parks for a while.
The seventh and final Harry Potter book came out on July 21 and true to his word my supervisor gave me time off to read it. It was a great read (not my favorite of the series, but well written and imaginative) and a fitting end to the series, though I am very sad to see it go. Midnight Potter mania over here was fantastically fun and I loved being a part of that. I must say, if you are going to be stuck in a line at Borders for nearly an hour, make sure to get stuck in the Romance section. Now there are some funny reads! It's amazing people make a living writing that stuff!
Last week my wonderful Radio Disney friend Liza (Nspired) came to visit and for my birthday took me to see the play 'In Celebration' at the Duke of York theatre in London. It starred Orlando Bloom and we were on the 11th row! It was a fantastic play, well acted and well written. I enjoyed it so much! Thank you Liza!!!!!
Well I suppose that's it for now. Ooh....but I have discovered this wonderfully entertaining video blog on youtube by two brothers named John and Hank Green. They are only communicating via video blog for the whole of 2007. They are clever, witty, and genuinely good-hearted guys who are using their internet fame for good things. Check out their webpage at www.brotherhood2.com and watch some of their videos. If you like them, I'd recommend starting back at Jan. 1 to really understand some of their jokes. It's running humor. Beware, I may begin posting some of them myself! Oh and Erika, do you know John Green? He graduated from Kenyon in 2000 (majored in English and Religion I think!). If so, awesome.
I'll leave you with a link to a video on youtube which has great meaning to me. Our collective graduate (MCR) sunflower Amos was decapitated a few weeks ago and his death and funeral were made into a video by my friend Charlie. It's really remarkable. Please watch this, in particular the funeral part. Geoff and Charlie spent a long time giving Amos a viking funeral! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9vo6fCOobQ
Missing everyone at home very much!
Love,
Elizabeth
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