I haven't written in over a month. What an utter failure am I, as Jeffrey has pointed out on numerous occasions in concern with my lack of "blogage." My only defense is a pervading sickness that hit my 6th week and a general apathy to all things that required extra time from sleep around 4th week.
The end of the term was great, actually. Michelle and Alex and Ash and I had another London trip, themed for Christmas, which I really enjoyed. We visited Harrods and a really freaky "Christmas" fair in Hyde Park, which basically consisted of old Halloween carnival rides decorated with tinsel and holiday music added. Alex and I were very intrigued, but I think the others were just scared. We also visited the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square, which reminded me of the last time I visited London five years ago with Dad and Sara.
Queer Bop was major fun, I dressed up as Eve and went around tempting people with an apple, which I chucked pretty early into the night. Christmas Bop on Friday of 8th week was also really great, if only because I was able to see how many British friends I have made since the beginning of term. Fa's influence strikes again...
The last part of tutorials went well, although a little shaky while I was sick. My last essays were easily my best and I enjoyed seeing Gillian's face when she finally realized what I had been trying to argue about human rights all year. Next term, I will be studying Health and Human Rights with Gillian, and International Development and the Environment with Alex - I hope that we will be able to read more books and look at native rights to the environment this term.
The last week was easily the best since the first few weeks at Oxford - everyone left early, but I was stuck in town until the 13th. However, Fayyaz, Kim and I had a jolly good time shopping and eating and watching movies together. It was so nice being able to spend time with Fa when we're not always pressed for work. I also visited him in London and stayed at his home there for a night, which was quite lovely. He showed me around London's South Bank, which I really enjoyed, and then I spent some time with his family, who are wonderful.
So, now I am back in Washington with Sara and Beccer at GW. It's a bit disorienting being back only 2 and 1/2 months later. A blink of time, really, but so many things have happened. I made fish and chips for everyone last night, which was great - its weird that I won't be back here until September of next year. Its like leaving two schools and two sets of friends...weird. However, I wouldn't take back leaving for the world. It's been an exhilarating and intense term - difficulties, loneliness, happiness, the whole kaboodle. Things move faster in Oxford, if you ask me. I'm very happy to be back in the States - but I can also see myself missing Oxford very soon.
Sara and I were so happy to see each other the other day at the airport. I think I may have underestimated how much she actually missed me this term. She will be the hardest thing to leave again.
I leave for AZ on the 21st, which will be nice. My cousin will be in town and even though Sorina will be in Romania, I will see her in March which will be nice.
I guess I had better go make Sara pancakes before her exam. Some things NEVER change.
<3
Monday, 15 December 2008
Monday, 10 November 2008
Not all who wonder are lost ...
I am sitting here drinking raspberry tea and I really should sleep. But its one of those nights where rest proves more allusive then I would have desired.
The past week has been a very eventful one. Gabe, Michelle's friend from AC 12 came down from London to visit, and we all went out to eat at a perfectly dreadful pizzeria in Summertown. It was very nice to see him, although it doesn't seem as if he is integrating well here in England. He had the look that I remember so very well from my freshman year. That lost look. I hope he finds his place. It was weird seeing him though, and being reminded of sophomore year in all its glory.
The biggest event this week was of course the election, which was a chaos that I will remember for the rest of my life. We stayed at the Oxford Union until 530am, drinking godawful Budweisers and cheering at the exit polls. And when 4am finally arrived and it was announced that Obama was in, such a great cheer rose up that I had to stand on the radiator to save myself from crushing. And it was glorious. Patriotic and hopeful and everything that you are cynical about until something great happens to make you believe again. "This is our moment," he said. Well, I sincerely hope that it is. Time, and God, will tell.
Winter here is setting in, and the days disintegrate at an alarming rate after 330pm. The lighting is dark and gray, but I haven't really been minding it. Jeff's basil plant might not make it though. Biking in the rain has been interesting, and mildly exhilarating. I like the wind and raindrops on my face.
I am devoting time each week to spend either at Blackwells or at a relaxing cafe, either to people watch or pray or read or do nothing but breathe. I did that today before my meeting with Debbie about next term, and it was lovely.
The group went to Wales on Friday, accompanied by "Chaps" or Alan Chapman. It was beautiful, we visited an old abbey that Sara and Dad would've loved. It was...like something pulled from a memory. Stone and damp and so alive. Full of secrets, as if it had been sprung up from the Earth. But breathtakingly beautiful and intricate. The Welsh Living Museum was also interesting, but in a different way. I liked the sheep with black faces. My favorite part were the gardens and the Castle. I wondered away from the group and just walked around, discovering nooks and crannies. I wish Sara had been there.
And now it is fourth week and I will be home soon. I had a pint earlier at the Rose and Crown with Ashley, and we reasserted that this is OUR year. I have joined the orchestra, the chapel, and a U8 student research group on health policy in Burma. I am loving everything I am doing.
And Fayyaz, you might wonder? Part time lover, full time friend....we made dinner today and watched Die Hard. It is so easy. The voice in my head keeps telling me that the bottom will fall out soon. But that voice is getting fainter. God always know what He does.
I will write more soon. Now it might finally be time for bedforshire. I believe it is. <3>
The past week has been a very eventful one. Gabe, Michelle's friend from AC 12 came down from London to visit, and we all went out to eat at a perfectly dreadful pizzeria in Summertown. It was very nice to see him, although it doesn't seem as if he is integrating well here in England. He had the look that I remember so very well from my freshman year. That lost look. I hope he finds his place. It was weird seeing him though, and being reminded of sophomore year in all its glory.
The biggest event this week was of course the election, which was a chaos that I will remember for the rest of my life. We stayed at the Oxford Union until 530am, drinking godawful Budweisers and cheering at the exit polls. And when 4am finally arrived and it was announced that Obama was in, such a great cheer rose up that I had to stand on the radiator to save myself from crushing. And it was glorious. Patriotic and hopeful and everything that you are cynical about until something great happens to make you believe again. "This is our moment," he said. Well, I sincerely hope that it is. Time, and God, will tell.
Winter here is setting in, and the days disintegrate at an alarming rate after 330pm. The lighting is dark and gray, but I haven't really been minding it. Jeff's basil plant might not make it though. Biking in the rain has been interesting, and mildly exhilarating. I like the wind and raindrops on my face.
I am devoting time each week to spend either at Blackwells or at a relaxing cafe, either to people watch or pray or read or do nothing but breathe. I did that today before my meeting with Debbie about next term, and it was lovely.
The group went to Wales on Friday, accompanied by "Chaps" or Alan Chapman. It was beautiful, we visited an old abbey that Sara and Dad would've loved. It was...like something pulled from a memory. Stone and damp and so alive. Full of secrets, as if it had been sprung up from the Earth. But breathtakingly beautiful and intricate. The Welsh Living Museum was also interesting, but in a different way. I liked the sheep with black faces. My favorite part were the gardens and the Castle. I wondered away from the group and just walked around, discovering nooks and crannies. I wish Sara had been there.
And now it is fourth week and I will be home soon. I had a pint earlier at the Rose and Crown with Ashley, and we reasserted that this is OUR year. I have joined the orchestra, the chapel, and a U8 student research group on health policy in Burma. I am loving everything I am doing.
And Fayyaz, you might wonder? Part time lover, full time friend....we made dinner today and watched Die Hard. It is so easy. The voice in my head keeps telling me that the bottom will fall out soon. But that voice is getting fainter. God always know what He does.
I will write more soon. Now it might finally be time for bedforshire. I believe it is. <3>
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
If all the world prayed...
Another week almost come and gone - the time passes so fast here, its unsettling. Still, I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Halloween went well and it was a perfect time to spend in Oxford. Michelle and I went on a ghost tour that left on Broad Street and snaked around by the Radcliffe Camera and into High Street. It reminded me so of last October and the many places that Erik and I went to during that month. Sleepy Hollow, the Hudson, and the like. But this was different. Better. Afterwards, Ashley and I got Hassans, my new favorite place in the world, and walked through St. Giles Cemetery together.
Last night was the election party at the Oxford Union. All of us Americans there to ring in history, and it was great that Obama won at 4am. I cried with Ashley during John McCain's concession speech, but I don't know why. He reminded me of home, I feel.
My tutorial went well today with Gillian. I wish I knew what to do next term, or even beyond that. I wish I knew the road that God wants me to take. This has been occupying my thoughts considerably in the last few weeks. The question of my definition. Of what defines me. I wish I knew. At home I am the reader and the writer. At Sarah Lawrence I was the Christian girl, which I think was often meant as an insult. I don't know what I am here. I don't feel like I fit in all the time. Hardly ever actually. But I'm being myself. I just wish I knew what that was. I think Michelle worries that I am integrating better than her - this is not the case. But I am taking things as they come and I'm not worrying about them. Praying about them, yes. I feel both close and absent from God here. I know its not the location but myself. God never turns away from us.
Oh and Fayyaz and I are lovely. Which is lovely. Obviously.
My theme music for this blog is Debussy's Claire de Lune. It reminds me of dawn, for some reason. Listen to it. <3
"If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
you right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10.
Halloween went well and it was a perfect time to spend in Oxford. Michelle and I went on a ghost tour that left on Broad Street and snaked around by the Radcliffe Camera and into High Street. It reminded me so of last October and the many places that Erik and I went to during that month. Sleepy Hollow, the Hudson, and the like. But this was different. Better. Afterwards, Ashley and I got Hassans, my new favorite place in the world, and walked through St. Giles Cemetery together.
Last night was the election party at the Oxford Union. All of us Americans there to ring in history, and it was great that Obama won at 4am. I cried with Ashley during John McCain's concession speech, but I don't know why. He reminded me of home, I feel.
My tutorial went well today with Gillian. I wish I knew what to do next term, or even beyond that. I wish I knew the road that God wants me to take. This has been occupying my thoughts considerably in the last few weeks. The question of my definition. Of what defines me. I wish I knew. At home I am the reader and the writer. At Sarah Lawrence I was the Christian girl, which I think was often meant as an insult. I don't know what I am here. I don't feel like I fit in all the time. Hardly ever actually. But I'm being myself. I just wish I knew what that was. I think Michelle worries that I am integrating better than her - this is not the case. But I am taking things as they come and I'm not worrying about them. Praying about them, yes. I feel both close and absent from God here. I know its not the location but myself. God never turns away from us.
Oh and Fayyaz and I are lovely. Which is lovely. Obviously.
My theme music for this blog is Debussy's Claire de Lune. It reminds me of dawn, for some reason. Listen to it. <3
"If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
you right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Leaves, Pumpkins and Silliness
Let me whisper you busy nothings,
The past week has been one of excitement, absolute pondering and general happiness. It is Fall here, my absolute favorite season. Although it is freezing. It snowed last night, although it didn't stick and hurrying down Broad Street with the flakes swirling reminded me so much of some of my favorite moments at Sarah Lawrence, which seemed to always involve the snow.
My tutorials have been going really well which has been very nice. Halloween is coming and we have decorated the flat with leaves and paper pumpkins. Tonight Mark, Jeff, Michelle, Alex and I carved our own pumpkins bought at the Co-op in Summertown - well, I carved them actually. One was of Alan Chapman, the true Oxfordian fellow and a "jolly good chap" and the other was of this bat who was amazingly unimpressive. I realized that this was the third Halloween I have spent with Michelle and it was such a nice feeling. I remember last Halloween and, while I did have a good time, so much stress accompanies the memory. When I think of how far God has brought me from that moment to here it is amazing.
And yes. I do have more news, which I don't actually mind writing here because no one actually reads my blog but Michelle. I have met a guy. A very nice guy actually. He's sweet and funny and the thing is that I actually really like him and the best thing is that he likes me back. And it's simple and fun and lovely. Everything that my last relationship just...wasn't. And it was nice because we were friends first, although I liked him from pretty much the moment I met him, which was also a new experience. And on the night of the USA Bop, which was mega fun, he told me he happened to like me too. I'm praying about it, but it's nothing like before. I don't feel trapped or nervous, but mature and sure of myself. This year is still about me. Fayyez is just a really lovely gift on the side. I just hope that we remain friends after I leave. Right now, it's just hard enough not seeing him for a few days...its so funny, I sound like such an innocent little girl! But I feel like one too...and it's a nice feeling.
So, here we are. Halloween is coming, I'm meeting tons of people and enjoying the leaves and my bike and cycling down Banbury and I am happy. Happiness. It's beautiful.
So, I love you all. <3
The past week has been one of excitement, absolute pondering and general happiness. It is Fall here, my absolute favorite season. Although it is freezing. It snowed last night, although it didn't stick and hurrying down Broad Street with the flakes swirling reminded me so much of some of my favorite moments at Sarah Lawrence, which seemed to always involve the snow.
My tutorials have been going really well which has been very nice. Halloween is coming and we have decorated the flat with leaves and paper pumpkins. Tonight Mark, Jeff, Michelle, Alex and I carved our own pumpkins bought at the Co-op in Summertown - well, I carved them actually. One was of Alan Chapman, the true Oxfordian fellow and a "jolly good chap" and the other was of this bat who was amazingly unimpressive. I realized that this was the third Halloween I have spent with Michelle and it was such a nice feeling. I remember last Halloween and, while I did have a good time, so much stress accompanies the memory. When I think of how far God has brought me from that moment to here it is amazing.
And yes. I do have more news, which I don't actually mind writing here because no one actually reads my blog but Michelle. I have met a guy. A very nice guy actually. He's sweet and funny and the thing is that I actually really like him and the best thing is that he likes me back. And it's simple and fun and lovely. Everything that my last relationship just...wasn't. And it was nice because we were friends first, although I liked him from pretty much the moment I met him, which was also a new experience. And on the night of the USA Bop, which was mega fun, he told me he happened to like me too. I'm praying about it, but it's nothing like before. I don't feel trapped or nervous, but mature and sure of myself. This year is still about me. Fayyez is just a really lovely gift on the side. I just hope that we remain friends after I leave. Right now, it's just hard enough not seeing him for a few days...its so funny, I sound like such an innocent little girl! But I feel like one too...and it's a nice feeling.
So, here we are. Halloween is coming, I'm meeting tons of people and enjoying the leaves and my bike and cycling down Banbury and I am happy. Happiness. It's beautiful.
So, I love you all. <3
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories...
Hello Lovers,
Writing for the second day in a row, because lets just be honest here, Michelle has put me to total shame with the blog thing. In my defense, I do keep a written journal although, and here is where my defense becomes unhappy, I haven't been writing in it that much either.
Running in the mornings have become my new thing. Ashley and I wake early and jog down Banbury Rd and around the University Park off of Keble Rd. Its so beautiful - today I stopped and stood under the leaves of a golden tree and just couldn't believe that I was here. It reminded me of yesterday - sitting in my little garden and having a moment of silence. Spaces of time that are just time - its very important.
I spent all day at the Law Library, which I have finally decided may not be as hellish as I first imagined. Then met Ashley back at Wadham for orchestra, which was an interesting experience. Very small. Then we headed to the Oxford Poetry Society meeting. Of course, I was reminded of Erik the minute I go there. I wonder if that is how it will always be. Its not painful anymore, so that helps.
I talked to Nada yesterday, an old friend from Riyadh who is studying in Scotland. Really weird to take it back that far, actually.
Tomorrow I will continue in vain pursuit for a bike. My environmental tutorial is tomorrow, my second official meeting and my first one after last week's torture. At least I have wine waiting when I get home for me this time.
Missing my family and friends - I love you all.
Tomorrow I am going on an Oxford Ghost Tour as well and Saturday is the USA Bop. I'm holding judgment on this.
<3
Writing for the second day in a row, because lets just be honest here, Michelle has put me to total shame with the blog thing. In my defense, I do keep a written journal although, and here is where my defense becomes unhappy, I haven't been writing in it that much either.
Running in the mornings have become my new thing. Ashley and I wake early and jog down Banbury Rd and around the University Park off of Keble Rd. Its so beautiful - today I stopped and stood under the leaves of a golden tree and just couldn't believe that I was here. It reminded me of yesterday - sitting in my little garden and having a moment of silence. Spaces of time that are just time - its very important.
I spent all day at the Law Library, which I have finally decided may not be as hellish as I first imagined. Then met Ashley back at Wadham for orchestra, which was an interesting experience. Very small. Then we headed to the Oxford Poetry Society meeting. Of course, I was reminded of Erik the minute I go there. I wonder if that is how it will always be. Its not painful anymore, so that helps.
I talked to Nada yesterday, an old friend from Riyadh who is studying in Scotland. Really weird to take it back that far, actually.
Tomorrow I will continue in vain pursuit for a bike. My environmental tutorial is tomorrow, my second official meeting and my first one after last week's torture. At least I have wine waiting when I get home for me this time.
Missing my family and friends - I love you all.
Tomorrow I am going on an Oxford Ghost Tour as well and Saturday is the USA Bop. I'm holding judgment on this.
<3
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Autumn in Oxford
Hello to one and all,
It is Autumn in Oxford - I call it Fall, but apparently that is not the "British" way - so its Autumn. I don't think anyone is actually reading my post anyway, but to all who are, koodos to you and HAPPY EARLY HALLOWEEN!
We have decorated the flat quite nicely for Halloween, which they don't really do here actually. However, November 5th is like a great holiday here apparently...you know the film, V for Vendetta where Natalie Portman goes all "cracked out Britney Spears" and falls in love with the masked dude. There are fireworks here and bonfires - very excited.
Leaves are everywhere and it feels very spooky at night with the castles and things - really a perfect place to spend the holiday.
I've been meeting a lot of people, which is nice and I've joined a variety of clubs, including the Law Society which basically consists of mad hot guys getting drunk as all get out. I've also joined the orchestra, which might be good and am loving Chapel. Its this beautiful stained glass stone church in college..funny story, the guy who made the stained glass windows had to do the story of Jonah and the Whale. However, it was the 1600's and he'd never seen a whale, so he kinda used his imagination and its the FREAKIEST thing you've ever seen! The whale had flippers and teeth...it's the funniest thing ever.
My tutorials have been going well, although my first water conflict one was total rubbish. Grilled about my academic merit in a windowless concrete room. Basically Mexican holding cell style.
Spent my day in the gardens of Wadham feeling like Elizabeth Bennett. I discovered this little stone alcove with flowers and wrote some prose - its was lovely.
Anyway, I think I am off to meet some people at the pub. Everyone come and visit. Miss you all. Sorry, this was like the most boring blog ever. I feel pity for you all.
CHEERS!
<3
It is Autumn in Oxford - I call it Fall, but apparently that is not the "British" way - so its Autumn. I don't think anyone is actually reading my post anyway, but to all who are, koodos to you and HAPPY EARLY HALLOWEEN!
We have decorated the flat quite nicely for Halloween, which they don't really do here actually. However, November 5th is like a great holiday here apparently...you know the film, V for Vendetta where Natalie Portman goes all "cracked out Britney Spears" and falls in love with the masked dude. There are fireworks here and bonfires - very excited.
Leaves are everywhere and it feels very spooky at night with the castles and things - really a perfect place to spend the holiday.
I've been meeting a lot of people, which is nice and I've joined a variety of clubs, including the Law Society which basically consists of mad hot guys getting drunk as all get out. I've also joined the orchestra, which might be good and am loving Chapel. Its this beautiful stained glass stone church in college..funny story, the guy who made the stained glass windows had to do the story of Jonah and the Whale. However, it was the 1600's and he'd never seen a whale, so he kinda used his imagination and its the FREAKIEST thing you've ever seen! The whale had flippers and teeth...it's the funniest thing ever.
My tutorials have been going well, although my first water conflict one was total rubbish. Grilled about my academic merit in a windowless concrete room. Basically Mexican holding cell style.
Spent my day in the gardens of Wadham feeling like Elizabeth Bennett. I discovered this little stone alcove with flowers and wrote some prose - its was lovely.
Anyway, I think I am off to meet some people at the pub. Everyone come and visit. Miss you all. Sorry, this was like the most boring blog ever. I feel pity for you all.
CHEERS!
<3
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Oxford Week 1 - Groovy Baby
Hello all friends and loved ones. Here is my blog, which I will probably never write in. However, the lovely and dynamic Christine Spinelli has insisted that I keep a blog during my time abroad. Since it coincides with the fact that I need to begin my human rights essay, I had decided to began tonight.
The soundtrack to this blog will be any old episode of That 70's Show. Youtube and listen now, then read. It will make my wet life in England seem more dynamic. :)
Oxford is amazing. The city is a blend of gray turrets and vine covered statues of old white men that no doubt contributed to the foundation of civilized education. The streets wind all around and often meet up with one another in a huge circle from where you started. Ancient gravestones and KFC tend to mix very nicely here. Pubs are almost always teeming and my every college has their own bar next to the cafeteria. The Wadham students asked me the first night, "You mean American schools don't have their own public bars?" Insert tonal inflection.
My flat is very nice, as are my flatmates. The English gas oven is an adventure and the streets of Oxford are about ten times more dangerous than the middle of Kabul in a firestorm in my opinion. I have almost been creamed about ten times since arriving here. Not only do the cars come from the wrong direction and on the wrong side of the road, they DO NOT stop. Imagine that scene in Elf where Will Ferrel gets run over the the yellow cab. Now imagine black audis. This is of course combined with teeming crowds of zipping cyclists speeding past you. Its a war zone out there.
Of course, I'll be getting a bike soon hopefully. I say the Lord's prayer every time I walk outside, obviously.
Friday was London day, and I showed Michelle and Jeff around the city which was very fun. Ended up running across six lanes of traffic in the rain and then missing the bus as I strided through the tube station looking for the loo. They also don't have trash cans here.
The first official night after we moved in, Wadham College through a dinner and wine reception for the Sarah Lawrence Programme. Picture a butler, copious amounts of wine, uniformed waiters and candlebras in a great stone hall. Then add being surrounded by some of the smartest political theorists, lawyers, and United Nations leaders sharing game bird with you and talking about the Argentinian political crisis of 1979. It was slightly intense. But absolutely amazing.
I love it here, I love the people, I love the pubs. I hate the cyclists, the law library, the exchange rate and the fact that it costs 1 pound to use a shopping cart. But its an adventure. I encourage all of you to go have one.
I love you all and miss you tons. Keep in touch and expect postcards soon. Cheers!
<3 Amy
The soundtrack to this blog will be any old episode of That 70's Show. Youtube and listen now, then read. It will make my wet life in England seem more dynamic. :)
Oxford is amazing. The city is a blend of gray turrets and vine covered statues of old white men that no doubt contributed to the foundation of civilized education. The streets wind all around and often meet up with one another in a huge circle from where you started. Ancient gravestones and KFC tend to mix very nicely here. Pubs are almost always teeming and my every college has their own bar next to the cafeteria. The Wadham students asked me the first night, "You mean American schools don't have their own public bars?" Insert tonal inflection.
My flat is very nice, as are my flatmates. The English gas oven is an adventure and the streets of Oxford are about ten times more dangerous than the middle of Kabul in a firestorm in my opinion. I have almost been creamed about ten times since arriving here. Not only do the cars come from the wrong direction and on the wrong side of the road, they DO NOT stop. Imagine that scene in Elf where Will Ferrel gets run over the the yellow cab. Now imagine black audis. This is of course combined with teeming crowds of zipping cyclists speeding past you. Its a war zone out there.
Of course, I'll be getting a bike soon hopefully. I say the Lord's prayer every time I walk outside, obviously.
Friday was London day, and I showed Michelle and Jeff around the city which was very fun. Ended up running across six lanes of traffic in the rain and then missing the bus as I strided through the tube station looking for the loo. They also don't have trash cans here.
The first official night after we moved in, Wadham College through a dinner and wine reception for the Sarah Lawrence Programme. Picture a butler, copious amounts of wine, uniformed waiters and candlebras in a great stone hall. Then add being surrounded by some of the smartest political theorists, lawyers, and United Nations leaders sharing game bird with you and talking about the Argentinian political crisis of 1979. It was slightly intense. But absolutely amazing.
I love it here, I love the people, I love the pubs. I hate the cyclists, the law library, the exchange rate and the fact that it costs 1 pound to use a shopping cart. But its an adventure. I encourage all of you to go have one.
I love you all and miss you tons. Keep in touch and expect postcards soon. Cheers!
<3 Amy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)