I will be back in Phoenix on Friday, just 5 days from now. I can't wait to see how much Alex, Dazza, Arianna, & Elysia have grown in the last 4 months. My whole family is so wonderful, I am excited to spend the Christmas season with them.
Christmas in Japan is slightly. . . off. They don't seem to know why exactly there is a celebration but since the Americans are shopping something big must be happening. Plus the Japanese culture is much more subdued so the excess that makes Christmas so much fun is mostly lost here. I think there is only one house in my neighborhood that has decorations at all, and I can't even think where that house is, so maybe it's in a friends neighborhood(?). My house isn't decorated at all since I won't be home for most of the season.
I actually like the lack of distractions at this time of year. You can get so overwhelmed, the pretty colors and lights all trying to get your attention. I am grateful that I can focus on the actual reason celebrate, Jesus. The lack of shopping and decorating has allowed me time to reflect and spiritually ready myself to truly celebrate the birth of our Lord.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Band Cover
I thought this was fun. You can make your own band cover using these simple tools.
Band Name: Random Wikipeda Link
Album Title: Random quote generator (take the last four words from the first quote on the page)
Album Art: Flickr Interesting Photo (pick one)
Band Name: Random Wikipeda Link
Album Title: Random quote generator (take the last four words from the first quote on the page)
Album Art: Flickr Interesting Photo (pick one)
Here is what I ended up with:
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving from Japan!!
There are so much I am thankful for this year.
My extraordinary family back in Arizona are my largest blessing this year, just like every year. My parents are wonderful, supporting me no matter what I decide to do with myself or however far away it takes me. My sisters are so much more than just sisters, they are my best friends. My brother, in-laws, nieces, and nephew all come together to make the whole family complete, something I can count on and depend on.
My wonderful friends all around the world are so much more than I could ever ask for. My oldest best friend in Arizona is always by my side- even half way around the world. The friends I have here in Japan come together to make a family away from home. They are always there for me when I need someone right here right now. Let's not forget my favorite family in WA, letting me in their family is a great blessing.
God has blessed me in so many ways. I didn't even mention my Nanas, cousins, aunts, uncles, or my church, school, health, or . . . I could go on listing forever.
I pray that you have a great Thanksgiving.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth came to base last week and gave free performance in the bowling alley parking lot. We had a great view and even ended up eating at the Officer's Club at the same time. The video isn't the greatest but I did what I could and tried to keep it short.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
IKEA
So Sunday we went to Ikea and I spent LOTS of money. Considering I needed a bed, kitchen table, and a small lounge for my bedroom I think I did pretty well.
My first challenge was that I don't know how to write my name in Kanji AND I don't have it written on my house. How are they supposed to find my house without my name written on it?!?! Oh yeah . . . there is the address. Ikea made a REALLY big deal out of the no name thing, but I talked them into it anyway.
Challenge number 2 figuring out when it will be delivered. My window for delivery was 8am to 6pm, so pretty narrow. Then in the morning they called and said they would arrive at 2214. Um. . . What? Again he said 2214 and said "Okay, bye." But "Wait, Wait!! I don't understand." After MUCH discussion we finally got to 2pm to 4pm. Then they arrived at 12:30.
Putting the furniture together is actually the easiest part of the whole thing.
Finally the last challenge is what to do with all the boxes afterwards. I folded them all up, tied them with string, checked my garbage calendar, and put it out on the correct day. Or not. Turns out I did it wrong and they did not take my trash. The owner had to come a claim the trash and now has taken responsibility for its disposal. I have received instructions on how to do it properly, which I only heard "Just take it on base."
My first challenge was that I don't know how to write my name in Kanji AND I don't have it written on my house. How are they supposed to find my house without my name written on it?!?! Oh yeah . . . there is the address. Ikea made a REALLY big deal out of the no name thing, but I talked them into it anyway.
Challenge number 2 figuring out when it will be delivered. My window for delivery was 8am to 6pm, so pretty narrow. Then in the morning they called and said they would arrive at 2214. Um. . . What? Again he said 2214 and said "Okay, bye." But "Wait, Wait!! I don't understand." After MUCH discussion we finally got to 2pm to 4pm. Then they arrived at 12:30.
Putting the furniture together is actually the easiest part of the whole thing.
Finally the last challenge is what to do with all the boxes afterwards. I folded them all up, tied them with string, checked my garbage calendar, and put it out on the correct day. Or not. Turns out I did it wrong and they did not take my trash. The owner had to come a claim the trash and now has taken responsibility for its disposal. I have received instructions on how to do it properly, which I only heard "Just take it on base."
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sounds
Spent all last week organizing my house. I have WAY too much clothes and shoes. So far I still really love my house. . . Except for the sounds.
My first night there I thought there was a cat dying in my bathroom. At least I hope it was dying from the horrible noises it was making. I actually got up to look for it but it was just on the street outside my window. My house backs up against a hill and the second floor is in line with the street on the top of the hill.
Being right on the street corner the bus picks up/drops off kids for school right my upstairs window.
There is also a stone stair case leading up the hill right by my front door and I get to hear people climb that at all hours.
And then it rained. . . Being at the bottom of the hill I get to hear all the water running down hill. The first night I though I left a faucet on FULL BLAST. But no it was just the rain pouring down into the drain below my house.
Don't get me wrong. I really do love my new home, just getting used to the sounds my house and neighborhood. I am already blocking out most noise and my sleep is no longer being disrupted.
My first night there I thought there was a cat dying in my bathroom. At least I hope it was dying from the horrible noises it was making. I actually got up to look for it but it was just on the street outside my window. My house backs up against a hill and the second floor is in line with the street on the top of the hill.
Being right on the street corner the bus picks up/drops off kids for school right my upstairs window.
There is also a stone stair case leading up the hill right by my front door and I get to hear people climb that at all hours.
And then it rained. . . Being at the bottom of the hill I get to hear all the water running down hill. The first night I though I left a faucet on FULL BLAST. But no it was just the rain pouring down into the drain below my house.
Don't get me wrong. I really do love my new home, just getting used to the sounds my house and neighborhood. I am already blocking out most noise and my sleep is no longer being disrupted.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Moved In
I found the house just fine and was there early to sit and wait for everyone to show up. The gas man and electrician came and went with no problems. The realtors came and made a DETAILED list of everything wrong with the house, tack holes listed, minor scratches on the floor, the outline of paintings hung, . . . took FOREVER.
The movers. . . first they drove right past the house and I had to go running into the street to find them. When I came back I found them a few doors down trying to unload. So now I am trying to complete this detailed list for the realtor and direct the movers with all my boxes. Both were patient and we got things situated nicely. My furniture on the other hand was difficult. Everything I own is too big for this house- and right now I actually own very little. My very little couch couldn't fit through the doorway so they had to take out some windows and slide it in from outside. My roll top desk belonged upstairs in the office area of my huge bedroom, but the desk was WAY too big for the stairs. So, they hoisted it up through my balcony. It was very scary to watch, but the movers were great (and fast).
Overall the move was good. By 2pm everyone was gone and I was alone to start arranging everything. Now I don't want to move again for a very long time!
The movers. . . first they drove right past the house and I had to go running into the street to find them. When I came back I found them a few doors down trying to unload. So now I am trying to complete this detailed list for the realtor and direct the movers with all my boxes. Both were patient and we got things situated nicely. My furniture on the other hand was difficult. Everything I own is too big for this house- and right now I actually own very little. My very little couch couldn't fit through the doorway so they had to take out some windows and slide it in from outside. My roll top desk belonged upstairs in the office area of my huge bedroom, but the desk was WAY too big for the stairs. So, they hoisted it up through my balcony. It was very scary to watch, but the movers were great (and fast).
Overall the move was good. By 2pm everyone was gone and I was alone to start arranging everything. Now I don't want to move again for a very long time!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
FINALLY!!
I am finally moving into my new home tomorrow! I have everyone coming over tomorrow, the gas guys, the electricians to up my amps, the loaner furniture people, the movers with my things, and my realtors. They are all due to begin arriving around 8am and most will be gone by noon. My biggest worry is actually finding the house. I have never driven there myself and have only been there 3x's (and the third time the driver took a "short cut").
I found out Thursday that my staircase is too small to take an American size bed up the stairs so I can only get a twin American bed. Looks like I am going to be buying a Japanese bed, sounds fun right? All part of living in Japan.
One more thing. The internet will not be connected at my house for at least two weeks! Those withdraws are going to be worse than the caffeine ones I just went through. Not really a complaint, just mostly a whine.
I found out Thursday that my staircase is too small to take an American size bed up the stairs so I can only get a twin American bed. Looks like I am going to be buying a Japanese bed, sounds fun right? All part of living in Japan.
One more thing. The internet will not be connected at my house for at least two weeks! Those withdraws are going to be worse than the caffeine ones I just went through. Not really a complaint, just mostly a whine.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Updates
Just a couple of updates:
My turtle's name is Cedric, he is very cute and I am currently looking to outfit him with a wand.
My computer is still broken. (Which is why I have not posted a picture of Cedric yet.)
My house is still undergoing renovations. They said it they might be done by the end of next week.
I am tired of living in a hotel.
My turtle's name is Cedric, he is very cute and I am currently looking to outfit him with a wand.
My computer is still broken. (Which is why I have not posted a picture of Cedric yet.)
My house is still undergoing renovations. They said it they might be done by the end of next week.
I am tired of living in a hotel.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Breakfast
This morning after church I wanted breakfast, and not a buffet. The only way to get a breakfast, that's not fast food, on base is at a buffet. My friend suggested we go to Denny's. Denny's here is . . . different. But they do have eggs, pancakes, and french toast on their menu. So I ordered a regular American breakfast, at least as far as the Japanese is concerned. The one I chose had eggs, corned beef hash, and pancakes. Oh yeah it also included a salad covered in thousand island dressing. How is that "breakfast?" But they think we are weird for ordering fried bread covered in syrup for a meal. To each their own.
Mostly I was excited to be getting pancakes that weren't from McDonald's- which I have had once here to my peril. But when they arrived, I couldn't even pretend to think they were normal. There were three of the smallest pancakes I had ever seen. I literally laughed out loud at seeing them, they came with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of syrup. Normally I don't like butter but I thought "What the heck, these are so small anyway." I used maybe half the tbsp of butter provided. And the one tbsp of syrup was the perfect amount.
Sadly this tiny breakfast is probably a "normal" serving of food. No wonder the Japanese are able to stay so skinny.
Mostly I was excited to be getting pancakes that weren't from McDonald's- which I have had once here to my peril. But when they arrived, I couldn't even pretend to think they were normal. There were three of the smallest pancakes I had ever seen. I literally laughed out loud at seeing them, they came with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of syrup. Normally I don't like butter but I thought "What the heck, these are so small anyway." I used maybe half the tbsp of butter provided. And the one tbsp of syrup was the perfect amount.
Sadly this tiny breakfast is probably a "normal" serving of food. No wonder the Japanese are able to stay so skinny.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
DELL!!!
Okay so my computer crashed! Spent 10 hours Sunday trying to get them to ship a new hard drive to me here in Japan. This caused HUGE confusion for this company. They were enormously confused since I live in Japan but don't have a Japanese address and my FPO address doesn't seem to count as an address. They had me calling 10 different numbers (5 of them were Japanese- where surprise they spoke only Japanese!). Finally I spoke to someone who was like oh yeah of course we can sent this to you at you military address, no problem! NO PROBLEM?!?!? Who had I been speaking to for 10 hours who made it into a huge problem?!?!?
So now I wanted to complain to someone for all the trouble I had gone through. Not just the trouble of getting the hard drive shipped here but for the fact that I needed a new hard drive for a computer less than two years old. The guy said he would have a "resolution manager" call me back and I could report what I needed to and that this guy would see that my problem was resolved to my satisfaction. They made note that I am in Japan so to note the time difference when calling me back.
Of course I got the return phone call at 1am, Tuesday! They guy told me that they were still working on my problem and that my part had not been shipped yet and they were unsure when it would be shipped. So just to clarify, I asked, “So you woke me up at 1am just to tell me you have done nothing and you don’t know when something will be done?!?!” I asked who he was and he said he was my “resolution manage” to which I pointed out that NOTHING had been resolved! He said he would call me back.
I'll talk about the call back and other conversations later. This is getting long.
So now I wanted to complain to someone for all the trouble I had gone through. Not just the trouble of getting the hard drive shipped here but for the fact that I needed a new hard drive for a computer less than two years old. The guy said he would have a "resolution manager" call me back and I could report what I needed to and that this guy would see that my problem was resolved to my satisfaction. They made note that I am in Japan so to note the time difference when calling me back.
Of course I got the return phone call at 1am, Tuesday! They guy told me that they were still working on my problem and that my part had not been shipped yet and they were unsure when it would be shipped. So just to clarify, I asked, “So you woke me up at 1am just to tell me you have done nothing and you don’t know when something will be done?!?!” I asked who he was and he said he was my “resolution manage” to which I pointed out that NOTHING had been resolved! He said he would call me back.
I'll talk about the call back and other conversations later. This is getting long.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Birthday
I had a great birthday this year. I have such wonderful friends! Ben baked me a fabulous cake and together we made felafel's (note for the future: PURCHASE THEM).
After my wonderful party I went home (aka the hotel room) and flipped on the computer. Which proceeded to crash. Now it beeps mean words at me-- okay it just beeps but it feels mean to me. Now I need a new hard drive. Luckily it is still under warranty and I regularly back up the hard drive. Unluckily i live in Japan so getting it shipped here will be difficult. Remind me again why I love Dell?
After my wonderful party I went home (aka the hotel room) and flipped on the computer. Which proceeded to crash. Now it beeps mean words at me-- okay it just beeps but it feels mean to me. Now I need a new hard drive. Luckily it is still under warranty and I regularly back up the hard drive. Unluckily i live in Japan so getting it shipped here will be difficult. Remind me again why I love Dell?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Present
Got my first birthday present yesterday!! I love my birthday! Don't tell Deanna but I love my new bag, it is going to be great for riding my bike. Not sure what I plan for Friday but I am looking forward to my birthday cake. Ben is making one special for me so I am sure it will be great.
Today I moved out of the BOQ and will be going to live in the Navy Lodge for at least 3 weeks. I picked up the paperwork for my new house yesterday. They are doing all the renovations I asked for!
The house is over 13,000 sqft and only one bedroom! That's right one bedroom but there are two tatami rooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. I asked (half joking) if they could turn one of the tatami rooms into a real room- basically I was asking them to build some walls for me. They realtor just smiled at me probably thinking "Silly American! Asking for silly things." But he called his office they had a good laugh, but to humor the silly American they asked the owner. And do you know he said "YES"?!?! I went back to the house and they asked if there was anything else I wanted, so I made a wish list. Basically redesigning every closet in the house, adding shelving and hanging bars everywhere. The realtor again laughed at me, but I told him that is what he gets for allowing me a wish list. And again the owner said "YES". I am really excited for my new home. (In three weeks.)
Today I moved out of the BOQ and will be going to live in the Navy Lodge for at least 3 weeks. I picked up the paperwork for my new house yesterday. They are doing all the renovations I asked for!
The house is over 13,000 sqft and only one bedroom! That's right one bedroom but there are two tatami rooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. I asked (half joking) if they could turn one of the tatami rooms into a real room- basically I was asking them to build some walls for me. They realtor just smiled at me probably thinking "Silly American! Asking for silly things." But he called his office they had a good laugh, but to humor the silly American they asked the owner. And do you know he said "YES"?!?! I went back to the house and they asked if there was anything else I wanted, so I made a wish list. Basically redesigning every closet in the house, adding shelving and hanging bars everywhere. The realtor again laughed at me, but I told him that is what he gets for allowing me a wish list. And again the owner said "YES". I am really excited for my new home. (In three weeks.)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I got a car!
I finally found a car I wanted and got it today! She is so pretty! Things seem to be finally coming together over here. I think I also found a house today, there are some renovations that need to be agreed on first. We spent an hour today putting today putting together a wish list of everything I want done, they will get back to me after talking to the owner on Tuesday.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day Weekend
Saturday was spent looking for someplace to live. Nothing really said "This is home" to me so I am going to keep looking. I'm hoping that better things will come along, I'm not in any hurry to find something right now. This is where I am going to live for at least the next two years, possibly more, so it needs to feel right to me.
Sunday I got to spend the day with my two best friends in Japan. I had brunch with Monica and Ben to start the day. The remainder of the day was spent sitting around Jill's house, mostly talking but also creating the website for her wedding. If you want to see what I put together for her you can go HERE.
Today, Monday, I completed my first 5k since my knee surgery. I was VERY slow but I wasn't last, so I accomplished my only two goals- finishing and not being dead last. It was fun to try the race and there were quite a few people from school there.
Sunday I got to spend the day with my two best friends in Japan. I had brunch with Monica and Ben to start the day. The remainder of the day was spent sitting around Jill's house, mostly talking but also creating the website for her wedding. If you want to see what I put together for her you can go HERE.
Today, Monday, I completed my first 5k since my knee surgery. I was VERY slow but I wasn't last, so I accomplished my only two goals- finishing and not being dead last. It was fun to try the race and there were quite a few people from school there.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My Day
My day started about an hour late. I slept in and only had 20 min to get ready for school. Needless to say I was a few minutes late meeting my ride. Actually my ride was also late and when I wasn't there assumed I had already left for school. I ended up taking a taxi to the school and was about 20 min late. As I walked into the school who do I happen to run into first thing? Yup. You guessed it. I ran into my brand new principal. Of course it was him who else would you run into when arriving late to a new job? I immediately apologized. To which he asked "What for? You just got our of a cab so something must have happened." He didn't press for details and appeared completely understanding. Everyone at school was completely understanding, they were more concerned for my welfare than anything else.
This evening my friend invited me to join in salsa night at the A-club. It was fun, and a little odd. Taking a salsa lesson in Japan from a little Japanese couple. And then after the lesson we went to the Italian restaurant where I had kung pao pizza.
My day began badly but luckily improved throughout.
This evening my friend invited me to join in salsa night at the A-club. It was fun, and a little odd. Taking a salsa lesson in Japan from a little Japanese couple. And then after the lesson we went to the Italian restaurant where I had kung pao pizza.
My day began badly but luckily improved throughout.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Cell Phone
So I got a new cell phone.
Saturday night I went to the AU store to get a cell phone, the girl at the counter presented me with three cell phones I could get free with a plan. After much deliberation I decided on one of them, then I had to decide color, green or pink? I stared at both sitting on the counter for probably 5-10 min, finally deciding on pink. The whole time the girl the sitting there watching me smiling and waiting patiently. When I announce my decision she immediately tells me they are out of pink and only have the green in stock. So I get the green one.
Sunday night I am playing with my new phone, pushing buttons entering important phone numbers. When somehow I set of the alarm!! It's seemed to be some kind of security alarm to alert others that you need help, except I couldn't turn it off! It kept asking for a code, which I had no idea what it was. It would also say things to me in Japanese- NOT HELPFUL! Mind you this is the night before the first day of school, I had wanted to get to bed early to rest for my first day back. But instead I was trying to get this alarm shut off while not alerting the entire hotel to my apparent "emergency". Failing to figure out how to shut the alarm off, I could only think to muffle the sound until the battery ran out. So I took the cushions off the couch sandwiched the phone between them and shoved into the closet. Needless to say sleep was . . . difficult. But in the morning the battery had died and upon charging the phone up the alarm was disabled. I will try to not push that button again- if I can ever remember which one it was.
Oh yeah, the first of school was great.
Saturday night I went to the AU store to get a cell phone, the girl at the counter presented me with three cell phones I could get free with a plan. After much deliberation I decided on one of them, then I had to decide color, green or pink? I stared at both sitting on the counter for probably 5-10 min, finally deciding on pink. The whole time the girl the sitting there watching me smiling and waiting patiently. When I announce my decision she immediately tells me they are out of pink and only have the green in stock. So I get the green one.
Sunday night I am playing with my new phone, pushing buttons entering important phone numbers. When somehow I set of the alarm!! It's seemed to be some kind of security alarm to alert others that you need help, except I couldn't turn it off! It kept asking for a code, which I had no idea what it was. It would also say things to me in Japanese- NOT HELPFUL! Mind you this is the night before the first day of school, I had wanted to get to bed early to rest for my first day back. But instead I was trying to get this alarm shut off while not alerting the entire hotel to my apparent "emergency". Failing to figure out how to shut the alarm off, I could only think to muffle the sound until the battery ran out. So I took the cushions off the couch sandwiched the phone between them and shoved into the closet. Needless to say sleep was . . . difficult. But in the morning the battery had died and upon charging the phone up the alarm was disabled. I will try to not push that button again- if I can ever remember which one it was.
Oh yeah, the first of school was great.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
In Japan
I arrived into Yokosuka last night and am still very jet-lagged. The trip was actually very uneventful, especially considering my usual traveling adventures. It was nice when I got through the gate to see two of my favorite people waiting to greet me. Jill and Monica were both there with open arms. I am just amazed at how lucky I am that I left Phoenix hugging my wonderful family and immediately stepped off the plane into the hugging arms of my wonderful friends. Things here haven't changed, but then I haven't had a chance to get into the school yet where there will be new teachers and adminstrators to meet.
Now I get the start the fun of finding a new home, car, furniture, . . . And while I did get into the BOQ to stay for a couple weeks the entire base is booked after Sept. 8. So I am not too sure where I will go from here if I haven't found my new home yet. I am not really in a huge hurry to find a home since none of my stuff will be here until mid October.
Now I get the start the fun of finding a new home, car, furniture, . . . And while I did get into the BOQ to stay for a couple weeks the entire base is booked after Sept. 8. So I am not too sure where I will go from here if I haven't found my new home yet. I am not really in a huge hurry to find a home since none of my stuff will be here until mid October.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Baptism
After leaving London I had the best weekend in Detroit. I got to go and be with some of my best friends who have become really more like family, especially since I just became the Godmother of baby Erinn, the most beautiful and precious baby. LisaMarie's whole family was gathered since this week began with the baptisms and will end with a wedding. They are such wonderful people! So welcoming and they made me feel very much like part of the family. I am so blessed to have made these wonderful friends in Misawa and then continue to becoming family. (I have mention how wonderful Joey is too!!)
And one more thing. . . I am moving to Japan again. I will be returning to Yokosuka Middle School. I can't wait to get back to traveling and seeing all my friends overseas. My family has been great and are very understanding of my need to keep moving.
And one more thing. . . I am moving to Japan again. I will be returning to Yokosuka Middle School. I can't wait to get back to traveling and seeing all my friends overseas. My family has been great and are very understanding of my need to keep moving.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Alnwick
finally got to go all the way into Alnmouth and then Alnwick where Alnwick Castle is located. In case you don't know Alnwick Castle is where they did all the outdoor filming of HP 1&2. It was pretty cool getting to see where all of it was filmed. The castle was AMAZING! I can't believe how big and magnificent it was. And people actually live there during the off season, I can't even imagine what it would be like growing up in that "house", the family has 4 kids (3 teens). I was extremely excited to be in their library, where they actually own the Gutenberg Bible, the very first book ever to be printed. They own older books but they are no longer housed in that library. There were so many beautiful books, I wish I could have at least touched one.
The towns of Alnwick and Alnmouth are quaint and lovely. They are on the east coast and are very devoid of modern things. You can look out into the countryside and almost believe you have gone back in time. One of the reasons movie makers like the area is because they don't have to change the surrounding area to accommodate filming in medieval time. Next time I need to devote at least one whole day there instead of trying to work it into just a few hours.
The towns of Alnwick and Alnmouth are quaint and lovely. They are on the east coast and are very devoid of modern things. You can look out into the countryside and almost believe you have gone back in time. One of the reasons movie makers like the area is because they don't have to change the surrounding area to accommodate filming in medieval time. Next time I need to devote at least one whole day there instead of trying to work it into just a few hours.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tuesday & Wednesday
I can't believe it's been two days now and I haven't gotten lost. Needless to say, things weren't as exciting. Since I had two days with relative peace I will post them together.
Tuesday, took me to Gloucester (the "ce" is silent). That is where they filmed the first two Harry Potter's (HP henceforth), at least most of the hallway scenes anyway. I got to walk down the same corridors, see where Moaning Myrtle's Loo was, the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, and so much more. It was great. The Cathedral was also very nice and extremely interesting. Maybe not so much now since I remember very little, but I spent an hour on a personal tour and learned a lot. Forgot most of it already but hey I can remember later when the need arises. Gloucester is also the place where Beatrix Potter wrote "The Tailor of Gloucester", the story originated there and the drawings in the book are of the house in town.
Wednesday, was supposed to take me to Alnwick Castle. But a train derailed and shut down all northern heading trains. So they gave us many options, waiting for the trains to start again, taking a bus, abandoning the trip and getting a refund, or abandoning the trip and trying again tomorrow. I was amazed at how calm everyone was, if it was all Americans there would have been a hug uproar! But everyone just took it in stride, I even heard one lady calmly making hotel reservations to pick up the trip from there tomorrow. I however headed back to London to try again tomorrow and spent the afternoon in Oxford.
In Oxford I got to go to the Great Hall from HP. There were no signs or any special recognition of it except for the sheer number of people all happy to be crowded into the dining hall, much smaller than it appears on screen. I also got to attend a service at the Christ's Church. Very nice service, but I think that after a while I would not enjoy the somber seriousness of them (and I'm Catholic!). I also found out that Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford and is based on a little girl that lived there. There are great literature references everywhere here!!!
Tuesday, took me to Gloucester (the "ce" is silent). That is where they filmed the first two Harry Potter's (HP henceforth), at least most of the hallway scenes anyway. I got to walk down the same corridors, see where Moaning Myrtle's Loo was, the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, and so much more. It was great. The Cathedral was also very nice and extremely interesting. Maybe not so much now since I remember very little, but I spent an hour on a personal tour and learned a lot. Forgot most of it already but hey I can remember later when the need arises. Gloucester is also the place where Beatrix Potter wrote "The Tailor of Gloucester", the story originated there and the drawings in the book are of the house in town.
Wednesday, was supposed to take me to Alnwick Castle. But a train derailed and shut down all northern heading trains. So they gave us many options, waiting for the trains to start again, taking a bus, abandoning the trip and getting a refund, or abandoning the trip and trying again tomorrow. I was amazed at how calm everyone was, if it was all Americans there would have been a hug uproar! But everyone just took it in stride, I even heard one lady calmly making hotel reservations to pick up the trip from there tomorrow. I however headed back to London to try again tomorrow and spent the afternoon in Oxford.
In Oxford I got to go to the Great Hall from HP. There were no signs or any special recognition of it except for the sheer number of people all happy to be crowded into the dining hall, much smaller than it appears on screen. I also got to attend a service at the Christ's Church. Very nice service, but I think that after a while I would not enjoy the somber seriousness of them (and I'm Catholic!). I also found out that Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford and is based on a little girl that lived there. There are great literature references everywhere here!!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rocky?!?!
Monday in London went by like a blur. The day began with me going to Leadenhall Market, they did some Harry Potter filming there. It was pretty small for how big they made it look on screen. But still it was very exciting to be there. From there I went to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards. It was very structured and everything was just right to change out the four guards out front. They came marching in (around 40 in the big hats and red uniforms and another 40 in black uniforms). There was even a band to play for them as they marched in. The music while marching was very royal and somber. Once inside the gate they started to set up to play some more. They started out very slowly, you could just here them over the crowd. There were people from all over the world, it was amazing to hear so many voices speaking so many different languages, some I recognized some not so much. But then the music was getting louder and a little familiar?? The whole crowd started to listen closely and then slowly you hear everyone say "Rocky????". The ROYAL GUARD was playing the theme to Rocky?!?! A little off putting but. . . well there's not much more you can say about that. The rest of their selections were what I would have expected from the Royal Guard playing in front of Buckingham Palace.
From the Palace I headed over the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I spent a lot of time there, nothing terribly exciting just very interesting. I did get to sit inside the theatre and watch as they were setting up for the next play opening this weekend. I left there to go back to the West End for another show.
And. . . I got lost again! But this time I ended up at the European Premier of the new Batman movie. There I was just feet from the stars and the Batmobile. The crowd was huge so I didn't actually stay all that long, the pressure and heat was enormous. Anyway I had a play to go to. I forget the name right now, but it was pretty good. I am more of a musical person so the fact that they didn't burst out into song was a little sad, but there was dancing. I got invited to go by my new friend David, a tour guide from the London Bridge. He had to go to this play so he could tell tourists about it and invited me to join.
After the play I found my way back to the Batman movie, hoping to see some celebrity leaving the theater. The crowd was much smaller then, but I didn't recognize anyone leaving. The main stars had apparently left another way and were already long gone. I heard a rumor that some Harry Potter stars were inside- but I didn't see any.
From the Palace I headed over the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I spent a lot of time there, nothing terribly exciting just very interesting. I did get to sit inside the theatre and watch as they were setting up for the next play opening this weekend. I left there to go back to the West End for another show.
And. . . I got lost again! But this time I ended up at the European Premier of the new Batman movie. There I was just feet from the stars and the Batmobile. The crowd was huge so I didn't actually stay all that long, the pressure and heat was enormous. Anyway I had a play to go to. I forget the name right now, but it was pretty good. I am more of a musical person so the fact that they didn't burst out into song was a little sad, but there was dancing. I got invited to go by my new friend David, a tour guide from the London Bridge. He had to go to this play so he could tell tourists about it and invited me to join.
After the play I found my way back to the Batman movie, hoping to see some celebrity leaving the theater. The crowd was much smaller then, but I didn't recognize anyone leaving. The main stars had apparently left another way and were already long gone. I heard a rumor that some Harry Potter stars were inside- but I didn't see any.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday
Sunday was great, quick breakdown- Church, got lost, Church again, lost again.
Church-part 1
I got to go to Mass at Westminster Cathedral. It was absolutely beautiful inside, even if they were doing massive restoration. Afterwards I walked over to Buckingham Palace. Very cool! Didn't stay to watch the changing of the guards, since I would have had to wait over an hour and there are many things I want to do, so waiting wasn't on my agenda. I started to wander towards Picadilly Circus. Very exciting area with lots of people. From there I decided to get on a bus to Westminster Abbey.
Lost- part 1
The bus I got on was the right bus. . . In the wrong direction. Wish I could say I noticed but I didn't. Along the way I started to think that the ride was taking longer than I had expected but what do I know? I'm a tourist. I have decided I like the riding the double decker bus better than taking the underground. (The bus will be a story for another day.) From the top of the bus I noticed that there was a really great looking open market going on. There where TONS of people, you could barely see the road. I decided to get off the bus to wander through the market. I loved the market, got some tea and cookies. Also found some great pictures I loved. The whole thing was so much fun. When I was leaving was when I realized I had no idea where I was, since I was trying to leave. Finally I figured out I had merely gone the wrong direction on the bus line. Got on the bus and headed the right direction to Wesminster Abbey.
Church- part 2
Got the Abbey just in time for an afternoon service. It was AMAZING inside. And I got to sit in a very cool seat. I have no pictures to show, prohibited during serives, but I will have to find a picture to show you all later. From there I went to the Tower of London and the London Bridge. Both very fun to look at and intersting to learn how the bridge works. Leaving the bridge I decided to take a walk along the Thames River.
Lost- part 2
The walk was amazing. I started to head back to the dorm for an early night. But then noticed the Millenium bridge and decided to cross. Found St. Paul's Cathedral and looked around that. From there I had no idea where to go, but it took 3 hrs to get back to the dorm. All ended well.
I am now very homesick. And am ready to finally be home. I love you all!!
Church-part 1
I got to go to Mass at Westminster Cathedral. It was absolutely beautiful inside, even if they were doing massive restoration. Afterwards I walked over to Buckingham Palace. Very cool! Didn't stay to watch the changing of the guards, since I would have had to wait over an hour and there are many things I want to do, so waiting wasn't on my agenda. I started to wander towards Picadilly Circus. Very exciting area with lots of people. From there I decided to get on a bus to Westminster Abbey.
Lost- part 1
The bus I got on was the right bus. . . In the wrong direction. Wish I could say I noticed but I didn't. Along the way I started to think that the ride was taking longer than I had expected but what do I know? I'm a tourist. I have decided I like the riding the double decker bus better than taking the underground. (The bus will be a story for another day.) From the top of the bus I noticed that there was a really great looking open market going on. There where TONS of people, you could barely see the road. I decided to get off the bus to wander through the market. I loved the market, got some tea and cookies. Also found some great pictures I loved. The whole thing was so much fun. When I was leaving was when I realized I had no idea where I was, since I was trying to leave. Finally I figured out I had merely gone the wrong direction on the bus line. Got on the bus and headed the right direction to Wesminster Abbey.
Church- part 2
Got the Abbey just in time for an afternoon service. It was AMAZING inside. And I got to sit in a very cool seat. I have no pictures to show, prohibited during serives, but I will have to find a picture to show you all later. From there I went to the Tower of London and the London Bridge. Both very fun to look at and intersting to learn how the bridge works. Leaving the bridge I decided to take a walk along the Thames River.
Lost- part 2
The walk was amazing. I started to head back to the dorm for an early night. But then noticed the Millenium bridge and decided to cross. Found St. Paul's Cathedral and looked around that. From there I had no idea where to go, but it took 3 hrs to get back to the dorm. All ended well.
I am now very homesick. And am ready to finally be home. I love you all!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
WOW!!!
So much as happened the last few days! I am going to focus on what I can deal with for right now.
Friday night was graduation, it was a VVVEERRRYYY long ceremony. Only supposed to last 1hr so we could be at dinner on time, instead it took 2hrs and we missed cocktail hr. But the main point is that I finished year 2!! I am so happy and proud of most of the things I did (some was crap, let's face it) but overall it must have been good since I ended with at 4.0GPA. Saying goodbye to all my wonderful friends was really hard. We all get along so well and have so much fun together, but then again we all scattered as quickly as possible once graduation was over.
Saturday was wonderful, and busy. Left my dorm in Plymouth at 8:30 am and arrived in London around 1:30. Checked into my new dorm room- cheaper than a hotel and safer/cleaner than a hostel- and headed back out. First stop was Harry Potter's house from the movies in Bracknell. It was pretty to cool to be there but not overly exciting. Not much to take pictures of since it is all in the movies. Then back in London I decided I might want to catch a show in the West End. So I stopped by a couple of those "cheap ticket" places and they actually told me the best price/seat would only be offered at the theatre. I was a little confused over them sending business away, but took them at their word. I decided to try Wicked and went to that theatre first. I was a little worried since I had heard tickets started at about £70, but it doesn't hurt to check anyway- besides it was starting in 30min so who knows if there would even be any tickets left. I ended up with a FRONT ROW ticket for only £25. It was an amazing show!! The cast was wonderful, I couldn't help comparing it to the soundtrack I love listening to and this was just as beautifully sung if not better for it being live.
Friday night was graduation, it was a VVVEERRRYYY long ceremony. Only supposed to last 1hr so we could be at dinner on time, instead it took 2hrs and we missed cocktail hr. But the main point is that I finished year 2!! I am so happy and proud of most of the things I did (some was crap, let's face it) but overall it must have been good since I ended with at 4.0GPA. Saying goodbye to all my wonderful friends was really hard. We all get along so well and have so much fun together, but then again we all scattered as quickly as possible once graduation was over.
Saturday was wonderful, and busy. Left my dorm in Plymouth at 8:30 am and arrived in London around 1:30. Checked into my new dorm room- cheaper than a hotel and safer/cleaner than a hostel- and headed back out. First stop was Harry Potter's house from the movies in Bracknell. It was pretty to cool to be there but not overly exciting. Not much to take pictures of since it is all in the movies. Then back in London I decided I might want to catch a show in the West End. So I stopped by a couple of those "cheap ticket" places and they actually told me the best price/seat would only be offered at the theatre. I was a little confused over them sending business away, but took them at their word. I decided to try Wicked and went to that theatre first. I was a little worried since I had heard tickets started at about £70, but it doesn't hurt to check anyway- besides it was starting in 30min so who knows if there would even be any tickets left. I ended up with a FRONT ROW ticket for only £25. It was an amazing show!! The cast was wonderful, I couldn't help comparing it to the soundtrack I love listening to and this was just as beautifully sung if not better for it being live.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
YAY!!!!
Today we had our PLATE conference!! It went really well.
As part of the MAET program 2nd year students had to organize a conference for the other students within GSEO. We were told about it only 3 weeks ago, and then only got one day to work on it in class. Everyone had to present two sessions, one on issues and one on applications of a technolgy. I got to do one on applying the computer into the math and science classroom. The other one was a discussion on the gains and losses of technolgy integration.
You should check out our site here. Be sure to check out the video on the bottom of the home page. Then within each session page you can watch screen captures and voice threads that give you most of the information you would have gotten if you had attended each of the sessions. Really explore site and try out the links. I have included the gallery from the site for all to see our wonderful faces today.
Now we can actually sleep!
As part of the MAET program 2nd year students had to organize a conference for the other students within GSEO. We were told about it only 3 weeks ago, and then only got one day to work on it in class. Everyone had to present two sessions, one on issues and one on applications of a technolgy. I got to do one on applying the computer into the math and science classroom. The other one was a discussion on the gains and losses of technolgy integration.
You should check out our site here. Be sure to check out the video on the bottom of the home page. Then within each session page you can watch screen captures and voice threads that give you most of the information you would have gotten if you had attended each of the sessions. Really explore site and try out the links. I have included the gallery from the site for all to see our wonderful faces today.
Now we can actually sleep!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Week 3
I can't believe week three is already over. The last thing I remember is Sunday, but it's Friday now something happened. Let's see if I can remember anything . . .
Monday, I only know that I posted. And that is only because my posts are dated.
Tuesday we turned in our TPaCKs. Then went to the Fresher for a long evening of relaxing, our professors came out to join us. I learned how to play darts, and we convinced the bar tender that it was both Tuesday and Wednesday- we wanted both specials.
Wednesday, um . . .
Thursday, now that I remember- it SUCKED. Well actually only a part of it was bad. Class was fine, actually got my work done early. But then I got out of class. I was typing up my to-do list when my computer decided it was done. Shut down, no power. My battery died entirely before leaving for England so I have been keeping my laptop plugged in all the time- not very convenient for a portable device. But then Thursday the power cord went on strike also, or rather quit. My computer is a Dell and the only way to get a proper power cord is to order one, but I can't do that here, since it would most likely arrive after I left. So I went to Staples hoping for a miracle, there was not one. But they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. And then they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. That third store had something that COULD work, it cost 50pounds ($100) . And it does work but not really well, it'll do for the time being. So after all that, and the good cry I had, I only wanted to go to the gym and shower before dinner. Gym was fine. My shower however broke. The handle came right off!!
Now it's Friday, just have to wait and see. . .
Monday, I only know that I posted. And that is only because my posts are dated.
Tuesday we turned in our TPaCKs. Then went to the Fresher for a long evening of relaxing, our professors came out to join us. I learned how to play darts, and we convinced the bar tender that it was both Tuesday and Wednesday- we wanted both specials.
Wednesday, um . . .
Thursday, now that I remember- it SUCKED. Well actually only a part of it was bad. Class was fine, actually got my work done early. But then I got out of class. I was typing up my to-do list when my computer decided it was done. Shut down, no power. My battery died entirely before leaving for England so I have been keeping my laptop plugged in all the time- not very convenient for a portable device. But then Thursday the power cord went on strike also, or rather quit. My computer is a Dell and the only way to get a proper power cord is to order one, but I can't do that here, since it would most likely arrive after I left. So I went to Staples hoping for a miracle, there was not one. But they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. And then they sent me to another store that MIGHT have what I needed. That third store had something that COULD work, it cost 50pounds ($100) . And it does work but not really well, it'll do for the time being. So after all that, and the good cry I had, I only wanted to go to the gym and shower before dinner. Gym was fine. My shower however broke. The handle came right off!!
Now it's Friday, just have to wait and see. . .
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Pizza
Last night we decided we wanted pizza for dinner, it was raining and it had been a long day. Online we go. . . Domino's site. . . ordering. . . ordering. . . ordering. . . 30 minutes later the order is finally completed. Then we wait. An hour later- still no pizza. We decide to call and find out what is taking so long.
In the dorms the only phone available for public use is in the kitchen, most of us don't have local phones so this is all we have for calling locally- which nobody ever does. But the kitchen we were in did not have a phone, ripped off the wall for some reason or another. We had to walk over to my building to use the phone in my kitchen. Great! Now we can find out where our pizza is.
Oh yeah, did I mention these pizzas were $32 EACH?!?! Better be GREAT pizza.
But the phone doesn’t work. At least not without the purchase of $10 calling card, which no one has or wants to buy. We will never need it again, we live with everyone we know locally. Back with everyone else we decide on a new plan for pizza.
Alright, we'll give up on delivery. There is a local pub (The Fresher) that makes pizza, two of us will walk over there and order pizza to go. Out into the rain we go again. Just outside we run into two people who inform us the Fresher is no longer serving food- just drinks. But there is another pub (Cuba) which is still making food. Off to Cuba we go- and no they are no longer making food either. Okay, I ask where the next closest place to get pizza is - DOMINO'S!!! It’s a 10 minute walk, up-hill (of course). Off we go to Domino's, maybe we can find out what happened to the pizza we had ordered 2hrs ago. On the way we see a little to-go shop, selling hamburgers, kebabs, falafels, sundries, and PIZZA. We ordered our pizza and 10 minutes later were on our way home with them. FINALLY.
As we leave the store we run into Captain America.
Have I mentioned I LOVE it here!?!?!
In the dorms the only phone available for public use is in the kitchen, most of us don't have local phones so this is all we have for calling locally- which nobody ever does. But the kitchen we were in did not have a phone, ripped off the wall for some reason or another. We had to walk over to my building to use the phone in my kitchen. Great! Now we can find out where our pizza is.
Oh yeah, did I mention these pizzas were $32 EACH?!?! Better be GREAT pizza.
But the phone doesn’t work. At least not without the purchase of $10 calling card, which no one has or wants to buy. We will never need it again, we live with everyone we know locally. Back with everyone else we decide on a new plan for pizza.
Alright, we'll give up on delivery. There is a local pub (The Fresher) that makes pizza, two of us will walk over there and order pizza to go. Out into the rain we go again. Just outside we run into two people who inform us the Fresher is no longer serving food- just drinks. But there is another pub (Cuba) which is still making food. Off to Cuba we go- and no they are no longer making food either. Okay, I ask where the next closest place to get pizza is - DOMINO'S!!! It’s a 10 minute walk, up-hill (of course). Off we go to Domino's, maybe we can find out what happened to the pizza we had ordered 2hrs ago. On the way we see a little to-go shop, selling hamburgers, kebabs, falafels, sundries, and PIZZA. We ordered our pizza and 10 minutes later were on our way home with them. FINALLY.
As we leave the store we run into Captain America.
Have I mentioned I LOVE it here!?!?!
Stonehenge and Bath
Stonehenge is massive! But it's kinda like the Grand Canyon, everyone tells you its just a really big hole in the ground and then when you see it really is just a big hole in the ground (a pretty hole, but still just a hole). That's Stonehenge, it's just a bunch of really big rocks. And it really is just a bunch of REALLY big rocks formed in a circle. It was cool to actually be there and see what all the hype was about.
Bath is a really old city, from before 1500 something. It has beautiful old building and an infamous Roman Bath, that is replenished by a natural spring. But something is weird about the water since no one is allowed to actually touch the water, not sure what but found that odd. We really just wandered for a couple hours, but I did find out that the city was home to Jane Austen. I love her books so I was excited to stop by a museum dedicated to her and bought a copy of Sense and Sensibility.
Oh, yeah. . . there were these crazy pigs all over the place. Most were just hanging out on the sidewalk but some were in trees and one was even in chains.
Bath is a really old city, from before 1500 something. It has beautiful old building and an infamous Roman Bath, that is replenished by a natural spring. But something is weird about the water since no one is allowed to actually touch the water, not sure what but found that odd. We really just wandered for a couple hours, but I did find out that the city was home to Jane Austen. I love her books so I was excited to stop by a museum dedicated to her and bought a copy of Sense and Sensibility.
Oh, yeah. . . there were these crazy pigs all over the place. Most were just hanging out on the sidewalk but some were in trees and one was even in chains.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July!!! Tonight we are heading out to celebrate in the most ironic way possible. Being that we are in England and basically celebrating our independence from THEM it's a little weird how nice they are about helping us celebrate. The local pub is decorating for us, allowing us to bring our own music, and are even offering a free buffet for dinner.
(they didn't do fireworks for us, but I liked the pic anyway)
(they didn't do fireworks for us, but I liked the pic anyway)Friday, July 4, 2008
Stats
Today was great! We spent the first hour of class talking about statistics. Finally something I am knowledgeable about. I was so excited I was actually able to contribute the conversation, not that there was really much of a discussion but I was happy anyway.
I was even able to complete my work for today in a relatively timely manner. I figured out and used voicethread for the first time. You can see it if you want to here but it is all about functions, more for my TPACK project. But I am proud of learning this new tool.
I was even able to complete my work for today in a relatively timely manner. I figured out and used voicethread for the first time. You can see it if you want to here but it is all about functions, more for my TPACK project. But I am proud of learning this new tool.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Podcast
I just made my first podcast!! It is only about 90seconds long, but still. I have 4 different sound clips and I talk for about 1 minute. You can listen here if you want to but I won't be hurt if you choose to skip it. FYI- It's for another class project so the content again won't make any sense if your not one of my teachers or classmates.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Lab 7
To anyone not Joe or Brandon, This is an assignment for my class. It will not make sense to anyone except my teachers or classmates. Sorry for any confusion.
Web pages and blogs have many differences, at first look their basic layout is different. Web pages are basically static with links taking you to different parts of the content. Blogs are more fluid, changing often, sometimes multiple times a day, and is one long feed. Both resources allow embedding of various types of mediums, pictures, videos, etc. Blogs offer more in the way of archiving the history, you can choose to go to posts specifically from a certain time period, or you can specify a particular "tag" you are interest in. Web pages offer a larger "area" for you to play with allowing you to set up your own layout and once things have been changed they are always changed.
I am going to use a blog to work with my TPACK project. I am going to compare paper/pencil to calculator or computer based technologies to do computations in math class. I will use the a blog to allow teachers to comment on their findings while using the technologies presented. I can also use the blog to allow room to add more content and information about possible uses.
Web pages and blogs have many differences, at first look their basic layout is different. Web pages are basically static with links taking you to different parts of the content. Blogs are more fluid, changing often, sometimes multiple times a day, and is one long feed. Both resources allow embedding of various types of mediums, pictures, videos, etc. Blogs offer more in the way of archiving the history, you can choose to go to posts specifically from a certain time period, or you can specify a particular "tag" you are interest in. Web pages offer a larger "area" for you to play with allowing you to set up your own layout and once things have been changed they are always changed.
I am going to use a blog to work with my TPACK project. I am going to compare paper/pencil to calculator or computer based technologies to do computations in math class. I will use the a blog to allow teachers to comment on their findings while using the technologies presented. I can also use the blog to allow room to add more content and information about possible uses.
Pictures
I was finally able to load picture shows onto the blog. Look over to the right side and there should be three different going on, just above my survey on where you think I should go next (which I have changed so even if you voted before vote again) and the two youtube clips. Please let me know if you are not able to see the pictures, if the page takes a REALLY long time to load or any other technical difficulties my page may be having.
I miss everyone at home and AZ. But I do get happy every time I see the weather forecast and see those huge numbers. Here I am having to wear sweaters everyday, but its still so beautiful and nice that sitting inside seems like a crime.
I miss everyone at home and AZ. But I do get happy every time I see the weather forecast and see those huge numbers. Here I am having to wear sweaters everyday, but its still so beautiful and nice that sitting inside seems like a crime.
Monday, June 30, 2008
First Weekend
This weekend was very busy. It all started with Thursday night when a bunch of us went to the oldest watering hole in Plymouth. It was great, on Thursday nights a bunch of locals get together and play their instruments and sing songs. A couple people joined them and got to play the little drum that was there.
Friday afternoon we had our weekly “news” and then social after classes to close out our first week together. That night we took our tour of historic Plymouth watering holes. I think we made it 6 different places, there was lots of dancing and we got to meet so many people. There was a “hen” party that included many of us in their little games. (A hen party is what they call a bachelorette party in the UK.)
Saturday I was up early to go on a morning hike. The schedule had us back by noon- HA! At noon were done with the hike and had nice lunch at a seaside pub, . . . but then . . . we had to hike back! So our morning hike didn’t have back to our dorms until after 4pm. It was a nice day to be out though, I would have hated sitting inside all day on such a sunny pretty day so it was good. Luckily I was able to write the first pages of my paper in just 2hrs, so I was still able to go out to dinner and then see Wanted. (I do NOT recommend this movie, as I am certain we are all a bit dumber for having sat though it all.) When I got back in I revised my paper, added a few big words to make it sound like a grad student could have written it and submitted it around 1am. It was due at 8am so I was a whole 7hrs early (YAY me).
Sunday morning I was up early again to walk to church. The nearest one I know of is only about a mile away and it is really nice. Afterwards went and had a traditional English breakfast (eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), except I had coffee instead of tea. I got more homework done, a few readings and some research for my project. Then I was able to join everyone in the courtyard for another social, this one included a bbq.
I love grad school.
Friday afternoon we had our weekly “news” and then social after classes to close out our first week together. That night we took our tour of historic Plymouth watering holes. I think we made it 6 different places, there was lots of dancing and we got to meet so many people. There was a “hen” party that included many of us in their little games. (A hen party is what they call a bachelorette party in the UK.)
Saturday I was up early to go on a morning hike. The schedule had us back by noon- HA! At noon were done with the hike and had nice lunch at a seaside pub, . . . but then . . . we had to hike back! So our morning hike didn’t have back to our dorms until after 4pm. It was a nice day to be out though, I would have hated sitting inside all day on such a sunny pretty day so it was good. Luckily I was able to write the first pages of my paper in just 2hrs, so I was still able to go out to dinner and then see Wanted. (I do NOT recommend this movie, as I am certain we are all a bit dumber for having sat though it all.) When I got back in I revised my paper, added a few big words to make it sound like a grad student could have written it and submitted it around 1am. It was due at 8am so I was a whole 7hrs early (YAY me).
Sunday morning I was up early again to walk to church. The nearest one I know of is only about a mile away and it is really nice. Afterwards went and had a traditional English breakfast (eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, baked beans, and toast), except I had coffee instead of tea. I got more homework done, a few readings and some research for my project. Then I was able to join everyone in the courtyard for another social, this one included a bbq.
I love grad school.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Too Funny
So instead of doing what I should have been during class, I was looking around Digg. Here's what I found:
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Sign Language: Week 1
Sign Language: Week 2
Sign Language: Week 3
Sign Language: Week 4
Okay, now I'll pay attention.
Train RIde
Here is a brief clip of my riding the train through Edinburgh. I had put together one with music and words but it won't load properly. I'll keep trying and see what I can do later. Also notice on the side where I have put up the clip of the Scottish band playing on the street. The first two minutes is them talking, but then they do play music.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Pictures
I have finally downloaded all my pictures. I have emailed invitations to view my pictures to most, if you would like an invitation just let me know and I will invite. I did not leave anyone out on purpose. Here are a few:
The "Birthplace of Harry Potter" in the Elephant House- Edinburgh
Where Harry Potter was completed: the Balmoral Hotel
The Royal Mile in downtown Edinburgh
Bagpipers on the street.
The hostel where I got to stay.Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Day 2
Don't worry I am not going to post daily about classes.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
We had a long day today, but at least today I had enough coffee in my system to keep me slightly more awake than yesterday. Turns out my copy of Dreamweaver is soooooo old that they don't really even have instructions on how to use it anymore.
Today was my turn to cook dinner, I teamed up with Doug again (we cooked together last year). Lucky for my classmate Doug did the planning and the cooking. We even got yelled at for raising the bar so early even though the hardest part of the meal was the chopping of the sausages and vegetables. But we did have 4 courses, bread appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert. JP decided to join us and he brought a nice bottle of white wine to share. I am now off for the rest of the week, it won't be my turn to cook or do dishes again until next week sometime.
I have procrastinated enough, there are 3 more articles to read, 3 web pages in 3 different programs to design, and an action research paper to begin. Time for work.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Class Begins
Today we had our first day of classes. There is going to be A LOT of work this year. We are even going to have to put together a mini technology conference to offer here on campus, open not only to other MSU people to students/professor of Plymouth University. It seems like it’s going to be very time intensive but will be fun to put together.
Tonight we are beginning our “family” dinners. Tomorrow is my first time cooking- it’s good to go early before the bar has been set too high. These dinners are some of my favorite things about being here, we have so much fun hanging out together. Not to mention the food is so much better than anything we could get out in England, land of the bland food.
Tonight we are beginning our “family” dinners. Tomorrow is my first time cooking- it’s good to go early before the bar has been set too high. These dinners are some of my favorite things about being here, we have so much fun hanging out together. Not to mention the food is so much better than anything we could get out in England, land of the bland food.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Plymouth
I can't tell you how glad I am to be back in Plymouth. Before I begin, though, I need to tell you about my brief stay in London.
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
I forgot to mention about my train ride from Edinburgh to London. At the beginning of the trip we were told that our trip was going to be rerouted so two train loads of people were going to be crowded onto one train. I got lucky enough to sit next to a bunch of stereotypical Scottish men (all but the kilts). They were loud and very forward, drinking heavily already underway when I joined them at 10:30am, yes I said AM! Immediately I was offered a glass of red wine, cider, and beer. They were very nice and fun to sit with for the next 2 hours. They got off before I did and most of them gave me hugs and kisses as they departed, asking me to meet them in NY when there would be there or maybe even Vegas. There were also two marriage proposals.
In London I made a bad decision on where to stay but no real problems at the hostel so I guess it wasn't so bad. But I did lose my credit card, or was stolen, or evaporated, or whatever needless to say - it's gone. The card is now canceled and it seems that no extra charges were made, Chase is even mailing my replacement card to me here in England (at no charge).
The Harry Potter portion of my trip brought me to King's Cross and yes - Platform 9 3/4 does exist, I was there. I have pictures to prove it; you can see me pushing a cart through the barrier. You can only see half the cart in the picture, since I am going through. The first time I was there (yes I did go twice, since I am THAT much of a nerd) I met some really nice young ladies. You will never guess where they were from- PHOENIX, AZ!! Imagine meeting other Harry Potter freaks from your own hometown on the other side of the world. We were all very excited and happy to have a moment with a little bit of home.
------
Plymouth is GREAT!! I can't wait to tell you all about my experiences here for the next four weeks. I have spoken to the hospitality director (Jean Pierre) and offered to help on any tour as long as I was always guaranteed a spot, and JP seemed open to that idea. But, tours are currently up for debate due to the rising cost of gas and the fact that the old driver moved to Thailand (making is difficult for him to drive us over here).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
In London
Today is not so exciting, yet. I have basically sat on a train (or bus) all day. Something went wrong with the tracks someplace so we had to get off the train and take a 40 min bus ride to the next nearest train stop. They knew this from early morning so they scheduled our little detour into the 7 hour trip. I did arrive into Kings Cross station but with all my luggage was unable to look for Platfom 9 3/4, but I will head out soon to look around. I am safely in my hostel, but am pretty glad it is only for one night. The Scotland hostels were much nicer than this one, even the haunted one in the middle of nowhere. Oh well, next time I will know better.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
I love Edinburgh!!
This city is great, it’s beautiful, elegant, historic, lively, and from what I can tell friendly. I will tell you about Thursday evening before I get into Friday.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
But first. . . How can you have a mall with NO BOOK STORE?!?!?! Let me repeat the local mall had NO BOOK STORE!!! How was I supposed to get my copy of Harry Potter in its birth city without a book store? So I left the mall.
Directly across the street was Balmoral Hotel!! Can you believe it, I was so excited I forgot my previous disappointment and became giddy. I took lots of pictures and even went inside. VERY fancy. There was no indication, however, that it was the site where Harry Potter came to an end. Still, very exciting- for me.
I wondered around the main shopping street, found a book store but it did not have a copy of Philosopher Stone in English. I mean come on people work with me here. Had dinner at a cute Italian restaurant down the street where I made friends with the owner. He was very nice and gave me some tips on how to get around. I have yet to have any “Scottish” food, but from what I have seen of haggis and black sausage, it’s probably better that way.
Friday morning was sun shiny and windy. I walked to Hollyrood Park, not a misspelling, and climbed to Arthur's Seat. I keep calling it a chair and getting funny looks. Either way it’s not a chair or seat but the top of a volcano. The view was spectacular, 360 panorama view of the whole city. The hike up was exhausting but worth it, the hike down was the scary part. Jesus had to have held my hand because my eyes must have been closed for some of it, really something I should have done with others.
Safely down, I walked along the Royal Mile heading to Edinburgh Castle. Midway there I stopped and had lunch at the Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter. While I was there, a big guy in a kilt and leather jacket with tattoos came in, I tried not to stare- come on, everything said mean, tough, biker, except the “skirt”. I lingered as long as I could bring myself to sit still, took many pictures and moved on. (Only momentarily and slightly bitter about not having a HP to read while there.)
Edinburgh Castle was great. I got to see the Crown Jewels, notice the lack of quotations, there was a scepter, sword, and crown. All having been used since like 1200 or so. There was the also the Stone of Destiny, which looks like a really big rock, that they slide under the throne during the swearing(?) in of the king. I don’t get it, but then I am American.
After the castle I went the Edinburgh Film Festival. On the way I stopped and filmed a Scottish band playing on the street, of course they were all in kilts. Again they were mostly very manly men who looked like they should be. . ., oh I don’t know what do manly men do? Any way at the festival I saw “Red” and even stayed for the Q&A with the director and screenwriter.
Today was eventful and exciting. I love Edinburgh.
PS My cell phone doesn't work here after all.
Friday, June 20, 2008
St. Mungo's
That's right, I was there. Okay it's not the hospital from Harry Potter but a museum, but still I got to go. Glasgow was great, went to the Glasgow Cathedral, St. Mungo's museum, the National Museum, and to got to walk around their shopping district. Nothing too exciting, but a very nice day.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
I am now in Edinburgh, just arrived an hour ago. I have already gotten directions to the coffee shop JK Rowling started Harry Potter. I am very excited to go there, the guy at the front desk said it was pretty cool, there are pictures hanging up and you can sit at the actual table. I think I am going to buy a new copy of Sorcerer’s Stone and read a little there. I just need to find out the name of the hotel she finished writing Deathly Hallows at and my trip will be successful.
Oh yeah and I saw guy wearing a kilt playing a bagpipe as I got off the train. Couldn’t take a picture since I had so much luggage, but will try to find him again to prove it to you.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond was beautiful today, the sun was shining for most of the day and it was actually on the warm side. I only needed my sweater for most of the day, it wasn't until late afternoon that I needed my light jacket. I got to see the Balloch Castle right on the edge of the lake, it's not open for visitors but I got to walk around the area and the surrounding park. I also met some really nice people and got to be in some of thier pictures. There was a also a pair of Australians playing music in the park who were fun to watch. The afternoon was spent walking 8miles to Luss, a small town on the edge of the other side of the lake. The town was very cute and quaint. I did spend more time walking there than actually being there, but all is well. I am sure to be sore tomorrow. So far this evening I have spent it watching American TV with some Germans and Swedes, and who knows what other nationality. Pretty cool since we are all sitting in a castle in Scotland.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Finally Here!!!!
Finally I have arrived in Scotland! It only took two days, but whatever. I should have known it was going to be a rocky trip when I was "randomly" chosen to be searched, even patted down! Mostly I was worried they would confiscate my peanut butter, when they said they think it was over the 3oz limit. When I offered to eat some to bring it to the right amount they dropped it. After that things did not get better lets see:
- Couldn't land in Toronoto, had to sit at Hamilton Airport for over 2 hours
- Flight to London was canceled, but not after teasing us until 1am telling us that we were about the board any minute.
- All hotels were booked so I had to sleep on the floor of the airport terminal
- Couldn't leave aiport and flight wasn't until 6pm, lots of fun in that boring place
- Flight landed late (but I did get meal service along with a seat with extra leg room)
- Missed train to Scotland by 20hrs
- Caught new train, but then that one was canced, but not until we were on board
- Ended up having to change trains partway here
The view from the trains was spectacular!! The windows were really dirty so no good pictures but I will try again later. The hostel is GREAT, big old scary castle. Very creaky. Can't wait to see if it proves its hauntedness.
Just once I would like to start my adventure AFTER I arrive.
I am starving!! I am heading off to town for dinner. I miss everyone at home already. Cheeres!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
5 Days
To go. On Father's Day I get to fly out to England, short layover in Canada, and eventually ending up in Scotland. I will spend my first few days near Glasgow staying in a castle at Loch Lomond. Then I will head over to Edinburgh where I will hopefully find the coffee shop Harry Potter was begun.
Meanwhile, here in AZ things are great. Hanging out with my nieces and nephew has been wonderful; they are so much fun to hang out with. I am going to miss them terribly when I leave but we are accustomed to my being away. But the biggest news isn’t even mine but it’s too good to not share. Heather and David are ENGAGED!! I am so happy for them.
Meanwhile, here in AZ things are great. Hanging out with my nieces and nephew has been wonderful; they are so much fun to hang out with. I am going to miss them terribly when I leave but we are accustomed to my being away. But the biggest news isn’t even mine but it’s too good to not share. Heather and David are ENGAGED!! I am so happy for them.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Flash Rocks
Okay, so I was just wandering around Digg and found this article about some really cool flash animations. I really wish I was able to make these clips but I don't have the skill or the HUGE amount of patience it would require to sit down and animate something like this. But I thought I would share my favorite ones with you.
- http://producten.hema.nl/ You have to wait a couple of seconds and it looks like a shopping site but then the fun really begins.
- http://www.xs4all.nl/~jvdkuyp/flash/see.htm Icons at war?!?!? What's better that that.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
first time!!
This is my first blog post EVER!!
Just to set things up - - I have created this blog to keep my family and friends posted on my random wandering around the world. On June 15th I am heading out of AZ to Scotland and England for almost two months, for grad school and just plain old sight seeing.
Just to set things up - - I have created this blog to keep my family and friends posted on my random wandering around the world. On June 15th I am heading out of AZ to Scotland and England for almost two months, for grad school and just plain old sight seeing.
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