Last from London!

Well its here. The last post that will be written from London. How crazy is that?? Can you believe that it has been a year?? I cant!! I don’t want to go back to Ashville. I cant even begin to explain how much of a shock to my system that it is going to be! I am used to being independent, doing what I want to do whenever I want to, and not answering to anyone. Moving back in with the parents is going to be…. Interesting. I think it will be a shock for both of us. Basically Im going to have to keep my big mouth shut! But Im sure I will hear a lot about “common courtesy” so it will “fun”. (that was the phrase right mom??) That means having a curfew that isn’t a set time. Cant wait.

Besides my living arrangement (I should add that I am grateful for a free place to stay!) the country will be hard to adjust to. Yes grass will be nice, but Ill be back to driving everywhere and being lazy when it comes to finding a parking spot. Im going to try to park out away from the doors. How lazy is it to find the closest parking spot, especially since Im used to walking a couple miles a day?? I walk EVERYWHERE and Im going back to driving everywhere. I am excited to drive though. I haven’t driven Lucy since last Sept. or August so that will be fun.

While I am excited for driving I am really going to miss public transportation. You can get somewhere without having to think. You just get on and sit until your stop. Its so nice, especially if Im tired. Oh Im a little nervous… Lucy is a stick shift. Haha. That may be interesting. If you see a red Yaris stalled on Fairmount… that will be me! The William Smith bumper sticker will be a giveaway too!

Another thing that is going to be hard is that I have NEVER been bored here. Ever. There are so many museums, events and things to always do. And the museums are QUALITY ones for FREE. I love free entertainment (especially if art is involved). There are not any National Galleries, Decorative art museums, or British Museums ANYWHERE remotely close to 14710. Im going to have withdrawals.

I guess that real life is going to start when I go home too. I have to get a full time job, which wont be too odd. I have always worked during the summer since I was 16, and worked during college. I guess the weird thing is that it is full time and year round. So it time to find a job so I can get my own place! I also have to proofread my thesis and get it to the binders. AND I have to go through my mountain of crap, considering I have 3 suitcases full of stuff here, my room full at home plus the overflow that has found its way into Katie’s room. Oh geez…!

The plan for this year is to figure stuff out. What I want to do, if I want my phd, if I do where do I want to go for it and what do I want it in, and basically make a decision on my next move. I wish that HWS had a PH.D program. I wouldn’t even need to stop and think about that. I miss undergrad still.

Did I make the right choice a year ago?? I think so. It took me SO long to commit to this journey and I made my choice at the last possible minute. Looking back Im glad I made it. I have no regrets in my life which I am very thankful for. If I wouldn’t have come, I would have regretted it later I think, and now that I have survived (and enjoyed!) this year I am even more relieved that I made the right decision. Christies itself… not what I excepted. In some ways it was for the better. It wasn’t as hard or intense as I thought it would be. In others it was for the worse. I felt that they were very unorganized which was SO frustrating. The course was good, I just felt like it was a survey course in a way but at a masters level. I did learn a TON but I feel like I could have learned more. Im still on the fence if I would recommend it or not. I think part of it was that HWS was SO awesome and a great educational experience that I am having trouble being fair to Christies. I could be the poster girl for HWS, but I don’t know if I would encourage someone to pick Christie’s based on the program. I did learn a lot though, but they could just do it a little better.

The experience that I would tell everyone to do is to live here. Oh my goodness I LOVE living in London. I love the British and the culture. LOVE. I love that every great European city is only a few hours plane ride away. The train system is amazing which makes exploring England so easy! I have been here a year and haven’t done all I that I wanted in England let alone London! If you cant live somewhere for a year I would tell EVERYONE to do a study abroad. Both Rome and London have taught me a lot about Italy, England, the world, America, life, and perhaps most importantly myself!

I moved to a new city in a different country and found myself in the Dragon’s lair. I found an apartment, moved alone, set up my utilities, cell phone, bank account, and became completely self-sufficient. I had skype so I could vent and panic, but I did it. All by myself. If I can do that I can do anything right?? I have gotten lost in train stations, villages, airports and cities but I always find my way WITHOUT the internet to help me! Dear America…. Bring it! I feel like I can handle anything!

I have definitely grown during the past year, but I think most of it happened after Christmas. One I am completely independent. I am completely comfortable doing things by myself. Where before I wouldn’t have done anything without someone along, I go to different cities and countries alone, and also go to sporting events, movies and shopping alone!

I am much more sociable in public. Being alone at the Olympics, on trains, at Galleries, the Queen’s Jubilee and other events cause me to interact more with others. I met the nicest Japanese man at the Gold Medal Match, a family on the train to Manchester, a guy on the way to Wedgwood, three guys on the way home for Manchester, a mom and little girl at the Queen’s Jubliee, and many others. Also Im not afraid to ask people for directions. I used to wander around forever just because I didn’t want to ask. Now I just go up to people and do it.

Also I have learned so much about my own culture and country. In Rome I was starting to but then we went home. 3 months away wasn’t enough and the language barrier was probably too large. Here I have started to see things that I love and don’t like with the USA. Being removed from it all gave me new perspective. Don’t get me wrong I still love the US of A, but some things are a bit over the top. I think we Americans are good at that and love drama. Here things are chill and reserved. I understand the stereotypes better. Before I didn’t really understand where some of them came from. Im not saying that they are all right but there is a hint of truth in some. We are such consumers, our vehicles are ridiculous, our politics are intense and so are our religious debates. I feel like perhaps the Brits are more accepting and not as judgmental.
I am interested to find out what my thoughts are as I land in Boston. Coming back from Rome I noticed how overweight so many people were, and how casually everyone dressed. But that was after being in Italy for 3 months, not Britain for a year. Europeans do have the iconic fashion and high level of dress. Britain doesn’t as much and thanks to their love of pubs, they aren’t known for their slimmest! It will be interesting to see what I notice!

Well I think that is it from London. Thanks for reading this throughout the year and thanks for everyone’s support! I loved the emails, messages, skype dates, cards, letters, and packages that you all have sent! This wont be the last post (ill post about the crazy trip home! And about my adjustment over the first week or so!) so keep checking back!

Cheers!

P.S up to this point the blog is 242 ½ pages long and 150,525 words long!

P.S.S Where it all began

228 Days!

228 days. That’s how long I have been in the UK without being on USA soil (aka since I left after Christmas) And I have no desire to go back. American stereotypes are getting truer by the day. The British are SO polite I love them! (and so reserved. And quiet) Sometimes I think that I should have been British! I like them! They are crazy political (glad I have missed some of the stuff that I see people talking about on facebook!) and they are so polite to the opposing party. Just everything about them is polite. But they are honest too, which can be a good and bad thing!

This morning was a wee bit crazy. I re-arranged my suitcases and I got an extra pound for one of them! I have to fit in my makeup bag, the clothes im wearing, and my compy cord. I have 3 pounds in one and 2 in the other so hopefully that is enough! Im starting to get very stressed about getting through the airports with 3 suitcases, and 2 carryons. I basically have 150 pounds of luggage, plus a 23 pound carry on, plus a 19 pound carry on. Oh and I have to carry my compy. That is a TON of luggage. More than I weigh! Im going to have to get my army ant on! (they are the ones that can move a crazy amount of weight for their body mass right?)

After I did that I brought my clothes downstairs to sell them to the lady. She doesn’t take quilts, so I don’t know what to do with them because the local charity shop is under construction and opening Sept 1st (figures). Gah. So I sold back my stuff and then decided I was going to read my electric meter by myself instead of relying on someone else to do it for me. I lugged my chair and a huge art history book down the stairs and stood on my tippy toes. Success! Whoo!

Then I was off to the post-office to mail a packet to myself of all the letters/cards/notes I had received while I was here (the packet was HEAVY) and it had some papers that I may need sometime in there. Totally worth the 12 pounds to mail that home! I got the creepy annoying guy at the post office, not the nice funny one. Then I went to HSBC to put money in my account because my internet company ONLY takes UK debit cards. I just wanted to make sure there was enough plus a little extra in there. (ill get it back when HSBC sends me my check later!) Well the branch was closed on Sat. Really? So I came back to the apartment and found a branch on Bond street that was open.

I headed down there. It was HOT here today. 86 to be exact and SUNNY! It was nice, but the tube was a little uncomfortable! I found the HSBC quickly, deposited the money and got back on the tube. That was probably my last tube ride! :(

I came back and ate lunch then the fun really started… cleaning. Gah. It took me forever and I was so gross and sweaty by the end. My flat has never looked so clean though! But it also looks so empty. :( Poor thing. Cleaning didn’t actually take as long as I thought, which was nice. Then I went through the remaining stuff, took out my garbage and ate dinner. Phew! What a day!

Tomorrow is my last day. Im sad. And so SO incredibly stressed. Tomorrow is making sure everything is done, calling all of my utilities, finishing packing, cleaning, and throwing stuff away. Im skyping mom at 5, eating Chinese for dinner, and attempting to not freak out/stress about my journey the next day. Im dreading this one. It doenst help that I don’t want to leave and end up where I am going to end up!

More tomorrow!

P.S I am so SO poor. Im a grad student after all! If anyone knows of ANY job feel free to message me, email me or whatever! Ill do anything! (seriously anything!) Thanks!

Stressed.

Oh the joys of moving. What makes it even more fun is moving to a different country and having to FLY home. What a nightmare. Lets start with yesterday. Oh it was such a fun day! I had to go close down my bank account first. That sounds simple enough, but not in my life. What is making this SO hard is that everything gets done immediately in this country. Is it like that at home? My internet (who I called on Wednesday) said that it would stop within 24 hours. Umm… no thanks. I have to call back Sunday night. The electric company wants to charge me for every second Im there so I have to call them Sunday night. AND my landlord is supposedly putting my deposit in my account after I leave, along with the water company. (I paid for 6 months and only needed 5) Add that to the fact that you have to be there in person to close your bank account and that’s a problem!!

The HSBC guy was baffled. It took forever to figure out what to do. Basically he is breaking the rules and letting me keep my debit card (you have to turn it in) and I wrote a letter saying to close my account after my rent was deposited and they are sending me a check in sterling for me to put in my American bank. Oh my goodness. Complicated.

After the bank I went to Sainsburys and bought everything I cant get at home. Cadbury chocolate, strawberries with double cream, and digestive cookies. YUM! You know I am getting to be stressed and emotional when I got all teary when I left. Gah!! So pathetic!

I got home and decided to start packing (and it’s a good thing that I did). My suitcase up to 50 pounds and I had a TON of stuff left on the floor. Oh no. I look up carry-on policies on Aer Lingus and they just changed it and my backpack was too big. There goes putting all my books in a carry-on. Time for stress out mode. I need major help. And pronto.

That is where today comes in. I was on a mission to find suitcase number three. (yes you read that right! Number THREE) I headed to Sports Direct because online they had some styles that were 80% off and only 15 pounds. That is the right price! The store was a few blocks from the British Museum so I decided to pop in. It wasn’t all that crowded (which was nice) and it was nice and cool inside! (I forgot to mention that it was an awesome 85 today!!)

I only meant to be in there for a half hour or so, but ended up spending quite awhile in there! I looked at the Olympic medals (again), the free horse exhibit, the British rooms, contemporary Chinese ceramics, contemporary Chinese prints and the shop. The Shakespeare exhibit looked good but I didn’t want to spend 12 pounds to go in! After looking at everything I wanted to I decided to head over to the store to buy a suitcase.

I found it without a problem and went in. I wanted everything but stayed focused!! I walked around the entire thing (browsing along the way!) and found two suitcases that were too small and too much money. Epic fail. I knew that there was one on high holbon so I walked to Oxford Circus to take the tube. I got off and wandered around and couldn’t find it. GAH! I decided to try Primark (the bus had gone by it on the way there and I thought about getting off but didn’t). Well I should have because they had an entire section. EVERYONE was there it seemed. Apparently Im not the only one who has too much stuff. The hard shell ones were 28 pounds. Gah. Too much. I kept wandering and found a lonely soft shell one all alone…. 15 pounds. I grabbed it before it was too late and fought my way out!

I hopped on the bus and came home, packed my new suitcase and I was STILL over. (I did have to put 30+ pound of book in it) I have everything in except for the clothes Im wearing for the next few days (and my blankie) so I need to axe some stuff to get those clothes in. Im so close! Depressing.

So that’s it basically. That’s my life. More tomorrow!

Random Last Things

So the last two days has been fun! I have been wandering around London and taking everything in before I go! It has been in the 70’s and sunny so I HAD to take advantage and not sit inside on my butt all day!!

Monday was errand day. I went to the Barbican library first to return so SO many books. It felt so good to give back a bag full of academic books about carriages and roads! PHEW!! The return guy was uber nice and friendly and told me to come back to the UK soon and stop in and use the library because my card will still be good! On the way out I stopped and looked at James Bond’s Aston Martin. It was outside of the James Bond exhibit and everyone was allowed to stop and look… so I did. I wish I could have stolen that car!!! It was awesome!

After the Barbican it was back to Christies for ONE. LAST. TIME!!!! I went into the library and it was craziness! There was construction everywhere but the compy room was still open. I sat down to print off my paper and… I didn’t have enough print credits. You have GOT to be kidding me! This always happens. So I walked over a block and a half to get cash and I only needed 5 pounds but you have to take 10 or ore out, and walked back and printed off my thesis. It was epic. One… the feeling of being done with the rough draft, and Two.. how thick it was! 79 pages all written by me, myself and I is PRETTY epic!

Then I returned my library books there, and had to go give Andrew’s book back. I got to his office and his lights were off so I just assumed he wasn’t there, put the book outside with a note, and RAN away. Phew! I walked out of the building and with a hop in my step! (a big contrast to HWS. I left in there in tears. Sums up my feelings for both experiences pretty well!)

I walked to Rymans for the last time and bought a poster tube for my puppet (random I know, but I think its going to work!) Then I headed home and crashed the rest of the day/night. I took my pictures off the wall and it is very stark in here. I don’t like it!

Today I went out again because of the sun and headed to my local Willesden Green library to return my books. I stopped at the desk and told them I was moving and had novels I couldn’t bring home and asked if they would like them. I got a “no” and a stare. Ok…. Since when doesn’t a library with basically no funding doesn’t take donations?? I asked where to bring them instead and I was told that perhaps a charity shop would take them… so I have to figure that out now too.

I then got on the tube and found myself at Bond Street Station. I decided to go into John Lewis. Their awesome advertising drew me in (their windows were epic and the building was one big Union Jack flag!) It is SO good that I have never discovered how awesome the store was before today. I wanted EVERYTHING. Im not lying. Even the kids floor was epic. They had legos everywhere. Lego Darth, Lego C-3PO, and Lego Tower Bridge. I wanted everything. I took pictures on my phone and cant figure out how to get them off so… it will probably be when I get home and get my hands on a microchip.

At John Lewis I caved. All of my resilience failed me. I stumbled (without even meaning to) into the land of fascinators and hats. It was so SO fun. I spotted mine as soon as I walked over. It was the color that I had wanted, and the general style. I picked it up and that is the moment I caved. I put it on and loved it! I decided that since I was there I would try on designer fascinators because when else would I? I tried on every single one I think! One was 250 pounds!!! WHAT!!?? I had a blast. So fun!

After my hat experience I touched every pair of shoes on display. I really liked a red hot pair of heels with a metal, gold heel. I looked at the price tag and almost dropped it. Who spends 399.00 on a pair of heels?? Really?? I left with my new hat in my FIRST EVER hat box. (not going to lie, that was just as cool as the hat) I went to Fortnum and Mason’s one last time (on this trip anyways!) I got Turkish Delight and Sugared Almonds (courtesy of dad!) and roamed around. I got a dish towel that I had wanted since I bought my sister one for Christmas and made SURE that I went to the till that had a guy in a tux. Again… where in Ashville does a cashier wear a full tux???

After that it was time to go home! I unpacked my stuff, wore my fascinator and started to pack. I couldn’t resist it anymore! I have all of my hanging clothes and all of my heaviest shoes in my one suitcase with 4-5 pounds to spare so far. I was relieved until I realized that all of the rest has to go in one suitcase. Im so nervous!

That’s it for today!

Rough Draft is DONE!

Today I slept in and I feel like I wasted my day when I woke up. Gah. I think I made up for it since my rough draft of my thesis is OFFICIALLY DONE! Yup you read it right! D.O.N.E. Booyah! The essay, catalog, and comparatives are all done so tomorrow Im going to print it off so I can edit, and return some of my books. Phew. Im right on schedule, and ahead of my original one. I have 15, 746 words also which is good for me. Usually I have 10 words over the minimum word count! Haha! This time I have a 3, 646 cushion. I rocked this!

I have been thinking (sentimental stuff coming up) I really like London. When I first got here Rome better. Hands down. But after living here for a year…. Rome is in second. Rome is the “I want a vacation flat there so I can hang out” and London is the “if I was a millionaire I would live there” city. Some positive aspects:

1. The people are polite but honest, quiet on the tube and are nowhere near as ridiculous as Americans.
2. The culture here rocks.
3. Its SO clean. NYC is SO dirty!
4. Getting around is so simple, hassle free and painless! The tube is AWESOME!
5. The buses tell you what stop is next.
6. I like the character of the city. Its buildings etc!
7. Free daily paper. How awesome is that!
8. The 3 pound deal (sandwich, pop and chips (crisps actually))

Not so good qualities:
1. The tube stops at midnight. Gah.
2. There are no rubbish bins anywhere on the tube/at train stations.
3. The police sirens drive me CRAZY. They pierce my ears.

Im sure Ill think of more in both categories! Oh I just did… It takes 30 minutes to send something at the post-office. And that is a good day!

OK well Im off to watch the closing ceremony. Im so sad the Olympics are done. I LOVE the Olympics. Way to go USA women though! 58 of the 104 medals! I think London did an amazing job hosting the Olympics. Everything from Venues, Transportation, friendly people to help you, fast and easy entry to every venue, and way to go Team GB!! Best finish ever!!! Congrats!

A Warning!

So I am heading into my last week here and its time to get sad. This is a warning that this week’s blog posts may be sentimental! You cant say that I didn’t warn you!

Yesterday was a beautiful day! One of those awesome days that you just cant stand being inside (no matter how much work you have to do!) So although I didn’t have any reason to venture out, I decided to go enjoy the 78 degrees and sunshine before it went away! (Its supposed to rain until Sunday the 19th!) I decided to take the chance to start taking my “Everyday Pictures”. I did it in Rome and love that I have them so on the way to the tube I snapped pictures of the most random and ordinary things in Willesden!

I hopped on the tube, sat down and then realized that I had no battle plan. Oops! I decided to go to Westminster one last time. It was that crowded at all and the tube was easy to use still! I wanted to make it over to the V&A to see the torch replica so I decided to walk. It cant be that far right?? Wrong. I got to Victoria sweating, and had large blisters growing on my heel. I decided to change my plans and got on the tube at Victoria station since I wasn’t even at Sloane Square let alone South Ken. I got off at Oxford Circus and was going to Bond St instead of taking the tube one stop.

I was walking down Oxford Street and spotted Debenhams… I went in and went fascinator shopping! It was so fun. I think I tried everyone on! I want one even more now that I have seen them on me! They just look SO classy! I found one I really REALLY wanted and…. Put it back. Im so proud of myself! It was 30 pounds and who knew when I would get to wear it. Sigh. I think a fascinator is going to show up on my Christmas list! : )

I eventually got to Bond street station. There is a mall there and I did something I shouldn’t have… bought a Starbucks! It was amazing. I went in for a mocha frappe and came out with a raspberry, blackcurrent juice, green tea, and ice concoction. Oh my goodness it was so YUMMY! I inhaled it! If you like green tea I recommend it!

I finally got home and decided I should do work. I did my comparative images and was done with that!! It was such a fun day today! I did get depressed for a bit though. I going to miss this city.

Olympics: USA vs Japan…. Digging for Gold

Wooo!!! August 9th was finally here! US of A had made it into the Final after a crazy semi, and I had a front row seat. Couldn’t get much better than that! (Turns out that it could, but that will come later!) The game was at the historic Wembley Stadium…. The center of English Football and the womens team were playing on the famous pitch. It was bound to be epic!

5:30 seemed to take forever to come. I attempted to do work, but I don’t know why I even bothered. It was like waiting for Christmas morning and I was completely distracted. I read every article, knew the predictions, the things that had potential to trouble the USA and the things that were bound to help them. I could have been an announcer at that game!! Finally the time arrived and I got on my lucky Wheres Waldo outfit, snapped a picture to show everyone what they were looking for and headed out the door!

I got to Wembley Park tube stop without a problem. The tube actually wasn’t full at all, but the station was a little busy when I got off the train. I exited and went through the subway (in American English that is an underpass) and was on the Olympic Way. It was packed. But I walked right up to my entrance gate, walked right through, got my bag checked, and found my block. No waiting at all!

Although I arrived at 6:10 or so, I was still one of the first ones there. I like being one of the first ones because you can take pictures without being joustled. I asked a random guy to take mine and he was really nice about it. He took two for me even! Thank you mister nice guy in the row behind me! I hung out at my seat and people watched, read my football programme and waited for them to come out!

Hope Solo came out first and looked around, then went back in only to come out to warmup soon after. She seems to always be the first one out. Then came the rest of the team and I watched them warmup. They looked pretty good ad ready to go! While they were warming up the dumb presenters in the stadium was entertaining the crowd. Our row had to do the Usain Bolt pose twice so I was on the large screen as they panned down my row each time. Thankfully no one at home saw that!

The team went back in and 10 minutes later came out holding hands of 10-12 year olds. How I wanted to be one of those kids. Except I wouldn’t have let go of whosever hand I was hold, so that may be a problem! The anthems played, I sang along, and then the two Japanese men in business suits sang along to theirs. I was a little nervous about sitting next to them, but they turned out to be the sweetest and most polite people I have ever met! I also learned that I say Japan wrong. According to them (and they were Japanese so I think they must be right) its Yi-Pan, not Ja-Pan. See Im teaching you guys tons of stuff!

Kick off FINALLY happened and we were looking good. Dominating more then I thought we would and about minutes in Carli Llyod scored off of a crazy header in which she almost lost her head via Abby Wambach’s left foot! The stadium thought it was Abby until we saw the replay. What a goal!! The Japanese men politely said that the goal was a very good one… thanks. I was relaxed since we were up by one, although there were some close calls that the Japanese hit the woodwork on.

Halftime came and went and I was still relaxed. USA came out and were still doing well. There was one really close call that Amy had to body out of the goal box, but all in all we were holding our own. Then Carli Lloyd came dribbling down the field and the crowd was screaming. She had Abby and Alex right with her. Pass… Pass… PASS and she shot instead…. GOAL!!! Everyone freaked out. Pia went crazy and hugged everyone, the team went crazy. I was really relaxed now. A two point cushion against Japan. We needed that 2nd goal because I had a feeling Japan wouldn’t give up and they would score eventually. They did in the 60th or so minute. Then I was nervous. Japan was dominated and possessing the ball. We were stabbing and getting beat on the wings over and over ( you would think that after 20 times of the same run the USA would catch on. 10 minutes left Hope Solo made a HUGE save… and saved the game.

We held on and after 2 minutes of extra time the whistle blew. I have never heard a stadium roar that loudly. Everyone was on their feet waving American flags. (it seemed anyways!) The team was freaking out, Pia was dancing and hugging everyone. Flags came from everywhere and the girls picked them up, waved them around and cried into them. I was too busy taking it all in to really get pictures and videos, and the ones I got weren’t great. But they wouldn’t have shown the moment well enough anyways. Its something you have to be there for. I think everyone in my section had dry eyes until Megan Rapione popped up in screen in tears, then I think we all choked up a little. The Japanese men did a little bow and said congrats. (im serious. Most polite little men ever). I told them that it was a great game and congrats on the silver and they smiled and said thank you. What honorable losers!

The girls continued to walk around the pitch, belting out “We are the Champions” and Silverstein’s “Born in the USA”. SO fun! Then they left with their flags and champion shirts and we watched the podium get set up. While we were waiting a camera guy came over and filmed me chanting USA with my flag, but his camera must have not been live because I watched BBC and the people on my left were on, it cut to the studio, then the people on my right were one. GAH!!!! I finished watching the podium being set up. It kinda took the awesomeness out of the moment, but soon enough everything was set for the ceremony.

This is when my seat was the worst in the house…. The Press stood RIGHT in front of us. A old guy started yelling, and we all started chanting “down in front”. They didn’t move so eventually we were all standing on our chairs until the security people made us get down, so appreciate those press photos.

The ceremony was cool. Joseph Blatters was one of the medal giver people… Everyone in the stadium booed him and he stood there with a coy little smile. I googled him when I got home and in 2004 he had made a remark that in order for Women’s football to sell tickets, they should wear shorter shorts and low cut shirts. Why on earth did they pick him to give out the medals?? Im glad everyone booed him. (he was probably picked because he is an important FIFA person)

It took awhile for everyone to get their medals and flowers. I didn’t clap for Canada. They didnt deserve their medal and I don’t like their team. I clapped for Yi-Pan though and the Japanese men clapped for the USA. After everyone had their medals we turned and watched the flags go up. I have never heard so many people sing the anthem!

I hung around for a bit afterwards, but didn’t really see much. Just the players interviewing and there were so many cameras that I couldn’t see much. So I headed home. I walked outside and the entire Olympic Way was a sea of people. Oh geez. It only took 25 minutes though from being on the ramp at the stadium to being on the tube home. So it wasn’t too bad

Today I still haven’t calmed down. I bet the players haven’t then if I haven’t! I watched all the videos and looked at all the pictures from yesterday. So fun. I managed to get some work done and finished my thesis catalog today. Now I just have to do my comparative images tomorrow and I am ready to proof read. FINALLY!

My Olympics are officially over. I am so pumped that I got to do all that I did though! What an amazing two weeks it has been! Im going to save my pennies and go the womens soccer final in RIO now!!! : ))))))

P.S This picture is my favorite I think!

USWNT=Craziness

Well since my first draft is finished I have had a blast watching the Olympics. I absolutely LOVE the Olympics and have so much fun watching everything. Well almost everything. Football (aka soccer) stressed me out. All day long. I had excepted a Japan blow-out over France. I didn’t give them a chance. I flipped back to it towards the end and it was 2-1 and France was bringing the pressure. THEN they get a PK with 5 minutes or so left to go but the girl MISSED it. France brought wave after wave of attacks but couldn’t get through. Japan won. (which makes the final all more interesting)

That game was nothing compared to what I was about to watch. Before the game I had a bad feeling. (I do have backup for that!) I just did. I sat down on the edge of my seat and watched the teams kick off. 20 some minute later Canada scores. Crap… but not too worried. It is the USA after all! But we suddenly weren’t playing well. Canada was controlling the rhythm of the game and possession. By half time I was chewing off my nails. USA came out alright at the half, but there weren’t many opportunities. This is when I went to get my wheres waldo shirt on for luck, wrapped my flag around me and started rocking back and forth in my seat. Rapione scored! From a beautiful corner kick. Amazing. I thought everything would be ok now.

Boy I was wrong. That Sinclair girl (not a fan) put a header past Solo. Canada was up again. Rapione put me out of my misery quickly with a world class strike that bounced off the goal post. GOAL! We were even again, until Sinclair put another header in. Lost yet?? It was 3 goals in 6 minutes. Canada was up. Not much time left. That is where Abby comes through… she headed a ball beautifully, it sailed over the keeper and… hit the crossbar. The keeper came up with it and…. Held on to the ball for longer than 6 seconds. Hahaha. The official actually called it (rarely done) and we had a indirect right outside of the box. Rapione takes it, Canadian player puts her hands up towards her face…. Handball. HAHAHA. By this time I am freaking out, heart pounding and am sporting a broken nail for slapping the floor. I had screamed 5 times already (2 were louder than the other 3) and I was beyond stressed. Canada was whining about the call but come on… as soon as your hands leave from the sides of your body and are flapping around in the wind, they get hit by a ball and that is a handball. Stinks for you, is perfect for us!

Abby comes up to take the kick and I am feeling good about it. She is great not only because she has amazing talent, but because she is consistent. She never breaks with pressure and she did not disappoint. Its 3-3 and I have been pacing while watching since they had been down 3-2. I didn’t stop!

We make it to end of regulation without anymore goals. No sudden death, but a full 30 minutes. For 15 was scoreless but I was feeling good about it. The USA team are in great shape and Canada was losing their legs. We were dominating. It only had to be a matter of time right?? Well the second 15 was fading fast and Canada had one good chance, and we hadn’t scored. I was starting to think pks and thinking we had a good chance when I watched a cross float into the 18 yard box and…..

GOAL!!!! Morgan headed it over the keeper at the 123 minute!! 30 seconds later the whistle blows and although they had only been up for 30 seconds the entire game the USA is heading for WEMBLEY! Oh my goodness was I excited. I would have been devastated if I had to go to a Canada vs Japan game! GAH!

Today was much more relaxed! I am getting pumped about tomorrow. I think we will want it more than Japan because the USA just lost to them on pks in the World Cup final only a year ago. They are out for revenge and to prove that they are still the best. Im excited. This will be an amazing game and I am going to be literally in the front row waving my flag and freaking out the entire time!

I hear that the USA people cant watch this video (which is a shame because its brilliant and I have watched it 20 times today!) but you can all read the article at least if you want to!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18908691

Thesis!

Ummm when did it become August?? I only have two weeks left here as of tomorrow. Im starting to get depressed! Friday and Saturday were all about the thesis. Ok that is a lie… Friday was ALL about Football! USA got the win over New Zealand, and only Canada stands between them and Wembley! Misty May and Kerri Walsh are on a roll in the smeis, but my Czech duo lost tonight. Bummer. On an awesome note…. My thesis is DONE! Woo! Ok well done done, but the rough draft is written and the footnotes are done as is the Bibliography! Woo! Im ahead of schedule and LOVING it! I am going to do my catalog this week and hopefully by Thursday my rough draft of EVERYTHING will be done! I so excited!

That’s all that is new here! I have been writing writing writing! I wrote 2473 word yesterday and another 1300 today to crank it out! Tomorrow the USWNT plays Canada so Im going to be stressed and on the edge of my seat! Yikes! COME ON USA!

Olympic Park

Today was my last day of the Olympic festivities until Aug 9th. I was tired when I got up. It had been 3am nights and 10am mornings and I was getting wore out! I headed off to Olympic park after grabbing a sandwich at Sainsburys. It was nice to live on the northern part of the Jubilee line because I had a seat for the 35-40 minute ride! It got pretty crowded towards the end of the line. The signs said to exit at West Ham instead of Stratford, so I did. I am glad I did because although it was quite a walk, I didn’t have to wait at ALL for security! It was so nice. I have to say… kudos London 2012. Every venue I have been has been SO well organized and easy to get into. Great organization!

I walked through security and around the corner and found myself in Olympic Park. I literally stopped and stared. I couldn’t believe it. I was at the Olympics. It didn’t seem real. I started to wander. I had until 6 or so until I had to be at Riverside Arena for the hockey and it was only 2pm. I had plenty of time. After a bit of wandering and picture taking I decided that I should get water. (I could feel myself overheating and I have a history of passing out when I dehydrated) I headed to the nearest booth and grabbed I water. I bought a bottle and was juggling a bunch of stuff in my hands. I needed to stop and reorganize! I spotted a barrier and headed over to it so I could regroup without getting trampled! I got everything situated and stood up and noticed that a group of people had congregated behind. Ok… then everyone was asking who was coming out. What? Celeb?? I was in the front row so I decided to stick around. After 3 minutes or so Shaun White emerges from the studio!

The Brits were disappointed. No one knew who he was! I had to tell people and I live under a rock and never know who anyone was! he walked over to my side and was probably 8 feet away from me! Eek! It was so cool! I wanted to see Nastia Luikin SO badly, but had to settle for Shaun White.

I kept exploring the park. I found the Today show studio 15 minutes after they had finished shooting. Crap. I took picture of the venues and headed to live park where there was two large screen put up so we could watch events live. Well there wasn’t a place to sit anywhere because the Team GB was in the womens Judo final for the first time in forever. They got the silver! I sat by the river instead for quite a while to rest. My feet were tired!

I was walking around I overheard two British guys talking and saying “You can tell who the tourists are. They are the ones complaining about the weather. What they don’t realize is that it is awesome weather right now. Ithas been sunny for most of the day and just started to sprinkle… this weather is awesome and they have their umbrellas up!” I didn’t even notice that it was sprinkling until they said that!

After I wandered some more and then decided to go in the London 2012 megastore. I though that I would have to wait forever, but the line never stopped moving so I got in really quickly. A dad from the USA liked my motto on my GB shirt (better never stops) and was surprised that I was American. ( I was cheating on the USA!) I resisted the crazy expensive t-shirt and came out with two pins.

I took another break for a bit and sat on the tiny hill on the path to the athletes village. I saw a lot of Russian and GB athletes who I didn’t know. No Americans! :(

Then I wandered to see what I wanted for dinner. Fish and Chips were crazy expensive so I went to McDonalds. For those of you who have been to the Westfield McDonalds and have waited for 30 minutes plus for your food, I was this line (see below) and was at the counter in 5 minutes. Westfield McDonalds.. you really need to step it up! I got my salad and headed to the Riverbank Arena.

My seat was right behind the goal and wasn’t too bad. I have decided that Im not a fan of field hockey. There is just a type of girl that plays field hockey… reminds of HWS girls. Anyways it was fun. Team GB won and after I headed to the Stratford gate. I decided on the way out that I needed a picture in Olympic Park so I asked an older Olympic volunteer too take my picture with the stadium. She took it with the Orbit. Oh well! Close enough.

I headed home and coudnt sleep again! It didn’t really mattr because I didn’t have much going on Friday. I still cant believe I went to the 2012 Olympics THREE times in a row!

Check Facebook for more photos!

Horse Guards Parade

After my long, exciting day and my late night, it was a little rough getting up at 10:30!! I was pumped for the beach volleyball session though I did hop out of bed!! I decided to use the Piccadilly Circus station and expected it to be busy. I had a seat on both of the trains! I got to Trafalgar square early so I took a picture of the Olympic clock and then slowly headed to the Mall.

When I got there I showed a steward my ticket and got ushered into a HUGE queue. Well the queue itself wasn’t bad, but the maze of barriers was really long! I was glad that I had gotten there early! I only had to wait about 10 minutes until they opened the security points. It only took about another 10 minutes for me to get through security. I found myself in St James park! It was a waiting area and it had food, the band, and a sand sculpture! I wandered a bit then went to the venue entrance.

We had to wait in a mob for about 10 minutes (must be the magic number) until they let us in. It was a really good system actually. I was impressed! I was one of the first through (again) and I grabbed a water before heading inside the stadium. I found my seat and it was really good for the third tier price range! I was pleasantly surprised. It turns out the rows were numbered dumbly so everyone was a row off. The Number was placed even with the chairs, not the step. (see picture below) so we all had to move down one. At least everyone made the mistake!

The games were fun. I just picked random teams to cheer for. It was so awesome that the Mens USA team played (and won) and the GB men played (but lost) but it made it more fun when I really wanted someone to win! The games were all close and exciting which was fun. Blow outs would have been boring!

The only thing that is weird was the dumb stuff they did to pump up the crowd. I felt like I was at a Jammers game. We had a lame host who kept trying to get us to dance and such. Umm… we are in Britain. That istn going to happen! There are also dancers that come out during time-outs. Apparently they don’t show them on tv. My liberal education with feminist stuff made me HATE them. Talk about sexualizing women in bikinis. Gah. Anyways… besides that it was fun. AND the weather was NICE. I had a tank top and jeans on for the entire first round (4 matches)! It was sunny and I didn’t need a sweatshirt. Amazing! I wore my sunglasses too!

The first session ended and I had a ticket for the second one. I asked a steward(a really nice one) who told me that I had to go all the way out and came back in. I thought I would have to. They clear everyone out so they can clean and stuff. I didn’t mind because I had plenty of time! I exited and got back in line right away and 5 minutes later the line started moving. I was through really fast again and this time went straight to the entrance instead of walking around which made me the first in line. There was the most annoying man in the world there. And of course he was an American. Figures. (more on Americans later. Maybe tomorrow)Oh and dinner was the most expensive sandwich I have ever eaten once I convert it to $$$! It was really good though!

I found my seat and was more in the center and closer than I was for the first round. (it was 10 pounds more!) I was so excited that the Czech duo who I really like and have been following played the third match against the Aussies. They won! Im hoping that they win the silver! Then the last match was what I had been waiting for…. MISTY MAY-TREANOR AND KERRI WALSH! My all-time fav Olympians LOST the first set. They don’t lose. I was starting to get worried but they won the 2nd one comfortably, but the last set was a little tight. I was so pumped that they won (watch my facebook video)!!

It was late when everyone was finished and I was worried about the tube. I knew that the tube was running later during the Olympics, but I didn’t know how late and it was 12:15am already. I walked to Green Park t miss the crowd and ended up getting a seat on a pretty empty Jubilee train. I came home and couldn’t sleep again!! Gah! I eventually did!! Good day at the Olympics #2!!!

Olympics: USWNT vs Korea - Old Trafford

Tuesday was awesome. The highlight of my time here in London! To be honest, I didn’t sleep well on Monday. I was WAY too pumped for my journey to Manchester to see the USWNT take on the N. Koreans at…. Old Trafford. This is one special pitch! Over 100 years old (102 I think) this is the home of the infamous Manchester United Squad. Honestly that was half of the reason that I was so excited!

I could sleep in some which would be nice on any other morning, but I was so excited that I wasn’t sleeping anyways! I got ready early, donned my USA gear and went to pack a lunch. I opened the bag and my bread was green. Gah. It made me a little nervous considering that I had eaten that bread the day before. Ewww….. So instead I headed to Sainsburys and got the 3 pound lunch deal (sandwich, crisps, and coke) and got on the tube. I got to Euston without a problem, got to the train without a problem, found my coach and my seat and at 11:20 we were off!

It was a train of Americans which was fun. I sat behind a family that were going to the game. The ride went really fast (it was a 2 hour ride) and before I knew it we were in Manchester. I had bought a ticket for Legoland so instead of heading to Old Trafford I needed to go to Piccadilly Gardens to catch a bus. I found the metro link really easily and bought my one pound ticket. I LOVE trams. They are so fun! I looked at the city on the way to the next stop. It was kinda weird because I felt like I was in Europe, not the UK. I think the tram had something to do with that!

I got off and found the bus stop easily. I saw that the 250 was coming in 5 minutes and the X50 in 15 so I took the 250 when it came. I had looked at the route map and noticed that Old Trafford was the halfway stop. We were riding along and it was taking forever. We stopped at the stadium and while we were pulling away I looked at my watch… 2:30. Crap. It had taken 30 mins to get this far, so if I got to Legoland at 3, I would be there for 30 mins. It wasn’t worth the stress. So I got off the bus at the next stop and walked back to the stadium.

I have to admit…. From the outside it isn’t all that impressive. Wembley beats it in that regard! I wandered and took some pictures. The doors hadn’t opened yet so I hung out and waited. Then I realized that the bag check people were starting so I went over to a table and got it searched. Then they zip-tied it closed in a plastic bag and sent us on our merry way. I found my section entrance and waited for them to open the turnstile.

When they opened I got patted down, and was the second one through. It was epic. I went over to my block and no one was following. I walked up the steps and through the tunnel and then the stadium got impressive. I don’t think I have ever seen a pitch so green. I wanted to leap the barrier and touch it! (there was a security guy in my way though!) It was so awesome to be the first one in my section. I took a lot of pictures (some of which are on facebook) and then went down to my seat in the FRONT. ROW. I found my seat and it was ONE seat in from the aisle. (That is the hardest word in English to spell). I was so pumped. I had an hour and a half until the game so I hung out, stalked a nice woman who took my picture, took pictures, chatted with the security man and people watched. A girl came and sat on the other side of me. Then the awesome started to happened! Alex Morgan’s mom and another mom (don’t know whose mom she is) came down and said hi and that we had great seats. They snuck by us to get a picture of themselves in Old Trafford with their banner. One their way out the mom I didn’t know talked to Carli Lloyds. It was kinda awkward because I was basically in the middle of their conversation.

Eventually a girl sat on the other side of me and the team came out to practice. Pia was goofying around and scoring goals. I had fun being so close to Abby’s warm up group. It was so awesome being that close! Then they went away and 15 minutes later they came back out for the anthem. My section was ALL USA supporters (I think the majority of the stadium was actually) We chanted, did the wave and everyone as ready to go!

It was a good game. SO fun. The USA didn’t play the whole 90 minutes, but they pulled off the win. I was SO close to the action when it came on my side of the field. There was a throw in that happened RIGHT in front of me. Epic. We won (woo!) and after the team came over and said hi. Literally. Rampone came and talked to her family who were 2 rows up from us, and the best…. Carli Lloyd jumped the barrier to get pictures with her family! She was 10 inches away from me. I told her I would see her in Wembley and she smile and said yup. WOOOO!!!! It took everything in my power to not touch her… :)

I wanted to stay and get autographs after when they came out but I had the last train out of Manchester and I didn’t want to miss it. They had a great system of free shuttle buses that went to the train station. It was really well organized and done! I got there without a problem and grabbed some Burger King food for dinner. Right when I was done eating my train was boarding so I hopped on and settled in for the ride back.

Just as I was closing my eyes the guy across the aisle asked where I was from. We started chatting (him and his 3 buddies) and they were from D.C. We talked about Olympic tickets and how I wanted in to the aquatics center to see Michael and Ryan. Then the guy said that his two friends used to swim with Ryan Locthe! (cant spell his name) The guy (guy number 2) was from Ithaca and that is how they swam together. I didt get the other guys story. We talked for a bit then didn’t, and then with about 15 minutes to go they started playing a card game and they were being crazy so we started talking again. It was fun, and they 2 of the 3 knew Ryan!

After that crazy awesome day I came home and was wide awake! I couldn’t fall asleep. After posting pictures and chilling I think I went to bed around 2:30am. And I had to get up the next morning for beach volleyball!!

P.S One Olympic day blog down, two to go. Ill post at least Wed. tomorrow but will try to get both done. It just depends how my thesis goes too!

Everything but the Thesis

Today turned out to be busier than it was supposed to be. I was supposed to be home all day writing. BUT I had bought the new Olympic tickets and needed to go print off my confirmation emails so I could pick up my tickets. I don’t have a printer so it was off to Christies for me. Sigh. The tube was fine really. Nice and quiet like it always is in the afternoon. I have to admit though I wasn’t in central London or on the Central Line! (but I don’t ever take the central line. Ever) I got into school without a problem or any hassle. I tried to log into my account on the compy and couldn’t get it to work. I asked Traci if she had problems logging on. Apparently all the passwords got deleted so I had to go to the front desk and wait while the lady emailed IT. She told me it would take some time so I should go do something. Awesome. I had nothing I had to do so I wandered around and looked at books. Finally the IT emailed her back and I could get on the compy!

I printed out all of my stuff and headed out. Then I got to thinking that I should pick up my tickets since I was out. I ahd some options.. Horse Guard, Earls Court, and Wembley. I picked Horse Guards but when I got to the tube platform the next train was a Metropolitan line right to Wembley so I decided to go up there. The ticket office was easy to find and while I was standing in line I realized that I didn’t have my wallet with me which meant no official id. Crap. I decided to try it anyways and used my student id. It worked! Phew :)

I headed home and picked up my flat some because I couldn’t take it. I worked for two hours and got a good chunk done. I was so hungry so I made some rice and turned on the men’s gymnastics. Team GB hadn’t place in like 100 years and it came down to the last scores. When the coached started crying and they were more happy with their bronze than the Chinese were with their gold, I got all weepy and wasn’t paying attention. I had turned on the burner for the rice, but must had hit the other switch accidently too. I had a lid on the other hot thing and by the time I realized that I smelled something the Lid was on fire and the handle was melted off. Cool.

Tomorrow is the big day. Olympic event number one! Im off to Manchester to see the USAWNT play Korea. Im excited. I don’t know when Ill get to blog because ill be home at midnight, look at pictures and then the next day Im up and headed to Beach Vollyball all day! Phew! EXCITING! Look for me on tv! :)

P.S The picture is my collection of Olympic tickets!

So Much New Stuff

Ok so I just realized that it has been ages since I have written! Sorry!! I think it is because I spend all day typing (or supposed to be anyways) that at the end of the night I don’t want to do anymore of it!

A LOT has happened since I have last posted. First the Olympics have STARTED! Oh my goodness how lucky am I? I pinch myself daily. I am so lucky to be here and I am hoping to make every second count. I stalk the ticketing website and have been pretty successful! Lets start at the beginning…..

How about that opening ceremony??!! Very British (which made it good) but I wasn’t blown away by it. The best part… the Queen “jumping” out of a helicopter. I love her. She had the Queen Elizabeth II twinkle in her eye when she walked out on the stage. I would love to get to know her! Otherwise it was ok… Really surprised that the Spice girls didn’t make an appearance! Oh and the USA outfit…. Ugly. I don’t think Ralph Lauren nailed it. I loved Denmark’s, Jamaica’s and India’s though! I had a chance to go to the Opening Ceremony and regretted it leading up to the start, but glad I didn’t spend the money after seeing it. Being in the stadium for McCartney’s Hey Jude would have been fun though! The torch… best ever. Having kids light it?? A good message and idea but at the end of the day Redgrave got the shaft.

This happens to the year that I cry through everything. I don’t know whats up with me. I have choked up SO many times already and it is only day two. Some highlights was Michael Phelps not showing up at all to that race against Ryan. Don’t know what happened there. USAWNT have a place in the quarters. They haven’t missed the final since womens soccer has been an Olympic sport. I hope they don’t pick this year to not make it! Im hoping for a USA vs GB final, but have a feeling that Brazil will put up a fight!

Today Becky Adlington got the bronze in the 400 free. She was the reigning gold medalist but was crying for joy that she got the bronze. I THINK that was only time I cried today! :) It always gets me when the athlete starts crying in the interview. Gah! The USA mens lost their relay… got the silver instead of the gold. Phelps had the team way out in front too!

Enough overview, time for my Olympic excitement. I realized that the only way to get into the Olympic Park complex was to have a ticket to one of the venues. How can I be at the London 2012 Olympics and not go to Olympic park?? I spent all day on the site. I kept thinking I got the Aquatics centre tickets (something I desperately want) but was too slow every time. I finally got field hockey tickets for Thursday at 7pm. Im going to go at noon and stalk all the news anchors and athletes. Im not even kidding. I want to find Ryan, Michael, Nastia (a news anchor now), Lester Holt and of course…. David Beckham. I doubt any of that will happen but hey… you never know!

My biggest excitement was tonight. I was writing my thesis and realized that it was 10:30. I had gotten the hockey tickets around that time last night so I decided to check out the site really fast. The unthinkable happened. I saw a ticket available. I didn’t believe that it really was because so many times have I clicked on a ticket, requested it, and then have it be gone. I clicked on it anyways and while it was loading checked facebook and my email. I go back and its in my cart. I have 2 minutes to buy it. I still don’t believe it. I clicked on my saved visa card and wait. Then the payment goes through and Im on the “congrats” page. This is the moment I literally start jumping up and down. I have to say I was shouting OMG the entire time. I have one of the hottest tickets in town. Beach Volleyball. To make it better its Misty May and Kerri Walsh. I LOVE them. (sorry if that was a complete let down!) Gymnastics and swimming would be awesome but the tickets are going for too much now!

Besides the Olympics I have been writing my thesis. Slowly. I wasn’t on the email list apparently (after 3 emails to the admin throughout the year to tell them that my HWS email was shut down) with all this extremely important info about my thesis. Thankfully Isabel was awesome and forwarded it to me (lifesaver!) My thesis is due Sept. 19th. Oh and Andrew said that it had to be in their hands on the 19th… according to the official email it has to be post marked by the date. I wish they could all get on the same page. There are TWO tutors for the Master program and the admin office… how hard can it be to all have the same information?? So glad that I am almost down with their lack of communication!

I have had to take apart my sink twice in an attempt to unclog it. The first round went to the sink, but the second went to me! It finally works again. I was really super close to throwing up the first time, but thanks to my sisters safety gear ideas I only gagged a little the second time!

Well its midnight and I am 300 words under my goal for today so I need to go attempt to crank it out. Ill be better at blogging now! I have THREE Olympic events this coming week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) so be sure to check in every now and then. Ill have them posts asap!