So I guess its about time I at least post a little update, intelligent or not. Since my last post, a decent amount has happened. I finished reading Life of Pi which was a great novel, well written, and extremely thoughtful. The author had several interesting thoughts on religion from the point of view of the narrator/main character. That got me thinking a bit, but not for long. My brain still wants to take a complete vacation from any sort of intellectual work, but I try to at least do something during the day to keep my mind stimulated. Some Sudoku, a chapter or two a day from my next book Spitfire, a historical description of the British fighter Spitfires from WWII, their advancements in science, the men who flew them, and their contribution to the war and the Battle of Britain. I've come across some really fascinating segments of the book I'll perhaps copy onto a post at a later date; some thought provoking, some emotionally riveting (like Winston's speeches), and of course some cheeky British humor.
I've also watched quite a fair share of movies recently. Had a lovely "Master & Commander" night with some friends as we were inspired to watch the British Navy in action after visiting the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards (my third time) several weeks ago. Caitlin also finally introduced me to the mother of all horror films, "Silence of the Lambs". I found it fascinating because it was enough horror that I could handle it alright, but the complex plot and character development was what really made it brilliant to watch. We then went on to watch the other Hannibal Lector series; "Red Dragon" was good too, "Hannibal" was also good but much more assaulting in violence, at least as far as his cannibalism goes. We watched another horror on TV by accident, "The Descent" and that was just too much for me. I screamed out loud several times, and ended up watching this horrible nightmare from behind a book 90% of the time. Uggghhh. How can people like that??? I did not make me feel good at all, and was utterly depressing. On a lighter note, "Hot Fuzz" which I watched tonight, is a hilariously fun movie to watch and very much British humor about the police force.
Otherwise, I have occupied my time with Christmas shopping, spending time with some friends before we all head home, and walking around town. Last weekend was an exciting change of events however. I had the pleasure of meeting up with a good friend, Ryan, from St. Andrew's (Scotland) as well as a mutual friend Brian, for an evening out in London last Sunday. Usually I take the bus, but this time we took the train south which was exciting for me because I've actually never used the rail in England yet. So that was another new adventure, and saw parts of Oxford I hadn't seen before. The point of our trek to London, however, was to attend the first advent service at St. Paul's Cathedral. It was an absolutely gorgeous ceremony. Very formal, very reverent, as well as very inspirational from it's readings. The theme spoke repeatedly on anticipation of the Second Coming, and I really appreciated how it also included readings from outside religious sources and not strictly passages of the bible. What a wonderful way to interest church goers in new materials to read on the faith. After the service, my visit was made complete by a look at Lord Horatio Nelson's tomb in the Cathedral. We then did a whirlwind tour of all the outside attractions one could see after 7 p.m. & I enjoyed my assigned role of tour/map guide. In my several visits to London alone during the summer and with friends, I have taken great pride in becoming aware of the layout of London, and especially how the tube system works. I just find it personally rewarding to know that I have gained knowledge from my many previous mistakes of getting off at the wrong stop, or trying to find my way back, etc. and it also makes me feel more like a true resident of the U.K. to know the layout of London at least a little. Enough to get by.
We concluded the evening with a pleasant and delectable meal of Indian curry, or whatever else we ordered. It was a long ride back, and we finally made it back into Oxford by 1 a.m. The next day we met up again for a casual and satisfying lunch at the Eagle and Child before Ryan and Brian were both on their way to Edinburgh that afternoon. What I liked most about the weekend however, is that it was good to talk to a familiar friend again about familiar topics such as Hillsdale, Greek Life, other points of mutual interest we had already established, etc. It was just nice to have a conversation where I could pick up again where it was left off, catch up on life, talk comfortably but philosophically at times. I think what made last weekend stand out more as well, is that I still find myself having relatively "young" conversations with many of my friends here in Oxford. What I mean by "young" is, we are still getting to know each other in many ways, and at times have to search extra hard to find any points of mutual interest or commonalities. They are pleasant company, but still fresh and awkward at moments, and it just takes time for things like that to adjust. Which is why I am grateful for having a comfortable and enjoyable last weekend with familiar company. (Oh, and Caitlin is excluded from any of this because we've practically lived together since freshman year and I have been blessed to have her with me this whole time to help with the newness of some of these social gatherings. At times it has felt like Freshman year all over again, getting to know so many new people.)
So all in all, that's about it. Tasks ahead are to do are: one last Christmas gift, all are taken care of except Dad. He's a hard one to be creative for at times. Finish & mail the last of internship applications. I should catch up and write in my real journal. Tie up loose ends for the family visit in one week. More personal fun reading. And best of all, enjoy a great weekend out with Caitlin. It's our last weekend hurrah together in the U.K. before she heads home next Wednesday. Not time to look back and reminisce yet, however, we still have a whole weekend ahead of us!
Cheers,
Lindsay