They are watching me watch him watch me

Christmas is just around the corner. Becca will be here soon to spend Christmas week with me, but when she comes, Kirsli is leaving! I am really excited to see Becca. She's one of a kind, I'll tell ya! ^_^

So, this week, I've done a few things:

• Went to the doc on Monday for a checkup. Learned how confusing the NHS truly is...
• Signed up for a Screenprinting course which begins in January and lasts a few Saturday afternoons. I may not get in to it. Not sure yet. If I don't, they have other neat courses I might try instead! But, I hope I get into Screenprinting...cuz that'd be awesome.
• Met a dude who worked at a book shop who had just got back from a trip to Atlanta. How random is that!

• Went to a light show event in north Kensington with Kirli and some of her school friends. It was really fun, I thought.

There were a ton of kids, which distracted from the art, but the concept was really interesting to me!

• Going to an art event called Mutate Britain tonight with my friend Theresa.

Ok, that's all for now. More later, I promise!
<3

You'll make biscuits, and I'll make tea. We'll curl up close and then fall asleep.

So, I am done with classes for this term! I have some homework to do before next term... but right now, I am enjoying the break! I feel good about both of my essays. The one on Akira Kurosawa's film, I am not sure how the teacher will feel...but I am pleased with it. And the exhibition review, I feel good about.

So, since classes have been done, I have really been lazing about something fierce! I've hung out with Kirsli a lot. We went on an adventure to the East End Primark (super discount store) where neither of us found anything. We went to a Pub Quiz with her classmates to raise money for the graduate exhibitions this year. Our team didn't win...but that's only because Tina Turner wasn't the first mayor of London! (We kept putting down divas to any questions that we didnt know...which was a good few!)

So, I've been good. Becca is coming again soon, which I am super stoked about. On the 22nd I think. Oh man, this is a dinosaur month! Cuz after my pterodactyl comes, then my iguanodon will be here! Yesssssssss! What a good month this will be.

------

I've been requested by Crystal (of the Police variety ^_^) to write a little bit about life in London in general. Well, it's surely a different experience than back home. The main thing that people ask about is the weather. Yep, it's cold. Yep, it's gray. Yep, it's rainy. But, I guess I expected it to be coldER, grayER, and rainiER...but it's not as bad as I expected, really. I mean, in an ideal world, San Diego weather would come with me everywhere. But, unfortunately it can't! Another thing that I'm learning is that Brits in general are much more reserved than people at home. Thus, it's more difficult to make British friends (in general! warming: I am generalizing a lot here!) than other foreign friends.

So, anyway... about my area. Well, I live towards the east end of London in an area called Hoxton, though I am milliseconds from Shoreditch as well. Hoxton/Shoreditch is pretty well known for nightlife. There are quite a few pubs around, and lots of clubs. I really like this part of town. I feel like I am really close to my classes (45 minutes on bus! - hey, this is London. That's close!), but far enough away that I don't feel bogged down by it. I actually live in Zone 1 of London, which most people don't tend to live in. Because it is EXPENSIVE. My student housing is really expensive too, but I think it's worth it. Sometimes I hate living in student housing, sometimes I am ok with it. Speaking of, here's a map!


View Larger Map

Anyway, that's all for now. Maybe more later!

Visitation Rights

Ok, everyone. It seems that my spring-time is in high demand for visitation. Here is the list of who is scheduled (for sure, dates set and everything):

March 5th - March 15th: Melissa, Emily, and Hana
March 23rd - April 14th: I will be back home in Atlanta
July (dates not confirmed yet): My parents will be visiting for 10-14 days

Those are the only two that are scheduled. Please let me know dates you want to come for sure if you have them, cuz a few people are expressing interest. <3

Love you all!
-Abie

I wish that I would hear you say goodnight

Well, my semester is finally over. Thank goodness! I turned in my first essay on Monday...and then the second essay today (a little early cuz I just couldn't look at it anymore!). So...my first semester here is done! It's pretty wild. Only 3 more terms to go...and then I graduate. It seems so fast!

I did find one spelling mistake in my paper (the one I turned in today!) after I turned it in. I knew the whole "convert it to British English" would cause me problems! Crazy Brits spelling Judgement wrong... Anyway, other than that, I am confident that my professor will at least understand *why* I chose the topic. She may not like the topic, but I have no doubt that she will see my logic and the validity of my choices.

Also, it's already December 4th! Wow! Time flies by so fast! Soon, Becca will be here. And then Kirsli will go home for Christmas. And then my special, wonderful dinosaur will be here! Hurrah! I am sad not to be able to be with my family for Christmas. I always hate being away from home, especially on the holidays...but I did book my ticket home for April, so I will be home soon! And Mom will have spring break while I am home, so we will get to spend lots of time together.

So... term 1. Check!

Thanksgiving Post!

Last night, while I was falling asleep, I was thinking about what I was going to write about today for my Thanksgiving post... and here it is.

Things in my life that I am thankful for:
1. Family.
I know everyone says that they are thankful for their families this time of year. But really, I do honestly feel so blessed with mine. People tell me about how much they dislike going home for the holidays because they have to put up with fights, conflict, etc. But in my case, I have really lucked out with my family. Being a member of Team Mohn is the most amazing thing a person could ask for. We all always have each others backs and are very supportive of everyone else. My parents are truly wonderful people who have always supported me and are still supportive of my choices in life, even though what I want to do usually takes me far away from home. But they cope with it well and still are kind enough to send me care packages! <3

2. Friends.
I am thankful for my friends. They are people who have amazing and giving hearts. I love them all so much. They have been so patient during our tenure of life, with me always away and out of Georgia, they still love and support me though it all! I am very lucky to have people who truly understand and care for me, through thick and thin.

3. Opportunity.
I am very thankful for opportunity in my life. I am currently pursuing my MA degree in the sunny city of London (ha!). Sometimes I can't believe what has led up to this point in my life, but I am so happy that I am finally here, doing what I love.

4. Heartbreak.
This is a funny thing to be thankful for, but I am. A while ago, I went through a period of extreme heartbreak. The man I thought I was going to marry turned out to be bad news. He broke my heart and then stomped on it... but what I learned from all of that is that I can survive. But, had it never been for David, I would have never moved to San Diego, I would have never worked at Jeld-wen, I would have never realized how much I hated working for Jeld-wen, I never would have applied for grad school... So, because he treated me awfully, I have done all these amazing things with my life, which every day, I am thankful for. And now, because of that heartbreak, I feel that I can better appreciate being with a man who actually does treat me right, who actually does make me feel good. So, thank you David for hurting me (although I still think it was very wrong), because if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be at this point in my life where I am actually happy.

5. Sunshine.
I am thankful for life. Sunshine is one thing that I don't see all that much of here in London, but when it does come out, I am sooo happy. And it reminds me of all the things that I've done in my life that I am happy about.

6. Ocha.
It has been over 6 months since Ocha's passing...and I still miss him so much. Not a single day has gone by that I haven't thought of him. I still cry when I think of my baby boy. But, I am so thankful that I was able to share my life and love with him while I had the chance. He was there for me during times when no one else could be. When I thought that happiness and love had abandoned me, I had Ocha in my lap, begging for treats. He brought me so much happiness and joy, and I am so happy that I was able to be his mother, even though for just a short time.

<3
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

If I knew Picasso, I would buy myself a gray guitar and play

This has been a pretty good week for me. To be honest, I don't really have too much to update on, except for the fact that I am trying to escape my paper!

It's going to be good, but it's stressing me out. The topic isn't stressing me; I know it's a good topic. I am just worried about the teacher's expectations. She is an extremely intelligent woman, but I am afraid that she is going to expect me to write for intellectuals. I hate the way that intellectuals write. They just write to sound better than their peers, without writing for the purpose of actually saying something. So, if that's what she is expecting, I am afraid that I won't be able to deliver.

Today, I went with my new friend, Theresa, to the National Portrait Gallery. We had a good time discussing which people would be cute with modern haircuts. We also talked about fashions, specifically mustache and facial hair fashions. We realized that there is much more to facial hair than we both originally thought... though to take someone with a neck beard seriously would be quite difficult...

After the gallery, we came back to my flat and cooked some delicious Mexican food with Kirsli. Soooooo good!

Ok, ok. You guys are right. Back to work. More updates to come soon.

When we get there, we're gonna fly so far away

So, my cough isn't gone yet. The only night that I've actually slept through is the night that I went to bed drunk. I don't think I like that because I don't drink very often, so I'm not going to get to sleep a full night for a long time! Last night, I went to bed at 3 (whoops!) and didn't fall asleep to well past 5. *sigh* I hope some day I don't cough through the night.

Anyway, this week has been good. Here are some happenings:
Saturday night, we celebrated Scott's birthday (Kirsli's boyfriend). We went to The Elephant's Head in Camden, and it was tons of fun. They were playing all the music that I loved as a child: basically ever song from my cassette tape called "Chartbusters: Hits from the 50's."

Today, I woke up, had a relaxing breakfast, and went to the British Library to sign up for a library card there. It took a long time, but the guy who helped me was super nice. He asked where I was from, and when I said Georgia, he knew where it was! Impressive. He's the first Brit that I've met who knew where GA is. I mean, that's not bad, cuz if they asked me where Liverpool is, I couldn't say... Anyway, I complimented him on his knowledge of America, and he said "Well, I am a librarian." Hehehe

This week, I have a couple things which I am really looking forward to. On Wednesday, one of my classes is going to be at the Fashion and Textile Museum where we are going to have a tour and talk with the curator of the Bill Gibb exhibition, which is going to be really interesting! Then, on Thursday, I am meeting up with my friend Theresa, and we are going to go to the National Portrait Gallery, and then eat Mexican food!
YESSSSSSS!

Running from the cold up in [...] England ^_~

I feel like another post is needed after yesterday's adventures. As I'm sure you could all tell, I was not in a great mood, as my idea for a paper had been shot down, and I'd already started working on it.

Well, a couple things have happened since then that have cheered me up.

I went up to have my meeting with Amy, and she is just such a lovely person. I told her about my idea for a final dissertation...she absolutely loved it. As I explained what I've learned and how much area there is to research, she got more and more excited I am going to start my work over Christmas break, I think. She told me that I need to contact the V&A to use their archives in my research. She said that once I write a draft to them, she and I will go thru it with a fine tooth comb together. She was just so encouraging about my idea. And when I told her about my idea of an artistic collaboration with My on a visual, she was SO stoked. She said that no one had done that before, and that collaboration is the most important thing these days. Oh man, it was a really good talk.

But, I didn't talk to her about my frustrating paper. I was still too mad at that point. But, I talked to Karl about it, ad he fixed my panes. ^_~

My brother just gives me such good perspective on things. He said that even if I don't write it for this class, that I should pursue it in my own time. He thinks that it's a very valid and interesting idea that I could even try to get published. And then my professor would feel silly, huh! Anyway, he suggested that I bring her the work I've done so far, and include an outline and a bibliography, and see what she says. If not, he helped me come up with a backup idea that would be interesting to write about as well. We'll see how my meeting goes with her tomorrow.

Some days are up, some days are down.

Ugh. Today is not such a great day. It's 2:30pm as I write this, and I am just about ready to give up for the day.

Last night, I barely slept. My cough just won't go away. I probably got anywhere from 2-3 hours of sleep, and that's being generous. I just layed in bed coughing all night. And I didn't have any medicine to take, so I had a spoonful of honey a couple of times, which helped for about 10 minute incriments. And so today, I am absolutely exhausted.

In addition to my exhaustion, I received an email from one of my professors in response to my idea proposal for our term paper. It's the one on Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. Anyway, she thought the idea was absolute crap, so I am back at square one, with less than a month to think of a new topic, research, and write. I am so ready to give up, at least for today.. but I can't. I have a meeting with Amy at 3:45 and then a class from 5-8pm.

And now that I've gotten the news on that other paper, I am so not excited to talk to Amy about what I was plannign to discuss with her. I wanted to ask her opinion on my idea for a final dissertation project...but I'm not sure if I can handle this intellectual rejection twice in one day!

Ugh. Wish me luck.


New ideas for a topic:
None.

The Youth and Beauty Parade

Oh life. It has been a roller coaster week. It started out very, very bad...but has ended up to be pretty ok. On Monday, as you can tell from my last post, it was Ocha's birthday. I still am very sad about Ocha, but he was a wonderful son. Also on Monday, I found out that my pup, Shadow, who has been a part of our family for over 14 years, passed away.

So, that all made for a harsh Monday. But, I am lucky to have such wonderful friends who offer me the love and support that I need.

Other that that this week, I have been doing a lot of stuff for school. I went to the Bill Gibb exhibit at the Fashion&Textile Museum, as well as the Late at Tate event that I had posted about before.

The Bill Gibb exhibition was interesting. I went with classmates Geraldine and Susana, and we all had a lot to talk about. The exhibit was for a designer from the 70s, so was very over-the-top. As far as the curation of the exhibit, I don't think that I enjoyed it because there was almost too much there. Anyway, I am not writing my critique on that exhibit!

Late at Tate was really fun. I met up with my classmate Geraldine, and I went to a talk on Frame Conservation, which was fascinating. The more and more I think about it, the more interesting I find conservation...but I don't have the interest in science that is needed to really pursue it... As I was walking home from the station on Friday night, I was almost home, and I saw Kirsli, Scott, and Fran walking towards me. So, they recruited me and we went to our fave pub, The Burly George (real name is The Barley Mow). It's a really nice place, with decent prices, and a really friendly staff.

Other than that, I am also really excited about having some ideas for my final dissertation. I have a meeting with Amy tomorrow, so I think I am going to ask her and see what she thinks about it before I get too deep into it. But, I was telling my friend, My, about it, and he was excited and we were thinking about doing a collaboration on it. More on that later as details occur.

I am also getting excited about Christmas. Well, not so much Christmas. I am going to be in London on Christmas day, which sucks. I am really sad to not be home with family this year. I know my mom is sad about that too, but unfortunately I don't have the thousands of dollars to do it. So, instead, I am having a visitor and we are taking a mini-vacation to Rome. I am really excited about that.

Oh! I also spoke to my flat-mate, Masumi, and we are going to do a language exchange. English-Japanese. We both need practice, so it will be good for both of us. She is really sweet, too. I like her a lot. I don't remember if I told this story in my blog or not...but a few weeks ago,Masumi was sick. I ran into her in the hall, and she said she wasn't feeling well, so I made her a cup of hot chocolate. Then, a few days later, I saw her again, and she gave me a thank-you present of some chocolate biscuits (cookies). ^_^ I miss the kindness of the Japanese people.

Anyway, I think this is enough of a blabber! More later, I'm sure.

Happy Birthday Ocha

Today is his birthday. I made a slideshow of Ocha to remember his birthday. We would have celebrated 3 years! Ocha was such a wonderful bunny. I miss him and love him dearly.



It's amazing to think that an animal can get into your heart so deeply, but Ocha was my baby boy and my best friend. He was there for me when no one else could be. He loved me unconditionally (as long as I shared my bananas with him!)

Although he has been gone many months (May 19, 2008 RIP), I still miss him as much now as I did then.

I hope that across the Rainbow Bridge, he is happy with his new friends. I am glad with the knowledge that he is no longer in pain and suffering.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ocha.

Love you.

Your Mom/Bunny Slave,
Abie

A man can love a woman who is always right on time

Lately I've been missing home. Not home, really, but the people that come along with being home: family and friends.

I just want you all to know that even though I am a bad blogger...I miss you all a lot!

Things here are going well. I've been battling being sick for a while, so I am trying to give it the once and for all push to get out! I am ready to be healthy again. Classes are going well. We are planning a trip to Paris around early January (possibly), which would be amazing. Rome and then Paris. Oh geebus, I want to stay in Europe! If only I could move a few key people out here as well, it would be a lot easier. Well, I guess ideally I would move all of my friends out here. That would be SO fun!

I am working on a couple of papers at the moment. One is an exhibition review/critique and the other is a soci-cultural analysis of the costumes from Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. My friend Avery inspired it, as he was the first to introduce me to that film.

Other than school work, I spend a lot of time reading (still school work) and talking online to people (a few more than others!) and going out and having fun with Kirsli and the kids here. On Friday night we (Kirsli, Scott, Juby, Lala, and me) went out to a Psycho-billy show which was neat. Kirsli and I spent a lot of time speculating about the other people at the show.

Lately, I've been in a museum mood. In the last few weeks, I've been to the British Museum, the V&A, the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Science Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Natural History Museum. Phew! And there's more! Next week, I am planning on going to an exhibition at the St. Pancras Crypt (Dark/Art/Dress) and a Late at Tate event. I am pretty excited about these.

And, I am looking more and more forward to having a visitor after Christmas. And Rome! Amazing!

But first, I've gotta knock out these two papers and a TON of reading. Back to the books!

She looked like she was not even there

Well, I am becoming a terrible blogger again. Sorry y'all! I've been keeping very busy lately.

Overall, things here are still going great. My classes are a real challenge. Grad school is a bit more different than I was prepared for, but luckily, my courses are very self-study based. So, it's really how much work you put into it is how much you will get out of it.

Here are my current courses:
Discipline of Fashion - This is a course that basically has different speakers each week discuss the different disciplines within the study of fashion.
Research Methods - So far, useless. But, I am going anyway, just to keep up being a good student.
Approaches to Contemporary Fashion - This course is really difficult. It's a cultural theory class, which is difficult because all of the readings we are working with are written in this "I'm an intellectual so I have to write in a very pompous and pretentious manner so normal muggles get confused in all out my explanations"-style of writing.
Contextual Studies - This course does not meet very often, but when it does, we learn about the other facets of the fashion industry, for example Fashion Photography or Journalism. Just to give us an overview of fashion as a whole, which should help us be more well-rounded fashionistas?

Anyway, I only have class 2 days each week, but it's still pretty intense. I have to read about 600 pages per week (I told you it was all self-study stuff!) and am working on two papers at the moment. Grad school. Busy.

But, I am still having fun! Kirsli and I hang out basically all the time, which is awesome. I am really lucky to have found someone so awesome so fast! And I am slowly making other friends. It is slow-going. I guess I haven't found my outgoing side here yet. I hope it comes back and I can return to my crazy self!

Locked down inside a view

A list of my courses for this term:
Project Proposal
Contextual Studies - Each week is a different seminar on various aspects of fashion, ranging from fashion in film to fashion technology to design to marketing.
Cultural Studies: Approaches to Contemporary Fashion
The Discipline of Fashion

4 courses. It doesn't sound too hard, right? Well, each course has a 20 page paper due at the end, at least. Geebus! I am gonna have to seriously organize my life!

She's a runner, rebel and a stunner

This has been a good week. Really, in general, I am enjoying myself so much here, I am pretty surprised. I mean, I knew I would like it... but I am bordering on loving it! I feel like I have a great balance of going out and staying in. And I am happy doing both!

Here is a day-to-day remembrance on what I have been up to in the past few days:

Thursday:
*Went to a seminar on the fashion archives at London College of Fashion. Saw some pretty amazing pieces, including one specific spectacular pair of shoes. I will put photos on Flickr.

Friday:
*Went with Kirsli to a really interesting seminar on screen printing. The guy who was in charge of it was a rockabilly guy with an awesome accent. He was really nice and patient with everyone. He shows the process from putting the image on the screen all the way to the end. And then we got to try our hand at it. I think Kirsli and I are gonna take the screen printing short course next term (it's already full for this term!).
*Then we ate lunch and chatted to a girl from Slovakia named Luba. She was really nice.
*And then we went to seminar on banking for international students...where they told me that I should cancel my bank account because it's ridiculous that they charge for an account. So I did. Ha! But now I gotta figure out where to open my account...
*In the evening, Kirsli, Juby, Chloe, Catherine, and I all went out to a pub and hung out. I think Kirsli and I decided that our favorite local pub is one called The Barley Mow. It has a great atmosphere and a great jukebox.
*Stayed up late chatting to my dino

Saturday:
*Woke up late-ish (11:30am). Got dressed and went out in search of bread, superglue, and tape. Did not find tape, but stumbled upon a street market and a bargain shop! Got lots of stuff for the room, like some tack-y stuff to hang pictures up in my room. So now, my room is much more homey and decorated!
*Came home and chatted to the dinosaur <3
*Made a DELICIOUS and deliciously simple dinner. I had chicken thighs and veggies. I baked the chicken and it was super yummy. I am quite proud! Normally, I just make a bowl of cereal for dinner. I rarely actually cook something!
*Went to Fud's birthday party, which was a blast! chatted to tons of people, danced, chatted some more. I took the bus up to Highgate, which was a bit farther away than I thought. The club/bar we went to was called The Boogaloo. The venue was really awesome, and the music was really cool! I am going to have to tell Kirsli about it. I think she'd really love it! Hopefully pictures will emerge from last night. ^_^

Where will you see the galaxy?

So, the past few days have been exciting! Here is a list of some things that I've done:

Tuesday:
-Chatted to the dino almost the entire day!
-Sent email and resume to the senior curator of fashion at the V&A
-Went to a talk about the fashion archives at London College of Fashion

Wednesday:
-Joined the Ballroom Dance Club
-Ate delicious Indian food on Brick Lane
-Drank delicious, Galaxy, hot chocolate with Kirsli and watched silly YouTube videos
-Chatted to the dino, Melo, and the wonderful and fabulous Emmerina! ^_~

And goodness is happening to someone you love

So, I've had a wonderful weekend!

On Saturday, I picked Becca up at the airport,and it was SO wonderful to see her. We came back to my dorm and just lazed around for a while...but then were off! I don't know how she did it...maybe she's a superhero. We went to see a show up in Camden. The band that we went to see was Ginger Bread Men. It was lots of fun! I knew James (the singer) in my past relationship. I wondered if it would be weird, me going to his show, being that David and I split on very unfriendly terms. But it was awesome! I had a really great time meeting some new folks, drinking adult beverages, and dancing.

Sunday, Becca, Kirsli, Scott, and I went to the Tate Modern and viewed some modern art for free. I'm not a huge fan of modern art in general, but even I had fun! Becca and I found a "seed" that you could stand in and wiggle... good times! Then we explored, trying to find a particular pub a friend had recommended to her. Unfortunately, we never found it, so we got some sandwiches and ate them in Trafalgar Square, vowing to find that pub some day.

Then today, Becca left onto her big adventure in Preston. I took her to Euston, the train station, and walked her to the train. But it was just milliseconds from leaving, so we had a very, very quick goodbye. Miss you already, Ptero-darling!

Also, I have some big news on my course: the course director got a grant, so for the next year, she's unable to teach us! Doh! BUT they set it up so the directors from the Fashion Curation course will be our tutors for this next year. And that is amazing because one of them is Amy de la Haye, who is very well-known and respected in my field. It's so exciting to be able to work directly with her!

Another day in the life...

Well, I finally got sick. I expected it to happen because of the move: eating new foods, traveling in general, walking everywhere every day a LOT, stress, rude people in London...

That's a combination of the probably reasons I am not well. But, I was bullied by the dino to get medicine, so I went out with Kirsli and Scott, and got meds. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow. I got the night/day pack, so tonight I'm gonna take the night-time pills and sleep like a log tonight.

Yesterday, I went to some talks for classes. They weren't super helpful, but I did get a little bit of information. I also got my email address: amohn1@fashion.arts.ac.uk, in case you want to email my school address.

I had kinda a bad day yesterday. I am just having a tough time adjusting to the general coldness and rudeness of the people here. Kirsli tells me that NYC is worse. Ugh. I haven't met anyone else from my course yet, either, which is kinda odd. I'm sure there aren't many others, though!

I am lucky in the friends that I have made. Last night, I was feeling crappy and was grumpin pretty fiercely... so Kirsli and Scott went out and bought ice cream for dinner. They are so sweet!

I'll give you something to go one when you go back to the middle of no where

Well, I've been in London well over a week. And I am loving it more and more each day. Today, I was supposed to go into school for a tour of two of the facilities... but...I didn't go. Instead, Kirsli and I went out for a walk to try to find a market to buy stuff to cook for dinner.

We ended up discovering a really exciting part of town! We found Brick Lane, which is the most delicious smelling place, ever! It's the Bangladeshi part of town, so it smells of curry and other amazing foods. It made me so hungry! but, to keep from going to an Indian buffet... we went into Tesco and I bought a sandwich. *sigh* I wish I had more expendable income here. But I guess it's just as well, otherwise I'd never stop shopping!

We also found Petticoat Lane, which is this amazing part of town that is basically stands of cheap clothing and fabric stores galore! I can't wait to take my mom there when she comes. ^_^

When we got home, Kirsli and I made dinner: homemade mac n cheese, garlic and lemon chicken with onions, and sauteed broccoli. It was delicious! Then, Scott, Kirsli, and I just chilled out and watched some Home Improvement on tv. Random, eh!

It's called the Freeway; now I know why

I'm feeling loved up today. Basically, I feel in love today. It's so nice. i won't say with whom yet, but he knows. ^_^

I guess falling asleep on the phone with someone makes you wake up with hearts in your eyes?

Anyway, on to London adventures!! So, last night, Kirsly, Scott (her boyfriend), Flora, Maine (real name Marissa-but we call her Maine), and I went out to this pub called Barley Mow. It was really fun. Kirsly gave me "Jersey Hair," which is exciting! I've never had such big hair ever. I liked it though...so maybe I will try Jersey Hair again. Check out the photos on my Flickr!

The pub had a really awesome jukebox that was like 100 years old, BUT had great CDs to choose from. So, I buckled down, put in my 1 quid and we chose 10 songs of awesome. You know it's gonna be fun when you start off any setlist with Superstition by Stevie Wonder!

It was a great night full of singing Johnny Cash and rockin it to Reel Big Fish! 3 Americans, 1 Italian, and 1 Brit. Very silly mix.

And today, I am going to start walking south to explore. Should be fun! Haven't tried that direction yet. But first...I gotta wake up. So, I probably won't leave for a while. Ha!

I'm gonna hate you when you go

For some reason, I feel like my life here is pretty boring. More boring than back in the US, I think. Well, not really. Life is a constant adventure.

Today I went and enrolled in my course. It is going to be SO difficult. Each of the 4 taught classes culminates in a 3-4,000 word essay, my thesis proposal course has a 15,000 word essay, and the thesis itself must be 30,000 words! Geebus! My brain and fingers are going to be so tired!

I am happy because I have a dino visiting after Christmas, and then in March, Melo, Em, and Hana are coming to visit! So, if you are thinking of visiting, here are my term dates:

Fall Term:
Sept 22-Dec 12

Spring Term:
Jan 12-March 20

Summer Term:
April 20-July 3

Fall Term:
Sept 21-Dec 11

Hmmm. What else have I done recently? I went to the V&A yesterday, which was AMAZING! That museum is going to take me about 6 visits to see the whole thing. There is no way to possibly see it all in one go. I went with Flora and Kirsli. We could only handle a bit over 2 hours of it. Then, we got hungry, ate Chinese, and went to the grocery store. The other day, Kirsli and I went on a grand adventure, trying to find somewhere for me to buy a phone. I ended up ordering it online, though we will see if that works or not!!

That's all for now...

Washing Troubles Away

Good news! I finally have pillows AND blanket. Ooooh yeah. Last night was my second night with them, and it was glorious. I am also now the proud owner of a fuchsia and brown striped duvet cover AND chocolate brown towels.

The past couple of days have been nice, albeit a bit strange. I went out with a group of people to head to a pub on Monday night (Katy, Kelly, Jason, Chantal, and Kirsli). I realized that I am going to be the worst Brit ever! I just can't drink every night. I am not so good at boozing. I mean, the group I went out with wasn't going out with that intention, but when people wanted to head out again Tuesday night... I dunno. I just get a feeling that I am going to be missing a lot of fun when I decide to stay in at night.

Anyway, things are going well! I signed the checks for my loans yesterday, which is exciting! I register for classes Friday, and then start on Monday! I am so excited to finally start school again.

So, I've made two good friends so far: Kirsli and Flora. Kirsli is a punk gal from New Jersey with pink hair and a shining personality. Flora is from Italy, and is the cutest and sweetest girl ever! I like them a lot. We went exploring on Monday and found our way around a bit. Then last night, we learned where NOT to go in the dark... That's a pretty important lesson, I reckon!

Anyway, I'm not so sure yet, but I think once I really get settled, I'll like London. For now, it's just such an alternate universe for me...

London, Day 1 complete!

Here I am, sitting at the desk in my new dorm/flat, drinking a nice cup of tea. Seriously, am I British yet? lol.

This has been such a weird experience thus far, and I think it will be getting weirder.

I miss Atlanta and my dinosaur there quite a lot. After being dropped of at the airport by him, I went through security, had a good cry, and kept on my way. I felt a bit like a zombie, walking through the airport. I made a few last phone calls (to my mom) and then turned off my phone.

The flight was long, but not so bad. I literally fell asleep DURING takeoff. I remember the engine starting and the plane speeding up... but the next I remember, I was up in the air, cruising. So, that's how exhausted I was! I sat next to a pair of hilarious and adorable old British men (possibly a couple? They sure acted like it!). One of them told me a story about how when he was little, his mother knitted him a wool "swimming costume," but when he went to go swim in it, the water made the wool stretch and it fell off! Haha!

When the plane landed, I was supposed to be met by a driver to bring me to my dorm... but I couldn't find him for the life of me! I had the Airport Information peope page 3 times, then I called on a payphone to my dorm (I was pretty stressed by now!) and they said he would find me. And he did. And then I was on my way.

The dorm looks really nice from the outside and is spin-n-span on the inside. My room looks a bit like a hotel. There is nothing in it. I had ordered a move-in pack, which was to have a blanket, utensils, sheets, etc...but it didn't arrive. So I went out looking for those things yesterday and couldn't find them. Oh man, I am going to get lost so much! What a confusing layout! Anyway, so I slept last night, curled up on my sheet-less mattress, wearing about 16 layers of clothes, using my scarves as a pillow, and my jackets as a blanket. I am so pathetic!

So, a pillow is my first mission of the day (after breakfast!). Here I go!

A poem I wrote in 2003

Today is the day:
for walking slow to class
for thinking of who I'll pass
for looking at the sky
for watching the cars go by
for walking up eight flights of stairs
to tell someone that you care
for being all alone
for wanting to be home
for wondering why leaves are green
for seeing the concrete steam
for fighting for your rights
for understanding others' plights
for saying hello to friends
for saying no to trends
to take him out to lunch
for spiking the party's punch
for wearing your new shoes
for being what you choose
to stand up and rejoice
for making your own choice.

Spare some for spare parts

Daily Happies
1. Last night I went out with Kris again. I like him more and more each time we hang out. We had a talk last night about what to do about us. We decided that the boy/girlfriend thing wouldn't work. We are both just caught up on the whole "Abie is leaving in a few months" thing. So, I think we decided to just have fun and not try and label it. I feel better with that decision anyway. I don't need lots of complication in my life. But, I really do like him a lot.
2. Went thrift store shopping today and got a super cute dress AND a super cute nightgown that I may wear as a dress. If I do, I will try and put photos up. It's so adorable and vintage-y! Very 60's.
3. I took a 4 hour nap today. Yes, this is a cause for joy. I rarely allow myself naps!
4. I slept until past 10am today. And woke up and snuggled. God, I forgot how amazing cuddling is. Seriously, it's the best part of life.
5. I ate some Taro Ice Cream for dessert. Yum!!!
6. Last night, I went to a Comedy Burlesque show at Shakespeare's Tavern. It was hilarious, AND I got to see them set some guy's nipple on fire!

2008 and Beyond

I never posted these before online, but they have been posted in my room. But now, as I am moving, I have to decide what to bring and leave. So, rather than taking the full posterboard, here are my lists:

2008
1. Move out of San Diego
2. Take a long walk at least 1x per month
3. Wear heels 1x per month
4. Lose 20 lbs
5. Get another tattoo
6. Drink at least 8 glasses of H20 per day
7. Read at least 1 book per month
8. Take a photography course
9. Take Japanese lessons
10. Learn to skateboard

Beyond
1. Ride in a hot air balloon
2. Visit the Aurora Borealis
3. See Maachu Picchu
4. Become fluent in Japanese
5. Marry someone amazing and worth it
6. Ride the fastest roller coaster in the world
7. See Sigur Ros in concert
8. Wear a bikini
9. Go to carnaval in Rio de Janeiro
10. Get my Masters degree

When it all comes true

"Cancer: A few annoying events will have you feeling grouchy, but luckily, the day will end really well. ."

I am really freaked out when horoscopes are right on the money. today started out to be an awful day!

I was running late, left the house, locked the door, then realized that I forgot to put deodorant on. So, I open it back up, go to the bathroom with all of my things, and proceed to put on deodorant. I was in a hurry, but I told myself, "Abie, if you go too fast, you are going to get deodorant all over you black shirt." And so I slowed down to keep that fro happening. Then, as I was taking the deodorant stick out from my shirt, I accidentally knocked over my coffee ALL OVER MY STUFF in the bathroom. I ruined 2 sets of eyeshadow, got coffee all over my flat iron and hairbrush and toothbrush, and then only had half a cup to drink! Grr!

But, then, as the day wore on, it got better, I got out of my grump...and now, it is GORGEOUS outside. I am going to head to the beach today, just to sit and lounge before the evening. Be jealous.

See you guys in Georgia in 2 weeks!
See you in London in a few months!

Love love love!

You can try the best you can

Handsome
Originally uploaded by Abigail Lee

having pets is like having children. To me, Ocha is almost a son. He has been with me through so many hard times. He has always loved me and been there for me. There are few out there who can claim that.

Today, I got bad news about Ocha. He has another abscess.

I feel so bad for him. I just want him to get better. I cried when the vet told me. She is awesome and doesn't charge me what she really should for the surgeries... but what do we do if surgery doesn't work?

I hope Ocha is ok. He is so important to me. Everyone, please keep Ocha in your thoughts. If you are apt to pray, please pray for him.

<3

Dream the high road

I went to the psychic today. This was my Christmas present from Lenny and Clarissa. It's more of a healing process of her reading auras and chakras. She also specializes in past lives.

It sounds silly to some of you, I'm sure. But, I really feel much better after going. I honestly feel better, healed.

About life in general for me:
"For you, owning your space is part of your healing."
"Now I'm going to look at your work space...are you looking to change? Cuz you've built up the energy to do that."

About David:
"He's growing like crazy, so hopefully this growth that he's in will give him..make him stay out of your space."
"Any information in your body or your records...everything that's his, we took out and gave to him...Likewise, we went in to his records, and took out anything that is yours that belongs to you and gave it back...and he was in agreement with it...in other words, he doesn't really want to be doing this. It wouldn't be his first choice. But, he's got some stuff in his space that causes him to do it, and those things are pictures. So I got all the pictures that have you in them out of him space and any pictures in your space that he's in, out. So now there's no more common energy between you two. And really, he wants that. It's like he can't help himself. He can't help but throw energy at you."
"Did you ever think about having babies with him? Because, that's one of the ties...The baby spirit is still trying to connect you two. The baby was looking at the old contract between you two. I am just going to destroy it. [the contract]"

Lauren is going to send her spiritual guide to help David out for the next three years. And I am so happy she said that. Because, even in spite of it all, I know he is a good person inside. The situation was awful and heart wrenching, but somewhere inside him, he is still the David I knew and loved. And I want him to be happy. So, I hope her spiritual guide can help point David in the right path and clear the spiritual impurities out of his space.

About Grad School:
"This new phase in your life, this new place, it is exactly what you need to do."
"What will be obvious to you will be a huge epiphany to someone else."
"Hmm, about a baby. Where have you put that? Watch that, because that's the in your space. All that creative female energy will manifest a baby if you aren't careful. And I mean be *really* careful."
"I see a soul group. You're at a point where you're going to travel halfway across the world to meet your soul group."
"Right now, this person is just a bud. For him to meet your contract, he's got to grow, got to blossom. He's going to present himself to you as a fully-budded rose."



Dream the high road.

Somedays aren't yours at all, they come and go as if they're someone else's days

八十八日
Originally uploaded by Abigail Lee

Hi everyone. I don't really want to write any daily happies, again. To be honest, I am not sure if I am done with them or not. Of course, I will always have my daily happies. But, do I share them? I don't know. Maybe.

Anyway, I really jut felt like rambling for a moment.

I feel some change coming to me soon. I think my growth period is not over yet. I think the beginning of this year will be needed to rejuvenate my life and my love. But afterwards, I foresee some exciting things.

I just want you to all know that you are loved by me. I don't think I could have survived the awful times of 2007 without the love from my friends and family. This year, things will finally be coming together for me, I just know it. I will finally get to move past my old life and my old self. It is time to move forward with who I am and who I will be.

Bring it on, 2008!
Fuck you, 2006 and 2007!

No disrespect, but that's just how I am

Beautiful Disaster
Originally uploaded by Abigail Lee

I don't know why I am making a post today.

I am in a "why am I still in San Diego? I hate my job. I just want to move to London so I can finally do something I like..." mood.



p.s. Like this photo... because I do.

Horoscopes, Love, and Tears

Today's:
"Someone you finally got out of your life will return, insisting they've changed. Why believe them this time?"

Wow. Sometimes I believe in this sort of thing.

So, I've been thinking about David a lot lately. I think it's because it was my first Christmas without him in my life in many years. Also, tomorrow is his birthday. He will be 25.

In my moment of weakness, I read through his blog. It was good for me, though it has shaken me up a bit. He says he is ashamed at his foolish behavior and mistakes that ended our relationship. And while this does not take back what happened, far from it... at least I know that he knows what he did is wrong. I hope he does not ever do this to another girl. And I worry for him, as I strongly believe in karma. I am quite afraid that his actions have built up a large amount of bad karma for him.

And while I can never forgive or forget him for what happened, I will always love him. I think recently I am coming to terms with this. I may never want to speak to him or hear from him again, but some part of my heart will always belong to him. Maybe it is the damaged portion, but some part of it will always have his name on it.

Is that what love is? Each lover claims a part of your heart, burns their name into your heart's flesh, and then does what they want to it?

I just hope that some day I find someone who will treasure and care for it the way that it deserves.



Happy birthday, David.