St. Baldrick's:

Hola! I hiked 18k last weekened (approx. 12 miles) up some rather large cliffs. It was amazing and I'll post some pictures when I find my usb cable. The scenery was enough to awaken the most shadowed of souls, but I found the activity to be the most inspiring aspect of the trip. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done (with a possible exception of hiking the Smokey Mountains when I was 11, but I've blocked out that pain) and I am so proud of myself. In the midst of a mountain-ascent panic attack I realized something about myself. I'm far more capable than I've ever thought possible. I think I've been selling myself short, particularly on a physical front. I've already worked out twice this week. It will be twice more before the weekend is through. And you know what? That's just the beginning. I'm excited to see how far I can push myself. I am strong.

With all this in mind, I have something up my sleeve. I will reveal all in a week or so, when I get it together, but I'll be needing help from all of you. I don't want to over-sell this, it's not a big deal for most people, but it will be the start of something for me. A first, if you will. So I'll be needing support.

I'll give you a hint though, it's going to require a financial donation. And I'll practice my solicitation skills here by highlighting a similar endeavour which my friend Eric is about to embark upon. On Sunday, March 16, Eric will be shaving his head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization which supports children who have been diagnosed with cancer. I had a friend from U of L do this several years ago and it's an amazing event. Eric's head will be shaved in front of a crowd at Fourth St. Live! It Eric's deal and he hasn't asked me to mention it at all, but I thought I'd draw your attention to it, because I'm very proud of him. If you do perchance want to donate anything, you can do so here: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.html?ParticipantKey=2008-28670
Please don't feel obligated. But do check out the site and the organzation. I've been looking at a lot of similar things lately (hence future post) and this one is truly special. And remember, save your pennies, I'll be asking you for anything you can give in the near future. :)

Love to the greatest friends and family,
Elizabeth

P.S. I hate Pittsburgh. And I no longer believe that the third time is a charm. It's just the third time. Grrrr.

Rugby Shenanigans:

I was present last night in London for my first varsity match in any sport here at Oxford. The Oxford Dark Blue rugby league team defeated Cambridge 38-10! My friend Hugh played in the match and scored a try, and I got to eat a giant cheeseburger. It was all in all a good night. Horrible bus ride back to Oxford with some very drunk fans, but what can you do? Check out the article about the match here: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3251311,00.html

In other news, I'm going hiking tomorrow on the Dorset coast. It's supposed to rain, but oh well! I'm trying alternative exercise techniques to get out of the gym (because I can't ever seem to get into it anyway), so this should be fun. I'll post pictures when I've recovered from the 14 hour day.

Today is my dear friend Ruth's birthday and the Oriel Historians dinner so it should be an enjoyable evening. Wishing everyone a great weekend! And Kentuckians, watch out for that winter storm!

Love to all,
Elizabeth

The Bluegrass From Google:

Ever just google things randomly to see what comes up? I do. And today I google-imaged Kentucky. Amongst the pictures I assumed to see, you know, those of KFC, UK basketball, and Churchill downs, there were some beautiful ones that I felt I needed to share with you. The one above is of Cumberland Falls. I've never been and would love to go. Anybody up for camping when I return?

This is a bend in the Kentucky River. I don't know if I know this bend, but I know the river very well after so many years in Frankfort. The colors in the trees are all you really need to see though. *Sigh*




Finally, what is an entry about the beauty of home without a horse farm? This is Calumet Farm. I'm sure those from home know more than me about it, but it's gorgeous. Certainly makes me want to learn to ride.




Hope you all find these photos as comforting and beautiful as I. As you can tell I'm longing for a bit of Kentucky bluegrass today. Or some Louisville love. Well, both. I'll leave you music lovers a link to a Louisville-based band called The Muckrakers who are very close to my heart. They met at Western Kentucky University and are attempting to take the world by storm. Their music is wonderful and I can attest to a great live show as well.

www.myspace.com/muckrakers

www.themuckrakers.com

Their newest song is called 'Lights of Louisville' and is worth a listen. Right now though it's their song 'Happy In' that is stuck in my head (apparently the Happy In is a chinese restaurant in Bowling Green). I keep humming all of it, but in particular the first verse and chorus which go "Across the Indiana border, down Highway 65, where the cold Kentucky bluegrass meets the gray December sky. And how I long to be there, where my loved ones, they stay. Just to hold you in my arms again, and I waste the day away. But there's always some room at the Happy In, a smile for a lover or a laugh for a friend, wish away the morning, let the day begin, there's always some room at the Happy In."

I bet you can figure out which part of the verse is particularly poignant to me at the moment. Don't worry, I'm not unhappy, just nostalgic. Missing all my loved ones greatly.

Love,
Elizabeth