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
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Friday, 30 November 2007
A Glimpse Into What I've Done Here in Oxford
So I finally figured out this picture deal on this site....I'm not exactly a computer effecianado. The top photo is my amazing rugby team, Newford Hall. We ended up being a combination team of New College, Hertford College, and Lady Margaret Hall, hence Newford Hall. The second picture is the New College Women's Football Club. I loved every single minute with all these ladies. Maybe I'll get a picture with Dr. Hurst too, before I leave; that would give a great representation of my regular hours spent in tutorial with him. He looks like the perfect Oxford tutor with his kind smile and very English appearance. I wish I could bring all this back to Hillsdale with me.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Pleasant Surprises
So, as you can judge from the above title, today was a day of pleasant surprises...
The greatest was finding out that my tutorial is suddenly finished much sooner than expected. Dr. Hurst had already set me another essay due this upcoming Saturday on international relations 1923-1930, but after finishing reading for my last essay at today's tutorial, he began setting me my grades for the term. After assuring me that he was satisfied with the number of essays I had written him already, I was able to sit back, relaxed, and comfortably take in his generous analysis or my performance as his pupil since June, earlier this summer. I won't go into details of all he said, but to give you a general idea, I walked out of his house afterwards and once out of sight, I literally jumped for joy. I have never felt so rewarded for all my hard work, and felt that his critique was one of the most fair grades I've ever received my whole academic career. Our last meeting remains scheduled on Saturday, but instead will be a casual discussion of all I have learned to bring my studies in full circle.
That's it then. After my tutorial Saturday, my time lies empty; I am no longer a slave to my day planner. Football finished. Rugby finished. Tutorial finished. My plans then are to do some light Christmas shopping, lots of personal reading (have not read a proper novel in months), and general enjoyment of Oxford before my attention is pulled away to play hostess for my family in two weeks. I have two bigger goals as well. First, I hope to make one last trip into London & spend time with family friends before Christmas preparations become overwhelming. Second, I think I will take some regular walking adventures around Oxford. I know the city center, my neighborhood, and the general area, but before I leave I want to really come to know Oxford. I will therefore venture beyond familiar areas, try new pubs, and continue to absorb every moment here. This will be truly exciting!
Another pleasant surprise occurred not just an hour ago. Caitlin and I just had to get out of the house for a short while, so we grabbed our books and strolled over to the Book-Binders Ale House, and little neighborhood pub that lies just around the corner, but in the opposite direction of our usual traffic route. It was a dim, cozy little establishment with a unique assortment of antiques and oddities lining the walls and ceilings. They even had board games stacked up in the corner for patrons to entertain themselves with. I didn't know what to expect, so we both enjoyed a good pint in our warm little corner and became lost in literature for an hour or so. It was truly a little charming place...I'll have to stop by there possibly with the family when they visit.
I guess not much else was a "pleasant surprise", but that was most of my day. Went to the farmer's morning market and bought some absolutely sumptuous Foccacia to eat with the gourmet olive oil I purchased in Florence less than two weeks ago...checked out "Life of Pi" at the city library as my first novel to start on this Christmas Break...returned all my research books back to New College...Now all my attention will turn to completing internship applications, personal reading, exercising/walking adventures, enjoying city life, and completing simple menial tasks or errands that I honestly do find enjoyable. From now on I am embracing the simplicities I can enjoy in day-to-day life before classes begin to loom ahead in January.
Cheers!
Lindsay
The greatest was finding out that my tutorial is suddenly finished much sooner than expected. Dr. Hurst had already set me another essay due this upcoming Saturday on international relations 1923-1930, but after finishing reading for my last essay at today's tutorial, he began setting me my grades for the term. After assuring me that he was satisfied with the number of essays I had written him already, I was able to sit back, relaxed, and comfortably take in his generous analysis or my performance as his pupil since June, earlier this summer. I won't go into details of all he said, but to give you a general idea, I walked out of his house afterwards and once out of sight, I literally jumped for joy. I have never felt so rewarded for all my hard work, and felt that his critique was one of the most fair grades I've ever received my whole academic career. Our last meeting remains scheduled on Saturday, but instead will be a casual discussion of all I have learned to bring my studies in full circle.
That's it then. After my tutorial Saturday, my time lies empty; I am no longer a slave to my day planner. Football finished. Rugby finished. Tutorial finished. My plans then are to do some light Christmas shopping, lots of personal reading (have not read a proper novel in months), and general enjoyment of Oxford before my attention is pulled away to play hostess for my family in two weeks. I have two bigger goals as well. First, I hope to make one last trip into London & spend time with family friends before Christmas preparations become overwhelming. Second, I think I will take some regular walking adventures around Oxford. I know the city center, my neighborhood, and the general area, but before I leave I want to really come to know Oxford. I will therefore venture beyond familiar areas, try new pubs, and continue to absorb every moment here. This will be truly exciting!
Another pleasant surprise occurred not just an hour ago. Caitlin and I just had to get out of the house for a short while, so we grabbed our books and strolled over to the Book-Binders Ale House, and little neighborhood pub that lies just around the corner, but in the opposite direction of our usual traffic route. It was a dim, cozy little establishment with a unique assortment of antiques and oddities lining the walls and ceilings. They even had board games stacked up in the corner for patrons to entertain themselves with. I didn't know what to expect, so we both enjoyed a good pint in our warm little corner and became lost in literature for an hour or so. It was truly a little charming place...I'll have to stop by there possibly with the family when they visit.
I guess not much else was a "pleasant surprise", but that was most of my day. Went to the farmer's morning market and bought some absolutely sumptuous Foccacia to eat with the gourmet olive oil I purchased in Florence less than two weeks ago...checked out "Life of Pi" at the city library as my first novel to start on this Christmas Break...returned all my research books back to New College...Now all my attention will turn to completing internship applications, personal reading, exercising/walking adventures, enjoying city life, and completing simple menial tasks or errands that I honestly do find enjoyable. From now on I am embracing the simplicities I can enjoy in day-to-day life before classes begin to loom ahead in January.
Cheers!
Lindsay
Sunday, 25 November 2007
Wrapping Things Up
I am increasingly amazed at how fast things are coming to a close here in Oxford. This next week begins 8th week (out of 8), which means it's all ending sooner than I thought.
Tutorials are beginning to reach a conclusion as well, but dear Dr. Hurst wants to push it on as long as he can because he knows I'll still be around waiting for my family to arrive December 15. Disappointingly for him, (fortunately for me) my Bodleian card expires sometime around Dec. 8 so my tuts can't carry on forever as I can't study without research materials. My last paper covered the entire four years of WWI in general study under the thesis "Why WWI lasted so long". It was one of my most fascinating papers to study and read up on, and I am impressed with many of the ideas I came away with. One that struck me with a resounding blow was the concept that WWI introduced the accession of material supremacy over the individual. The buildup of numbers and power in armaments and weaponry became the greater focus and the story of the individual soldier on the front blended away as just numbers in a trench. My next essay may not be as thrilling, but I'll push my way through reading about more Great Power relations 1923 to 1930.
Saturday was one of the most exciting days I've personally had in a good while. After my tutorial I seriously ran a good two miles through into town and over to the New College sports ground. I had to miss the first match of the Rugby Cupper 7's tournament, but arrived in time to spend another 5 hours of rucking, shivering between matches, and covering myself in dirt with pretty much half the pitch. In total we played 5 games and did reasonably well with no subs. I can't remember if it was 3 wins- 2 loss, or the other way around, but we came away 5th place out of some 14 teams or so and won a silver plate for our team! In all honesty, it was the most fun I've had so far. I loved every shivering moment out there, loved every punch, and still love every bruise and ache I feel throughout my body today. It must have been around the high 30's Fahrenheit, but while we were out there in the middle of a match, you couldn't feel the cold at all.
I was honestly surprised how well I was able to bring it together and contribute to the team as well. Sadly, I've had to miss the last two practices out of necessity, both of which were important because they practiced further tackling techniques. I fortunately soaked up every ounce of information I learned at that first tackling session, and at least knew how to approach it correctly and relatively safely. In all, I would say that my contribution to this tournament was 20% knowledge of the game & techniques, 80% passion & adrenaline. My dad is in humored disbelief that his eldest, most "academically driven" daughter is turned on by violent sport. It's a true fact, however, and have found it's the best way for me to release any energy, aggression, or enthusiasm I have.
I was put in the position forward, and our job is to carry the team's mobility forward through strength, power, and fateful blows delivered to the enemy. Carly & Ann, our captains and the experienced OUWRFC (Oxford University Women's Rugby Football Club) players played back where they were to carry the ball to the try line with swift mobility & sprints. In short, we do the heavy work, and they score the points. I like it that way, and found it much easier to just focus on my one job and the laws guiding my position, unlike other sports where some players have to know and do it all. In more competitive & professional teams of course everyone must know everything, but for small college amateur leagues thats not so important.
The time flew by on the pitch, and every game was a new exciting challenge with different techniques applied to overcome the enemy's weakness or at least avoid them pinpointing ours. As I said, Carly and Ann scored the points, but Senna and Caitlin also contributed a couple in there as well. I spent lots of my time either in the sweaty heat of a half-scrum (to be described soon), on the ground, stuck in a maul, laid flat out sometimes with people stacked on top of me, or either scrambling on top of the pile myself trying to get control of the ball.
One of my favorite descriptions of the drama of rugby, I discovered yesterday occurs in the silence of a half-scrum before the ball is touched into play. I am not exaggerating here either, as those moments are filled so much with athletic tension and heightened senses. A half-scrum is a restart of play where the forwards (me & 2 team-mates) interlock shoulders and heads with 3 opposing forwards. We create a tunnel like formation with all six players crouching low, leg muscles contracted at the ready to either push or run. The few moments before the ball is placed in the tunnel, fingers are grabbing at loose shirt on opponents', your ear is level with the mouth of your rival whose head you are locked against. Her heavy, bated, almost growling breath is clearly audible with a constant background chorus of six cold runny noses sniffling. The ball is placed into the middle of the half-scrum and the team with the advantage foots it through their players, and play is in action once the ball is touched with the hands of one of the runners in back. Other moments of play like rucks and mauls can be twice, even three times as intense as the quiet moments of a half-scrum, but during those everything moves faster than the mind can think, and players are acting on reflexes and instant decisions. In a half-scrum, those 3 maybe 5 seconds of silence, lets one concentrate on the moment at hand. The repetitions of those few brief moments of film-like drama explained everything to me without the utterance of a single word. The passion and energy that was exuded in the sweat and heavy breath of all those players in the half-scrum, instantly told me why that is one of England's most beloved sports. That same energy is carried on in the rest of the game, and I think what encourages it is that play doesn't stop when a player is tackled or the ball touches the ground like in American Football. You just keep going, no matter what. It may take a while for me to appreciate it the same as a viewer, but as a player that energy instantly captured the love of my athletic heart.
It all moved so fast though, I can hardly remember everything I did on the field, not to mention remembering 5 different games in one day. I know though that I did some good tackles, some poor attempts, and some confusing moments when no one knows what's going on so you all just jump for the ball. One good tackle I do remember, is that an opposing back was running with the ball straight towards me. I remember positioning myself for launching a tackle and thinking at the same time, "she is so stupid if she keeps running straight at me". Well she did, but that was lucky for me. Not only did I gain the advantage for my team, but I also felt good especially because I pulled off something that looked like I actually knew what I was doing out there. She was much lighter than me as well and I hit her square on in the abdomen, grabbed her knee pulling her legs off the ground as taught, and seriously set her back a good 2 maybe 3 feet. I only know this because she was light enough that I had to get up off top of her. Usually when you tackle you both fall to the side, but she was so light she just kept going back! I felt badly though when it took a couple minutes for her to catch wind and get up again. Coach Scholl from MI would be proud of me though...I did not show any weakness and say "sorry".
My team-mates were so supportive of me (as we all were of each other) and encouraged me after every good tackle I made. One such tackle they told me about at the end of the last game, I didn't remember, but they said that when I hit the other girl, Ann said it was "right on brilliant" and Helen mentioned she even her a "wham" type sound at contact. I knew then that not only was I having fun & contributing to the team, but I was helping make it fun for them too. I'm glad I didn't hurt anyone though, just as much as I am relieved to have not been mortally wounded myself. There were some serious injuries that occurred in the matches going on around us. There were medics on site throughout the day, but in addition, there ended up being three separate ambulance calls. One for a messed up neck, one dislocated shoulder, and one broken leg. Funny story, I overheard a recent conversation from the broken leg lady and she mentioned that while in the ambulance on way to the hospital, the paramedic told her "If you were a real rugby player, you would have bitten your leg off and continued playing".
So, in conclusion, rugby is finished. They actually continue the season next term but I won't be here anymore, so that's it for me. Ann and Carly encouraged me to keep up rugby though, and said that I picked up really fast and play well for someone who's never touched a rugby ball before this term. Suggested even that I start up a rec league at Hillsdale due to the fact that there's no more rugby for me back home. That idea was definitely intriguing, but will currently sit on the back burner of my mind until the appropriate time.
To Wrap up a rather lengthy description of Saturday, I came home utterly knackered and achy with 3 hours to shower the layers of mud off and make myself presentable for a footy social. The New College boy's football teams and our girl's team were to spend an evening together full of fun, curry, lots of drinks, toasts, and quality time together. Well only 3 of the girls from our team ended up showing, so it was a little awkward, especially because the boys gravitated to their natural division of footy friends leaving us girls to ourselves. Optimistically, it turned out perfect, and I got to spend a wonderful night bonding with Nicky and Lydia. Other excitements include witnessing the men's team hazing of the fresher boys making them drink a rather nasty booze/milk/cereal concoction, and an R-rated Trinity college Crew team social at the other end of the restaurant (they had a little too much to drink, but I have heard crew socials are crazy), and an endless round of toasts that seemed more like a drinking game. It ended up becoming something like "To those who've never scored a goal from behind the goal-box line" or "to those who don't support their local football club" and the respective people had to stand and drink. I was fortunate they didn't pick on goalies too long, but I did hear the unavoidable "to you who play keeper and have never scored a goal". We ended up calling quits around 11:30 though, as we ladies had a match scheduled for the next day. Sadly though, that ended up being canceled the morning of! What was most disappointing was that it was Lydia's and my very last match with the team and we had very good chances of winning too. The other team was short too many players (they should suck it up! We won a cup match with only 7 players against 11!) so it ended up being a forfeit to us. So no last football memories, but we have all intentions of making up for this loss with a ladies' footy social sometime before end of term.
So that's about it right now. Rugby is over. Football is over, possibly one last hurrah together. Tutorial coming to a close soon & I should get working on this next paper. But that still doesn't mean the excitement is over yet!
Cheers,
Lindsay
Tutorials are beginning to reach a conclusion as well, but dear Dr. Hurst wants to push it on as long as he can because he knows I'll still be around waiting for my family to arrive December 15. Disappointingly for him, (fortunately for me) my Bodleian card expires sometime around Dec. 8 so my tuts can't carry on forever as I can't study without research materials. My last paper covered the entire four years of WWI in general study under the thesis "Why WWI lasted so long". It was one of my most fascinating papers to study and read up on, and I am impressed with many of the ideas I came away with. One that struck me with a resounding blow was the concept that WWI introduced the accession of material supremacy over the individual. The buildup of numbers and power in armaments and weaponry became the greater focus and the story of the individual soldier on the front blended away as just numbers in a trench. My next essay may not be as thrilling, but I'll push my way through reading about more Great Power relations 1923 to 1930.
Saturday was one of the most exciting days I've personally had in a good while. After my tutorial I seriously ran a good two miles through into town and over to the New College sports ground. I had to miss the first match of the Rugby Cupper 7's tournament, but arrived in time to spend another 5 hours of rucking, shivering between matches, and covering myself in dirt with pretty much half the pitch. In total we played 5 games and did reasonably well with no subs. I can't remember if it was 3 wins- 2 loss, or the other way around, but we came away 5th place out of some 14 teams or so and won a silver plate for our team! In all honesty, it was the most fun I've had so far. I loved every shivering moment out there, loved every punch, and still love every bruise and ache I feel throughout my body today. It must have been around the high 30's Fahrenheit, but while we were out there in the middle of a match, you couldn't feel the cold at all.
I was honestly surprised how well I was able to bring it together and contribute to the team as well. Sadly, I've had to miss the last two practices out of necessity, both of which were important because they practiced further tackling techniques. I fortunately soaked up every ounce of information I learned at that first tackling session, and at least knew how to approach it correctly and relatively safely. In all, I would say that my contribution to this tournament was 20% knowledge of the game & techniques, 80% passion & adrenaline. My dad is in humored disbelief that his eldest, most "academically driven" daughter is turned on by violent sport. It's a true fact, however, and have found it's the best way for me to release any energy, aggression, or enthusiasm I have.
I was put in the position forward, and our job is to carry the team's mobility forward through strength, power, and fateful blows delivered to the enemy. Carly & Ann, our captains and the experienced OUWRFC (Oxford University Women's Rugby Football Club) players played back where they were to carry the ball to the try line with swift mobility & sprints. In short, we do the heavy work, and they score the points. I like it that way, and found it much easier to just focus on my one job and the laws guiding my position, unlike other sports where some players have to know and do it all. In more competitive & professional teams of course everyone must know everything, but for small college amateur leagues thats not so important.
The time flew by on the pitch, and every game was a new exciting challenge with different techniques applied to overcome the enemy's weakness or at least avoid them pinpointing ours. As I said, Carly and Ann scored the points, but Senna and Caitlin also contributed a couple in there as well. I spent lots of my time either in the sweaty heat of a half-scrum (to be described soon), on the ground, stuck in a maul, laid flat out sometimes with people stacked on top of me, or either scrambling on top of the pile myself trying to get control of the ball.
One of my favorite descriptions of the drama of rugby, I discovered yesterday occurs in the silence of a half-scrum before the ball is touched into play. I am not exaggerating here either, as those moments are filled so much with athletic tension and heightened senses. A half-scrum is a restart of play where the forwards (me & 2 team-mates) interlock shoulders and heads with 3 opposing forwards. We create a tunnel like formation with all six players crouching low, leg muscles contracted at the ready to either push or run. The few moments before the ball is placed in the tunnel, fingers are grabbing at loose shirt on opponents', your ear is level with the mouth of your rival whose head you are locked against. Her heavy, bated, almost growling breath is clearly audible with a constant background chorus of six cold runny noses sniffling. The ball is placed into the middle of the half-scrum and the team with the advantage foots it through their players, and play is in action once the ball is touched with the hands of one of the runners in back. Other moments of play like rucks and mauls can be twice, even three times as intense as the quiet moments of a half-scrum, but during those everything moves faster than the mind can think, and players are acting on reflexes and instant decisions. In a half-scrum, those 3 maybe 5 seconds of silence, lets one concentrate on the moment at hand. The repetitions of those few brief moments of film-like drama explained everything to me without the utterance of a single word. The passion and energy that was exuded in the sweat and heavy breath of all those players in the half-scrum, instantly told me why that is one of England's most beloved sports. That same energy is carried on in the rest of the game, and I think what encourages it is that play doesn't stop when a player is tackled or the ball touches the ground like in American Football. You just keep going, no matter what. It may take a while for me to appreciate it the same as a viewer, but as a player that energy instantly captured the love of my athletic heart.
It all moved so fast though, I can hardly remember everything I did on the field, not to mention remembering 5 different games in one day. I know though that I did some good tackles, some poor attempts, and some confusing moments when no one knows what's going on so you all just jump for the ball. One good tackle I do remember, is that an opposing back was running with the ball straight towards me. I remember positioning myself for launching a tackle and thinking at the same time, "she is so stupid if she keeps running straight at me". Well she did, but that was lucky for me. Not only did I gain the advantage for my team, but I also felt good especially because I pulled off something that looked like I actually knew what I was doing out there. She was much lighter than me as well and I hit her square on in the abdomen, grabbed her knee pulling her legs off the ground as taught, and seriously set her back a good 2 maybe 3 feet. I only know this because she was light enough that I had to get up off top of her. Usually when you tackle you both fall to the side, but she was so light she just kept going back! I felt badly though when it took a couple minutes for her to catch wind and get up again. Coach Scholl from MI would be proud of me though...I did not show any weakness and say "sorry".
My team-mates were so supportive of me (as we all were of each other) and encouraged me after every good tackle I made. One such tackle they told me about at the end of the last game, I didn't remember, but they said that when I hit the other girl, Ann said it was "right on brilliant" and Helen mentioned she even her a "wham" type sound at contact. I knew then that not only was I having fun & contributing to the team, but I was helping make it fun for them too. I'm glad I didn't hurt anyone though, just as much as I am relieved to have not been mortally wounded myself. There were some serious injuries that occurred in the matches going on around us. There were medics on site throughout the day, but in addition, there ended up being three separate ambulance calls. One for a messed up neck, one dislocated shoulder, and one broken leg. Funny story, I overheard a recent conversation from the broken leg lady and she mentioned that while in the ambulance on way to the hospital, the paramedic told her "If you were a real rugby player, you would have bitten your leg off and continued playing".
So, in conclusion, rugby is finished. They actually continue the season next term but I won't be here anymore, so that's it for me. Ann and Carly encouraged me to keep up rugby though, and said that I picked up really fast and play well for someone who's never touched a rugby ball before this term. Suggested even that I start up a rec league at Hillsdale due to the fact that there's no more rugby for me back home. That idea was definitely intriguing, but will currently sit on the back burner of my mind until the appropriate time.
To Wrap up a rather lengthy description of Saturday, I came home utterly knackered and achy with 3 hours to shower the layers of mud off and make myself presentable for a footy social. The New College boy's football teams and our girl's team were to spend an evening together full of fun, curry, lots of drinks, toasts, and quality time together. Well only 3 of the girls from our team ended up showing, so it was a little awkward, especially because the boys gravitated to their natural division of footy friends leaving us girls to ourselves. Optimistically, it turned out perfect, and I got to spend a wonderful night bonding with Nicky and Lydia. Other excitements include witnessing the men's team hazing of the fresher boys making them drink a rather nasty booze/milk/cereal concoction, and an R-rated Trinity college Crew team social at the other end of the restaurant (they had a little too much to drink, but I have heard crew socials are crazy), and an endless round of toasts that seemed more like a drinking game. It ended up becoming something like "To those who've never scored a goal from behind the goal-box line" or "to those who don't support their local football club" and the respective people had to stand and drink. I was fortunate they didn't pick on goalies too long, but I did hear the unavoidable "to you who play keeper and have never scored a goal". We ended up calling quits around 11:30 though, as we ladies had a match scheduled for the next day. Sadly though, that ended up being canceled the morning of! What was most disappointing was that it was Lydia's and my very last match with the team and we had very good chances of winning too. The other team was short too many players (they should suck it up! We won a cup match with only 7 players against 11!) so it ended up being a forfeit to us. So no last football memories, but we have all intentions of making up for this loss with a ladies' footy social sometime before end of term.
So that's about it right now. Rugby is over. Football is over, possibly one last hurrah together. Tutorial coming to a close soon & I should get working on this next paper. But that still doesn't mean the excitement is over yet!
Cheers,
Lindsay
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Now I Realize How Much I Am In Love
Well, it's been two days since my return from Italy and its about time I say a little something about my short jaunt. Caitlin and I visited our dear Pi Phi sister, Kristen Elmes, in Florence, Italy for four days. I'd already been to Florence before on the Academy senior class trip, but this visit was truly extraordinary. It was nice to saunter around the city, window shop at a leisurely pace, browse among the street vendors, and sit in trattorias for hours just talking. Not the go-go-go quick pace of tour groups, racing through museums & galleries where all the art blends together after so much. It was a pleasant experience overall with gellato, gnocchi, amazing pastas, fine leather, and lots of pictures.
One thing that really struck me was Kristen's passion for living in Tuscany, and how much she has grown to love everything about the culture and the city of Florence. Her unwillingness to leave the beauty of Florence, got me thinking about how I view Oxford. In retrospect, I have taken every moment of every day for granted. I go about my regular schedule, completing any errands or academic goals that lay before me without much consideration for how blessed I am to be here, experiencing this. Consider this my Thanksgiving day thought of gratefulness. I've now returned from beautiful Italy to embrace every single moment I spend in Oxford & England with a renewed thankfulness. I love taking my daily walk through my neighborhood to the City Center, visiting the Wednesday morning market with the occasional cry "2 for a pound!", frequenting the local pubs for a friendly pint with my mates, handing over my Bodleian library card with pride then walking through the restricted access doors of that ancient library...even the little things like walking gingerly over the cobbled parts of the street when I'm wearing good shoes. I've realized how much I enjoy every detail of my life here, so much that I would willingly do it all over again. In short, I don't want to leave, but responsibilities back home make that a necessity. My next best option? Oh, I don't know...graduate school for a Masters here in Oxford (both of my tutors have said I am doing graduate level work already & have high recommendations for me...yay!), maybe find a marketing job in London...all somewhat unrealistic dreams, but still worth pursuing because I love it so much. To conclude this thought, I am in LOVE with life here and I know that I will cry when I hop on that bus and take my last look at Oxford, January 3rd...Okay, no more sentimental thoughts; I still have a month left!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
All the Best,
Lindsay
One thing that really struck me was Kristen's passion for living in Tuscany, and how much she has grown to love everything about the culture and the city of Florence. Her unwillingness to leave the beauty of Florence, got me thinking about how I view Oxford. In retrospect, I have taken every moment of every day for granted. I go about my regular schedule, completing any errands or academic goals that lay before me without much consideration for how blessed I am to be here, experiencing this. Consider this my Thanksgiving day thought of gratefulness. I've now returned from beautiful Italy to embrace every single moment I spend in Oxford & England with a renewed thankfulness. I love taking my daily walk through my neighborhood to the City Center, visiting the Wednesday morning market with the occasional cry "2 for a pound!", frequenting the local pubs for a friendly pint with my mates, handing over my Bodleian library card with pride then walking through the restricted access doors of that ancient library...even the little things like walking gingerly over the cobbled parts of the street when I'm wearing good shoes. I've realized how much I enjoy every detail of my life here, so much that I would willingly do it all over again. In short, I don't want to leave, but responsibilities back home make that a necessity. My next best option? Oh, I don't know...graduate school for a Masters here in Oxford (both of my tutors have said I am doing graduate level work already & have high recommendations for me...yay!), maybe find a marketing job in London...all somewhat unrealistic dreams, but still worth pursuing because I love it so much. To conclude this thought, I am in LOVE with life here and I know that I will cry when I hop on that bus and take my last look at Oxford, January 3rd...Okay, no more sentimental thoughts; I still have a month left!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
All the Best,
Lindsay
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Why? Why? Why?
Quick Question, this is not a long post...
Why is it that people cannot respect another person's opinion???? Why can you not just listen sometimes and not feel the need to speak a response???
I agree that we are allowed to express differing views, but I find that at certain times, if someone expresses certain feelings about a particular matter or issue, others should listen and not just give an immediate response overridden with emotional and irrational thought. I'm sorry but there are certain times when it is and is not appropriate to be confrontational with expressed personal opinions. In my own experience, when some people jump aggressively against any ideas I may say I sympathize with, it is actually a turn-off and I immediately lose any sense of respect for that person's capability of rational thinking.
In the last month that particular dilemma has occurred to me a few times in conversation, and twice on my facebook account. My point being, there is a particular time and place when it is appropriate to enter debate over an issue, and both my experiences fulfilled the 'inappropriate' category. For example, a profile page like facebook is geared to sharing information about oneself and maintaining casual communication with friends. For me on the rare occasion, I will post an article or two that may have caught my eye. I might or might not agree with the afore said article in its entirety, or, it may be one certain point that rung a bell. I will post it if there is something of interest about it which I personally feel a connection with. Therefore, if someone responds to such personally-reflective posts with confrontational rants, I myself would perceive such a response as a minor form of personal attack. If it was a blog website, designed to present political issues and other such related material that would be one thing, but a personal profile is to be appreciated by others for the personality that individual is presenting themselves to be. Furthermore, depending upon how well constructed the response argument is, I may or may not take any offense by the wording, but 90% of the time, my opinion of that individual and their capacity of social etiquette is significantly altered. In other words, choose your timing carefully.
Call me strict or old fashioned about my public manners, but it is my personal reaction to occasions like this which support the meaning "there is a time and place for everything'. In a recent book I read called, The Descent of Manners: Etiquette and Society in the Victorian Era, a passage discussed how it would be considered socially uncouth to discuss heated issues such as religion and politics in public as they repeatedly lead to intense debates. Instead, it is more appropriate to pursue such debates during a time specially set aside for like arguments. To separate such issues from common-day conversation definitely allows for more pleasant conversations on a regular basis, and enables people to develop friendships without the complexities of debate interfering with relationships.
To end this query... I apologize if my reaction here, in reference to recent occurances may have upset anyone. And yes, I am thinking clearly for 2 in the morning. This is a common hour for me to be writing, but usually I would be writing a paper for tutorial the next day.
Cheers All! Tomorrow morning I jet my way to Italy!
Lindsay
Why is it that people cannot respect another person's opinion???? Why can you not just listen sometimes and not feel the need to speak a response???
I agree that we are allowed to express differing views, but I find that at certain times, if someone expresses certain feelings about a particular matter or issue, others should listen and not just give an immediate response overridden with emotional and irrational thought. I'm sorry but there are certain times when it is and is not appropriate to be confrontational with expressed personal opinions. In my own experience, when some people jump aggressively against any ideas I may say I sympathize with, it is actually a turn-off and I immediately lose any sense of respect for that person's capability of rational thinking.
In the last month that particular dilemma has occurred to me a few times in conversation, and twice on my facebook account. My point being, there is a particular time and place when it is appropriate to enter debate over an issue, and both my experiences fulfilled the 'inappropriate' category. For example, a profile page like facebook is geared to sharing information about oneself and maintaining casual communication with friends. For me on the rare occasion, I will post an article or two that may have caught my eye. I might or might not agree with the afore said article in its entirety, or, it may be one certain point that rung a bell. I will post it if there is something of interest about it which I personally feel a connection with. Therefore, if someone responds to such personally-reflective posts with confrontational rants, I myself would perceive such a response as a minor form of personal attack. If it was a blog website, designed to present political issues and other such related material that would be one thing, but a personal profile is to be appreciated by others for the personality that individual is presenting themselves to be. Furthermore, depending upon how well constructed the response argument is, I may or may not take any offense by the wording, but 90% of the time, my opinion of that individual and their capacity of social etiquette is significantly altered. In other words, choose your timing carefully.
Call me strict or old fashioned about my public manners, but it is my personal reaction to occasions like this which support the meaning "there is a time and place for everything'. In a recent book I read called, The Descent of Manners: Etiquette and Society in the Victorian Era, a passage discussed how it would be considered socially uncouth to discuss heated issues such as religion and politics in public as they repeatedly lead to intense debates. Instead, it is more appropriate to pursue such debates during a time specially set aside for like arguments. To separate such issues from common-day conversation definitely allows for more pleasant conversations on a regular basis, and enables people to develop friendships without the complexities of debate interfering with relationships.
To end this query... I apologize if my reaction here, in reference to recent occurances may have upset anyone. And yes, I am thinking clearly for 2 in the morning. This is a common hour for me to be writing, but usually I would be writing a paper for tutorial the next day.
Cheers All! Tomorrow morning I jet my way to Italy!
Lindsay
Monday, 12 November 2007
Guinea Pigs
I couldn't help but write about my new favorite TV show that I will never see again once I go back to the states. It's called "The Guinea Pigs" and features 5 young men who are foolish, reckless, and just plain idiotic. Sounds like a waste of time, but funny thing, you actually learn random facts from this show. Guinea Pigs is presented similar to M TV's Jackass, where the men do stupid stuff to each other as well as have pranks pulled on them by surprise, all videotaped live. The goal of this show, however, is to prove or disprove any vaguely known fact about physics, human science, psychology...you name it.
Tonight's episode had lots of little known facts to teach & I thoroughly enjoyed it. First they watched how the human body reacts to fear by taking one of the most gullible of the 5 guys and placed him in a frightening situation like the Blair Witch Project combined with the Ring. His mission, to videotape his effort making contact with the alleged ghost 'Jessica' in the dark damp basement of a pub. He was also given the code word 'Mesopotamia' if he wanted to escape the situation. The team watched as Mr. Gullible began to scare himself with his own imagination. It was also recorded that his heart rate jumped up to 150 beats per minute as the human body "prepared to run away to safety". The key of the project was to see how focused the human mind zeros in on the unpleasant situation, hence the code word. This poor fellow forgot to say the code word he was so scared, but it gave the audience and his friends a good laugh to see him jump & scream when 'jessica' popped out from the shadows. He was so scared he peed his pants...wouldn't want to be him.
The second task was to prove if ESP existed. 10 eggs were hard boiled, placed among a collection of 15 raw eggs, and the hard boiled numbers recorded from the 25 total. The numbers were placed in a sealed envelope, and given to the 5 fellows seated around the eggs. So if ESP exists then they should correctly guess the hard boiled eggs from just handling the envelope with the answers. How do they find out? Smashing the eggs against the head of course. One messy way to prove it, but that's where all the fun is! The answer was obvious, and all but 2 guys ended up with egg on their face.
The third was perhaps the funniest. Task: eat a sugar coated jelly donut without licking the leftover sugar off your lips. Try it! It's gotta be the most concentrated donut anyone has ever eaten. After a short while a couple of the guys were actually began salivating profusely down their chins, their faces looking absolutely tortured. Lesson: the skin on your lips is so thin and sensitive that even tiny remaining granules of sugar is like a constant tickle you can't get rid of. The best part though was watching the poor guys salivate they wanted to lick their lips so badly.
The last one I really enjoyed too, though perhaps for a more twisted reason. This time two guys were chosen by body type; one big guy, one small, each respectively representing a car and a motorbike. The point was to illustrate the level of impact on each during a car collision. This was done by repeated but unexpected, violent tackles from players of a professional Rugby team, no padding. After the first fellow was humorously tackled (after foolishly chiding the Rugby men as 'little ladies' no less) he was visibly banged up. Guy #1 was knocked about so much, Guy #2 actually became nervous and visibly frightened. Just as guessed, guy #2 was even carried a good 5 feet farther out; he looked like a poor rag-doll. In the end our guinea pigs exhibited whiplash, a couple broken rigs and a broken collar bone...in the joking words my beloved sister Mallory quotes.."Poor little bugger". Maybe its a little disturbing that we get amusement from the foolishness of others, but I justify it with the little lessons you get from their mistakes. Everyone needs a little half-witted enjoyment every now and then to lighten up life a little, and currently "Guinea Pigs" fulfills those simple pleasures adequately.
In conclusion...a little update on my life lately. My last paper for Dr. Hurst went fabulously & I am very proud that I was able to grasp the general picture of Europe 1906-1914. It can be a very confusing period to study because there are around 3 or 4 different issues going on, that involves every country in one way or another. One just has to analyze it in layers. No Rugby practice this week as I had already accepted an invitation from Dr. Hurst to lunch with him and his wife that Saturday. It was thoroughly enjoyable, the food adequate, but I most enjoyed the spirited conversation we had over coffee after dinner. Dr. Hurst never ceases to amaze me, and I was absolutely thrilled to hear his stories about growing up & his boyhood during WWII. He has one fascinating story about a German bomber going down in the local park...such things you don't normally hear anymore. My last week finished with an incredible football match. One of the most challenging games yet, neck to neck competition. Even better, we won 2-0! Part might be because I happened to be really doing well this particular match as keeper, not one ball went by me; I just slipped into this new mindset that really helped me focus and play well. Hopefully I can bring it back again for the next match I play. My punts surprisingly turned out best ever that match too, and at times crossed almost 3/4 of the field. I credit much of the win to our defense/midfield. Usually they play a little loose and just kick instead of really passing the ball, or stop it in motion, throw it away, etc. But this match they also seemed to have their game on, and followed through with some really impressive tackles, steals and one touch passing. I was so proud of my mates for their performance out there. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible team for the quality of ladies, as well, and I always enjoy sharing a good time & good laughs. This also happened to be a great time to choose to win, as it was a Cuppers tournament game and was an important victory to qualify us to keep on moving up towards the finals. I'd say overall, I had a very impressive and fulfilling week! And next post may be a while, as I leave for Italy on Thursday!
Cheers All,
Lindsay
Tonight's episode had lots of little known facts to teach & I thoroughly enjoyed it. First they watched how the human body reacts to fear by taking one of the most gullible of the 5 guys and placed him in a frightening situation like the Blair Witch Project combined with the Ring. His mission, to videotape his effort making contact with the alleged ghost 'Jessica' in the dark damp basement of a pub. He was also given the code word 'Mesopotamia' if he wanted to escape the situation. The team watched as Mr. Gullible began to scare himself with his own imagination. It was also recorded that his heart rate jumped up to 150 beats per minute as the human body "prepared to run away to safety". The key of the project was to see how focused the human mind zeros in on the unpleasant situation, hence the code word. This poor fellow forgot to say the code word he was so scared, but it gave the audience and his friends a good laugh to see him jump & scream when 'jessica' popped out from the shadows. He was so scared he peed his pants...wouldn't want to be him.
The second task was to prove if ESP existed. 10 eggs were hard boiled, placed among a collection of 15 raw eggs, and the hard boiled numbers recorded from the 25 total. The numbers were placed in a sealed envelope, and given to the 5 fellows seated around the eggs. So if ESP exists then they should correctly guess the hard boiled eggs from just handling the envelope with the answers. How do they find out? Smashing the eggs against the head of course. One messy way to prove it, but that's where all the fun is! The answer was obvious, and all but 2 guys ended up with egg on their face.
The third was perhaps the funniest. Task: eat a sugar coated jelly donut without licking the leftover sugar off your lips. Try it! It's gotta be the most concentrated donut anyone has ever eaten. After a short while a couple of the guys were actually began salivating profusely down their chins, their faces looking absolutely tortured. Lesson: the skin on your lips is so thin and sensitive that even tiny remaining granules of sugar is like a constant tickle you can't get rid of. The best part though was watching the poor guys salivate they wanted to lick their lips so badly.
The last one I really enjoyed too, though perhaps for a more twisted reason. This time two guys were chosen by body type; one big guy, one small, each respectively representing a car and a motorbike. The point was to illustrate the level of impact on each during a car collision. This was done by repeated but unexpected, violent tackles from players of a professional Rugby team, no padding. After the first fellow was humorously tackled (after foolishly chiding the Rugby men as 'little ladies' no less) he was visibly banged up. Guy #1 was knocked about so much, Guy #2 actually became nervous and visibly frightened. Just as guessed, guy #2 was even carried a good 5 feet farther out; he looked like a poor rag-doll. In the end our guinea pigs exhibited whiplash, a couple broken rigs and a broken collar bone...in the joking words my beloved sister Mallory quotes.."Poor little bugger". Maybe its a little disturbing that we get amusement from the foolishness of others, but I justify it with the little lessons you get from their mistakes. Everyone needs a little half-witted enjoyment every now and then to lighten up life a little, and currently "Guinea Pigs" fulfills those simple pleasures adequately.
In conclusion...a little update on my life lately. My last paper for Dr. Hurst went fabulously & I am very proud that I was able to grasp the general picture of Europe 1906-1914. It can be a very confusing period to study because there are around 3 or 4 different issues going on, that involves every country in one way or another. One just has to analyze it in layers. No Rugby practice this week as I had already accepted an invitation from Dr. Hurst to lunch with him and his wife that Saturday. It was thoroughly enjoyable, the food adequate, but I most enjoyed the spirited conversation we had over coffee after dinner. Dr. Hurst never ceases to amaze me, and I was absolutely thrilled to hear his stories about growing up & his boyhood during WWII. He has one fascinating story about a German bomber going down in the local park...such things you don't normally hear anymore. My last week finished with an incredible football match. One of the most challenging games yet, neck to neck competition. Even better, we won 2-0! Part might be because I happened to be really doing well this particular match as keeper, not one ball went by me; I just slipped into this new mindset that really helped me focus and play well. Hopefully I can bring it back again for the next match I play. My punts surprisingly turned out best ever that match too, and at times crossed almost 3/4 of the field. I credit much of the win to our defense/midfield. Usually they play a little loose and just kick instead of really passing the ball, or stop it in motion, throw it away, etc. But this match they also seemed to have their game on, and followed through with some really impressive tackles, steals and one touch passing. I was so proud of my mates for their performance out there. I am so proud to be a part of this incredible team for the quality of ladies, as well, and I always enjoy sharing a good time & good laughs. This also happened to be a great time to choose to win, as it was a Cuppers tournament game and was an important victory to qualify us to keep on moving up towards the finals. I'd say overall, I had a very impressive and fulfilling week! And next post may be a while, as I leave for Italy on Thursday!
Cheers All,
Lindsay
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