In the Eye of the Storm:

Well, I've submitted my transfer report. And now I wait to find out when I defend it in a viva. It will be there that they decide if my project is viable enough to be a DPhil. Fingers crossed. I'm so proud of how hard I worked and I will be ready to defend my ideas, so... My work, at least, is interesting. :)

So in the calm between these storms I have a bit more time to focus on others besides myself, which is a welcome break. I like me, honestly, but sometimes it is good to pay back the support and love that others have given you during a hard time. Look out family and friends, you'll know how much I value you this month.

I'm also continuing to work hard in preparation for my viva and to catch up on my languages, which I neglected last term. German whoo! Hopefully I'll get back in to London for some more days in the BL as well. I really like working there.

This past week I was able to go with the Oriel History Finalists (basically the equivalent of US college seniors) on their retreat 'Reading Party' in Herefordshire where they begin revision for their finals next term. I had an absolute blast. It was great to wake up on my own each morning, facing the calm of a day on a farm, just reading. *Sigh* We did some touristy things and went hiking as well. We even had some adventures, such as falling in a mud bog and being chased by a horse. It was enough of a break for me that I feel like I can get back to work tomorrow. And I love, love these students. It is amazing to watch how they learn and how their studies so differ from mine at their age. It is truly remarkable. They are inquisitive and fun and I really enjoyed their company. I'll come back to post links to 2 photo albums from the trip (it isn't working right now for some reason). The scenery was so lovely I can't pick just a few pictures. Please enjoy!

I'm spending today cleaning my room and watching basketball. It's so good for my soul. :) Let's just hope the Cards continue to win!

Missing everyone at home so very much in the madness of March,
Love to all,
Elizabeth

The Joy, The Joy!:

(Doesn't this photo of Jerry Smith just say it all??)

I just need to share with everyone how much I freakin' (that's right haters, I said freakin') love the University of Louisville and Cardinal Basketball. I am not ashamed to admit it; I cried this morning when I woke up to read that we had actually beaten West Virginia and won the Conference outright. Joyous, joyous tears! It may be strange, especially to those over here who don't understand supporting college athletics at all, but I truly believe I was born with this fan-gene. I LOVE it. The game, the University, the players, the coaches, the stress, the excitement, the passion, the energy, even the pain of the loss. Supporting U of L basketball constantly reminds oneself that one is alive. Not just alive, but alive with so many others. It runs through me at all times, but sometimes, like now, it's so powerful that I can't help but jump with joy. I cannot frown today...and my writing is going better too, because I'm inspired by my team. It may be silly, but I wouldn't change it. I am proud to be an alum of U of L. I am proud that three generations of my family have been impacted and a part of the University. It's not always about basketball...it's just about basketball right now. But I'm so glad this season is not yet over. Let the Madness that is March and College Basketball continue to be...it reminds me with every game where I come from and how proud I am to say that I am from Louisville.



Love to all,
Go Cards!
Elizabeth

Expectations vs. Capability:

So I need to know...do your expectations increase as you age in everything? Or just the things you are learning and studying to improve? Because I'm starting to notice that my writer's block increases incrementally when I know more about what I'm writing than when I know less. I know this sounds a bit nutty...but I know too much for this 10-15 page paper. I cannot fit it all in in away that sounds okay to my increasing expectations of myself. It's frustrating. When I first got to Oxford my problem was I wasn't convinced I could actually do it. I honestly questioned my abilities as a grad student and a historian. Now...I KNOW I can do it. But I can't actually do it because I know too much. Dear Lord, what's going to happen after three more years on the same topic? Or a career for that matter? Sheesharoo (a term coined by my bestie Emelia and I in high school or maybe middle?! I dunno.).

I will get this...I just need a break. And some answers. So...what's the story...expectations vs. capability? Somebody draw me a chart.

Love to all,
Elizabeth

And Gladys Says:

I'm trying to write now...which means I have very little to say here. I am thus posting a video I've been saving for a while for all to enjoy. It's from the Ellen Degeneres show and I really, really, really suggest you watch it. I've not laughed so hard for such a long, long time. It's brilliant.



Happy viewing!

Love to all,
Elizabeth