I guess it is the snow that's got me in the christmas spirit! As I shuffled along the icy sidewalks to school, I began to worry about christmas shopping. So tonight, after my reading was all done, I had a little browse through the internet for ideas.
These are some of the favourites (okay, not just presents, but pretty things, too!).
Movie I need to watch ASAP.
Christmas present for daddy?
What a fabulous chair!
(Courtesy of Cappellini.it)
Love. Love. Love
(www.barneys.com)
(topshop.com)
I kinda want one:
What I'd like to climb into on this chilly winter day:
I read this interesting article on theglobeandmail.com about ADHD today.
"The researchers aren’t sure why white noise – which is made up of random signals – seems to benefit the inattentive. But Dr. Soderlund noted that people with ADHD lack adequate levels of dopamine – a chemical messenger in the brain. He speculates they are easily distracted because the reduced availability of dopamine means the brain is operating at a suboptimal level of activity."
They say that tapping fingers or repetitive movements creates a sort of internal white nose to help people with ADHD concentrate. They have been doing studies to see if having this 'white noise' in the back of classrooms could help treat it, but the problem is that it is usually much too distracting for the other students. Very interesting. Give it a read if you get a chance.
So I'm finally 23. I feel like I have been waiting to be 23 forever. Like this is the age when things happen. I don't know what that means- but I guess it means I'm optimistic about this next year. I mean there are some serious difference in what's going on now then what my 12 year old self thought would be reality by 23- but 12 year old me had no imagination! I don't know if this whole law thing was never on my mind back then- or if it was just such an obvious answer for what I should be doing. And I love it. Even when I don't love it- I do love it. This is what I am supposed to be learning- and doing. And I feel like just blaring this song and dancing around because maybe it took some crazy birthday to make me realize. That's all the self-realisation you are getting for now.
This little gem of music, like I mentioned above, was suggested by one of my favourite music lovers- and I don't know why I'm hooked- but I am. How happy is this song? Even if you HATE it, you know I'm right. It makes me think of dancing just to dance. (p.s the video is weird, so I won't be offended if you don't watch, but listening won't hurt) It reminds me of laughing until you almost pee your pants, or driving on a sunny day, or dancing in your room. or that time in Ucuelet when we danced all night. Not caring.
If you do like the song, check out the site. It's one of the guys from Singur Ros- who you should listen to, too. Thanks flan, you always find the best music.
Okay so what did I do for my birthday, you may ask? Something completely unplanned. How un-me, right? What happened to months of planning for birthdays and enforcing strict dress codes and always being disappointed by something lame. Okay, let's not pretend I've changed- but I was happily surprised. After class a couple friends steered me over to the campus bar- where we ended up spending 6 hours. drinking. It was hilarious. The only reason we left was because I had to meet people for dinner. Oh and I didn't have a single glass of champagne- ah well that will happen this weekend. I drank strongbow and tequila shots.. on an empty stomach. Thankfully even my stomach didn't disappoint me. I'm never making plans again. Okay that's a fat lie. But I need to remember to stop trying to control everything.
But okay fine one thing did piss me off- H&M decided they didn't need to bring Lanvin to Leicester- so screw them. They totally lost money because of me- do they know how many dresses I was debating over? Not to mention shoes.. and sunglasses.. and other fabulous accessories. I will have to find a way to make up for it...
I need some wish lists from all of you! I need to start Christmas shopping now- because the closer I get to hoping on that plane- the more crazy school will get. So give me some ideas pretty please.
We have our first visitors this weekend- and we are getting quite excited! Tomorrow we are having American thanksgiving- since Amy's friend from NC is coming(and cooking while we are in class- sweet deal) and friday we will make up for the early night last night. There will be champagne.
But now I need to do a little school work to make up for my lazy morning.
Oh and dad I keep forgetting to tell you something. Remember how you made sure I memorized two quotes for every history paper I ever wrote (even though we've established one is no longer considered 'true')- well I can't count the number of times in the last 3 months people have established that "absolute power corrupts absolutely" - thought you should know.
I have failed to do anything of any interest in the last week. So I don't know what to tell you. I have been wandering around reading blogs when I have a chance, in hope for some inspiration, but (maybe it's the fog/sprinkled rain) I feel like I just can't compare. I want to tell you the shoes I'm craving and the dresses worth saving pennies (or pence) for. I want to tell you which books to read, which movies to make time for. I want to share recipes to drool over, and songs to hum along to.
But instead all I have been doing is reading a whole lot of unexciting law. (ok fine, I'm totally interested in the stuff I am learning- I just don't feel like I have the authority to explain any of it yet)
So I am sorry but I am holding out for a day when I have time to indulge you (and me) and talk about something worthwhile. Let's hope it is soon.
xo
It is Sunday night, and thanks to some serious nerdity, I am done all my work for the upcoming week. So I thought I would give you a little blog action. Unfortunately I haven't done anything exciting so this will be a quick one.
Before I forget, even though I thought my interview went terribly, they chose me to be a part of the law ball committee. I am pretty excited and will update you on that more once I know more details.
Also, I need to make a correction. I said they don't celebrate remembrance day here- but they do. But like everything british, they do it as discretely as possible and wait until the Sunday after. So on the way to the library, I saw a massive crowd of people around the war memorial in the park.
Yesterday I went to do some errands downtown, and I stumbled into a book store. I was looking for The Gargoyle- which is what dad has recommended (and now my personalized emails from chapters...) - but since I knew nothing about who wrote it/what it was about, I didn't get very far. I would have done a little more research but I didn't plan on this little visit. After I got home it turns out that I did find the right one, but didn't realize it there. Instead, I got The Passage. I'm going to start it tonight, and I will let you know how it goes. It's huge so it should last me until christmas, when I can re-stock.
On that note, I'm going to go jump into bed. There will be more exciting things coming over the next few weeks, so don't give up on this blog just yet.
"Lanvin Hearts H&M collection, in stores on Nov. 20. The collection runs the gamut from $9.95 for lipstick to $349 for a coat, with shoes, sunglasses, and of course, plenty of dresses, in between."
(Perfect timing as far as I am concerned- start making your christmas wish lists girls)
On this rainy day, after a test I am not happy about and an interview I am unsure of, I decided I want to write about a few things that make me giggle.
I saw a grown man today in a floor-length cape. Warm? Yes. Odd? Yes.
My Spanish Professor, Pablo saying, “In particular.” Say it with a Spanish accent- laugh. He says it 20+ times per lecture. I have him for two hours this afternoon.
Everyone’s faux fur hats. Did I accidently stumble upon Russia? (But I secretly want one)
How instead of saying ‘how’s it going’ they say ‘Ya alright then?’ And I want to say yes- but I don’t think you are meant to. I much prefer the Aussi ‘How ya keepin?’ I have decided.
That Canada is going to have its own Jersey Shore- called Lake Shore(out in Ontario). This is more of a ‘laugh and roll your eyes’ point. Didn’t we already do something like this in Whistler and have everyone thinking we were a bunch of drunken idiots who snowboard? Let’s stop making reality tv shows- let the trend be over.
That I just checked my email- and found out the first test I did I got 100% on. I guess that sort of makes up for the fact that this week’s test mark won’t be so good.
That there are 12 more sleeps until my birthday. Just because my age may increase, doesn’t mean I am going to stop the countdown- come on now. (5.5 weeks until I'm home for Christmas- in case you were wondering)
That in a couple weeks carrface might be visiting me. Retail therapy in London? Yes please.
This song:
But since today is Remembrance Day at home, I guess I should say something about that. Firstly, you UVic brats that are on reading break- you suck. Do they even do stat holidays here? I'll let you know if I stumble upon one. Always, back to my point. I know this is cliche, but we are probably somehow related so I am going to do it. Read it. It's famous for a reason.
In Flanders Fields xo.
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918),Canadian Army
I feel like a real Brit now. I was a bit drunk by 5pm. It wasn't my fault. It was the law fair today, so all these law firms come and talk to people in their final year and try to say how great they are. And I volunteered and got to get all dressed up and ended up spending the whole time serving coffee and tea. I am never going to be a waitress/barrista. But after they have a wine reception. Since I spent my whole day there, and everyone else was flaky and I cleaned the whole place up too, they told me to come over and drink wine with them. The law firms were all gone, but the wine was not. So I met a group of canadian's in second year and they kept making me drink excessively. Sidenote: we were also drinking in the law library. That is a room that screams harry potter. So yes this was my day today. British. (but don't worry I only have one lecture tomorrow so it wasn't too irresponsible...)
I won't drag on about the weather- but yesterday was terrible. It was freezing and pouring continuously. It was by far the worst day here so far. It was even colder saturday night when I was trying to watch fireworks/see a massive bonfire. But the fireworks were worse than peachland's and the bonfire was too far away to warm anyone up. Our toes were frozen and after lots of cotton candy and indian food our tummies hurt.
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with the blogs- but it is better this way perhaps. I have more things to say and you get to miss me just a little. Skating in Nottingham was lovely and I made friends with the leaders of the Canadian Law Society- just a week too late, because elections are over. The restaurant we went to was very cool too! I think I will have to head back there for a day because it's a short train away and lovely.
Well I am going to sign off now, but maybe tomorrow I will have some time to write something a little more interesting!
Cheers!
Okay so I racked my brain and thought of two things to tell you about that are wayyy more exciting than school!
Firstly, Wednesday I am finally venturing away from Leicester for the afternoon. Nottingham here I come. This is where the skating I have been going on about will occur. It is only an hour bus ride- then we are going for dinner at the Pitcher and Piano. It's apparently this cool restaurant- in an old church! I will try and remember to take pictures. Then we are going to the National Ice Centre- doesn't that sound massive and amazing? Haha it isn't really but it should be fun, especially because my skating abilities are limited anyways. Plus it will give me a great opportunity to wear my olympic woollen mits :)
Secondly, I am excited to be experiencing a little history event this week! It is Guy Fawkes Day on Friday. This story has been engrained in my head throughout my undergrad so how lovely to apply some knowledge. Read this lovely history lesson. To sum up, Guy Fawkes was part of the Gunpowder Plot- a bunch of Catholics that wanted to blow up parliament (with the King inside) because the king wasn't loosening up the anti-catholic laws. It failed. They were executed. But that's why they say: "Remember, remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder, Treason and Plot. I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot."
This is also sort of what V for Vendetta was based around. Which I should probably watch again- seeing as I fell asleep and only really remember natalie portman having her head shaved. Regardless, there is some British history for you. And maybe a movie suggestion? I will definitely be bundling up and going downtown to see the bonfire and watch fireworks here- again I will try and take pictures.
And on a completely different note, did you hear about this? East Midlands Airport is really close to Leicester. Fantastic. But don't worry- now you can't bring printers/printer toners on planes- because that was what I was planning to bring you all home for christmas....
(I mostly like the video because she smiles. and she has hair- even if it's bright red)
Time to catch up! Well mostly school was the reason I haven't been posting up a storm. There is no end to the crazy amount of readings I have to do. So the library is my new fav hangout spot. I was event here on a friday night...which is why my halloween costume was rather fitting. such a nerd. So all week my head was in the books. Oh and skating was postponed to this week, so I didn't even have that to break things up. I feel like I have had the chance to talk to most of you this week, so I feel like there isn't much to say hmm.
Well I have had a few tutorials with my group now, and they are growing on me. I know the point is to debate the questions we are given- but sometimes a couple people get a little personal and mean, so I hope that will decrease. I had my legal skills group again this week- and my first test! I don't know how it went, but it wasn't too hard...but you never know. I've been talking to a lot more people lately (mostly just telling them to vote for me- but I didn't win that so whateverrr) but I feel like the circle of people I can say hi to is slowly expanding.
Saturday was fun. Amy piled on about 5 layers of self tanner and dressed like snooki, and I pulled on some knee-highs, suspenders and oversized glasses and we were ready to go. We had a couple friends over beforehand and then went with them to meet up with a bigger group at res. So I entered what could've been my living arrangement for the year. It was so worth it to find a place haha. But they aren't bad, and the one pretty much all the law kids are in is new and really close to the school. Anyways, met a group of new people with a few familiar faces and headed downtown. It was a good night.
I guess it is time to get ready for class, but hopefully I will have more exciting things to chat about soon.
xo
P.S flights are booked for christmas- I'll be home Dec.18th. Oh and no more iphone, so if you want my UK number you're gonna have to let me know.
