Final thoughts on freedom...

*The summer has certainly come and go much faster than I would have ever expected. Even as a child, summer vacation seemed to drag on forever; perhaps it was due to the fact that I attended a summer camp comprised mostly of incessantly spoiled, bratty, and over all rude children, who, eventually turned out to be, the same type of people who made my days in high school that much more miserable. I always seemed to dread summer, no matter how much I destained school. Whether it was the unruly children in my camp group, my on going weight gain (I seemed to gain the most weight during the summer--without a doubt due to the 'snack shed' we had at camp and later a result of the fries and tomato soup (to name a few things) at Kutz sleep-away camp), or my final days as a councilor, miserable because I was working with younger children who, more times than not, would stick unforseen things up their noses, summer time was always met with a bit of negativity. Luckily, I've moved on from that. Instead of scoffing at days laying out on the beach, attempting at my poor excuse for a tan, I welcome it with open arms. And nothing beats curling up in a well ACed coffee shop with a book or two that you've been trying, yet failing, to finish during the school year. Summertime now means visiting friends and family for a longer period of time than three weeks. And while I still find running, and doing any sort of sport, during the summer to be incredibly difficult, I have mostly over come that with the help of a gym and summer league (when I played) two nights a week. Needless to say, this summer was six weeks of well deserved relaxation and the new school year is certainly met with an open mind.

*A few bits and bobs here:

-Spent the weekend here in Nottinghill and attended the Nottinghill Carnival for the first time; such an incredible experience! Probably would have enjoyed myself a bit more had I been able to drink (stupid medication--at least I'm done with that). Overall, great time!

-More pictures taken with my new, and incredible, camera. I'll post some on here and the rest on facebook.

-Paris with Adam in three weeks. So excited! And congrats to my cousin and her, now, fiance! Can't wait to see both of them in three weeks when I visit!

-Must be off! More later :)

Marching Bands of Manhattan...

*So I've returned to Milton Keynes after a very exciting and, at times, crazy summer vacation spent back at home. Adam surprised me by meeting me at the airport, even though he had convinced me he wasn't able to take off from work. I was ecstatic!

*For everyone I ended up seeing during my time in the States, it was wonderful to see you all. For everyone else whom I could not see, I will be back in December. Unfortunately, the one thing I've learned from my visits over the past year is that I will not always be able to see everyone during my stay. It sucks; but it's also the reality of living so far from my friends and family.

*With that said, being back meant moving into my new apartment. I love this place. And the best part: it's all mine! My first one bed room apartment! I officially feel like an adult. That's not to say I wasn't an 'adult' last year. However, I have to say, living with that many people was certainly reminiscent of being back at Towson. It had a very college-esque feel to it. This new place is my own 'home.' Even with my shoes, clothes, and various personal belongings still strewn across my floors (I've only been living here a total of two days), it's beginning to feel like a place I will be able to call 'home'; not just a house that has all of my stuff. Once I get settled in and feel it looks presentable, I'll take pictures and post them.

* I'm going to see Avenue Q in the West End on Saturday evening. Adam surprised me (once again) with tickets after he had heard me talk about wanting to see the show. I literally made mention of it once to my father during Adam's stay in Jersey. I couldn't believe it when he told me where we were going.

Broke into the old apartment... II

A quick preview for those of you who wish to actually weed through all 160 photos from home. I promise they're not ALL of Adam and me making you want to vomit from sheer sappieness (though I must admid, there are quite a few). Over all my trip has been/was incredible. I'm still in Florida until the 16th and then I fly home from Philly on the 17th. I think, at this point, I'm about ready to head back to the UK--a very good sign for my staying in MK for another year. I'll blog a bit more once I actually get back to my house and settle in; I simply cannot wait for my new apartment!!

Greetings from States-side...

It's been a while since I last posted. A quick updated as I'm currently on my way to the airport (yet again) for the final part of my USA visit.

*Adam left last night after spending a good week or so with me here in the US. I was sad to see him leave, but it's only for a week or so. I think this was a true test to see how long we could 'stand' to be with one another; to be honest, it didn't even seem like a week, it went so well. My family loved him--a huge thumbs up to that. Then again, I don't think I ever had a doubt in my mind that the outcome would be any different.

*It was great to see friends down in Baltimore; I think that was the most difficult part of the trip to say goodbye to. There was so much more I wanted to do with my friends, but I suppose that's the price you pay for having a life abroad; luckily, there is always December!

*I have to run, but I'll see if I can update more in the airport.

*US Airways has officially made it to the same [personal] list that Air Canada is on. I decided to give away my seat for a direct flight to West Palm instead of stopping over in Charlotte. I was under the impression they would be awarding me with a voucher as everyone else was; no such luck. According to the woman behind the desk at my new gate, 'you did not volunteer your seat really. We simply found you an earlier, and more direct, flight.' My willingness to help them out (of course in hopes I received something in return) has been made to seem as though they were doing me a favor; their five dollar food voucher certainly did not cover what they promised. Needless to say, when I became rather cross with them following being informed that I didn't yet have a seat on my new flight, I was met with the typical rudeness that you can expect from a public service worker in this area. Their lack of communication amongst their company is the crux of the problem and I can only pray my luggage arrives on time and at the correct airport.

*It seems as though we're boarding. Apparently I've been placed in a middle seat towards the back...'Alexander and The No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day' anyone?