londontown

Here I am in London, it's 3:00pm and I'm on Morgan's cozy couch with hot chocolate (... found it in the cupboard! it was asking to be used!) and watching Terminator! There are so many things I could be seeing and doing but my feet just aren't working. The past few days I have filled them with walking and sightseeing. Today, I just can't. I am saving my energy for a pretty party of the grandest kind! Nicole and Tegan are coming over for a slumber party which will be VERY exciting!! I have a feeling there will be lots of laughs, pretty smiles and lots of love!

Tomorrow will be a busy day full of fun things!! I will update when I can!

Lots of love from London!!

xoxo

Gaga tickets sold out?

heartbreaking.

but we will see about this....

Hello from sunny Bristol!

Again it is a spring day (ok... it feels like it) here in Bristol! Beautiful, sunny and not too chilly! I can't remember what my post was about last time... something tells me it could have been angry. I can't view my actual blog because I am at the library and they have a internet block on websites with profanity... Coombs! I'm shocked.

It is safe to say there have been an arrange of emotions in my life the past six months. Yes folks it's been six months since I have arrived here! Sometimes it feels like longer, other times it seems like I just greeted Brenna at the bus stop in June.

Christmas is in full swing here in Bristol! Lots of little markets, amazing smells coming from the city centre, hot doughnuts being the one that follows me around! We don't have much snow like everyone else but we had a little bit earlier in the week. It looks so pretty here and odd! The ground is still so green here not brown like home! I must say I have been feeling pretty homesick since Christmas Daddies last weekend. I'm dealing though.

Last night I went to see Johnny Flynn with Hilary!! Amazing! If you don't know him you should!

I'm going to rent some movies from the library tonight and hope the sun continues for the next couple of days so I can enjoy it then.

Hope you are well and that you are getting excited for the Christmas season!

xo

Merry Christmas Daddies!!

This is the 2nd time I have missed the Cape Breton Christmas Daddies Telethon. I'm watching it online which I am thrilled about! I'm also glad that Hilary decided to go to Glastonbury today cause I have bursted into tears at the sight of familiar faces... I'm homesick.

What do I miss about not being there:

-The music & musicians

-My lovely friends and family. Some people I see once a year and it is always wonderful to see them!

-Endless supply of egg nog and we don't drink it all during the say which means I leave with arms filled of my favorite beverage.

-The after party.

-Watching my aunt Mary Christmas Murphy jump up and down with happiness at how wonderful and giving the Cape Bretoners have been.

-The best part, watching Papa tear up when he sees the final total and feeling proud of his daughter Mary who changes people's lives.

I don't think I am made for this distance between myself and the people I love so dearly.

I hope you are all having a wonderful day! Do something fun!!

xoxoxoox

Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming

We have snow!! I was working on Friday and the kids were so excited with the idea that they might get 5-8 cm, funny. Friday was the day we were going to go dancing, we watched Harriet the Spy and drank some cider and wine instead. We thought we would push it to Saturday instead we went to the Christmas Market in Bath, bought AMAZING cheese, wine, cherry pie, something really pretty for me to remember England (stay tuned for pictures) and just had a wonderful time in beautiful Bath! We rented Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Love Actually. Watched the first movie while eating bruschetta, cheese and wine. All in all it's been an amazing weekend.

The other week poor Hilary got a cold and I made some vegan non-chicken noodle soup! We are going to make some today, eat our pie, craft from xmas cards, and watch Love Actually!

Tip for those who are cold before going to bed! Last night I was shivering like I was outside in the cold! So I thought "how can I quickly warm up my bed before getting in it?!" I came up with the idea to iron my bed!!! I may have looked crazy but it helped a lot. Try it sometime!

Hope you all had a wonderful and happy weekend!

ox

Off to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

I've never had hard feelings towards Mondays like a lot of people I know. In fact I like them quite a bit! My Dad has always has the "barber's holiday" and since he works until 6ish every night I really enjoyed seeing him at home on Monday afternoons. That alone was the reason I liked Mondays but I also loved going to school, not lying. I loved seeing my friends after the weekend if I didn't get to see them, what we were going to do in class for the week, etc. I don't mind Mondays.

Yesterday was a whole different story. It wasn't that it was Monday, hell I was thinking it was later in the week to be honest... Everything that could go wrong did go wrong, even with Hilary! Of course the only thing that did go right was Harry Potter. After a long day of worrying, stressing, and yes crying I packed up my computer and my sorry self to go to the library to wait for the 4:30 showing of the movie. Because of the awful day I didn't get the chance to get excited about the movie and what I usually do before HP didn't need to happen: stand in line for an hour, it wasn't midnight, I wasn't acting like a 12 year old... things like that. I sat with my popcorn (God bless Hilary for buying me a treat) and I started watching the movie I have been waiting to see for the longest time.

It was everything I could have hoped for! It made me feel better because at least I am not roaming around the UK in a tent without showers, contact to the outside world, hanging out with your two best friends... actually that sounds appealing right now. Anyway! I loved it and surprisingly I can wait for the last one, as it is the very last one.

Hope you are well.

xoxo

and in other news!

My best friend is getting married and I am lucky enough to share it with her and Mr. Strong!

xoxoxo

Belief makes things real.

It is all fine for Alanis to be singing about being poor and happy... she's quite rich now isn't she?

To say I am discouraged and stressed might be an understatement. I am trying my best to keep a smile on my face and my loved ones convinced I am doing fine and that all is well but I'm getting a little tired.

I was told that living in England was expensive and while I agreed I also said that if you are making the pound to support yourself it wouldn't be too bad. You need to be making that pound though. Truth is I have worked 2 days since September and hesitated on getting a part-time job because I was worried it would conflict with possible work days. I wake up at 6 every morning, eat breakfast, put on my teacher clothes and sit with my coffee and wait until 7am to call into work. Then I wait. Four hours of waiting until I can continue with my day.

My parents have been so helpful and supportive over my adventure and I am thankful for that every single day. Last weekend my brother got in an accident with the family van. He is ok but the van was totaled. Two week before that we found out that I have to start paying 730.00 every month for 9.5 years to student loans. Needless to say I'm feeling so many emotions right now.

I've been living for pay day for six years and while it worked when I was a student I find it's kicking my ass as a person in the "real world". I am about to spend my first Christmas away from everything/one I love and the plan was to throw money at this situation... distract myself from the shock of not being home. AND I can't find egg nog anywhere.... kick me in the face.

So there you have it... stuff I wouldn't normally write on a postcard. As always, things could be worse and I know that. Pray that the travel store calls me back and wants me to work there over the Christmas season.

Every time I talk to my Dad he says "it'll work out, don't worry" of course I cry whenever he says it but he believes so I will believe.

Oh my blueness could be brought on by the beginning of the end, Harry Potter. Seeing it Monday! Wish me luck.

xo

Needs a date for new years

Plan: Dublin for 25ish pounds.

If interested you can apply for a chance to be my date... Might even buy you a fleur.

And to you, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end.

JK Rowling - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Leicester Square

Getting ready for their arrival!

Harry Potter!

Hermione Granger

The Twins! Fred and George!

Malfoy (who was actually very nice)

How can I possibly explain in words how wonderful this experience was? I can't. If that happens to be my last adventure for a little while I am more than ok with it!

Oh Harry Potter and the gang, I do love you.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

Much love!

might paint something that i wanna hang here someday

I would be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated by not working. It is scary because when I am not in a classroom I get nervous and I question if I should be in there at all. I second guess my abilities to work with kids and if I know my shit well enough. I had a half day on Friday and the mome

nt I walked into the classroom it was like I was meant to be there all along. Mind you the kids were well behaved and kind so that makes my desire to work with them much more stronger. I was more myself! I smiled more, laughed with them, sat and thought out ideas for their assignments. It felt right and I missed it. Overall it was an excellent day on Friday! I didn't even mind that it took me 3.5 hours to get home and I had to stand in the rain for 30 minutes before my travels. If that did bother me I best be moving to a drier countr

y.

When I arrived home it was still raining so we didn't end up going to the

fireworks for Guy Fawkes Day. As much as I love fireworks I was not prepared to stand in the rain to watch them. Hilary and I made curry and ate "it's Friday cake" from waitrose and heard firecrackers going off. What were firecrackers early in the night started to turn into a huge fireworks display ALL over the neighbour and city. My view out my bedroom window is pretty damn amazing and all night the were going off! It was beautiful!! We didn't have to go anywhere at all!!

Saturday greeted us with sunshine so we got out our camera and headed to Clifton Village. If any

of you com

e and visit me this will be one of our big stops. It is the cutest little place in the world! Full of coffee shops, local food, amazing restaurants, little shops, etc. You can always walk through it to get to the suspension bridge! We were trying to make our way to Ashton Court which is a huge estate with walking trails and a deer farm. Yep, just a bunch of deer hanging ou

t enjoying life! Sadly we didn't make it but we had quite the adventure.

I neglected to tell you that we had an interesting experience in Poland involving a dangerous highway. Poland has the highest rate of death on their highways because they drive too fast and pass people all the time. It's scary driving on it

so you can imagine my fear when Hilary and I go for a walk on our last day and we come to this busy road that we have to walk on OR take the route we just took. The route itself was a TINY bit scary but only for me. I don't watch horror movies anymore but I have seen enough to know that people come over of corn fields, there are scary things in woody areas, and ponds are filled with things beyond your wildest imaginations. So I had no idea where we were but I was still very much enjoying myself but with scary horror flicks running through my head... Then we get to the highway. It's not like a Canadian highway with 4+ lanes it's a small 2 lane highway still packed with fast cars and transfer trucks. When a car would come towards us we would have to walk on the grassy area which would also be cove

red in poison ivy. Needless to say my heart was racing the whole time and I said some hail marys. I survived and now it is a funny story we remember together. Yesterday, a similar incident happened where I thought a certain road would take us to Ashton Court. Wrong, just took us to the highway. So we chanced it crossed it to a "footpath" with wet slippery leaves and heaved ourselves up the hill with the help of a tree. Good times. Then we came home to the city continuing with the fireworks!

We are alive and have some lovely pictures and I had a grand sleep because I was tuckered out from our adventures!

Well hello November!

It's a cloudy morning in Bristol and I hoping the rain holds off so I can venture to the library at 10 to print off some resumes. There is a new health food/local food/organic/amazing/ veggie friendly store that just opened and they need a part-time employee for Thursdays and Saturdays. I think I would volunteer at that store so if they are willing to pay me I'm very down with that. (The Better Food Company <----- check me out!)

I bought my tickets to go to London on November 11th-13th. They are having the Harry Potter premiere that day and I am going to try out my stalking skills and see if I can see some of my favorite characters! I may have mentioned it before and as silly as it seems HP is a big reason for why I'm here in England. Oh the happiness it brings me!

Halloween was a success! People enjoyed our costumes and we enjoyed getting ready. Halloween itself wasn't a big to do. I called my favorite people to wish they a wonderful evening! Let's just say I would have given anything to hang out with Darth Vader and a motorcycle dude. AND apparently we gained an hour so I am now an hour closer to you (for those across the ocean)

I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Much love.

xo

Happy Halloween!!

Today:

I called my mother and she told me to go do something fun because I'm in England.

let the memories be good for those who stayer

Yesterday was a day to be remembered! It was beautiful out and I got a call to work for tomorrow! In celebration Hilary and I decided it was time to go exploring so we went to Gloucester Road. This place is magical, I tell you. Fun little shops, foods from around the world, little markets AND a coffee shop that sells pumpkin spice lattes. Yep, my journey to find a pumpkin spice latte was completed yesterday thanks to Coffee #1 on Gloucester Rd. We sat and felt completely in love with Bristol all over again! I find that happens on a daily basis.

Good days all around!

Miss you! xo

everything is illuminated.

Jonathan Safran Foer wrote a book about a young man traveling to the Ukraine to find out more about his heritage. The man is from the US, vegetarian and can't speak the language. There is a apart of the book where the topic of him being a vegetarian comes up and the people he is with from the Ukraine can't understand this and think it is so unhealthy and continues to push meat on him throughout his journey. It was quite funny in the book and little did I know that when I arrived to the 100 year old house in Poland I was about to have that same scene from the book playing out before my eyes. I went to Poland and everything was illuminated.

I wasn't there for very long (the 12th-16th) but I saw enough to know that I have to go back. I had the authentic Polish experience, staying in a house with a woman who speaks Polish or German. Since I speak neither everything we said was translated. Maria is 83 and has been through more than anyone should. Her stories of living through the war and everything else Poland has gone through would be a best seller if a book was ever written. Maria is the chief of the village and builds parks for young children to play in. She also takes in people who are traveling around whether she knows them or not. Still through everything she has experienced in life there is a light in her eyes and so much love in her heart. If we were all a bit more like that I am sure the world would be happier.

I ate like every meal was my last, perogies (my all time favorite), soups, bread, cheese, fruit, etc. Everything tasted better in Poland! Maybe it was because I was on vacation and I had nothing to worry about while I was there. Not only was the food amazing but the people we were with. Ursula, someone who I have known forever, treated us so well! On our first full day Ursula, Ella (her sister-in-law), Ursula's daughter Ursula who they call Ula, Hilary and I all went to the local market. People, I died and went to scarf heaven... May have purchased three but they are beautiful and weren't expensive! Then they took us

for lunch and I had myself some perogies. Every Christmas Ursula makes them and it's one

of our suppers throughout the holidays. I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss them as much as Christmas morning, yes folks they are that good. SO! I has real Polish perogies and my god they were amazing!!

We spent all of our evenings visiting with their family, drinking wine, telling stories, watching Polish tv and understanding "yes, no, thank you and very". (One night a newer season of House was on and I couldn't understand what they were saying but House was totally dancing with Cuddy and I could hardly stand it... I'm only on season 3 and Hilary and I can't get enough of House and his witty humour!) Sorry for the sidetrack. It was so relaxing just to sit there and hear about the history of the house and village.

Hilary and I went to Wroclaw for a touristy day! It was beautiful, sunny and full of fun things to do. I think one of my favorite parts was our couple of hours spent in the gardens.

Think KCIC gardens x 5! It was beautiful and peaceful. The trip came together so fast that we didn't really research too many things to do so we went on a whim and saw things that caught our eye. We also bought some souvenirs and postcards. Once lunch rolled around we walke

d to the town centre. It is one of the biggest centres in all of Europe! That is impressive since Wroclaw was destroyed right after the war and then the aftermath and communism, etc. It is beautiful! Where did we go for lunch you might ask? A Vegan/Veggie Polish restaurant. Yep! Again we had perogies but they were a bit different, still amazing though.

Our last day in Poland was absolutely beautiful! We spent the day chatting, eating well again, going on walks, taking pictures, and just loving everything about the experience we were having. So if you are pondering where you would like to visit in Europe I would highly recommend putting Poland on the list. If I can and I will go back for su

re.

Yet again another European adventure full of history, laughs, smiles, beauty and love.

"It has shown me that everything is illuminated in the light of the past. It is always along the side of us...on the inside, looking out. "

— Jonathan Safran Foer

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend with great people!

I am thankful for you!

xo

October

If I haven't mentioned how much I love October then I apologize to one of my favorite months. I think it's my reflection month (yep, still feel a tad barf-y over the word "reflection"). What have I been thinking about?

-The two months I haven't worked. Last summer I didn't work all of August and took me forever to bounce back. I guess life is testing me again to see how far it can push me. I'm stubborn, I know that and the thought of getting a part time job while waiting for teaching to pick up makes me angry, sad and confused. Didn't I just send six years becoming a teacher? Lame. Oh well, I am going to get over myself and apply for a few places. Who knows! Maybe I will like them. I know there is one place I would like to work. There is a stationary/art/craft/etc. store close by who needs someone to work on Saturdays. I would work there forever if I could. Screams my name doesn't it? Yes. Here's hoping. I think that I should be paid to watch tv. I so that VERY well.

-Trying not to get worried about the travel alert put out by the Canadian government... Mom and Dad aren't worried so I guess I shouldn't be. Mom said "just don't go on that London Eye thing for a while". Thanks, Mom :)

-Life. I would really enjoy living in the woods in a nice little house making art. I would have to be close to the beach because I need to get drift wood for said art. I don't know what I am going to make yet but maybe I can make some money and be one with nature. (that doesn't sound corny when I say it in my head...) I also want to open up a veggie sandwich shop. Stay tuned.

-Making a tofurkey for Sunday. I don't care if I am broke I am making a goddamn tofurkey to enjoy with my Canadian friends and I will be thankful for everything... even this "free time".

-Today I am going to take my camera on a walk. It's been a while and I have yet to discover Ashton Court. There is a deer park thing and you can walk around and see 100's of deer all around!! Sounds magical.

-House. I have an addiction to House and it is so, so good.

-Poland in a week from today!!

Happy day! xo

Quick update

-No work yet
-It's raining so I am staying in and reading HP 3 with lots of tea
-The ensembles at the university are for students only... lame
-I bought some things at Ikea yesterday!
-My parents are the best
-I'm going to Poland on October 12th to the 16th! Woo!
-If you are reading this, I probably miss you

Hope you are well!
xo

i'm happy

Conductor Herbert von Karajan said that when one hears Mahler's Fifth, “you forget that time has passed. A great performance of the Fifth is a transforming experience. The fantastic finale almost forces you to hold your breath.”

...this post is to be continued.

I've never heard music like that before. I don't even know how to describe it and how I felt in the moment, but I will try.

We went to the pre concert talk and in my opinion that should happen at every concert!! It was so great! Only a half an hour with the man from Colston Hall and the principal flute player. He was wonderful! He used to play with the Bournesmith Symphony before playing with the LSO and had many funny stories. He explained what it has been like being with the LSO and the experiences he has been having. He talked about their role with film music and how they have been lucky to play for some major films (Star Wars, etc.) AND he also said that they are working on a film right now that he cannot name but it is coming out in November... any guesses? I have one. They then moved on to talk about the conductor, Valery Gergiev. Now, I may not be up on all the conductors in the world but I knew his name. They laughed a little when they brought up his name and looked awkward but then this thing came over him while he was talking about him. The man conducting the interview asked him "how can you follow him?"and in my head I was thinking "this man is in the London Symphony Orchestra... he doesn't need someone up there to beat time for him, come on now." Just as the thought entered my mind the man replied with a more polite version of the thought that was in his head. He did however mention that everything you need from Valery Gergiev is in his eyes, if you look there, you can't go wrong. Then we heard a touching story of some rough London teenage boys hearing Mahler for the first time and how it changed them. It was wonderful. There was a little break and Hilary and I had a cider. Side note, you can bring your wine, beer, pop, etc. into the hall AND during intermission they sell ice cream. I don't know about you guys but I've never seen that before, ever.

Then the music started. The first half they played Shchedrin's Carmen Suite and it was really great! Then they reorganized the stage for Mahler. Throughout the whole piece I didn't think about whether I would have work tomorrow, how I haven't had a days work yet meaning no pay, I didn't really think about anything but the people I miss and love and but not in a sad way. Having Hilary to go to these things makes all the difference in the world! Two girls who just spent six years in Nova Scotia and now we are going to see the London Symphony Orchestra... it blows my mind on a daily basis.

I get daily reminders of how lucky I am. Yesterday I saw Mahler 5, Wednesday I spent the day in London with Hilary and then we went on a boat cruise that work planned... on the Thames. And to top it all off Hilary has started to read Harry Potter and is on the hunt for book 2 at the library.

Girls weekend is just hours away! Morgan and Tegan arrive this evening and it will be a much needed dance/pretty/good food/laugh/etc party!

I started this post off with a quote to I will end it with one.

xo

I'm broke but I'm happy

I'm poor but I'm kind

I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah

... and I'm giving you all high fives!! I hope you are all happy and well!

roommateless no more

Hilary made it safe and sound! It was so nice to see her come off the bus! It seemed like the craziest idea at first that we would move to England together and here we are, exploring, having meetings with work, her falling in love with all that Bristol has to offer (which is a lot) eating good meals together, drinking wine and just picking up where we left off in May! It's so nice be to sharing this experience with someone again (other than the people in my tv shows.. ha..).

I stopped by work yesterday to pick up more time sheets and then I left to wait for Hilary to finish up in her meeting. I was walking up and down the road taking in the market and the little stores. There are all kinds of charity workers who ask you to stop for 5 minutes of your time to hear what they have to say. They are usually young and trying to get messages out there. I admire them because it must be hard not wanting to be heard or sometimes even seen by rude humans who are consumed by where they are going in the next hour, not where they are going long term. So as I was walking down the road I saw this young girl from Amnesty International stop this business man all suited up for a days work and he looked at her with a death stare and said "if I wanted to talk to you about this nonsense I would have stopped, I'm heading to actual work!" and he stormed off. I'm sure that happens frequently but I can see it just knocked her confidence down a bit. It's not like she was selling knock-off hand bags or fake gold watches, mister crankypants. ANYWAY, cause I really had nothing to do and I am interested in this organization I went up to her and said "I'll talk to you". That I did. So we talked about where I was from, she asked if I was American, I asked why people always assume we are American (which was a dumb question... I know exactly why they think I am because the US is all you hear about. Not hating on the US at all, I'm just not American) Then she told me about some of the things they are working on and somethings I didn't know about (note to self start reading the news in the morning). It was great! Two people having a conversation until she said I could help out by donating just 25p a day. I would but my income at the moment is not flowing into my bank account so I made a note that once things are under control, etc. that this would be something I am interested in. All in all, I'm glad I stopped :)

Then as I was waiting by the building for Hilary to come out one of the Protocol people came out, the one I liked the most. He just talked to Hilary and got her all sorted out. He apologized that work is so slow at the moment and said to keep on calling in. It was reassuring that he cared or pretended anyway haha. But he did mention my Canada connection again and how he was on strict orders to take care of me so I am glad he didn't forget that :)

After all of that we walked to the bank, to a couple of phone stores and then we got Hilary a library card! We headed home, I did some window shopping and I showed her some of my favorite stores. It was a lovely day!

Now, It is 7:23am and I am waiting again. Still have the nerves for some reason. I think its the unknown that scares me, will I make it to the bus? will the school be nice? Will I want to fall asleep by 10:30 because 6:00am is not my best friend? One thing I do know if I am loving my 10:00pm grandma bedtime again. Routine = good.

Miss you all!

xo

things.

Things I'm alright with:
-Watching tv all day if it means saving money! You do what you have to do... besides I have put Brothers & Sister and Dexter on hold for far too long.
-Buying tomato soup at poundland (our version of the dollar store).
-Rainy days
-Drinking tea to kill time
-Hilary's arrival tomorrow!
-My need/want to call my mother everyday just to see what the news is
-My brother (maybe) coming for Easter?! Tylerman times = good times
-The kind plumber in my bathroom fixing my tub. He asked if I was working today and I told him my sob (over reacting, coombs) story.
-Gaga being on Ellen *see below for not alright comments

-My oatmeal phase... any chance I can eat brown sugar is more than alright with me.

Things I'm not alright with:
-Gaga's meat dress... but I suppose it was bound to happen. But Ellen almost couldn't look at her which is sad being as I usually don't care about celebrities (only when Marlz travels across the country and brings those fantastic magazines home which hasn't happened in a year... yep.) but these two ladies are different. And Oprah, I'm an Oprah lover... don't hate. Ellen being vegan could have something to do with her disgust of of the outfit. It made sense, I get why she wore it but I'm pro veggie outfit that Ellen gave her. Alright with: her dates to the VMAs! I've only seen pictures but I'm alright with it in a big way.
-Not getting work. I almost got day this morning but they thought I had a car and the drive would have been 50 minutes anyway. On the bus that would have been... forever. So no work today.

Two not alrights! not bad! I'm sure there are more but I won't bore you with those.

Life isn't overly exciting these days but that is all about to change as Hilary arrives tomorrow! It's hard with all of the goodbyes and see you laters when you don't know when later is. I did it, hell I had a doozey of a day in Wolfville where I said see you later to 8 of my favorite people in one day (note to self... don't do that again). For me the excitement took over the sadness, the beautiful greenery made up for the lack of Nova Scotia love I so miss and I'm in England.

I hope you all have a great day! I will! :)

Miss you

xo

we used to wait

On days like today I listen to Lux or O Magnum when I know they are doing auditions at Acadia. I think to myself “it’s ok, you had a good run”. That I did. I was a lucky bugger when it came to that ensemble, I got what I needed from it: friends, challenges, knowledge, confidence and so, so much more. I am looking forward to playing again with a group here in Bristol. I will have to wait until ensembles start back up in October but more than anything I’m glad I want to continue playing. My music degree nearly kicked the love I had for my instrument to the curb. My education degree changed all of that when I started to play for myself and not for grades. I am not the best oboe player in the world, I never claimed to be but I did improve over the past 2 years and I am thankful I have fallen in love again with playing.

Bristol news! Our shower has been leaking and it’s running down into the flat below. Needless to say they aren’t very happy with it and my father isn’t around to fix the problems BUT my landlord’s father is! They are also friend with a plumber so after three trips and different things to stop the leaking (from where we thought it was coming from) they sent the plumber. He tore off the panel on the front of the tub and is going to come back next week. That, my friends is one of the most interesting events that took place this week! AND someone other than myself was in the flat. Almost asked if he wanted to stay for tea but I thought that would be weird and he seemed busy. (Kidding... I wasn’t going to ask him in for tea)

Last night I went to a local pub with my friend Natalie! We had an amazing ice cream fudge thing and some cider! I’ll be going back there for sure!! It was so nice to spend time with her! We knew each other from Acadia but are just becoming good friends now. Timing is everything:)

I am preparing for a wonderful season of concerts!! Being in a city where people actually come is amazing and if they come to London I’m only a bus ride away. Let’s see what is on the agenda:
September 23: London Symphony Orchestra in Bristol! Malher 5! Eight pound for that ticket, baby.
October 7th: Dan Mangan in Bristol!
October 24th: Eric Whitacre with LSO in London.
November 16thThe Goo Goo Dolls (a band I have wanted to see since jr. high)
November 24th: The National in Bristol (or the end of the month in London)
December 1: Arcade Fire in London!
AND
December 16 or 17: Lady Gaga in London (Merry Christmas, Coombs <3)

Now I realize I will have to pick and choose but if I can manage most/all I surely will. AND those are just the ones I have come across so far.

There was an envelop on the floor outside of the main door that said “please read: from 19 Dundonald” It wasn’t addressed to anyone maybe everyone? I thought since I was the newest member of the building I shouldn’t open it. Now I wish I had cause I have been thinking about it all day.
So Morgan introduced this to me. It’s from the Arcade Fire and Google Chrome. You should do it. I tried to do it with my home in CB but there isn’t enough on Google Earth to support it so I used Wolfville (of course). I suggest you try it out!! It’s pretty amazing.
Instructions:
-put in your address
-let it load
-don’t touch anything, just watch.

thewildernessdowntown

Happy weekend everyone!!

xo

Coombs

i want your everything... as long as it's free.

I had a great day! I called my mom and got things sorted out. She is the greatest. After I called her I was in such a good mood I thought "I'm going on a hunt for a pumpkin spice latte"! Surely fancy-pants Starbucks would have one! They are all about the fancy stuff. Here's how my conversation with the worker in green went:

Me: Hi!! Do you have the pumpkin spiced latte?! (Need I mention that I had a smile on my face as big as Canada waiting for "of course we do silly, we're Starbucks!")

Him: No, we don't. You're the second person that asked about that today. It must be an American thing. Are you American?

Me: No, I'm Canadian

Him: Well it sounds Halloween-y and we don't really buy into Halloween here... (what was it he he said... I think he said it was silly or something)

Me: It's not Halloween-y at all! It's more Fallish (looks at me funny) Err... Autumn themed? Anyway, it's great and you should think about

getting it.

Needless to say I didn't get my favorite drink, for the 100th time someone thought I was American AND he basically pooped on Halloween. Lame. So I got a regular coffee and a blueberry muffin .

After I was done I headed down the road a little bit to one of my favorite stationary stores. I bought a nice black pen for school because I always go looking for a black pen for my paperwork but I only have blue or a funny colour. Problem solved! After that I thought I would go to Clifton Village which I always happen to find by chance or by bus. It's like a secret place I always stumble upon. Today, I wasn't so lucky and I couldn't find it for the life of me. Instead I found this walkway with a very old graveyard on either side. Brenna told me about it one day and I always kept my eyes open for it. So I walked for a while and chose left or right whenever I felt I should turn. Turns out I walked in a complete circle and ended up where I started, by the music building (which by the way looks like University Hall). I went in hoping someone would be at the main desk to tell me about their ensembles and when they start but I couldn't find anyone at the moment. I need to make it back to Clifton Village because there is a bag there... let's just say it was love at first sight and some day, if it's still there sitting lonely on the shelf and my wallet isn't empty I'm going to give it a good home.

So I decided to head to the grocery store to buy some food for lunches if I get work tomorrow and the rest of the week. 6am comes early... and I didn't practice getting up early like I planned. But that just means that I will end up going to bed earlier and I will get back into a routine soon!

Now I am off to read the last chapter of my book. I have been reading since 8:30 this evening and it's almost 11:30 now. This has been one of those books where I'm scared to finish it because I don't know what I could possibly read next that would hold my interest. I'll get over it soon but holy moly it's wonderful.

Cross your fingers for work tomorrow (at a good school...)

lovelovelove xo

with the hits and the misses

Tonight I took myself on a date to the movies. It was my first time going to a movie with myself and I very much enjoyed it. I saw Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky for £3.30 (woo Monday cheap nights!) and I bought popcorn for £1.90. I got there early as I usually like to do when I go to the movies, how else are you going to get the best seats!? Well, I had no problem because I was the only one there for about 15 mins. I sat thinking "it's ok you can do this, it's not weird going to the movies on your own". I heard this familiar song they were playing in the background... it was Hanson. Yes folks I am a Hanson fan! Even after the Mmmbop phase (did you know that mmmbop means faster than a millisecond?) It was one of their newer albums that I adore so I sat there becoming more comfortable with my surroundings and I new I made the right decision. People started filing into the theatre but it wasn't full at all which is kind of nice sometimes. I didn't have to awkwardly sit by anyone, bonus!

The movie was amazing. So amazing. Go see it! Err... rent it as the UK is usually behind the times here aka Never Let Me Go comes out in January I think. Womp. Anyway all I want to do is listen to Stravinsky, buy Chanel No.5, run off to Paris, and drink wine.

Truth be told I have been in somewhat of a rut. I think I am coming out of it though and work is just around the corner. I have been reading like mad which is really good for me!

I might have to take a break from the True Blood books as I have to sleep with the light on in the hall because I get spooked easily. Thankfully I finished that book the other day and Never Let Me Go is filling my days.

I may be a bit confused but I think that's part of the point. You discover things with Kathy (the main character) as she remembers her past. Sometimes I finding myself sighing at parts because they are so, so beautiful.

I think My rut might be brought on by missing the past a little bit. Silly things like pumpkin spice lattes from the Coffee Merchant on the way to wind lit., they way you go into Just Us and always know at least one person there, seeing people for the first time in a couple of months, the first music party of the year, f

iguring out what you should play for your audition and wishing you practiced more over the summer, Saturdays with your FH, the smell of the home away from home that I adore, and maybe more than anything those two little people (who aren't so little anymore) who bring me so much joy.

Please don't think I'm not enjoying myself. I just think too much and this might be the first time I am homesick. I think it's the mix of mom and dad being here and then in a blink of an eye they were gone then Brenna leaving the very next day.

Shake it off! Tonight was just the thing I needed. There are bike/walking trails that I discovered and I might pack a lunch and test some of them out. Although it looks like it is going to rain but this is England so I better get used to that.

Now off to bed I go!

Miss you all!

xo

happy sunday

New room!

i am not lonely i swear to god i'm just alone

I had a nice conversation with the neighbour yesterday while I was checking the mail. Her name is Monica! No, I don't see us turning into the series Friends, besides my name isn't Rachel or Phoebe. She was very kind! We talked about our summers. She went to Austrailia and New Zealand to visit her daughters and I told them about the visit my parents had. She recommended some places I MUST see. Everyone says Cornwall and I am not surprised. Remember my vacation to Newquay? Cornwall. "Best beaches around" she says and little did she know she was talking to someone who loves the ocean no matter what side of it I am is on! I collected my junk mail and stuff for the former tenant I went back upstairs to my book.

I remember when we were getting used to being here and Brenna said that the mornings were sometimes the hardest. It's the time change. Right now it's almost 8am at home, 7am further west, and in BC it's almost 3am!! Not to mention it is Saturday so unless I want to talk to my aunt Valerie who wakes up at 5am every morning or go-getters in Ontario, or people arriving home from a night out on the west coast I'm outta luck.

I think my lack of human contact is starting to get to me. My budget plan until I get paid next: stay inside and you can't spend money. Not really working out. But I put aside enough money to go to the cute little theatre in Henleaze to see the Igor & Coco movie! This love affair was not in my wind lit course... shocked it wasn't? No. Haha. Anyway, I'm a sucker for a forbidden romance so I will go see that on cheap night and who knows, maybe I will meet a friend!

I think some window shopping is in order for this afternoon! I think I will stop by the library first and pick up Never Let Me Go just. I want to read the book before I see the movie.

I hope you all have a great day!

Miss you all.

xo

So you ain't living 'til you're living it

It's September.

I'm not in Wolfville for the first time in 6 years and I feel... ok with it. Actually, I'm more than ok with it. Oh I do love that place something fierce but it belongs in my memory for now. It's amazing how things can change so fast right before your eyes.

To my friends in Canada who are dying of heat, maybe the hurricane will shake things up. To my friend in Paris who is putting her sandals away, you'd look so cool in a wooly sweater in a french coffee shop. To myself in Bristol, enjoy

your sun... it will rain soon enough.

Tomorrow, I am going to find a nice spot in the park and write a letter to a loved one. Or maybe an email since it's free and free is in the budget until school starts.

School! I'm on the other side of the desk!! I've been waiting a long time to say that. I may not be changing the world, making lasting impressions or getting to these people. If they only knew that I am exactly where I want to be... a classroom. Maybe they would give me a chance. If not... I'll fly to Ireland for 12 pounds and thank God I'm doin

g crowd control.

Happy September.

For those experiencing change of any kind... embrace it! It might be the best thing you ever do for yourself.

xo

New day!

So last night I started cleaning which means I am coming out of my hibernation/hide away mode. I was great while it lasted but thankfully I am getting restless again and I'm ready to face the world! I guess it just part of my personality where I need mega down time after a month of being around people constantly. I'm not talking about walking down the road and seeing people I mean visits, large cities, etc. I just needed a break.

I talked to mom the other day and she had something exciting to ask!! So, my father is a barber in Cape Breton. He now owns my grandfathers shop and has been there for almost 25 years! He started when I was born so there is so much of it that has been part of my life. Next door to the shop is the beauty parlor where Ursula works! Ursula moved to Canada when she was 16 and started working in hair dressing places and then got a job next to the barber shop. She moved here from Poland leaving all of her family behind and she still visits on a very regular basis. She is going this September and mom was going to see if it would be possible for me to go visit four a couple of days!! It would be amazing. It's still very much up in the air but imagine... Poland! Holy moly. I'm getting around!!

Today is dedicated to writing post cards to family and friends back home. It should have been done 2 months ago as a thank you for coming to my grad party... but my middle name is procrastinator. I have a lot of things to return to the library as well. Moving away and knowing you can't buy too many things because you have to eventually pack them up leads to to the library. I used to go to the library 3-4 days out of the week when I was a little girl so I have always loved them. It's nice rekindling that love :)

It's a beautiful sunny day so I think I am going to find a nice coffee shop with my post cards, book, and really nice new pen from London. If you are interested in receiving mail from England let me know!!

Miss you all!!

xoxo

conversations with myself

Me: tell me i'm not selfish.

My inner voice: you're not selfish, coombs. maybe acting like a hermit... but not selfish.

Me: thanks.

i do believe i have been changed for the better

I feel like I have just woken up and I can't remember where I am.

The past two weeks have been so amazing and unbelievable. My parents came, I showed them around Bristol, we ate amazing food, we went to Rome, I fell in love with Rome, I went to the Vatican, I wrote postcards outside of the Colosseum, and I had gelato every day. I have been thinking about what to say and how to say it when it comes to Rome. There are no words to describe it so I will let you experience it for yourself and you will understand.

I was able to celebrate Brenna's birthday with her! It was low key and we had amazing Indian food from around the corner. It was nice to spend time with her! It felt like I haven't seen her in 3ish weeks... probably because I really didn't.

Nicole arrived the next day! She stayed for a fews nights and it is really nice having her on this side of the pond. I am happy she is close to Morgan, hopefully they can hang out.

Off to London with mom and dad on Monday morning! I don't know what it is but I was having a hard time falling for London the way I did over Bristol and Rome. I think it is because I was exhausted when I went the both times. And it's overwhelming. There was SO much to see and take in. I really need to plan when I want to see the big things next time... or do it in stages.

Then, I saw Wicked. Oh my good god. If you don't know this about me already I am a HUGE Wizard of OZ fan. I watched it once a week when I was little! The story line is amazing and I love everything that has to do with it. Naturally, I knew I would like it. Like it... I loved it. If you have a chance to go see it world, do it. Gah.

My mom and dad left on Wednesday. They walked me to Morgan's and once the door closed I cried and cried. I'm a sucker when it comes to see you laters. Morgan and Brenna were very good and hugged me. We stayed in and watched Sex and the City 2 and made amazing nachos.

The next morning Brenna went off to buy her ticket for Wicked! Morgan and I had a slow (and needed) morning! We walked around London... parts the tour didn't show! I went to a 6 floor toy store and my inner child couldn't help but burst out. There was a Harry Potter section and I was in Heaven. We found Brenna after a St. Paul's meeting spot misunderstanding and we quickly took the underground to King's Cross Station! We got our picture taken at platform 9 3/4! It was amazing! After that thrill we went to Harrods. Google it. I saw a woman trying to decided between two 4000 pound Hermes bags. I could only afford one chocolate truffle for 1 pound. My oh my it was good.

Brenna went off to her musical and Morgan and I talked ourselves out of going out for supper and ordering in from Wagamamas. It was amazing but then again that was the theme for the past couple of months. Brenna was done her musical and we went to get her and showered her with Wicked hugs. After packing and some laughs we went to bed. 6am comes early you know.

On Thursday morning my Brenna packed up her stuff and we shared hugs and I love yous and off she went for her last tube ride (for now).

I made my way back to Bristol without a tear shed. Then I started listening to For Good from the Wicked soundtrack and I found all my tears.

Now, I am going to have some Taratime until Hilary arrives!!

To Brenna, thank you for more than you know.

What a summer.

Rome update soon! I am off to London with mom and dad for a last hurrah! They leave on the 25th, Brenna leaves on the 26th... Sad. BUT! Natalie comes on the 27th and the rest of the month with fly by.

Life is good and my heart is happy.

xo

Talk soon!

Bucket List

"I think I deserve something beautiful."
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

I've started a bucket list. Not because I'm dying or anything tragic but I want to keep track of things I want to do. Some of those things are:

-Go skydiving

-Spend time volunteering/visiting Africa

-Go to the Vatican

-Buy a DSLR camera

-Bake a pie

-Get Married

-Build a little cabin in Benacadie

-Drive across Canada

On Wednesday I'll be scratching "Go to the Vatican" off my list.

The Coombs Invasion.

Mom and dad arrive on Thursday! Excited? Very. I need a little love from home. Plans are still up in the air about what we might do but I'm game for whatever my mother has planned. Dad, like always is along for the ride. It should be a wonderful two weeks and all that will be missing is Tyler. Mom and I have talked about another trip for him later in the year. Europe with Tylerman would be just wonderful.

Life is good! Now I am off to call a fellow Wind Ensemble member to arrange travel plans for her:)

Happy days!

xo

how to be alone.

Glastonbury Festival 2010

I missed it this year but you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to make it next year.

Check out the the line up: Kate Nash, Imogen Heap, Stevie Wonder, Jack Johnson, The National, and Snoop Dogg. Maybe you'll find something that interests you because you are all invited to come along! Camping!

2010 Lineup

Two

- I'm happier now than when I arrived here.

- I daydream about where I am going to go the next day.

- The Bansky works around Bristol never ever get old.

- Homesickness isn't something I have experienced too much because I keep busy. Days like this I feel it a little bit. August 5th always comes with sunshine but even after 13 years I still wish I could have a whiskery kiss from my papa.

- Brenna is the greatest.

- After being in Wolfville for 6 years I find it hard going out around 11:30-12 and staying out until 4am... Last time we went out the sun was coming out. I really go out so I can have the chips and curry sauce from that amazing chip wagon.

- My pen pal skills have been improving because I don't have internet at my flat yet. Although when I need a fix I buy it for 5 pounds and I get it for 24 hours!

- It's so green here and very, very beautiful.

- I have yet to meet some friends but I am sure that will come soon enough.

- I find that I laugh to myself when I remember that I am in England... I'm in England.

- Prague, I'm coming for you.

- Mom and Dad are coming to visit next week. I'm super excited. There might be a Italy trip in the near future with them! Rome. Even though I am on shaky grounds with the Vatican I have wanted to go since... forever? Yes, sounds about right. Oh the Vatican. Who's getting the nicest pair of rosary beads ever? Me.

- There is a balloon festival next week! 150 hot air balloons in the air. I'm down with that.

- I can barely stay up past 11pm cause I'm a grandma.

Happy two months England!

I went to Korea a few years ago and I went to see the tallest Buddha in the world. To get there you had to walk up a steep road and then climb up 100s of stairs. It was tiring and really hot out. My cousins were behind me and stopped to take a lot of pictures so I walked up on my own, sometimes I prefer that honestly. You can’t see anything while you are walking up the stairs until you arrive at the top. Once you get there and you see what is there you forget that your legs burns, that you a sweaty and tired. It was the most peaceful place I have ever been in my life and I know I shared that emotion with some of the people around me, I could see it on their faces. That’s how I felt in Glastonbury, at peace and happy. The amount of history there is simply amazing! It also had some of the best scenes my eyes have had the pleasure of seeing. I want to take you all there! The Abbey was great and seeing the ruins of what was left was eerie and and very cool.

It's almost two weeks that I haven't worked. I might have to break down and go to the temp agency but I would rather not. I am thinking about going on a day trip to Wales and it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow so maybe I will take advantage of the weather and my free time!

Tomorrow it will be my 2 month anniversary with England. Very healthy relationship and I think it's getting serious.

Anyway the library is closing soon and I need to return to the o.c. It's such a pleasant walk down memory lane, the fights, the break ups, clever Seth Cohen... oh the days when I loved him, how things have changed. Never the less I find it entertaining and it gives me satisfaction to know that there is more drama in a 45 minute episode of the o.c. than in my 24 years of being me. Never fear readers I am not only watching crap! When I get the opportunity I watch the United States of Tara. If you haven't seen or heard of it I highly suggest it!!

http://www.sho.com/site/tara/home.do

Screw money... i'm going to Wells and Glastonbury tomorrow!!!

In a year... I'll kick myself for not going rather than the few pounds I'll save.

Good choice, Coombs

My sense were confused yet happy.

If I closed my eyes I could smell and hear the sounds of home. My vacation to Newquay was needed and I loved every minute of it. Let's back up though and explain how important it was for me to go to the sea.

Last week of term: If I am doing supply next year I will not be working that week or I will be doing something better than the shit plan that was left for me. My smallest class was 28, it was the warmest room I have ever, ever been in, and the kids were rude, gross, and not interested in me: their SIXTH music teach in 4 months. Eff. Some threw guitars, some cursed at me, some tried to steal headphones... it was awful. I cut my leg on a trunk that they left in the middle of the room... in this trunk there as paint that ended up on chairs. No, I was not in a preschool because I wouldn't expect this from 5 year olds. I was with grades 7-9. I asked not to be sent to that school again as the support wasn't there from the staff and the kids were beyond horrible. (You should get control over your future Bristol...)

So needless to say I booked a trip to Newquay the "California of the United Kingdom". I arrived and had a pasty! Then I dropped off my stuff and found some supper! I went for some decent mexican food and read the thorn birds while I was surrounded by people on dates and attending large group birthday parties. Did I miss my friends? Always. Was I bothered I was on my own? Not at all. The Taratime was needed.

After supper I walked down the main street scoping out places to eat for tomorrow! I passed 3 beaches and decided to perch on the hill to watch the sunset over the ocean. I was so excited that I told this random lady that I was excited to watch the sunset and that I was from right across the ocean! She smiled at me and nodded. Turns out she was from Dresden and couldn't understand me. She understood Canada and hello. :) It was nice to stand there with her and watch it.By the time the sunset I was ready to head back to my little room. There was a tv and it was so nice to watch it!! I saw the end of A Perfect Storm and quickly fell asleep.

I forgot what it felt like to eat a proper breakfast. Oh my goodness... from now on I am making sure I eat well every morning. It fuels you up for a long day!! It was wonderful and I was stuffed until 1:30!!! I hopped on a little train that takes you around town and I went to the zoo for 2 hrs. It was a nice way to start the day and I got to hear a lion roar!! Worth the charge of getting in the zoo alone. Then I hopped on the train again and made my way to Fistal Beach. It is the big surfing beach of Newquay and I had lunch over looking the ocean! Excellent view and sandwich! Then I walked along the storefronts where I bought some handmade bracelets and postcards for loved ones.

I must have watched the surfers for 45 minutes trying to grab a picture or two of them! I got a few good ones and had to drag myself from them to explore the rest of the beach. I walked all the way up the hill and around the cliffs! I also found my self timer on my camera and played with that! I must say the beach did wonders for my hair! haha.

Once I made it back to the town centre I was pretty hunger and sleepy. I went for Indian food and it was fantastic!! Then the rain came down and I decided to go back and rest in my room and I watched tv!

The next morning greeted me with another amazing breakfast and I checked out of my room to catch my bus! I was ready to return home to Brenna and my fluffy pillows! On the way home I sat by a really nice Welsh man who now lives in Kenya! We exchanged info and hopefully I will hear from him again some day!

I also received good news from home! Papa had his surgery to remove one of his kidneys and it went very well! He will be in for about a week and then he can go home so fingers crossed for a full recovery.

I miss you all!!

xoxox

Coombs

This is a post for my followers... the 3 of you? haha

I miss you, I love you!

I'm happier than I was yesterday and I assume that will only continue.

Much love. xo

Your,

Coombs

Hold me to this thing, darling.

Sorry, I'm alive... and semi well. I have had a bad cold for a week and I have been off work and no play so there wasn't much to blog about. I didn't even blog about my adventures to London! Here I go:

Things are going well! I am making enough money to survive which is always a plus. I worry for August but I have to tell myself that this is my life and I am meant to enjoy it! So I will!

London: first time. It was great! I loved it! I think I would love it even more if I wasn't starting to feel sick so I am going to have my official first visit another time. I saw Big Ben and Westminster Abbey! Of course we spent most of our day at the Canada Day party which was on of the BEST celebrations of my country I have ever had. I ate a Boston Cream doughnut which was AMAZING. Drank (a bit too much) cider, ate poutine, danced around, met a man on the stairs from England, a wife and daughter from Africa and we started to have a chat with him! We told him we were from Canada then Nova Scotia. And he said "how funny! I lived in NS, in a small town called WOLFVILLE." No jokes. We talked about my lovely Wolfville for a bit and the rest of the Valley. I bonded with his young daughter and decided to give her one of my maple leaf pins that Papa gave me before I left. I had two so I thought it was best to pass on the love. She enjoyed it and I would like to think in 10 years she will come across it and wonder what ever happened to that young Canadian girl who gave her the maple leaf pin.

Then came Sarah Harmer time. I was right up front where I told Brenna days before even getting there that I would stand right up there by the stage and sing my heart out. I sang and then all of a sudden I started to cry. I think it was overwhelming to have my favorite Sarah Harmer there, Morgan by my side, Brenna by my side and on top of it all I was in London. That's enough to make a girl cry.

So now I am sick and trying to get better. I think I will be better by Monday and maybe get a full week of work! (Here's hoping). Not only am I sick-sick but I am campsick. I won't talk about it much because it breaks my heart. Mainly Concert Band camp which is next week. In all honesty I want them to miss me. Is that silly? I just want to feel like I contributed something to them. Silly.

Hope all is well!! Send me letters!!

PS: Julie! I finished the Book of Awesome this morning. It was awesome like you.

Holy Holst.

I went to Cheltenham yesterday! 7 pounds took me to his birth place and it was so so much fun! I listened to the AUWE play the First Suite and it was truly beautiful. When it got to F in the first movement I sat by the fountain with my feet in the water and had my first tears in the UK.

It was a great day.

Week Two

Week two is harder on my heart than I expected. I’ll get over it... I just have to look around and remind myself of what I am doing and who I am doing it for: me. I can’t help but think about things and people I shouldn’t be but then again why stop myself? They are just thoughts anyway and they will only cause me harm if I let them.

I finished a week of teaching and let’s just say “we aren’t in kanas anymore, Toto”. Holy! The one school I went to for the week was crazy... It did get better because I was there for 4 days and some of the kids started to get used to me but can you really have a handle on classroom management when the kids don’t even acknowledge you are there? Or when a fight breaks out on day two? All in all I made it through and not once did I feel scared or have thoughts “can I handle this?”. I know I can but it’s just sad that I probably won’t get much teaching done unless I am in a really good school or if they continue to put me in a math class haha... I would take the train to school everyday and that alone was worth the day. I think everyone else on the train took it for granted; the beauty and the man who came along saying “anything from the trolley?”. The country side is so beautiful and green (it makes you thankful for the rain for making it so picturesque) and everything reminds me of Harry Potter which excites me greatly. I didn’t work yesterday, I called and said I wasn’t feeling well which I wasn’t. I was so exhausted that I physically couldn’t get out of bed. Let’s hope for a full week to bring in the money so I can comfortably survive here. I will I just have to get back on my feet from not working for 2 months before coming here.

Last night I went to a local pub and watched the game with Brenna. I guess you can tie in football... who knew? So they didn’t win or lose last night but there was a lot of cursing haha and angry English folk! Next game is on Wednesday at 3 so I doubt I will get to see it but hopefully they win!

I think I am going to walk around and take pictures today. I haven’t taken any in a few days so I think it’s time to get out there! There was a place in the mall where you send the picture to this guy and he puts it on a canvas for you!! So I might do that with some of mine for my wall! Like my Stonehenge one and maybe some others!!

I think we are off to Cheltenham tomorrow aka Holst’s homeland! I will bring my ipod to listen to the First Suite and some Jupiter while I am there!

Much love,

Coombs

Dear roomie who is coming in September.

Don't let money freak you out.

Just be open to the whole thing and you can wake up to this every morning.

Happy heart, sore feet, little bits of nerves, and so much love for this place.

Library is closing soon so I will just post a picture and be on my way!

I saw Stonehenge yesterday and it was one of the most amazing sights I've ever, ever seen. I also saw Salisbury Cathedral which was breath taking!

Stay tuned for a longer post!

All the love in the world!

xo

There was a sense of peace that came over me when I walked off the plane and into this country. It is safe to say I have been looking for that feeling now for quite sometime. I just denied myself the right to look for it; let alone have it.

I am 24 years old about to have a five year anniversary with my broken heart and for some reason I thought I didn’t have the guts to go somewhere to have a fresh start. Once I convinced myself that I wasn’t running away from my issues I got onboard with the excitement everyone else felt for my adventure.

It is one week today that I arrived and I couldn’t be happier. I no longer have a heavy heart or the burning desire to do something more because I AM doing something more!

So! I invite you to read along on my journey here in the UK. You will find more here than on a back of an average postcard.

Please know that I miss you all!

Be happy,

xoxo