British Word of the Day: jumper - sometimes wool, sometimes acrylic, long-sleeved article of clothing. (American's "sweater"). eg: "You've gotten chocolate all over my jumper sleeve-it's dry-clean only!"
It has been quite some time since my last post.
But not without sound excuse: my computer has been less than reasonable for the past few weeks, alternating between The Blue Screen of Death (rather foreboding, though in a playful hue) and 'You are not connected to the internet' types of screens.
It's been trying my patience for a number of years now--never a Dell, never again. Problems with it since Day One.
In addition, I've begun and completed Middlemarch for 6th Week. I have fully enjoyed it, though I managed to read over 400 pages total yesterday in order to be able to discuss it with my tutor. I've been becoming paler and paler, and I'm certain that yesterday added to my increasingly British pallor. (i.e. white.)
The days seem to be getting warmer, and this morning I actually went without a full coat--it was just a light jacket. The sun broke through the Oxfordian clouds, and the dreaming spires were in full view today--it is surprising how few people here own sunglasses. I suppose there isn't much use for them here.
I've much more to do--long essay preliminary proposals are coming up, and I have to get a stack of books together to prove I'm ready to write. We're required to have 20 secondary sources on top of some primary sources (which won't prove difficult, given the outrageous amount of books they've managed to pack into this one city) and I must have read 5 of them, and read one book review on one of those 5. After getting the bibliography for all 20+ books, I will then be ready for Monday morning at 10 AM.
Weekend plans consist of:
Chapel Choir practice
Dinner at Crick
Pub crawling
Library crawling
Bibliography hunting
Napping
Churching
Eating
Tea partaking
Chapel Choir singing
Indian food eating
Reading
Reading
Reading
Resting
Until then.
Cheers!
27 February 2009
16 February 2009
in avoidance of Our Mutual Friend
British Word of the Day: plasters - small bandages to put over small wounds, sometimes skin-coloured, sometimes printed with children's story characters. (American's "band-aids".)
eg: "Do you have any plasters in the house? I've cut my finger."
Not much to write in this post except:
797 pp. - Our Mutual Friend - Dickens
+Don't even want to know pp. - Felix Holt, The Radical - Eliot
________
An inestimable amount of time spent in a chair reading, with numerous tea breaks.
I'll be up for awhile. I'd like to get to p. 400-something tonight, so I can finish off Our Mutual Friend and be done with him for a while. (Until Thursday-Friday for the essay.)
This week will be interesting.
On another note, I always come across this verse, but it seemed especially poignant today:
Don't know quite what it is. Maybe because I make such a big deal out of life, that something greater than that is mind-boggling.
Today I really needed to let go, and I was not sure exactly how. Reading my Bible generally helps, I've found. Even if my brain absolutely refuses to work, I'm still capable of reading a few Psalms and enjoying them fully.
I'm 1/2 the way through Hilary Term, and 1/3 the way through the entire programme here. I'll miss this place.
Cheers!
eg: "Do you have any plasters in the house? I've cut my finger."
Not much to write in this post except:
797 pp. - Our Mutual Friend - Dickens
+Don't even want to know pp. - Felix Holt, The Radical - Eliot
________
An inestimable amount of time spent in a chair reading, with numerous tea breaks.
I'll be up for awhile. I'd like to get to p. 400-something tonight, so I can finish off Our Mutual Friend and be done with him for a while. (Until Thursday-Friday for the essay.)
This week will be interesting.
On another note, I always come across this verse, but it seemed especially poignant today:
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Psalm 63:3, NIV
Don't know quite what it is. Maybe because I make such a big deal out of life, that something greater than that is mind-boggling.
Today I really needed to let go, and I was not sure exactly how. Reading my Bible generally helps, I've found. Even if my brain absolutely refuses to work, I'm still capable of reading a few Psalms and enjoying them fully.
I'm 1/2 the way through Hilary Term, and 1/3 the way through the entire programme here. I'll miss this place.
Cheers!
15 February 2009
here comes the sun[shine]
British Word of the Day: Yorkshire pudding - Not a dessert, not a pudding, but rather a puffy, eggy muffin-shaped bread. (Not a known American term/tradition/item.) eg: "This Yorkshire pudding is wonderfully light--what's the recipe?" SEE PICTURE BELOW.
Yorkshire Puddings.
Got flowers a few days ago.
Thought they were beautiful then. Boy, are they gorgeous now.
Came from Aaron. Not for Valentine's Day. But they came a few days before.
Daffodils, hyacinth, and white roses.
Included with it an e.e. cummings poem.
But.
Pictures, I'm sure:
...
Here is the deepest
secret nobody knows
(here is the root of
the root and the
bud of the bud)
and this is the
wonder that's
keeping the stars
apart, I carry you
in my heart (I carry
it in my heart.)
Cheers, as always. But especially today.
Yorkshire Puddings.Got flowers a few days ago.
Thought they were beautiful then. Boy, are they gorgeous now.
Came from Aaron. Not for Valentine's Day. But they came a few days before.
Daffodils, hyacinth, and white roses.
Included with it an e.e. cummings poem.
But.
Pictures, I'm sure:
...Here is the deepest
secret nobody knows
(here is the root of
the root and the
bud of the bud)
and this is the
wonder that's
keeping the stars
apart, I carry you
in my heart (I carry
it in my heart.)
Cheers, as always. But especially today.
14 February 2009
threw the baby out with it
British Word of the Day: advice slip - a piece of paper printed for you after an ATM withdrawal, documenting the amount you have received. (American's "receipt") eg: "Did you grab the advice slip? I need to keep track of how much I'm spending."
Today was a very good day.
Day trip to Bath, England with Taylor. Originally the plan was to meet a group at the train station this morning around 8:15, but that was about the time we left because neither of us had paid attention to the time; the group also somehow managed to go to Salisbury today--I hope it worked well for them. Bath was a really excellent day-trip choice, and I can't imagine spending less time there. She's a day tripper, one-way ticket? NO! We bought return tickets, the smart students that we are.
Things I've learned (and on a Saturday, no less!):
Bath is ridiculously old.
The first king of all England was crowned at Bath Abbey in 923 AD.
The Roman baths have not always been there, but the naturally hot water has-- Ancient Celtics spent quite a bit of time there.
The Romans believed Sulis Minerva to be the giver of the hot springs and that they had supernatural healing qualities.
Bath's water tastes like a warm, rusty spoon. (They say you're supposed to know "where you're going" after life is over, when you drink the glass of the King's Spring water in The Pump Room. I was told this by nice, old man after I downed the glass thirstily.)
Hadrian made a law against nude bathing. Nobody listened.
Romans were incredibly advanced: lead pipes lead from "The Sacred Spring" to other baths in the building. They made a heating system to warm up the slabs of rock surrounding the Baths. They had beautiful brick arches covering the entire bath house unsupported in the middle--that's a ridiculous amount of weight for one building.
Want to know more? Go to Bath yourself!
It's picture time.
Bath Abbey. Ridiculously old.
The sun was bright on the pools of Bath.
The very ancient Roman baths.
Aesthetically pleasing rocks.
View from across. Someone posing.
The source of the springs.
A sculpture found near the Bath site: a Mastiff eating a deer, they said. I believe it. But not our family's Mastiff. He only ate our leftovers--generally not so keen on having to catch his dinner.
Pool of Minerva--note the coinage.
Standing near the bathwater.
Man dressed as ancient Roman priest, asking Minerva's "blessing".
The town of Bath, Abbey tower in background.
Today was a very good day.
Day trip to Bath, England with Taylor. Originally the plan was to meet a group at the train station this morning around 8:15, but that was about the time we left because neither of us had paid attention to the time; the group also somehow managed to go to Salisbury today--I hope it worked well for them. Bath was a really excellent day-trip choice, and I can't imagine spending less time there. She's a day tripper, one-way ticket? NO! We bought return tickets, the smart students that we are.
Things I've learned (and on a Saturday, no less!):
Bath is ridiculously old.
The first king of all England was crowned at Bath Abbey in 923 AD.
The Roman baths have not always been there, but the naturally hot water has-- Ancient Celtics spent quite a bit of time there.
The Romans believed Sulis Minerva to be the giver of the hot springs and that they had supernatural healing qualities.
Bath's water tastes like a warm, rusty spoon. (They say you're supposed to know "where you're going" after life is over, when you drink the glass of the King's Spring water in The Pump Room. I was told this by nice, old man after I downed the glass thirstily.)
Hadrian made a law against nude bathing. Nobody listened.
Romans were incredibly advanced: lead pipes lead from "The Sacred Spring" to other baths in the building. They made a heating system to warm up the slabs of rock surrounding the Baths. They had beautiful brick arches covering the entire bath house unsupported in the middle--that's a ridiculous amount of weight for one building.
Want to know more? Go to Bath yourself!
It's picture time.
Bath Abbey. Ridiculously old.
The sun was bright on the pools of Bath.
The very ancient Roman baths.
Aesthetically pleasing rocks.
View from across. Someone posing.
The source of the springs.
A sculpture found near the Bath site: a Mastiff eating a deer, they said. I believe it. But not our family's Mastiff. He only ate our leftovers--generally not so keen on having to catch his dinner.
Pool of Minerva--note the coinage.
Standing near the bathwater.
Man dressed as ancient Roman priest, asking Minerva's "blessing".
The town of Bath, Abbey tower in background.Hope you enjoyed this picture post!
I have to get to bed before I fall asleep on the zzzzz key.
Cheers!
I have to get to bed before I fall asleep on the zzzzz key.
Cheers!
10 February 2009
i was just guessing at numbers and figures
British Word of the Day: tuck shop - delicious smells often waft through open doors of these, with display cases of sandwiches, fudge, and assorted treats. (American's "snack shop".) eg: "Let's stop by the tuck shop on the way back from the lecture--I'm half-starved, but don't want dinner yet."
I'm avoiding another essay that must be done by tomorrow at 11. Not sure what will become either of the essay or of me, but I did have some Turkish Delight this evening. (Lemon. It was excellent.)
I've wasted too much time today to somehow reward myself with a good, cathartic blog post.
I shall say goodnight till it be morrow. (II.ii.185)
Cheers!
I'm avoiding another essay that must be done by tomorrow at 11. Not sure what will become either of the essay or of me, but I did have some Turkish Delight this evening. (Lemon. It was excellent.)
I've wasted too much time today to somehow reward myself with a good, cathartic blog post.
I shall say goodnight till it be morrow. (II.ii.185)
Cheers!
09 February 2009
rich tea, high tea, english breakfast, darjeeling.
British Word of the Day: fringe - section of shorter hair over the forehead; may be longer or shorter, but is shorter than the rest of the haircut. (American's "bangs") eg: "I love your new fringe, even though it sometimes covers your eyes."
There are too many options in this world. Right now it's between blogging and writing an outline to my essay on The Winter's Tale. I should think it obvious which of the two I've chosen.
Drinking herbal tea at 1 AM is not all that effective. But I decided to lay off the caffeine. I've had 3 cups of coffee and 3 cups of tea throughout the day, all caffeinated. Time to give it up.
My experience at the Baptist Church on Sunday was wonderful. I went over to a host & hostess' house for Sunday dinner and two kinds of dessert. They were excellent people. After the meal, my stomach looked rather distended, though it was virtually the opposite. I had free food again last night as well, after I sang at Wadham's Evensong.
Tonight I made spicy apricot-glazed chicken. It was quite good, though chicken is kind of a boring meat in general. Next time I'll cut slits in and spoon the glaze inside of it. It was good with a side of mushroom risotto and roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts with olive oil.
Next week, we'll see what happens. I'd really like to try my hand at chocolate truffles; we'll see how far that idea gets.
I've an essay to outline. Greetings from Oxford to you; it rains and snows and sleets. The precipitation has made most things dreadfully icy and it has become difficult to walk on the pavement instead of the road, especially when you're late for a lecture or a tutorial.
Cheers!
There are too many options in this world. Right now it's between blogging and writing an outline to my essay on The Winter's Tale. I should think it obvious which of the two I've chosen.
Drinking herbal tea at 1 AM is not all that effective. But I decided to lay off the caffeine. I've had 3 cups of coffee and 3 cups of tea throughout the day, all caffeinated. Time to give it up.
My experience at the Baptist Church on Sunday was wonderful. I went over to a host & hostess' house for Sunday dinner and two kinds of dessert. They were excellent people. After the meal, my stomach looked rather distended, though it was virtually the opposite. I had free food again last night as well, after I sang at Wadham's Evensong.
Tonight I made spicy apricot-glazed chicken. It was quite good, though chicken is kind of a boring meat in general. Next time I'll cut slits in and spoon the glaze inside of it. It was good with a side of mushroom risotto and roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts with olive oil.
Next week, we'll see what happens. I'd really like to try my hand at chocolate truffles; we'll see how far that idea gets.
I've an essay to outline. Greetings from Oxford to you; it rains and snows and sleets. The precipitation has made most things dreadfully icy and it has become difficult to walk on the pavement instead of the road, especially when you're late for a lecture or a tutorial.
Cheers!
07 February 2009
forensics and meteorology [not]
British Word of the Day: cheery - light-hearted, joking; to be able to have fun. "We've known each other for a while, so I can be cheery with him."
Today was a good one. I slept in quite late, of which I am not ashamed, seeing as how I slept for zero hours the night before to get my essay done.
My essay on Classical women portrayed in Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South was factual, organized and clear.
But I made no point--never answered the question, 'Why?'
Rats! I had the sneaking suspicion I was "missing something."
I have a certain Annie Hall to watch, so I better git.
It's been snowing. One day I'll put up the two pictures I've taken. One day.Someday.Soon.
Today:
Woke up late.
Ate pancakes.
Went to coffee to study for four hours.
Made scrambled eggs for dinner.
Received excellent pasta scrapings from Junior Dean Jonathan.
Watched Seinfeld - the JOHN Voight's Car episode.
Baked chocolate chunk cookies.
--chopped up chocolate bars because chocolate chips don't exist here; only as a different kind of cookies:
I have to go; my roommate is talking on skype, etc. And,
Annie waits. For the last time.
Cheers!
Today was a good one. I slept in quite late, of which I am not ashamed, seeing as how I slept for zero hours the night before to get my essay done.
My essay on Classical women portrayed in Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South was factual, organized and clear.
But I made no point--never answered the question, 'Why?'
Rats! I had the sneaking suspicion I was "missing something."
I have a certain Annie Hall to watch, so I better git.
It's been snowing. One day I'll put up the two pictures I've taken. One day.Someday.Soon.
Today:
Woke up late.
Ate pancakes.
Went to coffee to study for four hours.
Made scrambled eggs for dinner.
Received excellent pasta scrapings from Junior Dean Jonathan.
Watched Seinfeld - the JOHN Voight's Car episode.
Baked chocolate chunk cookies.
--chopped up chocolate bars because chocolate chips don't exist here; only as a different kind of cookies:
I have to go; my roommate is talking on skype, etc. And,
Annie waits. For the last time.
Cheers!
02 February 2009
ooh, wicked!
British Word of the Day: surgery - an office containing a waiting room, nurses, receptionists, tinier exam rooms and doctors. (An American's "doctor's office"). eg: "Did you make my appointment for the surgery yet? My cold keeps getting worse."
If you couldn't tell already, the past...week is it? has been more than time-consuming. I've been reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South. I'm supposed to have read Wives & Daughters by tomorrow with a full essay in hand complete with critical sources to back it up. And here I am, blogging to you complaining about it. I'm not even going to crack open W & D.
Next week will probably be worse, since I have two essays due instead of just the one.
Awesome.
I must go. A lecture on Victorian fiction today @ 10.
Cheers!
If you couldn't tell already, the past...week is it? has been more than time-consuming. I've been reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South. I'm supposed to have read Wives & Daughters by tomorrow with a full essay in hand complete with critical sources to back it up. And here I am, blogging to you complaining about it. I'm not even going to crack open W & D.
Next week will probably be worse, since I have two essays due instead of just the one.
Awesome.
I must go. A lecture on Victorian fiction today @ 10.
Cheers!
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