~Building 429
Freedom!!!!!!!!! I feel a little like William Wallace today. Actually, that feeling all started yesterday around 11:30 when the exam was completed and handed in. The best part is that I really think I did well on it. Then again, I've been rather consistent with my grades over here and much better off than my grades back home, which only really means, I'm making more A's than B's. At any rate, it's a free weekend!!!! No coursework, no lecture notes to read, no studying.
So, what does the weekend entail? Well, first due to the recent (yesterday) passing of the wind tunnel in my kitchen, I'm going to the store and buying all kinds of food and stocking my brand new, very pretty, refrigerator. Yes, after months of limping along with a fridge that didn't keep anything frozen, and kept most things lukewarm, I finally have a brand new one that doesn't sound like a wind tunnel!
Besides that, a few friends of mine are talking about seeing the movie Slum Dog Millionaire (kinda keeping us in the frame of mind of our course), and I'm searching for a new church. I'm also going to do the productive task of cleaning my place, cause for me it's just gross. For normal people, it's probably quite clean. And I'm going to enjoy doing some research and reading on Native Americans so I can come up with the most brilliant thesis project possible, for me at least. So, busy weekend, but it's all about having fun and enjoying what I'm doing. And for me, after this last week, it couldn't be more brilliant timing! But first, back to bed to finish catching up on sleep!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
When my world falls apart and the light turns to dark
~Interface
Sorry for the delay again. It's been a busy and overwhelming 3 weeks here in my life. It's been about 3 weeks of classes in the new term. And guess what, on Friday I take my final exam for the class I just started 3 weeks ago! That still seems odd. I can't believe I've finished an entire class in 3 weeks. But then again, I'm really glad. This isn't really material that interests me, so it'll be nice to get into the classes I chose to take. Plus I get to learn how to drill a borehole in 2 weeks! And get to play with pumps! Yeah, ok, a little strange.
The past 5 days have been by far the worst 5 days I've experienced here. I honestly don't know how much longer I can hold things together. And normally I wouldn't write about this kind of stuff, but I'm doing something VERY different and VERY bold because there's someone that really needs some help. So, bear with me...if you don't want to ruin your mood, stop reading here...please!
On Saturday morning I heard about the passing of probably the greatest influence on women's basketball, Coach Kay Yow. Most of the country wouldn't know this lady, but I had the pleasure of being on the sidelines for 4 years cheering on her teams. She was such a presence, especially with her very public battle (of 21 years) against breast cancer. Wolfpack country lost a very valuable person on Saturday. What hit me hardest about this news was that my aunt was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. She's fine now, but watching Coach Yow and knowing how long she fought, I can't help but wonder, what if it comes back for my aunt? And that scares me...badly.
Then Sunday morning I found out about the passing of a friend of mine from high school. Granted, we hadn't kept in touch, it still touched me because of all the talk of our reunion this year. (Has it really been that long?!) Plus, she had a baby girl last week...and I can't help but feel for that child.
Then my mom told me on Sunday that my grandmother was in the hospital. She's doing better, so I'm trying not to worry. But it always seems to be a mystery of sorts.
And to top it all off, my manager informed me tonight that our boss will not be returning to work. (Here's where I really need some help!!) He's a new boss, only been here a little over a month, and he's 23. Today he was told he has cancer and was only given 6 months to live. At 23! And it all puts things in perspective.
So, I don't normally ask for this, and it's way out of my comfort zone. But people say God performs miracles and heals those that are sick if we ask. So, I'm asking God for a miracle for Kristian and I'm asking anyone else out there reading this to also pray for healing and a miracle for him.
"When my world falls apart and the light turns to dark.
When the clouds gather round and the storms overwhelm.
When my heart breaks in half and my strength cannot last.
When I'm lost in this land and I can't see Your plan.
I'll stand...
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand."
~Interface
Sorry for the delay again. It's been a busy and overwhelming 3 weeks here in my life. It's been about 3 weeks of classes in the new term. And guess what, on Friday I take my final exam for the class I just started 3 weeks ago! That still seems odd. I can't believe I've finished an entire class in 3 weeks. But then again, I'm really glad. This isn't really material that interests me, so it'll be nice to get into the classes I chose to take. Plus I get to learn how to drill a borehole in 2 weeks! And get to play with pumps! Yeah, ok, a little strange.
The past 5 days have been by far the worst 5 days I've experienced here. I honestly don't know how much longer I can hold things together. And normally I wouldn't write about this kind of stuff, but I'm doing something VERY different and VERY bold because there's someone that really needs some help. So, bear with me...if you don't want to ruin your mood, stop reading here...please!
On Saturday morning I heard about the passing of probably the greatest influence on women's basketball, Coach Kay Yow. Most of the country wouldn't know this lady, but I had the pleasure of being on the sidelines for 4 years cheering on her teams. She was such a presence, especially with her very public battle (of 21 years) against breast cancer. Wolfpack country lost a very valuable person on Saturday. What hit me hardest about this news was that my aunt was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. She's fine now, but watching Coach Yow and knowing how long she fought, I can't help but wonder, what if it comes back for my aunt? And that scares me...badly.
Then Sunday morning I found out about the passing of a friend of mine from high school. Granted, we hadn't kept in touch, it still touched me because of all the talk of our reunion this year. (Has it really been that long?!) Plus, she had a baby girl last week...and I can't help but feel for that child.
Then my mom told me on Sunday that my grandmother was in the hospital. She's doing better, so I'm trying not to worry. But it always seems to be a mystery of sorts.
And to top it all off, my manager informed me tonight that our boss will not be returning to work. (Here's where I really need some help!!) He's a new boss, only been here a little over a month, and he's 23. Today he was told he has cancer and was only given 6 months to live. At 23! And it all puts things in perspective.
So, I don't normally ask for this, and it's way out of my comfort zone. But people say God performs miracles and heals those that are sick if we ask. So, I'm asking God for a miracle for Kristian and I'm asking anyone else out there reading this to also pray for healing and a miracle for him.
"When my world falls apart and the light turns to dark.
When the clouds gather round and the storms overwhelm.
When my heart breaks in half and my strength cannot last.
When I'm lost in this land and I can't see Your plan.
I'll stand...
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand."
~Interface
Sunday, January 11, 2009
From here to the far lands
~Angels and Airwaves
*This post was also taken from my travel journal...*
Edinburgh: Day 2
I did not sleep well. I swear it may have been warmer outside! But anyway- after getting dressed - sans shower, I proceeded into town.
First stop: Edinburgh Castle. I opted for the audio tour and was very glad I had. Beautiful place! Commanding too! It was neat to see things way older than America. I saw the crown jewels - nothing like what I saw in London at the tower. Still beautiful though. Probably the coolest thing for me was seeing where a prisoner from the American Revolutionary War had carved the 'stars and stripes' into the door of the prison. Kind of gives a sense of pride that someone believed so much while so far away.
After spending a few hours at the castle I proceeded to walk the Royal Mile. This was basically Old Town for me. Lots of gift shops but still pretty neat.
I decided to take a second stop back in time and go on the tour of Mary King's Close. This is an underground area that used to be street level - before they built the city chambers on top. It's also supposed to be haunted. No ghost sitings, but it was a neat experience.
I continued along the Royal Mile until I reached the Palace of Holyrood. Not quite as commanding as Buckingham, but still breathtaking. What struck me the most was the Scottish Parliament building across the street. so modern - it has no problem sticking out amongst all the old.
Finally I took a hike - with literally breathtaking views - through Holyrood Park. I went up to Arthur's Seat. Since it was beginning to get dark by the point, I headed back down the volcano - did I forget to mention I'd climbed a volcano? - and back up the Royal Mile.
I headed back to Haymarket for dinner. Then to the cold of the hostel - thoroughly exhausted.
*This post was also taken from my travel journal...*
Edinburgh: Day 2
I did not sleep well. I swear it may have been warmer outside! But anyway- after getting dressed - sans shower, I proceeded into town.
First stop: Edinburgh Castle. I opted for the audio tour and was very glad I had. Beautiful place! Commanding too! It was neat to see things way older than America. I saw the crown jewels - nothing like what I saw in London at the tower. Still beautiful though. Probably the coolest thing for me was seeing where a prisoner from the American Revolutionary War had carved the 'stars and stripes' into the door of the prison. Kind of gives a sense of pride that someone believed so much while so far away.After spending a few hours at the castle I proceeded to walk the Royal Mile. This was basically Old Town for me. Lots of gift shops but still pretty neat.
I decided to take a second stop back in time and go on the tour of Mary King's Close. This is an underground area that used to be street level - before they built the city chambers on top. It's also supposed to be haunted. No ghost sitings, but it was a neat experience.
I continued along the Royal Mile until I reached the Palace of Holyrood. Not quite as commanding as Buckingham, but still breathtaking. What struck me the most was the Scottish Parliament building across the street. so modern - it has no problem sticking out amongst all the old.
Finally I took a hike - with literally breathtaking views - through Holyrood Park. I went up to Arthur's Seat. Since it was beginning to get dark by the point, I headed back down the volcano - did I forget to mention I'd climbed a volcano? - and back up the Royal Mile.
I headed back to Haymarket for dinner. Then to the cold of the hostel - thoroughly exhausted.
If I had my own world, I'd build you an empire
~Angels and Airwaves
*The following post is taken from my travel journal...*
Edinburgh: Day 1
Who knew that 2 years ago when I started planning my Scotland trip that this was the road I'd take to get here?! I mean, I live 5 hours away right now. Weird.
Anyway, the journey here started off rather stressful. I got all the way to the train station only to realize I didn't have my railcard. After begging and pleading with the lady at the station I realized I'd have to go back to my place to find it - and hope I'd catch my train. Thank you taxi driver - who incidentally is named Ishmael (funny cause I was reading that book). Found the railcard and made it back to the station with time to spare.
When I was waiting to board the train, the twins were leaving the train. We all said hi then I jumped on board. It was fun seeing them right before leaving. Train after train after train (5 total) I eventually made it to Edinburgh.
I found my hostel pretty quickly. It's an old church building. I find this quite fascinating. Basically there are at least 12 rooms located in what used to be the sanctuary. No ceilings to the rooms so when you look up you see the rafters, stone archways, and stained glass. In all honesty this is much cooler sounding than reality. It's cold! While there are heaters in each room, it's freezing! I mean, the heat just keeps going up, to the rafters, never warming the room. Plus the showers stink! I'm trying to figure out how I could go without showering or washing my hair for 2 more days but I think I'll have to just give in. At least tonight.
After getting settled I headed to a pub called Haymarket for dinner. Yummy!!
*The following post is taken from my travel journal...*
Edinburgh: Day 1
Who knew that 2 years ago when I started planning my Scotland trip that this was the road I'd take to get here?! I mean, I live 5 hours away right now. Weird.
Anyway, the journey here started off rather stressful. I got all the way to the train station only to realize I didn't have my railcard. After begging and pleading with the lady at the station I realized I'd have to go back to my place to find it - and hope I'd catch my train. Thank you taxi driver - who incidentally is named Ishmael (funny cause I was reading that book). Found the railcard and made it back to the station with time to spare.
When I was waiting to board the train, the twins were leaving the train. We all said hi then I jumped on board. It was fun seeing them right before leaving. Train after train after train (5 total) I eventually made it to Edinburgh.
I found my hostel pretty quickly. It's an old church building. I find this quite fascinating. Basically there are at least 12 rooms located in what used to be the sanctuary. No ceilings to the rooms so when you look up you see the rafters, stone archways, and stained glass. In all honesty this is much cooler sounding than reality. It's cold! While there are heaters in each room, it's freezing! I mean, the heat just keeps going up, to the rafters, never warming the room. Plus the showers stink! I'm trying to figure out how I could go without showering or washing my hair for 2 more days but I think I'll have to just give in. At least tonight.After getting settled I headed to a pub called Haymarket for dinner. Yummy!!
Friday, January 2, 2009
'Cause you know where you've been
~Carbon Leaf
*Stolen from Carrie, who stole it from someone else....
In my 2008...What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Moved to England!
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember my resolutions, but I did make a few this year. So far so good. It's a start right?
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Teresa, though we're not as close as we once were.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
What countries did you spend time in this year?
The US and England, man that second still feels strange to say.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Sleep.
What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 16, the day I moved to England. February 14, the first time I went to England.
What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Getting into grad school, selling my house in a tough market.
What was your biggest failure?
Friendship.
Did you suffer any serious injury or illness?
Thankfully, no.
What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket to London in February...then a plane ticket home for Christmas.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Tough one, not sure how to answer this one. Is that sad?
Whose behaviour made you appalled and/or depressed?
I ended several friendships, well, several friendships were ended but at least I learned who my true friends were.
Where did most of your money go?
Grad school.
Compared to this time last year, are you,
a) happier or sadder? Much happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner, down 15lbs.
c) richer or poorer? Money-wise, poorer. But totally worth it!
What did you get really, really excited about?
Selling my house, moving to England, learning about water treatment, seeing Wicked, traveling, spending time with my family at Christmas.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spent time with my family and friends that have always been there for me.
Did you fall in love in 2008?
Nope.
How many one-night stands?
NONE!
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't usually use hate to describe feelings towards people, but I strongly dislike a few now.
What was the best book you read?
My Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn
What did you want and not get?
Scholarships for school.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
28- celebrated with my classmates with cake, went out with my European friends (and cake), cake with the co-worker, Thanksgiving dinner, and more celebration out with my classmates. Man, how did I lose 15lbs??
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not going through all the crap with people I thought were my friends. Being pain free in my knee.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The Environment...and if we're looking at world politics, the deaths going on in Zimbabwe.
Who did you miss?
I still miss my uncle. I wish I could share this experience with him. Not having my family here is tough too...but at least I can see them when I go home.
Who was the best new person you met?
That's tough. I've met so many great people here in England. And a few new ones back in the US. I can't pick just one.
Tell us a valuable life lesson(s) you learned in 2008.
Following your dreams is not always pretty and perfect, it comes with a struggle.
What sums up this year? (a word, a quote... ?)
Again from Carbon Leaf..."Live a life less ordinary, live a life extraordinary." Yeah, that about sums it up for me!
*Stolen from Carrie, who stole it from someone else....
In my 2008...What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Moved to England!
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember my resolutions, but I did make a few this year. So far so good. It's a start right?
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Teresa, though we're not as close as we once were.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
What countries did you spend time in this year?
The US and England, man that second still feels strange to say.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Sleep.
What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 16, the day I moved to England. February 14, the first time I went to England.
What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Getting into grad school, selling my house in a tough market.
What was your biggest failure?
Friendship.
Did you suffer any serious injury or illness?
Thankfully, no.
What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket to London in February...then a plane ticket home for Christmas.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Tough one, not sure how to answer this one. Is that sad?
Whose behaviour made you appalled and/or depressed?
I ended several friendships, well, several friendships were ended but at least I learned who my true friends were.
Where did most of your money go?
Grad school.
Compared to this time last year, are you,
a) happier or sadder? Much happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner, down 15lbs.
c) richer or poorer? Money-wise, poorer. But totally worth it!
What did you get really, really excited about?
Selling my house, moving to England, learning about water treatment, seeing Wicked, traveling, spending time with my family at Christmas.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spent time with my family and friends that have always been there for me.
Did you fall in love in 2008?
Nope.
How many one-night stands?
NONE!
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't usually use hate to describe feelings towards people, but I strongly dislike a few now.
What was the best book you read?
My Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn
What did you want and not get?
Scholarships for school.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
28- celebrated with my classmates with cake, went out with my European friends (and cake), cake with the co-worker, Thanksgiving dinner, and more celebration out with my classmates. Man, how did I lose 15lbs??
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not going through all the crap with people I thought were my friends. Being pain free in my knee.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The Environment...and if we're looking at world politics, the deaths going on in Zimbabwe.
Who did you miss?
I still miss my uncle. I wish I could share this experience with him. Not having my family here is tough too...but at least I can see them when I go home.
Who was the best new person you met?
That's tough. I've met so many great people here in England. And a few new ones back in the US. I can't pick just one.
Tell us a valuable life lesson(s) you learned in 2008.
Following your dreams is not always pretty and perfect, it comes with a struggle.
What sums up this year? (a word, a quote... ?)
Again from Carbon Leaf..."Live a life less ordinary, live a life extraordinary." Yeah, that about sums it up for me!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
You fear the year will blow like a breeze through a rainbow
~Carbon Leaf
I can't believe it's 2009. It seems like just a short time ago I was writing essays and anxiously awaiting the news on whether or not I'd be a finalist for a Fulbright scholarship. It seemed like being in England was so far away. Yet, here I am, 3 months down, 9 to go. How does time slip by so fast?
I've been back 2 days (3??) since I was home for the holidays. It was a great 2 weeks at home, much too short. But I got to spend time with the people that matter most to me and that's what's important. I already miss getting licked by my dog, and having my parent's dog standing in my lap. I miss getting kisses from my niece, and playing with legos with my nephew. I miss annoying my brother, and picking on my sister-in-law about not knowing what day of the week it is. I miss watching my dad laugh at the silliest things, but then hiding that grin when he realizes someone is watching. I miss seeing my grandmother and how much improvement she's made since I first left in September. And I miss getting hugs from my mom. Moms always give the best hugs. But good news...I'll be back again in 3 months and then my mom gets to come back with me! I'm really looking forward to that time. To getting to show her what my life looks like over here. I can't wait!
It seems everyone else out there in blogland is posting their resolutions. Generally I don't mess with them. I don't stick to them anyway. So, I'm not posting any. I'm not going to put something out there, because I have it written down, in a place I will see everyday, and if that's not enough accountability, then I don't know what is.
So, Happy New Year! The first 20 hours have been great. I can't wait to see what the rest of the hours bring!
I can't believe it's 2009. It seems like just a short time ago I was writing essays and anxiously awaiting the news on whether or not I'd be a finalist for a Fulbright scholarship. It seemed like being in England was so far away. Yet, here I am, 3 months down, 9 to go. How does time slip by so fast?
I've been back 2 days (3??) since I was home for the holidays. It was a great 2 weeks at home, much too short. But I got to spend time with the people that matter most to me and that's what's important. I already miss getting licked by my dog, and having my parent's dog standing in my lap. I miss getting kisses from my niece, and playing with legos with my nephew. I miss annoying my brother, and picking on my sister-in-law about not knowing what day of the week it is. I miss watching my dad laugh at the silliest things, but then hiding that grin when he realizes someone is watching. I miss seeing my grandmother and how much improvement she's made since I first left in September. And I miss getting hugs from my mom. Moms always give the best hugs. But good news...I'll be back again in 3 months and then my mom gets to come back with me! I'm really looking forward to that time. To getting to show her what my life looks like over here. I can't wait!
It seems everyone else out there in blogland is posting their resolutions. Generally I don't mess with them. I don't stick to them anyway. So, I'm not posting any. I'm not going to put something out there, because I have it written down, in a place I will see everyday, and if that's not enough accountability, then I don't know what is.
So, Happy New Year! The first 20 hours have been great. I can't wait to see what the rest of the hours bring!
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