London escapades

Went to London today to celebrate Katie's birthday. A bit rough and ready but overall an enjoyable time. Going to bed soon but wanted to jot a note or two since I've been nudged into doing so (bows to Samantha).

Yesterday we had a day long field trip around the Harlow area-- Epping forest, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Waltham Abbey, ect. Again, I'll load some pictures up sometime or other.

Not much else. I'm going to bed-- got a bit of the flu!

Tired but too warm to sleep

Nearly 2:30am and a trip to London in eight hours; what am I doing awake?

I've settled into The Maltings, and though a little hesitant about the lack of dressers/drawers to store doohickeys and doodads (ie. the mess of chords I've brought with me), I like my area. I think there's about six or eight people on my floor. I guess the only negative thing I can say is that I cannot access the common area, creating a more acute sense of separation. Nothing to worry about however, I've been in similar situations and learned to deal with it. Also, everyone is extremely helpful and genuinely nice. The extent of the preparation to accomodate me is monumental and so I'm thankful for it, it certainly makes things easier. I guess my last issue is that I have to get out of the mindset of being a burden (as someone had the grace to imply when I considered going. Really.) on the enjoyment of the program of my fellow classmates.

Got some pictures to upload later. Have to fiddle with them for a bit. That's always fun. Also emailed the parents to let them know I was safe (yes, three days into the trip and they didn't have a word from me... I am a terrible daughter). Honestly, I find it slightly embarrassing to have put it off as long as I did since I feel it shows a certain disregard. Soo... lo siento mis padres. I'll try and be more communicative in the future.

Leaving tomorrow

Only a few hours left of work for the summer-- nearly all packed at home and the small details are nearly completed. Gave the poem book to Betty; I'll post pictures of it later today/tonight sometime. Meanwhile, I have some pics of the case I made for my Iliad. Glenn received RE4 recently... what. a. violent. game :P I guess I'm not much into the to fright genre. I'll post a slideshow of both the Iliad and the altered book tomorrow.

I've finally finished the altered board book for Betty as a retirement gift. I'm pleased with how it turned out. The flowers pressend well but I'm a little worried over the buttons since they just love to fall off no matter how much glue I use. Besides that, started packing last night. Decided not to bring a large suitcase but rather a shoulder bag and a small suitcase... this way when I leave to visit Glenn, I'll be able to carry it myself. As it turns out, I've learned to pack lightly and I'm not worried about taking much back with me since, as I've mentioned before, I don't really collect anything besides papery items (ticket stubs, broshures).

Booked my ticket with AirFrance yesterday; it's official, I'm back in Korea between December 14th and January 2nd. On January 3rd I fly back to St. John's from Heathrow. I forsee jet lag in my future. I remember coming back last Feb. and getting stuck in Pearson for 10 hours due to the snow storm (after having travelled for17 hours by then) and getting into St. John's only to have to dash to a scheduled meeting with a prof an hour later. I think I conked out for a good day or two after that :P

Only a few more days until I get to visit family in Nova Scotia, looking forward to it.

The parents came home Friday and were not, thankfully, struck dumb with the mess... it was as if they had expected it... hmmm... anyway, I was completely pampered with cooking (no more corn from a can for me! or pb slathered toast!); dad baked bread and mom boiled potatoes from the garden. I actually did a bit of baking this weekend also-- chocolate covered espresso beans. I had much chocolate left over so I also made: chocolate covered pecans, espresso grind chocolate covered pecans (these, by far, were my favorite-- just grind the espresso beans and add it to the melted chocolate), and chocolate coffee cubes via an ice cube tray. I've met my quota for the next few years.

I haven't started to pack yet. Infact, I have't completely unpacked my suitcase from last week either... I'm debating whether to take a suitcase with me. I don't really want that huge thing to lug around in the middle of December when I'll be on my own. So what I might do is just get two shoulder bags along with a carry on and pack to the brim. Not too worried about bringing stuff (ie. souvenirs) back since I really dislike adding to the clutter I already own.

Four days left.

It's odd to have the house to myself. The parents will, thankfully, be back on Friday. Dad's still out west for the funeral and mom's on the Island somewhere (I assume Gander since she's not in St. John's as of yesterday night when I tried calling). Do you recall the story of the shoemaker and the elves? Came home yesterday at lunch and the dishes had been washed and placed on the counter. Nice thought, yet so very much distressing. With the house to myself I tend to regress to mess... I have paint, glue, stamps, inkpads, pressed flowers and wool everywhere, or atleast in the dinning room. If said elves came to my room they'd find much of the same mentioned above but in larger quanities with the addition of an unmade bed, peacock feather scraps on the floor and paintbrushes everywhere. They'd probably go on strike the moment the bedroom door opened. Even by my standards it's disgraceful.

Eight days left.

An infrequent poster returns. After a few false starts (this one probably among them...) I've decided to try this thing again. I'm mostly here to update everyone while I'm gone--because you're all oh so interested, har har-- but there it is. It's my intention to upload pics or vids on a semi-consistant basis but some of you've seen how well that has worked out before.

In less than two weeks I'll be starting the first part of the trip--next Friday I'll be flying to Halifax to spend a few days with my sister and her family. Haven't seen them in two years so I look forward to it. On the 4th I meet the group at Stanfield Airport and fly off to Heathrow. Luckly, another person of my community is also participating in the program, so I'll have someone there I'll know. On the 12th of December we're to return to Canada but I might be spending winter break with my brother for--as someone else termed it--international loafing. Don't think the parents are too keen on the idea however. But my poor 'lil brother can't be by his lonesome for the holidays! If I do visit, I'll be returning sometime in January.

I'm still mildly apprehensive about going... I would have liked to have graduated in April being the biggest stresser of all. I also have some qualms about accessibility issues--though those abound no matter where I go--but since everyone has been so accomodating in getting everything prepared, I feel ungenerous to even mention it.

I hope everyone has a great term this fall! I better get back to work-- only eight more work days left!