Where it seems we spend most of our time - on the escalator.

Editing Party Madness

Editing parties can be a distracting environment in which to edit, despite the usual fun that makes up for the lack of practicality. Last Saturday, after at least 4 hours of reading, writing, critiquing, and commenting, people got rather chatty. Therefore, a couple of us who were still trying to fight through the papers started to read them (quietly) out loud to help concentrate. As the chatter continued, the concentrated out loud readers got louder and louder, which reminded the distracters about their papers. End result: all of us reading the papers we were each editing out loud...at the same time...at the top of our lungs. The sound clip below, if I remember correctly, is me reading Eric's paper, Bethany reading Carolyn's paper, Christine reading my paper, and Carolyn reading Christine's.

Break

It's our third day after break, and I think we're all still in denial. 5 days off for a whole semester (and an intense one, at that) just doesn't seem fair. Here is a summary of what I did for those 5 days.

Day 1

After breakfast, Christine, Sheri, and I scouted out a fabulous playground that we had seen a few months ago but never had time to visit. It was such a blast to forget all our mature-like responsibilities and take full advantage of the sunny morning and awesome playground equipment. I think we managed to spend an hour and a half there, no lie.

After our romp at the park, we went back to meet with Brett and Carolyn about our plans for our trip afterwards around Europe. We decided that Greece would be too expensive, so we're going to spend a week in Italy, 4 days in Spain (where we will get to stay with a couple of Brett's friends), and the remainder in Paris before we take the train back to London. I can't believe we're planning this already..and that the schoolwork will be over in 2 1/2 weeks!

That afternoon I went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with our 3 guys (Yes, I know I took them all. There was jealousy and bitterness among the girls.). It was a great show - full of color, excitement, and talent. We raced home for our free evening meal, put on some more deodorant, and then went right back to the theater district to see Le Mis. It was a very impressive performance, but I must admit that I drifted a few times. It was a loooong day.

Day 2

On Thursday, several of us took a train to Salisbury, and then a bus from there to Stonehenge. The countryside was beautiful, and it was great to see such a famous landmark in person. It was a frigid and blustery day, but we managed to enjoy the sights and the sheep. Lots and lots of sheep. It felt like most of our time was spent on the train, but with 2 packs of Dutch Blitz, 2 packs of regular playing cards, our cameras, and our craziness, we had a super fun trip.

Day 3

Christine's and my excursion to Easbourne began Friday morning. After yet another train ride, we were greeted by the Davidson family (relatives of our friend from Houghton/my future roommate, Ashley Cook). They took us back to their apartment (in a car!!! it was our first time in a car in months, and of course, our first time in a British car) and got us settled in. Then we all took a ride to Beechy Head - an overlook on the downs which is set on the English channel. It was sooo gorgeous, but dangerously windy, so we couldn't spend too much time there. After the cliffs, we went to Pevensey Castle and then to the Pier downtown. So cool. That evening was the start of a glorious weekend of home-cooked American food, which they planned especially for us.

Day 4

Saturday was more of a break day, which involved a lot of playing with the baby, reading (for fun!), watching movies, making chocolate cake, doing dishes (by request. We've been dying to do chores), and shopping at the local "mall".

Day 5

The Davidsons made us a fabulous Easter Morning breakfast, we got Ayla all dolled up, ate Cadberry eggs, and then headed to their church for the Easter service. Wes's brother, Neal, from Scotland, joined us for lunch afterwards. Christine and I had to leave shortly after that, so they took us to the train station and we said goodbye to our adopted weekend family. For having started out as strangers, I'm really going to miss them. It was wonderful to be in a family/home environment for at least a little while, and they were definitely the family to hang out with.

The denial of break being over is apparent in this week's plans. In 20 minutes we'll be leaving for the Freud museum. From there I'm going to my service project and then straight to the Brazil v. Sweden football match at Arsenal's stadium. Tomorrow, we're leaving right after early colloquy to go get theater tickets, going to Lord of the Rings, out to dinner, and then to Wicked. Friday is Amanda's birthday so we're throwing a party for her and then going to see 27 Dresses. It's going to be a great week - if I can find somebody to write my paper.

Going Home

Getting Off the Bus

Walking to the Grocery Store

Getting on the Bus