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?

A new blog name!

Well, after much thought, I've decided to heed Carolyn's advice on a new blog name. Out of respect for my favorite author, I've decided rename my blog according to a very simple, yet incredibly poignant, quote by Vonnegut. It's true, we are, in some respect, here on Earth to 'fart around' as he so graciously put it. And why not? What's life without a little adventure, without a little fun? All work and no play, well we all know the quote. I think I learned, if anything, this year how true this is. I've seen the polar opposites (and not necessarily at my job either); those who distain a hard days work and those who are so far into their work they cannot see that it's consuming their life. And yet, I've come across people who have made that incredible balance between work and life; those people are the happiest out of the three groups. Of this I am certain. So here's to a new blog name. To a new year. To a new life style. To my first year living soli on my own. To being (as said before) irrevocably in love. To continuing to learn about life. And to being one year older and one year wiser.

And a few quick updates:

In Maryland starting tomorrow until Monday. If you want my number, shoot me a message on facebook. So excited to see everyone!

Adam comes on Saturday. I don't think I need to say how much I've missed him the past week and a half.

I've decided, for the final time, to give it a go at writing a story (short or novella--I haven't decided yet). I'll keep you updated on how it's turning out. All I can say is, I'm writing what I know. You'll have to wait for the finished product to read it.

So I guess there's that...

Vonnegut. Time and time again I've made reference to him in my ramblings. I've quoted him. I've praised him. I've even thought about doing my Ph.d on something relating to his writing. And yet, I never actually tried writing like him. I think, as my next project, I'll attempt to write a short story (or perhaps novella) using aspects of his own writing style. Of course I would never rip the man off completely; you must respect the dead. I think it'll be interesting to see whether or not I'll be able to mix my own personal style (if I can even find one) with aspects of Vonnegut. It will certainly be a feet if I can finish this, especially since I've never actually finished a story; probably the reason for my feeble attempt at writing poetry.

Today I officially ended my first year of teaching. It felt surreal. No doubt I poured hours and hours into my final year at Towson in some ridiculous attempt to perfect the art of teaching. 'Any teacher who says they are perfect at teaching or knows everything should retire' is what our cohort leader said; how true. Reflecting today on my way into work, I realized how far I have come this year alone. How far I have come since Kate and I opened those doors of the auditorium into the sunlight after receiving our ticket into the 'real world'. It was as though the outside was welcoming us with open arms saying: 'C'mon in. You've worked hard. Don't worry, we'll take good care of you'. To some extent it has taken very good care of us--well, me for that matter--I haven't spoken to Kate and the rest of my classmates nearly as much as I would have if I stayed in Maryland or even the States. For me, I can say, the real world has been kind. True, it had its ups and downs this past year. But what's life without a little rocking of the boat? With the rough times came some incredible experiences, both in and out of the classroom. To wrap up this rant, 2008/2009 was, by far, one of the best years of my life. And while I was miles away from most of the ones I love, I realised, through that distance, that I have some incredible people back at home. It made it rough at times being here, but I think--no, I know-- this entire experience is something that I will take with me forever. No matter what.

With that said, I just became quite anxious, in a not positive way, about going back to Maryland; or more specifically, Towson. I realized after speaking to a friend of mine from college that most people have moved on since I last saw them in December/January. The ones who I always thought would be there have now seemingly moved away from that comfort zone and on to starting their own lives. Then again, I suppose I shouldn't get upset; they just did exactly what I did, only a year later. This is what happens when we grow up and it needs to be kept in mind.

As Carolyn brought to my attention a few posts back, I need a new name for my blog. Any suggestions?

And finally, to wrap this up, I have just one last thing to say: I am, without a doubt, whole heartedly, stupidly, and irrevocably, in love; for the first time ever. So I guess there's that... ;)

We will go there, leave this, weakness, can't take this from me...

*Once again, I find myself reunited with a band from my past (no thanks to my iPod partially breaking--I'm left without a screen for my iPod so whatever comes my way is completely random); Ladies and Gents, I give you, the one, and only: Dispatch. How on earth did I manage to ever allow this incredible threesome to make their way to the bottom of my selection? From their interest of charity work in Africa to catchy guitar rifts, poignant lyrics to feet-stomping drum beats, it's a wonder I ever let them slip from my daily play lists. For those of you who have never heard Dispatch, or just need a good dose (as I found I certainly did), you can simply go to www.dispatchmusic.com . Lucky for you, they have a free player at the top of their website that plays all their albums (including their solo stuff). Check it out and be prepared to be 'wowed'!

*It's funny because, in less than two weeks, I will have completed my first year of teaching. I was in the middle of a lesson today and thought 'this has become such second nature, I could practically do it with my eyes closed!' Well, on second thought, perhaps it would be best if I didn't do that; a few of my classes might end up, literally, swinging from the rafters (or just beating the crap out of each other). I can see my confidence growing, with regard to what I'm doing. I am clearer of my strengths and weaknesses. I am seeing results that I'm quite pleased with; even with a class as difficult as my year 7s. Sometimes I forgot that I'm teaching in England, and then I come back to my senses, and I get this really gitty 'wow-I-actually-made-it' feeling in my stomach that just sends me through the roof; it's a wonderful feeling.

*Five months on the 14th!! :) I cannot believe this; it's still going so well!

*I just found this on my friends page via Facebook. Teachers: Imagine if we ever spoke to a student like this. Police and law enforcers/Military: Would you ever speak to a child like this? Parents: Would you like your child to be spoken to like this? Take a look: Police in Baltimore

*Anyway, I'm off to Sophie/Laura's for a movie night. 10 days "ya'll":)