Last Post

Well, I guess this is the last post.

It has been an amazing experience and I am so glad that I was able to write it all up on here and allow all my friends and family to read all about it every day and night. so they know that i am well and alive and all the individual adventures I am having every day.

I have loved every second of my journey out in Mississippi. I have learnt so much about myself and i have had an phenomenal time. I can not say anything. All the friends I have made I am going to stay in contact with  and i hope they will stay in contact with me too.


I guess this is the end of one adventure and now its time to find the next one.


Bring it on world!! I can handle anything you throw at me now!! 

Homeward Bound

Wow well these past few days have been mad! Pure madness.

Saturday, I woke up at 6am and could not for the life of me get back to sleep everything I tried just wouldn't work. So I chilled for a while until it was time for me to be getting on with things, I got up and got dressed, clearing away the bits and pieces that were left to tidy and pack. I took all my stuff to the garbage and the van to give to the next students. I was then able to relax, Laura was awake by then and the tv was on so we just sat and relaxed for a bit. Patty then came in and chilled telling us about the night before. It was then time for us to say goodbye and we are states! they have been such influences over me, over the past 4 months it was hard not to cry to be honest. It wasn't long before I was back in the apartment because our Student Advocate hadn't done the final check therefore I had to have someone come back with me to the apartment to do this check. It was all good signed off and sorted, I was loaded onto the bus with everyone else. We left late - typical! and heading to Memphis, it was a quick trip to be honest with you.

Checked in our luggage and got that sorted and through security. Hannah, Catherine and I had some starbucks and Sophie and Ope had something from this restaurant in the airport. Memphis airport is not a nice place to be. Hannah, Catherine and I went for a wander after some food to fine Gaby, which we did. She was a little stressed bless her, I went and picked up something from a shop as an xmas present. When I got back, Little Alex had found us. He had been in the airport since 6am and had a three hour delay on his flight and his missed his connection so he had to get on a new flight in order to get in at a reasonable time. Bless him he looked knackered.

Anyway first flight was fine and quick which was good, arrived early into Chicago, so I got to spend some time with Grandpa who was waiting for me. He was in business class so we weren't sat near each other but that was okay. to be honest I don't think we would have been able to speak much in any case, just too tired. I got about 3 hours sleep on the plane which was good to get to be honest, I needed it. We arrived in Manchester early again so Matt had to be woken up by my dad, I managed to get my luggage off the carousel  and we came out of everything and then Matt and Dad were waiting for us.

Matt immediately came over and gave me a cuddle and a kiss which was lovely and I gave dad a nice big hug. We proceeded to the parking lot and found the car and packed it up with grandpa's and my stuff. Dropped Grandpa at home where i had some food and shower and got changed. We started heading for home when I got a phonecall - apparently I had left my purse on the plane. we were half way home as well and so we had to head back and get it!! It had my id and everything! Luckily we got it back and everything was fine, nothing was stolen that i could tell anyway.

We headed for home again and this time made it back. Leanne had left the most lovely card and balloon on my car which was great!! i am very thankful to her for doing that. Olivia then came out and said Hi with a massive hug and everything. Bless her, in her onesie! I gave mum a big hug also. We went inside and I opened my present from Olivia, she got me a box of chocolate bars and a folder to organise my life into! Amazing! Mum and dad had gotten me a bracelet also. it was lovely, we  had some lunch and had some on my sweetie cake. It was amazing to spend some time with my family. I have missed them so much. Mum cut my hair and we got me unpacked and sorted! Packed a bag to get to Reading, and finished watching Shawshank Redemption and then heading to Reading.

It was a quick journey with disney songs, Matt and I decided to have a 20 minute nap which worked wonders!! When we arrived, I went straight into see the girls, they had jumped on me at the door despite me asking them to wait until everyone was in the house. it was so good to see them. Mum, Olivia and Matt sorted out my bed and dumped my stuff. They then left and went back to Gloucester. Matt stayed of course and I spent just under an hour talking to the girls. We went to bed really early, we talked for a while and then decided to sleep.

I kept waking up during the night but then was able to go straight back to sleep thank god. Matt did struggle to get me up this morning. It was hard to keep my eyes open. 

Last day

So today was my last day at Ole Miss university.

My exam went okay in the morning could have done better but could have gone a lot worse as well. But it's fine. I went and sat in the union and watched Buffy the vampire slayer and skyped my parents. Which was lovely. I grabbed some lunch and then had my session with Ahemd, which I kept getting distracted in because Hannah and Catherine had told me they had had issues with checking in which was worrying for me. But anyway we had a decent session and I found it Immy is going to take over my mantel next term.

I then printed off my boarding passes just fine no issues, and met Alphonso for coffee. He actually turned up this time, we got talking and Joe and Immy turned up and some of his friends turned up as well but it was really nice to chat to him. I emptied my Caxton card and recycled my phone. But it was nice to talk to someone at stuff other than packing, leaving and exams. He gave me a lift home becasue he was willing to take any of our unwanted food off our hands which was nice of him.

After this I chilled, packed up the rest of my stuff, took stuff down to the rubbish, I did the dishes and stuff. I am going to pack up some of the stuff and take it to the van tomorrow morning as well just get it away and sorted, I have given myself enough time. I cooked myself a basic dinner, I dropped the left over tea bags at Joe's. So now I am pretty much ready to go. I watched a Mariah Carey film with patty and made myself some dinner. But that was about it.

At 9, I went over to Alice's apartment where everyone seemed to be congregating before going various places to party or whatever. I saw the presents that Ha had got them, photo books from across the semester it was such a lovely gift. Everyone started to gather and it got to 11:30 and I just needed to go. I needed to sleep. I have to admit I had had a cry, Alice had gotten me started and I was off. It is awful I know but still I couldn't help it.

I came back to my apartment and just got ready for bed and now am just going to sleep and try and get a good nights sleep for tomorrow. Still in denial about leaving tomorrow for good.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Good exam

I will still claim that 8am are ridiculous, I wish I had slept longer this morning but still I got up and went onto campus straight to the SAE house to see caleb, Ben and watson who all seemed alright about the exam. They finished up getting ready and I wondered over. I wanted to sit and contemplate in the room. I hate being stressed going into an exam.

The paper was actually pretty good I am not too confident in some of my ID answers but I think my essays went quite well. I had one of women and one of elizabeth I which I was well chuffed about. I did the exam in just over two hours, Taylor left really soon after I don't think he wrote enough but hey ho thems are his grades not mine. After the exam I went to the turner nice tee to get my swimming stuff out there was no chance I was going to get to go swimming in the last week of term let's be honest. After sitting there for 10 mintues trying to figure out why my lock wasnt working I realized I was using the wrong code. Anyway I emptied my locker bar the towel that was there's in any case. I then proceeded to Starbucks where I was due to meet Alphonso for out rearrange.

After 4 hours of sitting there doing work and talking to people of Facebook, having a quick chat with Anatole and one of my professors. I got a text of alphonso he had left his phone at home and had forgotten about our meeting. I am starting to think he doesn't want to see me. Anyway I called him and hopefully we can meet tomorrow but we shall see. I have to thank him in a way, I did get a lot of work done. Anyway I came home and did more work, I had shawshank redemption on in the background as I did my work which was nice. After the film I made some more notes and then made myself some dinner, I cooked with Hyein which was interesting. Both of us trying to use the hob. Anyway I finished mine first and got on with it I was starving! I tried some of hyein's curry she had made it was lovely. She said she wished I had cooked more so she could have tried some more English food. But in all honesty i don't really have the utensils here to cooks decent meal and not only that I would be scared she wouldn't like it. I suggested cooking tomorrow for her but she already has plans which is understandable.

After dinner I skyped matt for a little while this is the last major chance I will really get before leaving on Saturday. It was good to talk to him again. I did some notes whilst on Skype to him so now I have them all sorted and ready to look through tomorrow morning in depth. Anyway time for some sleep hoping I know more than I think I do for tomorrow's exam...

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

8am

8am exams should be banned, I got up nice and early only managed to get onto campus 5 minutes before the exam started. It went well I did it in 1h 30 mins but I should have stayed longer! In hind sight I would have stayed longer but oh well cant change it now. This meant I had an hour and a half to kill before the buses from campus direct to the square started, so I went with Sarah to get a starbucks although I didn't get anything and then had a nice chat with savannah from one of my classes. That killed enough time that I went to the square sold my books back to rebels books I only got around $27 dollars for them but oh well.

I came back to campus and watched some tv online waiting for two o clock to come algonquin to see Alphonso to get a text as I was heading to Starbucks saying that he couldn't come. I headed home instead at that point. When I got home I started revision for my exam tomorrow as per, I skyped my sister and Im'd my dad. So it was all dandy I went to cook dinner and met patty's mum and brother because they are here visiting. Patty's brother, Bill is huge! He is really tall. And her mum is lovely. I cooked a basic meal it was nice enough, I watched girl with a pearl earring whilst eating and then went through some more revision notes. Ann then came around and gave us a sheet of things to do before moving out which was cool. So I kinda got started on them. Hyein and I cleaned the kitchen and I did the batheroom as well. I used up all my bleach in the process. From this I then started packing up the rest of my things. I am pretty much packed now, just got washing to put in and stuff.

I was chilling out talking to Hyein about some stuff whilst led lazily on my bed when Caleb text me asking if I can go over and revise with him, Ben and Watson, due to lack of car I was like I can come over tomorrow morning or you will have to come a pick me up. So he came and got me, and so I was sat at the SAE frat house revising with these guys answering questions and talking to them about stuff. It is probably the most revision I have done for a final yet which is shameful. But I am going over again tomorrow morning to go over final stuff before the exam and I may even get some more breakfast out of it.

Anyway Ben gave me a lift home and for the beauty sleep.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Late exams

I really don't like exams that are later in the afternoon. Because I spend all day trying to revise and not getting anywhere or doing something else. So I started relatively early in the morning doing middle ages revision because I still haven't finished those notes. But it got too late, I had a sower and some lunch and then got started on slavery revision. However it didn't go well, I ended up skyping my parents.

I went to my exam then realized I hadnt done some of the reading that she said would be a good idea to do before the exam. I just forgot all about it. That didn't help the beginning of this exam, I just wasnt ready for this one at all. Not feeling confident about this at all. I met Hannah and Gaby at the bus stop and I was freaking out. When we got into the exam, it wasnt too bad but I am really not feeling good about this one. I don't think getting my mark back from my exam on Monday helped, I got 94%, which don't get me wrong I was chuffed about but still should have done more work for this exam today. Just so stressed. Anyway sat in the exam for the best part of 2 and a quarter hours doing these exams. I had to write two essays and a analysis of a primary document. Some of it wasn't that bad but in all honesty not feeling great about.

After the exam, all three of us finished about the same time, so we went and sat in Starbucks for a bit and chilled before getting the shuttle back to trails. I kinda wish I hadn't got a piece of cake because when I came back I didn't want to eat or anything which was kinda of poor. Anyway back to trails and I started revision for my exam tomorrow morning.

Also matt and I have been together 6 months today, it has gone so quickly, only 4 days until I am back.

Tomorrow is another adventure.

Finals begin

So I had my first exam today, I regretted going ont to campus earlier although I did manage to claim my chest x ray from my insurance and give in my books from the library. I then spent too long worrying about the exam itself. I met a random girl, Jesse, from my class and we did some studying together but in all honesty I was shocking I knew nothing. I was so scared about it. I went and grabbed a Starbucks to put something on my stomach before the exam. I saw Catherine and so we went and got some blue books and then proceeded to our respective exams.

Mine went well, it was relatively easy I wrote a fair amount and finished in 1h30 so I think that was quite good going. I then skyped my dad because I had a few questions. I talked to my sister a little bit as well . I still cant believe how close it is getting to me coming home. When I was on the computer in the morning I entered into a photo competition from my home university and when I was writing my paragraph for it I was tearing up. Getting all emotional. Anyway, after this I saw Hannah and chilled with her before getting my bus to walmart. My final walmart trip. I stopped at goodwill to being with to drop off some donations clothes and books that I don't need anymore. I brought all I needed in Walmart and then headed to rebel rags, I got my final presents. All Xmas shopping has now been done. Exciting stuff. I also spent less that I thought I would which was awesome! Even when I added it up going about the shop I still came to less at the till! Even better. I was feeling so good, I came back to my apartment and packed away my presents that I had brought in my case.

We have sorted out my case issue now. Which is even better. It is weird packing everything up ready to leave but not yet. Not yet.


Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Newks

To be honest today has been fairly chill, I skyped my parents and matt but however did no work in the morning at all. Kinda gutting but nice just to chill. Molly came and picked Alice and I up around 1pm and we went for lunch at newks, I had roast beef sandwich and a salad it was really nice. I'm really glad when I skyped my parents that I managed to talk over some stuff as well, just like packing and stuff to bring home and stuff like that. It was really good although, I found out that I had missed out on a family tradition, muppet Christmas carol so hopefully we will be able o do that again at some point. I was so gutted that I missed it. But I guess it was always going to happen coming out here.

After lunch, I got on with some work but I didn't get a lot done, it was just so tedious and the subject doesn't interest me which makes it worse. I should have gotten more done but oh well. I am going to crack in tomorrow night and tomorrow morning before and after my exam and try and get those notes written up at least most of them. So I don't have to worry too much about them and I can revise for my exam on Tuesday as well. 

Ah gonna be a hectic week but it will be all good. Get finals over and done with. I can't believe that semester is almost over. 

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Farewell meal

So today was productive I wrote up all my notes for another one of my classes and caught up on all the notes from these past weeks in the other three of my classes. I have a realtively lazy morning though, before doing that work. I had a nice chat with matt on Facebook and stuff. It was cool. I watched some films whilst doing my work.

I got in the shower around midday and made sure my hair was relatively dry. However I lost the motivation to do work, so instead I started packing. I have packed one suitcase and I am almost all done. I just need to sort some stuff out later this week and ask my parents about some stuff and it's all good. It was useful procrastination. I then did my make up and headed to Sophies where for the next hour, victoria and Sophie straightened my hair and did a very good job. It looked so different. It has been a while since I straightened my hair. I quickly ran back to my apartment because I had forgotten some stuff and patty and Lohrie needed letting in.

I met Sophie outside the clubhouse and we headed to Alice's, we exchanged our secret Santa presents, gill liked hers from what I could tell and Immy brought me a lovely tree necklace it is really nice, I love it! I put it on straight away. It was at this point we headed to the restaurant for our meal, it was not cheap I will say that but the food was good and it was great to have a meal with the girls. I had chicken spaghetti with mushrooms and creamy sauce. It was real nice. We then went to Irie and chilled there for a little bit discussing various things. Gaby, Catherine and I then decided to come home.

There was a party at my place so we headed up there but it was dead but as soon as they left it started to pick up. I met a load of new people. Mika, Ian's housemate was there, Ryan who works with Joe at Starbucks was there with his friends rob and Jason. It was a really good party. I got talking to a few people and had some really nice conversations. Unfortunately as soon as Gill and the other British girls arrived from the square, the cops turned up and shut it all down. It was kinda bummer, especially as they had to take our details. It's going on file apparently. Oh well it is better than a $500 fine.

A few people turned up afterwards and we had to turn them away, some came to hang out and talk about stuff but there were very few. I headed to bed once everyone had moved to another appartment, people kept coming in to get stuff that they had left in our appartment so I had to make sure that I could lock the door and that patty had her key. So sleep time for me.

Tomorrow is another adventure 

Last day of class

This was a sad day as it was the last time I am going to be able to see and be able to talk to a lot of my class mates. And a lot of my professors as well. So I said goodbye to people and stuff. I handed in my last paper as well. I did manage to get to watch big bang theory before class which was good. And for the first time in a fair few weeks I actually got to go home after my midday class! I came home and made some lunch watched some films generally ones I have watched before. I caught the ending of love actually and It made me think about going home and what that airport is going to be like when I arrive back. I am kinda excited to see to be honest.

So after making my lunch I got on with doing some work, I started writing up one of my subjects notes and it took me way longer than I had expected. I only finished about 11pm. But I did have the tv on in the background. I seemed to do more work in my room with a film in my ear than sat in front of the tv.  Interesting. Anyway I reached one month through my notes ad decided that I was going to cook myself dinner. So I boiled some potatoes and cook some chicken and enveloped them with cream cheese, I brought a rather large pot I needed to use some of it another way. It wasn't too bad but it needed something else...not sure what though, I think that is a recipe to be working upon.

I forgot to mention I took a load of pictures around campus today and I am going to take some next week too, just to show off the university, the weather was really nice today, almost didn't need a hoody on ... It was strange. I ask got to see anja and patty's tattoos they are really nice, on the forearms and are trees with bottles on them and patty's has a magnolia as well. Th are really nice. Reminded me of going with Leanne for her tattoo.

After eating my dinner I finished off my notes and just got ready for bed and all tucked up. I am looking forward to this sleep in tomorrow, although I think it will be short lived as I kinda need a gym session tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Happy days

So up, made my packed lunch, had a shower and got onto campus for 8am. I worked on my essay, put in a few changes and started l do all the footnotes before had to leave for class. My morning class finished off wwhat were were doing last time and talked about the final and discussed some stuff that we hadn't covered, because he though he was going to run out of time. From here I thanked the professor for the class and then proceeded to the library where I saw Alex. 

Now Alex just made my day, he had been dared to wear what was basically pj's onto campus. It was hilarious! However I do not envy the looks he got from the other people. I continued to fill in the footnotes and then printed off the essay had to reprint two pages twice because I had messed up something. I the went to my second class and had cookies and juice and discussed a little topics and then talked about how good the class was etc and we got to leave early. 

This is where I went back to the library and got distracted by various Internet sites before Matt and Catherine gave me the motivation to finish my other essay, so corrected and did the footnotes ready for the final read through tomorrow morning. Neither of these essay are the best I have ever written and could be a lot better. But I think they are decent for the time I worked on them. 

I actually managed to make it home before it got truly dark which was a success, it was the first time this week. matt and I skyped for a fair while again. It was nice even if we got into a few small heated discussions again. But it's fine at the end of the day we always sort it out. And I can't have imagined doing this adventure without him, my friend and family by my side. 

One thing I forgot to mention. I Skype my cousin Jennifer today as well,which was nice, i got too have a really conversation with her and my auntie gill, admittedly for the first bit I had to type but I soon went to my building and then I was able to talk to her properly. So many stories to tell them all when I get home. Tonight I have taken for myself I have just chilled tonight and that's all I  am doing tomorrow as well. I think I deserve it after the work I have done this week.

But still the fact remains the same, tomorrow is another adventure. 

Drafts

Okay, I realise this is the morning after but i was so tired i just ending up sleeping before i remembered to update this.

I got up especially early in the morning because Matt wanted to Skype and I am so glad we did! It sorted everything out and we are back to normal. Thank goodness!

So classes past and 2/3 of them were the final one that we will be learning stuff in, our last lessons will be just reviews of the information needed for the finals next week. I can't believe they are all coming to an end.

Anyway after classes i went to the library and managed to find a computer straight away, and this is where i stayed from 12pm til 6pm writing the drafts of my essays and guess what? I finished them both!! I was so chuffed. I printed both of them off so i could edit them when i got back that night. I then went and joined Hannah, Aimee, Alice, Gill, Tony, Yves, Domhnall and Jamie in the Union for dinner. I thought i deserved a burger, and we watched them setting up the ice rink.

It turns out i got my times mixed up, i thought the tree lighting was at 7pm turns out it was at 6:30pm, not that it mattered everyone else knew what they were doing. So we went and listened to the Gospel choir, which we found out had been nominated for a Grammy Award and we listened to Miss University sing a hymn as well. Then the head of the athletic department and the chancellor gave speeches and then they lighted the tree. I am so glad my camera battery lasted in order to capture some of these moment. I also got to see the Egg Bowl!! Back where it belongs!! The Tree was slightly disappointing but was still nice to see.

We then went back to the Union and had some free hot chocolate with marshmallows and saw Rebel Santa Bear which was interesting. After sitting for a while, Alice, Aimee and I decided that we wanted to go home, so we walked home. Hannah and I stormed ahead, we were just so cold. We talked about everything from boys to our flight home and to finals and work. Despite the chill in the air it was a good chat.

I then went back to my appartment got into bed and started editing my essay, it took longer than i thought, mainly because i was watching films at the same time - bad idea.

After editing one essay i tucked up and slept for the night!

Tomorrrow is another adventure. 

Late night

I seems to be living in the library, I started there this morning catching up on tv and finishing off the plan for my essay. Class then went well I spent it listening to Music and looking at art from the Reformation era which was nice. Matt made fun of me because of it, we have decided though to go to one of one another lectures to see when it is like. today wasn't a good day for Matt and I.

After class I joined Hannah on the third floor, the library was jammed!! The whole day it was packed, and I finished off my notes and checked notes and basically made  my plan for the slavery essay. I am pretty much set to write the essays now which is a good feeling only issue - I only have a few days. I prefer a week or more. anyway I ate my packed lunch and stuff trying not to get stressed. I had to borrow Hannah's laptop at one point to finish off that alcohol edu thing. So pathetic and just not needed! We stopped for coffee before afternoon class we all needed and deserved it. Gaby just got some food.

My afternoon class went well too, managed to chip in a question and it helped me to get some more opinions and ideas about the topic I am studying for my paper. After class I went back to the library and started writing. I typed up a plan, I did my bibliography and my cover sheet. After I had done all that I started writing. I have done a fair but I still a little more to do. I am trying to plan when I am going to write and read through these essays and stuff but I just can't do it. I am so pushed for time. I am tired because I am having late nights and library and then having to get up early to go back to the library to do work. It is insane I am living a nightmare at the moment.

To top it all of, I went out to get the bus and was stood waiting for it for 20 minutes in the freezing only to find it had been parked up near the Lyceum. No one beckoned me or asked me. Not happy having to wait for it to come back, for it then to speed home, not happy am I.

I did get a card of my parents today though saying good luck for my exams and how proud they are of me. They voices in my head keep me going. I have to prove people wrong, I have to prove to people that I can do this and that I can do it right and well! I did also find out today that the thesis statement that everyone has been banging on about me missing is basically, in this esay I will discuss ... Etc. I wold be killed if I wrote that in the Uk! I wish I had known that in the beginning I might have managed to get some higher grades. This B ceiling is really starting to get annoying! But I don't know what I can do it push it up. I have been to see the professors but they just said keep working hard etc.

So annoying. Sleep time. Getting overtired. Soon will be making self ill.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Studying

So this morning was pretty standard, had to buy a coffee and a bagel this morning because I was dying plain and simple. I emailed myself the documents for the first class of the day, even though we didn't really talk about the, at great length.

After my classes I went back to the library and watched, Merlin and Homeland whilst reading doing notes and uploading my memories from my thanksgiving trip. It was a good couple of hours. I then went to the union to pick up a bag crisps before meeting Hannah and Gaby to go to Walmart. This will be my last food trip. I doubt I will need to go again to be honest which I was thankful. I didn't need to take out money this time which I was also thankful for. Gaby and I grabbed a subway as well because we hadnt really eaten.

We got on the bus on the way back, got off at the stop earlier so we didn't have to walk too far with our bags and the green line soon followed and so we didn't have to wait very long. We got back, I checked my mail, and found a letter from my parents that should have arrived before thanksgiving and a letter from Jane. I doubt I will reply, I don't really have the time and plus I will probably beat some of them home as well.

Once I had unpacked the fridge and freezer stuff I sat down to eat my subway, which had been put on the wrong bread so I ended up just eating the meat and that was eat. I then met Hannah and Gaby at the clubhouse to catch the bus back to campus. We got on a bus going to connection because we were told to by the bus driver. When we got up there we ended up waiting there while he walked around the bus and stuff. Then heading into campus, got off at the library and there we stayed until 8:30pm before going to get the shuttle bus from the Lyceum. We met Louis in the library, I do feel for him this week, having a tonne of work to do and also having to go through the whole fraternity beginning as well. Must be so tiring! I would be so dead having to do that every day and very little sleep.

Anyway I came home and grabbed my work, I went thought my first crusade notes marking each of the paragraphs I wanted to do. I ended up watching part of Sweet Home Alabama with Patty and then Friends, so I got a bit done but not enough. So now I am all cuddled up in bed finishing off my full blown plan for this paper. So I can try and write some of it tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Mixed

Today has meet a mixed day, I have skyped my parents and Matt and asked to my cousin Sarah and Helen on IM. The Internet has kept dropping out all day on me so it has been hard but I have managed to hold some conversations. Helen is leaving for France as part of her gap year this weekend! How exciting is that?! She is going to have the most amazing time I know it!  Sarah was teaching my Grandpa how to use Skype so I was kinda like a guinea pig.

I did get some work done today as well though. I managed to find a few interesting websites for my paper which was good and managed to make some notes as well. But hat was about it. I had every intention of doing more but I just didn't. Facing acts.

I had lunch with Hyein again which was lovely, we had rice, seasoned seaweed, egg and tuna. All ou did was wap the rice and egg or tuna in a seaweed wrap and then eat it. It was really good. I am starting to like Korean food. It is different I guess from what I am used to. Hyein and I talked about our breaks and what thanksgiving was like for each other. It was lovely! I really like chatting to her. It is interesting to see someone else's perspective especially someone who is so different from the European or American view as well.

I joined patty in the evening watching a time to kill, it is an awesome film, I tried to eat some soup but it tasted disgusting so I just threw it away in the end. I stayed up and watched the summations speech in the end and it is just phenomenal - spoiler alert! It was just fantastic to see more of Mississppi on screen and it's projections to the outside world. Even though it has changed in many ways. It is fansinating to see it alongside the paper I am researching currently as well, and being able to see the change over time.

Anyway off to bed, reading and relaxing to be done before back to class tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another adventure

Mississippi-bound

Right so today was my flight back to Mississippi.

The morning when great, I got up early talked to matt and Hayley, made sure I was all packed up and ready to go. I had some breakfast, I had a shower etc. and we arrived at the airport with good time, Grandpa took some photos at the air port, deby and grandpa waited for me to get through security. I forgot to take my shoes off for starters and then I went onwards. I have to get the tram to the A gates which was quite cool. Although I did try and go up the down escalator. I was evidently tired, I hadn't slept well the night before either way. So I got to the gate all well and good I hae some of my packed lunch I had been given I got myself a bottle of water. I was all ready.

We got on the plane, later than expected boarding time. Which was fine it happens. We were on the plane taxi-ing to the runway when all of a sudden we stop. And apparently there is an issue with a piece of equipment. So we wait a while to see if corrects itself and then the left engine gets turns off. So we know it isn't going to be just a few minutes. The captain gets a hold of maintenance and we wait for them to see what is going on and stuff. I don't even want to think about the time we were sat there to be honest. luckily I was sat on the three seat side with the seat by the window empty which was nice meant I could stretch out a little. I ended up talking to the gentleman sitting next to me, called Ben. He was a teacher soo English in Mississippi delta for underprivileged children. He was originally from the northern states. From Cleveland I believe. Anyway we got talking which was a nice way to spend the time.  We talked about history stuff, differences with England, James bond and various other actors and movies.

We ended up having to go back to the terminal to have maintenance look over the equipments which inevitably ended up in us deplaning. By the time we had deplaned we were already meant to be in Memphis. That's how bad it was. Anyway Ben and I and some of the people he also knew on the flight grabbed a snack and then walked to out new gate, luckily it wasn't too far away. All this time I was texting Henry and my auntie deby to keep them informed of the situation. Around 2pm (Detroit time) we got on a different plane! And this one seemed to work. I finished reading the book for my paper, Ben looked through some of my previous essays plans and stuff. It was a nice flight. I was lucky to have that packed lunch though. Towards the end of the flight, Ben gave me a list of just do/ see things in the south, specifically in Mississippi if ever I come back which was nice of him and then I gave him my email address.

So we finally arrived in Memphis and got off the plane all fine, and Ben and I parted ways, I got a hold of Henry and managed to get in a Taxi with Jamie! Who thought I was coming back hours earlier than him but because of the delay we were exactly the same time. Funny. So us and another girl ended up talking most of the trip home about thanksgiving and how our break was, about going back to England and american football etc. Henry told us that he had 90 people with him for thanksgiving! And they had 13 25lb turkeys all cooked different ways. Apparently he said he sees me as family, and said that he thought about inviting me along for that dinner if I hadnt have been going to Detroit! Bless him.

We got back into Oxford and Jamie and I got money out to pay Henry. And we got back to trails fine, he dropped me off last because it made the most sense. I paid him, he took a picture of me and took my email address so we could stay in contact. He is so lovely it will be nice to keep in contact with him to be honest.

So I came up to the apartment, tried to find the game on tv - to no avail, caught up with Hyein whohad a wonderful time in San Francisco and LA. And then unpacked and basically crashed, I think I have sorted what I am doing the two weeks and I hope it all goes to plan but we will just have to see I guess. Now time to finish my film and sleep.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Games night

So today started with me Skyping matt again, I really ought to have called my parents again to be honest, or Skyped them... I will have to make us I do that when I get back down to Mississippi or try and do it before I leave here.

I then went with grandpa, deby and Zoe to walk DB and tweek. DB is Zoe's dog and Tweek is her boyfriend (Ethan) brothers'  dog, who was staying at  Ethan's house. All very confusing I know. It was a very nice walk. I got very cold and I had to borrow a jacket off Deby, which is kinda felt bad for. Anyway we walked down this path and kept going, and then it started snowing! So we didn't go as far as we had originially planned. Tweek pulled the whole time and the only time he didn't was when I ran with him for little periods of time. But it was nice to get some fresh air and get to run the dogs at the local park and stuff it was nice. I think I tired tweek out, because when he got in the car he led down and put his head on deby's lap and everything bless him. DB had a new collar on which also went over his mouth to help control him, he didn't like it to begin with but he soon got used to it. We met other dogs and people along the way and Tweek just went for them, barking away and everything, I had to stop at one point and hold him by his harness to stop him to running off. DB was very well behaved in these situations. DB also sat in the front of the car with Zoe so that was interesting to see him move around on her lap and block Zoe's view and stuff. It was very interesting.

When we finished the walk we dropped the dogs back at Ethan's house and we went to a strip mall, because Zoe wanted to pick up some ear cleaning stuff for DB. We then got lunch there, a subway and we got some bread sticks as well. It was a nice lunch but soon filled me up, i didn't finish all my sub and crisps. But I still ate well. Then I just chilled and watched some tv, like Moonshiners and Criminal Minds with some of the family while Zoe went riding nd Gareth played on his Xbox.

Later on the afternoon we played a game altogether. We started by playing a pirate game, where you have to collect three of a kind to score pints and avoid picking up a pirate. I got the hang on it eventually and ended up winning. We then moved on the a train game with dominoes, which I think I have played before but had to be reminded of the rules, we played that continuously until it was dinner time. We had taco's for dinner which was lovely. After dinner we played some more of the train game. I got to try some desert wine from Austrailia and I had cheesecake and ice cream for desert. I have definitely been fed well this week that is for sure!! Probably a good thing too. It got a point when I was thinking about going to bed, I wanted to be up and ready, I already had my boarding pass but just to make sure I had everything ready for my flight. So we played a game called Quiddler, which I needed to use a dictionary for almost constantly because I am awful with words, also I kept choosing words I didn't know if they existed. I would have been awful had I not had the dictionary in front of me.

Once we finished this game, I came to bed, I said goodbye to Gareth because I most likely won't see him in the morning. But I am pretty sure I will see everyone else.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Thanksgiving

So I am 20 years old and this was my first thanksgiving!

I had set an alarm to wake me up and although I woke up wanting to turn it off it is a good job I had it on. I got up and got to Skype matt, it was his birthday today so I got to say happy birthday and we talked for a while. It was nice to hear his voice and see his face. We talked for about 45 minutes before I had to go and finish up getting ready.

After we had all congregated at Deb's house we then went onto the Thanksgiving game, we stopped to get some cash and then we got a phone call that Gareth had decided he didn't want to go. After many a phone call we found someone to take his place and then he decided he wanted to go because Huw told him if he stayed he was not going on the Xbox. So anyway we met them at the game. We went into the shop and did the rituals that they normally do for the home games, I got a few treats for myself and stuff it was a really good game.

It went into extra time, and even Gareth was getting into it towards the end of the game. We had dippin dots at half time as well. The game was insane, the texans won unfortunately lucky shot in the overtime, however they had a touchdown that was remarkably disputed. The player was clearly down and yet got back up and ran and scored. The head coach threw his challenge flag and some bizarre retarded rule meant that it could be reviewed in favour of the lions and it was a penalty against the lions etc etc. It wasn't a good time for the lions, and ford field was in uproar as you can imagine! Everyone got up at the same time, every sat down, they had song that they sang it was amazing! The national anthem was played by a sax player which was great very different. It was such an intense game, equalising and then going ahead and stuff it was amazing! I have never seen such a game! Phenomenal!

After the game we hot footed it to the Hard Rock Cafe in order to get a t-shirt that says Detroit! :) so happy!and we saw Sarah's offcie building, Ernst and Young where she will be working! It was great to see it and understand a little more about her job there and stuff, just amazing! We got back go the car park and travelled home without having to wait in a lot of the queues, so In a way I think people were thankful for the stop at Hard Rock.

We got home and quickly go changed before moving on the Fanning's house, which is the home of my cousins boyfriend. It was a gorgeous house, and we talked about various topics over the appetisers and even further over dinner. I had a few glasses of wine which was nice. Made a nice change. I definitely ate my fill and am going to have to go back to the gym when I am back in Mississippi! So much food!! The conversation was pleasant and intelligent, i was able to contribute my parts and discussions were had fully and delightfully. It was a lovely meal. It was a gorgeous occasion, I just felt awful that I had nothing to say thank you for having me and also i wasn't given the chance to help out, I jut felt awful! But I was extremely polite and said my please and thank yous.
I think a lot of us went into food coma's there was just so much food inside of us! It was all beautiful food though.

After all the cleaning up and everything was finished we headed for home, where I basically got straight into bed, I am just so tired!! I have nothing more to say other than I opened Facebook to a lovely message from Matt.

Tomorrrow is another adventure. 

MSU

Michigan State Univeristy is what MSU stands for and this is what started our day. As soon as deb got back from work and had had some sleep we went straight up there. Well we stopped off at Tanger Outlet were I was brought two belated birthday presents, I got a dress from guess and a smart top/dress in Rue21. From here we travelled up to MSU where we met Zoe and Sarah in the parking lot and went to lunch at buffalo wild wings. It was lovely, service was a little slow but still a good meal. I could barely get a word in edge ways. After this we decided on Zoe, grandpa and I would go to zoes dorm and pick her stuff up and then she could give us a drive and campus and Sarah and deb would go straight home because they had other plans.

So Zoe took us to her dorm room which was lovely reminded me of Wantage Halls. She then drove us around her campus!! It is huge!! They have loads of lands, farms and research centres, Zoe is definitely in the right place for doing vetinery science. She cycles everywhere on campus and says there is something like 44 000 students on campus! The Spartan Stadium is also huge, we only got to drive past it, but that was enough! It is huge! It looks like at one point the spectators would get altitude sickness for being so high up!! After this tour, which was remarkably interesting, Zoe telling us all about her course and the farms and the animals. Really different! We headed back to South Lyon! However this was ne'er going to be easy we got stuck in traffic twice, both because of accidents, we must have passed some cars numerous times. To note, there was a pickup with a load of pipes in the back and a Buick behind Zoe got so close to her we couldnt see the grill of the car!! Way too close. Anyway we got to listen to country music and just chilled chatting in the car and the such like. It was nice.

We finally made it home where i was given some gym kit and we chilled for a little bit. Form here the three girls went to a Zumba class! It was extremely interesting. Very much like dancing, and I think, I hope that the performing arts stuff I have done helped in that department. I was able to pick it up in some cases quietly well. I have to say it was very amusing and it showed me how unfit I am. How very unfit I am.

When we got home I got straight in the shower, I needed to wash and everything before eating. I felt a lot better once I was clean and everything. I ate, Gareth and I playing some games and we chilled waiting for the other girls to get ready. We watched some big bang theory and I talked to matt, he evidently had stayed up to see his birthday in. I was glad to hear the t-shirt I brought him fitted and he liked all the chocolate and sweets I had sent him! Phew that was a relief I can tell you. It was really nice just to sit down for a bit. 

It was not longer however before Ethan had turned up and we all went to the movies. After a slight palava at the box office. Zoe, Ethan, grandpa and I went to see skyfall and Sarah and Deb went to see flight. Warning spoilers ahead if you haven't seen the movie. 

I actually really enjoyed skyfall, it reminded me of home, although I have never seen that many union jacks around the place. There was less sex and more fighting as well which was quite good. Emotionally parts of it, with M at the end and throughout in fact. Also at the beginning with James Bond as well. Daniel Craig doesnt half do a good job as Bond, showing a rugged rougher side of the character whilst also having the suave and the charisma of  previous bonds. Things also like Welcome to Scotland and the bringing back of the old car from one of the older films were just little things that made it so much better. You could tell that the people at ooh and Ahhhed when that car came out were either die hard Bond fans or Car fanatics. I was interesting that there was only a few that did it though. Definitely reminded me of home and kind of instilled a pride inside me as well. A pride to be British, just howling the tube was goods well. I will stop raving now.. 

So after the film Grandpa and I liaised with Zoe what was happening tomorrow and then we waited for sarah and deb to come out of their film, which they said wasn't as good as they thought it was going to be. This movie is one of the rare times I have almost gotten lost inside a film since Avatar. Homeward bone to type the report of the day - a busy day. 

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Olive Garden

Gareth was again at school today, Huw was a work and Deby is working tonight, therefore it was grandpa, Deby and I just chilling today. We chilled out in the morning and I got a little work done. Then we headed off for lunch at olive garden where I had some lovely pasta with a soup to start. A great meal it must be said and we picked up some desert for our evening meal tonight.

When we got back before I got involved in work again I called my mum and said happy birthday! It was really nice to hear her voice and talk about stuff as well. I also got to talk to dad a little as well which was nice. Seems like everything is a go back home and everything is going well and life is continuing which is always good to hear. Deby went to bed to sleep before work and grandpa went to collect Gareth from school. 

I then cracked on with my work with a break for dinner around 5:30ish which consisted of Kiev's, wedges and sweet corn. When I continued with my work after dinner, Deby left to go swimming and go onto work, grandpa was reading his book and uncle Huw decided to put the tv on. Which is fine, I just escaped quietly to my room and finished off my work and started reading my book for my research papers, only issue was that I seem to have run out of post it strips which highlight 
Articulate phrases I was interested it. Which is a slight problem because I still have two chapters to read. I have managed to write up three of my subjects though for revision which we will save me a lot of work when I go back to Mississippi. I has been a good day though, filled with productivity and conversation. 

I did talk a little matt, seeing as he had had a bad day I wanted to talk to him and make him feel slightly better but the meal with the house managed to improve his moods, it was of course lady Sam's birthday as well. When he got back he was evidently tired and I don't think helped at all... It's all in the past now but still, doesn't stop me thinking about how it was left. 

Moving on,  Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Silence

Most of my day was spent in silence, listening to a film in the background as I continued my work, I finished my reformation notes and started my colonial America notes, I have only 4 pages left so I will get back to them after I have posted this.

I got  this morning, had a shower and was dressed had some breakfast, and then began my studying. I sorted out the bill today as well. Grandpa and I went for a walk around the figure of eight that is around my auntie deb's house. Which was nice, I got out and had some fresh air at least. I took my inhaler as well o try and clear my lungs alongside the fresh air and it did the job. Only issue was it made me shake again. Oh well.

Anyway after this walk we went to Walmart to get some orang juice and some paper for me being I am starting to run out. And we grabbed a subway whilst we were there which was awesome, it was really good! I really enjoyed it. When we got back home i stayed and watched another film whilst Granapa went and picked up gareth from school. When he got home he went on some my games meanwhile, grandpa and I tried to figure out what happened with Gareth's saxophone we even called my dad to see want he knew. We are still not sure. Anyway Gareth went downstairs and started his Xbox, I went and visited him and made a deal about his homework. Which he came up and did with no hassle, afterwards he went back downstairs and then we had spag Bol for dinner which was lovely. I had ice cream for after as well.

No sooner had I got back to my work when deb and Huw walked through the door, they were back from Texas, they had been watching the grand Prix lucky people. So they shared what they had been up to. It sounded really interesting, even with a few mishaps in places, like only have two entrances/exits. Plus only allowing payment by cash in the arena as well mental! Sounded like an insane and fun weekend though. We updated them about the time we had had lever the weekend. Before we finally all chilled out and just took a breather.

People were soon going off to bed, so just chilling in gareths room, which I have adopted for a week. Doing my work, as per usual.

Tomorrrow is another adventure. 

Revision

This is all I have done all day. Revision. Well almost.

Woke up, got dressed ate the usual morning rituals. I then tarted trying to read the book I have got for one of my research papers and I didn't get a lot done. So I started doing revision instead, I started writing up my notes. Grandpa and I watched the grand prix, in Texas which is where my auntie deby and my uncle Huw are. And then we watched the detroit lions play the green bay packers where Sarah and her friend had gone. Unfortunately for my auntie Deby, Vettle came second in the grand prix and the Detroit lions lost their game. Also Sarah got to go on the side line during the warm up as well! Insane day for them!

Gareth had another friend come over today, from down the road a lovely girl! They all played nicely and got along, they sorted themselves out with some lunch as did grandpa and I. All this while with me sitting in the chair feet up and writing up my notes. We then all congregated at Applebees for dinner, which was lovely, even though I didn't finish my main course I had a desert. Tehe cheeky me. It was lovely. I should have taken a picture while we were all there but I was rushed into getting ready. I had been talking to Annie about bill stuff and talking to matt as well it just got all very confusing and I had to hurry up in leaving. Anyway it is fine, I am going to sort it tomorrow. It's all good.

We got back from the meal, and sarahs friend had left her wallet at the table, luckily the waitresses came out and gave it to us before we drove away. So it was all good, we sat a chilled for a little while and then Sarah's friend left. Sarah then went with grandpa to get some petrol for her car and then she went back to college for a few days. Gareths friend then left. Grandpa then got gareth set up for bed and then we all headed to bed. So I am now sat in bed, writing up some more revision notes. I want to finish this topic so I can start a new one tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Detroit

So today was the day of my first solo flight.

I woke up at 6am to make sure that the flat was clean, because i was the last one there and to make sure i was all set for coming here and that i had everything. The morning went well, it was relatively relaxing which is the way it needed to be. I got slightly stressed and nerves came over me a little, so occasionally throughout the trip i felt quite sick. This is all to be expected though. Henry came and picked me up around 7:10 ish and we managed to fit Ope in as well which i was well chuffed about. it meant we only had to pay $50 each which was also a bonus. Henry and I just got chatting and that was it, we picked up the last girl and that was it. Henry and I just started talking on the highway and that was it. He told me about his hunting days and now he hunts with his camera instead, he was telling about him helping out his Russian friend teaching an agriculture class. it was really interesting, talking about my classes and everything. He is such a lovely person, a real gentlemen.

Anyway he dropped us at the right gate and i headed straight to the security checks all went smoothly, i was called for a random check, which was fine. I then found the gate, went to the restroom and grabbed a snack. i got talking to various people throughout this whole process. I was really chatty, i was quite excited.

I boarded the plane fine, and started doing some work, i spent the whole flight just chilling, reading my book and listening to music. i was given some water and some biscuits which was good, something for me to nibble on. An hour and a half later I arrived, I hadn't checked any baggage because my bag was small enough to go into the over head lockers, unlike some of the passengers baggage! I also managed to find a gilr that i meant at the cultural cafe the day before, which was awesome. I stood by the boards waiting to find out the carousel for the baggage to find Sarah and Grandpa. I didn't need to know the Carousel they were stood there waiting for me. We then moved on to the car, on the drive home, Sarah and I didn't stop talking! It was so cool!

Once we arrived back at Deb's house we chilled for a little while and then i got talked to grandpa about America stuff, like what i had been up to recently and ole miss differences and things like that. We then headed to Kroger to pick up a few groceries, Sarah had gone riding by now. I had also checked in with my parents and had a nice long chat with them about stuff. which was so nice!! When i got back, we have literally just chilled since then. Talking to people on Facebook you know the standard.

Grandpa made jacket potatoes, ham and sweetcorn, it was lovely. Gareth's friend has joined us for the evening for a sleepover. We watched the LSU vs. Ole Miss game. Now we are just chilling with a film and popcorn and just chillaxing.

tomorrow is another adventure. 

Packing

So today was quite busy, waking up and not feeling great because I am all bunged up with a cold - serves me right. It's alright should be gone in a few days just horrible in the time being. I got up and got ready and went onto campus, watched big bang theory quickly and read though my essay. Printed and handed in fine.

I then found Gaby in the library and checked in for my flight tomorrow and printed off my boarding pass. Iwe then went and got some books for her slavery research paper. We met Hannah and Catherine for lunch, I had chick-fil-a. Bad bad bad Idea. After getting my money out for Henry tomorrow I went and sat in Barnes and noble. I skyped my parents just to chat for a little and we talked about the n power business. Hopefully getting that sorted soon.

I then met with Ahmed, my Egyptian friend who had offered me the job helping him with his linguistics project. So for one hour we talked and read some passages from a book and when he said something wrong I corrected him and stuff like that he made some notes and the such like. It was quite interesting I had never really noted the difference between American and British really strongly but it is quite different. I then joined Immy and Buki at the cultural cafe and pd we talked to some of the other international students there and I grabbed a snack and a coffee ( it was free). I then left around 4ish, I needed to et back home. Once I wa snack I finished up my packing made sure everything was packed. Which I will probably check again tomorrow morning. I then tidied my room OCD style throwing things away. I then cleaned the bathroom and my room. I think I am pretty much set for tomorrow. I then cooked this salad for the farewell thanksgiving dinner tonight. It was lovely, no one really touched the food that I had made but to be honest I don't really blame them it wasn't that good. I dont have the right stuff to cook properly out here! It is starting to annoy me. I like cooking when I am hungry but I just don't out here. I also did a little of my scrapbook that Leanne gave me. Although I am leaving some bits like putting pictures and stuff til I get back. I also went through the daily Mississippian and cut out the sections I wanted from about the election.

When I got over the the British farewell meal, it was lovely we had Romeo and Juliet on in the background we ate some pasta carbonara and some potato thing Ava had made. It was lovely. I really enjoyed the night, we then watched the hangover two! Oh dear lord what a film, in all honesty I preferred the first one. But it was still quite amusing. Soon afterwards though I left.

After hearing about the armed robery at trails a few days ago waking to the meal I was terrified and even more so on the way back. Wether I stopped on Sophie's on the way their to pick up Hannah's skirt, even she said I should be careful and the such like. It is just scary when that stuff happens. Especially when I have made that trip a lot of times and so have some of the other girls on their own. It is going to sca me everytime now.

Anyway, after an eventful day. Tomorrow is another adventure.

Chill.

Today I was relatively chilled out, classes went well I worked on my essay that is due in tomorrow a lot. I treated myself to a Starbucks this morning. I am a sneaking suspicion I am getting ill which isn't good, but I know I will fight it soon enough. Just got to stay warm.

I grabbed some lunch I then got to type to Annie a lot which was so nice, still can't failed her webcam though so we had to deal with typing in Facebook. So instead I skyped matt, he seemed stressed so I called him to chat and make sure everything was okay. We chatted for a little bit, and then he went to get organised and I went to the library and got some more work done. I talked a little to my sister as well. Everything seems good at home, I have just heard my grandad is going back to the doctors which kind of settles my mind a little.

My second class was brilliant it really helped me understand about the topic I am doing for my final paper and helped me understand what have to research and the such like. After class I went to the professors office to ask her a question. Then went to Starbucks again and waited for Hannah only issue was I then started feeling really sick, but it was fine. After meeting Hannah I went home.

This evening I have chilled done my reading for tomorrow, talked a little to Patty and Lohrie, done some reading for my research papers. I have also touched base with grandpa today who arrived in the US a few days ago. I finish the majority of my packing which felt so good. I think I am pretty much ready for Saturday now. So a relatively chill day in comparison to yesterday.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Pageant

Right today has been quite a rollar coaster, classes went fine today, I wasn't able to Skype annie at lunch because she has managed to misplace her webcam temporarily. I was able to Skype my parents however, which was nice. Escpecially as My card had been acting up, which was understandable because they were no money on the card. Oh dear! I got way too panicked about it! In hind sight it wasn't such a big deal. It was just that on top of the amount of work I have to do that has just hit me. My mum telling me some bad news about my grandad didn't help either. Not to mention I am so close to going home and yet it still so far away, I don't want to leave but at the same time I want to go home. Either way everything got sorted out, my mum was right in correcting me that I was worrying about the enormity again, just like I did when I was leaving. I have to take it one day at a time and one task at a time. I was just forgetting this. Anyway I then went to the library and sat there for about 5 hours reading various chapters of books for my research papers.

Once I realised that I actually have 7 sources for one of the papers, I kinda thought that would be enoough to make an argument from and if not there should be plenty of sources online from jstor and the such like that I should be able to gather enough to make a plausible argument for 3000 word essay. I just have to focus on the other one now. It is just starting to worry me about how much work I have to do. But it's fine I know I can handle it. Matt helped a lot today as well, we were both talking about how much we missed each other and stuff it was just good to get everything like that out of the system.

Anyway once my card was sorted I grabbed a quick bagel from Starbucks because I needed something on my stomach, I then joined hannah in the union after I had finished all my reading. I grabbed some food, I had a burger again, it wasn't as bad this time though, still felt a little sick but it was fine. Catherine, Gaby and Alice then joined us.  Sat there talking for a little bit about work amongst other things.

We then moved on the ford centre to watch the ole miss university beauty pageant, I mean scholarship programme! It was miss congeniality reencarnate! It was exactly like that but on a lower scale, there were only 3 contestant, although there were 5 in the programmes we were given. One was ill and we were never told about the other one. Anyway we sat an watched this for an hour and a half, just under. It was hilarious! I know something like this is serious but us British girls couldn't help but giggle the whole way through it. They had smile plastered on their faces and their expressions were all the same. We were told the meanings of the points on the crown and told that apparently a dress can tell someone's personality. It was hilarious how seriously people took this! They all sang and two of the three sang opera songs. It was very strange! It was surreal. They also had a swim suit competition in which they all looked like body builders! And the interview stage - they were asked one wustion. One of the contestants questions was based in politics, it was about health care, and the national wide health service.

Miss Mississippi made the comparison between herself one of the contestants and the curtains because they were wearing the same colour! Just the fact she just came out with it. "we match the curtains" just made me crack up!! It is a worrying thought when a picture on the programme shows you to be prettier than you are in real life. She was telling us about what she have been doing, travelling the state and getting ready for Miss America. I kid you not! We also got to see Miss University of 2012 farewell video which was a PowerPoint of her saying thank you to everyone and everything that has helped her. At one point I thought she was going to cry in the narrative of the video! We also got see miss university of 2012 and miss Mississippi perform their talents. They played the piano well, however the influence of the backing track I do not like. She made two bum notes in the whole piece, why not play it acapella rather than cover up to ur talent with a backing track?   

At the announcement it got even funnier because she did just break down not crying but the whole fluttering and everything. Another noticable thing - they couldnt walk in heels any of them. You would have thought that would have been the first thing you taught your child if they are going to do this. Their parentage was mentioned a lot as well. It just shows the influence of your family in the south. As one of the entertainments waiting for the resutls we got to see miss Mississippi outstanding teen. She no a song from Dreams Girls, she gave it a good shot but because she wasn't black it didn't have the same depth as I think a black woman could have given it. Another thing this girl also said that she was singing from the age of 6 years however she said the first song she sang was twinkle twinkle star however the only word she knew was no... Hang on at the age of 6 the only word you can say is no, I think there are other problems there love. 

It was no surprise that the winner was part of the most expensive sororiety, tri delta. It was still interesting to go because it is such an American thing, i just didn't expect it to be like it was, it didn't expect to match miss congeniality so well and be so stereotypical. It was mental, very very funny. It shouldn't have been but it just was. I think I laughed the whole way home. When I got back I went up to Alice's apartment and chose my secret Santa name. So I now have to find something for that person. Which is $10. Could be interesting. 

I then came back to my apartment and told patty all about the pageant and chilled for a little while and then started packing. Just putting stuff aside from next week. I felt so much better having relaxed at the pageant and getting organised just really helped me take a weight off my shoulders. I have comment though about miss university before the pageant I didn't know who she was, I think that such a person if they have that much impact in the community and the such like they should be more prominent figures of uni site society. They should make themselves be known to everyone. 

But that is just my opinion.  

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

101

Well I have just seen that I have hit over a hundred blog posts! How incredible is that! Andnthere is only 25 days left!! Ahah scary!

Anyway this morning was pretty usual i had a cup of tea and a bagel at Starbucks before heading down to the computers to read through the essay I half wrote yesterday. I have to admit it wasn't as bad as I thought it was but it could have been a lot better. Anyway I improved it dramatically and went onwards to class. I managed to go swimming today however I didn't manage my 50 I went too slowly in some of the sets and therefore I didn't reach my mark but it is fine. I still did half an hour of exercise.

I grabbed some lunch, I thought I would spoil myself with a burger today, that was such a bad idea! I just felt the grease on my stomach all day it was awful! I didn't feel sick, just stodgy! I then went back to the library where I saw Ian! It was soo good to see him back at College! I managed to work some more on my essay and matt read it through as well for me and has sent me some feedback from someone who doesn't know the topic which was good. I am trying my hardest not to let people read my work and for me to edit it myself. I need to learn from my mistakes and I can't keep relying on people to check my work. It has to be my own work. Asking for help isn't a sign of defeat I know but I would rather be able to notice these things on my own. Anyway, Catherine and Hannah came and found me and then we collected Gaby from her cuby hole in the library and went to our second class.

More information about dread Scott and Frederick douglas, it was a really interesting lecture. I do really enjoy that class. Hannah, Gaby and I then wondered to see Gaby's professor who wasnt in unfortunately. We then decided to go home, it would just be better. We originally planned to stay on campus and do work but everyone was a little tired and Gaby wanted to Skype and work could be done at home. So we came back.

I checked the mail and found I had a package from Matt's mum!! A birthday present nonetheless! It was a scarf!! Believe me it is a god send especially with the weather dropping so much it is hard to believe how cold it has gotten. There was frost on the ground when I left this morning! So I am going to write her a quick thank you note! How lovely of her.

I then went back to my apartment grabbed a little dinner, I am just not hungry in the evenings really. I don't know why. I then read through the documents I had to read for Friday's native American class. Well some of them. I then walked over to Gaby and Hannah's and dyed Gaby's hair. I watched them cook dinner and then I left. I came back to my apartment got changed and then started work again.. Reading articles ready for my research papers that are coming up after thanksgiving.

It is all creeping up on me now.

Tomorrow is another adventure.

Work

So a lazy morning I just couldn't be bothered to get out of bed this morning. But once I gathered the motivation to get going I got ready quite quickly. Got onto campus and although I bypassed the library I couldnt think of any worm that I needed to get done this morning. So just just sat on my iPad outside class, I set up a LinkedIn account though which was good. I got a apaper back which was a B+ which  i was so happy about! Classes went well today I didn't get too distracted. I had to write in a tiny book for one of my classes because I had no pages left in my big book, that is how much I have written for this modules it's crazy. I met Sophie at the union with Alice, however Sophie decided she didn't want to get a ticket for an event later this week. I grabbed some lunch and then got to Skype matt for a little bit.

It was weird, and nice conversation but the mood of it kept changing very bizarre. Anyway I then headed back to trails in order to drop off some stuff and pick up some bits and pieces before heading back onto campus o get some work done. I managed to upload all my pictures and videos from the weekends which I was really chuffed about. I managed to et a very brief draft essay drawn up however there is only a brief introduction and there is no conclusion. It needs some major work doing to it but at least I have started the process. I will have to finish it tomorrow. I also managed to catch up on all my tv as well, I watched homeland and the rest of the series of Merlin which was good. I also got to talk To Matt a little on Facebook but he said we would talk properly when I got home.
Gaby and I stayed at the Library until like 5:30pm she took some books out and we got the bus easily we didn't have to wait long at all.

Once I got home I did get to Skype matt, I felt awful for making him stay up but at the same time it was good to talk to him. I had to let him go to bed though bless him! I also got to type a fair bit to Annie and Hayley today as well which was pretty good! It's getting really strange that it is only 26 days til I go home. I tidied my bedroom and got my washing down and got a little more work done. I got organised as well, writings down what I am doing over the next few weeks so I know that I am doing each day and the such like. I do love getting organised and getting sorted out.

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

Game day!

Saturday's belated post!

A few details about last night I didn't note becasue I was too angry! I don't recall how many times I changed t shirts but almost every picture is a different t shirt involved so it must have been a fair few times. Joe had mine on at some point! It was a good night like i said, everyone was having fun and stuff! It was good. Just the end bit.

So this morning started off well, no gym session and lounging around in my pajamas until midday when I decided to take a shower and get ready! I spent most of the moorning either only my iPod playing games or watching Americas Next Top Model: college edition. Which normally I hate shows like that, this mooring it really fit the bill! Instead of making me feel crap about myself it made me feel good for some bizarre rein. Either way I met with Aimee, Catherine and Hannah around 5 ish and we walked to the game. We sat in a different place to last time and there were these freshmen boys behind us being idiots the whole time. Tapping us and the such like just generally being annoying! The people in front of us weren't much better either. I ended up getting a pretzel which I shouldn't have done!! Today was all about eating, I hardly drank anything all day! I just kept eating! Not good!!! At half time we all came home and watched tv with Alice and Sophie and we ordered pizza.

I found out that things have been discussed with the boys about last night, and although I don't believe anything has been resolved completely. I think a impasse and a middle ground has been at least found, if that is even the right phrase to use! Madness pure madness!

Moving on, the pizza was lovely and it was great to spend some time with the girls! We watched some random stuff on tv, like chicken run, we did end up watching bbc america which involved watching the graham norton show. I think it shocked everyone when I said that I have never been able to watch it before. Robbie Williams, Darcy Bushell and Paul O'grady were the main guests along with Felix, the guy that broke the speed of sounds, I can't remember his surname. It was an alright show, I love Paul O'Grady! So he was hilarious! He reminded me of my family as well! Miss them! I never realized that he never told his mother that he was Lily Savage!? Such an amazing character and yet was never able to tell his own mother his achievement. I thout that was sad but at the same time interesting.

Anyway after this, I walked back with Sophie and am now all cuddled in bed ready for sleep. Although I have to say it has been quite sad because of how busy I have been that I haven't bee able to speak to Matt but I guess that's how it goes sometimes.

Tomorrow is another adventure.

Beale street!

So today I got up had a lovely Skype with my mum and sister even though the internet was shocking. I typed on Facebook to matt a little. I got ready and went down way too early to get the bus! I met up with the rest of them that were coming on this trip we were all pretty hyped to be honest. I coached ride was long and kinda boring as always. I got to talk to jasmin though, which was nice, her boyfriend is coming to see her on Wednesday for just over a week, so that will be nice for her and for him.

Anyway we stopped first at the park place where we could see the Mississippi, in all it's glory. However I only think we needed about 15/20 minutes max but whatever I am not arranging these things. Go some nice photos despite the wind. We then moved on to Beale street. Which reminded me a lot of Bournon street in New Orleans. However it was blues music and there were gymnasts doing flips down the road and all sorts! There was an irish pub and a Hard Rock!! So I got my customary top from there, there wasn't a lot of choice it has to be said. We then stopped in the Pig place for lunch. I had a BBQ pork sandwich with fries and corn on the cob, it was lovely. However they were massively short staffed. It was ridiculous refills were really slow and to get us our checks and the such like took ages as well and we were one time limit. Put it this way I didn't give him an extra tip. The food was lovely though.

We then walked down to a Gibson places, where there were tours going on but we didn't have the time to do them which was a real shame! But at least we got to go in and have a quick look at some of the guitars. It was time to collect our tickets for the NBA, MEmphis Grizzles vs. Miami Heat, by this point. We all had allocated seating so only some of us were sat together which was fine. The pre game show and the stuff they did during it was the amazing! The cheerleaders were really good, a lot of hair-ography but still really good. I pick up a few other souvenirs from Beale street as well by the way. We didn't get to see much of the half time show because we were behind the scenes getting ready for the fan tunnel! It was really good being able to high five the players as they came out to warm up for the second half and stuff! I managed to film t and get some pictures. After it we were all pushed to one side and the security guard were then ushering us forward, so come got to stand court side for a little bit! It was amazing! Just a phenomenal view and just incredible!! Once in a lifetime opportunity!

We then went up back to our seats and watched the rest of the game, when it got to about 5 minutes to the end, the majority of the Miami heat supporters were leaving because they were 20 points down.  So then people started waving at them throughout the stadium and saying goodbye!! It was just bizarre to see that at a NBA game but I guess it is tradition. To be able to watch this game was fantastic! Especially because they won! By quite a margin as well! 104-86!!! Just amazing!

However coming out of the game was mental! Thousands of people trying to get down staircases and lifts, all headed to one place outside. The storm that was predicted had hit as well, good job I packed up umbrella. We all headed t the buses and got on, form there it was the drive home, I dozed a little but not a lot. I just listened to my music and chilled out. Ready to get off the bus and run back to apartment getting nice and warm. I also found I had a letter from grandpa, which was nice. Especially as he left for America today! Get to see him soon! It has been an insane day that has to be said! Just truly insane! Despite the rain that hit, it doesn't matter it was great!

Tomorrow is another adventure. 

twats!!

Okay so today during the day everything was fine!! everything was good classes went well and i got to skype my parents which was good, a nice long chat just what i needed. Only issue was i think there is something wrong with my mum but i dont know what, i just hope it was nothing i have done. I got a load of work done in the library afterwards!! i posted the three packages home, which cost me less than i thought. it was a good day. I went home around 4ish and did a tiny bit more work had some food, chilled out you know the general. I did nice elaborate make up for tonights party.

Originally i wasn't going to change clothing tonight but then i decided that it might be a good idea to get involved. it was definitely interesting! i got rid of a horrible top that i was going to throw away anyway. it was a good party until the english lads kicked off.

to begin with they decided that they were going to go to the square for starters so by the time they had turned up to the party they were already drunk. they then had to audacity to come up to two of my friends and say that the British girls were boring!! boring!! of all things!! and the reason being because we dont go out!! I mean come on!! one you do not need alcohol to have a good night out, two you do not need to go out every single week. if you do that you end up gaining a reputation for yourself and not a good one for that!! boys get a rep for being players and girls get a rep of slags! im sorry but their are such double standards in this world. to make it worse!! my two friends have helped the guys out in so many situations and they have the gaul to come up into their faces and call us boring!! excuse us for caring about our grades!! we are not all on pass fail and the majority of us care about what grades we get at the end of this year. Not even that!! If we are caught with alcohol and we are underage that is it! out of america, visa revoked!! black listed! that is it!! so good luck boys if that is what you are willing to risk. They were even boasting about a fight they got into, which they caused by trying to kick someone's door down. I have never met such awful men in all my life!!

I am fuming, the testorone in my body is so high, i could have easily hit someone tonight. I was fuming that, they got into my friends face, who is the nicest person ever, and blew smoke into their face and towering over them. As soon as she started shouting back he couldn't even face her - coward!!

i dont care if they have alcohol in their system or anything!! they do not have the right to rate the girls and say shit about us!! they have no right!! I was just glad I was there to back up my friend. I only managed to say one thing, and I wish i had said more!!


Oh well! I have ranted, I have sat up until 4am talking about this and trying to calm down....

Tomorrow is another adventure.

Discussion

I got majorly distracted in my first class. It was about the scientific revoltion and although some of it was interesting. When we were getting into ptolemaic theory and Kepler's laws it was just getting too deep into physics for me. Just way too deep, way too confusing for me. After class I grabbed some lunch, I treated myself to a burger today but no chips. I then went to the library and finished spreading the book for an essay due next week. I did get distracted again by another project that I am working on, at the moment, nothing to do with uni.

My afternoon class was extremely interesting. We discussed the 'riots' that had happened on Tuesday night. Admittedly they were shocking, one of my class mates we pushed, had her car keyed and was spat at as well as her car. It was awful that fellow students should be subjected to that because of their political tendencies. It is just wrong! Ole miss has just celebrated 50 years of integration and yet as a student community they are still protested the election of their own president. He has already been in term 4 years. It just shows that in some ways we really haven't moved on, yes black students are now allowed in classes and in university but some people opinion remains the same. It is just a shame that after all this publicity about these changes ole miss are making and it progression that students would ruin this! They are part of this moving on and they have supported such actions of the university and yet they are still wanting to rise against the election results. It's ridiculous.  No one should be  victimized for their opinions. Whether it be about race, gender, sexual orientation. It should make no difference. Inside or outside the classroom you should be able to speak your mind and be able to develop your own opinions of the world without being terrorized for them. Students also I believe shouldn't follow their parents ideas, yes I will concede that that is where you learn your basic behaviour and the such like but that doesn't mean you need to imitate said behaviors. You need to form your own judgements and opinions about the world around you.

All in all they were having a temper tantrum. They weren't happy with it and they thought that after drinking of alcohol and throwing some stones that that would be it. Hell no!

Anyway we spent the whole class discussing this, the tension was deep, you could have cut it tension with a knife. It was incredibly interesting, and heavy going at the same time. It made national news in Germany! Come on that has to say something!

Moving on, I came home a chilled, cooked some dinner and got ready for going out, what was meant to be a girls nit out ended up not being so great, Alice and I left early because I never like having a friend go home solo. Alice wasnt drunk and therefore wasn't having a good time. To be honest I have kinda lost the vibe for the Square to be honest. The levee is the only place I can get into and after the third time it is getting kind of the me. But it's fine it was a decent night while it lasted. But I don't think any scandalous stories will be coming out of this one. Andrew - a guy from one of my classes, bless him brought me a drink, it it was more JD than coke! It did not taste good until about half of it was gone. I kept giving it to ele to try and make it softer. It was funny to watch their faces as they took a sip. I talked to danny a little (another guy from one of my classes) he invited me to his tent on saturday which would be quite cool.  Depending on the weather of course, although the forcast is looking good. I dont want to jinx it, Either way Alice and I got a free ride home from the church taxi. They dropped us at our doors. Which was nice. A cheap night, as we had managed to get a ride into town as well, and a relatively boring one Im afraid no gossip this time.

Sleep time.

Tomorrow is another adventure.