The Chihuahuas are Women's Indoor Football Champions!!! 3 tough games today, but we completely dominated! Hahaha We may not field the top full-sided team, but our best five are better than anyone else's! It was glorious - and I'm obviously still on the high. Lots of team bonding and hugging and cheering, plus a fantastic workout (could hardly bike home), plus a championship. Great day. Even more, the Blues captain was there (Blues is like Varsity - not at the level of FSU, clearly, but the top team here) and she pulled me aside to ask if I am going to be here next year because she thinks I would do well on the team. I'm not going to be here, but it is cool that I could play Blues! And I think we are going to have a team dinner on Friday to relive our glory :) And the sun is still shining today!
Ok, back to work.....
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Happy Memorial Day!
It's been a lovely day here in Oxford - blue skies, sunshine, a light breeze - honestly could not be better! The weather makes such a mental difference.
And we had a big Chihuahua victory today: 4-3 over Keble College (a game we lost in full-sided, so this was sweet revenge hahaha)! We play again tomorrow at 1:40pm. Not cool because I lose work time, but so worth it - I love the team camaraderie, adrenaline rush, exercise. Had to carbo-load tonight :)
And fabulous news: pictures do NOT count in my dissertation word count, which is good because I want to put in drawings done by students (in each school I held competition under the title 'How do we prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community?' and then used the drawings to begin discussions - a popular technique esp with youth and when dealing with sensitive topics because it allows the respondent to focus on an object instead of having to make eye contact, think of the 'right' answer, etc). I should post some so you all get a feel for the submissions! This was one of my favorite parts of field research. Yes, I'll do that now.
Love you all! Hope you had a lovely Memorial Day!
And we had a big Chihuahua victory today: 4-3 over Keble College (a game we lost in full-sided, so this was sweet revenge hahaha)! We play again tomorrow at 1:40pm. Not cool because I lose work time, but so worth it - I love the team camaraderie, adrenaline rush, exercise. Had to carbo-load tonight :)
And fabulous news: pictures do NOT count in my dissertation word count, which is good because I want to put in drawings done by students (in each school I held competition under the title 'How do we prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in our community?' and then used the drawings to begin discussions - a popular technique esp with youth and when dealing with sensitive topics because it allows the respondent to focus on an object instead of having to make eye contact, think of the 'right' answer, etc). I should post some so you all get a feel for the submissions! This was one of my favorite parts of field research. Yes, I'll do that now.
Love you all! Hope you had a lovely Memorial Day!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Week 4 is over?!
The time is going by so quickly! This week I attended a couple of very interesting lectures to help me revise (= study in Oxford lingo) for democratization and multi-party politics. And, of course, lots of dissertation writing/editing/footnoting. I still have 2,000 words to cut - hard decisions! But overall I am happy with my progress.
Highlight of the week: The Chihuahuas won....and we even had a real opponent :) Actually, we decimated the other team 14-0 (5-a-side indoors). It was pretty amazing!! I love the quick pace of indoors, and we have a very strong team. More play on Monday!!
And lots of house bonding: a dinner on Wednesday and short trip to the pub tonight (then most people will go back to studying but I will go to bed - my family knows I don't stay up late haha). Our house gatherings are always so entertaining, with a truly international mix (just added Hungary and Kazakhstan to the list). The potlucks (a very American term, it turns out) produce interesting dishes from all over the world! I contributed a chocolate key lime pie with a crust made out of a cookie similar to graham crackers, which are not sold here. (I made the crust, filling, everything! Are you proud grandmothers?!)
Tomorrow I am excited to go to the grocery store, and then to the Covered Market, located in city centre with lots of fun specialty shops (check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covered_Market). I go every couple of weeks as a little-luxury, de-stressing, enjoying-European-life activity. This trip I'm hoping to find Bisquick at a store that imports US items.
The weather has been warm and sunny-ish, so I am quite pleased. Oxford is gorgeous in the sunshine!
Highlight of the week: The Chihuahuas won....and we even had a real opponent :) Actually, we decimated the other team 14-0 (5-a-side indoors). It was pretty amazing!! I love the quick pace of indoors, and we have a very strong team. More play on Monday!!
And lots of house bonding: a dinner on Wednesday and short trip to the pub tonight (then most people will go back to studying but I will go to bed - my family knows I don't stay up late haha). Our house gatherings are always so entertaining, with a truly international mix (just added Hungary and Kazakhstan to the list). The potlucks (a very American term, it turns out) produce interesting dishes from all over the world! I contributed a chocolate key lime pie with a crust made out of a cookie similar to graham crackers, which are not sold here. (I made the crust, filling, everything! Are you proud grandmothers?!)
Tomorrow I am excited to go to the grocery store, and then to the Covered Market, located in city centre with lots of fun specialty shops (check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covered_Market). I go every couple of weeks as a little-luxury, de-stressing, enjoying-European-life activity. This trip I'm hoping to find Bisquick at a store that imports US items.
The weather has been warm and sunny-ish, so I am quite pleased. Oxford is gorgeous in the sunshine!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Kindly request....
I have received official notice of my exams! The letter writes: "The candidate is requested to attend the location as indicated." Haha Like it's an option! We've also received an email about "Post-Exam Celebrations": "The purpose of this note is to ask for your help in preventing post- exam celebrations from getting out of hand. We realise that the exams are an intense and high-pressure experience and we're sure that you'll want to celebrate and let off steam when they end. But
we ask that you do so responsibly and with consideration for others.In particular, you should be aware that activities such as food- throwing and fizzy drink-spraying are not harmless fun." (Fizzy-drink spraying is my fav part!) Apparently, students wait for their friends outside Exams School and then throw tuna, champagne, eggs, etc. Of course only undergrads resort to these shenanigans, as we graduate students are far too mature :) But I am glad the university recognizes these are "intense and high-pressure" times. Didn't need that to be put in a memo.
Today I helped Haddenham Rotary Club (where I gave my very first talk) run a horse trial at a massive estate, Waddesdon. Basically, people pay to be able to ride 14 miles around the beautiful countryside, starting at staggered times throughout the day. Caterina, a fellow scholar, and I were assigned to keep sheep from coming out an open gate on the course - not too strenuous since we didn't see a sheep the whole time! The weather started out truly horribly, with rain and wind, but then the day improved significantly, plus a fellow volunteer allowed us to sit in his car. Actually, it was very strange - sitting in an SUV in the middle of a field, watching on one side for sheep, and on the other for horses. But a very English fundraiser, I think! And a nice time to chat with Caterina.
Currently, I am editing my dissertation, which I'll turn in on June 5th. Then.....June 6th is St Antony's Ball!! I can't wait! We are having live bands, chocolate fountains, and breakfast at 6am - haha! This is the ultimate Oxford event!
Other good news: A girl in my house has started giving massages at super low rates as a fundraiser for the organization she worked with on her field research in the Philippines. I already have an appointment for Tuesday night!
Finally: I received letters from Mom and both grandmothers today, so it was an exciting time in the lodge! Thanks family. Love you!
we ask that you do so responsibly and with consideration for others.In particular, you should be aware that activities such as food- throwing and fizzy drink-spraying are not harmless fun." (Fizzy-drink spraying is my fav part!) Apparently, students wait for their friends outside Exams School and then throw tuna, champagne, eggs, etc. Of course only undergrads resort to these shenanigans, as we graduate students are far too mature :) But I am glad the university recognizes these are "intense and high-pressure" times. Didn't need that to be put in a memo.
Today I helped Haddenham Rotary Club (where I gave my very first talk) run a horse trial at a massive estate, Waddesdon. Basically, people pay to be able to ride 14 miles around the beautiful countryside, starting at staggered times throughout the day. Caterina, a fellow scholar, and I were assigned to keep sheep from coming out an open gate on the course - not too strenuous since we didn't see a sheep the whole time! The weather started out truly horribly, with rain and wind, but then the day improved significantly, plus a fellow volunteer allowed us to sit in his car. Actually, it was very strange - sitting in an SUV in the middle of a field, watching on one side for sheep, and on the other for horses. But a very English fundraiser, I think! And a nice time to chat with Caterina.
Currently, I am editing my dissertation, which I'll turn in on June 5th. Then.....June 6th is St Antony's Ball!! I can't wait! We are having live bands, chocolate fountains, and breakfast at 6am - haha! This is the ultimate Oxford event!
Other good news: A girl in my house has started giving massages at super low rates as a fundraiser for the organization she worked with on her field research in the Philippines. I already have an appointment for Tuesday night!
Finally: I received letters from Mom and both grandmothers today, so it was an exciting time in the lodge! Thanks family. Love you!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
So many good things!
On Sunday, I volunteered with the Abingdon Vespers Rotary Club at their annual Dragon Boats Fundraiser (see this link for a description of dragon boats: http://www.abingdon-rotary.org.uk/events/current/db2009.asp), a massive event complete with a fair ground and two ice cream vans haha! I worked in the food tent, mostly cutting hot dog buns at an unbelievable rate because hungry people can eat a lot of food! It was great fun to feel like a member of the community and to work as a team with the Rotarians - it was like I was a real person for a whole day, not just an Oxford student. Plus, the weather was stunning (I wore a short-sleeved shirt!), and I sure didn't envy my coursemates slaving away in the library :) Honestly, it was the perfect release from stress and one of my favorite days of the entire year.
On Monday I played in a five-a-side football match. A 3-0 win for the Chihuahuas! Ok, ok. We won because the other team didn't show up, but it's still a win. And we played each other, so I still got in a great workout.
Related, I have a new workout partner! Her name is Nadia, and she is Jordanian-born but left for the US to attend college. Now she's a full US citizen and completely adores the country! Her stories about treatment of women in Jordan are eye-opening. Nadia has never held a Jordanian passport because a man would have to first sign off on it, and she refused to be subjected to that in her home country. Now, when she goes back, she only stays for a week or so because any male relative could kill her and only get 6 months in prison, no questions asked (except she feels safer now that she is officially on a US passport). Crazy, right? Believe me, she is as patriotic as any American I know!! And I love having a running buddy.
On Tuesday, I went to the Comedy Store, London's oldest and best comedy club. It was incredible! So funny and clever - all about current events, like every Tuesday night. And Andy Parsons, a famous British comedian, was one of the performers, and we even talked to him afterward! It was such a fabulous evening.
Wednesday I met with Matteo, my supervisor, and received good feedback on my dissertation draft. I'm now making alterations and corrections, which is why I have zero creativity left for this blog :) It's tedious, but I'm plowing through. Thanks for all of your prayers!!
Finally, I am officially finished with my course of anti-malarials, so it seems I have made it through another trip to Uganda without getting malaria! This is good news indeed, especially given all the work I have to do over the next several weeks. The time is really flying by!
Tomorrow = work, work-out with Nadia, more work, eat pizza with friends and watch the British Apprentice! Every day for the foreseeable future = same, except minus the Friday night pizza haha
On Monday I played in a five-a-side football match. A 3-0 win for the Chihuahuas! Ok, ok. We won because the other team didn't show up, but it's still a win. And we played each other, so I still got in a great workout.
Related, I have a new workout partner! Her name is Nadia, and she is Jordanian-born but left for the US to attend college. Now she's a full US citizen and completely adores the country! Her stories about treatment of women in Jordan are eye-opening. Nadia has never held a Jordanian passport because a man would have to first sign off on it, and she refused to be subjected to that in her home country. Now, when she goes back, she only stays for a week or so because any male relative could kill her and only get 6 months in prison, no questions asked (except she feels safer now that she is officially on a US passport). Crazy, right? Believe me, she is as patriotic as any American I know!! And I love having a running buddy.
On Tuesday, I went to the Comedy Store, London's oldest and best comedy club. It was incredible! So funny and clever - all about current events, like every Tuesday night. And Andy Parsons, a famous British comedian, was one of the performers, and we even talked to him afterward! It was such a fabulous evening.
Wednesday I met with Matteo, my supervisor, and received good feedback on my dissertation draft. I'm now making alterations and corrections, which is why I have zero creativity left for this blog :) It's tedious, but I'm plowing through. Thanks for all of your prayers!!
Finally, I am officially finished with my course of anti-malarials, so it seems I have made it through another trip to Uganda without getting malaria! This is good news indeed, especially given all the work I have to do over the next several weeks. The time is really flying by!
Tomorrow = work, work-out with Nadia, more work, eat pizza with friends and watch the British Apprentice! Every day for the foreseeable future = same, except minus the Friday night pizza haha
Saturday, May 9, 2009
One little issue
Ok, I know I am VERY fortunate with my living standard at Oxford, but....
Central Heating has been turned off, so it's now colder in my room than in January! Yes, I'm an American, and yes, I like temperature control. Haha!
Now I need to stop procrastinating and get back to studying :) (In fairness I've been up working and running since 7am on a Saturday, just so you know).
Love you family!
Central Heating has been turned off, so it's now colder in my room than in January! Yes, I'm an American, and yes, I like temperature control. Haha!
Now I need to stop procrastinating and get back to studying :) (In fairness I've been up working and running since 7am on a Saturday, just so you know).
Love you family!
Friday, May 8, 2009
First Draft!
I submitted my first dissertation draft on Monday! Thank you all for your prayers. I am still feeling excited about studying and writing -a very good place to be :) And our graduate seminars this week - on state-building in DRC, presidents in Africa, and Ethiopian Federalism - were fantastic! It is such a blessing to find new areas of interest even this late in the year.
Another fun event: With two other scholars, I attended formal dinner at St. John's College, one of the most well-known (though only 500 years old haha) and richest (apparently the college presidents always sided with the winnders in royal disputes/wars) colleges at Oxford. Johannes, a German Rotary Scholar and a member of St John's, gave us a lovely tour of the extensive structures, including the library with ridiculously old books and letters - a note from the 3rd century is casually displayed next to one of the bookshelves! The food was good, but the really impressive parts were the old hall - with high ceilings, wood panels, and a massive marble fireplace - and the wait staff - all dressed in white dinner jackets. Such a great atmosphere and truly part of the Oxford experience! Though I have to say I was glad to return to St Ant's where I can walk on the grass and wear regular clothes to dinner. :)
My weekend: Researching Africa Day on Saturday, then helping with a boating fundraiser for a local Rotary Club - hoping for good weather!
Another fun event: With two other scholars, I attended formal dinner at St. John's College, one of the most well-known (though only 500 years old haha) and richest (apparently the college presidents always sided with the winnders in royal disputes/wars) colleges at Oxford. Johannes, a German Rotary Scholar and a member of St John's, gave us a lovely tour of the extensive structures, including the library with ridiculously old books and letters - a note from the 3rd century is casually displayed next to one of the bookshelves! The food was good, but the really impressive parts were the old hall - with high ceilings, wood panels, and a massive marble fireplace - and the wait staff - all dressed in white dinner jackets. Such a great atmosphere and truly part of the Oxford experience! Though I have to say I was glad to return to St Ant's where I can walk on the grass and wear regular clothes to dinner. :)
My weekend: Researching Africa Day on Saturday, then helping with a boating fundraiser for a local Rotary Club - hoping for good weather!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Ascot Pictures!
The racecourse
5 of us scholars
The old part of the facilities
Watching the race up-close
Looking up at the grandstands from race-level
I just like my red nail polish...
Is it me?
The girls
Obviously I had a fantastic day!
Ascot Races & May Day
This has been the most enjoyable week of a term I have ever experienced! Yes, I am doing lots of work, but I am also having lots of fun! Ascot was incredible - we watched 6 races with about a half-hour in between each. For the first four we sat in the 'premiere' stands with a fantastic view of the entire course, but for the last two we moved down to ground level to sit in the sun and see the horses up close. I didn't bet, but I still found the excitement of the race to be exhilarating! Plus, in between races, we people-watched and tried on the massive hats for sale. I felt so English and really wanted to buy one, but they are far out of my price range :) Then we went to the Ascot President's home, where we had little sandwiches, tea, and cake, then off to a lovely dinner at the golf course. Eight of us scholars attended, but only three spoke, including me, and the club was most receptive. Overall, it was a truly unforgettable day! I can't believe I have been to the Ascot Races! (Pictures to be up soon)
Then, this morning I woke up at 4:40am for a grand Oxford tradition dating to pagan rituals over a thousand years ago: May Day! The Magdalen College choir sings from the top of their spire, overlooking an audience of 8,000 - mostly students, some up early, some out all night. I liked imagining the festivities occurring centuries before and thinking about all the people who have walked through this town. After the seven-minute performance, my friends and I trekked back to the gorgeous neighborhood next to St. Ant's to get a 'Full English' for breakfast. Such a great start to the day, though I havent' taken a nap so I am about ready for bed (it's not even dark out all the way yet haha)!
But first I am going to our common room for a bit because we're watching Star Wars - an improvement from the Rocky collection last term, though I'm still holding out for a chick flick or two. Then it's a weekend full of proofreading!
Then, this morning I woke up at 4:40am for a grand Oxford tradition dating to pagan rituals over a thousand years ago: May Day! The Magdalen College choir sings from the top of their spire, overlooking an audience of 8,000 - mostly students, some up early, some out all night. I liked imagining the festivities occurring centuries before and thinking about all the people who have walked through this town. After the seven-minute performance, my friends and I trekked back to the gorgeous neighborhood next to St. Ant's to get a 'Full English' for breakfast. Such a great start to the day, though I havent' taken a nap so I am about ready for bed (it's not even dark out all the way yet haha)!
But first I am going to our common room for a bit because we're watching Star Wars - an improvement from the Rocky collection last term, though I'm still holding out for a chick flick or two. Then it's a weekend full of proofreading!
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