we drew our own constellations.

finally.

2006-08-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

It's been way too long since I've posted. Here's an abbreviated update on my life...

1. I'm offically the Program Assistant/Case Manager at Sojourner Place.
2. I'm taking salsa lessons and loving it!
3. I'm with a wonderful man, Robbie...and loving every minute of it.
4. I've had a great summer with wonderful visitors--Dave Gilbert, who I hadn't seen since junior year in high school, my parents, Kristian from ECM, Flora, and some of Robbie's friends. I also went to visit Matt and Chris in Vancouver and am going to visit Liza at the end of the month.
5. Life has been good. I'm feeling settled in, but still trying to figure out what's going to happen tomorrow...

Enjoy the photos.

Dave and I at Gas Works park in front of some cool graffitti.
Me and Robbie after dinner with all of our friends.
Me, Dave, and Robbie enjoying the Gasworks. I like the bright colors.
Dad and I goofing around the last day of my parents' visit.
Me and my mamma.
At Mt. Rainier. The meadows were as beautiful as the mountain.

This day, we got into the car and started driving. We decided to go to the ocean. It was freezing cold, and we stayed for maybe 15 minutes before going hitting the road again. We decided to try spicy baby octopus from a big, Asian grocery store. The results...
Robbie loved it. Saved a little for later.
I, on the other hand, thought it was disgusting.

It's been a while.

2006-03-27T17:26:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful day here in Seattle--it's sunny, a little breezy, and in the low 60s. I didn't work today (Mondays are my day off), so I decided to go down to Pike's Place market. There are lots of people walking around, and I can already tell the difference between (well, most) of the Seattle-ites and tourists. It feels nice starting to fit in.

Work has been going very very slow. I applied for my boss's position, but didn't even get an interview. I knew it was a long shot, but I thought I would at least get an interview. They didn't seem very professional about it. There is one woman who applied for the job that I met before that I really hope becomes my boss. She received her degree in Psychology and Women Studies, and is very interested in both mental health and the non-profit world. She also worked as a doula (midwife) for years. Our interests overlap a lot, and she is just an amazing woman. I hope she becomes my new boss! I did talk to Polly about work going slow, and she told me to take advantage of things being slower. They often aren't this slow--usually they are too busy.

I am planning on applying to be on Seattle's Commission for Women. You can find more info about it here! I'm trying to get involved in more things, but it's coming slowly. I had 4 of my friends over on Friday and we made fantastic pizza and shared some bottles of wine. It was tons of fun--great conversation, good music, and lots of laughing. I also have been having a hard time finding a church. I don't like going to church without someone to go with, and I really miss having a community. But, I know that I can't have a community without going to a church for a while. I was just spoiled by ECM.

I was reading my journal from my trip last year. It's so great reading about all of the wonderful places that I visit. I'm so glad I did such a good job of keeping a journal. I can see, feel, and even smell the places that I was at. Some of the places I really miss, but Seattle reminds me of several of the places. The market here reminds me of the beautiful market in Florence. The water reminds me of Brighton and Nice, and the mountains remind me of the train ride from Rome to Nice. A year ago, I could have never imagined I would be here, doing what I'm doing. Never. It's good, though.

Well, I am going back to Valpo for Easter. It will be wonderful seeing family and friends. If you live anywhere around there, you should come visit me. It'll probably be cheaper that way than coming out to Seattle! But, visitors are always welcome out here!

Christy's Spring Break!

2006-03-10T18:31:00.000-06:00

So, here are a bunch of pictures that I have recently taken. Christy came to visit for her spring break, and there are pictures of that, and some from parties with friends. I'll do an actual post in a couple of days, but if you would like to see the rest of the pictures, go to here!
This is Snoqualmie Falls, only about 30 minutes outside of Seattle. It was beautiful, and Christy and I hiked down to the bottom.
This is the view of Seattle from the top of the Space Needle.
A perfect latte. Mmm.....

Christy and me from Alki Beach in West Seattle, looking on to Puget Sound and the city.

My friend Jessie and me at a Beach Party. I almost one the prize for best beachy dressed. By the end of the night, everyone was having too much fun and forgot about the prizes.
My long curly hair before I cut it all off.
Jessie cut off more hair than I did, though. She cut of 14 inches. We were having lots of fun that night.
Me and Chris at the top of the Space Needle, it was extremely windy that day, and we were lucky to be able to go outside. I prefer the Eiffel Tower and the St. Louis Arch, though.
I have to admit this is a pretty cool picture. I took it!
There is really a big troll underneath the bridge. It is smashing a VW bug in it's hand.
We had such a great time at Pike's Place Market. Chris was a little scared of the fish.
And, one of the last parts of our adventure. Christy attempting to eat Pho with chopsticks. It looks like she was doing a good job. Looks like.

Seattle is still wonderful. I'm doing ok--I was pretty homesick after Christy left, and a little heartbroken after an email I received. I am, however, determined to live my life. It feels like the first time in a while I am letting everything go...and truly starting to live. Wish me luck.

2006-02-23T01:08:00.000-06:00

i don't know whether or not i love or hate the ending of garden state. is it possible to be jealous of characters in a movie?

More pictures!

2006-02-09T01:20:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pictures of my apartment, but be sure to read the blog entry below this one...it's new and has some pictures, too!This, ladies and gents, is the first time that I saw Mt. Rainier. Well, I saw it when I came to Seattle/Vancouver in August, but it was the first time since I've been living here. I went to Pike's Place Market Monday afternoon and was just walking around.
This is the view from my living room. One half of the window is the downtown, and the other half is this. That's the Space Needle (it looks bigger from the window compared to the camera) and the Olympic Mountains. FROM MY APARTMENT!

Another pic of the living room. There are three huge windows and a balcony. It's perfect. And, I get wireless. Free.
The sunset from my living room.

My first real dinner in my apartment. This was the fish with tomatoes and red onions. Yummy.

I buy my own flowers.

2006-02-09T00:55:00.000-06:00

The city from my living room. Yes, that tall building is the one that Josie and I climbed down 30 flights of stairs.
My happy daffodills!
This is what my kitchen looks like. It seems like it would be a little small, but it's the perfect size for me!
My living room. That's the white couch you'll read more about later!
My room. It's still a disaster!

I love my apartment. I moved everything in with the help of some of my wonderful friends on Saturday. We moved everything in about six hours. My apartment took some time to pull together, and I think that it will still take me several weeks or longer before I have everything like I want it to. I am throwing a party on Friday night...it should be a blast. I'll put some pictures up after the party.

A couple nights ago, I bought myself some gorgeous daffodills. They weren't open when I bought them, but they are all open now. I don't need anyone to buy me flowers. It's surprising how much joy and happiness flowers can bring to a room.

Everything fits perfectly. Especially me. I couldn't have found a better apartment. I talked with Ryan and Amanda, my friends who lived here before I did, and they really like their new apartment. It was just really lucky how things worked out with me moving in here. I didn't understand how beautiful the view was until I woke up and saw the Olympic mountain range one morning. Or watched a beautiful sunset from my living room window.

My big white couch wouldn't fit through my front door...it was too big. We had to take it through my neighbor's apartment, onto the balcony (where it nearly fell off of the second story) and then through my balcony door. During the couch moving incident, my friend Rachel had her arm pinched really badly between the railing and the couch and I had my had squashed between the railing and the side of the couch. It does look wonderful in here, though. I'm sitting on it now! This couch isn't going anywhere for a long time! And, when it does leave the apartment, I have a feeling it will be in pieces!

It's so nice to be able to get off work and not having that I have to do. This week I made really yummy dinners--Monday I had fish with tomatoes and red onions with fresh green beans and Tuesday I had linguine with clams and mussels in a white wine sauce. Both were very good. I really think I will be able to hone my cooking skills with all of the free time that I have in the evenings.

I went out to dinner tonight with my friends Jessie, Andy, Rachel, and Emma. Emma lives on Bainbridge Island, and I had to drive her to the ferry tonight. I think I'm going to visit her in a couple of weeks...she said she'd give me a tour of the island...or at least part of it!

I think that it will sometimes get lonely coming home to my apartment and not having anyone else here. But, I have my music. And, I have my friends. I just know that I can't be with them every night. But, my friends are great and I know that I can invite them over for dinner (or go over for dinner) almost any night. It is nice, however, to have the place to myself. I can listen to whatever music I want at whatever volume, I don't have to worry about what I'm wearing (or if I'm not wearing anything at all!) It is nice.

Work was hard yesterday. One of the women has a severe eating disorder, and she hasn't had anything to eat in the past four days. It's really hard because there isn't anything that anyone can say to her that will make things better. She's going to check into an intensive outpatient clinic for eating disorders. She went into the hospital last night, and they pumped her full of fluids. It's just a temporary fix, though. It's really hard to see someone wasting away, knowing that they are capable of changing things. But eating disorders are a disease. Just like how so many of these women almost threw away their lives with drugs and alcohol...and that those addictions are diseases, too.

One of the other most difficult parts to my job is having to say no. Our main requirement is that the women are employed full-time or going to school full time and working part time. When women don't meet these qualifications, they aren't allowed in the program. Or even able to apply. I have to say no often everyday. I just hope they can find the help that they are looking for.

I also found out today that I will possibly be able to get a raise in about 5 months. They do an evaluation every year, but they do it at 6 months the first year. I'm excited. It means, though, that I should do more work than I do now!

Seahawks!

2006-02-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

...just a few pictures from the road trip! I miss you, Josie!

Nothing really new going on here. I'm at a coffee shop again. Work has been going well. I have realized, though, that I don't want to work at a place like this for my career. Yes, it's wonderful work, and it's very important, but it isn't enough for me. I need something more challenging. I am thinking of applying to law school at Seattle University to start going this fall...only part time. But, the earlier I start, the earlier I'll be done. I want to do something on a bigger scale...change some of the laws that make some of the problems these women have even worse. I was (GASP!) even thinking of going into politics! JEN CLAYPOOL FOR PRESIDENT! I don't know...maybe one of these days. There's still so much that I need to learn before I think about that. Regardless of what I do, I think that law/lobbying/and/or/politics will be involved.

I move into my apartment Saturday! It will be really nice getting all of my things out of storage. I made a really wonderful chicken noodle soup for dinner, and I can't wait until I can start cooking more things for myself. It'll be fun decorating it, but I'm going to have to wait a little bit until the money starts rolling in. Well, not really rolling, but having some of it, at least. And, I'm so proud of myself, I haven't went shopping since I've been here. I was even in Target and I didn't buy anything more than the necessities. I do have self control!

I have bought a book and one cd, but that's really good for me. I haven't been going in bookstores or record stores. I don't want to test myself that much! But, there were some wonderful books laying around the Sojourner House that no one was reading. I'm currently reading I know This Much Is True, by Wally Lamb. It's really great. I got sucked in after the first 5 pages.

Well, the Superbowl XL is Sunday! I don't know quite yet where I will be watching it...and celebrating afterwards, but, Seattle is going crazy already! GO SEAHAWKS! (As a tear rolls down my cheek, thinking about my wonderful Chicago Bears.)

Ok. I'm off. More reading. More surfing. Maybe even more coffee! Love you all!

No strings attached

2006-01-24T22:50:00.000-06:00

A year ago, I don't think I could have imagined I would be here. I am sitting at a wonderful coffeeshop in downtown Seattle...drinking a hazelnut latte. And, I can see the downtown buildings from the window and the Space Needle, too. Well, I never thought that I would be drinking coffee. I even like it. I miss having it when I don't drink it even one day...I'm becoming one of those coffee people. And, I didn't think I would be single, either.

Last year around this time Pete and I were still together. I thought we were going to get married. That seems hundreds of years ago. I really like my independence. I love Seattle. It doesn't rain half as much as people think that it does. I think it's Seattle's little secret...to keep everyone away. The weather is wonderful and it doesn't get that cold, either. The food is great...the coffee is better. And, I've met wonderful friends. I feel a hundred times better and happier here than I felt last semester.

I really thank England for being able to learn to be alone. I like being alone...it's great being able to have company with myself. And, not stressing out if I don't have someone to hang out with on a Friday night...well, I usually don't have that problem. :-D

It's also great being able to be out of school. I love not having to worry about papers or read stupid theoretical things...I have a job (which I love). I can talk about traveling Europe. Or how I love Paris best from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Or, why calling a person a pussy (not regarding to a woman's vagina) is sexist. (That was a fun conversation!) And, I can talk about my dreams of opening a shelter and going to law school...and how those are realities.

I think I'm becoming more and more like Josie...not believing in love. Or thinking that it might just be a big hoax. Not love between friends...but the horrible love that can tear your heart into pieces that you have no control of. I'm going to give up on love for a while. It's given up on me a long time ago. It's strange...for a long time I loved the idea of getting married and having children. I don't want that anytime soon. I like being me. Jen...with no strings attached.

My first day at work!

2006-01-17T22:23:00.000-06:00

The Sojourner Place House

Today was my official day at work! It was a good day...well, the morning started off interesting. There was a woman who locked herself out of her room, and I had to open it (that was at 7:30am). Earlier, a poster fell off of my wall and woke me up and scared me! I thought that someone was breaking into my room. I guess that's what happens when I'm sleeping... I also had a phone call from my wonderful dad at 7am. He thought that I was working at 8 or 9am. I didn't start work until 10.

Work went well. I found out that my boss, Polly, is probably moving to Arizona. Her partner was offered a great job there, and they'll probably move in the next month or so. So, I won't be the newest person working here! The wonderful thing is that she (and the board) are open for a lot of change and open to all of my ideas. I really think that I'll be able to contribute a lot to this program. When Polly and I were talking, she said that she knew that I was the perfect person for the job. That regardless of the money, I was the right person that they needed to hire. She said that she couldn't imagine anyone better than me fit for this job. And, that was after only seeing me face to face for less than a week. It was quite a compliment.

I had to go downtown to sign papers for insurance and taxes, and I couldn't find the right bus to get back on to get back to work. I stopped at Pike Place Market and got some clams, a grapple, and some blood oranges. The grapple was so weird---an apple that tastes like a grape. I couldn't handle it--it had the texture of an apple, but the taste was really off. It didn't taste like an apple, but it didn't taste like a grape, either. I made a really yummy dinner--clams with pasta and butter, garlic, and parsley. I liked it!

I'm working tomorrow...and the next day, and the day after that....and I think the day after that, too! I like working, but I just don't know what to do with my free time in the evenings. I am currently reading Gone with the Wind, The Hidden Hand, Lolita, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Another Roadside Attraction, and none of those are even keeping my interest! Tomorrow, though, I'm going to see Capote in a small little theatre. Should be fun!

I'm in Seattle

2006-01-14T16:30:00.000-06:00

Things have been really crazy and busy this past week. I left Sunday to Des Monies to pick up Josie before we went on our road trip to Seattle. We were really lucky and hardly ran into any bad weather. We drove through some beautiful land...mountains and more mountains. It was gorgeous. A little scary at times, too, but we made it. On our way, we stopped at Mount Rushmore. It was about 30 minutes out of the way, but it was worth it. We met some "First Nations" people, they were from Alaska. I had never really met anyone from Alaska, so I thought it was really cool. Montana was beyond beautiful. It was majestic driving through the mountains...I never thought it would have been that beautiful. Washington was gorgeous, too. There were huge pine trees covering the mountains, covered in snow. I'll send some pictures later that will better show how beautiful things were.

When Josie and I got into Seattle, we explored downtown. It was actually sunny when we got in...the sun was shining just to welcome us. We walked through Pike's Place Market and walked around the city. In my Seattle book, it said that there was a gorgeous view of the city from the Bank of America building--it's the tallest building in Seattle. We took the elevator up to the 74th floor and then thought that we could take the stairs the rest of the way. Little did we know that all of the doors in the staircase would be locked!!! We walked down to the 44th floor before we called the security people (Josie's wonderful idea) to help us out. They then told us that only members were allowed on the top floor. One day I'll be a member. That night, we went out to a wonderful seafood restaurant and celebrated with a bottle of wine. Afterwards, we went to a comedy club. We were stopped in the street while we were walking and there was a man who asked us to request any oldies song and he would sing it. Josie requested My Girl, and then he proceeded to sing Under the Boardwalk and Stand By Me. He was really good...and a lot of fun. We made it to the comedy club and did karaoke upstairs in the bar afterwards.

The next day was really hard--Josie left early in the morning, and I came over to the Sojourner Place to meet Polly and to move in. I found out that I'm the only other employee that they have. It's exciting with all the new stuff that I'll be able to do. I feel that the first week will just be a lot of organizing and moving stuff in and getting settled. I was really sad/depressed/lonely on Thursday. I went to the storage unit, and it was hard to see all of my things in an 10X10 unit...all packed in there. And, I just questioned why I had moved here, why so far away from family and friends and people I loved. I went to bed early that night, and the next day was much better.

Yesterday, I got in my car and drove around Seattle. I stopped at different areas of town and was just trying to get familiar with things. I found a place that had a beautiful view of Puget Sound and the Space Needle...I also found this observatory that had beautiful plants and flowers. I just walked around and enjoyed the smell of a greenhouse. I also bought a cd at a small record store, found a Tom Robbins book at a used bookstore, and had a gingerbread caffe latte. I went to a party last night and there were a lot of people that had graduated from WashU, so it was nice having something in common and meeting people. Today I'm just hanging around...might hang out with Ryan Shea and Amanda Tillman later, two people who I knew from ECM. I also want to start putting posters up in my room. It's starting to feel more like my room than just an empty room. I'm also going to try a church out tomorrow...see how that works out. Try to meet more people. I miss and love you all very much. Hope to hear from you!

Defragmenting

2006-01-03T01:09:00.000-06:00

I'm sad right now. The tears are almost at the surface, but I'm not letting them come. I'm in a very nostalgic mood...scared of missing what I have right now, scared of what is to come, scared of a lot of things. I really think I am going to miss my wonderful friends. Erin--the girl with me in the above picture--and I have become really close this past semester. It seemed like as soon as we were becoming closer...I left.

And, Maria and Liza. My girls. This was the last night I was in Brighton. Liza had bought mud from the Dead Sea...and we did this along with a bottle of wine and leftover tequila and whiskey. It was quite a night. I wonder when I'm going to see Maria next--she's in Greece and we hardly even talk. And, hopefully I'll see Liza more when I'm out in Seattle. I think a Brighton reunion will be due. Dan, me, Liza, Chris, Kelley, and Edie are all out on the west coast. I think it will be quite a fun time.

And, this picture was taken when Matt and I were at the Sculpture Park in St. Louis. It was the coolest place. I know I will miss St. Louis...I fell in love with it. And, I already miss Matt.

I went to a movie tonight with one of my friend's from high school, Laurie Gribshaw, and she was in tears when we said goodbye. Wondering the next time we're going to see each other. I was driving home, thinking when the next time I'm going to come back home. Easter? Summer? Or wait until next Thanksgiving or Christmas? I don't know. I'm excited about Seattle, but it's scary. It's not like the feeling I had when I was leaving for Brighton last year--I knew that I was going to come back to St. Louis and Valpo. All of my goodbyes were temporary. But, these goodbyes? I always have such a hard time letting go...letting go of old lovers, friends, places. The thing is, I need to let go to allow myself to grow and change. Weird but fitting analogy...it's sort of like defragmenting my computer--it said that it needed 15% free space to have enough room to organize and fix things. I only had 8% free.

Happy New Years!

2006-01-01T19:29:00.000-06:00

I always thought that 2006 seemed so far away, but it's here. When I was in high school, I thought 22 was so old. I also thought that I would be getting married soon after I graduated from college. That seems so long ago and things are so different.

2005 was an amazing year--it was a year full of dreams. Not just dreaming, but dreams coming true. Around this time last year, I was a very different person. I was getting ready to study abroad in Brighton, England. The five months that I spent there were everything and more than I could have ever imagined. I met amazing friends, traveled to places I had only dreamed of (Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Dublin, London), and I grew up.

I am now an official college graduate! I graduated from Washington University...and I'm not going to med school like I had wanted for years upon years. I am so happy I am no longer pursuing that...I have found what I'm passionate about and I'm doing it.

In a week from now, I'm going to be on the road headed for Seattle and the life that's awaiting me out there. I think that my job is going to be wonderful--working at Sojourner Place will be difficult. Probably harder than I imagine, but I know it will be rewarding.

This is also the first time almost since high school that I've been single. I really think I like it. I have learned so much about myself--what I want, what it means to respect myself, being comfortable being alone--but most importantly, being happy. I was so unhappy when I went back to St. Louis. I felt like I didn't have any friends, felt that my community was non-existent, was in love with someone thousands of miles away, and just wanted to move on with my life. I'm able to do that now.

So, for this New Year, I don't really think I'm going to make any New Year's resolutions. There are tons of things that I want to do, and I really don't see any reason why I'm not going to. Every dream that I have ever had I've made come true. I don't think that's going to stop anytime soon. Happy New Years, everyone.

One more final...

2005-12-19T23:01:00.000-06:00

I thought I would put up some fun pictures that are fairly recent. This one is me and my friend, Michelle. Michelle and I lived together sophomore year, and had a falling out while we studied abroad, but at the party we had a great time together.

And, this is the beautiful Josie Smith. I will miss her so much when I'm out in Seattle, but I'm going to try and convince her to move out there with me. It might even require me trying to make connections to find her a job! Ha!

This picture is from the ECM Christmas party. The party was lots of fun, as usual, but my favorite thing was caroling after the party. I really think that this was the best turn out ever--well, since freshman year. We didn't have anyone hide from us or slam the door on our face. It was a good year.
This picture was taken this past weekend, with the wonderful Carli Miller. She's only a freshman, and I wish I had more time to spend with her! Josie and I, however, have enjoyed corrupting her. I can't count how many times she insists to us, "But, I'm a delicate flower!"

And, this, I bet you can't guess...is me. I love the hat...I stole it from a guy that was at the party, and I didn't want to give it back. He took it back at the end of the night...but also asked me what I was doing the next night. I know the picture is facing sideways, but I didn't feel like fixing it.

It's finally sinking in. Lately it seems like I've just been going with the flow, trying to figure things out--moving trucks, storage units, studying for exams, hanging out with friends, that the reality that I'm really going to be in Seattle in less than a month hasn't set in. It's so crazy. And, it's not like going to Brighton when I knew I would be coming back home in 6 months. This is the real thing. And, it's not like going to college when everyone else is in the same shoes that you're in. I will actively have to meet people. I will be responsible for everything--I'm not really talking about bills, etc. (I know I have to do that stuff), but I will have to go find places to be involved in. Find a church. Meet friends. Find groups that I like. Plus, I get to do fun stuff like find my favorite coffee shop and bookstore.

I am looking forward to going home. It's going to be the last time that I'll be home for a long period of time. It'll be great spending time with both friends and family. I'll get to hit up good ol' V-town, see friends, and sadly, say goodbye.

Seattle, here I come!

2005-12-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, on my way to the silent retreat I received a phone call from Polly at Sojourner Place. I was offered an extra $5000/year plus getting to do everything that I want: grant writing, fundraising, working with the women, etc. I took the job!!! I'm moving out to Seattle in early January!

I went to my job interview at the psychiatry lab today just for the practice. I think I would be okay at that job...if I even get it...but I know I wouldn't be passionate about it. I would be in a small office, doing lots of paperwork. But, it did work to my advantage. The people in Seattle thought they had lost me to this job in St. Louis, and that's why they offered me the extra money. I could never have imagined things working out this wonderfully!

And, to top it off, both of my parents are really excited for me, too. There is a smile from ear to ear, and I don't think it's going to disappear anytime soon!

I am going to miss some things, like the wonderful children that I worked with for the past 3 1/2 years. I will miss my friends incredibly. I will miss ECM. And, Wash U, too. But, it's been wonderful here, and now I'm ready for the next part of my life!

Things I want to do before I'm 25...

2005-12-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

In no specific order:

Take dance lessons--salsa, hip-hip, maybe swing
Become fluent in French
Start learning Spanish
Don't kiss on a first date
Go rock climbing
Run/work out on a regular basis
Go skiing
Work at a coffee shop
Learn to cook exotic meals
Keep an herb garden in my kitchen
Be in a book group
Write often in my journal
Learn to really love myself
Go to a formal dance
Read Madame Bovary in French

Two wonderful cities...two wonderful choices...

2005-12-09T18:06:00.000-06:00

Earlier this morning, I received a phone call from Kelle, setting up a job interview at the Wash U Psychiatry Eating Disorder's Lab. The interview is next Wednesday, and I have to email her a writing sample, as well. I was really excited about this job, especially after receiving the news about Polly not being able to offer me a job at Sojourner Place, but...

Today, when I got off work, there was a message from Polly. She had met with her financial board, and they were impressed by my resume and cover letter, and they want to hire me. She offered me a full time job, starting early January. She apologized profusely about earlier this week, and she said that they would be lucky to have me working with them.
So, now I have to make a very hard decision. I have several other job offers/interviews coming up within this next week, too. I was even offered a job interview in Reno, Nevada. I'm not considering that one. I never thought that I would have so many choices for a job...I was worried about not finding one at all.

I'm so torn. So much of me wants to go to Seattle. I felt like home when I was there this summer, and I really think I'm ready to move on for a new part of my life. But, when I was thinking about staying in St. Louis, I was thinking of all of the things that I could explore further. And, I was contemplating doing an outreach for some of the women in St. Louis/East St. Louis and having that be my project for the next six months.

I know that I will love the work I will do at Sojourner Place. It will be a challenging job, I know, but I also feel that I will be able to give so much to the women and have them give back to me. And, I think it will allow me to grow and further explore my faith. I'm still having a difficult time with the situation I'm in with Matt...and knowing that we wouldn't see each other, despite only living a couple hours away from each other.

A lot of decisions to make that will affect the rest of my life. It's scary, but it's so exciting. And, it's wonderful that I'm the one that gets to make these decisions...not my parents, not my friends, but ultimately, it's my decision.

Bad News...

2005-12-06T20:22:00.000-06:00

So, yesterday, after I had finally decided to take the job in Seattle, everything fell out from underneath of it. I received an email from the woman who I had been speaking with, and she said that she could no longer offer me a job. We had already gotten to the salary negotiaion phase. She said that she hadn't spoken with her exec board. I was super disappointed, and now it's back to the grind of looking for more jobs. Fun fun.

On a lighter note, I don't have that much to do for finals.
Hypnosis: 10 page paper due tomorrow, 7 pages done so far
Thelma and Louise: revise a paper I've already done
Africa: Exam on Dec. 20
Race, Sex, and Sexuality: Paper canceled!
Women's Health: Easy final and paper on whatever I want, due Dec. 19.

So, I'm pretty much in the clear after this paper. Speaking of the paper, I should finish it instead of blogging. Back to the world of papers and university libraries...

job decisions...

2005-12-01T20:10:00.000-06:00

So, I was offered this job in Seattle at a place called the Sojourner Place. It seems like a great job--I would be a program assistant/facilities manager. Starting salary would be around $25,000/year including a good benefits program with medical, vision, dental and 401K program. I will probably end up taking it. If I'm not offered a better job. Who knows...

It's scary--not knowing where I'll be or what I'll be doing in a month. I wish that everything would work out wonderfully....but, that's not being realistic. I just need to remember that I'll be in law school in a year and a half. And, after I do that, job possiblities will be much better. And, higher paid.

Need to do some school work. I only have about a week and a half left of college. Crazy, huh? The countdown has started...

i'm back.

2005-11-26T19:18:00.000-06:00

Hello, my wonderful, dedicated blog readers. I'm sorry that I haven't posted in quite a while--I hope you haven't lost faith. I've been busy....

Matt came for a wonderful 2 weeks. We had an amazing time together. I did a lot of things in St. Louis that I had never done before--went up in the Arch, went to the Sculpture park, went swing dancing, and lots more. I had a birthday party--I'm 22! The party was wonderful--all of my best friends came, and we had lots of drinks, lots of dancing, and tons of fun. Matt left a couple of weeks ago, and I miss him terribly. The pictures are from the sculpture park. It was sooo much fun.

I've been applying to jobs after jobs, and I hope that one of them turns out. I am done with college in less than a month. It's pretty scary--I need to find a job, and I want to move to Seattle. It was one of the first places that instantly felt like home. I was talking to my dad about it...he said he felt 80% happy for me and 20% scared. I feel the same way....maybe 90/10. I was telling him that I know it's going to be scary and hard, but that's when you learn the most. In the hardest places. When I was in England, there were times I was so lonely and so scared, but it ended up being the time of my life. I love new experienes and new places and new people. And, I can't wait to move to Seattle.

2005-10-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

i wish the only decision i had to make in life was whether or not to press the snooze button.

nashville, again.

2005-10-24T23:15:00.000-05:00

Isn't this gorgeous? This is where I was this past weekend. I really love it there--the open fields, the huge sky, the rolling hills. God really has to be an artist. Just take a look around the beautiful world that we live in.

one day...

2005-10-23T22:23:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went with ECM to Nashville, TN. I had a great weekend--we weeded their lavender field, and even though it isn't looking perfect, it's looking significantly better. I love going down there, esp. spending time with Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest and the founder of Magdelene House. I know that one day I will open up a Magdelene of my own.

Matt is going to be here on Tuesday. I'm really excited to see him...and looking forward to doing lots of fun stuff in St. Louis. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. So far I'm thinking about...going up in the Arch, the Chocolate Bar, swing dancing at Casa Loma, salsa dancing at Club Viva, rock climbing, going to Forest Park. I have a few more ideas, but I would love to hear what everyone else thinks....

My parents and grandma are also coming this weekend! They're going to get to meet Matt, and my grandma hasn't ever seen WashU. I'm so excited about her coming--she went shopping for clothes to wear down here. She reminded me of myself--saying how easily addicted she could become to shopping. I just have to stay away from the mall. So much for self control, right?

School stuff is going okay--I don't have that much longer, and it seems like finals are right around the corner. I really need to get on the ball about applying for jobs and such. I'm thinking about moving to Seattle, but if I'm going to do that, I need a solid job before I move. Anyone know someone in Seattle? Okay...off to work ahead so I have less to do during the week!

happy fall!

2005-10-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

It's finally fall in St. Louis, and I'm loving it. The crisp air walking during the day and the wonderful sleeping weather at night...nothing can beat that. I made chili last night, and I'm thinking about making apple sauce today. Last night was great fun--went over to Katy's house and played Nerts and had a Bailey's milkshake. Then, there was an Amateurs party--beer pong, yummy drinks, and dancing.

I talked to Matt last night, and he'll be here on the 25th of October. My next two weekends are going to be pretty busy--I'm going home next weekend and then I'm going to go to Nashville for the fall break trip. I know the time will fly by. I can't wait to see him! Apartment stuff is getting a little better. The mold is no longer in Ali's bedroom, but her mattress is still in the middle of the living room. She's hopefully going to move back into her room soon. Lots to do today...papers and reading. I can't wait until I graduate. Only 73 days left of being a WashU student! Yikes....

I will finally have a life...

2005-10-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, from 7:45 am until 1:15 pm I was taking my LSAT. It is finally over. I went out with some friends last night, and we went to 609 and another great dancing place in Soulard. I had a blast. It was a wonderful way to celebrate. I was offered VIP tickets to the St. Louis Taste, but I think that I might decline. It's free food and free drinks, but I think that the guy that offered me the tickets will expect something from that. I don't think so.

That's a picture of Brighton. Last night was the first night that I had really had as much fun as I did in Brighton. They actually played the annoying song, "Call Me" which brought back memories of clubs and crazy friends dancing and screaming that song.

Et, voila! Un autre photo de moi et mon amour. He's leaving for Houston on Wednesday to visit his uncle, and he'll be here in less than 3 weeks. I'm really excited. I'm off to have a hopefully productive day--cleaning my room, doing some reading, catching up on things that I wasn't doing because of LSAT. D'accord, au revoir, my readers.

bad day.

2005-09-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

Hmmm...let's see where I should start.

1. I had class at 8:30am and was really sleepy because of staying up late to work on a paper last night.
2. Classes went ok, met with one of my favorite professors...that was the good part of the day.
3. When I get out of my class at 4pm, it's pouring. And, I don't have an umbrella.
4. I get really wet walking to my bike.
5. When riding home on my bike, my tires (I have small tires...it's a road bike) get stuck in a crevice and I fall off my bike, hurting both of my legs.
6. I proceed to walk home in the pouring rain with a hurt knee.
7. I get home and there isn't a part of me that is dry.
8. All of my notebooks and books are really wet...they'll be waterlogged all semester.
9. The power goes out in my apartment for 45 minutes.
10. I have a quiz tomorrow.

more pictures...

2005-09-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pictures of me and matt when I went to Vancouver. The picture of the starfish is from when we went camping on Vancouver Island in Tofino. Gorgeous. But--Matt's coming in October. I've decided that I'm going to take a year off between graduating and law school. It's going to be so much cheaper going somewhere after I have established residency. Plus, I don't think I could handle 3 more intense years after WashU. Off to do some homework...

Matty and Jenny

2005-09-05T23:16:00.000-05:00

This is me and Matt when I went and visited him in Vancouver. We had such an amazing time together...I miss him more than I ever thought that I would. It was beautiful up there, too. I think it was the most beautiful place in the entire country I have ever been too. Seattle is looking better and better....

back home.

2005-09-05T23:10:00.000-05:00

I just recently had to come home--my grandpa died on Sunday night. It's nice being home and being with my family, but I'm just feeling numb. I don't know if it hasn't sank in that my grandpa died or what the feeling is. I'm really grateful that I have such a wonderful and close family, and that I have amazing friends. All of my friends have been wonderful, and I know they will be when I come back to St. Louis. It's also hard being home right now because of seeing my ex-boyfriend. He was very close with both of my grandparents, and I don't know how it will go seeing him. Right now, more than anything, I want to be held. I want to be held by Matt, feeling loved, and just being comforted. I hope he knows how important he is to me. I think he does. He's leaving on Wednesday to go back to tree planting--and then he'll get enough hours to be able to come see me. He's planning on visiting sometime in October. It can't come soon enough.

Back in the Lou

2005-09-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

It's been really strange being back in St. Louis. I've been back for a week, and it hasn't been what I expected. This entire summer I have was looking forward to coming back here, but now I just don't know where I fit in. My classes are good--I think I will enjoy them, and they won't be too much work. And, I'm getting ready to take the LSAT. That will be a challenge, but I think if I work hard at it, I'll be fine. The most difficult place is not knowing where I fit in. I feel that everyone has their own little niches, and I don't know where mine is at. I like ECM, but it just feels different being back. I feel that all of my friends have their own thing that they are doing, and that I should have my own thing. But, the thing that I am really interested in right now lives in Vancouver, and we hardly get to maintain anything of a normal relationship. I don't know why I'm in another long distance relationship--it's so incredibly hard being away from someone that you love/are in a relationship with. And, the worst part of it, is that I feel that I have NO control over the relationship. I usually don't think of myself as a control freak, but I at least like to have a little bit of control. I feel that I have none. I hate waiting for him to call me, but I find myself doing that all of the time. And, I feel that my apartment will never be completely moved into. And, even though I thought I would have so many things to do, I feel that I have all of this excess time on my hands and I don't know what to do with it. I have come to not like free time. I want to be doing something all of the time. Maybe so I don't think about being away from Matt. Or wanting to call Pete. Or wanting to be back in England. Or realizing how lonely I feel.

My Plea...

2005-07-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

So, I'm working 4 jobs this summer, and I still don't have enough money to go visit someone I'm completely crazy for. Here's where you come in. It was another Saturday night in Brighton, England, the wonderful place I spent 5 months of my life. This Saturday night, unbeknownst to me, would be different. It would change everything. At a party in my building, I wasn’t looking for anything but fun, but I found something much more. Someone. There was this tall, skinny guy with a full beard, and I can not tell you how attractive I thought he was. He made me laugh more than anyone else had. Ever. I never could have imagined that in three short days I would have found someone as wonderful as Matt. We danced in the middle of the street together. We kissed on a double-decker bus. He helped me grocery shop and carried all of my groceries. He even knew the song that I had stuck in my head…without me singing a word. Some called it love at first sight, other didn't know what to call it, but they knew it was amazing and special and something that doesn't happen very often.
The story, though, doesn't end there. We talked despite an 8 hour time difference and Matt tree-planting in Nomads Land, Canada. Matt would call me at 3 or 4 am my time, and I would happily wake up and talk to him until the sun came up. We would go to bed at the same time—I would fall back asleep for a few more hours and he sleep until waking up to tree-plant the day away, working through his day until he got to talk to me again. When I got back to the States, even though the time difference was only 2 hours, we didn’t get to talk as much, but we were waiting for the time that we got to see each other next. Here’s where you come in—I was planning on going to Vancouver in August, but my parents squashed my plans. They think that I can’t afford to spend money on a plane ticket. But, if you help me, we’ll be able to see each other. All you have to do is send me one dollar. That’s it. A single dollar. If you want to send more, go ahead, but if everyone sends a dollar, I’ll be able to go visit Matt and we will be able to continue our fairy tale story from there. And, I promise you, I’ll keep you fully updated. My address is: 2308 Shaker Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383. If you could send me the dollar by July 27, I’ll be able to purchase plane tickets! How is this story to end? Happily ever after for only a dollar...

favorite things.

2005-06-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

some of my favorite things…

having my back gently rubbed, holding hands, crawling into bed after showering reading a book without getting dressed, a good book where I feel like the characters are my friends, playing solitaire, smelling flowers, someone buying me flowers, spontaneous gifts given for no reason, writing lists, dancing in front of a mirror with headphones on, singing loud in the car, late night phone calls, making dinner with music on in the background, cuddling, staying in bed all morning with someone, hot chocolate with marshmallows, root beer floats after the ice cream went crunchy, someone making me dinner, dressing up to go somewhere nice, walking on the beach, the smell of the ocean, the sound of waves crashing onto the shore, the lake house in Minnesota, staring up at the stars on a clear night, laughing so hard my stomach hurts and I snort, really good wine, getting compliments, walking at night while snow is falling, the glow of snow at night, being the first to walk on freshly fallen snow, breaking the sugar with a spoon on crème brûlée, a warm baguette from a French bakery, gelato in a small Italian café, standing on a bridge overlooking Paris from the Seine on a warm spring night, soft slow kisses, deep passionate kisses, falling asleep next to someone I love, working really hard to accomplish a challenging goal, performers on the Paris metro, the Eiffel Tower, taking a nap with sun shining on me through a window, fresh air in a house after just opening the windows, an unexpected phone call, letter, or email, watching a thunderstorm, falling asleep on a stormy night, the first kiss after being away from someone I love after a long time, liking all of the songs on a new cd, making love, making new friends, new earrings, an entire day without anything I have to do, getting ready to go out, holding a puppy while it’s sleeping

books...

2005-05-19T07:07:00.000-05:00

So, during my time here in England, I have done some work. But, luckily for me, I have had plenty of time to read. I have read...

The Time Traveller's Wife -- Audrey Niffenegger
The Secret Life of Bees -- Sue Monk Kidd
Julius Ceasar --Shakespeare
The DaVinci Code-- Dan Brown
Enduring Love--Ian McEwen
100 Years of Solitude -- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
When We Were Orphans --Kazuo Ishiguro
Lolita--Vladimir Nabokov
Middlesex-- Jeffrey Eugenides
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues--Tom Robbins

For this summer, I have a few books on my list, but, I need more suggestions. Here are some that I want to read...

Another Roadside Attraction--Tom Robbins
High Fidelety--Nick Cornby
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal-- Christopher Moore

any other suggestions?

nose ring + cold.

2005-05-15T11:01:00.000-05:00

so, this might be disgusting. but, i always wondered--what do people do with nose rings when they get a cold and they have to blow their nose? does snot come out of their nose ring hole? well, ladies and gentlemen, the answer is no. i have blown my nose too many times today and i haven't yet experienced any boogers flying out of the side of my nose. so, there you go. i answered my own question.

attempting to procrastinate.

2005-05-14T06:25:00.000-05:00

So, it's early Saturday afternoon here and I am already at the library. I have to finish up my paper for my Health psychology class, and I am desperatly looking for methods of procrastination. I have already sent a few emails, no one is currently on instant messenger, and I am finally turning to writing in my blog. I had a great time last night...there was a party in the corridor next to mine and we were having fun drinking. I am plesantly surprised that I don't have a hangover. Baaa. I must work on this paper. And, I know I have had a few people ask me about my previous post on here...if you want to know more details, just ask me. I'd love to tell you about it...

happiness...

2005-05-12T06:09:00.000-05:00

sometimes it is so funny how one little phone call can change everything. even a phone call waking me up at 5 am. i have this big, amazing secret that i want to tell everyone...shout it out on the hilltops. and, the smile i have on my face, it hasn't left since he called this morning. what i would do for just one kiss. but, appropriately, this song sums everything up:

Can’t you see that it’s just raining?
There ain’t no need to go outside.
Ain’t no need, ain’t no need.
Mmmm, mmm, mmmm
Can’t you see, can’t you see?
Rain all day and I don’t mind.
Well, the telephone singer ringing is too early don’t pick it up
We don’t need to
We’ve got everything we need right here
And everything we need is enough
Just so easy when the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do I really need to pay attention to the alarm? Wake up slow, mmmm, wake up slow.

"Banana Pancakes" Jack Johnson.

Quick update...

2005-05-11T06:24:00.000-05:00

So, I don't have much time, but I thought that I should update. I haven't in so freaking long. I think I'll do what I love doing--no, not procrastinating, but making a list.

1. I have 2 papers due next week, and I haven't done half of the work that I should have already.
2. My research project is going to be really difficult to finish--I have about 75 more hospitals to contact within 3 weeks.
3. I'm leaving Brighton in less than 3 weeks.
4. I'm anxious about going home--I don't think I'll have any friends there, and I think I will miss everyone here. And, Pete and I aren't together...and aren't going to get back together.
5. I met someone--he's fantastic, but he lives too far away. Damn you, Vancouver.
6. I'm having tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and basil for lunch today.
7. I'm listening to Ben Folds right now.
8. I want to go to my favorite club, Casablanca, this week, and drink my favorite drink, tequila.
9. I want this list to be 10 items long.
10. There, I finally made it.

So, that's the update on my life. Now, to work on the dreaded health psychology paper. Yikes...

I'm Back!

2005-04-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

I haven’t updated for over a month, and I think I owe all of my dedicated blog readers a long replay of my wonderful traveling experience.

Amsterdam/Rotterdam: March 16-20

Lisa, Maria, and I left for Amsterdam early on Wednesday morning, prepared for the fun times awaiting us in Amsterdam. When we arrived, Lisa’s cousin, Sasha, was waiting for us. It was a beautiful day—around the mid 60s with bright sunny skies and birds singing. We stayed with Sasha and his 3 other flat mates—Alexi, Gherben, and Sasha called Berdie. The city was beautiful—tall houses with high ceilings, canals, and bikes. I wasn’t feeling very well, and instead of going out to a dance club, I stayed at the apartment and went to bed early 2 or 3 nights. We visited the required tourists spots in Amsterdam—a coffee shop and the red light district. I really didn’t like the red light district…even with prostitution being legal, it bothered me on a level I never expected. On our last day there, we went to the Van Gogh museum—it was a good museum with a lot of famous and amazing paintings.

Brussels: March 21

We were only in Brussels for about 4 hours—we had to go there to catch our flight to Venice. We walked into the main plaza, and there were beautiful buildings and a cathedral (if I’m remembering correctly). Maria had a waffle and I had some ice cream before we took the train to the airport. We went to the wrong airport, and luckily we realized it in enough time to make it to the airport that we were supposed to be at. The airport where our flight was leaving from was such a dump, but I wasn’t surprised for the cheap price that we got the tickets.

Venice: March 22-25

When Maria and I arrived in Venice, we were so tired from sleeping in the airport; we slept in our little trailer for about 4 hours! When I first walked into the city, I wasn’t as surprised and taken back as I thought I would have, but I still thought that the city was beautiful. We met up with Katy that night, and it was fantastic seeing her. The next day we explored Venice—blown glass shops, gorgeous papier-mâché masks, and lots of beautiful people. The San Marco piazza was fantastic—hundreds of pigeons, and I had some eating out of my hand and landing on my arm and shoulder! The gelato (Italian ice cream) was amazing and addicting…I had at least one cone every day we were there! We wanted to take a gondola ride, but they wanted way too much money, so instead we bought tickets to see Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed. I was in heaven during the concert…there were 4 violins, 2 violas, 1 bass, and 1 (or 2) cellos. The next afternoon we left for Florence.

Florence and Pisa: March 25- 30

I loved Florence—it was one of my favorite places of my entire trip. On the first night we were there, Katy and I made a fantastic dinner—spaghetti with brushetta, garlic bread, and good Italian wine. The apartment we stayed in with Erin was huge—it’s a 1.5 million Euro apartment. It was beautiful. The next day we went to a central market which was huge—I would go there almost ever day if I lived in Florence. I tried an orange, and I think it is my favorite type of fruit—instead of being an orange color, it was a beautiful red. That Saturday night, we went to an Easter Vigil Service at an American Episcopal Church. The priest was sort of out of it…he forgot the gospel and didn’t read it until the end of the service and he only ½ way baptized two people because they arrived late. Easter morning, Katy, Erin, and I went to Catholic Italian mass at the Duomo at 7:30am. It was a smaller service, but it was beautiful and I understood a few of the words. Afterwards, we went to watch a 500 year old tradition of exploding a 30 ft. tall cart filled with dynamite and fireworks. It’s pulled into the piazza by white, wild oxen. That evening, Erin took us to her favorite restaurant in Florence, and Katy and I stayed up late talking the entire night. We went on a day trip to Pisa and it was lots of fun…we took so many pictures of Katy and I trying to: push the tower down, hold it up, lean against it, fight with each other pushing it down/keeping it up. It was fun. I never imagined I would see the leaning tower! In Florence and Venice, I was having a very difficult time traveling with Maria. We would argue about everything—from what we should do for dinner to something as stupid as which bridge we should take. I learned to make a decision about what I want and learn to be happy with the trip, regardless of what she wants. It didn’t mean I didn’t try to compromise, but I learned not to sacrifice my happiness to make her happy.

Rome and Pompeii: March 31- April 5

The first day in Rome was the worst day of our entire trip. Our hostel was over an hour and a half outside of Rome. We ended up paying 80 euros for our hotel that night. I left my camera on the train. That day, I wanted nothing more to just go home…I wanted to be in my house with my family and Pete and just forget about everything. Even though it was hard being alone, I really have learned how to comfort myself…and learn to pray and be guided by God. That night, Erin was in Rome for a day trip, and her and I went to Hard Rock Café. It was so nice being in an extremely American place, especially with her. The next day, Maria and I went to Pompeii. I was blown away by everything at Pompeii—the baths, some of the frescos perfectly preserved, the gardens, everything. We were in Rome when the Pope died and for the moving of the body and visitation. It was powerful being in Vatican City at that time, seeing so many faithful people moved deeply by his death. I, however, had different feelings, and some of my problems with the Catholic Church became more prominent. I was very frustrated seeing so many men in such high religious positions and not seeing any women represented. St. Paul’s Cathedral was breathtaking. We met some very strange people in our hostel—a crazy Kurdistan, a guy our age on anti-psychotic drugs, a strange Italian man, obsessed with telling me and Maria how beautiful we were. Instead of being social, I went to bed early most nights we were in Rome. My favorite day in Rome was our last day there—we found some gardens near the Spanish steps and we rented roller blades. Maria had never rollerbladed before, and I had fun helping her, and I was surprised how good I still was after not skating in years. I could finally skate backwards, too! And, I never found my camera.

Nice and Monaco: April 6-7
We arrived in Nice on Wednesday morning after taking a night bus from Rome. The night bus was quite an adventure, finding our seats, especially with Maria’s huge backpack. I was so happy that I had brought a small backpack. It got tiring wearing nearly the same thing every day, but I was so thankful not having to carry around a huge bag. On the train, it was great being able to open the window and see the sea and on the other side see the mountains. It was an adventure finding our hostel—a crazy Algerian man with coke-bottle glasses tried to help us, and in the way, he found an old woman who swore she knew exactly where our hostel was. To make a long story short, it was an hour and half walk with our bags uphill to a place that WASN’T our hostel! I found some people our age and asked them for a ride nearby where I thought our hostel was…and it was only a 5 minute walk. The hostel was beautiful…easily the best place that we stayed, as far as hostels and hotels go. After an introduction by the owner, Maria and I took the bus into Nice to do a little bit of shopping and just walking around. I loved being near the sea—being near the water is so addicting, I feel that some day I will have to live near a big body of water. That night, we saw a street performer dancing to Michael Jackson. He must have seen me dancing a little bit because he asked me to dance with him! I was surprised, but I danced with him anyways. It was Billy Jean. Fun. After walking away, I heard Thriller come on, and I knew he would know all of the moves. The next day after buying our expensive train tickets to Paris, we went to Eze Village and Monaco. Eze was a medieval village with a beautiful view of the coastline. Monaco was great—I couldn’t believe I was there, seeing all of the casinos and wealth. Later that evening, we walked around the Old Town of Nice, and then we returned to our hostel for dinner and cards.

Paris: April 8-14
We arrived Friday afternoon to Paris, and I realized that I am in love with the city. We went to the Louvre that night—it was free for students. Afterwards, Maria and I went out to dinner…at Pizza Hut. It was cheap and warm food, oh well. We were talking about some of our beliefs, and Maria told me that she trusts no one except for her family and she thinks that the world is inherently bad. I was so surprised, I didn’t even know what to say. My view of the world and of people is so wrapped up in my faith—I look and see God in everyone. Or try to, at least. The next day, we went to the Musée d’Orsay and because I had already seen some of the museum with Josie, I walked around by myself. I finished earlier than they did, and went to a café for lunch and to the beautiful Luxembourg gardens. The next day, we went to a flea market and then spent the night walking around the Champs-Ellysees. I called Hopie, who I thought was in Paris, and she was! We made plans to meet up on Monday, and I was really looking forward to spending time with her instead of with Maria and her friend, Katerina. Katerina was Greek, too, so her and Maria spoke Greek almost the entire time together—talk about feeling left out. Hopie and I had a fantastic time together—we went to Montmarte, climbed up Sacre Coeur, met some extremely rude men trying to sell us bracelets, lounged around the Luxembourg gardens, walked to the Eiffel Tower, and then took the elevator up to the third level. That evening we went out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant and for dessert she had some weird gooey coconut thing. It was interesting to say the least! The next day we had decided to go to Versailles. The castle was huge, but instead of going inside of it (they wanted 20 euros to go in!), we walked around the gardens. We walked so much that day it was crazy. She wanted to treat me to dinner that night, and we went to a chic French restaurant…we had cocktails, then I had mushrooms with goat cheese and a salad, and for the main dish I had pork with a sweet balsamic vinager sauce and mashed potatoes. We shared a bottle of wine for dinner, and then for dessert I had a delicious chocolate cake-thing with crème anglaise. We finished the meal with a shot of Baileys. You wouldn’t believe how drunk and full we were by the end of the night…it was a fantastic evening. On Wednesday, we walked around a cute area I found with Josie—rue Moufftard. She had to leave early, so I spent the rest of the afternoon alone in the Tuilleres garden. The next day (after having to sleep on the hard floor with only a sheet and no pillow at Maria’s friend’s dorm), I decided to split up from Maria and Katerina again. I went to Musée Marmottan—it was almost entirely dedicated to Monet, and I was in heaven. That evening, I found a fantastic bookshop called Shakespeare and Co. I could have spent days upon days in there. That night we took the night bus back to London, and arrived safely in Brighton Friday morning.

Amsterdam!

2005-03-19T08:14:00.000-06:00

I am currently in Amsterdam! I'm with Maria and Liza, two of my good friends from Sussex, staying at Liza's cousin's house in a city right outside of Rotterdam. We're having a great time here...the guys that we're staying with are fantastic--letting us take complete advantage of their couches, food, and kitchen. We have been having lots of fun at night...going to parties or partying here at their house--just haning out, getting to know each other, dancing. We're planning on going into Amsterdam today to go to the Van Gogh museum. I'm really looking forward to it! Amsterdam is a beautiful city--I love the houses and the canals running through the city. We haven't yet walked through the red light district, but I think we're probably going to do that today. I have a few more days here, and then Maria and I are off for the rest of our trip! Love you all!

J'aime Paris!

2005-03-14T10:16:00.000-06:00

I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted! I'm sorry everyone who reads this...if anyone does! :-) Anyways, I have been really busy with everything...sort of busy with school stuff, but I've been really busy spending an amazing time in Paris! I just returned from Paris yesterday. I went with my best friend Josie and someone else. We had a wonderful time. There was a little bit of tension with the other girl that came with us. It was difficult for that not to color our time there, but I had a fantastic time with Josie!

I love Paris so much I want to move there and live there forever! I know it would be really difficult, though...and I don't know if I could handle being that far away from my family, but I might try it for a year or two! Josie and I talked about moving there to be au pair's for a year or two...maybe it will happen! The strange thing is when people ask me what I liked about Paris or why I liked it so much, I can't think of one specific thing that I liked. It was being in Paris...where I had dreamed of going since I was in 7th grade! We went to Notre Dame, Centre Pompido, Rue Moufftard, Sacre Coeur, Montmarte, Moulin Rouge, le Musee d'Orsay, Pont Neuf, Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, Arc de Triomphe, les Champs Elysees, Bastille. That's just the beginning of the places that we went. I loved being able to stop at little pattisseries and get fresh pain de chocolat or baguettes. And the cheese was really good. And, on the corners, there were little carts that would make fresh crepes and put everything and anything you wanted inside of them. I really loved sugar and lemon juice. I was going to buy a Nutella and banana one, but I didn't want to spend 3.50.

I really loved the Eiffel Tower. It was probably one of my favorite places. Josie and I decided to take the stairs...the top level wasn't open, but we did climb up to the second level. It was beautiful...I loved the view of the city. Josie sang me "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf while we were overlooking the wonderful city. Josie and I also ate at a wonderful little French restaurant...it was a 3 course meal for only 10. I had onion soup, lamb, and tarte de pomme (apple tart). It was fantastic. I also had a glass of wine....Parfait!

There's so much to say about it...I still have to process it. I think I'll better be able to when I look at the 9 rolls of film Josie and I took together. Crazy, huh? Well, I leave for my trip on Wednesday and have lots to do before I leave. Amsterdam, here I come. Love and miss you all. Have a blessed Holy Week and a fantastic Easter!

Traveling Plans!

2005-02-27T10:09:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful night last night. I hung out with Maria and Liza all night...and we arranged our plans for Easter vacation. I'm really excited because Josie is going to be here this Friday!! And then Paris! For the next month and a half here are my plans for traveling Europe...well, some of it, at least:
Mar 8-12 Paris with Josie and Flora (staying with Flora's aunt! in a hotel! for free!)
Mar 16-20 Amsterdam with Maria and Liza (staying with Liza's cousin for free)
Mar 21-22 Brussels with Maria
Mar 22-25 Venice with Maria, Katy, and her friends
Mar 25-30 Florence with Maria, Katy, and her friends (staying with Erin from ECM)
Mar 30-Apr 3 or 4 Rome with Maria
Apr 4-9 Southern France (maybe staying with some of my friends from WashU)
Apr 10-17 Paris! with Maria and Liza might meet up with us. (Hopefully staying with Maria's friend or one of mine who is studying in Paris)

Can you believe this? It seems surreal to me that I'm going to be going all of these places and traveling everywhere! I'm really happy that Maria and I both want to travel...we have someone to travel with and we always have wonderful times together. The only downside to this is that I will have no money left over! I'm trying to find the cheapest way of traveling and of housing (I think we're doing pretty good so far with all of the places that we're going to be able to stay at for free!) But, in case anyone would like to help me financially! You can send a check or cash to Barb Claypool (2308 Shaker Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383) and she can deposit it into my account! If you really want to help me, I would love to have your money! Ha! (Can you blame me for trying?!)

I'm going to try to get a lot of work done this week on my research project. I'm going to be missing several days on it from the traveling, but I think I'll be able to make up the time. I'm off to do some work...mabye grab a little bit of food. I love and miss you all!

Movie Time

2005-02-24T08:24:00.000-06:00

So, I got this from Beth. It took up a good 25 minutes to do, but it was fun, nonetheless. I can't believe how much of my life has been spent either inside a movie theater or watching movies on TV. (I've seen 47.5% of the movies listed below!) Crazy.

- bold the ones you've seen
- italicize the ones you've seen part of
- put an * next to the ones you actually liked
- add three to the end
01. Night at the Roxbury
02. Shrek *
03. M
04. Dogma*
05. Strictly Ballroom
06. The Princess Bride*
07. Love, Actually
08. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring*
09. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers *
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King *
11. Reservoir Dogs
12. Desperado
13. Swordfish
14. Kill Bill, Vol. 1
15. Donnie Darko*
16. Spirited Away
17. Better Than Sex
18. Sleepy Hollow*
19. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl *
20. The Eye
21. Requiem for a Dream
22. Dawn of the Dead
23. The Pillow Book
24. The Italian Job
25. Goonies
26. Basketball
27. The Spice Girls Movie
28. Army of Darkness
29. The Color Purple*
30. The Saftey of Objects
31. Can't Hardly Wait
32. Mystic Pizza
33. Finding Nemo *
34. Monsters Inc. *
35. Circle of Friends
36. Mary Poppins*
37. The Bourne Identity
38. Forrest Gump*
39. A Clockwork Orange
40. Kindergarten Cop
41. On The Line
42. My Big Fat Greek Wedding*
43. Final Destination
44. Sorority Boys
45. Urban Legend
46. Cheaper by the Dozen
47. The Crow*
48. The Princess and the Warrior
49. Seabiscuit*
50. Hard Core Logo
51. Phantom of the Paradise
52. Zardoz
53. Lost in Translation *
54. American Beauty*
55. Big Fish*
56. Starship Troopers
57. Starship Troopers
58. The Lost Boys
59. All About Eve
60. Showgirls
61. Swept Away
62. Star Wars: A New Hope
63. Black Hawk Down
64. Elizabeth
65. The Shawshank Redemption*
66. Four Weddings and a Funeral
67. The Sound of Music*
68. Notting Hill*
69. Scotland, PA*
70. Oxygen
71. Ringu
72. Shrunken Heads
73. Legends
74. About a Boy
75. Lilo and Stitch
76. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?*
77. Pitch Black
78. Maid in Manhattan
79. Willow
80. Secret Of Nymh
81. Thoroughly Modern Millie
82. The Cutting Edge
83. Anna and the King
84. The American President
85. Save The Last Dance*
86. Grease *
87. Dirty Dancing*
88. Mad Love
89. Lantana
90. Kiss the Sky
91. Braveheart*
92. Dark City
93. SLC Punk*
94. Memento
95. In America*
96. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory*
97. The Wedding Planner*
98. Empire Records*
99. Edward Scissorhands*
100. Almost Famous*
101. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
102. Star Trek Generations
103. Beyond The Mat
104. Transformers: The Movie
105. Scary Movie
106. X-Men*
107. Ghost
108. Changing Lane
109. Hangman's Curse
110. Broken Arrow
111. Mona Lisa Smile*
112. Moulin Rouge *
113. The Ninth Gate
114. Emma
115. The Name of the Rose
116. Top Gun*
117. Heartbreak Ridge
118. U-57
119. Ghost Ship
120. Johnny English
121. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
122. The Fifth Element
123. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*
124. Holes
125. The Pianist*
126. Amelie *
127. Road Trip
128. Miracle
129. Center Stage
130. Spider-Man
131. Exorcist
132. Omen
133. 8 Mile*
134. Son in Law
135. Stepmom*
136. Dr. Strangelove
137. Full Metal Jacket
138. Lolita
139. Little Shop of Horrors
140. Annie*
141. Rocky Horror Picture Show *
142. Being John Malkovich
143. Monty Python & the Holy Grail
144. Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie
145. Under the Tuscan Sun
146. The Four Feathers
147. Gosford Park
148. Bubble Boy
149. Without a Paddle
150. Labyrinth
151. Shrek 2 *
152. Spider-Man 2*
153. X-Men 2*
154. Ever After
155. Great Expectations
156. Orgazmo
157. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
158. The Matrix*
159. Underworld
160. Anchorman
161. Leon: The Professional
162. The Cooler
163. Head (1969)
164. Bridget Jones's Diary*
165. Albino Aligator
166. Chasing Amy*
167. The Usual Suspects
168. The Shape of Things
169. 13 Conversations About One Thing
170. Hero
171. Rules of Attraction
172. I (heart) Huckabees
173. Farenheit 9/11*
174. Akira
175. Garden State*
176. Ghost in the Shell
177. Kissing Jessica Stein
178. Sailor Moon: Super S
179. Adaptation *
180. Punch Drunk Love
181. Mulan
182. Napoleon Dynamite
183. Pleasantville*
184. Rat Race
185. Blue Crush
186. In Good Company
187. 13 Going on 30*
188. Elf*
189. Life Is Beautiful
190. Cruel Intentions*
191. Princess Mononoke
192. Mallrats*
193. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind *
194. Fight Club *
195. Phantom of the Opera
196. First Knight
197. Alexander
198. Real Genius
199. Secretary
200. Quills
201. Detroit Rock City*
202. Beetlejuice*
203. Thirteen*
204. Trainspotting
205. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
206. Weird Science
207. Mean Girls *
208. The Bourne Supremecy
209. Dodgeball
210. Meet the Parents*
211. Meet the Fockers*
212. Troy *
213. Saw
214. The Passion of the Christ
215. Ray*
216. Collateral
217. Coach Carter
218. Assault on Precinct 13
219. Hitch
220. Finding Neverland
221. National Treasure
222. Million Dollar Baby
223. Cellular
224. The Terminal*
225. Mr. 3000
226. Head of State
227. Blue Streak
228. National Security
229. Rush Hour
230. Rush Hour 2
231. Shanghai Noon
232. Shanghai Knights
233. XXX *
234. The Fast and the Furious*
235. 2 Fast 2 Furious *
236. The Last Samurai
237. Van Helsing *
238. Ocean’s Eleven*
239. Ocean’s Twelve*
240. Men in Black*
241. Men in Black II*
242. I, Robot*
243. Harold and Kumar go to White Castle
244. Zoolander
245. Rose Red
246. The Silence of the Lambs*
247. Hannibal *
248. Red Dragon
249. Prophecy trilogy
250. Interview with the Vampire*
251. Queen of the Damned *
252. Pi
253. Ichi The Killer
254. Suspiria
255. Spun
256. A Beautiful Mind*
257. Nightmare Before Christmas
258. The Butterfly Effect
259. White Noise
260. Alone in the Dark
261. The Aviator
262. American Psycho
263. Die Hard
264. Die Hard 2
265. Die Hard with a Vengeance
266. Batman*
267. Batman Returns*
268. Batman Forever*
269. Batman & Robin*
270. Resident Evil
271. Resident Evil: Apocalypse
272. What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
273. Blade*
274. Blade II
275. Blade: Trinity
276. The Blues Brothers*
277. Blues Brothers 2000
278. Ghostbusters*
279. Ghostbusters 2
280. Clue
281. Raiders of the Lost Ark
282. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
283. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
284. Street Fighter
285. Super Mario Brothers
286. Gremlins
287. Gremlins 2
288. The Addams Family *
289. Addams Family Values*
290. Superman
291. Superman II
292. Superman III
293. Superman IV
294. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
295. Beavis & Butt-head Do America
296. Ed Wood
297. Donnie Brasco
298. Pulp Fiction
299. Face/Off
300. Con Air
301. Mission: Impossible *
302. MI:2 *
303. Escape from Alcatraz
304. Speed*
305. Speed 2
306. Go
307. The Godfather
308. The Godfather Part II
309. The Godfather Part III
310. Manhunter
311. UHF
312. Mortal Kombat
313. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
314. Saving Private Ryan *
315. The Relic
316. Enemy at the Gates
317. Home Alone *
318. Home Alone 2*
319. Home Alone 3
320. Home Alone
321. Happy Gilmore *
322. Billy Madison *
323. The Waterboy
324. Little Nicky
325. Dirty Work
326. Tommy Boy*
327. Black Sheep*
328. Death Wish
329. Pecker
330. Cecil B. Demented
331. The Shining*
332. Carrie
333. Pet Sematary
334. Pet Sematary Two
335. The Terminator
336. Terminator 2
337. Terminator 3 *
338. Ned Kelly
339. Kate & Leopold
340. Mystic River*
341. I Am Sam
342. Joan of Arc (Leelee Sobieski)
343. 50 First Dates*
344. Atilla
345. Timeline
346. Titanic*
347. Reign of Fire
348. Legends of the Fall
349. The Mask of Zorro*
350. Rudy *
351. Signs
352. The Village*
353. Gladiator*
354. The Bumblebee Flies Anyway.
355. The War
356. Gothika
357. Se7en
358. Hairspray
359. Love Me If You Dare/Jeux d'enfants
360. Maria Full of Grace
361. Vampire Clan
362. Once Upon A Time in Mexico
363. A Soldier’s Girl
364. Ong – Bak: Thai Warrior
365. The Man Who Cried
366. Some Like It Hot*
367. The Sleeping Dictionary
368. Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run)
369. Sideways
370. Steel Magnolias
371. Bend it Like Beckham*
372. Tombstone
373. The Girl Next Door
374. Now and Then*
375. Muppet Christmas Carol*
376. Little Women*
377. Romeo + Juliet*
378. Shakespeare in Love*
379. Shawn of the Dead*

stratford, snow, and sussex

2005-02-23T10:09:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, I went on a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, and Oxford. Exploring Stratford was exciting, but I felt it was almost too overdone: the tour guides made it seem like Shakespeare lived in Stratford for his entire life, and they pointed out such mundane details such as a bench that he and Anne Hathaway might have sat in hundreds of years ago. I found it so funny how commercialized Shakespeare is...and really do view him more as an industry than an individual. But, nonetheless, I went and saw Julius Caesar performed and loved it. The director had adapted it using modern dress, but maintained the original language. I though the play was done fantastically, and what a wonderful memory to have seen a Shakespeare play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The next morning we went and explored Warwick Castle. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies and a few clouds. I climbed up the 530 steps to the very top and looked across the town and beautiful countryside. It was amazing to think how old the castle was...some of it dated back to the 1000s. I also went inside of the torture chamber, and it was horrific imagining what had occurred in that room throughout the past hundreds of years. It actually reminded me of The Princess Bride. I really wanted to re-read the book when I was walking around the castle--there was even a spot that looked like the place where Westley and Inigo dueled. And, if you don't know what I'm talking about, you were a very deprived child (or adult, depending on who is reading this!) If you want, you can find what character you are! http://paradox.of.arden.tripod.com/quiz/princess/

I also really enjoyed Oxford. I walked around with a friend, and we snuck into places that tourists weren't supposed to be! Ha! I beat the system! And will continue to! I have already taken about 1o or 11 rolls of film...I'm thinking about saving them to develop until I get home to be able to relive all of my wonderful memories!

This week hasn't been too exciting. I have two papers that are due both Thursday and Friday, and I am so proud of myself for working ahead...well, sort of. I only have about 400 words left for my paper due on Friday (it's only 1500 words total), and I only need to edit my paper that is due tomorrow. (I have about 2200 words out of 2500). It's really exciting to think that I won't have any more work for the rest of the semester except for my final papers and my research project. I find it rather exciting. I'm thinking about going out tonight...go dancing instead of dancing in my room (which, in fact, I truly enjoy doing! I danced for 30 minutes last night in heels with my ipod and big headphones!)

It's been snowing here off and on...the snow doesn't stick, but it was wonderful waking up this morning and seeing the sky covered with huge, white snowflakes. It reminds me of being at home. Also, I have to comment to all of you WashUers. You really don't know how lucky you are to have Olin. The library here closes at 9:30pm. I had to work in my room instead of staying up all night having fun in Whispers. Hope you all are enjoying Olin for me! Well, I'm off. I'm going to go grab some food...see what I can scrounge to eat. Maybe I'll have fish...who knows.

Dublin and fun times!

2005-02-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting in a computer lab listening to U2 talking to some friends...in England! I'm really happy here...there are the days far and few between that I wish that I was back at home or in St. Louis, but I would never change this experience for anything. Lately, things have been falling into place for me. In a really good way. I just found out about a week ago that I'm going to have an internship at home this summer working with different lawyers and judges that deal with family and women issues. It's really exciting...I think it will really help me figure out what to do for a career. I'm still trying to figure out if I'm being called into the priesthood. Last semester I was really upset about not knowing what I was going to do, and the best suggestion that I ever received was from Mike...about being okay without knowing. I don't know right now, but I'm okay with it. And, I know that whatever is meant to be will happen.

Enough philosophical stuff for now. Last week, I spent about 4 days in Dublin with Katy. We had a fantastic time together...I didn't realize how nice it would be just to talk and hang out with a good friend. When I arrived on Wednesday night we spent about 3 hours in an Italian restaurant, eating, talking, and just having a great time. Thursday we spent the day shopping and we both got free makeovers! It was fun. That evening we went to an Irish pub and saw this wonderful band that played old Irish songs...and the lead singer looked like Willie Nelson's brother. We then went to a discobar. Dancing with Jorge, Katy's flatmate from WashU, reminded me of dancing with him and Josie before freshman year at orientation! What wonderful memories! Friday I explored some more of Dublin with Jorge while Katy was in class, and Katy and I also went to this fantastic little cafe that was playing Indigo Girls in the background. (For Katy's version of our time together, go to http://katylubo.blogspot.com/)

It was actually really nice returning to Brighton. It's great how fast I've made some really great friends....we have fun doing anything--playing cards, dancing, watching movies, just hanging out. On Valentine's Day we hung out in the upstairs kitchen...eating and playing cards. Also drinking wine. Lots of wine! I had a little too much, but it was a lot of fun. Last night, I went to a dance club with some French girls from my corridor and a few other guys. They were playing Latin music, and I had fun dancing with one of the guys we went with--he was really good. But, I feel like I'm rambling. I should stop now. Ok. NOW.

I'm still here!

2005-02-02T10:12:00.000-06:00

I just realized that I haven't written in my blog for too many days. Lots of updating to do! Hmm...where should I start? Last Wednesday (26/1) I went out to a pub and then to a dance club with some of my friends. Well, I actually went with a guy that I had met one of the first days that I arrived here, and he's on the American Football team, and we met up with some of his fellow teammates. The pub was a lot of fun, and I thought the dance club would be a good time too....it wasn't. I got there, and decided to go into the Hip Hop room. I really liked the music that they were playing...until I realized that the people I had came with left me alone. They had went to get a drink or go to the toilets or something like that--and I was all alone. There were random strange guys coming up to me, wanting to dance, and there wasn't a time that I felt more objectified in my entire life. I felt like a piece of meat--something to just grind upon. I didn't like it at all. I even had someone who was probably in their 40s hit on me. Gross. I finally found my friend and we got out of there as soon as possible. Except...he was hitting on me too! It was really bad.
Friday I hung out with my friend, Maria. She decided that she wanted to move onto campus, and now she's living on the floor above mine in the same building! It's really nice having her there! We went out that early evening and I got my nose pierced!! I have a small stud in the right side of my nose, and it looks really good. I like it a lot! My parents didn't like the idea of it at all!
That Saturday I went on a countryside tour of Sussex. We saw the beautiful country side, lots of hills and sheep, and the ocean was right there, too. There were also beautiful white chalk cliffs that I loved. I think I enjoyed exploring the counrtyside more than I did exploring London. I'm not sure, though...I have to go to London again!
On that Sunday morning I decided that I would try out a smaller church in Brighton called the Chapel Royal. I went to the 11am service, and everyone there was welcoming and so friendly. The wonderful older woman that I was sitting next to made sure that I came and had tea and cakes after the service with them. It was a nice combination of older people and college-aged people. I really think I will stay at this church. It was such a fantastic feeling to know that I found a place that I can really be a part of. I found a community that I can worship with--it won't compare to the fantastic community I have in ECM, but it's nice having a community here. Somewhere that I can truly feel a part of. When I left to take the bus back to my room, the woman that I was sitting next to was getting on the same bus. She told me all about her family and the vacations that she has went on...including Normandie and Portugal. It was great hearing all of these stories from her. I'm just waiting to be invited over for an afternoon tea! :-D
That Monday morning I had a presentation that I gave in my Health Psych class. I did really well--the tutor was impressed with my presentation, and I received a good grade.
Nothing really else is new. I'm loving being here...and the independence that I have. Even though it's hard, I like being alone. It's sort of nice not having internet in my room or a cell phone...I really have to experience what it is like being with myself. And, liking myself, too. I really like myself a lot--not to sound stuck up or anything. But, after so long of being insecure about myself and having parts that I didn't like about myself, I'm really happy right now. Well, that's all for now. Love and miss all of you!

An American in London!

2005-01-25T14:58:00.000-06:00

I spent this past weekend in London! When I first arrived, I was completely stunned that I was actually in London, and that I was in England at all. It’s sometimes hard having the realization set in that something that I have wanted for so long has actually become a reality. On Friday night I went out to a bar/dance club with one of my friends from Wash U, Andy, and we had a fantastic time. I tried a drink called a WooWoo, and it was really good—cranberry juice, vodka, and Archer’s. I enjoyed the dancing, and it was wonderful seeing all different groups of friends and couples having a fantastic time.
Saturday and Sunday I went on a walking tour of the city with a tour guide provided by Accent, a program set up and paid for by Wash U. It was fantastic exploring the city, seeing sights such as the London Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the rebuilt Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also seeing lesser known parts of London. We went past a movie theater that played the Sound of Music Sing-a-Long, and I can’t wait to return and sing my heart out. I think I’ll dress up as Lisel! During this weekend trip, I also went out to a fantastic Indian restaurant and out to an afternoon tea. At the tea, they served us small sandwiches with the crusts cut off, scones with cream and jam, and other little pastries—it was fantastic.
After the weekend trip, it was really nice to return to Brighton. I was really surprised by how happy I was living in Brighton compared to London. Although London is fantastic, I think I’m happier living in a smaller city, where I won’t feel like just another person in a huge city. And, to my surprise, I actually started calling my room here my home—it still felt a little strange saying that coming back to Brighton was home, but it’s beginning to fit more and more each day.
My classes are going really well, and I think it’s funny in my Rethinking Politics course when they want the view from the United States, everyone looks to me! Also, I went to my office today! I have an office in a small building that has a computer, phone, and a window, too! I met some of the other students, mainly master and PhD students, and they invited me out to a pub after work one evening! I was really excited! That’s about it that’s happening here! I did Morning Prayer this morning, and I was thinking about how much I missed the Morning Prayers at ECM. I love and miss you all!

Any suggestions?

2005-01-20T17:17:00.000-06:00

So, I've been here for just about 2 weeks and I have already finished reading 3 books and 1 play- I read The Time Traveler's Wife (which I highly recommend, easily one of my favorite books of all time), Woman, Thou Art Loosed, The Secret Life of Bees, and Julius Caesar. Does anyone have any suggestions of books to read? I really would appreciate any and all comments! :-)

It's Thursday!

2005-01-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

This week has really been a great week. I have been meeting more with my research mentor, and today I got my own office and a key to my office. It feels so official--like I'm a grad student or something, but I really like it. We finalized some more of what I am going to be working on, and although it is going to be a lot of work and reading, I think it will be really rewarding.

I went out Tuesday night to a club called the Music Library--it was an international student night--free admission if you were an international student. I was initially planning on going with some of the French girls from my corridor, but they left without me. They knew that I was going to come with them, and they were in a hurry and completely forgot me. I was so angry and couldn't believe that they would be able to forget me...but, I ended up going with a guy from my corridor and some Canadian girls that he knew. I was surprised by how many people that I recognized, and I had a good time meeting more people. And, I really do love dancing. I think that if I had the money, I could go out every night to go dancing...it's really wonderful fun and good exercise, on top of that!

Today I met up with my friend Maria, and although we had wanted to meet up all day it was completely accidental. Her password wouldn't work on a set of computers, and instead she went to the library. I then found her there--surprised her, and then we made plans to hang out tonight. I love that she's from Greece, and love learning different Greek phrases that she teaches me.

I'm headed to London for the weekend. I'm going with students from WashU, and meeting up with other WashU students that are going to UCL or University of Exeter. It should be a fantastic weekend--I'm so excited. I'll tell you all about it when I get back! Love and kisses!

2005-01-17T11:26:00.000-06:00

So, today was a great day. I had class at 9am which wasn’t that bad because I was able to actually get out of bed. I’ve been having a hard time waking up—I don’t know what is wrong with me or why I don’t ever want to get out of bed, but a 9am class will force one to wake up nice and early! Class went well—I had my Health Psychology class, and I think I will really enjoy it. After class, I met with my research professor, and we talked about what research we would be working on during the term. She wanted to survey hospitals in England about the services that are available to women who had a traumatic time during birth. About 1-2% of women experience post traumatic stress disorder from a difficult birth. I will be working on this research project throughout the term, and by the end of the term we will have written a paper and it will (more than likely) get published in a recognized psychology or obstetrician/ gynecologist journal. I WILL BE PUBLISHED IN A RECOGNIZED JOURNAL BEFORE GRADUATING COLLEGE!! I am so excited about this research project—I really don’t think that I could be happier with my research and my classes. I will only be working on research or class Mon-Wed, so that leaves me a 4 day weekend to travel and explore England and Europe!
I came back to my dorm, and some of my French friends were sitting out in the corridor. I’m really excited that I will be able to practice my French, and even listening to them really helps me. I think 6 months of listening and trying to speak French will really help me! Maybe I’ll even take a French class when I return to WashU. I would love nothing more than being fluent in French, and I think that being here will really help. I think I even might join a Language club to take French classes and teach English. How exciting will that be? Well, I’m off. Love and kisses!

2005-01-17T00:31:00.000-06:00

So, I wonder if this is going to work!

My First Real Post

2005-01-16T16:35:00.000-06:00

So, it's around 10:35pm on a Sunday night, and I think that I'm going to give this blogging thing another try. Let's see how it will work. Wish me luck!

I'm really enjoying my time here in Brighton, England. I'm living on campus at the University of Sussex, and I am about 15 minutes from downtown Brighton, a wonderful coastal town with lots of pubs, restaurants, and dance clubs. I only have two classes, and each class only meets once either on Monday or Tuesday. I am going to be doing a psychology research project with a professor here, but I'm not sure how often I'm going to be working with her. I might try to only work with her on Mondays and Tuesdays so that I can have a 5 day weekend and be able to travel a lot!

I've been meeting friends slowly here, but I've meet wonderful people. I'm living in International and Mature Student Housing--it's like living in a dorm with a few benefits. I have a sink in my room and there is a kitchen in my hallway.

I have been having a hard time finding a church around here, but I hope that I'll be able to find one soon. I went to a service held by the Anglican Chaplaincy, but there were only two old eccentric professors and the priest. I might try the Ecumenical Service that is held Sunday mornings, but I woke up too late today to make it. I miss ECM terribly, but I think I just need to work harder here at finding a church that can be my home.

The nightlife in Brighton is fantastic, especially during the week. Students here usually go out during the week because it's a lot cheaper to get into the clubs and the drinks are cheaper. I've been taking advantage of this, but I just need to find someone who enjoys dancing as much as I do! Josie should be here!! Well, that's it for the first post! Love and miss you all!