Insert witty lyrics here...

After a fun filled week at home I headed back over to England, with my mom!! She had an amazing time here, and I'll really glad I got to show her around. I already posted about Nottingham, so I'll spare those details again.

Her third day here we went over to campus. I wanted her to see where it is I am going to school...and where all that money is going. It's such a different campus from NC State, but I like it. She seemed to like it as well.

We headed down to London for her final few days. London has almost become like a second home to me, since I can now navigate the underground without really needing a map. Too many trips there I suppose. We did the usual stuff, Parliament, Westminster, St Paul's, Tower, boat cruise...but we also threw in a few curve balls.

See, we were in London over Easter. It's the first year that I can remember where I didn't go to church on Easter Sunday. Oops. But we did make it to the Good Friday Service at St. Paul's Cathedral. Wow! What a service! Now, I grew up baptist...and had been attending a church prior to moving here that's rather contemporary. So, hearing the psalms sung and the passion sung was truly amazing. It was a really great experience and very moving. Something I highly recommend if you ever have the chance.

Of course though, for anyone that knows me, you know I can't go somewhere with great theatres and not see a musical. This trip was no different. I took my mom to see Billy Elliot. If you like dancing at all...GO SEE THIS MUSICAL! The boys that play Billy and his friend Michael were wonderful. For 11-13 year olds, they had some amazing talents. The girls on stage were very talented too. It's funny, sad, upbeat, and constantly moving. Do yourself a favor and see this! Oh, and if you know the movie...this is soooooooooo much better!

In love at the rock show

~Blink 182

Being home at the end of March/beginning of April was amazing! I got the chance to see some of my favorite people in the world (my parents!!!). I had every intention of spending my time at home doing some research on my thesis project, but that didn't quite happen. I honestly just think I was a bit burnt out and needed a few days of a break. So, I spent some time with my parents, the kids, and my brother and his wife. It was great! Even the part where my dad and I spent the better part of one night just making fun of this season of American Idol. Anyone else think it's time for a break from that show??

But no worries, the week wasn't a complete waste. I spent a day in Raleigh catching up with the former place of employment (hey to those reading and sorry if I didn't make it by the say hi in person). But the real purpose for that visit was to get some things squared away on my thesis and I have to tell you, I feel a ton better about the idea...if I only had time to work on the thing now.

The overall purpose of the trip though was the celebrate the wedding of one of my former roommates. They have to be one of the more romantic couples I've ever had the pleasure to call friends. And I have to tell you, they couldn't have been any luckier on the weather that day. 70 degrees and sunny while getting married at the Court of the Carolinas. Congrats guys!

The sun was out, the air was warm

~Ted Leo & The Pharmacists

It's been quite the whirlwind of spring breaks for me. By far, the best spring break ever! And it's still not over! Bear with me while I take a few posts to catch up on all the happenings. It's well worth it, well the pictures are anyway.

I headed home for a week at the beginning of my break, making the usual pit stop in London along the way. This time in London was a bit different because I had enough time to walk around, but no real desire to see or do anything. Especially since I'd be spending the next 2 weeks there. So, I checked into my hostel and just headed out around Picadilly for a while.

As I came up upon St. James's Park, I noticed quite a few people heading in one direction. Naturally (or stupidly) I thought to myself, "I wonder what those people are going over there for" and followed. I soon found myself at the Household Calvary Museum so I walked through and learned a bit about the guys on horseback that help guard the monarch. It was pretty cool. After finishing in the museum I walked back outside to see a bunch of people taking pictures. Same natural thought followed, "I wonder what they are taking pictures of." So, I rounded the building and found this:
I was rather happy about my curiosity. The rest of the day was rather low key as I really just couldn't wait to get home and see Phantom, Lucy, and the family. Plus, I was heading home for a totally amazing wedding...and who wouldn't be excited about that. By the way, London in spring time is rather beautiful.

They're men, they're men in tights...

My mom is here visiting for a week! I'm really glad to get to show her around the area I live in and then spend some time in London. It should be really fun.

Yesterday we headed to Nottingham for the day. I finally made it up to the castle. I've gotta say, rather disappointing. I don't even know what I was expecting of it, but I was under impressed with what I did see. In fact, the only photos I took were of the flowers.

Today we're walking around campus and town. I'll be sure to take her to see the latrines out behind our classrooms, just for fun of course. Who doesn't want to travel to England and see latrines?!?!