Not so fair.
I just read on Litaäs blog that Skzlarr wished she and Bob a Merrz Christmas. I want to be jealous. Ö) But thatäs okaz. I wont be I wont. Becyuse, I mean... 4 wonderful people called me and left messages. That was lovelz.
)this post is being written from a euro kezboard and i have no desire to relearn how to tzpe, so figure it out. muahaha=
What is uuuuupppppp... mz email wont open. Östicks tongue outÖ
I have a cold and have not been sleeping because of it.
K, Iäm done.
So, good things:
I am learing a few words/sentances in German. Good times.
Helga and Wadim kick serious butt.
So do AJ and Anna.
The train from Kaiserslautern to Beilefeld runs a good waz along the Rhine. Beautiful.
There is snow everzwhere.
Mz stomach is full of Chinese food. And tea.
The room is full of the sounds of familz and Capernwraz with Casting Crowns in the background and a kezboard clicking in the foreground.
I got to be a part of a jr hi retreat zesterdaz.
I am tzping on a kezboard that has the Funnest Ever kezs: °§ßüöäµ HAH.
OOPS. haha. Couldnt get caps lock off there for a minute. Heh. Iäve got it all undercontrol now.
No more bad attitude. Now zou dont have to regret that zou read this.
Tchus.
27.12.04
Hm... Reality Check
I always thought that I had a decent grasp of reality. I understood that America is not the only country in the world of interest, that people are people every where you go, and that there really is a war going on involving real people.
But about an hour ago I stepped out into a parkinglot and wondered if maybe the loud noise I was hearing could be attributed to more construction in the area. No. It was a helicopter bearing wounded. The hospital that we were at evidently patches up the majority of injured Americans from the Middle East. The guy walking down the hall with the sling on his arm wasnt hurt playing football. Neither was the kid with the crutch and the limp in the cafeteria.
What a way to spend Christmas. I feel humbled for my lack of gratitude.
But about an hour ago I stepped out into a parkinglot and wondered if maybe the loud noise I was hearing could be attributed to more construction in the area. No. It was a helicopter bearing wounded. The hospital that we were at evidently patches up the majority of injured Americans from the Middle East. The guy walking down the hall with the sling on his arm wasnt hurt playing football. Neither was the kid with the crutch and the limp in the cafeteria.
What a way to spend Christmas. I feel humbled for my lack of gratitude.
24.12.04
"It's Christmas Eve and I've only wrapped 2 presents"
Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the undertaker, the clerk, the clergyman and the cheif mourner: Scrooge signed it. And Scrooges name was good for 'change upon whatever he put his hand to.
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The children were nustled all snug in their beds, while visons of sugarplums danced in their heads.
Once upon a time there was a girl who loved Christmas. She loved baking and shopping and wrapping and eating candycanes and reading and sitting by the fire and singing christmas carols. Once year she went away to another country. (A few other countries, to be exact) She was afraid that she would miss everyone too much, or not at all. Or that she would miss the traditions too much or not at all. But then when the time came she discovered that there are people and lights everywhere you go. And that her memories would hitch a ride in her backpocket even across as ocean or two, and they always will.
Christmas still came. It came with out packages, boxes or bows. And there came a sound from the Whos down in Whoville, the tall and the small. A sound that got louder and louder... "Welcome christmas, Christmas day. Christmas time is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp"
Christmas comes to the Whos like a little light from the sky that gives them Who Hash and hands to hold. Christmas always comes, but as the Light of the World from heaven, Who gives us the Bread of Life and a hand that will never let got.
Merry Christmas and Love To All....
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The children were nustled all snug in their beds, while visons of sugarplums danced in their heads.
Once upon a time there was a girl who loved Christmas. She loved baking and shopping and wrapping and eating candycanes and reading and sitting by the fire and singing christmas carols. Once year she went away to another country. (A few other countries, to be exact) She was afraid that she would miss everyone too much, or not at all. Or that she would miss the traditions too much or not at all. But then when the time came she discovered that there are people and lights everywhere you go. And that her memories would hitch a ride in her backpocket even across as ocean or two, and they always will.
Christmas still came. It came with out packages, boxes or bows. And there came a sound from the Whos down in Whoville, the tall and the small. A sound that got louder and louder... "Welcome christmas, Christmas day. Christmas time is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp"
Christmas comes to the Whos like a little light from the sky that gives them Who Hash and hands to hold. Christmas always comes, but as the Light of the World from heaven, Who gives us the Bread of Life and a hand that will never let got.
Merry Christmas and Love To All....
21.12.04
*$ and McDonalds
What country am I in?
People say everything in the states is bigger, but let me tell you, I have never seen such a huge Starbucks.So big. And I guess this McDonalds is small, but only compared with the other fast food restaurants here in Leicester Square. The computer keyboard *is* odd, though. Very small and very hard to type on.
What country am I in?
No one speaks English. No, I'm not refering to the various British accents. French is the language I hear everywhere I go. Not even my barista was British. She's from Sao Paulo. *shrugs* It's a party.
Maybe Germany will actually be German.
People say everything in the states is bigger, but let me tell you, I have never seen such a huge Starbucks.So big. And I guess this McDonalds is small, but only compared with the other fast food restaurants here in Leicester Square. The computer keyboard *is* odd, though. Very small and very hard to type on.
What country am I in?
No one speaks English. No, I'm not refering to the various British accents. French is the language I hear everywhere I go. Not even my barista was British. She's from Sao Paulo. *shrugs* It's a party.
Maybe Germany will actually be German.
19.12.04
Fast Food is My Hero
Burger King has internet.
Internet that allows gmail and blogging, none the less.
(Last night, much to my deep disapointement, I discovered that my hostel does not.)
I'm sitting in a busy, shiny, crazy Piccadilly Circus right now, listening to horrible American pop music, smelling greasy food, and sensing questionable sticky under my fingers - and feeling very happy.
But it's Christmas time in London.
This weekend so far has been somewhat of a whirlwind of tourist attractions and photos. We're making good progress of seeing the city. Well, definitly the underside of it. Something like 1 1/2 hours a day have been spent in the tubes.... Piccadilly, Victoria, East City, Jubilee, Bakerloo, District; it gets us everywhere we need to go. Gives us our excersize, too - all those stairs, escalators and halls. "Mind the Gap" oh how it makes me laugh.
And Tracy's here with me.
Yay.
Internet that allows gmail and blogging, none the less.
(Last night, much to my deep disapointement, I discovered that my hostel does not.)
I'm sitting in a busy, shiny, crazy Piccadilly Circus right now, listening to horrible American pop music, smelling greasy food, and sensing questionable sticky under my fingers - and feeling very happy.
But it's Christmas time in London.
This weekend so far has been somewhat of a whirlwind of tourist attractions and photos. We're making good progress of seeing the city. Well, definitly the underside of it. Something like 1 1/2 hours a day have been spent in the tubes.... Piccadilly, Victoria, East City, Jubilee, Bakerloo, District; it gets us everywhere we need to go. Gives us our excersize, too - all those stairs, escalators and halls. "Mind the Gap" oh how it makes me laugh.
And Tracy's here with me.
Yay.
16.12.04
Awww
How fabulous is this:
Adrain and Joy let me help put up their tree and decorate it. *And* go to their niece's Christmas program. (129 little angels singing and reciting in little Irish accents - can it get any cuter? Yeah, didn't think so.)
And thank you small Irish towns with loads of Christmas lights and crooked Christmas trees.
Adrain and Joy let me help put up their tree and decorate it. *And* go to their niece's Christmas program. (129 little angels singing and reciting in little Irish accents - can it get any cuter? Yeah, didn't think so.)
And thank you small Irish towns with loads of Christmas lights and crooked Christmas trees.
This Place Is
...A novel - already written and waiting to happen.
Myths and stories abound, and it's no wonder... the landscape does lend it's self, as do the people.
The Giant's Causeway, where we visited on saturday, has a whole story surrounding it about two fighting giants, one from Scotland and one from Ireland (pronounced more like Arr-lan), that is just amazing. I'll try and put up some pictures. Then yesterday en rout to Castlewellyn and New Castle we drove past a pub called The Angler's Rest. (All you Wodehouse fans will understand.) And while driving through the countryside, not *really* lost, because one can never really get lost in Ireland, I have been informed, we drove past the Bronte homeland. Literature in all forms is simply everywhere.
It was a glorious sunset the whole afternoon (the sun starts setting at around 2pm, but isn't completely asleep till perhaps 4 or 4:30) and really quite magical. The imaginiation is frequently sparked, and in different ways every day, mostly due to the weather - if you think the weather in Ptown is manic, try England, and if you think that's bad, come to Ireland. I don't imagine that anyone could live here for too long with out having the inkling to start writing something.
Myths and stories abound, and it's no wonder... the landscape does lend it's self, as do the people.
The Giant's Causeway, where we visited on saturday, has a whole story surrounding it about two fighting giants, one from Scotland and one from Ireland (pronounced more like Arr-lan), that is just amazing. I'll try and put up some pictures. Then yesterday en rout to Castlewellyn and New Castle we drove past a pub called The Angler's Rest. (All you Wodehouse fans will understand.) And while driving through the countryside, not *really* lost, because one can never really get lost in Ireland, I have been informed, we drove past the Bronte homeland. Literature in all forms is simply everywhere.
It was a glorious sunset the whole afternoon (the sun starts setting at around 2pm, but isn't completely asleep till perhaps 4 or 4:30) and really quite magical. The imaginiation is frequently sparked, and in different ways every day, mostly due to the weather - if you think the weather in Ptown is manic, try England, and if you think that's bad, come to Ireland. I don't imagine that anyone could live here for too long with out having the inkling to start writing something.
14.12.04
What the
Full stomach
Shaved legs
Double bed.
I'm not at Capernwray.
Empty room
Missing friends
Empty arms
(no one to cuddle)
I'm not at Capernwray.
(thanks for the emails ya'll.... i love you.)
Shaved legs
Double bed.
I'm not at Capernwray.
Empty room
Missing friends
Empty arms
(no one to cuddle)
I'm not at Capernwray.
(thanks for the emails ya'll.... i love you.)
10.12.04
8.12.04
Gletig Jol
Merry Christmas ya'll... it's feeling like christmas today - half an hour ago I was sitting on my bed and heard "ding ding ding - allison moody please go to the main office you have a package waiting for you" and my whole room screamed. (so did the room next to us, I have just been informed) It was not my camera, but "it's still a party". (my grandparents are wonderful and sent some fudge and stuff. *shh* dont tell or my room'll get mobbed)
And it was christmas yesterday in Room 4. We had our own gift exchanging and junk food eating and game playing time. So rad. I love my room(ies).
And the hall is all beautified. (I'll try and take some pictures...) All christmasy.
And our christmas banquet is tonight.
Christmas. Yaaaay.
And it was christmas yesterday in Room 4. We had our own gift exchanging and junk food eating and game playing time. So rad. I love my room(ies).
And the hall is all beautified. (I'll try and take some pictures...) All christmasy.
And our christmas banquet is tonight.
Christmas. Yaaaay.
4.12.04
last weekend.
Amazing how time flies. It's already the last weekend before Christmas break at Capernwray. So weird.
Next week we'll all be split up and scattered all over the world. Some to not return.
This Christmas is for learining. Learning what Christmas actaully is, not just enjoying the traditions and familiar festivities, but actually paying attention to the "true meaning" (if I can be allowed to use the cliche).
Every year I say that's what I'm going to focus on, but this year I have no choice; here I am, not in Ptown, not at home, not with my family, not with Pioneer Square, not with Peacock Lane, not with Mt Hood, not with TBC, not with The Grotto, not with Lloyd Center, not with my usual collection of books, music, wrapping paper, and gift exchanges. But the things that aren't just my warm cozy traditions are still going to be with me on Christmas - Luke 2, Isaiah 9. And there will be some new experiences that should be exciting... Christmas Eve service in German, extra bonding time with Tracy, all sorts of good things.
God knows best and I'm excited for my upcoming Christmas experience and yours, too. *hugs*
Next week we'll all be split up and scattered all over the world. Some to not return.
This Christmas is for learining. Learning what Christmas actaully is, not just enjoying the traditions and familiar festivities, but actually paying attention to the "true meaning" (if I can be allowed to use the cliche).
Every year I say that's what I'm going to focus on, but this year I have no choice; here I am, not in Ptown, not at home, not with my family, not with Pioneer Square, not with Peacock Lane, not with Mt Hood, not with TBC, not with The Grotto, not with Lloyd Center, not with my usual collection of books, music, wrapping paper, and gift exchanges. But the things that aren't just my warm cozy traditions are still going to be with me on Christmas - Luke 2, Isaiah 9. And there will be some new experiences that should be exciting... Christmas Eve service in German, extra bonding time with Tracy, all sorts of good things.
God knows best and I'm excited for my upcoming Christmas experience and yours, too. *hugs*
2.12.04
Nearly
The weekend .
The Christmas program .
Christmas break .
Seeing my sister .
Missing you all .
To answer everyone's question of what I'm doing for xmas break:
Northern Ireland, London, various parts of Germany, Salisbury, Bath, London, Kent.
Is it all perfectly planned?
Mmmmm not so much. Much more so than most people's plans, though.
Now for my question....
Do you all *really* not want anything for xmas?
The Christmas program .
Christmas break .
Seeing my sister .
Missing you all .
To answer everyone's question of what I'm doing for xmas break:
Northern Ireland, London, various parts of Germany, Salisbury, Bath, London, Kent.
Is it all perfectly planned?
Mmmmm not so much. Much more so than most people's plans, though.
Now for my question....
Do you all *really* not want anything for xmas?
20.11.04
19.11.04
Or Not To
To go to breakfast or to sleep
To have instant coffee or soup
To swingdance or go into town
To stay in Germany or hostels in England
To fly out of Cologne or Frankfurt
To spend more or do less
To email or to blog
To have instant coffee or soup
To swingdance or go into town
To stay in Germany or hostels in England
To fly out of Cologne or Frankfurt
To spend more or do less
To email or to blog
18.11.04
Do it
So, not to be making a shameless plug for my friend Chris down at Costello's on Broadway, but everyone needs to head there on a saturday or sunday to experience an English Football match. This is an experience like none other, and I know watching it from a warm, quiet cafe isnt the same, but do it anyway. On saturday past about 50 or so of us Capernwray students went down to Bolton for a Bolton vs. Aston Villa game. (To give you an idea of how intense this game was - both these teams are better than Manchester United this year) I would say, and every one here who I have spoken to would agree, that match was one of the most fun experiences of my life. So fun. You have to hear the chants and cheers the crowd does. You can get a flavor of it on tv; I watched some matches on tv before school started and even that's pretty crazy. I mean, you wont get to watch people escorted out because of fights or be enveloped in the great cloud of cigarette smoke, or anything like that, but it'll still be fun. Pretend we're all there together. Yaaaay!!!
16.11.04
I dont understand
Today started out so good.
I dont know what happend.
Okay, so I do know; I came to town.
I just didnt know that would cause such trouble. And its' really not that much trouble, it's just in my head, but still.
First, I got carsick on the bus. (Yall have no idea how fast they drive on these tiny winding roads). I got into town, went to Jessops (the camera store) and it turns out that they cant fix my camera - it would cost too much. Then the library had no available computers. (Good side to that - the library's open late on tuesdays so it's not the end of the world, as i'm obviously on one now) And then I walked into the Post Office to face world's largest queue. (Up side: I had a really kind person helping me. And it didnt cost me as much £s as I thought to send the camera home) I guess that's not too many bad things, but it was enough to make me just want to have a shop to walk into where I know someone and they know me. Or a Starbucks. I suppose Cafe Nero will do. Perhaps one of the baristas I've seen before will be there.
I dont know what happend.
Okay, so I do know; I came to town.
I just didnt know that would cause such trouble. And its' really not that much trouble, it's just in my head, but still.
First, I got carsick on the bus. (Yall have no idea how fast they drive on these tiny winding roads). I got into town, went to Jessops (the camera store) and it turns out that they cant fix my camera - it would cost too much. Then the library had no available computers. (Good side to that - the library's open late on tuesdays so it's not the end of the world, as i'm obviously on one now) And then I walked into the Post Office to face world's largest queue. (Up side: I had a really kind person helping me. And it didnt cost me as much £s as I thought to send the camera home) I guess that's not too many bad things, but it was enough to make me just want to have a shop to walk into where I know someone and they know me. Or a Starbucks. I suppose Cafe Nero will do. Perhaps one of the baristas I've seen before will be there.
15.11.04
"That's a pleasant thought for a monday"
This week's guest lecturer is speaking on Ecclesiastes. It reminds me of sunday school this past year. I opened to the first chapter and saw more than a bit of writing and thought of Temple. So good.
This week should be good - I have made a vow to as of now only watch movies on weekends. Last week was a bit on the movie over kill side. Heh. Woooo. We'll see how this goes. It must be the week for rules, though - we now have a Room 4 rule that it will be lights out and sleeping at 11:30 (AHH) and at least one clementine for Megan a day. (our dear Megan is "permasick" and we have decided our plot to make her better. Muahaha sounds evil, hey?) And (wow wel'l see at the end of the week how this all turns out) I've decided to try to not procrastinate on my next assignment. (due Thursday... does that mean i'm already procrastinating?)
For all ya'll in school - I do appologize for appearing to be having issues getting less than one project a week completed not at the last minute. Dare I try to say "but you have no idea what it's like here"? Too much fun and too much leisure time :D What can a girl do. (A)
Well, on the the being productive and responsible - I'm off to make a phone call.
This week should be good - I have made a vow to as of now only watch movies on weekends. Last week was a bit on the movie over kill side. Heh. Woooo. We'll see how this goes. It must be the week for rules, though - we now have a Room 4 rule that it will be lights out and sleeping at 11:30 (AHH) and at least one clementine for Megan a day. (our dear Megan is "permasick" and we have decided our plot to make her better. Muahaha sounds evil, hey?) And (wow wel'l see at the end of the week how this all turns out) I've decided to try to not procrastinate on my next assignment. (due Thursday... does that mean i'm already procrastinating?)
For all ya'll in school - I do appologize for appearing to be having issues getting less than one project a week completed not at the last minute. Dare I try to say "but you have no idea what it's like here"? Too much fun and too much leisure time :D What can a girl do. (A)
Well, on the the being productive and responsible - I'm off to make a phone call.
10.11.04
Allison The Stupid
So, I spent the weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they have famous people with names like "Robert the Bruce" and other such names involving 'the' something. I herby dub myself Allison the Stupid because I, for a very very elementary reason, found myself unable to post on this blog for quite some time. It will not happen again, unless I have another memory lapse.
Heh. On a happier note, Hello to you all, I miss you. It's funny how here at Capernwray we all cling to eachother because we're together and everyone else we know is away. I realized it was like that when my Daddy Mark (the dad in my capernwray family) went to give a series of lectures on Corinthians at Bodenseoff in Germany for 10 days. My bros and sisters and I were so sad that he was leaving. And then this past week as we were all on travel weekend, not seeing Pamela (my roommate form Corvallis) was so traumatic. Hanging out with bascially the same 4 people rather than teh same 170 people was just insane. We all came back on monday night hugging and saying "I missed you so much!!" Heheh. Kinda pathetic, but hey - we're all we have.
I have found myself adjusting to England more than I thought. The money in Scotland, though it is the £, looks different and I was totally werided out by "different" money. And also I've discovered that I dont have to think about what side of the road to walk on. And I can tell where in England people are from by their accent, which used to be a challenge. And, most importlantly, I have learned to say knickers rather than panties, pants rather than boxers, and even More importantly, to say trousers rather than pants. Hehe.
Well, not to worry, there wont for a long time be such thing as a long post from me, as internet time is always lacking. Hopefully the next post will be Edinburgh pics.... Yeah, I think it will be.
Heh. On a happier note, Hello to you all, I miss you. It's funny how here at Capernwray we all cling to eachother because we're together and everyone else we know is away. I realized it was like that when my Daddy Mark (the dad in my capernwray family) went to give a series of lectures on Corinthians at Bodenseoff in Germany for 10 days. My bros and sisters and I were so sad that he was leaving. And then this past week as we were all on travel weekend, not seeing Pamela (my roommate form Corvallis) was so traumatic. Hanging out with bascially the same 4 people rather than teh same 170 people was just insane. We all came back on monday night hugging and saying "I missed you so much!!" Heheh. Kinda pathetic, but hey - we're all we have.
I have found myself adjusting to England more than I thought. The money in Scotland, though it is the £, looks different and I was totally werided out by "different" money. And also I've discovered that I dont have to think about what side of the road to walk on. And I can tell where in England people are from by their accent, which used to be a challenge. And, most importlantly, I have learned to say knickers rather than panties, pants rather than boxers, and even More importantly, to say trousers rather than pants. Hehe.
Well, not to worry, there wont for a long time be such thing as a long post from me, as internet time is always lacking. Hopefully the next post will be Edinburgh pics.... Yeah, I think it will be.
24.10.04
Sheets
So every other friday is our day to change our linnens. The instructions are to put them out side the door of your room to be collected. My (and Sarah from Colorado) friday duty has been to clean "The Zoo" (a room for about 9 of the coolest guys in school) and they leave us cool stuff. Im not sure who's idea it was, but they decided to make snowmen for us, leave "milk and cookies" (chips and water) and play xmas music off Josh's IPod. So rad. Gotta love it.
"Supper"
So, our meals at Capernwray are a little different than you might think. We have breakfast, dinner, high tea and supper. Supper is hot chocolate and is a very important meal. We live for hot chocolate. :)
Daveo
rain, rain, go away
Luke from near Salem... fellow Oregonian, inside... yeah.. heheh. (Good thing it's an Insurance umbrella. That's asking for trouble!)
football
Dominic from Germany and Chad from Virginia at the football game... Dominic as on the `rest of the world' side instead of 'europe' and causing trouble. lol
14.10.04
24.9.04
What is this Jet Lag Thing
So... maybe it'll hit me next week when school's started and I really need to stay awake. Or maybe I'm just not familiar with it. I thought before I came that jet lag would mean me being super tired all the time. Right now all I've noticed is that come midnight I'm wide awake. And come 7:30 I'm awake again, no alarm. I mean, I'd be happy if this is how I was all the time. It's pretty cool.
Does this mean that it still might hit me sometime? Some random day next week I'll just crash? Suckie suckie if that happens.
I think the only reason that this week is going so well is because of all the prayers sent out on my behalf. Usually I *really* dont like staying by myself, but that's been fine. And every day I've met at least one person who was really kind and friendly to me. And there's no other way I havent been smashed by a bus or a small, squirly car. (Eee)
Such blessings :)
Does this mean that it still might hit me sometime? Some random day next week I'll just crash? Suckie suckie if that happens.
I think the only reason that this week is going so well is because of all the prayers sent out on my behalf. Usually I *really* dont like staying by myself, but that's been fine. And every day I've met at least one person who was really kind and friendly to me. And there's no other way I havent been smashed by a bus or a small, squirly car. (Eee)
Such blessings :)
23.9.04
@ "Coffee and Click"
Earl Grey is much better in England, I dare say. Mmmmm. Not so sure about the esspresso, though.
So is club soccer - excuse me, Football. It plays late at night, and since it seems I can find nothing better to do than watch the telly, I discovered this great entertainment. (I'd say the club football is even more fun than the British Soaps...) Going to a match in person is one of those things I absolutely Must do before leaving.
Being a pedestrian, on the other hand, is not better. I am convinced that at the corners lacking the warning "LOOK RIGHT" or "LOOK LEFT" I will meet my end. Really. Pretty much every corner I came to in London had those warnings, but it didnt help too much, but the ammount of extreemely bold people helped my confidence to just walk out in front of the cars. The cars driven by ghosts. It always startles me when I glance into a car and "Holy CRap no one's driving!!" oh wait - they're on the other side.
I think counteracting the ever present clouds is the reason all the houses are red brick and all the store signs are bright colors and all the gardens have crazy amounts of random flowers. It has quite a good effect. When I look out my window over the hills covered in houses and churches, it is far from a dreary sight (especially since it's been sunny off and on) because of those brilliant red bricks and roofs.
Hearing strangers talk is also better here, thus far. That is possibly because I'm rather alone, but also perhaps because of the oh so fabulous accents. Accents is plural due to the crazy amounts of different versions of the British Accent. People living in a town 10 minutes away have a differnet one. Not to mention the huge amount of people not actaully from the UK who live here. I confused and was confused when talking to the different electronics store owners in London yesterday while in search of a part for my laptop. Was that ever good fun. More fun even than seeing the responses of people to hear that yes it is a long way, and yes I am walking.
People here always say 'girl' when they're talking to me. Does that happen in the States or do I just not notice? Do people call you anything?
"Are you lost, girl?"
"Do you have 30 seconds? C'mon girl..."
"Cheer up, girl!"
It's rather nice and not scary. (Btw, the second quote was from a guy on Oxford Street in London wanting me to fill out a survey or something. I just realized that it looks sort of frightening written down.)
I've discovered that being here makes me feel like a little kid. Everything is new and different, people dont understand me, I feel like I should hold someone's hand when crossing the street, I dont know what coins have which value right off hand, and I have to think a bit to tell time.
It's all a very good and pleasant learning experience.
(Btw, pictures will be in my gallery hopefully soon, but possibly not till I get to school...)
So is club soccer - excuse me, Football. It plays late at night, and since it seems I can find nothing better to do than watch the telly, I discovered this great entertainment. (I'd say the club football is even more fun than the British Soaps...) Going to a match in person is one of those things I absolutely Must do before leaving.
Being a pedestrian, on the other hand, is not better. I am convinced that at the corners lacking the warning "LOOK RIGHT" or "LOOK LEFT" I will meet my end. Really. Pretty much every corner I came to in London had those warnings, but it didnt help too much, but the ammount of extreemely bold people helped my confidence to just walk out in front of the cars. The cars driven by ghosts. It always startles me when I glance into a car and "Holy CRap no one's driving!!" oh wait - they're on the other side.
I think counteracting the ever present clouds is the reason all the houses are red brick and all the store signs are bright colors and all the gardens have crazy amounts of random flowers. It has quite a good effect. When I look out my window over the hills covered in houses and churches, it is far from a dreary sight (especially since it's been sunny off and on) because of those brilliant red bricks and roofs.
Hearing strangers talk is also better here, thus far. That is possibly because I'm rather alone, but also perhaps because of the oh so fabulous accents. Accents is plural due to the crazy amounts of different versions of the British Accent. People living in a town 10 minutes away have a differnet one. Not to mention the huge amount of people not actaully from the UK who live here. I confused and was confused when talking to the different electronics store owners in London yesterday while in search of a part for my laptop. Was that ever good fun. More fun even than seeing the responses of people to hear that yes it is a long way, and yes I am walking.
People here always say 'girl' when they're talking to me. Does that happen in the States or do I just not notice? Do people call you anything?
"Are you lost, girl?"
"Do you have 30 seconds? C'mon girl..."
"Cheer up, girl!"
It's rather nice and not scary. (Btw, the second quote was from a guy on Oxford Street in London wanting me to fill out a survey or something. I just realized that it looks sort of frightening written down.)
I've discovered that being here makes me feel like a little kid. Everything is new and different, people dont understand me, I feel like I should hold someone's hand when crossing the street, I dont know what coins have which value right off hand, and I have to think a bit to tell time.
It's all a very good and pleasant learning experience.
(Btw, pictures will be in my gallery hopefully soon, but possibly not till I get to school...)
18.9.04
Just So Everyone Knows
Michael (aka. Chrischael) is a supastar.
This man Rocks.
(Just thought I should give props where props are due.)
This man Rocks.
(Just thought I should give props where props are due.)
17.9.04
Ahhhhh The Chicken!! or Revenge of The Chicken
This morning I woke up and the first thing my Mom said to me was, "I didn't hear The Chicken last night. [laughs]". So far this is the third morning in a row that the first comment of the day has revolved around The Chicken.
You see, back in April when I got my wisdom teeth extracted, my Grandpa brought me this way beyond adorable pink furry chicken. When you squeeze it's left wing it waddles and plays the chicken dance, getting faster and faster until you quite nearly go insane or die laughing - mind you this thing is quite loud. At first, I would press it's wing for everyone who came over. Eventually, he joined the rest of the animals on the foot of my bed and spent most of his life being smothered by various articles of clothing, and/or pillows. Most of my animals apparently don't mind this inhumane mistreatment, but not The Chicken. No no, not him.
Tuesday night I went to bed pretty late, as I recall. Something like 1:30am. Sometime later, it didn't feel like a whole lot later and was still very dark, I awoke with a Most unpleasing start. Unpleasing as in I instantly sat straight up, gasping for breath, one hundred percent aware of my surroundings, but not one hundred percent sure of why I was in such a state. The corner of my bed was moving and there was the biggest racket of all time going on. So loud. Merciful heavens. Took me a good 8 or 9 seconds to figure out what it was, and maybe 3 more seconds to connect that there was no way to make it stop, and that my parents were most likely also awake. By that time my breathing was normal and I was only feeling mildly annoyed, rather than holyfreakingcrapwhatisgoingonhere. And in the morning my parents made known that not only had they heard The Chicken at 5:20am, but had thought it humorous.
Wednesday night was also a late night, and I was pretty tired. When I'm tired I generally like to make sure that nothing is going to be capable of waking me up, and since it is surprisingly difficult to make The Chicken play (remember, you have to squeeze a certain part of his wing with considerable pressure) I assumed the previous night's episode an unfortunate, rare event. Oh but I was wrong. Same time, same place. And this time, it only took me about 2 seconds to assess the situation and find the most suitable action to be that of grabbing The Chicken and putting him under the covers. As soon as he was finished, I put him on the floor and said, "The Chicken is Grounded".
From what I'm told, my dad, especially, found my smothering The Chicken to be quite entertaining. I suppose it was, but nothing at 5:30 in the morning is entertaining in my opinion.
The moral of the story might be that furry chickens do not belong in my bed. But if you come away with nothing else, please remember that Allison is not kind and gentle even to the pinkest and furriest creatures three hours before she is scheduled to get up.
You see, back in April when I got my wisdom teeth extracted, my Grandpa brought me this way beyond adorable pink furry chicken. When you squeeze it's left wing it waddles and plays the chicken dance, getting faster and faster until you quite nearly go insane or die laughing - mind you this thing is quite loud. At first, I would press it's wing for everyone who came over. Eventually, he joined the rest of the animals on the foot of my bed and spent most of his life being smothered by various articles of clothing, and/or pillows. Most of my animals apparently don't mind this inhumane mistreatment, but not The Chicken. No no, not him.
Tuesday night I went to bed pretty late, as I recall. Something like 1:30am. Sometime later, it didn't feel like a whole lot later and was still very dark, I awoke with a Most unpleasing start. Unpleasing as in I instantly sat straight up, gasping for breath, one hundred percent aware of my surroundings, but not one hundred percent sure of why I was in such a state. The corner of my bed was moving and there was the biggest racket of all time going on. So loud. Merciful heavens. Took me a good 8 or 9 seconds to figure out what it was, and maybe 3 more seconds to connect that there was no way to make it stop, and that my parents were most likely also awake. By that time my breathing was normal and I was only feeling mildly annoyed, rather than holyfreakingcrapwhatisgoingonhere. And in the morning my parents made known that not only had they heard The Chicken at 5:20am, but had thought it humorous.
Wednesday night was also a late night, and I was pretty tired. When I'm tired I generally like to make sure that nothing is going to be capable of waking me up, and since it is surprisingly difficult to make The Chicken play (remember, you have to squeeze a certain part of his wing with considerable pressure) I assumed the previous night's episode an unfortunate, rare event. Oh but I was wrong. Same time, same place. And this time, it only took me about 2 seconds to assess the situation and find the most suitable action to be that of grabbing The Chicken and putting him under the covers. As soon as he was finished, I put him on the floor and said, "The Chicken is Grounded".
From what I'm told, my dad, especially, found my smothering The Chicken to be quite entertaining. I suppose it was, but nothing at 5:30 in the morning is entertaining in my opinion.
The moral of the story might be that furry chickens do not belong in my bed. But if you come away with nothing else, please remember that Allison is not kind and gentle even to the pinkest and furriest creatures three hours before she is scheduled to get up.
16.9.04
Those Details
For the sake of less confusion and more sanity, here are some details about my life for the next two days.
I have not packed. I am doing so tomorrow. Hopefully off and on all day, but not on all day. Especailly because I'm very cool with people stopping by if they feel the need or something, but if I'm not very packed then it will be rather distracting and nothing will get accomplished.
Yes, I still have no idea what saturday is, or what I'm supposed to be doing with myself. If you have any grand ideas, do let me know.
Sunday I'll be at church and singing, yes, and then I'll be with my grandparents.
Monday, 11:27am United.
Eeeeeeeeeee
I have not packed. I am doing so tomorrow. Hopefully off and on all day, but not on all day. Especailly because I'm very cool with people stopping by if they feel the need or something, but if I'm not very packed then it will be rather distracting and nothing will get accomplished.
Yes, I still have no idea what saturday is, or what I'm supposed to be doing with myself. If you have any grand ideas, do let me know.
Sunday I'll be at church and singing, yes, and then I'll be with my grandparents.
Monday, 11:27am United.
Eeeeeeeeeee
15.9.04
To Sleep, or Not to Sleep
And I wonder: which is more important? To be well rested and healthy, or to talk to good friends and do more email? It sounds calloused to go with the first, but unintelligent to go with the second. Concidering the ample ammounts of caffine I have ingested today, the later is quite tempting, but it only aggrivates the first.
To sleep, perchance to dream, perhaps to compromise: tomorrow I'll drink wheatgrass and sleep in.
To sleep, perchance to dream, perhaps to compromise: tomorrow I'll drink wheatgrass and sleep in.
13.9.04
Color vs. Fear
Today I bought green luggage locks and yellow luggage tags. It's all very obnoxious, but I like it. I think. I like the bright colors, at least; the idea of luggage locks makes me a little bit uptight. Like having locks means things are less than safe, and people are less than trustworthy. I know that's how it is, but up to date I have never locked my luggage and have never had trouble. (If my luggage was gone through without my permission, it was done so by TSA and then ziptied, which actually does not bother me in the least.) (Yes, I know the UK is different.) Usually I am not a person who is scared and paranoid about people running off with my things, and I know this is just a safety percaution, but it still upsets me. The buying of the borderline hideously bright green and yellow items must have been my subconscience attempting to go into happycheery mode. It might work for me, though. Who knows, maybe I'll enjoy my black luggage with the neon accessories so much that I'll match it; you know, like those people who match their pets. Muahahaaa - and no one can stop me by saying 'Look, I'm not walking with you if you look like that" because I'm doing this by myself. But then again, I dont know if I could handle myself like that.
Things
Reading with a pencil is profitable.
Brownies and grapes are not meant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It is possible to miss people before you are gone.
I'm still young enough to stay up past 4 and still function.
Reading people's blogs is way more fun than I expected.
Mondays are not bad.
The Two Towers still drives me insane.
Brownies and grapes are not meant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It is possible to miss people before you are gone.
I'm still young enough to stay up past 4 and still function.
Reading people's blogs is way more fun than I expected.
Mondays are not bad.
The Two Towers still drives me insane.
11.9.04
Tonight
I feel loved.
Everyone in my life is so supportive and encouraging. God has blessed me through the people in my life so beyond what I deserve that sometimes I dont know what to do. When people try to deny the institutes God has instated, I tell them about my life in order to help them understand why He has given them to us.The family, the church... those things are so important for life and growth. Having people around me that I've known for 20, 19, 7 and 3 years gives me such a feeling of belonging and security and warmth.
I was just talking to someone yesterday about how it is that when you've known someone since you were little, it doesnt matter how long you've been appart, you can always just sort of start up where you left off; you still have that childhood connection and comfortableness that makes you feel like you can be yourself and they can be themselves and it'll be good.
"Sooo Good!" (That about sums it up, eh?)
Everyone in my life is so supportive and encouraging. God has blessed me through the people in my life so beyond what I deserve that sometimes I dont know what to do. When people try to deny the institutes God has instated, I tell them about my life in order to help them understand why He has given them to us.The family, the church... those things are so important for life and growth. Having people around me that I've known for 20, 19, 7 and 3 years gives me such a feeling of belonging and security and warmth.
I was just talking to someone yesterday about how it is that when you've known someone since you were little, it doesnt matter how long you've been appart, you can always just sort of start up where you left off; you still have that childhood connection and comfortableness that makes you feel like you can be yourself and they can be themselves and it'll be good.
"Sooo Good!" (That about sums it up, eh?)
9.9.04
Headphones On My Head
Every time it rains,
It rains pennies from heaven
Don't you know each cloud contains
Pennies from heaven
You'll find your fortune's falling
All over the town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
So when you hear it thunder don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
~Frank Sinatra
This is my song, I think. My dear friend Rose played it for me today. Rain is such a lovely gift. It brings life and new beginings and that awesome wet pavement smell. It makes me feel like a child again when I walk or splash in the rain. Somehow the rain, when I see it or feel it or walk through it, enters my emotions and my thoughts. Don't ever run under a tree, or back into the dorms at Christopher Newport University - there is a whole new world to explore when it rains. Run in it. Splash in it. Dance in it. It's pennies from heaven, how could you ever hate it? Without rain we would not have umbrellas, not have big rubber boots, not have the chance to get wet and not worry about the state of makeup or clothing. Rain is the beautiful chance to forget what is wrong with the day and smile at the sky and thank God for cleansing our world and our hearts.
It rains pennies from heaven
Don't you know each cloud contains
Pennies from heaven
You'll find your fortune's falling
All over the town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
So when you hear it thunder don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
~Frank Sinatra
This is my song, I think. My dear friend Rose played it for me today. Rain is such a lovely gift. It brings life and new beginings and that awesome wet pavement smell. It makes me feel like a child again when I walk or splash in the rain. Somehow the rain, when I see it or feel it or walk through it, enters my emotions and my thoughts. Don't ever run under a tree, or back into the dorms at Christopher Newport University - there is a whole new world to explore when it rains. Run in it. Splash in it. Dance in it. It's pennies from heaven, how could you ever hate it? Without rain we would not have umbrellas, not have big rubber boots, not have the chance to get wet and not worry about the state of makeup or clothing. Rain is the beautiful chance to forget what is wrong with the day and smile at the sky and thank God for cleansing our world and our hearts.
8.9.04
My Summer
This "Back to School" week got me thinking: if I had to write that familiar First Day of School Essay "What I did this summer" what would I say for 2004?
Surely the page would be filled with fabulous friends and trips to the beach and crazy ideas and good literature... but no. Granted, those things were wonderful and many, but when think about it, the significant and impacting aspect of my summer that would be found on the final draft is simply an ordinary day as a nanny. It could be summed up in a day like today: 4 boys, 4 lunches, 2 trips in the car, play gunfights, a few errands to run, a few things to organize, a stop to visit friends, a stop at church, good talks with family, a good random phone call. Throw in an extra kid (or two), or an extra car trip, or change the people in the visits or phone calls, and you have my summer.
And it was good.
The way God provides for our needs is extraordinary, amen? God knew that I would need the order and consistancy of working "normal hours" this summer to balance out the chaos of getting ready to move when I had been expecting to still be at Starbucks. He knew that I would learn so much from being with the kids all the time. He knew I needed time to read and be reminded of His control and His faithfulness.
And He did it.
And I am humbled.
Surely the page would be filled with fabulous friends and trips to the beach and crazy ideas and good literature... but no. Granted, those things were wonderful and many, but when think about it, the significant and impacting aspect of my summer that would be found on the final draft is simply an ordinary day as a nanny. It could be summed up in a day like today: 4 boys, 4 lunches, 2 trips in the car, play gunfights, a few errands to run, a few things to organize, a stop to visit friends, a stop at church, good talks with family, a good random phone call. Throw in an extra kid (or two), or an extra car trip, or change the people in the visits or phone calls, and you have my summer.
And it was good.
The way God provides for our needs is extraordinary, amen? God knew that I would need the order and consistancy of working "normal hours" this summer to balance out the chaos of getting ready to move when I had been expecting to still be at Starbucks. He knew that I would learn so much from being with the kids all the time. He knew I needed time to read and be reminded of His control and His faithfulness.
And He did it.
And I am humbled.
6.9.04
The Knight of Faith
With infinite resignation he has drained the cup of life's profound sadness, he knows the bliss of the infinite, he senses the pain of renouncing everything, the dearest things he possesses in the world, and yet finiteness tastes to him just as good as to one who never knew anything higher, for his continuance in the finite did not bear a trace of the cowed and fearful spirit produced by the process of training; and yet he has this sense of security in enjoying it, as though the finite life were the surest thing of all. And yet, and yet the whole earthly form he exhibits is a new creation by virtue of the absurd. He resigned everything infinitely, and then he grasped everything again by virtue of the absurd. He constantly makes the movements of infinity, but he does this with such correctness and assurance that he constantly gets the finite out of it, and there is not a second when one has a notion of anything else. It is supposed to be the most difficult task for a dancer to leap into a definite posture in such a way that there is not a second when he is grasping after the posture, but by the leap itself he stands fixed in that posture. Perhaps no dancer can do it - that is what this knight does.
(pg 31-32, Fear and Trembling, Soren Kierkegaard )
(pg 31-32, Fear and Trembling, Soren Kierkegaard )
Thoughts of 1:17am
As a rule, I think of my room, my house, as a quiet place. Yet here I lie, assualted by snores muffled only by a thin wall, the deep bark of the neighbor's agitated mongrel, and the clicking and tapping of my own ten fingers. Occationaly a car drives by, or at times a worse offender; a firetruck. But probably nothing more coarse than the clang my own fingers, echoing in the soft flanel and fleece that is my room, my house, at night.
5.9.04
So it is down to you, and it is down to me
...and you win. Yes, I surrender... here it is: Allison's blog.
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