Not much of an inkling to write tonight. Pictures up on flickr. Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifelessordinary7/
Monday, April 26, 2010
This was the trip that doesn't end...
And so I'm back in the UK. Arrived last Friday and have pretty much recovered from my jet lag. First day back at work was exceptionally difficult, what with my early Monday rise from London, meetings and moderating, I felt dead after 11 hours of work.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Update of flights and poetry blog...
First and foremost, I've managed to get a flight out of Philly on Thursday and arrive in Heathrow on Friday! I cannot begin to express how excited I am to be going back. WIth this said, I'm so glad I got to see everyone I wanted to (this was certainly a blessing in disguise).
Secondly, being stranded has sparked a momentary wave of creativity. Poetry blog is updated: http://lovenotwisely7.wordpress.com/
Enjoy!
Secondly, being stranded has sparked a momentary wave of creativity. Poetry blog is updated: http://lovenotwisely7.wordpress.com/
Enjoy!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 6-13...
As if the saying 'what can happen, will happen' couldn't hold more true than it did today. Damn you Murphy, whom ever you were!
My flight out of Philadelphia, for tomorrow, has once again been cancelled. The earliest flight? 27 of April, getting me into Heathrow on the 28th. This has just reached a new level of completely obscene. Not only now are my students going without a teacher for almost TWO WEEKS, but it will be nearly a month that I don't see Adam. I'm going out of my mind to be completely honest.
So to keep myself sane, I'm taking a day in NYC to take photos, get a bit of writing accomplished, maybe visit a museum or two, and then heading to Philly on Wednesday morning until about Friday morning where I'll be coming BACK to Baltimore for a second run.
I feel a bit in limbo right now. I'm not without a job, but I can't do anything FOR my job. It's not as though I need to look for a job, but my funds are going to start dwindling very quickly. I have friends and family here, but I'm also missing Adam horribly and my friends back in the UK. I have so much that I can see and do here, but all I want to be is in the UK getting on with my life. Such a torn feeling...
My flight out of Philadelphia, for tomorrow, has once again been cancelled. The earliest flight? 27 of April, getting me into Heathrow on the 28th. This has just reached a new level of completely obscene. Not only now are my students going without a teacher for almost TWO WEEKS, but it will be nearly a month that I don't see Adam. I'm going out of my mind to be completely honest.
So to keep myself sane, I'm taking a day in NYC to take photos, get a bit of writing accomplished, maybe visit a museum or two, and then heading to Philly on Wednesday morning until about Friday morning where I'll be coming BACK to Baltimore for a second run.
I feel a bit in limbo right now. I'm not without a job, but I can't do anything FOR my job. It's not as though I need to look for a job, but my funds are going to start dwindling very quickly. I have friends and family here, but I'm also missing Adam horribly and my friends back in the UK. I have so much that I can see and do here, but all I want to be is in the UK getting on with my life. Such a torn feeling...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 5 of Epic Volcanic Disruption of Epic Proportions...
I'm entering into day five of being unable to return back to the UK. As most of you have heard (unless you've been living under a rock for the past four days...), a volcano erupted in Iceland, late Wednesday, grounding thousands of flights in and out of the UK/EU. My flight happened to be one of the first flights cancelled this past Thursday, but was luckily re-booked for this Tuesday. With this said, there is no guarantee that BA will give the flight the go ahead to fly; I could still be in the US come the end of the week.
Everyone keeps telling me that 'this is completely out of your control'; however, I still feel a sense of anxiousness and (slight) guilt at the idea that my students will be without an English teacher for anywhere from 2 to 5 days (depending on my Tuesday flight status). The fact that my older students have exams coming up intensifies my anxiousness and guilt ten fold. With this said, I'm thinking this may be the perfect time to try out the strength of Walton High's computer technology. If we could, somehow, connect to Skype, then I would be able to at least teach my exam classes during the days I miss. Not only would this be beneficial for the students, but perhaps would be a step forward with the use of interactive technology in the classroom.
Funnily, the more I reflect on being 'stranded' (if that is what one would call it), the more I realise how much of my life primarily resides in the UK. My apartment and belongings are all there. My boyfriend is there. A very positive realisation indeed. It shows I've really acclimated myself to living in England; not only that, but I still retain the same genuine enjoyment of living overseas. A seriously reassuring tid bit, indeed.
And so I wait until tomorrow to find out the next piece of news, which will lead me to (hopefully) returning home once again. In the mean time, I've been so happy to see everyone whom, had this blasted volcano not gone off, I would not have seen due to time constraints. See, even volcanic ash can have a silver lining...
Everyone keeps telling me that 'this is completely out of your control'; however, I still feel a sense of anxiousness and (slight) guilt at the idea that my students will be without an English teacher for anywhere from 2 to 5 days (depending on my Tuesday flight status). The fact that my older students have exams coming up intensifies my anxiousness and guilt ten fold. With this said, I'm thinking this may be the perfect time to try out the strength of Walton High's computer technology. If we could, somehow, connect to Skype, then I would be able to at least teach my exam classes during the days I miss. Not only would this be beneficial for the students, but perhaps would be a step forward with the use of interactive technology in the classroom.
Funnily, the more I reflect on being 'stranded' (if that is what one would call it), the more I realise how much of my life primarily resides in the UK. My apartment and belongings are all there. My boyfriend is there. A very positive realisation indeed. It shows I've really acclimated myself to living in England; not only that, but I still retain the same genuine enjoyment of living overseas. A seriously reassuring tid bit, indeed.
And so I wait until tomorrow to find out the next piece of news, which will lead me to (hopefully) returning home once again. In the mean time, I've been so happy to see everyone whom, had this blasted volcano not gone off, I would not have seen due to time constraints. See, even volcanic ash can have a silver lining...
Monday, April 12, 2010
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Funerals always make me think.
I don't like this first sentence. It's too short. Too simple for the topic of this post. However, it's the truth and sometimes, it's best to just say things as they are.
I've not been to many in my life time, thank God, but of the ones I've attended, I always end up following a long and in depth string of thoughts; sometimes about life itself, other times about the people whom surround me. Death is never an easy concept to cope with and perhaps this is my 'coping mechanism'. I suppose it's better than resorting to self-destructiveness such as over drinking, emotionally shutting down, denial or any of the other devices people tend to fall back upon at the loss of a loved one.
Today was Lori's father's funeral. Out on Long Island in a Jewish cemetery on, what one may ironically call 'a beautiful day', we all stood around, paying our last respects to a man known as a loving husband, father, uncle, and brother. Howie had suffered from Alzheimer's for many years, the past 5 months being the worst. As I looked at the coffin in the ground, I found myself thinking in cliches: He's in a better place. At least he's not suffering. We'll remember him as he was over a year ago, not how he has been for the better part of a year. All of which were certainly true. Elegies were read by his three children, tears were shed and prayers were recited. Drifting in and out of the main service, I found myself contemplating the rabbi; a seemingly odd thing to think about, no doubt. Here was a man who has seen, one can assume, as many deaths as he has births, and I began to wonder: how is it he separates his own emotion from the immense emotion that joins, hand in hand, with death? At one time in my life, I intended on joining the rabbanit; since then, my plans have changed. However, thinking back to my preconceived notion of the profession, I don't think I ever once took into consideration the immense emotional burden (or perhaps that is not the appropriate phrase word to use) that came with the job. While I was ready to give advice where needed, I never once thought what would happen when, eventually, someone would pass away. The need to separate myself, my emotions (and, as most of you know, I am a rather emotional person to start with), to ensure I was providing the support needed for the ailing families of the lost. Today, I wondered how this man did just that. How can anyone separate themselves, emotionally, from death, especially when you are around it so often? Is it something that you must learn, as doctors, policemen, and firefighters must do in order to effectively carry out their jobs? Or is it something that comes naturally? Something that separates those same individuals from the rest of us? I certainly do not have the answer to this question, but it's something to ponder.
I don't like this first sentence. It's too short. Too simple for the topic of this post. However, it's the truth and sometimes, it's best to just say things as they are.
I've not been to many in my life time, thank God, but of the ones I've attended, I always end up following a long and in depth string of thoughts; sometimes about life itself, other times about the people whom surround me. Death is never an easy concept to cope with and perhaps this is my 'coping mechanism'. I suppose it's better than resorting to self-destructiveness such as over drinking, emotionally shutting down, denial or any of the other devices people tend to fall back upon at the loss of a loved one.
Today was Lori's father's funeral. Out on Long Island in a Jewish cemetery on, what one may ironically call 'a beautiful day', we all stood around, paying our last respects to a man known as a loving husband, father, uncle, and brother. Howie had suffered from Alzheimer's for many years, the past 5 months being the worst. As I looked at the coffin in the ground, I found myself thinking in cliches: He's in a better place. At least he's not suffering. We'll remember him as he was over a year ago, not how he has been for the better part of a year. All of which were certainly true. Elegies were read by his three children, tears were shed and prayers were recited. Drifting in and out of the main service, I found myself contemplating the rabbi; a seemingly odd thing to think about, no doubt. Here was a man who has seen, one can assume, as many deaths as he has births, and I began to wonder: how is it he separates his own emotion from the immense emotion that joins, hand in hand, with death? At one time in my life, I intended on joining the rabbanit; since then, my plans have changed. However, thinking back to my preconceived notion of the profession, I don't think I ever once took into consideration the immense emotional burden (or perhaps that is not the appropriate phrase word to use) that came with the job. While I was ready to give advice where needed, I never once thought what would happen when, eventually, someone would pass away. The need to separate myself, my emotions (and, as most of you know, I am a rather emotional person to start with), to ensure I was providing the support needed for the ailing families of the lost. Today, I wondered how this man did just that. How can anyone separate themselves, emotionally, from death, especially when you are around it so often? Is it something that you must learn, as doctors, policemen, and firefighters must do in order to effectively carry out their jobs? Or is it something that comes naturally? Something that separates those same individuals from the rest of us? I certainly do not have the answer to this question, but it's something to ponder.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Quickly quickly (part II)
Change of plans (yet again):
8pm. Slainte in Fells. My cell number is the same as last time (I got to keep it yay). If you still need it again (because we will probably move on from there), send me a message.
Hope to see someone of you Saturday!
8pm. Slainte in Fells. My cell number is the same as last time (I got to keep it yay). If you still need it again (because we will probably move on from there), send me a message.
Hope to see someone of you Saturday!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Quickly quickly!
Just a quick update ...
...Saturday plans have changed for those of you who are looking to join in on the festivities. Gin Mill in Canton at 8pm for drinks. We may move about after a few--this being the case, let me know if you're interested in attending (if you haven't already done so) so I can give you my new number (the old cell phone from the last few visits was stolen--hence why I've been unreachable to most these past few days).
Anyway, thoroughly looking forward to seeing everyone! (Though my time in Philly has been extremely enjoyable!!!).
...Saturday plans have changed for those of you who are looking to join in on the festivities. Gin Mill in Canton at 8pm for drinks. We may move about after a few--this being the case, let me know if you're interested in attending (if you haven't already done so) so I can give you my new number (the old cell phone from the last few visits was stolen--hence why I've been unreachable to most these past few days).
Anyway, thoroughly looking forward to seeing everyone! (Though my time in Philly has been extremely enjoyable!!!).
Monday, April 5, 2010
'Roll away your stone I'll roll away mine...'
*So I'm home. I know that some of you may have not known that I was coming back to the States for a while, but my reason for not saying anything on here was so that I could surprise my mother; and may I just say, she was quite surprised :) I decided that, because I may not have my passport/work permit sorted come the summer time, I would need to find another time to come home to see friends and family. With that said, this trip is geared more towards family as I will be home in October for the Rosenfielder/Schapiro wedding, so my time in Baltimore will consist only of Saturday to Sunday. Anyone wishing to get together, I'll be heading to Canton/Fells Point Saturday night for some drinks (nothing too crazy--just a way to catch up with everyone). Let me know if you want to meet up (I'll take your number and let you know where we end up).
*I'm taking this time home to relax, catch up with some much needed reading/running, and applying for jobs. I've already applied for one this morning at the International School of Choueifat in Bahrain. They are offering such a fantastic deal to teach such fantastic students in a cultured, unique and exciting environment, how could I do anything but apply? If I were to get this, I would be able to save up enough money to pay my way through grad school and not have loans to worry about--how amazing?
*Over the weekend I was able to celebrate (to an extent as it had to be cut short due to having to come home quicker than expected) Easter with Adam's family. It was more family time than it was religious. The meal on Friday was great; Adam's family is wonderful (I have a few pictures that I will post when I get back to the US). We also ended up seeing a more modern version of The Canterbury Tales in Leeds, which was so well done. I've never seen a group of actors so talented in my life! Not to mention, half the time you were rolling in isles or had your mouth open from disbelief that they had said or dome one thing or another. Over all, I'd highly recommend anyone go and see this (if you happen to be in the Leeds/England area some point soon).
*It's 77 degrees here right now so I am going to take full advantage of this and go for a run. Oh how I've missed the sunshine and warmth--maybe Bahrain will be a nice change of scenery, eh?
*I'm taking this time home to relax, catch up with some much needed reading/running, and applying for jobs. I've already applied for one this morning at the International School of Choueifat in Bahrain. They are offering such a fantastic deal to teach such fantastic students in a cultured, unique and exciting environment, how could I do anything but apply? If I were to get this, I would be able to save up enough money to pay my way through grad school and not have loans to worry about--how amazing?
*Over the weekend I was able to celebrate (to an extent as it had to be cut short due to having to come home quicker than expected) Easter with Adam's family. It was more family time than it was religious. The meal on Friday was great; Adam's family is wonderful (I have a few pictures that I will post when I get back to the US). We also ended up seeing a more modern version of The Canterbury Tales in Leeds, which was so well done. I've never seen a group of actors so talented in my life! Not to mention, half the time you were rolling in isles or had your mouth open from disbelief that they had said or dome one thing or another. Over all, I'd highly recommend anyone go and see this (if you happen to be in the Leeds/England area some point soon).
*It's 77 degrees here right now so I am going to take full advantage of this and go for a run. Oh how I've missed the sunshine and warmth--maybe Bahrain will be a nice change of scenery, eh?
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