1A moved in yesterday. Though it already feels like it has been longer.
I live in Jardine 1C and the floor is lettered A-E. Until just yesterday, A had been empty.
I was walking to the kitchen yesterday and saw someone finally entering 1A. I extended a hand that received a glance, at which I withdrew said hand and began to twiddle my thumbs. My new hallmate told me her name - which I have now forgotten - but said I could call her Fran.
This morning, I sleepily walked into the kitchen, and shortly after entering, Fran came in. I said good morning, which received a like reply. I then asked how she was, which received a silence. I saw her pour cereal into a grey bowl and then she walked out of the kitchen. (I don't like people in the morning either, that's fine.)
After she left, I saw a note posted on the tv in our common room (sadly, the TV functions better as a bulletin board than a TV). The note was hand written and said, "Has anyone seen my white mug with the black stripe. I cannot find it. - Soundes." I knew which mug this note referred to and I knew I had seen it, somewhere. I was having one of those foggy moments as when you set down your keys right before you walk out the door. I then walked to the counter and saw it sitting right there. I looked at it and it looked slightly used. I went back to making my coffee.
Then Soundes entered. She was moving around in a busy way. I said, "Oh, Soundes, I saw your letter, and I think your mug is right over there." I pointed and she turned her head.
She said, "This was not so fifteen minutes ago. That was not here." She then looked inside - "And it's used! Look at this. Do you see this? I washed this at 11 last night and it was sitting on the drying rack, and now it is used." I nodded and tried to be as sympathetic as I could first thing in the morning.
Soundes frantically washed her mug, while slightly muttering. She opened the cabinet to put her mug away and she said, "My bowl!" (I knew that bowl had looked familiar.) I turned my head and I said, "Your bowl?"
She said, "My bowl is gone! My grey bowl, it's gone!"
I thought this was an appropriate time to say, "Have you met the new flatmate?"
Needless to say, Soundes had not met the new flatmate.
Soundes took the note off of the TV, she crossed out mug and wrote below it "grey bowl." She then re-posted it on the TV.
I returned to the kitchen about two hours later to find a used grey bowl sitting in the kitchen sink, full of water. All I knew was I didn't want to be there when that was found.
I was gone for most of the evening and returned to my flatmate Rie warming a crumpet. I went to pour myself some milk and wondered when I had used so much that it was almost empty. But I did not think much of it. I then began to put away the dishes. Rie and I have almost identical frying pans so I said, "Is this one yours?" She said, "Yes, I suppose... but I didn't use it..."
I knew exactly what was about to happen now.
I silently continued to put away my dishes. Rie then said, "These are my plates. I did not use these."
I once again thought it an appropriate time to say, "Have you met the new flatmate?"
I thought our flat was odd but it seems it was actually missing some oddity- and now it has been added. We now have a silent, kleptically - inclined flatmate from Korea. Good. I will say, at least she equally borrows. It's like a little living tax.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
On a Less Serious Note...
Not all Zumba classes are the same. (Just in case you were wondering.)
Now, for anyone who does not know, Zumba is a dance fitness class. It is supposed to combine "hip-hop" moves with latin-pop music to give one a workout with fun.
Now, the general stereotype of Zumba classes is - the instructor can actually dance, but most everyone else just hopes to be her and attempts to shimmy and shake in the meantime. .
The general joke of Zumba is
Now, for anyone who does not know, Zumba is a dance fitness class. It is supposed to combine "hip-hop" moves with latin-pop music to give one a workout with fun.
Now, the general stereotype of Zumba classes is - the instructor can actually dance, but most everyone else just hopes to be her and attempts to shimmy and shake in the meantime. .
The general joke of Zumba is
I realized today, however, that not all Zumba classes are the same. Though, they are pretty much supposed to be, I think. My Zumba experience today, was something more like this
I don't know what happened. I don't know where the music came from. (I will give credit where credit was due, it was slightly faster and a little more techno than the song above.) But we actually did the Charlie Brown move (as in Peanuts Charlie Brown -you know, the only one they do); the move from 50s american beach films, where the arms go up and down alternately as you shake a bit; and one move (that we repeated several times) was walking.
Jardine 1: Perspective
I am learning to more fully appreciate the perspective other cultures offer. I say this with a smile. With the world becoming so small, it is quite entertaining to see its clash of culture. And there is also much to be truly appreciated.
Coming from the culture I do, for example, I would never think to put barbeque sauce in my Minestrone. However, for someone who is going strictly off of scents, with no cultural "norms" to direct them, this is a perfectly legitimate taste experiment.
I may raise my eyebrows, but I come to realize, there's nothing to say that can't be done but my cultural precedence.
A day after the Hot Cross Bun incident, I found myself in the kitchen with the flatmate I offended. (Being me) I apologized to her for throwing away the bread and at this she started to tear up and gave me large, tight hug.
I had no idea that something I saw as so small and insignificant could be such a huge matter to someone else.
Now, I wasn't raised to waste, but as I have gotten older, I have had the freedom and luxury to be "choosy" - in everything. And, living in the United States, where even the homeless have their choice of meals, I never realized what a privilege this really is. It's easy to forget how the rest (or even some rest) of the world live.
Don't worry, I don't have a link to a charity organization. But, amidst the chaos of globalization - the confusion, the newness, the barbeque sauce in the minestrone - I think it is to be appreciated that globalization also brings us to realize our shared humanity, our shared sentiments.
I understood my flatmates feelings even though I did not share them on that particular subject.
This is sweet and to be valued. But I cannot leave on this humanistic note. Yes, we are all humans, and largely I think we should have that perspective, leading to care and concern for our fellow men. But the current conflict in the world would show we also have deep-rooted (and real, I think) values that bring us into deep, and painful conflict. I do not know that we will always get to be sweet and wonderful. Things are not always as easy as hot cross buns.
Finding the balance of love and a firm stand is hard.
Coming from the culture I do, for example, I would never think to put barbeque sauce in my Minestrone. However, for someone who is going strictly off of scents, with no cultural "norms" to direct them, this is a perfectly legitimate taste experiment.
I may raise my eyebrows, but I come to realize, there's nothing to say that can't be done but my cultural precedence.
A day after the Hot Cross Bun incident, I found myself in the kitchen with the flatmate I offended. (Being me) I apologized to her for throwing away the bread and at this she started to tear up and gave me large, tight hug.
I had no idea that something I saw as so small and insignificant could be such a huge matter to someone else.
Now, I wasn't raised to waste, but as I have gotten older, I have had the freedom and luxury to be "choosy" - in everything. And, living in the United States, where even the homeless have their choice of meals, I never realized what a privilege this really is. It's easy to forget how the rest (or even some rest) of the world live.
Don't worry, I don't have a link to a charity organization. But, amidst the chaos of globalization - the confusion, the newness, the barbeque sauce in the minestrone - I think it is to be appreciated that globalization also brings us to realize our shared humanity, our shared sentiments.
I understood my flatmates feelings even though I did not share them on that particular subject.
This is sweet and to be valued. But I cannot leave on this humanistic note. Yes, we are all humans, and largely I think we should have that perspective, leading to care and concern for our fellow men. But the current conflict in the world would show we also have deep-rooted (and real, I think) values that bring us into deep, and painful conflict. I do not know that we will always get to be sweet and wonderful. Things are not always as easy as hot cross buns.
Finding the balance of love and a firm stand is hard.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Jardine 1: Cultural Differences
I'm starting to feel like I live in a sitcom.
I first realized that living was going to be somewhat different on my floor by the dish soap in the kitchen. I bought orange dish soap and a pack of six sponges at the beginning of the semester. I set them nicely in front of the sink for everyone to use. I'm pretty sure this entire purchase cost me something around 2 pounds.
The next day I walked into the kitchen and found a yellow dish soap had appeared with a different shaped sponge. I smiled to myself and made a mental note to inform my flatmates that they were more than welcome to use my soap.
Two days passed and I saw none of my flatmates, but in that time, a third dish soap appeared - a pink bottle - with a white sponge behind it.
In the States, I feel like it would be almost understood that you would share the costs of common things like this. But no such luck here - and especially not among four different cultural backgrounds.
About a week later, a green bottle of soap showed up with a new type of sponge. There's nothing to do but smile at our kitchen sink - at least that's what I've resorted myself to.
This morning we tried to have a flat breakfast (partly by my instigation). I had bought Hot Cross buns -cause they are something I know is Scottish or British or something - and I thought I could give my flatmates some taste of Scottish cuisine (that I knew of). The thing is.. I don't really like hot cross buns.. So Ivy (from China) and Rie (from Japan) tried them and I had a half of one. Soundes (from Tunisia) did not try one. There were about three halves left at the end of the meal and, not feeling like eating them out of obligation, I decided to throw them away.
After we had finished and washed all the dishes I walked back into the kitchen from my room to find Soundes and Rie standing over the trash can. I said something beginning some sort of conversation and Soundes says, "Those were your hot cross buns?!" I was a bit taken aback but replied, "Yes..." She said, "I feel bad for those who don't have. You did not need to throw away. Think of those who don't have!"
I admit, I was somewhat thoughtless in throwing away the hot cross buns. I knew I didn't want them, so I just threw them away. And I did feel some remorse thinking of waste, but also really didn't want them.
All I could say was, "I'm so sorry." Rie was just watching us as I stood at the sink. Soundes shook her head a bit and said "I feel bad," and then walked out of the room. I said to Rie, "Now I feel bad. I didn't mean to upset her." Rie said, "She was pretty upset" (helpful). I went to the trash can and examined the hot cross buns covered in banana peel. There was no good deed to be done anymore.
My word for the day would be don't buy hot cross buns.
I first realized that living was going to be somewhat different on my floor by the dish soap in the kitchen. I bought orange dish soap and a pack of six sponges at the beginning of the semester. I set them nicely in front of the sink for everyone to use. I'm pretty sure this entire purchase cost me something around 2 pounds.
The next day I walked into the kitchen and found a yellow dish soap had appeared with a different shaped sponge. I smiled to myself and made a mental note to inform my flatmates that they were more than welcome to use my soap.
Two days passed and I saw none of my flatmates, but in that time, a third dish soap appeared - a pink bottle - with a white sponge behind it.
In the States, I feel like it would be almost understood that you would share the costs of common things like this. But no such luck here - and especially not among four different cultural backgrounds.
About a week later, a green bottle of soap showed up with a new type of sponge. There's nothing to do but smile at our kitchen sink - at least that's what I've resorted myself to.
This morning we tried to have a flat breakfast (partly by my instigation). I had bought Hot Cross buns -cause they are something I know is Scottish or British or something - and I thought I could give my flatmates some taste of Scottish cuisine (that I knew of). The thing is.. I don't really like hot cross buns.. So Ivy (from China) and Rie (from Japan) tried them and I had a half of one. Soundes (from Tunisia) did not try one. There were about three halves left at the end of the meal and, not feeling like eating them out of obligation, I decided to throw them away.
After we had finished and washed all the dishes I walked back into the kitchen from my room to find Soundes and Rie standing over the trash can. I said something beginning some sort of conversation and Soundes says, "Those were your hot cross buns?!" I was a bit taken aback but replied, "Yes..." She said, "I feel bad for those who don't have. You did not need to throw away. Think of those who don't have!"
I admit, I was somewhat thoughtless in throwing away the hot cross buns. I knew I didn't want them, so I just threw them away. And I did feel some remorse thinking of waste, but also really didn't want them.
All I could say was, "I'm so sorry." Rie was just watching us as I stood at the sink. Soundes shook her head a bit and said "I feel bad," and then walked out of the room. I said to Rie, "Now I feel bad. I didn't mean to upset her." Rie said, "She was pretty upset" (helpful). I went to the trash can and examined the hot cross buns covered in banana peel. There was no good deed to be done anymore.
My word for the day would be don't buy hot cross buns.
Friday, September 21, 2012
A Freer Scotland
I always seem to find myself discussing Scottish Independence.
A short re-cap, the last time I was here I ended up discussing Scottish Independence with my battlefield tour guide.
Now, two years later, I found myself this evening, sitting in an ornate library, listening to a panel of three MSPs and two Scottish scholars who were all discussing the matter of Scottish independence. Oh, how the times have changed - and how they haven't.
Nothing was solved tonight, of course. Everyone stood their party ground. But it was a great debate. The speakers would make slight jabs at each other and one of the scholars was about eighty and was not worried about offending anybody. He told one man (who supported independence) that he was living in "cloud cuckoo land" if he believed the Scottish would still have any right to the pound after they claimed independence.
Oh, Scotland.
That's all here really.
I had classes this week. All six hours. But I'm up to my nose in reading. No worries - not just wasting time over here.
My two criminology classes were really great. I really enjoyed them. My statistics class seems about as exciting as one would expect.
A short re-cap, the last time I was here I ended up discussing Scottish Independence with my battlefield tour guide.
Now, two years later, I found myself this evening, sitting in an ornate library, listening to a panel of three MSPs and two Scottish scholars who were all discussing the matter of Scottish independence. Oh, how the times have changed - and how they haven't.
Nothing was solved tonight, of course. Everyone stood their party ground. But it was a great debate. The speakers would make slight jabs at each other and one of the scholars was about eighty and was not worried about offending anybody. He told one man (who supported independence) that he was living in "cloud cuckoo land" if he believed the Scottish would still have any right to the pound after they claimed independence.
Oh, Scotland.
That's all here really.
I had classes this week. All six hours. But I'm up to my nose in reading. No worries - not just wasting time over here.
My two criminology classes were really great. I really enjoyed them. My statistics class seems about as exciting as one would expect.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Church Hunting
Scotland and I have this great relationship. I come over here to "study" and then they give me about half the work I would have in the States; It's great.
I just wrote out my schedule and it looks like I go to classes about six hours a week, three days a week. But I'm sure I'll be given reading to fill all of the lonely hours.
Don't worry, Lucy, Mom, and Dad, I'll be doing something. Stop the judgement. It's not my fault.
I went Church-hunting yesterday. It's funny, I did this while I was in Aberdeen too and the thing I always miss the most is knowing the worship songs. They're in the same language, so that's a bonus, and one would think that would do it for familiarity, but it just doesn't. The tunes, words, and rhythms are always just ever-so-slightly different here. Takes some getting used to.
At the first church I visited, which shall go unnamed. I was sitting next to Alban and two other men. I was the furthest inside the pew and the two men were on the outside. When the two men sat down an elderly man (who had been sitting behind me and Alban since we got in) came up and introduced himself to the two men. And then to Alban. And then he walked away. No -- before you call me hypersensitive -- I was not too far in for him to reach. We were sitting in front of a bar that had space before another series of pews. It's fine though. No offense taken. As I looked around the church I realized I was either the only, or one of three women wearing makeup. An elderly woman also looked at me often while I was singing -- I think I may have been being too loud. All that said, I may still be on the hunt for a church.
Don't worry, Lucy, Mom, and Dad, I'll be doing something. Stop the judgement. It's not my fault.
I went Church-hunting yesterday. It's funny, I did this while I was in Aberdeen too and the thing I always miss the most is knowing the worship songs. They're in the same language, so that's a bonus, and one would think that would do it for familiarity, but it just doesn't. The tunes, words, and rhythms are always just ever-so-slightly different here. Takes some getting used to.
At the first church I visited, which shall go unnamed. I was sitting next to Alban and two other men. I was the furthest inside the pew and the two men were on the outside. When the two men sat down an elderly man (who had been sitting behind me and Alban since we got in) came up and introduced himself to the two men. And then to Alban. And then he walked away. No -- before you call me hypersensitive -- I was not too far in for him to reach. We were sitting in front of a bar that had space before another series of pews. It's fine though. No offense taken. As I looked around the church I realized I was either the only, or one of three women wearing makeup. An elderly woman also looked at me often while I was singing -- I think I may have been being too loud. All that said, I may still be on the hunt for a church.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
"29. Crossing the street like the Beatles on the Abby Road cover."
It's not quite like the cover, but I'm going to leave that technicality to Beatles enthusiasts. Or just generally observant people.
 |
| 2010 |
"17. London's desperate attempts to get ready for the Olympics."
Slightly retrospective, but I don't think you can get much better than this answer.
This is what London came up with for their Olympic mascot.
Cause that makes sense. Nothing screams inspiration like a one-eyed British flag sewn together to have horns.
(If I get kicked out of the country for this post... Mmm.. I've got nothing to say. It'll be worth it. Something desperately needs to be said about that thing.)
This is what London came up with for their Olympic mascot.
Cause that makes sense. Nothing screams inspiration like a one-eyed British flag sewn together to have horns.
(If I get kicked out of the country for this post... Mmm.. I've got nothing to say. It'll be worth it. Something desperately needs to be said about that thing.)
"34. Snow Angels (but most brits are athiests, so snow-people-that-just-happen-to-have-wings)"
I found some people in the CU (Christian Union), Lucy.
 |
| (From Christmas 2010) |
I Will Finish This! (I love closure)
Don't worry, the statement isn't already about school. Classes haven't even begun. Wait for that post next week.
In September of 2010 I was given a wonderful "bucket list" (one could call it) for my semester abroad. My brilliant sister sent this list to me in an email. It is quite an impressive list.
All this to say, I didn't quite finish it the last time I was here, so, since I'm back, I think it's really just a sign. That's probably why I came back, really -- subconsciously.
As a re-cap (for myself as much as you), here's the list
"1. Drink tea and eat scones.
2. A sheep
3. Pose with someone in a kilt.
4. A picture of a member of the aristocracy (anyone with a title--preferably the queen. Or Sir Elton John).
5. Eat Haggis. No cheating, you have to actually be eating it.
6. The worst British teeth that you have seen.
7. Try to find platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station
8. At a british sporting event (rugby, cricket, drinking)
9. Tweed. Anyone in Tweed. Especially if its you.
10. The most bland, disgusting looking food you have encountered. *has to be something other than Haggis, you already got points for that one.
11. A British celebrity. Or an American one if you can manage it.
12. The Pope. You have three days before he leaves so good luck.
13. Puddings. All kinds. I really want to know what "spotted dick" looks like and why they gave it such a wonderful name.
14. Drink a pint of bitter in the local pub
15. Run down the scottish hillside a la "Sound of Music"
16. Kiss a boy with an accent (no pictures please...ick)
17. London's desperate attempts to get ready for the Olympics.
18. Dad and Mom getting lost on a Scottish back road (come on, we all know that is going to happen)
19. The most Chav-tastic person you can find
20. The most intensely British person you find (you know, the kind who reads Rudyard Kipling and rowed while he was at Eton)
21. The most Scottish person you've seen
22. The most Irish person you've seen (probably at #14)
23. A sunny day (gonna be a tough one)
24. The loch ness monster (easier)
25. Run across the hill like bravehart (face paint optional, but preferred)
26. Castle. Or cool looking ruins. Regardless you have to act like a disney princess.
27. On the London Eye. With an American Flag.
28. Minding the gap
29. Crossing the street like the Beatles on the Abby Road cover.
30. Eating Indian Food. Ordered "Indian-person" spicy. Then crying.
31. Something Dickensian.
32. Something Shakespearean.
33. Kippers for breakfast
34. Snow Angels (but most brits are athiests, so snow-people-that-just-happen-
35. Corgi--does not have to belong to the queen, but a plus
36. A rabbit hole. That goes to wonderland. (Looking glass acceptable substitute)
37. Wellingtons
38. A french person (probably looking uncomfortable and attempting to descipher scottish accents while smoking a cigarette and wearing a beret)
39. Photographic representation of a nursery rhyme (can be you posing with three blind mice, a cat jumping over the moon, a lost sheep, you get the picture)
40. A snowman. Dressed as a character from British literature.
41. Fish and Chips
42. The strangest thing they serve at Scottish McDonald's (You know you'll go there eventually)
43. Find a wardrobe. Find Narnia
44. You, snow, a lamppost (a fawn if you can manage it)
45. You and a stone statue in the snow
46. Turkish delight
47. You and a lion
48. Try to find a decent pizza. Go ahead. Try
49. Someone who's just got back from holiday in Mallorca (you will be able to tell because they'll be orange)
50. Waldorf Salad at a hotel. Don't mention the war.
Challenge.
Happy hunting.
Lucy"
The ones in blue have yet to be accomplished. I realize you can't really read them, but all the more reason for me to accomplish them.
There are some from my last minute that I had yet to publish, so they will be featured in the following posts.
Hope you enjoy as much as I will!
In September of 2010 I was given a wonderful "bucket list" (one could call it) for my semester abroad. My brilliant sister sent this list to me in an email. It is quite an impressive list.
All this to say, I didn't quite finish it the last time I was here, so, since I'm back, I think it's really just a sign. That's probably why I came back, really -- subconsciously.
As a re-cap (for myself as much as you), here's the list
"1. Drink tea and eat scones.
2. A sheep
3. Pose with someone in a kilt.
4. A picture of a member of the aristocracy (anyone with a title--preferably the queen. Or Sir Elton John).
5. Eat Haggis. No cheating, you have to actually be eating it.
6. The worst British teeth that you have seen.
7. Try to find platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station
8. At a british sporting event (rugby, cricket, drinking)
9. Tweed. Anyone in Tweed. Especially if its you.
10. The most bland, disgusting looking food you have encountered. *has to be something other than Haggis, you already got points for that one.
11. A British celebrity. Or an American one if you can manage it.
12. The Pope. You have three days before he leaves so good luck.
13. Puddings. All kinds. I really want to know what "spotted dick" looks like and why they gave it such a wonderful name.
14. Drink a pint of bitter in the local pub
15. Run down the scottish hillside a la "Sound of Music"
16. Kiss a boy with an accent (no pictures please...ick)
17. London's desperate attempts to get ready for the Olympics.
18. Dad and Mom getting lost on a Scottish back road (come on, we all know that is going to happen)
19. The most Chav-tastic person you can find
20. The most intensely British person you find (you know, the kind who reads Rudyard Kipling and rowed while he was at Eton)
21. The most Scottish person you've seen
22. The most Irish person you've seen (probably at #14)
23. A sunny day (gonna be a tough one)
24. The loch ness monster (easier)
25. Run across the hill like bravehart (face paint optional, but preferred)
26. Castle. Or cool looking ruins. Regardless you have to act like a disney princess.
27. On the London Eye. With an American Flag.
28. Minding the gap
29. Crossing the street like the Beatles on the Abby Road cover.
30. Eating Indian Food. Ordered "Indian-person" spicy. Then crying.
31. Something Dickensian.
32. Something Shakespearean.
33. Kippers for breakfast
34. Snow Angels (but most brits are athiests, so snow-people-that-just-happen-
35. Corgi--does not have to belong to the queen, but a plus
36. A rabbit hole. That goes to wonderland. (Looking glass acceptable substitute)
37. Wellingtons
38. A french person (probably looking uncomfortable and attempting to descipher scottish accents while smoking a cigarette and wearing a beret)
39. Photographic representation of a nursery rhyme (can be you posing with three blind mice, a cat jumping over the moon, a lost sheep, you get the picture)
40. A snowman. Dressed as a character from British literature.
41. Fish and Chips
42. The strangest thing they serve at Scottish McDonald's (You know you'll go there eventually)
43. Find a wardrobe. Find Narnia
44. You, snow, a lamppost (a fawn if you can manage it)
45. You and a stone statue in the snow
46. Turkish delight
47. You and a lion
48. Try to find a decent pizza. Go ahead. Try
49. Someone who's just got back from holiday in Mallorca (you will be able to tell because they'll be orange)
50. Waldorf Salad at a hotel. Don't mention the war.
Challenge.
Happy hunting.
Lucy"
The ones in blue have yet to be accomplished. I realize you can't really read them, but all the more reason for me to accomplish them.
There are some from my last minute that I had yet to publish, so they will be featured in the following posts.
Hope you enjoy as much as I will!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Where is the CVS?
You know what I love?
Receiving emails from a person called Liam. That just doesn't happen in the States!
Moving on, the hardest thing about being abroad really is the little things. I spoke with a friend about this. Amazingly, it's not opening a bank account or getting your books or figuring out where your classes are or figuring out the transportation system. I think it's because one expects all those things. The hardest things are the small, unexpected incidents.
For example, Tuesday night, I cut myself with a kitchen knife. Now, normally this would be a little painful, but I would just run get a bandaid and antibiotic from the bathroom or else run out to the CVS. But here, I ran the cut under water and then just stood staring at it for a good few minutes. I hadn't planned for cuts! And I had nothing. I had no bandaid, no first aid kit, no antibiotic ointment. Nothing. Not even a paper towel.
It really is the little things that make life seem so hard and just so foreign. And I think further, it's doing them on one's own.
Today, my mousepad on my computer quit working. Now, in the States, this would, of course, be an inconvenience, but a quick run to Best Buy would clear it all up and I would just use some other computer or mobile device until then. But here, I'm pretty sure (as it was first thing in the morning and I hadn't had my coffee yet) I thought life was just barely worth living anymore. (Perhaps that's a bit dramatic, but it gets the point across).
Scotland is still great in its dark, gruff, cheery way. I'm still adjusting though.
On the plus side though, I got to wear a red rain coat today. So that was exciting.
Receiving emails from a person called Liam. That just doesn't happen in the States!
Moving on, the hardest thing about being abroad really is the little things. I spoke with a friend about this. Amazingly, it's not opening a bank account or getting your books or figuring out where your classes are or figuring out the transportation system. I think it's because one expects all those things. The hardest things are the small, unexpected incidents.
For example, Tuesday night, I cut myself with a kitchen knife. Now, normally this would be a little painful, but I would just run get a bandaid and antibiotic from the bathroom or else run out to the CVS. But here, I ran the cut under water and then just stood staring at it for a good few minutes. I hadn't planned for cuts! And I had nothing. I had no bandaid, no first aid kit, no antibiotic ointment. Nothing. Not even a paper towel.
It really is the little things that make life seem so hard and just so foreign. And I think further, it's doing them on one's own.
Today, my mousepad on my computer quit working. Now, in the States, this would, of course, be an inconvenience, but a quick run to Best Buy would clear it all up and I would just use some other computer or mobile device until then. But here, I'm pretty sure (as it was first thing in the morning and I hadn't had my coffee yet) I thought life was just barely worth living anymore. (Perhaps that's a bit dramatic, but it gets the point across).
Scotland is still great in its dark, gruff, cheery way. I'm still adjusting though.
On the plus side though, I got to wear a red rain coat today. So that was exciting.
Monday, September 10, 2012
I Think I'll Go Back To Scotland
I've been thinking about this blog for a while and finally return to it.
I knew it would take a mishap of a day to get me back to this and today proved to be just the day.
As a quick catch-up, in June, I decided to forego a year of sitting at a desk marking out commas (an editing internship) and instead move back to Scotland and write a few more papers before entering the grown-up land of cubicles. So, here I am.
Up until this point it hasn't rained here! (Miracle of miracles, I know.) But today, the threatening clouds finally proved themselves. I was out at a welcome ceremony and then walked out the doors to see the umbreallas being popped up all around me. I had no umbrella, but that was the least of my concerns. The more pressing problem was my feet, on which I was wearing these
Now, If you're thinking, "My gosh, those look like house slippers." Well, you're quite right. And, most unfortunately, they feel like them too.
About 20 minutes into walking in the rain in these, I realized they had developed a hole. Very soon, my house slippers had turned into small feet canoes. And a nice bath of edinburgh street water continued to wash over my feet.
It was all a very enjoyable experience.
I finally couldn't stand it any longer and popped in a store and just bought some shoes. Perhaps needless to say, I don't think I'll be wearing the slippers much more.
Sending all my love and a little rain!
Sarah
I knew it would take a mishap of a day to get me back to this and today proved to be just the day.
As a quick catch-up, in June, I decided to forego a year of sitting at a desk marking out commas (an editing internship) and instead move back to Scotland and write a few more papers before entering the grown-up land of cubicles. So, here I am.
Up until this point it hasn't rained here! (Miracle of miracles, I know.) But today, the threatening clouds finally proved themselves. I was out at a welcome ceremony and then walked out the doors to see the umbreallas being popped up all around me. I had no umbrella, but that was the least of my concerns. The more pressing problem was my feet, on which I was wearing these
Now, If you're thinking, "My gosh, those look like house slippers." Well, you're quite right. And, most unfortunately, they feel like them too.
About 20 minutes into walking in the rain in these, I realized they had developed a hole. Very soon, my house slippers had turned into small feet canoes. And a nice bath of edinburgh street water continued to wash over my feet.
It was all a very enjoyable experience.
I finally couldn't stand it any longer and popped in a store and just bought some shoes. Perhaps needless to say, I don't think I'll be wearing the slippers much more.
Sending all my love and a little rain!
Sarah
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