The end of semester is here! Whoo Hoo! I am so glad it's almost over, but I really wish I didn't have to write all these papers! Yesterday was my first final and I was writing about vampires, Frankenstein, and Ghosts for almost 2 hours. Yeah...that one was not so much fun. Today is my last final exam, and I must say, I'm a bit worried about this one. It should be a breeze, but...
Then the real work starts: paper writing. I have to write 1.5 more papers (it sounds less threatening to say it this way. If I said I had two papers, it sounds like I haven't done any work which just isn't true!) by Thursday at 5pm. I know it's do-able, but I really hate the stress associated with cranking out 4,000 words worth of paper.
As soon as school is over (!), I'll get back on here and give a proper update that will include summer things and most importantly, news of sister coming HOME! It's be waaaay too long!
Off to finish the coffee and pray that the sunshine stays!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
birds flying high...
Can I get an 'AMEN' to all this sunshine?!? After all this rain we've had, all I can say is, "It's about freakin' time!"
School has been R.O.U.G.H. this term. I'm not really sure if it's been harder than the others, but for some reason it seems to be hitting me harder this year. I think (and I'm sure you are all tired of hearing me say this) it might have something to do with here not being London. Most of the time it doesn't bother me, but every now and again I think about it, and I go back in my mind--and it's hard coming back to reality! I laughed when I got my email from GSE that had a 'Student Re-Entry' packet in a pdf, including a 'Top Ten Immediate Reentry Challenges' list. Let me share a few gems with you.
School has been R.O.U.G.H. this term. I'm not really sure if it's been harder than the others, but for some reason it seems to be hitting me harder this year. I think (and I'm sure you are all tired of hearing me say this) it might have something to do with here not being London. Most of the time it doesn't bother me, but every now and again I think about it, and I go back in my mind--and it's hard coming back to reality! I laughed when I got my email from GSE that had a 'Student Re-Entry' packet in a pdf, including a 'Top Ten Immediate Reentry Challenges' list. Let me share a few gems with you.
1. It is largely unexpected that you will experience reverse culture shock. Few people prepare for the return because the expect it to be easy and are surprised when it is not.
[Seriously? Who wrote this?!?)
2. The reality of home differs from reality. When you are abroad, images of home life can become idealized or romanticised. It is easy to forget or minimize the problems or issues that were once a source of stress in your everyday life. Re-encountering them can be disconcerting.
I would love to (not really) share more, but I'm going a bit mad just reading some of them. (That, coupled with the myriad of spelling mistakes has me just frantic...) I thought these Californians were just trying to be helpful, but had no idea that they were actually serious about students have a 're-entry' problem. Turns out, they were actually right. I made it through the first few months okay, with the fabulous help of my church family and friends. But with the pressures of school, I'm somehow missing it more.
While I'm not mooning over London (and sometimes when I am), I'm working at the Learning Center. It's been pretty slow, which is good and bad all at the same time. When it is slow, I have the chance to do some homework, emailing and of course, blogging. I am also more easily distracted if there is no one around...which seems really odd now that I say it out loud.
I do have a job lined up for the summer. I'm back at the library, which makes me really happy. I've missed it so much, even though I'm over there most of the time anyway!
Work is almost over, so I better wrap this up. Four more papers to write for this term! Ugh...now I just have to start them!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
the one that changes...
Change. It's one of those things we just can't avoid, no matter how hard we try. Trust me--I know. I am the queen of anti-change. Just ask my mother.
My aversion to change started long ago, but it became abundantly clear two weeks before I left for London. Seriously, if I hadn't bought my ticket during the summer, I wouldn't have gone. At all. The idea of picking up and flying 3,000 miles was no longer appealing to me. And if I would have gone along with my feelings, I would have missed out on the coolest, best experience of my life. (And yes, Rachel, you are a part of that. :heart:)
Coming home from this awesome experience had a whole new batch of changes as well. A lot of the change was just getting used to things all over again, like driving, house politics and the subtle changes that took place whilst I was gone. School was a big change, but almost a bigger change was my job on campus. For the past two years, I was a work study in the college library. For obvious reasons, this suited me to a 'T'. It was the best job I think I've ever had. Why? Mostly because it was with books, but also because I was COMFORTABLE with the way things were done. Hmm... God's plans are sure not mine.
They weren't able to keep my job for me at the library, so I applied to be a writing/ literature tutor at the Learning Center. This was a last resort. I did not want this job. I was worried, but mostly because it was new and unfamiliar. I know I had small faith that God would provide, and almost hoped he would prevent me from getting this job. Instead, he saw my doubt, and decided to make me grow. Thanks God.
There must be a good point to this, or else I wouldn't be writing, right? Right. Today I had my first appointment. Um yeah. I was terrified. But in my nervousness, I found a bit of calm. I knew I knew how to write. I just had to share that with someone else... The session went well and no one died. Success? I think so. I think I was clear and got some good points across for future use. All I could think about was my conversation with Christine when I told her about my new job. "Oh, you'll be fine." She said. "It will be easy. Don't worry about it!" I doubted her then, but I hung onto those words! She was right! And (she ashamedly admits) God was right. He did provide this job for me and He had new things for me to learn. I wonder why I never remember that...
I guess all change isn't bad. Look at London. I have changed for the better since I've been there, and I'm glad for the new stuff I'm doing because of that. It's a good thing I don't do things the way I want to. I would miss so much if I didn't listen to God. Don't hop off 'the rack of change'. He doesn't pull you out of shape; He shapes you to be more like Him.
Off to bask in the joy of the rack...
My aversion to change started long ago, but it became abundantly clear two weeks before I left for London. Seriously, if I hadn't bought my ticket during the summer, I wouldn't have gone. At all. The idea of picking up and flying 3,000 miles was no longer appealing to me. And if I would have gone along with my feelings, I would have missed out on the coolest, best experience of my life. (And yes, Rachel, you are a part of that. :heart:)
Coming home from this awesome experience had a whole new batch of changes as well. A lot of the change was just getting used to things all over again, like driving, house politics and the subtle changes that took place whilst I was gone. School was a big change, but almost a bigger change was my job on campus. For the past two years, I was a work study in the college library. For obvious reasons, this suited me to a 'T'. It was the best job I think I've ever had. Why? Mostly because it was with books, but also because I was COMFORTABLE with the way things were done. Hmm... God's plans are sure not mine.
They weren't able to keep my job for me at the library, so I applied to be a writing/ literature tutor at the Learning Center. This was a last resort. I did not want this job. I was worried, but mostly because it was new and unfamiliar. I know I had small faith that God would provide, and almost hoped he would prevent me from getting this job. Instead, he saw my doubt, and decided to make me grow. Thanks God.
There must be a good point to this, or else I wouldn't be writing, right? Right. Today I had my first appointment. Um yeah. I was terrified. But in my nervousness, I found a bit of calm. I knew I knew how to write. I just had to share that with someone else... The session went well and no one died. Success? I think so. I think I was clear and got some good points across for future use. All I could think about was my conversation with Christine when I told her about my new job. "Oh, you'll be fine." She said. "It will be easy. Don't worry about it!" I doubted her then, but I hung onto those words! She was right! And (she ashamedly admits) God was right. He did provide this job for me and He had new things for me to learn. I wonder why I never remember that...
I guess all change isn't bad. Look at London. I have changed for the better since I've been there, and I'm glad for the new stuff I'm doing because of that. It's a good thing I don't do things the way I want to. I would miss so much if I didn't listen to God. Don't hop off 'the rack of change'. He doesn't pull you out of shape; He shapes you to be more like Him.
Off to bask in the joy of the rack...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
the first snow day
It's second week and already I get a day off from school! I'd really like to think I deserved the day off though, for all the work I've been doing.
But yes, a snow day. It was a little annoying getting a text a few seconds before my alarm actually went off, but I'm not complaining too much. I did get to sleep in, which was very nice. I had to shovel snow/slush/ice later which wasn't as nice as the sleeping in part.
First week finished, and another one almost done. I'm not exactly sure how I am going to make it through this semester. It's a bit of a crazy schedule with TONS of reading. Now I know some of you are thinking 'Too much reading? For Laura? But she's an English major!' But when you have to read insane amounts of stuffy philosophers, there is such a thing as too much reading.
It's still taking some adjusting to being back home. Home being here, not just the house. I got very spoiled with one hour lectures in London. How I miss them...I think my brain shuts off after about an hour. It makes those hour and twenty minutes classes feel like eternity. I miss the healthy vending machine on the Piazza in Tower Building. The one that had the bag of chilled pistachio nuts. I miss Galaxy chocolate muffins. Otis Spunkmeyer cannot compare with chocolate-chocolate chip muffins with chocolate icing with chocolate filling...If you don't believe me ask Rachel. She will back me up on this. I miss reading the London Lite and the London Paper on the tube everyday. Sorry, I didn't mean for all of that to come out. But it's true. I miss all of those things. But I'm so glad I get to see my friends again. Even though I'm so super busy with classes and reading, it's so nice to know I'm on the same side of the ocean with them.
I have a bit more reading to do for class tomorrow. Ugh. Oh and did I mention that not only do I have three philosophy classes tomorrow, the fun starts at 8AM? Oh yes. This will be an interesting semester. A very interesting semester...
But yes, a snow day. It was a little annoying getting a text a few seconds before my alarm actually went off, but I'm not complaining too much. I did get to sleep in, which was very nice. I had to shovel snow/slush/ice later which wasn't as nice as the sleeping in part.
First week finished, and another one almost done. I'm not exactly sure how I am going to make it through this semester. It's a bit of a crazy schedule with TONS of reading. Now I know some of you are thinking 'Too much reading? For Laura? But she's an English major!' But when you have to read insane amounts of stuffy philosophers, there is such a thing as too much reading.
It's still taking some adjusting to being back home. Home being here, not just the house. I got very spoiled with one hour lectures in London. How I miss them...I think my brain shuts off after about an hour. It makes those hour and twenty minutes classes feel like eternity. I miss the healthy vending machine on the Piazza in Tower Building. The one that had the bag of chilled pistachio nuts. I miss Galaxy chocolate muffins. Otis Spunkmeyer cannot compare with chocolate-chocolate chip muffins with chocolate icing with chocolate filling...If you don't believe me ask Rachel. She will back me up on this. I miss reading the London Lite and the London Paper on the tube everyday. Sorry, I didn't mean for all of that to come out. But it's true. I miss all of those things. But I'm so glad I get to see my friends again. Even though I'm so super busy with classes and reading, it's so nice to know I'm on the same side of the ocean with them.
I have a bit more reading to do for class tomorrow. Ugh. Oh and did I mention that not only do I have three philosophy classes tomorrow, the fun starts at 8AM? Oh yes. This will be an interesting semester. A very interesting semester...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
the one with oxford pictures
Well, I am finally over my jet-lag. This is made obvious by the fact that I now sleep in until 9.30 or 10 AM, even though my alarm is set for 7.30. Yay.I must say that while I enjoy not getting up at 5.30 before an alarm goes off, I feel that I cheat my days shorter. Oh well. I'm sure I'll get over it soon.
[This is where Joy Davidman lived with her two boys whilst she was in Oxford]
[This is Headington Quarry Parish Church where Lewis worshiped.]
[This is Lewis's earthly resting place. Men must endure their going hence.]
[The Kilns. The white door leads to Lewis's room.]
[Jack's desk. The actual desk is not original, but everything on it is.]
I'll try to put up different pictures with more stories as time goes by, and as I continue to miss London. It is hard being back here and almost harder to see this as 'home'. I'm starting to think it was all a dream and I know some of my other friends are feeling the same way.
One thing I need to get use to is my 'big' room here! Wow! It doesn't mean I have more room, it just means I have more room to put stuff. AND it's more to clean. That's the un-fun part right now. So I should get on that...right.
The past week has been a whirlwind of family and church Christmas celebrations. At one such event, I was reminded that I had not put pictures up from my last day when I went to Oxford.I promised I would fix that. So --here goes!
[This is where Joy Davidman lived with her two boys whilst she was in Oxford]
[This is Headington Quarry Parish Church where Lewis worshiped.]
[This is Lewis's earthly resting place. Men must endure their going hence.]
[The Kilns. The white door leads to Lewis's room.]
[Jack's desk. The actual desk is not original, but everything on it is.]
I'll try to put up different pictures with more stories as time goes by, and as I continue to miss London. It is hard being back here and almost harder to see this as 'home'. I'm starting to think it was all a dream and I know some of my other friends are feeling the same way.
One thing I need to get use to is my 'big' room here! Wow! It doesn't mean I have more room, it just means I have more room to put stuff. AND it's more to clean. That's the un-fun part right now. So I should get on that...right.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
the traveler returns
'Well, I'm back' to quote Samwise Gamgee. It is so good to be home! I had a safe flight, though my flight was delayed for some reason by a half an hour. It was okay though, because somehow I got a seat upgrade and had more room to get comfy. In addition to the cool seat, I got sleep on this flight. This is what enabled me to stay up until 2 or 3 AM (London time) which was like 10pm USA time.
I've done really well getting back into the swing of things at home. It is so great getting to see my sisters and my parents again. I remembered some things in my house differently and it was so odd to be walking through my house again. It took me a bit to get used to everything again. My bed, however, was almost exactly as I remembered it. :)
I'm so excited that I'm home for Christmas! I've wrapped all my presents and am eagerly looking forward to Christmas Eve service at Fleetwood Bible Church. How I missed FBC!
Well my duties since being home, mainly laundry, needs doing. So I will go do that and finish "The Muppet's Christmas Carol"--it is the best Christmas movie of all time. Happy Christmas to my faithful readers!
I've done really well getting back into the swing of things at home. It is so great getting to see my sisters and my parents again. I remembered some things in my house differently and it was so odd to be walking through my house again. It took me a bit to get used to everything again. My bed, however, was almost exactly as I remembered it. :)
I'm so excited that I'm home for Christmas! I've wrapped all my presents and am eagerly looking forward to Christmas Eve service at Fleetwood Bible Church. How I missed FBC!
Well my duties since being home, mainly laundry, needs doing. So I will go do that and finish "The Muppet's Christmas Carol"--it is the best Christmas movie of all time. Happy Christmas to my faithful readers!
Friday, December 12, 2008
the last post from across the pond
Well, it has once again been far too long. My deepest apologies and all of that. When you have three essays due in one week, there is hardly time for sleeping, let alone updating all you beautiful people.
The last week (yes,it has been at least a week since my last blog) has been a blur of colours and activities. We had our last GSE outing-- dinner at an Indian restaurant-- and then our last LMU event -- dinner at a neat pizza place and then a trip on the London Eye. I handed in my last two essays on Thursday and then visited the largest bookstore in the world (that's what I was told anyway...) called Waterstones. It had 5 levels full of books. It was like heaven. :) Well, actually, I had my "This is just like heaven" moment today. Don't worry, I'm getting there.
The reason I had to do all that crazy work to get three essays done by Thursday was so that I could go to Oxford to day. My last full day in England and I spent it walking up and down Oxford and Headington Quarry with my dear friend Miriam, who I met at St. Giles. The first thing we did when we got to Oxford was run all over creation trying to find Holy Trinity Church, where C.S. Lewis went to church. I am in shock and awe that who live in Headtington do NOT know where this is! I mean come on! Anyway, we found it and took loads of pictures. Yes, you will notice I do not have them up here. I seemed to have packed that bit of stuff and don't feel like trying to find it. I will post once I get home.
After the church, we went to find his house. Insert the same shock and awe here. Not know where The Kilns is? Seriously Oxford. What kind of a literary place are you? Once we found it, we took pictures of the OUTSIDE because you had to call to make an appointment for tours. I looked at Miriam, who was teaching me the importance of just asking for things (like directions and information), and said, "I should call, shouldn't I? I'll call." And I did. A lovely woman answered the phone and when I asked about tours, she said they were on three days during the week, and one wasn't Friday. She asked if I wanted to come tomorrow, but I told her that I was going home. She told me to come around to the front of the house and she would let us in and we would chat. Yay God! So I walk/run to the front of the house and enter the world that belonged to Jack Lewis. I want to, but I can't even begin to describe my experience there. My mind was on over load and all I could think was "C. S. Lewis was here!" The house was cold, as I think is befitting of an English house, but it felt homey. Donna, the woman on the phone, gave us a tour and we talked for at least an hour or two. I saw the wardrobe and the spaces in the attic. I saw the infamous bath room, and his amazing library. Even now, I am having a hard time describing what I saw. This was my "I'm in heaven" moment, if you hadn't caught that. I will write more when I put pictures up, promise!
I am staring at an empty room full of clutter. Half of my stuff is packed, and the other half is strewn over my bed. I have about a thousand things I am thinking of, and none of those things has anything to do with packing. But, as I must pack and leave to get to most of the things I am thinking of, I should probably do that.
Tomorrow, I fly home.Tomorrow, I see my family :) Tomorrow I get on a plane, turn my back on a country I have learned to love, and leave. Tomorrow I leave the place where I learned to stand on my own two feet. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow!
The last week (yes,it has been at least a week since my last blog) has been a blur of colours and activities. We had our last GSE outing-- dinner at an Indian restaurant-- and then our last LMU event -- dinner at a neat pizza place and then a trip on the London Eye. I handed in my last two essays on Thursday and then visited the largest bookstore in the world (that's what I was told anyway...) called Waterstones. It had 5 levels full of books. It was like heaven. :) Well, actually, I had my "This is just like heaven" moment today. Don't worry, I'm getting there.
The reason I had to do all that crazy work to get three essays done by Thursday was so that I could go to Oxford to day. My last full day in England and I spent it walking up and down Oxford and Headington Quarry with my dear friend Miriam, who I met at St. Giles. The first thing we did when we got to Oxford was run all over creation trying to find Holy Trinity Church, where C.S. Lewis went to church. I am in shock and awe that who live in Headtington do NOT know where this is! I mean come on! Anyway, we found it and took loads of pictures. Yes, you will notice I do not have them up here. I seemed to have packed that bit of stuff and don't feel like trying to find it. I will post once I get home.
After the church, we went to find his house. Insert the same shock and awe here. Not know where The Kilns is? Seriously Oxford. What kind of a literary place are you? Once we found it, we took pictures of the OUTSIDE because you had to call to make an appointment for tours. I looked at Miriam, who was teaching me the importance of just asking for things (like directions and information), and said, "I should call, shouldn't I? I'll call." And I did. A lovely woman answered the phone and when I asked about tours, she said they were on three days during the week, and one wasn't Friday. She asked if I wanted to come tomorrow, but I told her that I was going home. She told me to come around to the front of the house and she would let us in and we would chat. Yay God! So I walk/run to the front of the house and enter the world that belonged to Jack Lewis. I want to, but I can't even begin to describe my experience there. My mind was on over load and all I could think was "C. S. Lewis was here!" The house was cold, as I think is befitting of an English house, but it felt homey. Donna, the woman on the phone, gave us a tour and we talked for at least an hour or two. I saw the wardrobe and the spaces in the attic. I saw the infamous bath room, and his amazing library. Even now, I am having a hard time describing what I saw. This was my "I'm in heaven" moment, if you hadn't caught that. I will write more when I put pictures up, promise!
I am staring at an empty room full of clutter. Half of my stuff is packed, and the other half is strewn over my bed. I have about a thousand things I am thinking of, and none of those things has anything to do with packing. But, as I must pack and leave to get to most of the things I am thinking of, I should probably do that.
Tomorrow, I fly home.Tomorrow, I see my family :) Tomorrow I get on a plane, turn my back on a country I have learned to love, and leave. Tomorrow I leave the place where I learned to stand on my own two feet. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow!
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