There's no place like home

My first week back at home has been one big transition. Home is very little like I left it, but that's okay. Adrienne and I have been discussing the idea that "you can never come back home." I suppose it'd be impossible to leave for half a year and have things just as you left them 5 months ago ay. Since I've been gone, I've gained a family member, Jolie, and lost one as well, my precious mom mom. Life around my house this week has been bringing back lots of the memories I have of my moms cancer. There is slight sadness, but a definite sense of hope and togetherness, not to mention heaps of great food. Seriously, we have about 3 casseroles in our fridge right now. People have been so great :)

Flexability is key to the Ackermanns; it's what we do best. Plans change at the drop of a hat, the door is revolving, and right now Taney court is a game of musical beds with 8 of us living here, more to come tonight. This is what I love about my home. Ikea should totally use us in their table ads. Who knew you could fit 13 around a 6 seater. As I write this in my new basement bedroom that I share with Adrienne, I can hear my mom singing You Raise Me Up from the kitchen :) My new bedrooms vents offer great acoustics from almost all the rooms in our house. It's especially fun when I'm napping and Vinny and my cousins are watching the World Cup on TV upstairs.

As for me, I am loving every minute here at home. Truly, my family are my best friends. It's so good to come home to them. However, there's a part of me that's ready to jet off to Europe again right now. I've written down the places I still want to see, and it's quite the list. It's an odd sensation to feel like you've seen so much, and so little at one time. Never have I felt so excited for my future as I do now.

This post marks the end of my blog; thanks for keeping up with my adventures in England. Maybe in a few years I'll have another blog about my adventures in Greece or Prague or Argentina or where ever! I can't wait :)

Love Abby

What a week.

Sara, Heather and I spent another 4 days in Spain with Blanca and her family, which were amazing. The lifestyle is Spain was really different; eating lunch at 4 and dinner at 9 took some getting used to. I couldn't have asked for better company- Sara and Heather make for great travel buddies. Having done a number of trips together at this point, we mesh really well. All three of us had a blast with Blanca; what a lovely girl. Her and her mother were so incredibly hospitable, we were blown away again and again by their kindness.

A highlight for me was a fountain we visited one night. It was huge, and every half hour had a new color and music show. We sat on the grass and watched as the colorful water shot up and around to a Disney medly, beginning with Cirle of Life- awesome. Funny the things that are universal, like Disney. Or starbucks. Or math... :/

The trip was possibly my favorite of the whole term; a great way to end my experience here. The last few days Sara, Heather and I have spent in various British cities- today they are in London. It's been a really great time.

On a heavier note, things have been tough at home in Maryland. Mom mom's health has been waning fast. Over Spring break, my parents told me Mom mom would probably die within the year. It was hard news to swallow. Mom mom means the world to me, as she does to many people. The time I spent with her in April I will always cherish. The last two weeks or so, her health has declined so much that we weren't sure if she'd make it til I came home from England. It's been difficult to be this far from my family these past few days. I've been calling Mom mom and asking her to wait for me. I'll be home in two days, and I'd love to see her one last time. She told me she'd try.

Last night, my mom told me that Mom mom was ready to die. I said goodbye to Mom mom on the phone. She couldn't respond, but I'm told she could hear me. I'm so grateful to have Sara and Heather here, as all my friends have already gone back home. Paul too has been so supportive through the entire thing; I'm a lucky girl to have so many dependable, loving people to lean on.

As of right now, Mom mom is still here, though unconscious. I am still hoping that she can hold on, and that I'll see her Monday afternoon when I arrive back in the US. However, no matter what, I know I'll see her again in heaven. Adrienne told me that yesterday, every now and then mom mom would softly murmur "heaven." There is such a comfort to know she'll be with Jesus when she goes.

This is certainly not how I pictured my trip here ending. It's been quite the adventure, but today all my thoughts are on Taney Court. I can't wait to hop off that plane and see my family :)

Hola, Espana!

I met Sara and Heather running on Monday morning. I was actually a little scared as they came bursting through the gate, and proceeded to run full force at me down the hill. That was one epic group hug.

Having them in Leeds was a blast. They got to meet a few of the friends I still have here; most jetted off a few days prior to the girls arrival. It is odd to have people from home here- it´s like the feeling you get when you see your teacher outside of school, know what I mean?- and really cool at the same time. It´s also odd not having Adrienne here with us, as she is our fourth wheel. The door to my bedroom won´t even open fully with all three of us jammed in, but that´s what college is all about ay.

This week I said goodbye to my Leeds exchange friends, which was just as hard as I thought it would be. They are a new kind of friend group for me in that I have literally only known them for 5 months, but they have shared memories of a lifetime with me. That really creates a special bond.

Yesterday, the three of us girls flew out of sunny Leeds into rainy Barcelona (???) and met up with a friend of Paul´s, Blanca. Blanca studied with Paul at UPenn last year, so it´s been really interesting talking about study abroad with a European who´s been on exchange in America, exactly opposite of me. Blanca and her mother (Dude, can that woman cook) could not be more accommodating or hospitable. It´s a totally different experience living in an actual home of the country´s natives, as opposed to a hostel with other travellers.

Today was a great day of sight seeing with Blanca as our tour guide. We are off to eat dinner (at 9pm, as it´s done in Spain) with Blanca and some friends. More later :) Adiós!

Scotland

I love sitting down to update my blog. It's been such a good part of my England trip. Plus I was craving candy just now, and I happened to have some- don't you love when that happens. (side note- a good chunk of English candy is baby shaped. I think that's just really weird. Gummy babies? Really?) Anyway, nothing better than a satisfied craving and a blog update :D

Went to Edinburgh, Scotland this week for two days. What a country. On my way over to the UK, I met a Scotsman in the airport who told me I must must must see Edinburgh. He also insisted that I take the train, not the bus, as the scenery was unbeatable. He was right. I boarded a 7am train with Jordan (after 2 hours of sleep- Ugh), who let me have the window seat; what a gentleman. My earphones had broken the night before, and believe you me, traveling with no music is my idea of a nightmare. However, the scenery was enough to entertain me for the three hours I spent aboard. The coast of Scotland is so beautiful! I even saw a trailer park on the side of a Scottish cliff. Not too shabby.

I was welcomed off the train with bagpipes and sunshine. Oh, Europe. I love you. Jordan and I met up with Chloe and Danielle who were already there. The four of us had a great two days. I was dubbed navigator right off the bat; Danielle is determined to sharpen my map reading skills before this term is out. The first day we had more than one moment of me hunched over a map, with Jordan "I'll give you a hint- it's that way," and Danielle "Jordan- Let her do it!!" Sigh. I am going to miss these people :) We did heaps of sightseeing, and spent a large chunk of the day hiking up to Arthurs Seat, 823 feet above Edinburgh which was quite the trek, but totally worth it. Up top is a 360 degree panoramic view of the city. I accidentally littered a Tesco plastic bag off the top. Oops.

That night, we were thrilled to find a great Tex Mex place similar to Chipotle (we all miss Chipotle :), and ate a well earned meal of burritos. Sweet. We headed back to our accomodation, an artsy fartsy 1960s themed hostel. There were three, yes three, snorers in our room that night. It was a little unreal. After a day of hiking on two hours sleep, I slept like a log. (This is funny, because when I sleep my body is actually quite log-like. Anyway.)

The next day started and ended with Nutella on toast, a breakfast I am definitely bringing back to the States. We went on a free walking tour that was amazing. Saw everything, and heard lots of history. A highlight was seeing the cafe where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter. Awesome.

Our train ride home was lovely as well. The train was mostly empty, which is always nice. Jordan did manage to flick a guy off when he meant to give him the peace sign- cultural gap at its finest.

Back in Leeds now. The weather did a 180 while I was gone. The sun bakes my room all day, and window hardly qualifies as a window. It opens enough for me to stick my pointer finger out :(
This afternoon my flatmate, Todd went at it with a screw driver, and it opens fully now. I have found that if I crack my door open with my bedside table, I create a pleasant cross breeze. Thank goodness!

Sara and Heather arrive tomorrow, and will stay for the remainder of my semester. In a way tonight marks the end of my individual experience abroad. What an adventure.

More later!
Abby

1000 Awesome Things

A friend of mine, Emma, had her mother change her facebook password, so as not to be distracted from her essays. Honestly, the amount of disipline some people possess amazes me.

A few days ago, she happened to stumble across this blog, "1000 Awesome Things" that has us both addicted. (So much for avoiding distraction ay.) It's a list of 1000 little things that make life awesome, such as, "watching something download really fast," "getting the booth side of the restaurant table," "the moment at a concert when the crowd figures out what song they're playing," and "riding home with a box of pizza on your lap." LOVE IT.

I happen to pride myself on the fact that I always appreciate the little things in life, but this website has me feeling like such a slacker. It must have made Emma feel the same way. Last night, walking around the city, Emma literally stopped, leaned over, and smelled a bush. Sylvia asked her what she was doing, to which Emma replied "Stopping to smell the roses." Fair enough, Em. (I'm pretty sure that bush didn't have any roses, but for the sake of this anecdote, I'll pretend that it did.)

Either way, the website has inspired me to make my own list of the Awesome Things in my life.

Going to call someone, picking up your phone, and seeing that they are already calling you (so trippy when that happens!)
Responding to 'Adrienne', even though it's Abby.
Double checking to see if I've spelled a word right, and seeing that I have.
Realizing on a Saturday that I haven't checked Postsecret yet.
When the total is $6.10, and I have a dime.
Wrapping up in a sheet, right out of the dryer.
When I pull into the driveway just as the song ends.
Wearing my boyfriend's Tshirt.
Replaying clips from Americas Funniest Home Videos in my head, and giggling in class.
Having an "accent".
Going into the city with my morning hair.
When the sales clerk tells me that the soda is actually buy one, get one free, and then lets me run back real fast to grab another.
The sound a coke can makes when you open it.
When the bus and I arrive simultaneously at the stop.
Shamelessly listening to crappy pop music at full volume in Ruby's van.
The warm feeling I get inside when I hear The Office's theme song.
When I'm not sure if I've pulled the van far enough into the garage, and watching as the garage door slowly closes behind me, without stopping to go back up :)
When Mom mom and Pop pop whisper back and forth in church, but it's really loud haha
When Phoebe gets her head stuck in the trashcan lid. Talk about caught red handed.
Not petaling as I go down a hill on my bike.
When you stick your foot in the pool water, expecting it to be really cold, when it's actually just the right temperature.

Check out Neil Pasricha's at www.1000awesomethings.com :)

Spring Time in England??

I've spent the last week in a coat. It's been a whopping 45 degrees here. UGH.

When I first arrived in England, some randomer on the bus was telling me that England is the only place he goes where he finds himself talking about the weather. He said he thought that in general, talking about the weather was pretty lame, and I agreed. However, the weather is so all over the place here, I find myself bringing it up all the time. You wake up and it's sunny, then clouds come, rain falls, turns to hail, the clouds part, the sun sneaks back out, sets, and the wind picks up. You find yourself wishing you had gloves and a scarf (why did I not bring a scarf?), then remind yourself that it's May. Wtf, Leeds.

Despite the weather, England is perfect. Perfect. I'm not ready to leave. Yes, part of me is pumped to see my Americans again, to eat a Chipotle burrito, walk the boardwalk, and honestly, get back to waitressing, believe it or not. However, I feel like I've only just completely adjusted to life here, (though I still have a mini heart attack when I see a little kid riding in what is the USA's drivers seat... can't get used to it, ay) and I'm not ready to say goodbye. Knowing I may never see some of my friends from exchange ever again sucks. On the other hand, knowing that if I find myself in Germany one day, I'll have somewhere to crash is pretty sweet :)

Truth be told, I'm just bummed that when I come home, people won't think my accent is cool.
Hahaha :) But seriously.

I literally just finished my third paper about 40 minutes ago, which means one more exam, and I'm done with my Junior year of uni. How crazy is that.

Heather and Sara arrive in about two weeks- can't wait. I'm looking forward to playing host, and showing off some of my new cooking skills!! :D It will be really fun to share some of this experience with people from back home.

Adrienne just got her acceptance letter from a program in Saville, Spain, and will be studying abroad for the entire school year, starting this upcoming September. I'm so proud of her- that girl is so cut out for study abroad, I know she'll have the time of her life. It will be strange to be back in the States while she's here, as I'm used to the opposite. Maybe one day we'll travel some of Europe together :)

Hope you're all enjoying the Summer weather back home! Give the sun my love... ;)

Spring time in England

The sky is officially light until around 8pm now, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it.
I always get excited when the seasons change, but never quite like I do when Winter turns to Spring. For me, the joys of Winter end abruptly on December 26th, so I'm welcoming Spring with open arms (and bare toes).

Writing those papers wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I do the same thing at the end of every term, and completely freak out for a good 3 days, before I remember that stress is just not for me. It just isn't worth it. You know, I accomplish more unwound anyways. And honestly, in the end, I'll always choose a relaxed B over a stressed out A.

One of my papers was on Bloody Sunday, which happened in Northern Ireland about 38 years ago. I am embarrassed at how little I knew about it before I came to the UK (it is amazing how much British students know about my history, and how little I know about theirs), but after this paper, I feel so connected to it. If you don't know what went down, it's worth googleing. The cool thing about it though, is that there is a inquiry going on right now involving it, and the verdict is announced on May 6th of this year. I can't wait to hear the results. It was awesome to be writitng an paper on something so current.

Speaking of writing, I do have some exciting news to share! My Fiction Writing professor from last Fall does an internship every term, and picks one student to work along side him. It's an envied position; he has tons of writing connections around Baltimore, not to mention is just brilliant to begin with. That said, I was beside myself in excitement when I got an email from him this week asking me to be his intern! I admire him so much as a writer, and can't wait to learn what he has to teach me. It's made a big impact on my future goals; I'm hoping that this interniship will open up some doors for a potential career in writing.

If nothing else, these last few months have proven to me that there may be bigger plans in store for me than the ones I'd set out for myself. Coming out of high school, I was admittedgly less than motivated about my future, Vinny can vouch for that one :) The fact that I am even here right now in Leeds still shocks me in some ways. I've got heaps to learn, in the way of writing, but mainly just in life, but I'm pumped. Lame, but remember that whole kick Oprah was on? About "being the best version of yourself," or something? Yeah. I'm just all about that these days. Thanks, Oprah.

Went down to London this weekend and had a blast. I'm pretty spoiled at this point. Coming home to so few weekend options is going to be an adjustment, that's for sure. 6 more weeks here, and counting. I'm not ready to go home. I wish I had another semester abroad. Woe is me. I only get five months in Europe. Truly, sometimes I could use a good slap across the face :) I am loving every minute here, even the ones spent hunched over a Microsoft document, and refuse to take any of it for granted.

More later!
Abby

Volcano Eyjafjallajokull

Really. It's like they ran out of names, so someone just pounded a keyboard and called it a day.

My first week back in Leeds has been pretty good. It was great reuniting with friends here, and hearing stories of everyone's Spring Break adventures.

I certainly made it back into the UK just in time. I've heard of flights being cancelled for snow or storms, but volcanic ash? Didn't see that coming. I honeslty haven't seen the sky this empty since 9/11. I feel lucky that I'm not being directly affected; I know of a few people who are stuck in countries they were visiting over Spring Break, and are missing exams and such- what a mess. My friend Danielle is actually putting up three girls she knows from home who are stuck in Italy at the moment, but are slowly making their way back to Ireland, where they're studying. I also have a few friends in London who were meant to fly home last week, and are just chilling out til things clear up.

As far as Leeds goes, we've had mostly clear skies. The produce isle at Morrisons is a little lacking, but what can you do.

Heather and Sara are due to fly over here on May 24th. I assume planes will be flying in and out of the UK by then... :/

In other news, there is none.
I feel like I've been at my desk all week writing these papers. Finding the motivation has been super hard. Uni (college) in the England is super lax. Until this week, I'd done one group project and that's about it, which means I really can't complain now, ay? For real though, it's like my body can't remember how to do school work. Wondering if this will effect me when I return to Towson for Fall. Yikes.

Hope to have a been a few places other than my desk by my next post ;) Til then!

Abby

Home Sweet Home

I couldn't have been more thrilled to see the beaming faces of Mom, Dad and Allison when I got off the plane from Rome. I'd missed them! I love living in the UK. I love an adventure. But dude. There is no feeling like the one you get from returning home. I adore the Ackermanns. End of story.

That's not the end of the story though :)

I came home to find some things changed. It was sorrowing to hear the news of Mom mom's cancer spreading, but I was excited to hear that my grandparents were now living with us on Taney Court. I spent a lot of quality time with them over break, and it was just lovely. Being roomies with those two was so fun. I love them to pieces, and can't wait to see them again in Summer.

My plane landed at 2pm US time, and 9pm Rome time, so by 8, I was ready for bed. My mom, however, told me that Adrienne's bus would arrive in DC that night at 11. Not going to lie, I wasn't too keen to go and pick her up, as I was super tired, but mom pretty much insisted. So I dragged myself into the van, so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open. We pulled up to the station and saw the bus pull in. Dad asked if I was going to get out and greet her. I mumbled something about how I couldn't get up I was so tired; Adrienne would understand. That said, I was shocked when the van door opened and there stood Paul. Ha, even writing about it now brings a huge smile to my face. I couldn't get into his arms faster. That was one heck of a second wind :)

The time I spent at home was a dream. Blue skies, sandy beaches, and everyone I love. Meeting Jolie was great. What a cool kid. Leaving to come back to Leeds was good as well. It was a little sad saying goodbye to my parents, and definitely hard saying goodbye to Paul, but it's a good feeling to leave somewhere you love being, to return to somewhere else you love being. I am one lucky girl, I'll tell you that :)

The next few weeks are going to be a little tough. I've got LOADS of school work to complete, although I really can't complain. The past few weeks have been a-mazing. Easily two of the best weeks of my life :)

Love to you all!

Photos of Rome

Rome

Upon our less than ideal arrival, we hit up a near by diner for breakfast, which turned into lunch, as we stayed for a good two and a half hours. The pastries in Italy made up for the teeny tiny coffees (my one qualm with Italian culture). They are to die for. We found a nearby internet cafe, sent emails to our parents, and made our way back to the hostel for a much needed 2 hour nap. After this, Italy is all a blur to me now time wise, so I think it best that I seperate my anecdotes and memories into sights:




Castle of Saint Angelo:
Maybe because it was my first real "sight" in Rome, but the Castle of Saint Angelo will now always hold sentimental value to me. Sitting on the ledge over looking the water, bridge and castle, I spent a lot of time thinking of my Mom mom back home. Before I came to England, Mom mom told me of how she's always wanted to travel around Europe and how I shouldn't take a moment of it for granted; how I should see it for the both of us. I felt (and feel) so incredibly lucky to have the oppertunities I do here. I know I've said it a million times, but I think it's something I need to remind myself of daily. Loads of people die without ever leaving the East Coast; it's humbling even to be able to do this. Every day here has a Carpe Diem feel; I can't get enough of that.

Trevi Fountain:
We made sure to see it lit up at night, and during daylight. There are a few how-to's as far as coin throwing at the Trevi Fountain goes. From what we understood, if you throw one coin into the fountain (always with right hand over left shoulder), it's a wish for a return to Rome. So our first visit to the fountain, I threw one coin. It's also said that if you throw two coins, you're wishing for romance. So our second time, I threw two coins with a certain Australian in mind. More on that later ;)

Colosseum:
Oh, the Colosseum. You know how you'll walk around Boston, or somewhere, and be like 'Cool! That building is 200 years old.'? When you walk around Rome you're like...'Holy crap. This place has been around for AGES.' We're talking BC. If that doesn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what will. Standing in the middle of the Colosseum, where a good 1/2 million gladiators were slaughtered was a little unreal. Even just walking around on the sidewalks of Rome...every where you step there've got to be a hundred stories. We took an epic nap outside the Colosseum on the grass, and later picniced in the same place at sunset. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Palantine Hill:
This was probaby my favorite sight in Rome. A lot of the credit goes to our amazing tour guide, a Scottish guy who I could listen to speak for forever. Again, walking around where Roman emperors once resided was so cool. The remains were few. The place is a skeleton, really; you just let your imagination add flesh. There were orange trees all over Rome- tons on Palantine Hill. For lack of a new adjective, ah!- Beautiful.

Roman Forum:
Would have been cooler if it hadn't followed the awesomeness that was Palantine Hill.

Vatican:
The vatican took all day, and what a great day it was. Everything I saw reminded me of a movie (I hope one day I'll be traveled enough that it will be the other way around). Original works by Michael Angelo himself....unreal. We were told not to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel, but everyone was. You can bet I jumped on that band wagon. Even now, I can't believe I was there.

Saint Peter's Basilica:
Stunning. There was a 'week before Good Friday' buzz as well, which was cool. Yeah. That pope is a big deal ay.

Spanish Steps:
All I really remember of the Spanish Steps was this group of about 50 Spanish students who were dancing, clapping and singing. It was obvious that the crowds found them obnoxious. I found the whole scene endearing. Gotta love patriotism.

Pantheon:
The fact that this place looks as good as it does, this many centuries later baffles me. The grave of Rafael was cool to see. The guy died at 35 from an STD (tisk tisk), but you've got to give him credit for making those 35 years really count.

Whew. I feel like I could never have enough time to write about everything I saw and did, but that's a pretty thorough jist. My last meal in Italy was really memerable. My friends and I were sad about it being our last night together. We discussed how odd it is to share such a huge experience with people you've only really just met, and will maybe never see again. We ate at a local place that our tour guide recommended. On account of it being my last night, and the fact that the entire menu was in Italian, I told the waiter to do all my ordering for me. My only request was that it be something I wouldn't be able to eat in America. He told me had just the thing, and brought out the pizza that the place was named after. It had everything on it- mushrooms, basil, ham, tomato and tuna. Yes, tuna. Turns out it was amazing. Shocker? Not really. Then for dessert he brought me three slices of cake- each more delicious than the last. I wouldn't mind eating Italian food for the remainder of my life.

The next morning it was back to the good old US of A :)
Sigh. What a trip.
Pulling out of the train station, I didn't feel sad at all. There is no way I won't be back someday.

Photos of Venice

Venice

Do I need to mention that I didn't sleep at all on March 24th? I got into bed around 10pm. I tossed until 12am when I skyped Paul, freaking out that I'd forgotten something, and was told that it was all fine and to go back to bed. I turned until 3am when I got out of bed to cook and eat two bowls of oatmeal....don't know what that was about...and then finally 5am arrived. I looked out my window to find Leeds foggy and cold- good day to fly to Venice? I think so.

After a pricy cab ride, Noah, Jordan, Danielle and I found ourselves at Bradford airport; I don't think four people have ever been so energetic at 6:30am. We were disappointed to find that our bag was 10 kilos to heavy to carry on, and blown to find that each kilo over would cost us 10 pounds. We just weren't having that. Half an hour later our bag matched the weight limit, and we had each donned a sweatshirt or two. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Later in the security line, Danielle turned to us in sheer panic when she realized she'd left her Eurorail pass (which costed her about 300 US dollars, and was going to get her around for the next 17 days) back at Suagrwell. Our plane was to take off in 50 minutes. She took off for the airport exit, leaving the rest of us to wonder if she'd make it back in time to catch the flight. Missing it would cost her about as much as that Eurorail pass if she wanted to make it to Italy in time. We sat anxiously at the gate, texting Danielle and praying that she'd make it. With about 10 minutes to spare, Danielle arrived at the gate. Quick, yet emotional group hug, and we boarded the plane.

I fell for Italy the minute I stepped off that plane. We were met with a warm breeze and sunshine; our first meal was legit Italian pizza. Mmmmm. Venice is a city like I've never seen before. The entire thing is on water, so much so that very few people drive. People literally park their boats outside their homes. There is little to do in Venice, as far as touring goes, but just walking around the city was amazing. It is BEAUTIFUL. The first night we took a taxi boat around to see the city at night. Stunning. My camera didn't capture the half of it. A plate of tortellini later, and I hit the sack at our hostel, completely exhasted, content and grateful.

The next day we awoke early. Every day I spent in Italy was 8am to 12am. Sleep is something you obviously can't go without, but to spend more than 8 hours in bed in a place like Italy would be a crime. We had plans to go on a boat tour to Burano, an island off of Venice, and in line for the boat met 3 other Americans also on Spring break who have been studying abroad in Greece. We spent pretty much all day with them after that. It was fun to compare exchange stories, and to hear what life was like in Greece.

Burano was something else. My friend Lorena compared it a crayola box, and I couldn't put it better. Even on a foggy day it popped with color. I don't think I crossed a single bridge in the whole place without stopping to snap a picture. (ps- If I'd been shy about it before, in Italy I threw my pride out the window and unashamedly took touristy pictures the entire time. My camera was an extension of my arm, really.

That night we said goodbye to beautiful Venice, and made our way to the train station. Now, in planning our Italy excursions, my friends and I were all about two things- see as much as possible, and pay as little as possible. Hence our decision to book an overnight train to Rome. It would save us a- time we could be spending traipsing around Italy, and b- money that would have been spent on a hostel for that night. We realized it might be a little difficult to sleep upright on a bumpy train, but we figured we'd be exhasted from the day and what not. Noah brought sleeping pills just in case. I personally was a little concerned. I never fall asleep in cars or buses, but I figured I'd take a chance. Wooooah buddy. Was that a mistake.

I sat shoulder to shoulder with Noah and some other older man, and knee to knee with Danielle the whole night. The train stopped every 15 minutes or so, as people opened up our doors to see if there was room. Room. As if.

One man opened the door and started yelling in Italian, while I said "Non parlo Italiano" over and over. (Paul taught me some Italian before the trip- SO helpful). Needless to say, we didn't get a wink of sleep. We arrived in Rome around 7am, having been awake for 23 hours. We were not the happiest of campers. We managed to find our hostel, Italian signs and all, and I nearly cried when the concierge told us our room wouldn't be ready until noon.

We washed our faces in the lobby bathroom and decided to embrace the moment for what it was. We were in Rome, afterall.

Eight Weeks In...

This past Wednesday marked what has now been eight weeks in England. Sometimes I feel like I've been here for five months. Sometimes I feel like I've been here for five days. "It's all a part of exchange," as Paul would say.

A bug has made it's way, almost full circle, around my friend group this week. I'm not sure if it's because I was a tad sick earlier on this semester, or if it's because my immune system is beast, but I'm happy to report, I've had a healthy week :) It did get a few people nervous to get sick so close to Spring Break, so a few people went to the doctors. Ambulances are everywhere in Leeds. Hey, it's free and you don't mind waiting a few hours, why not see a doctor about that stuffy nose. I won't pretend to be as knowledgeable on all the US healthcare drama as I should be, but it has been interesting seeing how it all works over here in the UK. Towson actually set me up with some sweet insurance for this semester. I'm thinking of breaking a leg just to get my moneys worth out of the thing. Kidding :)

My heart sank this week when my proffesor handed back a grade for a group presentation I'd had a part in giving a few weeks ago, and it was a 67%. My final grade is that project, plus an end of term paper, so I was slightly horrified to see that we'd recieved a D. It wasn't until after class that a girl from my group explained to me that they grade out of 80, not 100 over here, so really it was a B+. Whew. It's a little amazing that I'd been here this long, and was still yet to have recieved a grade though, ay.

In other news, I will be leaving for Italy in four days. That's four days. Like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday- BAM, Thursday morning- hello, Italy. I'm a little excited. I am traveling with three friends, Danielle, Noah and Jordan, and our plan is to fly into Venice, stay one night and one day, then head over to Rome for the next five. I'm doing some reading on the cities so that I can fully appreciate what I'm seeing. After that, it's back to the States for ten days of car rides with Ruby, coffees with Dad, baby ogling, boardwalk walking and probably twenty bubble baths.

Couldn't be more pumped for Italy, couldn't be more pumped for the USA, couldn't be more pumped about the fact that I'm living in freaking England! Oh life, you're pretty sweet :D

LONDON

Wow, what a city.

Arrived late on Friday, hopped on the tube ("Mind the gap, please" is still in my head :), and met up with Leslie's roommate, Maggie. Maggie and six others from Catholic University are studying theatre in London this semester. Walked a little ways with her, and was commenting on the chic little flats on the side of the road (very My Fair Lady-like), when she turned into one. I still can't get over her flat- it was so quaint. Made coming home to Sugarwell Court feel like coming home to cardboard box haha Got to know her flatmates, lovely girls, and went to the supermarket for my go-to peanut butter, jelly and bread.

I woke up the next morning to beautiful sunshine, packed my PBJ and hit the streets, ready to see what London had to offer. Maggie was a wonderful tour guide, pocket map in hand, crossing streets like a true city girl (I still follow the green and red lights like a true Calvert Countian). London is just perfect. I was expecting NYC with a few red buses, and if I were to compare it to a US city, NYC would certainly be the most similar, but London is different. There's a relaxed buzz about it. It wasn't over crowded, but crowded enough to give me that tingly feeling in my stomach that cities do. I heard just as many French, Indian and German accents as I did British, which was really cool.

Looking back at my pictures, I can't believe that I'm the one who took them. It's unreal seeing with your own eyes things you've only seen in magazines and movies. My favorite was the Tower of London- it's so incredibly old, I got completely wrapped in the idea that at some point, Lords and Ladies were standing right where I was.

We passed a man selling 6 pound tickets to hear the Salzburg symphony perform Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, and couldn't pass it up. The concert was held in a beautiful old church (beautiful old churches- I will really miss those when I return to the States), and was just wonderful. My knowledge of classical music is completely subconscious- I honestly could count the times on one hand that I've purposed to sit down and listen to a classical piece on my own. The appreciation I have for the genre is fully credited to my father. As a child, Mozart, Beethoven and the like were an after dinner tradition. Listening to The Four Seasons brought me way back. There was an image in my head the whole time; Vinny doing dishes, Andrew sprawled out on the floor over some map, Adrienne and me singing on the fireplace hearth, mom braiding Allisons long blonde hair before bed...not to get all Little Women on you...haha Either way, my thoughts were really with the Ackermanns, especially knowing that Andrea was in labour at that moment. Upon returning to the flat, I got the exciting email that Jolie had been born! The pictures of my family and the new little one almost brought me to tears. Okay. They brought me to tears. Jolie is beautiful- I can't wait to meet her. Born on March 12th, I think I will make her wait til the 13th to open my birthday presents, seeing as how it was 1am my time when she arrived :)

The next day, Maggie and I ventured into the city again for a Saint Patricks Parade. The weather was even better than the day before. (ps- this whole England being rainy thing is such a myth. *knocks on wood*) Trafalgar Square was covered in green. There was great live Irish music, and beers (sorry, ale) all around. Maggie and I sat on a fountain with our coffees (I'm only a forth Irish. Beer at 11am? I'm just not that hardcore.) and let the moment sink in. I think I've been bitten by the travel bug at this point; I can't see not returning to London a few more times in the future.

We did some shopping at Camedon and called it a day. Maggie and her flatmates had tons of homework to do before Monday morning classes. Their experience here seems quite different than mine, in that their classes are incredibly time consuming and challenging. Back at the flat, I expected them to all be hunched over textbooks and the like, and was surprised when instead they started to stage combat around the living room. Theatre majors. Gotta love em :)

The next morning I awoke and caught my bus home. Being an early trip, the bus had a total of 16 passengers, so I got my favorite spot in the back across the three seater. I laid out, turned my ipod on (Carolina Liar makes for a great travel soundtrack, I've found) and took in the sights of the beautiful English country side. Five hours later I was back in Leeds, fully satisfied with my trip. If you can believe this, I ate nine PBJs over the course of 2 and a half days...cheap yes. The most balanced diet, not so much. Made sure to eat vegetables last night :)

The Beautiful Letdown

"It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone
Unknown, and hurt
It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do

In a world full of bitter pain
and bitter doubts
I was trying to hard to fit in
Fit in, until I found out

I don't belong here
I don't belong here
I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong
I don't belong."

I've had more homesick days this past week than I've had in the past month. Don't really know why, honestly. I think in the beginning I was homesick because I was scared and out of my comforst zone. At this point, I think I'm homesick because, well, it's just been awhile. I think the longest I've spent away from home was at Liberty. Even that was just 4 weeks, and I was there with Ruby. I've reached this point here, where I'm fine, I'm comfortable, I'm adjusted... I just miss that feeling you get when you're home.

There's a song by Switchfoot that I've really been connected to this week called "The Beautiful Letdown." It's actually the title of their album. (ps- every year I re-discover one, Larson's 'Rent', and two, Swtichfoot's 'The Beautiful Letdown'. Probably two of the most solid albums I own. 'Solid' meaning, I will literally listen to them both all the way through, not skipping any songs. That also goes for JRB's 'The Last Five Years', but anyway- I digress.)

The Beautiful Letdown speaks of the disappointment, turned excitement, and maybe even relief, when you realize that as a child of Christ, you just don't belong on the planet. Not anywhere.

Being away from home, I've tried to make my home here, even if it's knowingly temporary. But that will never happen, and that's what I'm beginning to see. As much as I miss "home," I have to realize that even the house on Taney Court isn't home.

My home is in Christ. That's the beautiful part of the letdown, ay. No matter what, He is here, and He loves me. Bam. Funny how I've been a Christian for years, and it's never really hit me. I am learning things over here that I'm pretty sure I couldn't be learning back in the US. Which is exactly why I came :)

Nutella

Nutella has nothing to do with this post, really. I just so happen to be eating it now, that's all.
Really, this post is dedicated to a bunch of random, non blog-worthy things that I feel like blogging about. Like nutella. How awesome is nutella??

I got a haircut.
Not really a big deal, except that I got it in Europe. That makes it cooler in my mind.
It was the fanciest hair cut ever.
- They took my coat off of me when I walked in, and put it back on me when I walked out. I felt so imporant! :)
- They offered me a drink, and were really surprised that it wasn't a custom in the US to do so.
- The lady insisted on blowing my hair out. I told her that wasn't necessary, and explained that with my curls, a blow dry alone would mean disaster, and she told me I didn't know what I was talking about.
- I didn't know what I was talking about.
- At this point, I've proabably had around 75 hair cuts in my life, and this one takes the cake. I want to take the English hairdressers home with me.
- Needless to say, I found Beyonce on my ipod and practically strutted the whole way home.

Got a new flatmate, Renu, who speaks Hindi and very little English, much like my Chinese flatmate, Todd. We have a hard time not laughing every time we converse :) I also have no idea what half the stuff in my fridge is. I LOVE being an exchange student.

I spent a good fifteen minutes picking out a toothbrush the other day.

I am making arrangements with my friends for our week in Italy over Spring Break. It's been harder than we anticipated; lots of places won't accept our American credit cards, which came as a shock to us. However, we're all getting really excited. Spring break is only a short three weeks away! I'm sure we'll figure it all out :) I'm also pumped for my week at home. Can't wait to see everyone.

I am starting to really love the city of Leeds- I feel like it's my city, honestly. A little intimidated at first, I am now past the point of being scared, and am really soaking in all it has to offer. I even gave someone directions the other day- can you believe that??

ps- I am going to be an Aunt any day now! Can't wait to meet the little one.

Weekend in Leeds

Brilliant weekend. I wouldn't call myself a city girl, but after a few more weekends in Leeds, it'll be hard to return to Calvert County where my Friday night options are Dunkirk park or Walmart. (Not to knock on good ol' CC. I happen to really love Dunkirk Park :)

Friday was stormy; saw at least five umbrellas go inside out going to and from class. Yikes.
That night we had spaghetti at Danielle's, plus some leftover birthday cake from Emma's. Haven't mentioned it, but five of us have turned 21 in the past month (including myself), so at any given point, there's birthday cake to be had. I've been teaching my friends games the past few weeks; they're big Mafia fans and can't get enough of Loaded Questions either. It's been fun for me; Loaded Questions is like an Ackermann pastime at this point, so it's been great introducing it to all new players. I honestly didn't expect to make such tight friendships here. The "Exchange Gang", as we've named ourselves- ha, is like a second family to me now :)

Afterwards, we headed out to a pub to hear some live jazz music which brought back memories of our gig at the Westlawn. I miss performing these days.

Saturday I spent a good chunk of time in my pajamas, talking with Paul, and catching up on The Bacholer, which I am completely ashamed to say I am thoroughly enjoying. (Thanks for that, Danielle ;) The premise of the show is ridiculous, not to mention, pretty degrading in my opinion, but my gosh is it addicting. And if he picks Vienna in the end, I'll be upset.

That night we went to Brian's flat for dinner and went clubbing at The Walkabout. There are dozens of clubs in Leeds, but right now the British are really into this real bass-heavy techno. Eh, not my thing. The Walkabout is Australian themed, so the music is great, as is the atmosphere. Such a good time.

Sunday was The World Cup Challenge, which we scored free tickets to see. Until yesterday, my extent of rugby knowledge was from a F.R.I.E.N.D.S episode where Ross is trying to impress his English fiance. Rugby is hard core, man. Some guy is passed the ball, and is pummeled in like 6 seconds by three other guys. Pretty intense. The crowd was a little out of control as well. The game was Melbourne v Leeds. I was in a group of about 20 kids from Leeds Met, mainly Aussies (a good chunk from Melbourne, actually), so I was rooting for Australia with them. Let me tell you though, some of those Leeds fans had lungs and weren't afraid to use them. At one point, the crowd was chanting "The ref is a wanker" for a good 5 minutes, haha, pretty bad.

During half time Emma, Danielle and I went to the "loo" and got caught in quite the crowd. It was like nothing I've ever experienced. It was so crowded, I was a little scared even. There was a moment where I had trouble inhaling because I was pressed between some many people; we were moving without moving our feet, if that makes sense? People were freaking out and pushing as well, which made things worse. We were glad to get back to our seats :)

In other news, my Spring Break plans are official- one week in Rome, one back home. I cannot wait to give my parents a big hug, and see my American friends. Plus, I will have a niece by then! Life is good ay.

The Honda Saga

I am sitting at my desk in Leeds, my parents are back in Maryland, and I'm a little bummed to report that my honda is somewhere out in California.

If you remember my Honda post from about 4 weeks ago, you'll recall that my parents took my car for it's supposed last drive this past month on their cross country trip. We all assumed it'd be dead by Texas...guess that old clunker had a mind of its own. When I heard it was still intact by the time they hit the mid-west, I set my hopes on it being in the driveway upon my return to the States. Thus, I was a bit shocked when during a phone conversation with my Dad last week he mentioned them giving it to a charity in CA. Somehow we'd miscommunicated before I'd left home- my parents had no intention of driving back East once they'd hit CA. Funny, cuz we'd probably have 4 or 5 conversations about it; guess that week was a little hectic, and I missed that detail? Either way, the car is gone. Forever. ("FoooreVER"- The Sandlot haha)

Anyways, I feel the need to blog about it. The "Mar car" as we'd named it, due to it's license plate letters, M-A-R, was my first car, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a connection to the

old piece of crap.

Memorable Moments in the Mar Car:

1. Learning to drive the stick. Stalling in the intersection before Chaneyville. The tears. The honking. Dad calmly instructing from the passengers seat.

2. Driving to Chesapeake beach in a swimsuit, belting 'So Much Better' with Adrienne.

3. Taking it for spins around route 4 at 3am when sleep wouldn't come.

4. Parallel parking at Towson between two cars. In a stick. On a hill. In the rain. (GO ME.)

5. Changing the heat/air setting with plyers at stop lights after the knob broke off.

6. Getting completely lost in College Park with Leslie.

7. Watching Phoebe slide around the back seat everytime I shifted gears; cleaning Phoebe nose prints on the back left window.

8. Dying inside everytime I filled it with gas, Summer of '08.

9. Hitting a pole and no one noticing. Oh, the advantages to having a crap paint job :)

10. Any drive that involved opening of the sun roof and a good jam. Best feeling ever.

I've included two pictures. The first is of Mar in it's glory days. This is my 19th birthday when it was passed down to me (it's forth owner!). The second I swiped from Dad's blog; the honda being pulled away (with my totally rad bumper stickers) on some street in California.

I sure will miss it.

Here's to hoping the next is an automatic with windows that roll back up every time ;)

Leeds is covered in snow at the moment, and looking beautiful.

It was a quiet weekend here; got lots of reading done and worked on fighting off a little cold. It's hard being sick without my mom, I gotta say. Funny how independent and adult-like I feel one moment, when the next I'm upset cuz my mom's not here to make me noodle soup. Oh, life :)

Had a conversation with a German girl the other day that made me smile:

Me: I'm from around Washington DC.
Sylvia: Wow, have you met Obama? (I've been asked this a dozen times)
Me: Nah.
Sylvia: ...Have you ever seen anyone famous?
Me: Not really. My sister saw Queen Latifah in a Starbucks though! Have you heard of Queen Latifah?
Sylvia: Umm....I think so. She runs...which country does she run again?
Me: The country right next to Lady Gaga's.

Just kidding. I didn't say that. But I thought the exchange was pretty funny.

Had somewhat of a reality check this past week with my finances. As it turns out, living in England isn't cheap. Who knew? I've realized that I may not be able to see all the countries I'd hoped to see here (to be fair, there was quite the laundry list). It's been hard watching my friends plan trips all over the place, but if I notice myself getting down about it, I remind myself of how amazing it is that I'm here at all. I've been planning smaller trips around England itself that are within my means, and still incredibly exciting. Spring Break is a little up in the air at the moment. My parents offered to fly me home on them, which means lost time in Europe (not that I'd mind being at home for a week or so; I do miss it), or I can stay here, and come back owing them a chunk more than I'd planned. Both options have pros and cons. We'll see how that plays out. Coming home would also mean meeting my baby niece, which would be great. I don't think I've officially menioned Drew and Drea's first born, due on March 12th. Ah, that's coming up so soon! I couldn't be more excited for them; they are going to make excellent parents.

Classes have been going well. Even my marketing class wasn't all bad; the kids were really well behaved this week. I'm sure it's because they all read my rant blog the other day ;)

Shockingly interesting is my Human Resources class- could even see a possible career pathway in it one day. I'm not sure if this interest is legit, or if my subconcious is aware of the college time I have left, and is just clinging to any hint of a direction, career wise. Guess the next two or three years will tell, ay? I find not knowing exhilarating. I find being young exhilarating. Honestly, I wouldn't mind being 21 for another 5 years or so.

"Study" Abroad

Being an English major requires lots of reading (shocker, eh?). I'd be lying if I said that being abroad hasn't scrambled my priority list a little, my academics taking the most noteable fall. If I have the choice to stay in and read a novel, or spend the day in Manchester bringing in the Chinese New Year, well, that question's not even fully posed before I have my answer. Sorry, professor :/

This Tuesday found me exhasted from an awesome weekend, and completely unprepared for my Writing in a Time of Violence seminar. Honestly, I hadn't even cracked open a copy of the play I was meant to have read, so I was mildy horrified when my professor sat down and LITERALLY said "Good afternoon, everyone. Let's get started, um... (*avoids eye contact*)....Abby. What did you think of the play?"

Needless to say, I'll be dedicating some time to my studies this weekend. Can't tell you how easy it is to forget I'm here for educational purposes.

Have been feeling a cold coming on, so I went by the store today to pick up some cough drops and medicine. They asked for my ID, which threw me off. You have to be 21 to buy so much as a kitchen knife here, no joke, which is a head scratcher when you consider the drinking laws. Funny how the world works. I actually hopped into the drivers seat of a taxi cab the other week after the driver had been helping my friends and I load groceries into the trunk. He had a good laugh. Oh, to be a foreigner ;)

The Love Post

I have a lot to say about love.

Valentines Day is a tricky little day, isn't it. To sum up, my Valentines Days have gone like so:

My first decade of Valentines Days were mainly spent watching Adrienne get smothered with stuffed bears, and pillows with sweet nothings like "I Heart You" or "Hug Me" stitched on them. If my memory serves, she actually had a whole drawer full of them by age 11. I kinda just sat there with my little boy hair cut, waiting for Matt Lohr to finally make his move, Ha ;)

In High School, I was pretty indifferent about Valentines Day. Sure, if I was with someone, things were all sunshine and lollipops, but if I wasn't- eh. Mom always gets me chocolate, right? I do have a hilarious diary entry on Valentines Day, 2004. It's an all out rant, really. Something along the lines of 'I'm already 15- where is he??' Haha. Ooooh my...

I can honestly say that this years Valentines Day has been one of my favorites yet. Feb 13th, my friend Noah surprised all of us girls at dinner with roses and cards that said "You are beautiful, fill-in-the-blank. Happy Valentines Day." Then he gave all the boys power bars, because "everyone deserves to feel special on Valentines Day." What a sweet heart. Emma, Danielle and I actually wrote his mother to tell her what an outstanding job she did raising her son :)

I spent Valentines Day with some friends in Manchester. A whole bunch of us went to see the Chinese New Year, which was great. Lots of crowds, but good food and a great cultural experience (check out facebook for photos). Emma and I ended up getting seperated from the group, and spent most of the day in a coffee shop discussing life and love. We kind of swapped life stories, which is something you should be doing, if you're not already. There is so much to gain from sharing, and even more to gain from listening. When I laid my head on my pillow that night, I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for the love I have in my life, I got a little teary. To have a family that loves me, no matter what, is something I hope I never take for granted. To have friends who support me in the way mine do; to be able to make such strong relationships here in England- I am truly blessed. A love I am becoming more and more aware of is Christ's. I couldn't put a price on it. Not in dollars or even pounds ;)

In the end, our conversation left me with lots to think about, and this is what I make of it:

Love is the single most important thing in the whole wide world.
If you're not giving love, start.

If it weren't such a pain to read, this title would be in CAPS LOCK!

Had a class today that left me nothing short of infuriated. The class is in a seminar room where there are easily 200 chairs. There are about 30 students. Poor planning on the Universities part, but whatever. So kids are obviously dispersed around the room; I sit up front and to the right, always have. I think it has to do with elementary school when they'd seat us alphabetically- Ackermanns are always in the front right corners- and some things just stick. Either way, I've got crap for vision, so it all works out.

As my professor, one of those nervous, stuttering types, is going on about quantitative and qualitative data, which in all fairness is incredibly boring, there is this row of kids in the back snickering, talking and literally throwing things at one another. Okay. I've debated whether or not to blog on this, seeing as how it's quite negative, but oh well. I need a vent.

VENT:

This is freakin college. It's not high school, no one's forcing you to be here. If you can't act like an adult and sit still for an hour, leave. I was honestly amazed by one, how ridiculously rude they were being, and two, how anyone can seriously take their education THAT lightly. I am no over achiever. It'd be a stretch to even call me studious, but even I realize when something is to be valued. It disgusted me so much to see them care so so little. I had these flash backs to middle school. I felt like I was in class with 13 year olds.

And to watch my professor deal with it was the worst. He looked so degraded, I felt bad for him. At the same time, I couldn't understand why he was putting up with it. It makes me crazy when someone so obviously needs to just put their foot down, and won't. I left feeling so angry, I half stomped the whole way home and blasted my Paramore. (Yeah, Paramore's about as hard core as I get.) I came home, and let it out on the elliptical at my gym. Oh yeah! I'm going to the gym now! More on that later, cuz I'm still SO MAD. Why can't people have a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T and find out what it means to me??

(big overdramatic sigh) Moving on.

Being placed in the front right corners of classrooms isn't the only thing being an Ackermann entails. I'm pretty sure the definition of 'ackermann' is 'fast metabolism.' Seriously, if you look at my Dads side, everyone looks the same- tall, lean...and with glassess. True to my genes, I eat whatever I want, excersize as little as I want, and see no real consequence. However, what may seem like a blessing, really isn't. Leeds is hilly, have I mentioned that? I find myself huffing and puffing over the teeniest hill. It's sad. SO. I have decided to take better care of myself from here on out. There is a gym in my building, and I've decided to get the most out of my rent money. BAM. Look out world, somebody just got motivated.

I've already been twice this week (woo hoo!) and I gotta say, it feels really good. Once I get going, I don't wanna stop! I go with my friends Emma and Danielle, and we are a good team. They make fun of me a little cuz one, I didn't bring sneakers over here. If you can believe this, I don't actually own sneakers. I'm pretty sure I have a pair somewhere that I used to wear when I worked at Coldstone in high school.....and two, I can't help but almost dance on my elliptical. I've got this "musicians OCD", as I call it, and I can't not run to the beat. If it's slow, I'll up the "effort level" and vise versa if it's fast, just to keep myself on beat. If it's Party In The USA, I'll nod my head and move my hips like yeah. Just can't help it :D

Moldy beans? Cool beans.

Got a package from my parents with my new glassess (I can see clearly now, the rain is...well...), vitamins from mom (I may have "forgotten" them), and outlet adapters. I have been using one plug since I got here, so I was really excited to see them. Now I can blow-dry and listen to music at the same time! Score.

There is a pot of baked beans in my kitchen at the moment. It's been there since Wednesday. I'm over stressing about how filthy my enviroment is, and am decidedly amused. It's like a science experiment; that's how I'm choosing to look at it. Really. Who doesn't LOVE moldy science growing in their kitchen. One thing I'm am learning here- you can't sweat the small stuff. Rain+ my curls = a bad hair day. So what if this is my bad hair semester? I'm over it. Rainy or moldy, this is Europe. And I'm lucky to be here :)

I am taking a Human Resources Management course here that's been interesting. My dad worked HR, so it's kinda cool learning what he did for a living. ps- Weird talking about my dads job in past tense, eh. (ps- He and my mom are still on their road trip. Guess who's still with them? None other than my trusty honda. What a tropper.)

Monday nights my friends and I have "family night", which is us all crammed into one kitchen, BYO dinner style. Tonight I taught them Mafia- great game. It felt like home a little :)

ps- This just in- Sara Newman and Heather Wilkinson are coming in June and we are gonna hit up London and Paris. Life is SO SWEET :D

"It's Electric- boogy woogy woogy"

I think I may have electrocuted myself today. How's that for an opener?

This morning I unplugged my laptop, and got a shock. Ouch. Then later in the day, I plugged in my laptop and literally felt a current go through my right arm, and down one side of my body, where it kinda circulated for 15 minutes or so in my right foot. OUCH! What's that about? I want to google it, or maybe even ask Schneids what the deal is. I've been lotioning my hands everyime I use the outlet since. Scary times, people.

Had AMAZING pancakes made by a good Aussie friend of mine, Emma last night. High light of the day. Also sang in the shower (mostly Little Mermaid tunes) for the first time since my arrival. Hard to believe, but when living with new people, I can be a little timid about my vocal habits.

In other news, I am planning travels. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be (that seems to be a common theme over here), but I am learning (another common theme :). I am very nervous to travel alone, which I need to get over. When done right, traveling alone can be very safe. It's my personal goal to by the end of this, have planned and traveled a day trip all by myself. Sounds kinda lame, but for me, it's certainly something to work towards.

ps- Cooking more! Eating better! Three cheers for me! Hip hip, horray. Life is better with something other than souly carbs in my system :)

Rain on my Poetry Parade :(

Had my first class of the semester today- Writing in a Time of Violence. I can't tell you how much I enjoy my writing classes; it's not even really school. At Towson, everyone in my writing class ends up being one big family. In order to be a good writer some vulnerability is required, so you have to get brave and share- hence closeness in the classroom. LOVE IT. Another thing I love about my writing classes, is that everyone in them is excited. It's not like Bio majors who just whine to each other (hope I didn't offend there...); we actually like what we're doing.

I expected somewhat of the same here in Leeds. Mmmm not so much.

In class, we read a poem I'd never heard of before, and while it was 8 pages long (yikes- who does ths poet think he is, Dylan?), I was excited to discuss it. My classmates, however, were not so enthusiastic. Most comments consisted of "this is stupid", "what's the point" and so on. Really, guys? This is poetry, not math.

It bummed me out. Seemed to bum my professor out too, poor fella.

ps- Bought five dohnuts yesterday for forty pence. Already ate four :/ THEY ARE SO GOOD.
pps- Met another Abby today, which makes 3 in the past month. What's the deal?
ppps- I have realized that, at least for my life, needing God more than ever= loving God more than ever. I dig it.

You Alright

Today marks the forth day in a row we've had beautiful sunshine. What are the odds? Spoke with a Brit this morning who told me that before this week she can't remember the last time she saw the sun. I feel lucky!

Went to church this morning in Bradford, which is a town a little ways out. I met a boy in my building who goes, and knew of a free bus. Met some really cool people. Compared to America, there are very few Christians here- I was really happy to meet some. The whole God thing is pretty dead here actually. I learned this morning that because of the large Muslim base in Leeds, people are afraid to offend, so Christ isn't mentioned often. Have kinda been taking that as a personal challenge. Knowing that I could be one, the only American or two, the only Christian some people I met here ever get close with, I feel like somewhat of an ambassador :)

I walked back to Sugarwell (where I'm living) with Sam, a boy originally from Tonga, which is in the South Pacific. He has the most amazing story, as so many people here do. Honestly, over the past two weeks I have met some of the most interesting people in my life. It was great meeting him, because he's a local and gave me lots of tips for living here. Plus he cooks, and offered to show me a few things. Score. I love when someone comes into your life at just the time you need them.

Since I've been here, the Brits are always asking me if I'm alright. I didn't understand why, first of all. But honestly, after awhile I started to wonder why they were asking in the first place. Do I look sad? Sick? Anyway, Sam asked me this morning, and I was like "Yes, I'm fine- do I seem not alright?" He looked really confused. We figured it out though, and apparently "You alright?" means hello here. Like if you pass someone you'd say "You alright?" and they'd say "You alright?" back. Seems totally weird to me. I have been answering "Yes" and have been getting funny looks. I suppose if I said "Hello" to someone and they replied "Yes", I'd look at them funny too. I did not expect this much of a culture gag in the language, that's for sure :)

Ps- on our way home, some guy leaned out his window and vommited onto the street, a little on Sams coat and a little in my hair. Bleck!! Look before you ralph, dude!

Pps- went to Manchester yesterday and saw cool stuff. Check out the facebook for photos :)

The Birthday Envelope

Before I left home, Ruby gave me a birthday present. It was a big yellow envelope, and she explained that inside were five more envelopes. They are for one homesick night each month I am here.

Well I just got back in, and had a twinge of homesickness. You see, I was sheeting my bed and all the sudden really missed my mom. When my mom sheets the beds at home, she leaves the corner down so that that night you can just hop right in. Without thinking I folded the corner back as well :)

I thought it'd be a good envelope moment. I was happy to find an index card with an inside joke written on it and five dollar bills. Guess it'll be a little while til I use that, eh?

I love Ruby.
I love Mom.

Good night, all!

This Just In: England Rocks My Socks.

Just read over my previous blog entries. Wow has a lot changed in a week and a half. At this point, I am loving it here. I wake up in the morning, look out the window and think "My gosh, I'm in freakin Europe." If that isn't an exciting way to start each day, I don't know what is.

When I first arrived, I really questioned whether or not this whole thing was a big mistake; that maybe I was just not cut out for study abroad. Sometimes I still wonder this- in general I am not the bravest of people. Yes, I'd gladly sing infront of any kind of audience, no sweat, but this is different. If I'm unsure as to whether I'm cut out for this, I'll tell you one thing, being here is forcing me to be. A lot of this past week has been trial and error, but I'm kind of getting the hang of it. So I can't cook. Okay, I'll learn. And I can't navigate a city. Okay, I'll learn. It's almost a catch phrase here. If you can't do it, someone can, so ask for help and learn. I have found that if asked, people are willing to lend a hand :)

Yesterday was a good day. I haven't mentioned it, but mt flat is a DISASTER. When I got here, there was mold food stuck to the counter tops. Really, the place smelled like death. And the shower...don't get me started. As it turns out, I am living with 4 other people. One Chinese boy, a post grad who couldn't be more helpful, another boy from Manchester who sprays so much Axe I could suffocate :) and two female "freshers"- one called Abbi. I realize that they are 18 and this is the first time they are away from home. I also realize that at 18, I had a meal plan, someone to clean the dishes for me etc. They hold your hand a bit more in the US than they do here.

Either way, I felt a little like SnowWhite when she first sees the seven dwarfs home. Yikes.

So, I spent all of yesterday cleaning. Honestly, I enjoyed it. I felt in control of something, which was nice. I wore my rain boots and scrubbed that shower for an hour. I found a used condom on the floor that I hadn't seen up to that point because it was literally covered in grim. Ewwwwwwwwww!

After that I went to a Chaleigh, which is a Scottish dance. So fun. I ate haggus, which is big Scottish dish, and essentially the innards of a sheep. You know, it tasted like the innards of a sheep. The only way I could really describe it, is that it tasted like a farm. You know the way a farm smells? It was like that. In your mouth. The consistency wasn't all bad though.

Afterwards we all went to the Student Bar (seems like an oxi-moron or something, but it's not), got drinks and did karaoke. What a good time! My friend Brian sang Amish Paradise after sucking helium; definitely a high light :)

The English Language

My one qualm with this blog is that I can't write everything. So much goes on in a day here, it's insane. I find myself making mental lists of things to blog on and in the end it's just too long. I'll write more important stuff tomorrow, but for now I feel like telling you this:

Had a funny miscommunication with a British boy the other day. Mid conversation he asked me "if I was taking a piss." What? Well no, I'm not taking a piss. We are standing in a kitchen. I must have looked confused, because an American girl who's been here since Septemeber informed me that "Are you taking a piss" is another way of asking "Are you joking?" Once this was clarified we all had a good laugh.

British sayings I am picking up:

Keen- as in "I'd be keen for some pancakes." (I mention this because right now I am VERY keen for some pancakes. Sigh. Oy, my diet of grilled cheese and pasta...)
I couldn't be bothered- as in "Did you check the mail today?" "Eh, I couldn't be bothered."
So catchy.

American sayings I am dropping cuz no one understands them:
College. (College is High School here. Very confusing when dropped in convo)
Dude. (They know it, they just make fun of me for it)
Trash. (They'll say "well that's a fancy word for rubbish!" haha)

Randoms:
EVERYONE LOVES OBAMA.
People often ask "So are you from the US or Australia?" Huh.

Hondas Never Die

I drive (drove? drive? We shall see) a 94 stick shift. It's a honda, and if you don't know this, I'll tell you now- Hondas never die. My honda was passed down to me on my 18th birthday. I am it's forth owner, and a proud one at that.

My mom and dad are taking a 30 day road trip across the US starting today. They asked me over Christmas break how I felt about them taking my car, and driving it until it died. It's on it's last leg anyways (though isn't that what we said on my 18th birthday? Hmm...) and it'd be nice to save money on a rent-a-car. Plus this way we'd avoid it dying on one of Adrienne's trips to New Jersey, or my trips to... Ruby's house. Or something.

It's day one of the cross country trip, and they say my car is running okay. The radiator fell off the last week of break, and now is apparently being held together with glue, but I like to think my car will make it. Either way, I thought I'd tell you about it now, so that when we head up to mall this Summer, you'll be just as amazed that I am still driving it as I am :)

In other news, it was a good day on this side of the pond today. It was my friend Noah's 21st birthday (the first birthday he's ever spent away from his twin brother, aww), and we had cake and pasta. I eat a LOT of pasta these days.

York (The Original!)

First, I'd like to say- I love this blog. It's a great place to unwind. An outlet, really. You should get one. I'll also take this moment to apologize for all spelling mistakes I have made and will make. Not my forte, spelling :/

Okay so onto the good stuff. I am proud, and slightly embarrassed to tell you (though mostly proud), that I did not cry today. Not one tear. Didn't even well up. Thank you, thank you very much. It's an epic day in my little adventure here, and I wanted to share. I think today was a turning point for me. Hoping, anyway :)

I'll tell you something else, England is beautiful. Went to York today (check out my facebook for pictures), and I'll give you the highlights:

1. I felt like Hogwarts was bound to appear just after every block. Seriously, I was just waiting to bump into Harry, Ron etc at any moment.

2. Saw a guy pee on the street today. Kinda surprised I'd never witnessed this before in NYC or Bmore, but yeah. There ya go.

3. Happened to stumble upon a chorus group in an old church rehearsing for Mozart's The Magic Flute. Beautiful stuff. Probably my favorite point in the day, actually.

4. Came out of cathedral and heard Billy Joel's Tiny Dancer coming from around the way. It was a street performer (loads of those in York) on piano. My dad tells me that's my song, and I always think of him when I hear it. I almost (almost! woo hoo, go me) teared up. Instead I just smiled and requested Piano Man next :)

I can't speak for my entire trip when I say I love being in England, but as for today- I love being in England :)