The movie I created for MAET.
Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
80's Night
Our second week here in Plymouth we all went out to an 80's bar. The decade is very popular here in England, so finding clothing is very easy (just go to the local mall).
Through the Window
Here is a "window" looking at me relaxing in Plymouth. This was a really cool class project, can't wait to do more!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Back in Plymouth!
So far I have been in Plymouth 3 days. The trip here was suprisingly uneventful-- can't remember the last time I flew without some kind of yuckiness! I am sure that I am jinxing it by mentioning it here but I am too excited over the ease of travel to not comment on it.
My first night was great. There was a welcome get together-- appetizeres and wine. Then JP planned for us to visit a skooner (sp?) boat for nothing less than a wine tasting. What better way to kick of my trip to England than with lots of drinking with my old friends.
Monday was a good day back in class. Not too stressful, just getting an idea of what's to come, okay that was a little stressful. We tried to go to that mall in the afternoon to pick up a few things we forgot. But, the mall closes at 5!!!! What is that about?!?! I forgot how early everything closes around here.
Tuesday, already feels like a week! There is so much to do, I need to get my iImage together. Some picture to show my passion (math). Ideas are welcome! I also got to see the Mars Rover, VERY COOL. She is visiting for the week while the scientists have meetings to talk about the really cool things she can do.
My first night was great. There was a welcome get together-- appetizeres and wine. Then JP planned for us to visit a skooner (sp?) boat for nothing less than a wine tasting. What better way to kick of my trip to England than with lots of drinking with my old friends.
Monday was a good day back in class. Not too stressful, just getting an idea of what's to come, okay that was a little stressful. We tried to go to that mall in the afternoon to pick up a few things we forgot. But, the mall closes at 5!!!! What is that about?!?! I forgot how early everything closes around here.
Tuesday, already feels like a week! There is so much to do, I need to get my iImage together. Some picture to show my passion (math). Ideas are welcome! I also got to see the Mars Rover, VERY COOL. She is visiting for the week while the scientists have meetings to talk about the really cool things she can do.
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. . .
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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.
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