I'm pretty sure 2010 has gone by faster than any year so far. But like they say, time flies when you're having fun! Last night I was thinking over the past year, as most people do when the new year rolls around, and I was amazed at how incredibly blessed I've been. Here's some cool things that happened in 2010:
Places lived- Los Angeles, Sacramento, London (I freakin moved halfway across the world to another country! Holy crap.)
Places visited- Washington, D.C.; Arlington and Alexandria, VA; Stockholm, Sweden... more to come in 2011, I promise!
Accomplishments- worked my butt off and graduated Cum Laude and with College Honors from UCLA, got into grad school, went through the temple, fell in love (trust me, that is an accomplishment for me), made some amazing new friends.
Fun times- sleepovers with Mindi and Bman (I miss being woken up at 6am by a baby crawling all over me), reunions with the Shakespeare/Braunmuller crew, UCLA in general- I just love UCLA, Collette putting her nursing skills to good use when I was sick in D.C.!, my awesome (extended) family coming to LA for graduation, Disneyland, hanging out all summer with the fam, watching Friends with Shelby, being a counselor at girl's camp, finally making it to London!, hanging out backstage every week at Shakespeare's Globe, seeing Wicked with a great friend, late night chats, pumpkin carving, Giants win the World Series! (wish I could have been there to see the madness), Guy Fawkes Fireworks!, Soulnite in Stockholm, wandering the streets of London with various friends, making it home for Christmas and back to London for the new year!
2010 has been my favorite year so far. Here's to an even better 2011.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Saturday, April 10, 2010
D.C. Musings
So finally after visiting many other nation's capitols I decided to visit my own! I was on a little puddle jumper plane from Cleveland into D.C. and the view flying in was amazing. Just looking at the National Mall from above was so cool! There was so much to see. And the Potomac River was crazy big. Even bigger than the Mississippi.
I went to check out some grad schools and to visit my good friend Collette but I think I knew even before I landed that D.C. wouldn't be for me. While there is plenty to see and do (I didn't even see half of it in the week I was there) and the city had many charming features (like the many historic areas with row houses) I just never felt drawn to it like I instantly was to London and New York. But it was definitely cool to be alone with the Washington Monument at night, see backstage at the National Archives, and check out Thomas Jefferson's library. I hope that I'll be able to go back someday and see all of the things that I missed.
After being in D.C. for awhile, it seems my path was laid clear. I'll be headed to London next fall to start a Master's program (or should I say programme?) in Shakespearean studies. I think out of everything I did in D.C., The Folger Shakespeare Library was my fave. I don't know what it is about Shakespeare's works, but I always get a little thrill of excitement learning about them. Visiting The Folger I had a moment of thinking that maybe D.C. wouldn't be half bad, but there really is no better place than London to learn about The Bard (as I found out while studying abroad). And if I needed further confirmation, I learned on my last full day in D.C. that I had been accepted to a second program in London. Who knew that a summer studying Shakespeare could turn into a lifetime pursuit? It seems that that is indeed the case as I'll be spending the majority of my waking moments in study of the Bard and his works next year and will most likely carry that study into the PhD (if I make it that far... I think I will eventually). In any case, I'm super excited to start this new chapter in my life and have A LOT to do in the next six months to prepare... like graduate and I've already started on my massive pre-reading list for the program. Hopefully I'll have time to get it all done and enjoy my remaining time in LA and summer in Sacramento with my family!
I went to check out some grad schools and to visit my good friend Collette but I think I knew even before I landed that D.C. wouldn't be for me. While there is plenty to see and do (I didn't even see half of it in the week I was there) and the city had many charming features (like the many historic areas with row houses) I just never felt drawn to it like I instantly was to London and New York. But it was definitely cool to be alone with the Washington Monument at night, see backstage at the National Archives, and check out Thomas Jefferson's library. I hope that I'll be able to go back someday and see all of the things that I missed.
After being in D.C. for awhile, it seems my path was laid clear. I'll be headed to London next fall to start a Master's program (or should I say programme?) in Shakespearean studies. I think out of everything I did in D.C., The Folger Shakespeare Library was my fave. I don't know what it is about Shakespeare's works, but I always get a little thrill of excitement learning about them. Visiting The Folger I had a moment of thinking that maybe D.C. wouldn't be half bad, but there really is no better place than London to learn about The Bard (as I found out while studying abroad). And if I needed further confirmation, I learned on my last full day in D.C. that I had been accepted to a second program in London. Who knew that a summer studying Shakespeare could turn into a lifetime pursuit? It seems that that is indeed the case as I'll be spending the majority of my waking moments in study of the Bard and his works next year and will most likely carry that study into the PhD (if I make it that far... I think I will eventually). In any case, I'm super excited to start this new chapter in my life and have A LOT to do in the next six months to prepare... like graduate and I've already started on my massive pre-reading list for the program. Hopefully I'll have time to get it all done and enjoy my remaining time in LA and summer in Sacramento with my family!
Friday, December 11, 2009
It's Been Awhile...
So I just realized that I've gone on to new adventures and never wrapped up my old ones! While I've probably told anyone who actually reads this my thoughts on my trip already, sometimes it just feels good to write. Especially something that has nothing to do with school, after the longest quarter of my life (which is mercilessly still not quite over).
Anyway, getting back on topic, traveling Europe was probably just about the best thing I've ever done for myself. I've always had the desire to travel and see all of the beautiful things that God has created. I had a friend a few years back who asked me when I was going to fulfill these desires to travel. He said if I didn't do it now, I'd never do it. I feel like life is like that sometimes. If you don't have the courage to leap before you look on occasion, you may never get to where you were meant to be. Boundless potential will remain untapped.
When I left to LAX last July, I had no idea what was in store for me, who I would meet, if I would end up lost in a city I didn't know, with no one in that city who would notice if I was gone. Thankfully the latter didn't happen (for very long anyway). I met wonderful people, saw absolutely amazing things, ate some awesome food, and most importantly I learned that as long as I have the Lord with me for support, I can accomplish absolutely anything that I set my mind to. I know that sounds cliche, but I don't think it's something I really believed until now. This knowledge has helped me immensely during this past quarter while I've been attempting to do well in my classes and get all of the necessary things done for applying to grad school. I have been blessed so many times this quarter with knowledge I thought I had forgotten, the ability to get things done when the time really just was not there, and being able to keep my sanity with the millions of things that are running through my head everyday. It feels kind of like those random moments in life where everything comes together and just seems to fit perfectly.
Last weekend I had the chance to visit New York City for the first time. I think I may have fallen in love again... It was like London, only taller ♥ Maybe next time I should shoot for a boy instead of a city (at least I know that's what my mom and grandma would like for me to do). I didn't have the chance to just wander around and get to know the city by myself until the day before I left. I'm a strong believer that you can't really know a city until you take it in alone so that you can get a handle on your feelings. This is also kind of like life. You can't really know who you are as a person until you find some sort of independence, through which you are able to understand your feelings. While I have no idea where my life will lead me after I graduate in June, because of my experiences in Europe I know that I will be able to handle anything that life throws at me. I do feel that furthering my education is the next step for me and I think I finally have the courage to make that leap.
Anyway, getting back on topic, traveling Europe was probably just about the best thing I've ever done for myself. I've always had the desire to travel and see all of the beautiful things that God has created. I had a friend a few years back who asked me when I was going to fulfill these desires to travel. He said if I didn't do it now, I'd never do it. I feel like life is like that sometimes. If you don't have the courage to leap before you look on occasion, you may never get to where you were meant to be. Boundless potential will remain untapped.
When I left to LAX last July, I had no idea what was in store for me, who I would meet, if I would end up lost in a city I didn't know, with no one in that city who would notice if I was gone. Thankfully the latter didn't happen (for very long anyway). I met wonderful people, saw absolutely amazing things, ate some awesome food, and most importantly I learned that as long as I have the Lord with me for support, I can accomplish absolutely anything that I set my mind to. I know that sounds cliche, but I don't think it's something I really believed until now. This knowledge has helped me immensely during this past quarter while I've been attempting to do well in my classes and get all of the necessary things done for applying to grad school. I have been blessed so many times this quarter with knowledge I thought I had forgotten, the ability to get things done when the time really just was not there, and being able to keep my sanity with the millions of things that are running through my head everyday. It feels kind of like those random moments in life where everything comes together and just seems to fit perfectly.
Last weekend I had the chance to visit New York City for the first time. I think I may have fallen in love again... It was like London, only taller ♥ Maybe next time I should shoot for a boy instead of a city (at least I know that's what my mom and grandma would like for me to do). I didn't have the chance to just wander around and get to know the city by myself until the day before I left. I'm a strong believer that you can't really know a city until you take it in alone so that you can get a handle on your feelings. This is also kind of like life. You can't really know who you are as a person until you find some sort of independence, through which you are able to understand your feelings. While I have no idea where my life will lead me after I graduate in June, because of my experiences in Europe I know that I will be able to handle anything that life throws at me. I do feel that furthering my education is the next step for me and I think I finally have the courage to make that leap.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Topdeck Tour
I just finished up the Topdeck tour last night. It was sooo much fun. Austria was beautiful. I think it was one of my favorites so far. I went to Salzburg on my day there. It was a two hour bus ride there and back to our hostel but it was worth it. It was a beautiful city. The buildings looked like they were carved out of the mountains. I went with two of the other girls from Topdeck and we took a city tour. At one of the stops I ran around looking for the pavillion from Sound of Music and almost missed the tour leaving. But I got the picture so that's all that matters! It was pretty cool seeing all of the Sound of Music sites.
After Austria we headed to Prague and went out to a five-story night club. Prague was definitely different from Western Europe. And it was massive. We went to the 9th century castle and wandered around the city. We also got some cool pics up at the top of the clock tower.
The stay in the castle in the Rhine River Valley was kind of disappointing. It didn't seem very castle-y. But it was still fun. It was kind of a recovery night. We mostly just hung out. Had a poker tournament. I made it to the final round of 5 out of 13 people which was pretty cool since I haven't ever really played.
From Germany we went on to Amsterdam which was like Vegas times 5. The red light district was interesting. There were these two alleys called fat and skinny alley. The fat alley was wider in size and had wider girls in the window and the skinny alley, vice versa. It was a beautiful city but it's definitely a party hub. We went out to night clubs the two nights we were there. We were dancing until about 3am, so I feel like I didn't really see a lot of the city since I slept in. It was kind of like another Venice though with all of the canals. It was cute.
Finally we stopped in Belgium on the way back to London yesterday. I bought about 60 Euros worth of chocolate... I've actually decided to just stay in London for my last week here in Europe. I'm kind of tired of moving around every couple days. It gets wearing. But I'm happy to be back in London. It feels like a home away from home almost. I like the city a lot. So I'm off to see everything I missed last time!
After Austria we headed to Prague and went out to a five-story night club. Prague was definitely different from Western Europe. And it was massive. We went to the 9th century castle and wandered around the city. We also got some cool pics up at the top of the clock tower.
The stay in the castle in the Rhine River Valley was kind of disappointing. It didn't seem very castle-y. But it was still fun. It was kind of a recovery night. We mostly just hung out. Had a poker tournament. I made it to the final round of 5 out of 13 people which was pretty cool since I haven't ever really played.
From Germany we went on to Amsterdam which was like Vegas times 5. The red light district was interesting. There were these two alleys called fat and skinny alley. The fat alley was wider in size and had wider girls in the window and the skinny alley, vice versa. It was a beautiful city but it's definitely a party hub. We went out to night clubs the two nights we were there. We were dancing until about 3am, so I feel like I didn't really see a lot of the city since I slept in. It was kind of like another Venice though with all of the canals. It was cute.
Finally we stopped in Belgium on the way back to London yesterday. I bought about 60 Euros worth of chocolate... I've actually decided to just stay in London for my last week here in Europe. I'm kind of tired of moving around every couple days. It gets wearing. But I'm happy to be back in London. It feels like a home away from home almost. I like the city a lot. So I'm off to see everything I missed last time!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Venezia
Venice is such a lovely city. Besides all the dang tourists. I went on a gondola ride with some of my new friends on the Topdeck tour! We are staying at this "camp" site. Its like mobile homes with bathrooms and everything. They also have a pool and gym. St. Marks was beautiful! I liked it more than St. Peters although they both have very different architectural styles. I am getting very anxious to upload all of my photos and am worrying that I may fun out of space on my memory card!
I ended up enjoying the rest of my time in Roma. I met some cool people in the hostel and went out with them a couple of times. We went out clubbin one night and walked around the ruins the last night. Its amazing how they just let the ruins be ruined lol. They just let the chariot race area crumble. All that is left is a tower. And other places are similar. I saw the place where Caesar was murdered which was pretty cool since we were just studying the play for Shakespeare.
Anyway, tomorrow its off to Austria on the Topdeck tour bus! Should be a lot of fun. All of the people are really cool and kinda crazy. I like them. They have a lot of extreme sports in Austria to do but I think I will just check out some scenery. They had a rafting option but its only a grade 2 so I decided not to waste my money. It should be a good time anyway though.
I ended up enjoying the rest of my time in Roma. I met some cool people in the hostel and went out with them a couple of times. We went out clubbin one night and walked around the ruins the last night. Its amazing how they just let the ruins be ruined lol. They just let the chariot race area crumble. All that is left is a tower. And other places are similar. I saw the place where Caesar was murdered which was pretty cool since we were just studying the play for Shakespeare.
Anyway, tomorrow its off to Austria on the Topdeck tour bus! Should be a lot of fun. All of the people are really cool and kinda crazy. I like them. They have a lot of extreme sports in Austria to do but I think I will just check out some scenery. They had a rafting option but its only a grade 2 so I decided not to waste my money. It should be a good time anyway though.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Paris and Rome
So Paris was beautiful. The Eiffel Tower sparkling at night is definitely something everyone should see. It was much more green than I thought it would be. Lots of trees and grass. The Mona Lisa was pretty sweet. But I prefer Londons National Gallery. I also preferred Westminster Abbey over Notre Dame. But still cool nonetheless. Rome I am not as much a fan of. The buildings are dirty and there is graffiti everywhere. Its really pretty ghetto. But I went to The Colleseum today and checked out a few of the famous fountains. Trevi Fountain was gorgeous. And you cant beat pizza and gelato for only 4 euros! Tomorrow is the Vatican! I think that will be a good time eventhough I will be forced to wear jeans and a tee since theres a dress code there. That means that I will be completely soaked through with sweat by the end of the day. Yuck... it is waaayyy too hot here!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cool Things Seen in the Last 4 Days:
Platform 9 3/4.
The Reptile House at the London Zoo where Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone was filmed.
Evensong inside Westminster Abbey.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace.
Jane Austen's original manuscript of Persuassion.
The Guttenberg Bible.
John Milton's handwritting.
The original copy of Alice In Wonderland handwritten and illustrated by Lewis Carroll.
Charlotte Bronte's handwritten Jane Eyre.
The Magna Carta.
Beatles lyrics written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney on the back of one of their kids' birthday cards.
Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.
The Thames Below Westminster by Claude Monet.
Original sketches from the hands of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Michaelangelo's The Entombment.
The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci.
And last but not least, one of the original First Folios of The Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies of Mr. William Shakespeare.
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."- Samuel Johnson.
It seems as if this trip has flown by! Being in London and Stratford studying the great Shakespeare has given me an even greater appreciation for the complexities of his works. I've loved studying with the professors and my classmates. I'll be very sad to leave London and the wonderful Shakespeare program but am looking forward to the next two and a half weeks that I'll be abroad! And finally getting back to UCLA of course.
The Reptile House at the London Zoo where Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone was filmed.
Evensong inside Westminster Abbey.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace.
Jane Austen's original manuscript of Persuassion.
The Guttenberg Bible.
John Milton's handwritting.
The original copy of Alice In Wonderland handwritten and illustrated by Lewis Carroll.
Charlotte Bronte's handwritten Jane Eyre.
The Magna Carta.
Beatles lyrics written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney on the back of one of their kids' birthday cards.
Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.
The Thames Below Westminster by Claude Monet.
Original sketches from the hands of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Michaelangelo's The Entombment.
The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci.
And last but not least, one of the original First Folios of The Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies of Mr. William Shakespeare.
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."- Samuel Johnson.
It seems as if this trip has flown by! Being in London and Stratford studying the great Shakespeare has given me an even greater appreciation for the complexities of his works. I've loved studying with the professors and my classmates. I'll be very sad to leave London and the wonderful Shakespeare program but am looking forward to the next two and a half weeks that I'll be abroad! And finally getting back to UCLA of course.
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