not half way yet...

Well last week had some really dull days, and then some really busy ones. By the end of the week I had 3 projects on the go! I was thrilled when work was over on Friday as I needed a break.

Of course, it being me, I didn't exactly have a 'break'. I caught a train into Essex/ Suffolk and was a tourist all weekend! I stayed with my mum's old school friends who graciously drove me around all day Saturday and Sunday. I visited Colchester (first city in the UK), Dedham (location of John Constables famous paintings), Billericay (English Peasents Revolt), Sutton Hoo (Anglo-Saxon burial mounds), Framlingham (castle of the Howards), Bury St. Edmunds (ruins of a HUGE abbey/shrine), Lavenham (awesome little town of crooked houses).... loads of driving on little English roads and probably up to 10 miles of walking, all combined.

The weather even held out for me, it was quite warm! Of course now I'm back in London with the usual temperamental stuff.

Not sure what the week ahead holds for me, but hopefully it's going to be good!

me again

Well I think I'm fairly well settled in now - some of the days are feeling like 'the daily grind', which is a good thing? I am still thrilled to be here - there is something amazing about walking past St. Paul's Cathedral every morning on my way to work: it's kind of surreal!

I've been puttering around at work on a number of different projects, all of which are fairly straight forward but take time. It's all fascinating stuff and has shown this trip to be really worth every penny I'm spending. Hopefully the interesting work will continue!

In my time off I've been doing a variety of things. I was quite busy last week seeing tourist stuff in the evenings, or meeting people for dinner. I hope this continues! This past weekend I went up to the historic town of St. Albans (roman, anglo-saxon and norman histories) which was a lovely day out, and then took a 4 hour cruise down the Thames to Hampton Court, where I explored and saw Henry VIII (the actor was the spitting image!).

The frustrating thing about my trip is the hours - I work until 5:30 every day, and with the crush of people, I often only get home between 6:30 and 7pm. All tourist sites are closed at 5, so my weeknights are devoted to either seeing people or, more frequently, going home, making a microwave dinner and reading my books or watching BBC.

I'm starting to make some connections here, though it's a slow process. I've discovered an old friend of mine is living in the city, so hope to meet up with him in the coming days/weeks. Otherwise I'll continue to use my weekends thoroughly! This coming weekend I plan to go up to the Colchester area, where the artist Constable did much of his work. It's apparently a lovely area.

Alright, off again!

Epic work!

Wow, this week has been full of 'epic work'. well, one day at least. When I got to work on Monday I was put on a team working on a crazy important submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission - a HUGE deal and I was a key player in making it happen. Well, I was at least very helpful - I was the 'fresh eyes' on a number of documents and liaised with the publisher on all the edits and nit-picky stuff. It was a really interesting process and gave me a lot of insite... the 'epic' part was the fact that on Wednesday I worked from 9:30am until 4:00am... and was back at work the next morning at 9:30. It was intense.

Otherwise I'm still keeping happy and enjoying myself. The past weekend I explore Hampstead Heath, went out to see where my grandfather was born in Eltham, and went to the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum - all was well worth the visits.

This weekend I plan to see St. Albans (an historic town) and take a Thames river cruise out to Hampton Court.. I just hope the weather is nice to me. Right now there's thunder and Vancouver-style rain. sigh.

Hope everyone is well. Please feel free to email - it's nice to hear from home!

The First Week

I survived it! Horrah!

After a few days if induction meetings they threw me in the deep end, giving me a massive research project on topics I have yet to study at school. I bought a text book guide to try learn quickly, and did as best a job I could. The lawyers seemed happy enough with the results, but I don't know if the big cheese liked it - that will come Monday.

It's been strange being a London commuter, especially with work ending at 530. I'm starting to get used to getting home late and eating dinner even later... I don't like it, but that's what it is.

I haven't done anything too touristy yet as it all closes at 5pm. Today I plan to go to Hampstead Heath, a big park and village within the city, and then maybe just hit down town again. Tomorrow is open for now.

Well I hope all is well with everyone. I'm mostly alright, though I do get lonely at times. Hugs to everyone.

Getting Here & First Day

It was a tiny bit stressful getting here due to all potential flight mishaps, but in the end it worked out alright. My flight was delayed leaving Vancouver but made up time in the air. The plane gods were smiling on me in Newark as my connecting flight turned out to be in the gate right next to where I landed. And my bags made it to Heathrow with me! Best outcome!

One cool thing about my journey: I got to see hundreds of American 4th of July Fireworks display’s from the air. It was so cool seeing all the twinkling – not often you see fireworks from above!

My place here in London seems like it’ll be good – I have a fridge, microwave, hot-plate and some tools to use with them. There are 3 grocery stores within a minutes walk, as is the underground and a huge park. My Landlady seems like a lovely lady – an ex-professional ballet dancer no less!

My first day at work was a bit overwhelming but overall pretty good. Met loads of people and had a bunch of training, all of which will continue tomorrow. The office is located near St. Paul’s Cathedral, so I’ll probably pop into it for lunch one of these days. I’ll slowly explore the area over lunches and shall report back my findings. I did pick up a mobile phone and an internet dongle, so I’ll be more connected than at first thought.

Anyway, I’ll keep you posted as things happen!

packing the bags

Well I'm packing up my bags and looking at a journey beginning on July 4th... The first hurdle is getting all the clothes I need for work and play into a suitcase that I can still lift and carry! The next hurdle is crossing my fingers and hoping that my 30 min connection is enough to switch planes at Newark... Then I have to hope my bags arrive... and that I can navigate the London Underground out to Clapham South!!

after that, no worries!

I'm starting to get excited. It's going to be a real adventure, away from everything, striking out on my own and finding out who I am, in London. I know I'll miss home, but hopefully I'll be too distracted by work and play to be homesick.

I don't know what my internet situation is going to be like, so I won't be posting as frequently as other trips. But I'll save up stories and post them all at once, so perhaps that's better?

Well, until I'm there, toodles!

done

well, they're over. and hopefully so is one of the hardest sets of weeks I've been through.


the strange thing is, rather than being happy, I feel so drained and exhausted: it's almost a sense of failure or let-down.


I'm sure I'll feel better after some sleep.

about turn

ok, 3 down. none were fantastic, some were awful.

Now the 4th.. and I have to suddenly change pace completely, turn my brain around and revert to an old life: my 4th exam is a history exam.

yup, I've got 5.5 days to learn 1000 years of legal history. ugh. my work so far has been frustrating as there aren't cases to learn (well, not as many as normal) - it's back to the names, dates and places... and it's been 6 years since I used my history muscles..

anyway, I take solace in the fact that this time next week I'll be done. And in a month I'll be off to England.

status = 50%

50% done.

one ok, one so so... now 2 to go.

I'm tired.

tomorrow, tomorrow...

yep. first one is tomorrow.

wait, why am I on here......??????? books!! notes!! help!!!!!!!!!

in the final days

Exams come as follows: Tort - May 20, Trust - 27, Land - June 2, and History of English Law- 9th.

I have been wondering why I've been less stressed this year, and this past weekend I discovered why: all the stress had been waiting on the sidelines and decided to slam into me at once. Call it a new stress tactic? Hrm. Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to get a grips on it all and get back to hard slogging asap. First exam is just over a week away and none of the material has peculated into my brain. Don't worry, it'll happen. right?

A small reprieve this weekend was our mother's day celebration. As I'm still trying to slowly upload Europe to flickr, I thought I'd put these up here for those who look at this site. They'll go up on Flickr in due time.

The tea setup

the grand Mother

The Mum's

moment of cute.

Three Generations of fun.

Me and my Gran

Much Loved.

The Mom.

where did he get his height?!

Olive and Violet

Master Scone Chef's.

Oh My! It's May!!!

20 days until my first exam.

still plodding

pretty standard routine going on now days - wake up, eat cheerios, shower, check email, study... sleep again.

It's pretty repetitive. I'm not too pleased about it. Plus it's been beautifully sunny recently and all the cherry blossoms are out teasing me. I would love to be carefree, running around taking photographs, going on spring flower exploration walks and generally enjoying life. Instead I'm stuck in my office reading about how to remove trustees from trusts or what the difference is between hitting a person, criminally, and hitting a person, civilly. Ugh.

So yes, in general I'm a tad bitter right now. I know I'm stressed and that's never fun. I've got a month (today) until my first exam and that is not enough time to learn all the material properly. But I guess no one ever does learn the material properly do they? Well, not in one year at least. And law, annoyingly, is never permanent. I was just reading the 'recent development's' bulletin my school provides, and whaddya know, one whole unit I've been trying to memorize is no longer relevant, instead there's a whole new policy!

yes. well. anyway. moving on.

If anyone out there is still following my blog, I wish you well and hope your life is full with cherry blossoms and spring breezes, wherever you may be. Think of me with my books, and send good throughts my way come May 20, 27, June 2 and 9th.

back to the books.

time travel

it's snowing at home. so that means it's january right? if so, cool, I've got loads of time!!

getting over jet-lag is horrible. The super early mornings are the worst - I hope that in a day or two I'll finally be over it.

I've set up a study schedule that is reasonable, provided I stick with it. I feel exhausted already!

I'm still working on uploading photos, a city at a time. I hope it won't take forever, but study does come first!

Toodles.

Last day - time has flown!

I can't believe today is the last day of lectures. This week has flown by and unfortunately doesn't feel like enough was accomplished or covered.

The lectures have been good, for the most part, and I've got a better idea of the material for some of my classes. Now I just have to go and memorize it all and hope that I can pass the exams this May and June!

Today I have 5 hours of classes, and then I'll go into town to say 'bye' before packing up my room and possibly meeting some friends at the pub for a farewell drink. Tomorrow I head back down to London (Maidenhead), and Sunday I spend the day flying home!

This has certainly been a fun 3 weeks, although my Europe trip feels a long time ago already, and Cambridge feels a bit like I've already been home for a week (due to school)... I'm sure when I do get home things will feel even more strange!

Ah well, off to breakfast and class. If I don't get a chance before, I'll update again when home!

toodles.

Student Life

I have to say I'd forgotten how much work it takes to sit in class and try absorb and take notes from a lecturer. I'm now used to going my own pace with school (a pretty hard pace, but not like lectures)... I'm exhausted!

Unlike last year, where I instantly dove into the depths of despair due to the feelings of inadequacy, this year it's been a slow climb up the mountain of terror. I've left base camp 1, but not yet at base camp 2. The summit is a while away.

To better describe it, I'm kind of numb. I love being here, learning from the Cambridge law faculty professors - its an incredible experience. I recognize all the topics we're discussing but don't know any of the details (which is what made me panic last year). I think this time I'm aware of how hard I'm going to have to work the next few months, so am better prepared?? or maybe I was knocked down so many pegs last time that I didn't get worked up this time? Who knows.

Due to Cambridge not offering a class on my History subject, I am only in lectures for 3 of my 4 classes this time. The professors for each are excellent, but for different reasons. Trusts and Land are going very well with the format and information - which is good because those are my weakest. Tort is another story: the professor is young and new and uncomfortable, and is spending far too much time waffling than educating us. But I am learning a bit here and there, and he's talking a lot about recent cases (ie in the past year), so if I can quote some of those on the exams I'm sure the examiners will be pleased.

I've made a few friends here (despite my best solitary efforts LOL (JK)). One is a South African girl, then 2 ladies from Jersey Island (Channel Island), an Auzzie who lives in London, and a New Yorker. The group is much smaller than last year - there are less than 30 in my classes this time, when there were at least 60 last year. I prefer the smaller group.

I haven't had much of a chance to re-explore the town, but may have some time tomorrow on my lunch break. I'll be holed up in the library for most of the day though.

Otherwise not much to report. My europe trip already feels miles away. Cambridge, as strange as it sounds, reminds me of home so much that it actually feels like I am at home. In many ways last year and this year have meshed together already - eating in the dining hall feels quite normal. I suppose that's a good thing.

In my free time (when not sleeping or being stuffed with too much food) I am trying to load Europe photos on Flickr. Its a slow process (due to culling down the thousands), but I hope to get a big chunk up this week.

Alright, bye for now!

Goodbye Holiday, Hello School.

Well I'm now in Cambridge, settled in at Selwyn College and starting my week of boot-camp tomorrow.

Since I last wrote:

Amsterdam - we saw as much as we could in the day we were there, but didn't find it nearly as interesting as other cities. Granted I'd been there before, but even fresh-eyed Owen didn't like it as much. The buildings and cannals are really cool, but the atmosphere is very different. Plus I hated driving in the city, the bikes and trams and people make it a nightmare.

Delft - I love that town. It was market day, which made it crazy busy, but its a quite pretty place with some cool buildings. A nice change from A-Dam.

Brugges - LOVED. Totally loved. Would reccomend for anyone to go there. Really cool buildings, really nice people, awesome chocolate, lace, cannals, etc. Can't say enough, super cool place to go.

We then drove back down to Paris for a night, narrowly missing the protest which were 3million strong (thanks to some text's from mom!). Low key night of repacking etc.

Windsor/Maidenhead - visited my Aunt and Uncle who live near Windsor in England. Explore the castle and wandered the town, then had a nice family visit. Good way to end the trip.

Owen went home today (I think he's landing in about 2 hours). He's been an excellent travelling companion and I miss his company already. Hopefully he re-adjusts to 'normal' life quickly!

I made my journey up to Cambridge - via car, tube, bus, and taxi. I'm settled in at Selwyn College and all my classes start up tomorrow. Hopefully I can focus on the positive while I'm here and not get too stressed. The view from my window is cool.

Bye for now!

France, Switzerland and Germany

Ya, so not much internet between Dijon and here! And not much time here to post much.

Dijon: cute little town, explored a number of churches and the local market, bought some Burgundy wine. All in all a nice spot to stop in.

Mullhouse: Unexpectedly lovely town. Town hall is very proud of its roots, has a really cool museum, and we ate some churro's!

Switzerland - we went into Basel and were once again really surprised - it was a lovely little town with some interesting architecture, some nice history, and a cool river. Great intro to Switz.

Zurich: we were there to a) see the city and b) meet up with my friend Reesa. "A" worked, but "B" didn't. We walked around the town and went into some churches and generally got a feeling for the place, but didn't have a lot of time.

Karlsruhe: To get here we had to drive alongside the Black Forest (a la Cake) for about 2.5 hours. Yup, big green trees. But it was really pretty, especially thinking back about it now! We got to Karlsruhe quite late, so didn't get to see much until the next morning: big palace, big german town layout.

Koblenz: On the way to Koblenz we stopped at Maulbronn, a UNESCO protected monestary, then Heidelburg, an awesome german castle, and finally Worms, a cute little german town along the Rhine. Koblenz itself is at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers - very cool location, not much space to build!! We explored the town and visited some old churches.

Rhine Valley: Drove sections of both the Mosel and Rhine Valley's, both of which have wicked castles on the land above and amazing little villages along the river. We loved this part and definitely want to come back.

Cologne (Koln): AWESOME Cathedral. Big dream of mine fulfiled. We spent all our time here exploring the Cathedral - we'll have to visit the other 20 churches some other time.

We are now in Amsterdam. We visited Utrecht on our way up - such a sweet little town. Amsterdam is its usual self, but a total nightmare for driving because of all the bike riders. Ugh.

Ok, that's it for now!! bye!!

London, Paris and such (March 6 - 12)

Bon Soir from Dijon, France!! We have been having a fantastic time, have accomplished so much and are pretty much exhausted - which is the way to be when you're travelling, in my opinion! =P

I don't have much time, so I'm going to list what we've accomplished so far!

London = A big walk including: Oxford St, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, the Mall, Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery (visited), Whitehall, Banqueting House, Westminister & Big Ben, Westminster Abby (tried to visit but as was Sunday, closed), Thames, Tate Modern (visited), Globe, Millenium Bridge (walked on), Tower Bridge (saw), St Pauls (visited), Fleet Street, Inns of Court, Temple Church (visited), Aldwych, Bloomsbury, British Museum (visited), British Library, St. Pancras.

Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel.

Paris = 3 days, visited: Sacre Coeur (climbed), Monmatre, Dali museum, Monmatre Cemetary, Isle de la Cite - Notre Dame (night and day visits, multiple times), Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame Tower, Notre Dame crypt, Catacombs of Paris, St. Sulpice, Musee D'Orsey, Louvre, Champs Elysees, Arch de Triomphe (climbed), Eiffel Tower (climbed), Latin Quarter, Sorbonne (saw police reponse to student protest), Pantheon (closed), Seine River cruise by night.

Versailles & Gardens.

Have now driven from Versailles to Dijon, and it looks like a fantastic city and we can't wait to explore it tomorrow!

Other tid-bits of the trip:
We are surviving on bigger breakfasts, no lunch and minimal dinners. This seems strange to most, but it works for us.
We are quite tired from all our walking (hopefully this is understandable), but we want to get as much as we can out of this experience, so we're not being lazy!
My knee has once again lost it's battle with Paris. This is my third time to Paris, and every time I visit the city my right knee is destroyed. No idea why, but it's not exactly fun.
Driving over here is crazy, but it certainly keeps you on your feet. Owen is my navigator, with the help of my GPS unit.

Well, not sure when the next internet will be, but know that we're having fun and taking a million photos!!!

Bags Packed, Ticket in Hand.. waiting..

The worst part about going on a trip is the 24 hours before leaving... at least for me. My bags are packed, I'm all organized, prepped and ready.. and now I have to kill time!

I've gone through every unit of my 4 subjects, so in that sense I'm prepared. I know that as soon as I get to Cambridge I'll start getting very worried.. I mean, who remembers what they read in October in great detail?! But that's why I'm going - go through some bootcamp to prepare myself for the hard exam-prep slog ahead.

Anyway... have 2 fun filled weeks ahead of me. I am very excited; this is going to be such an interesting journey! I'll post as frequently as I find internet, and will definitely post excerpts from my trip diary when I've got the net at Cambridge. Photos will go up whenever possible.

Now to go kill time....