Ever since I have arrived back in the States, I have been seeing twins of all my English friends, acquaintances, and Ormskirkian town folk. It's not fair. I almost cried out the other day, "Simon! Hey! How are ya?!" Luckily, I held my tongue and saved myself from embarrassment and the boy from sheer fright from an apparent lunatic. These twins that God has placed in my original hometown seem to be hurting my heart in pangs of frustration and creating a longing for what I had to leave behind.
But, looking on the bright side of the situation, I'll lean on the hope that they are here in this town to remind me of the special friends and people I met along the way. These are people that often go unnoticed, but enriched my life in England with their kindness and thoughtfulness. The coffee guy at the library who was always ready with my 'regular' of a blueberry muffin and hot chocolate. I never learned his name, but we had an unspoken understanding that we were breakfast-time buddies at least four days out of the week. Also, the really nice guy at the Edge Hill library Blackwell's store--Mike?--I think that was his name. Once he said, "Oh, you're that really nice girl." He totally made my day by telling me this because I barely remembered talking to him before. And then the sweet cleaning lady for Eleanor Rathbone--Sue--I'm sure of her name. She took the time to have lengthy conversations with me about her life in England. It was so nice to get an adult's view of happenings in the news and to hear how an English family lives. Then the nice, always-smiling mail lady--Jane. She was always ready to help students and never rushed through helping each, one by one. She treated the students like people instead of customers. It's people like this who made the English uni experience all the more worthwhile and unforgettable.
Without the aforementioned, and many others', doubles here in Ohio, their impact on my life might fade away as the days pass and turn into months swept by. In fact, it has been one month and three days since I left. So what at first appears to be a curse--these twins that would be a Wrigley's double-mint gum advertiser's dream--actually turns out to be blessings. They remind me of all the great times I had at uni in the irresistibly charming town of Ormskirk.
Peace.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
We're the Kids in America, Wo-ah!
Although this blog is entitled "Life in England," and I am now fully back in the United States, I will carry on with stories of my daily life that will probably be subtly more interesting to my English friends. There will not be an update weekly of a trip abroad, or even to the next town over, but this proves a nice way of keeping my friends overseas up-to-date on how things are going and what's new.
The trip home: I've discovered that flight attendants frighten me. They all seem to be stuck in the 1970s when billowing blue eyes were groovin' and cherry red lips were poppin'. Foxy ladies? Not anymore. When I wake up to a face gleaming with frosted happiness asking, "Chicken or beef?" I want to feel comforted, not anxious. And the taut hair pulled back to a never-ending point reminds me of every scary substitute teacher ever sketched into a children's book. Their hair and make-up combine to create this overwhelmingly unreal depiction of beauty that takes me by surprise everytime. I don't know why the idea that flight attendants have to look practically perfect ever came about. I'm sure they are all beautiful people without the made-up facade.
Also, after a total of four plane rides to get back into Ohio, I have come up with an idea to make riding high a little more fun. First, for families with young children, Disney should have an airline--if they don't already. On this airline, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty could serve the meals while the Jungle Book characters put on shows. How fun would that be? That's right, they've captured your hearts through video and song, illuminated your imagination with Disney World, and now Disney has brought you magic in the sky. And the nose of the plane could be painted to look like Mickey's head! How hilarious would that be?
Alright, idea number two applies to the adult crowd because it relates to the party cruise lines with glorious buffets and American Idol cast-offs performing karaoke hits--quite frankly, kids wouldn't be as entertained by these. This airline that should have been created by now would be like a party in the sky. Comfortable seats that have groups of four facing each other so you get to talk to people and make new friends. Semi-celebrity guests, like Sinbad and Ricky Lake, who would entertain the crowd and make time to visit with each table of new 'friends'. And really good food for everyone, not just the first class flyers. Sounds like a ball, right?
That's all I came up with whilst flying home. You would think after thirty-eight hours of traveling, I would have thought of more, but that's it.
Keep in touch, my English friends, and know that I miss you very much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my times in Ormskirk and across the U.K.
Peace.
The trip home: I've discovered that flight attendants frighten me. They all seem to be stuck in the 1970s when billowing blue eyes were groovin' and cherry red lips were poppin'. Foxy ladies? Not anymore. When I wake up to a face gleaming with frosted happiness asking, "Chicken or beef?" I want to feel comforted, not anxious. And the taut hair pulled back to a never-ending point reminds me of every scary substitute teacher ever sketched into a children's book. Their hair and make-up combine to create this overwhelmingly unreal depiction of beauty that takes me by surprise everytime. I don't know why the idea that flight attendants have to look practically perfect ever came about. I'm sure they are all beautiful people without the made-up facade.
Also, after a total of four plane rides to get back into Ohio, I have come up with an idea to make riding high a little more fun. First, for families with young children, Disney should have an airline--if they don't already. On this airline, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty could serve the meals while the Jungle Book characters put on shows. How fun would that be? That's right, they've captured your hearts through video and song, illuminated your imagination with Disney World, and now Disney has brought you magic in the sky. And the nose of the plane could be painted to look like Mickey's head! How hilarious would that be?
Alright, idea number two applies to the adult crowd because it relates to the party cruise lines with glorious buffets and American Idol cast-offs performing karaoke hits--quite frankly, kids wouldn't be as entertained by these. This airline that should have been created by now would be like a party in the sky. Comfortable seats that have groups of four facing each other so you get to talk to people and make new friends. Semi-celebrity guests, like Sinbad and Ricky Lake, who would entertain the crowd and make time to visit with each table of new 'friends'. And really good food for everyone, not just the first class flyers. Sounds like a ball, right?
That's all I came up with whilst flying home. You would think after thirty-eight hours of traveling, I would have thought of more, but that's it.
Keep in touch, my English friends, and know that I miss you very much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my times in Ormskirk and across the U.K.
Peace.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
'Everybody's Changing and I Don't Feel the Same'
If someone would ask me what my favorite part of the last three months is, then I would have to go into a long list of favorite moments, rather than one event. These might not make sense to anyone else, but here are the memories that will stay with me forever and made my experience abroad absolutely unforgettable:
Visiting Ormskirk's town center where I got lost the first time I went.
Meeting 'Asos Joe' who became one of the sweetest friends Chuck and I made during our whole time in England. He even went above and beyond to do my hair for the Halloween party. Too sweet that Joe.
Screaming my lungs out in a little aluminum trailer for a chance to win a ticket to the European MTV Music Awards.
Taking an invitation to join a group of four in my sport group to fulfill a group presentation requirement. These four amazing people--Jak, Jo, Danny, and Adam--became my saving grace in that lecture. And, we added an honorary member, Alex, too who is an always-smiling, welcoming guy who definitely made our group complete. In a module of about 100 people, I didn't expect to make any close friends, but this group in particular surprised me in so many ways by making me feel so welcome at Edge Hill and going the extra mile, giving me a going-away present that brought me to tears.
Eating with my 'crew'--Chuck, Chad, Mary, Cari, and Maura--in the Terrace every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday at five and every Tuesday at six.
Going to Chad's window to call for him to let me into his hall to listen to Fiona Apple and Liz Phair. Then, our late-night chats about everything and our youtube video experiences of the show cat Nuni.
Finding a 'Will' to my 'Grace,' a 'Troy' to my 'Gabriella.' Chuck is everything I needed in a friend. He is bits of my mom, dad, brother, sister, and best friends. His catch phrases are still ringing in my head and finding their way into my everyday conversation.
Making friends with the band "My Auntie Sam" during the first weekend at Edge Hill. Watch out for these guys, they are going to be huge stars one day. They were very welcoming and spent the better part of an hour getting to know me and Chuck. Then, running into one of the band members--Jordan--on a train from Liverpool during the last weekend I was in England...and he remembered me!
Living with the most friendly, lovely people in Eleanor Rathbone. With a tearful good-bye, we left because we don't know when we'll see one another again. Telling someone "Good-bye" is extremely difficult and a word I don't remember actually leaving my lips. "Oh Eleanor! Is wonderful! Oh Eleanor is wonderful! We've got the Paddies, the Yanks, and the Scousers! Oh Eleanor is wonderful!" I went to sleep many-a-night to that chant and joined in a few times, too. I will miss those days in E.R. To my best friends in those halls: Matty, Jade, Matt, Lisa, Papa Noel, Willhelm, Michael, Little Aaron, Matty B., Gorilla Matt, Vicky, Tom, April, Stuart, and Claire. Thank you for everything and I promise to come back to visit you!
Rushing to get to class on time and finding that it never started less than ten minutes late. That still boggles my mind.
Taking on Dublin and London alone. My friends and family kindly provided places for me to stay, but I went around the cities by myself. These trips made me more independent than the whole three months put together. During the Dublin trip, in particular, I loved meeting Paul Nevin, an Irish singer in a pub who gave me my P.S. I Love You moment. After his show, I told him what good tone and rhythmicity he has. He was super cool and stayed around to listen to the next band with me. Looking back, I think I was a tidbit insane; but, it was necessary to experience the events I did and provided trips that probably will not happen again.
Touring Paris with Chad. The overly decorated hostel was comical and the trek through the City of Lights, the most romantic city in the world, was breathtaking and I am so happy that I got to see it all with one of my favorite 'American friends.' Seeing Chad's face when we first saw the Eiffel Tower was priceless--both childlike and endlessly imaginative. I'll always remember that moment.
Meeting friends on the trains to Preston and Windemere. Who knew that quaint train rides would lead to lifelong friends?
Turning around at the comedy show to meet Tyral and Paul. These two guys totally took Chuck and I into their circle of friends and led me to my first, and only, Premier League football game and pantomime, respectively.
Running into Jay and Eddy at the Odeon in the queue for popcorn and gallon of Coca-Cola. These two guys introduced me to the fabulousness that is Nando's and fun nights out in Liverpool--including the Krazy House.
And if I had never met Jay and Eddy, I would have probably never met Lee at a club in Liverpool in late November. Lee is the most chivalrous guy I met on my whole trip through the UK and Europe. Lee taught me about egg and soldiers, Kinder Surprises, Chester, and is someone who I shared many dates with during my last month in England.
...
Through it all, the people I met made my trip complete and formed all of my memories. I cannot wait to get back to England too see all of them again.
I'll be seeing you. I love and miss you all so much!
Peace.
Visiting Ormskirk's town center where I got lost the first time I went.
Meeting 'Asos Joe' who became one of the sweetest friends Chuck and I made during our whole time in England. He even went above and beyond to do my hair for the Halloween party. Too sweet that Joe.
Screaming my lungs out in a little aluminum trailer for a chance to win a ticket to the European MTV Music Awards.
Taking an invitation to join a group of four in my sport group to fulfill a group presentation requirement. These four amazing people--Jak, Jo, Danny, and Adam--became my saving grace in that lecture. And, we added an honorary member, Alex, too who is an always-smiling, welcoming guy who definitely made our group complete. In a module of about 100 people, I didn't expect to make any close friends, but this group in particular surprised me in so many ways by making me feel so welcome at Edge Hill and going the extra mile, giving me a going-away present that brought me to tears.
Eating with my 'crew'--Chuck, Chad, Mary, Cari, and Maura--in the Terrace every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday at five and every Tuesday at six.
Going to Chad's window to call for him to let me into his hall to listen to Fiona Apple and Liz Phair. Then, our late-night chats about everything and our youtube video experiences of the show cat Nuni.
Finding a 'Will' to my 'Grace,' a 'Troy' to my 'Gabriella.' Chuck is everything I needed in a friend. He is bits of my mom, dad, brother, sister, and best friends. His catch phrases are still ringing in my head and finding their way into my everyday conversation.
Making friends with the band "My Auntie Sam" during the first weekend at Edge Hill. Watch out for these guys, they are going to be huge stars one day. They were very welcoming and spent the better part of an hour getting to know me and Chuck. Then, running into one of the band members--Jordan--on a train from Liverpool during the last weekend I was in England...and he remembered me!
Living with the most friendly, lovely people in Eleanor Rathbone. With a tearful good-bye, we left because we don't know when we'll see one another again. Telling someone "Good-bye" is extremely difficult and a word I don't remember actually leaving my lips. "Oh Eleanor! Is wonderful! Oh Eleanor is wonderful! We've got the Paddies, the Yanks, and the Scousers! Oh Eleanor is wonderful!" I went to sleep many-a-night to that chant and joined in a few times, too. I will miss those days in E.R. To my best friends in those halls: Matty, Jade, Matt, Lisa, Papa Noel, Willhelm, Michael, Little Aaron, Matty B., Gorilla Matt, Vicky, Tom, April, Stuart, and Claire. Thank you for everything and I promise to come back to visit you!
Rushing to get to class on time and finding that it never started less than ten minutes late. That still boggles my mind.
Taking on Dublin and London alone. My friends and family kindly provided places for me to stay, but I went around the cities by myself. These trips made me more independent than the whole three months put together. During the Dublin trip, in particular, I loved meeting Paul Nevin, an Irish singer in a pub who gave me my P.S. I Love You moment. After his show, I told him what good tone and rhythmicity he has. He was super cool and stayed around to listen to the next band with me. Looking back, I think I was a tidbit insane; but, it was necessary to experience the events I did and provided trips that probably will not happen again.
Touring Paris with Chad. The overly decorated hostel was comical and the trek through the City of Lights, the most romantic city in the world, was breathtaking and I am so happy that I got to see it all with one of my favorite 'American friends.' Seeing Chad's face when we first saw the Eiffel Tower was priceless--both childlike and endlessly imaginative. I'll always remember that moment.
Meeting friends on the trains to Preston and Windemere. Who knew that quaint train rides would lead to lifelong friends?
Turning around at the comedy show to meet Tyral and Paul. These two guys totally took Chuck and I into their circle of friends and led me to my first, and only, Premier League football game and pantomime, respectively.
Running into Jay and Eddy at the Odeon in the queue for popcorn and gallon of Coca-Cola. These two guys introduced me to the fabulousness that is Nando's and fun nights out in Liverpool--including the Krazy House.
And if I had never met Jay and Eddy, I would have probably never met Lee at a club in Liverpool in late November. Lee is the most chivalrous guy I met on my whole trip through the UK and Europe. Lee taught me about egg and soldiers, Kinder Surprises, Chester, and is someone who I shared many dates with during my last month in England.
...
Through it all, the people I met made my trip complete and formed all of my memories. I cannot wait to get back to England too see all of them again.
I'll be seeing you. I love and miss you all so much!
Peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)