So much has happened in the past few weeks and I feel guilt about not blogging my adventures with all of my faithful blogger buddies (all 9 of you...). I'll just talk about the highlights of my week:
Starting Classes:
My first class is on Mondays from 1-3. It's called Mapping Modern Drama and what we do in the class is read plays (18 in total, say what?!?) that all come from The Modern Drama Period (Late 19th Century to Mid 20th). My Professor, Susan is very nice and is very passionate about the plays ("I believe you can be working in the theatre if you do not LOVE Chekhov's The Seagull. It's about the theater, people!") I read the two plays assigned for this weeks class (Ghost by Henrik Ibsen and The Father by August Strinberg) and really enjoyed them. We discussed them both in class today and I learned so much, it was unreal. The class remind me how as people of the theatre, we must be historians, philosophers, dreamers and risk takers. It's amazing how just reading a play can change the way you look at the world.
The next class I have is on Tuesday from 2-4, well it was. You see, I show up on the first day of this class excited. It is called "Introduction to the London Stage" and what you do is go to different plays around London and talk about it in class. I was excited to learn what we were going to be seeing, but the Professor never showed up. We all waited 30 minutes before we deiced to call it quits. We later got an email saying that the class time was moved to Wednesday from 11-1. This sort of made me sad. Wednesday was going to be my day to go into the city and go see a manatee like I did that Wednesday with Wicked (see below). BUT! I got an email saying that classes had been moved back to its original time and we had to buy tickets for a show next week... Still haven't had the class yet, but I can't wait to see what this class brings.
My last class was called Devising Strategies. This is was fun. We learn about how to devise a play (creating a play with no script, just using a concept, theme or idea. Sort of like what I did last semester with Antigone 5.9 and The Divorce Play). We started the class by getting into groups and try to show how to create "flying" on stage. I felt like I contribute a lot to my group. Idea's kept poring out of my head and I felt like, at one point, a leader. Finally, we were given text from the book The Master and Margarita and had to figure out how to stage it. My group, I think, did a great job. I got to be Margarita on her broom, flying around the streets of Moscow ("Defying Gravity" was on repeat in my head the whole time). Afterwards, the Professor told me I was a great performer. This made my week. :) To bad the next class was cancelled due to the snow (Snow? I'm from Syracuse! Are you really going to cancel class because of two inches of snow?!)
Going Outside The Walls of Roehampton:
*One Short Day at Wicked:
I had to do something other then stay in my room when I had no classes, so during my first day off, I decided to go into the city all by myself and see the musical Wicked. I got the tickets online. I plan on taking a bus, a train and the Underground to get there. I got on google maps and worked out how to get there. I woke up early and left the school at around 11. The show started at 2:30, but I started out early because I wanted to make sure that I had time in case I got lost. I guess I'm really good at not getting loss because I got to the Theatre at 11:30. I had 3 hours o just walk around and kill time. I found this little shopping center near the theatre and spent time indoors. It was freezing. I also got a hot coco and had a quick lunch.
When it was finally time to head over to the theatre, I went inside and couldn't stop smiling. Everything was green in the lobby. I never really do a lot of shopping at the merchandise stand, but I did for this one and sort of went a little over bored. I got a Defying Gravity t-shirt (which is now my all time favorite shirt, ever), a poster for my room, a lanyard for my keys and a souvenir program (they don't give out Playbills or anything like that. If you want to know whose in the cast or musical numbers, you have to by a souvenir program). I was a little too excited while buying m new stuff. I started to make conversation with the sales lady, who was from America. I told her how I love this show, and it was my 3rd time seeing it, and how I saw Idina Menzel on Broadway, and how Defying Gravity was a big deal in my life... she didn't seem to mind me chatting her ear off.
Finally, I went inside the theatre and was so impressed with my seats I was super close and in the middle. I was so happy to here, at Wicked. There were a lot of school groups in the audience, which I didn't really mind. It actually made me happy and reminded me how the last time I saw Wicked was with me high school music department and how that time period in my life was one of the darkest and scariest to look back on. Seeing that performance of Wicked really inspired me to "Defy" that time in my life and the rest of my life.
The show started and (I feel so sorry for the couple sitting next to me) I started to cry through the opening number. It was beautiful and just stunning. I felt lost in the storytelling and music. I really want to be a part of this show. The was funny, beautiful, stunning and just great fun. I couldn't help but make little judgments here and there (Elphapa should be taller then Glinda!), but before I knew it, the first act was coming to a close and I had to prepare myself for "Defying Gravity." Right wen it started, I started to cry. I knew what it was like to be an outcast in society, to be told you can't, to have limitations put on me... No one told me I could never study abroad because people thought I should of finished high school with a GED, live in a group home, maybe get a part-time job, live on disability for the rest of my life and look at Theatre as a hobby. All of these thoughts and emotions were going through my head right before Elphapa's final verse. When Elphapa finally said "It's meeeeeee..." and 'flew', I lost it. I mean, that's me. I'm doing everything I want to do and not what people told me to do. The expectations I set for my life are not the ones Doctors/ Therapists/ School Officials have set for me. I'm Defying Gravity in many ways in this trip overseas and but I still think I have a lot more Gravity to Defy.
As the house lights came up, I wiped away the tears on my face and tried to enjoy the intermission. It was very busy at intermission. Wicked is more of a Circus then it is a musical in a theatre. People selling food everywhere, people eating lunches, people taking pictures... DON'T YOU HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR THE THEATRE GODS?!?
The rest of the show was great. It was overall a great production. In a lot of ways it was different from the National Tour and Broadway (I know in London, when Elphapa "dies" she doesn't go down a trap door because when Idina came over to do the show in London, she didn't want to repeat what happened to her on Broadway. Call her a diva all you want, but if you stared in a big Broadway musical and fell through the trap door... Yeah, I'd be a little upset, too.). I didn't want to leave the theatre. I knew there was going to be a talk back with the school groups, but since I haven't looked like an 8 year old in many years, I decided to just go back to Roehampton. It was a "Wonderful" day...
*From Green Witch to Greenwich
After Wicked, I didn't leave Roehampton till I went on a trip to Greenwich that Saturday. I woke up extremely tired. I had gotten an email the night before saying "Bundle Up!" and I was telling myself it wasn't going to be that bad ('I'm from Syracuse! It's not cold! It's Summer! You think snow is bad? Come to Syracuse!" - Syracuse pride.), but it was. I met the Study Abroad Group at the Library and we started off on our journey by getting on a bus and heading to the bus station at Putney Bridge. We kept on getting on and off trains. At one point, Sam, our lovable Roehampton Student Ambassador, got very confused and got the group lost for a few seconds. The look on his face was priceless when he realized we were not at the right station, but we go un-lost very quickly and we soon made it to our destination: The Tower of London.
By this time, it was cold and most of us were hungry. But it was mostly freezing ("But not me! This has nothing on Syracuse") and we all wanted to just get on the boat that took us to Greenwich. The boat ride was very nice. A pre-recorded voice over the PA gave us a little history of London. My favorite part about the PA was the pointless sound effects, like when when they were talking about "Jack the Ripper", you heard this 'swing' of a blade and a scream. Very effective. haha...
We got off the boat at Greenwich pier and even though it was mid-day, it was freezing. I wish I'd worn a hat or gloves (damn Syracuse Pride...). We met our tour guide who was a short woman with long blond hair who was English. When asked how we were feeling, we all said "Eh." Someone actually yelled out "Hungry!" (They keep on forgetting to feed the pamper US exchange students who are used to meal plans and big portions).
After telling us some of the history of Greenwich, we went to the "New" Palace. It's full of history and sadly, a lot of us had no clue about English History (I knew the history, but because of my parents telling me that I being a show off doesn't get you any friends...). We stood outside for what seemed like forever. I could feel the head cold just starting in my noes and throat. I was glad when we were told that we were going inside to The Painted Hall. The Painted hall was a dinning hall that was had every inch of it painted. When I walked in, my mouth dropped open. It was stunning. You could still smell the paint. The detail was intense and each Muriel talked about British History. It was so beautiful and I wanted to stay in there all they (and not just because it was warm). We left and went to a little chapel next door, which was lovely and had a beautiful origin.
After that, the tour guide took use to the Greenwich Mean Time. It's 0 degrees longitude and that clocks are set by Greenwich Time. To get to this place, we had to climb up this huge hill, and when I mean huge, I mean HUGE. By the time we got to the very top, I was out of breath and sweating. But it was worth the hike. The view was breathtaking and worth the flight. I started to feel thankful at this point, thankful that I could walk up this hill, thankful to be in London, thankful to have this experience and thankful to be alive. We took pictures from the top and then we each took turns putting one foot in the Western and Eastern Hemisphere .
We then started back down the hill and reached the little town and told we could explore until 5 pm. I stayed with my new friend, Becca and explored Greenwich Market ,this amazing market with all of these tables full of everything. After looking around, Becca and I felt hungry. He hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was past 4. We found this Mexican restaurant near the market and relaxed as we at nachos and really good tacos ("Can you believe it? We are Americans, eating Mexican Food in England!"). After dinner, we looked around the market for a few more minutes and met back up at 5 with the rest of the group. It took us a while to get back to Roehampton, but it was such a great day.
* It's not being brave when you are just living, right?
I've had a lot of people email me or facebooking me telling me how proud they are of me and they keep on calling me "brave." I'm a little shocked by this, to be honest. I always knew I was going to study abroad during my Spring semester of my Junior year, I always knew it was going to be a school in London, I knew I could do it.
But after thinking about it, maybe they are right to call me brave. Even people who never had the past I had would ever think about going outside of your comport zone and doing something that you don't know what the outcome will be. Who knows? Maybe, I'll have a major panic attack tomorrow and I'll have to fly home (knock on wood!).
To be frank, I'm proud of myself! Every mourning I've been here, I wake up relived that it's not been a dream, but real life (Or wait... is it a dream? Oh, my inner Segismundo just won't shut up!). But I feel as though this is only the beginning. Not just of school, but of my life. I'm serious. I know I have more great things going to happen in my life that this will one day be a memory in a book of many chapters. I know that I am bound to do great things in the near future. It's pretty remarkable. Having all of this confidence and positive thinking after 3 weeks.
Bed now. Class in the morning. 'm going to write more in my next post about what living on campus is really like and what I might say, may shock you.
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
A Lifetime in 4 Days
After I posted my last blog entry, I couldn't sleep. I was so nervous. A million thoughts were racing through my head and all I want to do was turn them off and sleep. I knew if wasn't going to sleep well, then I was screwed. I tried breathing excrises, relaxing my body from h2t (That's Tyra Banks talk for "Head to Toe"), drinking tea, reading, but nothing seemed to work. I started to watch this show about famous plastic surgeries. That didn't help me sleep at all. By the time I got my wake up call, I knew I had to make due with what little lack of sleep I had.
I quickly got dressed, finished up the rest of my packing and went down stairs to eat breackfest in the pub's dinning room. The dinning room was old fashion and had wooded furnishings every where. There were sayings painted on the wall in this mustard yellow that went well with the dark, wooden walls. An assortment of breakfast food was on a table near a Conner of the room. I took some yogurt, apple juice and a croissant. I was offered tea at my table and I ate my breakfast quickly, trying to stay awake with every gulp of hot tea. After breakfast, I went back upstairs to my room, did one final swipe of the room before I brought all of my bags down stairs. It was hard work carrying two 50 lbs bags down stairs. I started to sweat my make-up off. I just worked off my breakfast.
I went back to check out and the woman at the front desk was very kind. She asked if I had gotten in contact with my Mother. My mom had emailed the Inn when I hadn't responded to her because I couldn't check in. Oh mom... She told me how she was from Florida and hoped I loved studying abroad. I asked her if she could call me a taxi and she. She told me it would take about 5 minutes for the taxi to get there so I should sit and relax. I sat next to the fire in the dinning room and read through some of the newspapers on the table. A lot of it was gossip and people interest stories. It was relaxing.
After a few minutes, I was told my taxi had arrived. I got up and went to get my bags, but one f the staff was there to help me carry them to the taxi. The taxi ride to the school was very nice. The seats where comfy and the music was nice. I tired to relax, but this was hard without falling asleep. When we arrived at Roehampton, we had a difficult time finding the entrance and where to go. I had to ask many people where the to check in but a lot of them didn't know what I was saying. Even though we all spoke English, our accents were hard to make out. I finally came across the check in at Duchesne Building, a glass building that was full of students with suitcases and bags. I ran back to my taxi driver, paid him and dragged my bags back to the building.
When I got back to Duchesne, I got in line to check in and get my keys. After I got that, we were instructed to sit and wait to be taken to our dorms. Since one group had already left, a small group of us were still hanging around. The last group had gotten a bagged lunch but we didn't. Someone found one sitting on the floor and we split it up among ourselves. Some got some sandwich, some got some chips, some got the chocolate bar... It was kind of funny in a way. I was sharing a bag of chips with someone from Australia, Korea and Ireland. If all the worlds Countries just sat down and shared lunch out of a brow paper bag, I think the world would be a different place.
I was then asked by one of the very attractive Student Ambassadors to come with him to my dorm. I followed him down the paths and to a building that looked like normal apartment buildings. I was in section E and on the 3rd floor. The Student Ambassador helped me with my bags up the stairs, although he was sort of a wimp about it. Of course my bags are heavy. I'm living here for 6 months and could only bring two bags. Yours would be heavy too. At the top of the stairs, I opened the door to my flat. My flat was one long hall way with 4 bedrooms, one bathroom and a kitchen area. My room was the closes to he door we had entered. I opened the door to my room and was happy with it. On the left side was a sink with a mirror hanging above it, a lock box, a comfy blue chair and a bulletin bored. On my right was a closet with lots of space and a bed with a book shelf hanging over it. At the end of my room was a long table/desk with another blue chair and a window with ugly curtains. I liked it a lot. It was cozy and had a lot of potential.
After the student ambassador left, I unpacked everything and set up my computer. I still needed bedding but I had o pick that up later. The school was providing it, according to my Dad. I really wanted to just put my coat down on the bed and sleep. I was so tired. But, I didn't want to sleep on a plan mattress. I grabbed my camera and headed out on an adventure.
The campus is stunning. It's like walking into the Secret Garden. Lots of trees, lakes, birds, fountains, old bridges and buildings... I couldn't believe I was living here. I just spent a good amount of time walking around and trying to take it all in.
After a while, I started to head back to Duchesne to see if my kitchenware and bedding had come. I looked around at all of the boxes to see if my name was on one, but I couldn't find a box with my name. I asked one of the Student Ambassadors and she introduced me to the head of the Study Abroad department. She then took me to her office, which was through the secret gardens, and we looked up to see if I ordered one: nope. What? We then called my Mom who told me that they didn't order any of it because Dad thought the school provided it. Mom was upset and the Head of the study Abroad Office had to claim her down. After I said bye to mom, the office (possibly for my Mom's sake), gave me a kitchen set and emergency bedding.
"Is there anything else you need, hon?" Asked the head of Study Abroad.
"Um... There's no toilet paper in my bathroom..." This was true. I had went to go use the toilets to find no toilet paper. Maybe the cleaning staff had forgotten to put some in there.
"Oh." She said in a hush voice. "You see, in the United Kingdom, students at University's are excepted to supply their own toilet paper. I can give you some, but just don't tell anyone."
This was the biggest form of Culture Shock I had yet. That is one of the most ridicules things I've ever heard! I'm supposed to share a flat with 3 other people and we have to have our own toilet paper? I understand about living an independent lifestyle, but I paid money to go to school in London! An expensive city! Also, schools aren't cheep! You can't give us toilet paper? She had to sneak toilet paper out of her bathroom and give it to me by putting it in my box of kitchen stuff.
I left the building feeling so tired. My arms felt like jello and all I wanted to do was sleep. I carried the box and bedding to my dorm. I first opened up the kitchen things. It had silverware, a pot, pan, glass cup, coffee cup, potato peeler, cork screw, plate, bowl and a wooden spoon. All very helpful. I then opened the bedding: One pillow, a duvet, a duvet cover a sheet and pillow case. Because the sheet wasn't fitted, I used the duvet as a mattress pad and slept on that and used the sheet and duvet cover has blankets.
I slept not very well that first night. Nothing was open for dinner on campus and there were no places to eat that were opened near by, so I (and from the people I talked to the next morning) didn't eat dinner. I kept on waking up not feeling well and cold. Apparently, everyone had no heat in their rooms. I was freezing and not comfy. I thought this is what homeless people felt like. I'm never going to be homeless.
We all had to be at orientation at 9 am. Everyone was walked to ordination like Zombies, some still Jet Lagged. We were split up into 4 groups and had an hour and forty-five minute presentation on Roehampton, the history of the school, London, school work and so on and so on. I could tell a lot of use just wanted to go back to bed or something. We were all hungry to. On our schedule, it said "Refreshment Break at 10:45." Oh good! Breakfast! Nope. Not even mini muffins. We had tea, coffee and hot coco and that was it. Everyone was upset. We all wanted some sort of breakfast. Isn't this where J. R. R. Tolkon was from? UK? Don't Hobbits have 6 meals a day or something? Nope. At least the hot coco had whipped cream.
After the "No Breakfast", we went on a group tour of the campus and the libray. It was a big campus and was very old but beautiful. It had a lot of stuff on campus that wasn't at Potsdam. We have a bar. A lot of the 18 year olds got excited about that, telling our tour guide about how they lived on "dry campuses" and how much could they drink.
"As much as you want." Said out Tour Guide who seemed quiet annoyed that he got stuck in a group full of Americans. "Just make sure you have a friend that can pick you up off the floor at the end of the night."
After the tours, we went through registration and got our ID badges. I used a photo I had taken at home for mine. After that, we had a break till 2:30. I went back to my room to Skype my Mom. She missed me. I then went to go have some lunch. Some of the dinning halls had opened so I ate to the one closest to me. It felt really good to get some food in my system.
After that, it was time to head back with the group to talk about "Photo Frenzy." It was a thing set up by Roehamton that forced use to learn how to use the transportation system in London. We were but into groups of 6 and were given clues, a camera and a map. We had to take pictures of what the clues on the maps were by using the transportation around London (Underground, train, bus, cab, walk... No horse and buggy.) After I was but in a group, we formed a plan on what to do and how to get around. I was excited. We were going to see the real London. This is why I came to London.
We then had another break, after that, we all walked to a bus stop and got on a bus to go to Asda, a Walmart sort of place. It was sort of overwhelming. So many people were there and there were lots of food that I had no clue what it was. I grabbed what I could and bedding so I could sleep that night in peace. When I went to check out, I learned that we had to bag our stuff ourselves. Clearly, I did not get my Mother's Piggly-Wiggly bagging skills. I held up the line! It was bad.
After I got back to my dorm, I set up my bed and tried to sleep for Photo Frenzy. To help, I put on a book on tape thanks to Youtube and feel asleep. I woke up early then I planed and got ready to meet my group at 10.
Lets just say that Photo Frenzy was one of the best days o my life. We got on 5 minute bus ride to the train station n Barns and then a 10 minute train ride into London, After that, we went all over: London Bridge, TATE, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul's, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, The Prime Minsters House, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London, The London Eye and so much more! We ate lunch in a pub that was so old. It would have been better if they weren't playing American Music (When we left, they did play One Direction... But come on!) It was an exuding but fun day and I made friends with people in my group.
I wet back to Asda after we turned in our cameras to get more things and then I came back and went to bed. Today was a total relaxation day for me. I did nothing. I didn't have to do anything so it was nice just stay in bed, read, sleep, watch Doctor Who, listen to music. I wanted to go back to London, but I will when I get an Oyster card tomorrow. So much has happened in 4 days that I can't believe that I could put it in one blog post! Now it's off to bed. Class is at 1 tomorrow and I don't want to be late! Wish me luck!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
I quickly got dressed, finished up the rest of my packing and went down stairs to eat breackfest in the pub's dinning room. The dinning room was old fashion and had wooded furnishings every where. There were sayings painted on the wall in this mustard yellow that went well with the dark, wooden walls. An assortment of breakfast food was on a table near a Conner of the room. I took some yogurt, apple juice and a croissant. I was offered tea at my table and I ate my breakfast quickly, trying to stay awake with every gulp of hot tea. After breakfast, I went back upstairs to my room, did one final swipe of the room before I brought all of my bags down stairs. It was hard work carrying two 50 lbs bags down stairs. I started to sweat my make-up off. I just worked off my breakfast.
I went back to check out and the woman at the front desk was very kind. She asked if I had gotten in contact with my Mother. My mom had emailed the Inn when I hadn't responded to her because I couldn't check in. Oh mom... She told me how she was from Florida and hoped I loved studying abroad. I asked her if she could call me a taxi and she. She told me it would take about 5 minutes for the taxi to get there so I should sit and relax. I sat next to the fire in the dinning room and read through some of the newspapers on the table. A lot of it was gossip and people interest stories. It was relaxing.
After a few minutes, I was told my taxi had arrived. I got up and went to get my bags, but one f the staff was there to help me carry them to the taxi. The taxi ride to the school was very nice. The seats where comfy and the music was nice. I tired to relax, but this was hard without falling asleep. When we arrived at Roehampton, we had a difficult time finding the entrance and where to go. I had to ask many people where the to check in but a lot of them didn't know what I was saying. Even though we all spoke English, our accents were hard to make out. I finally came across the check in at Duchesne Building, a glass building that was full of students with suitcases and bags. I ran back to my taxi driver, paid him and dragged my bags back to the building.
When I got back to Duchesne, I got in line to check in and get my keys. After I got that, we were instructed to sit and wait to be taken to our dorms. Since one group had already left, a small group of us were still hanging around. The last group had gotten a bagged lunch but we didn't. Someone found one sitting on the floor and we split it up among ourselves. Some got some sandwich, some got some chips, some got the chocolate bar... It was kind of funny in a way. I was sharing a bag of chips with someone from Australia, Korea and Ireland. If all the worlds Countries just sat down and shared lunch out of a brow paper bag, I think the world would be a different place.
I was then asked by one of the very attractive Student Ambassadors to come with him to my dorm. I followed him down the paths and to a building that looked like normal apartment buildings. I was in section E and on the 3rd floor. The Student Ambassador helped me with my bags up the stairs, although he was sort of a wimp about it. Of course my bags are heavy. I'm living here for 6 months and could only bring two bags. Yours would be heavy too. At the top of the stairs, I opened the door to my flat. My flat was one long hall way with 4 bedrooms, one bathroom and a kitchen area. My room was the closes to he door we had entered. I opened the door to my room and was happy with it. On the left side was a sink with a mirror hanging above it, a lock box, a comfy blue chair and a bulletin bored. On my right was a closet with lots of space and a bed with a book shelf hanging over it. At the end of my room was a long table/desk with another blue chair and a window with ugly curtains. I liked it a lot. It was cozy and had a lot of potential.
After the student ambassador left, I unpacked everything and set up my computer. I still needed bedding but I had o pick that up later. The school was providing it, according to my Dad. I really wanted to just put my coat down on the bed and sleep. I was so tired. But, I didn't want to sleep on a plan mattress. I grabbed my camera and headed out on an adventure.
The campus is stunning. It's like walking into the Secret Garden. Lots of trees, lakes, birds, fountains, old bridges and buildings... I couldn't believe I was living here. I just spent a good amount of time walking around and trying to take it all in.
After a while, I started to head back to Duchesne to see if my kitchenware and bedding had come. I looked around at all of the boxes to see if my name was on one, but I couldn't find a box with my name. I asked one of the Student Ambassadors and she introduced me to the head of the Study Abroad department. She then took me to her office, which was through the secret gardens, and we looked up to see if I ordered one: nope. What? We then called my Mom who told me that they didn't order any of it because Dad thought the school provided it. Mom was upset and the Head of the study Abroad Office had to claim her down. After I said bye to mom, the office (possibly for my Mom's sake), gave me a kitchen set and emergency bedding.
"Is there anything else you need, hon?" Asked the head of Study Abroad.
"Um... There's no toilet paper in my bathroom..." This was true. I had went to go use the toilets to find no toilet paper. Maybe the cleaning staff had forgotten to put some in there.
"Oh." She said in a hush voice. "You see, in the United Kingdom, students at University's are excepted to supply their own toilet paper. I can give you some, but just don't tell anyone."
This was the biggest form of Culture Shock I had yet. That is one of the most ridicules things I've ever heard! I'm supposed to share a flat with 3 other people and we have to have our own toilet paper? I understand about living an independent lifestyle, but I paid money to go to school in London! An expensive city! Also, schools aren't cheep! You can't give us toilet paper? She had to sneak toilet paper out of her bathroom and give it to me by putting it in my box of kitchen stuff.
I left the building feeling so tired. My arms felt like jello and all I wanted to do was sleep. I carried the box and bedding to my dorm. I first opened up the kitchen things. It had silverware, a pot, pan, glass cup, coffee cup, potato peeler, cork screw, plate, bowl and a wooden spoon. All very helpful. I then opened the bedding: One pillow, a duvet, a duvet cover a sheet and pillow case. Because the sheet wasn't fitted, I used the duvet as a mattress pad and slept on that and used the sheet and duvet cover has blankets.
I slept not very well that first night. Nothing was open for dinner on campus and there were no places to eat that were opened near by, so I (and from the people I talked to the next morning) didn't eat dinner. I kept on waking up not feeling well and cold. Apparently, everyone had no heat in their rooms. I was freezing and not comfy. I thought this is what homeless people felt like. I'm never going to be homeless.
We all had to be at orientation at 9 am. Everyone was walked to ordination like Zombies, some still Jet Lagged. We were split up into 4 groups and had an hour and forty-five minute presentation on Roehampton, the history of the school, London, school work and so on and so on. I could tell a lot of use just wanted to go back to bed or something. We were all hungry to. On our schedule, it said "Refreshment Break at 10:45." Oh good! Breakfast! Nope. Not even mini muffins. We had tea, coffee and hot coco and that was it. Everyone was upset. We all wanted some sort of breakfast. Isn't this where J. R. R. Tolkon was from? UK? Don't Hobbits have 6 meals a day or something? Nope. At least the hot coco had whipped cream.
After the "No Breakfast", we went on a group tour of the campus and the libray. It was a big campus and was very old but beautiful. It had a lot of stuff on campus that wasn't at Potsdam. We have a bar. A lot of the 18 year olds got excited about that, telling our tour guide about how they lived on "dry campuses" and how much could they drink.
"As much as you want." Said out Tour Guide who seemed quiet annoyed that he got stuck in a group full of Americans. "Just make sure you have a friend that can pick you up off the floor at the end of the night."
After the tours, we went through registration and got our ID badges. I used a photo I had taken at home for mine. After that, we had a break till 2:30. I went back to my room to Skype my Mom. She missed me. I then went to go have some lunch. Some of the dinning halls had opened so I ate to the one closest to me. It felt really good to get some food in my system.
After that, it was time to head back with the group to talk about "Photo Frenzy." It was a thing set up by Roehamton that forced use to learn how to use the transportation system in London. We were but into groups of 6 and were given clues, a camera and a map. We had to take pictures of what the clues on the maps were by using the transportation around London (Underground, train, bus, cab, walk... No horse and buggy.) After I was but in a group, we formed a plan on what to do and how to get around. I was excited. We were going to see the real London. This is why I came to London.
We then had another break, after that, we all walked to a bus stop and got on a bus to go to Asda, a Walmart sort of place. It was sort of overwhelming. So many people were there and there were lots of food that I had no clue what it was. I grabbed what I could and bedding so I could sleep that night in peace. When I went to check out, I learned that we had to bag our stuff ourselves. Clearly, I did not get my Mother's Piggly-Wiggly bagging skills. I held up the line! It was bad.
After I got back to my dorm, I set up my bed and tried to sleep for Photo Frenzy. To help, I put on a book on tape thanks to Youtube and feel asleep. I woke up early then I planed and got ready to meet my group at 10.
Lets just say that Photo Frenzy was one of the best days o my life. We got on 5 minute bus ride to the train station n Barns and then a 10 minute train ride into London, After that, we went all over: London Bridge, TATE, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul's, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, The Prime Minsters House, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London, The London Eye and so much more! We ate lunch in a pub that was so old. It would have been better if they weren't playing American Music (When we left, they did play One Direction... But come on!) It was an exuding but fun day and I made friends with people in my group.
I wet back to Asda after we turned in our cameras to get more things and then I came back and went to bed. Today was a total relaxation day for me. I did nothing. I didn't have to do anything so it was nice just stay in bed, read, sleep, watch Doctor Who, listen to music. I wanted to go back to London, but I will when I get an Oyster card tomorrow. So much has happened in 4 days that I can't believe that I could put it in one blog post! Now it's off to bed. Class is at 1 tomorrow and I don't want to be late! Wish me luck!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
I Got Confidence In Me!
Although today was not as big as an adventure as yesterday, it still was and adventure.
After my blogging my last post last night (so glad so many people enjoyed it! Keep reading! As the guy at immigration told me when he let me into the UK after detaining me: "It'll get better."), I chatted with my parents via Skype. Since Dad was doing it on the phone and my family was in the car heading back to Jordan, I couldn't see them. My Mom asked me a billion and one questions about everything and anything. I told her as much as I could. It was nice to hear their voices (Hannah and Christie, where were you two?) but I was actually happy to be away from them. I wasn't home sick at all. Maybe that'll come in the next few weeks but at that moment, I felt at peace.
After I got up Skype with them, I made a cup of hot tea, went on my Netflix and watched Doctor Who. I couldn't really concentrate on what Rose and The Doctor were doing because a voice inside my head was screaming "OH MY GOD! TEA? DOCTOR WHO? LONDON? I'M LIVING THE DREAM!" I really was on cloud 9. Some American Tourist like to look for a Red Telephone Booth to stand in and take a picture. Not me. I'm looking for The TARDIS (Yes, there are a few around London. I'll take a picture with me with one soon... Also Platform 9 3/4 is on my list too of "Geek Site Seeing.")
After a while, I got a little tried and deiced to go to bed. I turned of my laptop and claimed into bed. I watched Bruno and The Craft on and off for a wile before I finally fell asleep. I woke up several times in the night. Each time was moment of panic of "Where am I?". But that was gone within seconds and I remembered where I was, and went back to sleep. When I finally woke up, I stayed in my bed for a while. Today was a "relax" day. I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to. I didn't have to be at Roehampton till the next morning. But I was hungry. I should a least get breakfast that was offered down at the bar.
I got out of bed and turned on my computer... 10:18. Damn. Breakfast ended at 10. I missed it by 18 minutes. I checked my Facebook and got a message from my Mom telling me to make sure I get stuff I need for school and a cell phone.
So I did have to go out today. But where could I fined all the stuff I needed? It was going to be a long day of walking around the streets of London, going into shops and talking in my American accent. I went on googled and googled "Wandsworth Shopping" and to my surprise, there was a shopping mall full of stores, restaurants and a movie theatre. What surprised me the most was that it was across the street from where the graveyard I spent most of my day at in. The mall was a block away! Someone "up there" must really like me...
After I got dressed, I deiced to put on make-up. I always wear a little at school and putting on make-up for me is my way to focus on the day ahead; Keeping me calm. But today, I deiced to put on some eyeliner, which turned out to be a mistake. If you did Antigone 5.9 with me or did high school musicals with me, you'd know that I can't put on eyeliner if my life deepened on it. I always look like a raccoon or a Tim Burton cartoon. You can imagine me, in my hotel bathroom, trying to swipe mascara off my face, making it worst. I even got some in my eye and started running around the small bathroom in pain with tears falling from my stinging eyes. Not a fun way to start you day.
After I got my eyeliner under control, I grabbed my wallet and headed out the door. I deiced that the quickest way to the mall was trough the graveyard. I love graveyards and I wish I had brought my camera with me today! I got to the mall and was shocked to see a lot of same stores. One of my favourites was the "One Pound" store. It's a dollar store! How cool!
The first thing I did was get a phone. The guy helping me was very nice. We worked out a pay as you go monthly plan. My phone was possibly the biggest thing in phones in 2001. It only calls people and sends text. There's not even a camera. But hey, it works for me. It just sucks because I had an iPhone 5 before I came here so this must be one of the worst down grades ever. I then got a lot of shower stuff at this Beauty supply store. Now I could use nice shampoo and not the hotel kind!
What I learned through all this was I had to be confident. I was so nervous that some sales people treated me like I was almost special needs. I had to hold my head up high as I walked around the mall, pretend I knew what I was doing and fake it. After I got that through my head I became more, and more relaxed. It also seemed like I was being more accepted in a weird way. By changing the way I thought about myself and stood, I became a whole new person, ready to take on the world. It was a remarkable thing to discover in a mall.
I deiced to eat after I browsed through T. J. Maxx. I hadn't eaten since the muffin on the plane ride so I had to get some food in my system quickly before I passed out. I went to this place called "Ed's." It was a knock-off of a 1950's American Diner. I got chicken tenders and sweet potato fires with Water. The food felt good in m stomach. The waitress were very nice and seemed to like that fact that I said "Thank you" a lot. To they not get that a lot. It was weird sitting by myself and having nothing to do. So I did on of my favorite acting training: people watching. I watched everyone around me and watched a couple falling in love, a couple falling a part, a happy mother with her daughter, a not so happy mother with her children, a father and son looking like it was the best day every and two teenagers picking at their food while gossiping. People watching is a great way to pick up little bits for characters and such.
After lunch, I deiced to head back to the hotel and rest. I carried my bags through the graveyard, to my hotel and up my stairs. I then deiced to take a short nap. I woke up a few hours later and it was dark outside. I talked to my parents via Skype, but this time, I could see there faces. It was a nice talk. Mom was still in her PJs and Dad was about to leave for work. Mom didn't want me to go outside because it was dark but I told her I had to go eat. Mom also told me to get a list a clock radio/ iPod charger for school. I told her I would Skype with her soon and headed out the door.
From the hotel to the mall (I didn't go through the graveyard, I went through main street), I got a lot of nods of approvals from guys, even guys who were my age and cute! Was it the eyeliner? The red coat I was wearing? My hair? No. I believe it was once again, my new found confidence. Because I saw myself as "This is wear I belong", other people did too.
When I got to the mall, it was closing, I ran into an electronic store and bought and iPod alarm clock. I decide to walk back to my hotel through the graveyard. It was cool walking through such an old graveyard at night. I didn't feel scared about ghost or rotting zombies. It was peaceful and quiet. I quickly dropped off my stuff in my room and went to the store down the road to get some food for dinner.
While walking back, I saw a cat sitting in a driveway. "Don't be late to the Jellicale Ball." I thought to myself, thinking about T.S. Eliot and the musical Cats.
Now, I have to go get ready for tomorrow. It's going to be a big day. I'm seeing Roehapmton for the first time. It's going to be great. I just need to wake up before check out.
I have to remember to be confident. Fake it till you make it!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
After my blogging my last post last night (so glad so many people enjoyed it! Keep reading! As the guy at immigration told me when he let me into the UK after detaining me: "It'll get better."), I chatted with my parents via Skype. Since Dad was doing it on the phone and my family was in the car heading back to Jordan, I couldn't see them. My Mom asked me a billion and one questions about everything and anything. I told her as much as I could. It was nice to hear their voices (Hannah and Christie, where were you two?) but I was actually happy to be away from them. I wasn't home sick at all. Maybe that'll come in the next few weeks but at that moment, I felt at peace.
After I got up Skype with them, I made a cup of hot tea, went on my Netflix and watched Doctor Who. I couldn't really concentrate on what Rose and The Doctor were doing because a voice inside my head was screaming "OH MY GOD! TEA? DOCTOR WHO? LONDON? I'M LIVING THE DREAM!" I really was on cloud 9. Some American Tourist like to look for a Red Telephone Booth to stand in and take a picture. Not me. I'm looking for The TARDIS (Yes, there are a few around London. I'll take a picture with me with one soon... Also Platform 9 3/4 is on my list too of "Geek Site Seeing.")
After a while, I got a little tried and deiced to go to bed. I turned of my laptop and claimed into bed. I watched Bruno and The Craft on and off for a wile before I finally fell asleep. I woke up several times in the night. Each time was moment of panic of "Where am I?". But that was gone within seconds and I remembered where I was, and went back to sleep. When I finally woke up, I stayed in my bed for a while. Today was a "relax" day. I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to. I didn't have to be at Roehampton till the next morning. But I was hungry. I should a least get breakfast that was offered down at the bar.
I got out of bed and turned on my computer... 10:18. Damn. Breakfast ended at 10. I missed it by 18 minutes. I checked my Facebook and got a message from my Mom telling me to make sure I get stuff I need for school and a cell phone.
So I did have to go out today. But where could I fined all the stuff I needed? It was going to be a long day of walking around the streets of London, going into shops and talking in my American accent. I went on googled and googled "Wandsworth Shopping" and to my surprise, there was a shopping mall full of stores, restaurants and a movie theatre. What surprised me the most was that it was across the street from where the graveyard I spent most of my day at in. The mall was a block away! Someone "up there" must really like me...
After I got dressed, I deiced to put on make-up. I always wear a little at school and putting on make-up for me is my way to focus on the day ahead; Keeping me calm. But today, I deiced to put on some eyeliner, which turned out to be a mistake. If you did Antigone 5.9 with me or did high school musicals with me, you'd know that I can't put on eyeliner if my life deepened on it. I always look like a raccoon or a Tim Burton cartoon. You can imagine me, in my hotel bathroom, trying to swipe mascara off my face, making it worst. I even got some in my eye and started running around the small bathroom in pain with tears falling from my stinging eyes. Not a fun way to start you day.
After I got my eyeliner under control, I grabbed my wallet and headed out the door. I deiced that the quickest way to the mall was trough the graveyard. I love graveyards and I wish I had brought my camera with me today! I got to the mall and was shocked to see a lot of same stores. One of my favourites was the "One Pound" store. It's a dollar store! How cool!
The first thing I did was get a phone. The guy helping me was very nice. We worked out a pay as you go monthly plan. My phone was possibly the biggest thing in phones in 2001. It only calls people and sends text. There's not even a camera. But hey, it works for me. It just sucks because I had an iPhone 5 before I came here so this must be one of the worst down grades ever. I then got a lot of shower stuff at this Beauty supply store. Now I could use nice shampoo and not the hotel kind!
What I learned through all this was I had to be confident. I was so nervous that some sales people treated me like I was almost special needs. I had to hold my head up high as I walked around the mall, pretend I knew what I was doing and fake it. After I got that through my head I became more, and more relaxed. It also seemed like I was being more accepted in a weird way. By changing the way I thought about myself and stood, I became a whole new person, ready to take on the world. It was a remarkable thing to discover in a mall.
I deiced to eat after I browsed through T. J. Maxx. I hadn't eaten since the muffin on the plane ride so I had to get some food in my system quickly before I passed out. I went to this place called "Ed's." It was a knock-off of a 1950's American Diner. I got chicken tenders and sweet potato fires with Water. The food felt good in m stomach. The waitress were very nice and seemed to like that fact that I said "Thank you" a lot. To they not get that a lot. It was weird sitting by myself and having nothing to do. So I did on of my favorite acting training: people watching. I watched everyone around me and watched a couple falling in love, a couple falling a part, a happy mother with her daughter, a not so happy mother with her children, a father and son looking like it was the best day every and two teenagers picking at their food while gossiping. People watching is a great way to pick up little bits for characters and such.
After lunch, I deiced to head back to the hotel and rest. I carried my bags through the graveyard, to my hotel and up my stairs. I then deiced to take a short nap. I woke up a few hours later and it was dark outside. I talked to my parents via Skype, but this time, I could see there faces. It was a nice talk. Mom was still in her PJs and Dad was about to leave for work. Mom didn't want me to go outside because it was dark but I told her I had to go eat. Mom also told me to get a list a clock radio/ iPod charger for school. I told her I would Skype with her soon and headed out the door.
From the hotel to the mall (I didn't go through the graveyard, I went through main street), I got a lot of nods of approvals from guys, even guys who were my age and cute! Was it the eyeliner? The red coat I was wearing? My hair? No. I believe it was once again, my new found confidence. Because I saw myself as "This is wear I belong", other people did too.
When I got to the mall, it was closing, I ran into an electronic store and bought and iPod alarm clock. I decide to walk back to my hotel through the graveyard. It was cool walking through such an old graveyard at night. I didn't feel scared about ghost or rotting zombies. It was peaceful and quiet. I quickly dropped off my stuff in my room and went to the store down the road to get some food for dinner.
While walking back, I saw a cat sitting in a driveway. "Don't be late to the Jellicale Ball." I thought to myself, thinking about T.S. Eliot and the musical Cats.
Now, I have to go get ready for tomorrow. It's going to be a big day. I'm seeing Roehapmton for the first time. It's going to be great. I just need to wake up before check out.
I have to remember to be confident. Fake it till you make it!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
First Day and Why Murphy's Law is My BFFLssc
I'm here! I'm in London! I can't believe I've made it. But I honestly thought a few Hours ago, I wasn't....
On January 31st, I woke up at around 11 am. I had the most amazing dream about these big, fluffy cakes that just melted in your mouth (Once a Fat Girl, Always a Fat Girl...). I felt calm when I opened my eyes. I just had these few moments of peace and serenity. But then I started to go into my usual freak out before something major happens in my life. I was darting all around my Grandma's house trying to get everything ready. I sort of felt offend when my sisters asked "Why is she acting so weird " DID THEY NOT REALIZE THAT I WAS ABOUT TO CROSS AN OCEAN BY MYSELF AND LIVE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY FOR HALF A YEAR?
What also was funny was my family and how we can't tell time. Dad told me my plane was to leave at 11:05. OK. Cool Beans. But I look at my ticket info and realize that the times are all military times. I checked the time on my ticket and turns out, I actually leave at 9:05. My Dad didn't believe me until I should him this military website on my phone. This caused panic among my sisters. Not because I was leaving sooner then they thought, but that they were not going to be able to shop at the mall or eat at the Medieval Times right next to the airport... I love you both, too.
Then, before I knew it, it was time to say good bye to Grandma and head to this big mall (which I later learned was how my Mother got my sisters to come say good-bye to me in DC... Once again: I love you both, too.) This Mall was huge. It had all sorts of stores and restaurants. We had to pick up a few more things before I Left and then we decide to have my last meal in America in Dave and Busters. That's rights. That game place/ sports bar. I was excited. I haven't to one since my Uncle Matthew's funeral. We walked through the game section and sat in this really nice dinning section. Mom was getting pretty emotional. I was starting to get very nervous. I started to shake a little. This white hotness of nerves came over me and I wanted to just get it over with.
Dinner was yummy. I had ice tea, boneless chicken wings and sweet potato fries. I think we were all enjoying ourselves. Christie left early to go shop while the rest of us went to cheer on Hannah in the game room. Hannah got 1,200 tickets but that still wasn't enough to get her the big-ass teddy bear. ("I want this bear. It's just like Melanie... Only more cuddly.") The mall was closing early because it was New Years Eve but by that point, it was time to head to the airport to say goodbye.
The ride to the airport was scary. I felt my white, hot nerves get even hotter. I couldn't believe I was doing this. It felt like a dream. I texted Jackie and Charlie goodbye. I was going to miss both of them and I felt like I didn't give them both proper goodbyes in person.
Walking into the airport is serious. No time to full around and act stupid. I had a little problem in line checking in. I thought I had lost my passport. My Mom and sisters helped me look through my bag. I was freaking out. But luckily, we found it. Also, I was right on the dot when it came to the weight of my baggage. (CHRISTIE: "Wow! It's only 23 lbs!") My Dad got yelled at by the lady checking my in because he was taking pictures. My crazy family...
And then, we reached customs. They couldn't go any father, although my Mom tried. Mom gave me a hug and started crying; Telling me to not go out at night and look both ways before crossing the street... I was suprised it wasn't worst. Then, Dad hugged me and then my sisters. I waved goodbye and went through customs... twice. Apparently, you are supposed to take your laptop out of your carry-on and but it in a separate in... oops. They guy could of been nicer about it ("Come on, sweetheart! We all wanna get home and have a nice drink!"). I didn't look but I knew my family was laughing at this.
After the second time, I went and sat in the terminal for 2 hours. It wasn't bad at all. I was reading this book about this woman who was a Standby for Elphaba in Wicked. Time seemed to fly and before I knew it, it was time to board. My Dad had booked me in World Traveler Plus. That meant a lot of leg room, personal TV's to watch movies and stuff and a lot more free stuff.
I sat next to the window and was happy to find out that no one was sitting next to me during the flight. When the plane started to move, I felt so nervous. I felt like I had to pee. I looked out my window the whole time. It seemed like forever before we finally made it to the runway. When the plane began to gain speed, I started think a Defying Gravity. This is it!
Up I Go!
The view from my window was amazing. I saw all of these beautiful lights from buildings and cars. I even saw the mall I was just in, The whole view was breath taking and I couldn't take my eyes off it. Goodbye USA, Hello England!
After a half hour of being in the air, the flight attendants came around and gave us drinks and pretzels. I got very cute guy flight attendants who kept on calling me "love" and "hun" in there accents. I read a lot of that Wicked book until the flight attendants came back with our dinners: beef, potatoes, salad and carrot cake. I ate the potatoes and carrot cake. I don't know what people are joking about. That was one of the best carrot cakes I've ever had. They then gave use tea. I got a little to excited about this. I'm drinking tea on my way to London! Of course I saw the Grimm in my tea leaves (Harry Potter joke... But maybe a sign?).
After our trays were taken away, the lights were turn off and I tried to sleep. But I couldn't so I deiced to watch the movies on my personal screen. I first watch The Perks of Being a Wall Flower. It was on my "To See" list for a long time and I was so glad I saw it! Such a great film! In the middle of my viewing, we came across some wind issues. That was scary. We drooped a few times. The seat belt sign was on for the rest of the time, but that didn't stop people from getting up out of their seats to use the bathrooms. I even ha to do this. Since no Flight Staff saw me, I now consider myself a ninja. I sometimes looked out my window and it was so beautiful. It was Peter Pan-Esq.
After the movie (It bugged me they didn't know what the song was on the radio till the end. David Bowie's "Heros"... Come on!), I looked on my screen of how much time we had to London: 2 1/2 hours. I deiced to watch one more movie: Rock of Ages. It's a musical... I like musicals... But it was so bad. What a sorry excuse of a jukebox musical. Mama Mia! had a better storyline, although Tom Crusie looked very hot. I turned it off before the movie was over.
I deiced to turn off Rock of Ages and go to sleep. 5 minutes after I did this, the lights turned on. Wake up! Ugh. The flight attendants then passed out more tea and a Orange/ banana muffin. I looked out my window and saw it was almost dawn. I also saw land. According to my travel log, we were over Ireland. Really? Wow. It was beautiful fro the plane. The horizon, in it's own funny way, looked like a rainbow... Or maybe I just need some good sleep.
We arrived in London at 8:30 am. I was thrilled to get off the plane and actually be in London. I grabbed everything I needed and walked of the plane. It was then, in that moment when it hit me how alone I felt. I was a lone traveler. I knew no one. I was totally independent and on my own, and I was too tired to feel scared. I "followed the heared" (Thanks, Bethany from Potsdam Study Abroad for that tip.) to Immigration. I honestly thought it was going to be simple. But wait... this is me.
I'm beyond exhausted and since I haven't really been on planes a lot, I never knew how bad my Jet Lag was. Well now I do, seem like a mixture of "I'm higher then a MoFu" and "Bat shit cray- cray". I don't think I the guy at immigration understood me. Also, the fact that he had never heard of the school I was going to or didn't have a student visa (Thanks Brockport for telling me abut that... not.), I was detained and had to wait for a few minutes to be questioned even more. I don't know why, but part of my jet leg is being calm in stressful situations. Weird. A few minutes later, a women came and talked to me about how next time I should do this and how she was letting it slide for today. After that, I was allowed to roam England! Yay! I'm too tired to care that I almost got kicked out of the Country! It could of been a lot worst.
I then found m luggage and headed towered the exit. I found the taxi serves. Mom told me to get a taxi so I'm getting a taxi. The woman at the front desk was super helpful. She too, told me, that she has the same kind of Jet Lag as me. That's sort of scary but, OK. I gave her a piece of paper of were I my hotel I was staying at until I got to Roehampton was. She clicked on her keyboard for a few seconds and old me it was going to be 90 Pounds. Well... Mom did want me to take a taxi... I paid her with my card and waited for the taxi driver to come pick me up. The lady at the taxi desk must of told him I was in the worst sort of Jet Lagged so he didn't talk to me the whole ride to the hotel.
I didn't mind. I looked around at the City and fell in love. It was so beautiful. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. I felt almost at home, in a weird way. I made this automatic connection to it that I've only made to NYC and Boston. I really am a City Girl.
When we got to the hotel, the taxi driver gave me his card and told me to call him whenever. Nice guy. My hotel was called Brewers Inn. It's in Wandsworth and was a pub and restaurant downstairs but a hotel upstairs. I had this moment of happiness. I was going to go sleep and shower and relax from this long flight and hell at the airport! I pulled on the handle and... it was locked.
No! Not now! This can not be happening. I started to bang on the door. I then went to the other doors and bang on them. I banged on the doors for a good 20 minutes in the cold until the Manager saw me through a window. He let me in and told me that check in was at 2 pm. It was 9:30 am... Oh god.
I wanted to sleep! I wanted to shower! I wanted to get into my sweatpants and watch old British Sitcoms in my bed! I needed to Facebook my Mom! I knew if she didn't hear from me soon, she was going to do something stupid, like try to alert the British Army or J.K. Rowling, or something. Her mind can think these crazy things. But with all this craziness happening to me, I was still in my Slytha Plath Jet Lag mode. I asked him if I could leave my bags there. He said yes.
I went on a walk through the neighbourhood. I realized that none of the shops were open. Happy New Year. But I came across this awesome graveyard just down the street. It had graves from the 1800's and you could hardly read them. I spent a good amount of time there. I then walked for a while and found this beautiful park full of families, dogs and birds. It was so relaxing. I also felt like one of the Natives. I was just walking in jeans, a read coat and a pair of converse just like everyone else. It was nice.
After my little adventure, I went back to the hotel. I was freezing an wanted to get back quickly. I must of looked half-crazed when I walked in because I scared the crap out of a bartender. My room wasn't ready but I could wait in the pub. I sat next to the fire and waited. Listening to all of the accents and how hard it was to understand them. I once had a music professor tell me that English accents are the worst when it comes to articulation. As Henery Higgans would say: "Why can't the British learn to speak?". Finally, I was told my room was ready. I went up a flight of stairs with the manager helping me with my luggage. When I got to my room and he was gone, I almost screamed with joy. Bed! Shower! Joy! I got into my PJ's and tried to get on Facebook so I could tell Mom I was OK, but the Internet was not working! Plus my computer was dying and my adapter was not being kind to me so I could not charge it. I deiced that what I needed most was sleep.
I slept for about 4 hours. And turned on the TV. I woke up and called the front desk about the WiFi. Got on Facebook and found 3 frantic messages from Mom. I told her I was fine and she asked me millions of questions. She told me she wanted to call Scotland yard (See! Her mind goes in different directions...). I told her I had to blog and get my adapter to work (I blew out a socket in my room, but I didn't get hurt!).
After writing this post and really thinking about it, if I have more crazy days like this, I think I'm going to love it here. This really seems like it's going to workout and I can't wait to write more about it in this blog.
Highlight: Changing my "Current Location" on my Facebook from "Potsdam, NY" to "London, Untied Kingdom"... Rock on!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
My Hotel: Brewer Inn
On January 31st, I woke up at around 11 am. I had the most amazing dream about these big, fluffy cakes that just melted in your mouth (Once a Fat Girl, Always a Fat Girl...). I felt calm when I opened my eyes. I just had these few moments of peace and serenity. But then I started to go into my usual freak out before something major happens in my life. I was darting all around my Grandma's house trying to get everything ready. I sort of felt offend when my sisters asked "Why is she acting so weird " DID THEY NOT REALIZE THAT I WAS ABOUT TO CROSS AN OCEAN BY MYSELF AND LIVE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY FOR HALF A YEAR?
What also was funny was my family and how we can't tell time. Dad told me my plane was to leave at 11:05. OK. Cool Beans. But I look at my ticket info and realize that the times are all military times. I checked the time on my ticket and turns out, I actually leave at 9:05. My Dad didn't believe me until I should him this military website on my phone. This caused panic among my sisters. Not because I was leaving sooner then they thought, but that they were not going to be able to shop at the mall or eat at the Medieval Times right next to the airport... I love you both, too.
Then, before I knew it, it was time to say good bye to Grandma and head to this big mall (which I later learned was how my Mother got my sisters to come say good-bye to me in DC... Once again: I love you both, too.) This Mall was huge. It had all sorts of stores and restaurants. We had to pick up a few more things before I Left and then we decide to have my last meal in America in Dave and Busters. That's rights. That game place/ sports bar. I was excited. I haven't to one since my Uncle Matthew's funeral. We walked through the game section and sat in this really nice dinning section. Mom was getting pretty emotional. I was starting to get very nervous. I started to shake a little. This white hotness of nerves came over me and I wanted to just get it over with.
Dinner was yummy. I had ice tea, boneless chicken wings and sweet potato fries. I think we were all enjoying ourselves. Christie left early to go shop while the rest of us went to cheer on Hannah in the game room. Hannah got 1,200 tickets but that still wasn't enough to get her the big-ass teddy bear. ("I want this bear. It's just like Melanie... Only more cuddly.") The mall was closing early because it was New Years Eve but by that point, it was time to head to the airport to say goodbye.
The ride to the airport was scary. I felt my white, hot nerves get even hotter. I couldn't believe I was doing this. It felt like a dream. I texted Jackie and Charlie goodbye. I was going to miss both of them and I felt like I didn't give them both proper goodbyes in person.
Walking into the airport is serious. No time to full around and act stupid. I had a little problem in line checking in. I thought I had lost my passport. My Mom and sisters helped me look through my bag. I was freaking out. But luckily, we found it. Also, I was right on the dot when it came to the weight of my baggage. (CHRISTIE: "Wow! It's only 23 lbs!") My Dad got yelled at by the lady checking my in because he was taking pictures. My crazy family...
And then, we reached customs. They couldn't go any father, although my Mom tried. Mom gave me a hug and started crying; Telling me to not go out at night and look both ways before crossing the street... I was suprised it wasn't worst. Then, Dad hugged me and then my sisters. I waved goodbye and went through customs... twice. Apparently, you are supposed to take your laptop out of your carry-on and but it in a separate in... oops. They guy could of been nicer about it ("Come on, sweetheart! We all wanna get home and have a nice drink!"). I didn't look but I knew my family was laughing at this.
After the second time, I went and sat in the terminal for 2 hours. It wasn't bad at all. I was reading this book about this woman who was a Standby for Elphaba in Wicked. Time seemed to fly and before I knew it, it was time to board. My Dad had booked me in World Traveler Plus. That meant a lot of leg room, personal TV's to watch movies and stuff and a lot more free stuff.
I sat next to the window and was happy to find out that no one was sitting next to me during the flight. When the plane started to move, I felt so nervous. I felt like I had to pee. I looked out my window the whole time. It seemed like forever before we finally made it to the runway. When the plane began to gain speed, I started think a Defying Gravity. This is it!
Up I Go!
The view from my window was amazing. I saw all of these beautiful lights from buildings and cars. I even saw the mall I was just in, The whole view was breath taking and I couldn't take my eyes off it. Goodbye USA, Hello England!
After a half hour of being in the air, the flight attendants came around and gave us drinks and pretzels. I got very cute guy flight attendants who kept on calling me "love" and "hun" in there accents. I read a lot of that Wicked book until the flight attendants came back with our dinners: beef, potatoes, salad and carrot cake. I ate the potatoes and carrot cake. I don't know what people are joking about. That was one of the best carrot cakes I've ever had. They then gave use tea. I got a little to excited about this. I'm drinking tea on my way to London! Of course I saw the Grimm in my tea leaves (Harry Potter joke... But maybe a sign?).
After our trays were taken away, the lights were turn off and I tried to sleep. But I couldn't so I deiced to watch the movies on my personal screen. I first watch The Perks of Being a Wall Flower. It was on my "To See" list for a long time and I was so glad I saw it! Such a great film! In the middle of my viewing, we came across some wind issues. That was scary. We drooped a few times. The seat belt sign was on for the rest of the time, but that didn't stop people from getting up out of their seats to use the bathrooms. I even ha to do this. Since no Flight Staff saw me, I now consider myself a ninja. I sometimes looked out my window and it was so beautiful. It was Peter Pan-Esq.
After the movie (It bugged me they didn't know what the song was on the radio till the end. David Bowie's "Heros"... Come on!), I looked on my screen of how much time we had to London: 2 1/2 hours. I deiced to watch one more movie: Rock of Ages. It's a musical... I like musicals... But it was so bad. What a sorry excuse of a jukebox musical. Mama Mia! had a better storyline, although Tom Crusie looked very hot. I turned it off before the movie was over.
I deiced to turn off Rock of Ages and go to sleep. 5 minutes after I did this, the lights turned on. Wake up! Ugh. The flight attendants then passed out more tea and a Orange/ banana muffin. I looked out my window and saw it was almost dawn. I also saw land. According to my travel log, we were over Ireland. Really? Wow. It was beautiful fro the plane. The horizon, in it's own funny way, looked like a rainbow... Or maybe I just need some good sleep.
We arrived in London at 8:30 am. I was thrilled to get off the plane and actually be in London. I grabbed everything I needed and walked of the plane. It was then, in that moment when it hit me how alone I felt. I was a lone traveler. I knew no one. I was totally independent and on my own, and I was too tired to feel scared. I "followed the heared" (Thanks, Bethany from Potsdam Study Abroad for that tip.) to Immigration. I honestly thought it was going to be simple. But wait... this is me.
I'm beyond exhausted and since I haven't really been on planes a lot, I never knew how bad my Jet Lag was. Well now I do, seem like a mixture of "I'm higher then a MoFu" and "Bat shit cray- cray". I don't think I the guy at immigration understood me. Also, the fact that he had never heard of the school I was going to or didn't have a student visa (Thanks Brockport for telling me abut that... not.), I was detained and had to wait for a few minutes to be questioned even more. I don't know why, but part of my jet leg is being calm in stressful situations. Weird. A few minutes later, a women came and talked to me about how next time I should do this and how she was letting it slide for today. After that, I was allowed to roam England! Yay! I'm too tired to care that I almost got kicked out of the Country! It could of been a lot worst.
I then found m luggage and headed towered the exit. I found the taxi serves. Mom told me to get a taxi so I'm getting a taxi. The woman at the front desk was super helpful. She too, told me, that she has the same kind of Jet Lag as me. That's sort of scary but, OK. I gave her a piece of paper of were I my hotel I was staying at until I got to Roehampton was. She clicked on her keyboard for a few seconds and old me it was going to be 90 Pounds. Well... Mom did want me to take a taxi... I paid her with my card and waited for the taxi driver to come pick me up. The lady at the taxi desk must of told him I was in the worst sort of Jet Lagged so he didn't talk to me the whole ride to the hotel.
I didn't mind. I looked around at the City and fell in love. It was so beautiful. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. I felt almost at home, in a weird way. I made this automatic connection to it that I've only made to NYC and Boston. I really am a City Girl.
When we got to the hotel, the taxi driver gave me his card and told me to call him whenever. Nice guy. My hotel was called Brewers Inn. It's in Wandsworth and was a pub and restaurant downstairs but a hotel upstairs. I had this moment of happiness. I was going to go sleep and shower and relax from this long flight and hell at the airport! I pulled on the handle and... it was locked.
No! Not now! This can not be happening. I started to bang on the door. I then went to the other doors and bang on them. I banged on the doors for a good 20 minutes in the cold until the Manager saw me through a window. He let me in and told me that check in was at 2 pm. It was 9:30 am... Oh god.
I wanted to sleep! I wanted to shower! I wanted to get into my sweatpants and watch old British Sitcoms in my bed! I needed to Facebook my Mom! I knew if she didn't hear from me soon, she was going to do something stupid, like try to alert the British Army or J.K. Rowling, or something. Her mind can think these crazy things. But with all this craziness happening to me, I was still in my Slytha Plath Jet Lag mode. I asked him if I could leave my bags there. He said yes.
I went on a walk through the neighbourhood. I realized that none of the shops were open. Happy New Year. But I came across this awesome graveyard just down the street. It had graves from the 1800's and you could hardly read them. I spent a good amount of time there. I then walked for a while and found this beautiful park full of families, dogs and birds. It was so relaxing. I also felt like one of the Natives. I was just walking in jeans, a read coat and a pair of converse just like everyone else. It was nice.
After my little adventure, I went back to the hotel. I was freezing an wanted to get back quickly. I must of looked half-crazed when I walked in because I scared the crap out of a bartender. My room wasn't ready but I could wait in the pub. I sat next to the fire and waited. Listening to all of the accents and how hard it was to understand them. I once had a music professor tell me that English accents are the worst when it comes to articulation. As Henery Higgans would say: "Why can't the British learn to speak?". Finally, I was told my room was ready. I went up a flight of stairs with the manager helping me with my luggage. When I got to my room and he was gone, I almost screamed with joy. Bed! Shower! Joy! I got into my PJ's and tried to get on Facebook so I could tell Mom I was OK, but the Internet was not working! Plus my computer was dying and my adapter was not being kind to me so I could not charge it. I deiced that what I needed most was sleep.
I slept for about 4 hours. And turned on the TV. I woke up and called the front desk about the WiFi. Got on Facebook and found 3 frantic messages from Mom. I told her I was fine and she asked me millions of questions. She told me she wanted to call Scotland yard (See! Her mind goes in different directions...). I told her I had to blog and get my adapter to work (I blew out a socket in my room, but I didn't get hurt!).
After writing this post and really thinking about it, if I have more crazy days like this, I think I'm going to love it here. This really seems like it's going to workout and I can't wait to write more about it in this blog.
Highlight: Changing my "Current Location" on my Facebook from "Potsdam, NY" to "London, Untied Kingdom"... Rock on!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
My Hotel: Brewer Inn
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Breathe... Just Breathe
I woke up on Saturday morning and looked out my window. F***... Snow. Lots of it. The joys of living in Upstate New York. I knew there was no way we were going to drive to Maryland in this weather. I was sort of upset but at the same time, I felt sort of happy to have one last day to get everything ready and snuggle in my bed, and drink tea... I took the time to enjoy my day, something I've never really mastered. Even on my rare days off, I had the hardest time relaxing. My "Snow Day" was just what I needed before I left for Maryland.
I didn't allow myself to get stressed until about 7 pm. That was when I had to weigh my suitcases, pack the things I still needed to back, print out some important information that of course had to wait to the very last minute (Welcome to the Zehner's!) and get a hair cut from my sister, Christie, who is a licenced cosmologist. It was good to get all of my dead ends cut off and vent to her. I think they taught her that at Cos school; How to make people tell you there deepest, most personal thoughts while washing there hair...
After I shoved a copy of Howel's Moving Castle into my carry-on (Thanks Jackie!), I decide to take a much needed break and what better way to enjoy my last Snowed in Saturday Night by having a Sex and the City Night with Christie; A tradition that we had started in 2009 when HBO on Demand came into our lives. We both owned our own Complete Sex and the City Series Box Set that I will have to, sadly, leave behind. We watched the first six episodes of season 1. I was going to miss this. If it wasn't Christie and I's Sex and the City Night, it was Hannah and I's Twilight Movie Marathon (Don't judge!). I was going to miss both of my sisters and our crazy traditions deeply. The only way I was going to talk to them now was via Skype or Facebook. It was sad. I never knew how much I connected with then.
After Christie and I swore to make "Team Aidan" (Me) and "Team Big" (Christie) shirts for when I cam back, we knew it was time to go to bed. I laid in my bed for hours trying to sleep, but I just couldn't my stomach was all in knots and I just couldn't get my racing thoughts to stay a ease. I must of fallen asleep because I found myself startled awake by my Mom calling me. It was 6:45 am but I felt so awake. It borderline mania how excited I was. I skipped around the house getting ready. I woke up my sisters singing: "I'm leaving for London. Get up!". I even told my Mother I looked very "Jackie O." in my new read coat... When did I become a WASP? We all got into the car at 7:30 am. The roads were horrible! We were sliding all over the place but I felt so happy to leave.
Goodbye House! Goodbye Jordan, NY! Goodbye Upstate New York!
We stopped at Denny's in Camillus. Hannah talked about how she loved how much I was in my blog and I should mention her more (Shout out to Hannah... I guess). He had to eat quickly. I had two pancakes, hash browns and an ice tea. Yum!
Right after breakfast, we headed off to Maryland. The roads got better and better. It got to the point were there was no snow at all. I fell asleep in the car for a little while. I woke up to this pain in my mouth. I was biting my own tongue. Dumb me. The trip to Grandma's house seemed to go by fast. I listened to Matilda the Musical, my new Ramin Karimioo album and my Josh Groban Playlist. By 2 pm, we were about 20 minutes aways, but starving. We stopped at this very nice Grill and Bar. I ate this Flatbread Pizza and fries. I also had some of Mom's Nachos and more ice tea. Mom had taken some of her pain meds for her back and started to dance to the music in the bathroom. Embarrassing.
When we got to Grandma's, Dad got ready for a Redskins Football Game he got tickets to thanks to and old friend from high school, Mom took a nap, Christie and Hannah goofed around and I got on Facebook and talked to my SCT/ School friend, Val and my Mexican BFF, Jeovany. Since Jeo has gone through being an exchange student (he studied at Potsdam this semester) he's been great at keeping me calm, motivated and has inspired me to be great in London (Love ya, Jeo!).
After I got off Facebook, Grandma made dinner for Me, Hannah and Christie. I didn't eat dinner but we had a great talk about politics, movies, journals, and my Uncle Matthew who died a few years ago. Grandma got triey-eyed.
After dinner, Mom got up and me, Mom, Christie and Hannah went to go see Sliver Lining Playbook at this beautiful, old movie theatre. It took forever to find a parking spot and it took forever to get the right order at the Candy Counter. The movie was amazing. It really hit close to home. It didn't hit me until we left the theatre and I began to cry...
... And that's when it hit me. "Holy s***! I'm going to London tomorrow! I really am going!"
As I sit here at my Grandma's computer, listening to mys siters' making funny videos on my Mom's iPad, I'm starting to get a little freaked out. I'm not going to be in my safe box anymore. I'm going to be out of my safety net and in the real world. I'm shaking right now. My chest is so heavy. My body is freezing.
I had this kick ass student director named Becca, who told me that whenever she is stressed, she listed to the song "Breathe (2 am)" by Anna Nalick. "Breathe, Just Breathe."... It's going to be on repeat tonight. Everything will workout.
One more thing, I always make the same wish every New Years Eve: "This year, I'm going to Defy Gravity." Funny how I'm going to be on a plane when the clock strikes 12 on New Years Eve...
Wish Me Well!!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
I didn't allow myself to get stressed until about 7 pm. That was when I had to weigh my suitcases, pack the things I still needed to back, print out some important information that of course had to wait to the very last minute (Welcome to the Zehner's!) and get a hair cut from my sister, Christie, who is a licenced cosmologist. It was good to get all of my dead ends cut off and vent to her. I think they taught her that at Cos school; How to make people tell you there deepest, most personal thoughts while washing there hair...
After I shoved a copy of Howel's Moving Castle into my carry-on (Thanks Jackie!), I decide to take a much needed break and what better way to enjoy my last Snowed in Saturday Night by having a Sex and the City Night with Christie; A tradition that we had started in 2009 when HBO on Demand came into our lives. We both owned our own Complete Sex and the City Series Box Set that I will have to, sadly, leave behind. We watched the first six episodes of season 1. I was going to miss this. If it wasn't Christie and I's Sex and the City Night, it was Hannah and I's Twilight Movie Marathon (Don't judge!). I was going to miss both of my sisters and our crazy traditions deeply. The only way I was going to talk to them now was via Skype or Facebook. It was sad. I never knew how much I connected with then.
After Christie and I swore to make "Team Aidan" (Me) and "Team Big" (Christie) shirts for when I cam back, we knew it was time to go to bed. I laid in my bed for hours trying to sleep, but I just couldn't my stomach was all in knots and I just couldn't get my racing thoughts to stay a ease. I must of fallen asleep because I found myself startled awake by my Mom calling me. It was 6:45 am but I felt so awake. It borderline mania how excited I was. I skipped around the house getting ready. I woke up my sisters singing: "I'm leaving for London. Get up!". I even told my Mother I looked very "Jackie O." in my new read coat... When did I become a WASP? We all got into the car at 7:30 am. The roads were horrible! We were sliding all over the place but I felt so happy to leave.
Goodbye House! Goodbye Jordan, NY! Goodbye Upstate New York!
We stopped at Denny's in Camillus. Hannah talked about how she loved how much I was in my blog and I should mention her more (Shout out to Hannah... I guess). He had to eat quickly. I had two pancakes, hash browns and an ice tea. Yum!
Right after breakfast, we headed off to Maryland. The roads got better and better. It got to the point were there was no snow at all. I fell asleep in the car for a little while. I woke up to this pain in my mouth. I was biting my own tongue. Dumb me. The trip to Grandma's house seemed to go by fast. I listened to Matilda the Musical, my new Ramin Karimioo album and my Josh Groban Playlist. By 2 pm, we were about 20 minutes aways, but starving. We stopped at this very nice Grill and Bar. I ate this Flatbread Pizza and fries. I also had some of Mom's Nachos and more ice tea. Mom had taken some of her pain meds for her back and started to dance to the music in the bathroom. Embarrassing.
When we got to Grandma's, Dad got ready for a Redskins Football Game he got tickets to thanks to and old friend from high school, Mom took a nap, Christie and Hannah goofed around and I got on Facebook and talked to my SCT/ School friend, Val and my Mexican BFF, Jeovany. Since Jeo has gone through being an exchange student (he studied at Potsdam this semester) he's been great at keeping me calm, motivated and has inspired me to be great in London (Love ya, Jeo!).
After I got off Facebook, Grandma made dinner for Me, Hannah and Christie. I didn't eat dinner but we had a great talk about politics, movies, journals, and my Uncle Matthew who died a few years ago. Grandma got triey-eyed.
After dinner, Mom got up and me, Mom, Christie and Hannah went to go see Sliver Lining Playbook at this beautiful, old movie theatre. It took forever to find a parking spot and it took forever to get the right order at the Candy Counter. The movie was amazing. It really hit close to home. It didn't hit me until we left the theatre and I began to cry...
... And that's when it hit me. "Holy s***! I'm going to London tomorrow! I really am going!"
As I sit here at my Grandma's computer, listening to mys siters' making funny videos on my Mom's iPad, I'm starting to get a little freaked out. I'm not going to be in my safe box anymore. I'm going to be out of my safety net and in the real world. I'm shaking right now. My chest is so heavy. My body is freezing.
I had this kick ass student director named Becca, who told me that whenever she is stressed, she listed to the song "Breathe (2 am)" by Anna Nalick. "Breathe, Just Breathe."... It's going to be on repeat tonight. Everything will workout.
One more thing, I always make the same wish every New Years Eve: "This year, I'm going to Defy Gravity." Funny how I'm going to be on a plane when the clock strikes 12 on New Years Eve...
Wish Me Well!!
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Friday, December 28, 2012
Last Friday Night in the States, Ya'll!
I woke up with an email from one of my professors from Potsdam wishing me well. It was nice to hear from him before I left. He was also one of the professors who wrote me a recommendation so the email seem even more touching.
I feel like I should be more stressed or worried, but I feel completely calm and cool. It hasn't hit me that this is my last night in my house in Jordan, NY. But clearly, everyone else does.
My Mother has been crying on and off for the last few days. Today, she took me out for one final "Mommy and Melanie Day." We first went to Chilies. I'm not the biggest fan of the restaurant chain but nothing says American like ordering to much imitation Mexican food. We kept on talking about London; how I was going to love it and how I can't forget my passion. She's afraid I'll fall in love and never come back home. Oh Mom...
We then went to one of my favourite places on earth: Barnes and Noble. To me, one of the greatest joys in the world is buying a hot chocolate and browsing the stacks of books, DVDs, CDs and hot nerds. I'd received a $100 gift card for Christmas and was excited to spend it. Mom tagged along with me for a little while but went n her own way after a half hour. I ended up getting the Complete 1980's Beauty and the Beast TV Series (I'm obsessed with it. The reboot does not give it justice.), a copy of Interview with the Vampire: Claudia's Story ("I Want More"... tehe... Claudia could kick Bella's ass...), Ramin Karimloo's CD (Look up "Till I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies or the 25th Anniversary Concerts of both Les Miz and Phantom) and a 2013 planner. I can't take the DVDs or CDs to London but they'll be a nice treat for when I return.
After, Mom and I headed over to Great Northern Mall to get some last minute things. The mall was packed with people returning ugly Christmas gifts and using up gift cards. I wanted to shop quickly because Mom was getting tired and I didn't want her to feel overwhelmed. By the end of our shopping trip, I got a new red coat, socks, jeans and some sweaters.
Driving home, I began to make plans with my sisters about going out to dinner tonight after we packed a little. Hannah wanted to go to Tully's but Mom said no because it would be crowded on a Friday night, Christie then said Chilies but that was out of the question because I had eaten their earlier today. Christie and I then thought Denny's wound be perfect but Hannah was against it ("I'M NOT GOING TO DENNY'S! NOT AGAIN!"). We finally decided to go to Applebee's.
When I got home we started to pack. Are plan is to leave tomorrow morning and head to Washington DC and I fly out on December 31st, New Years Eve.(Dad says it's cheaper to fly out of DC on New Years Eve, even though flying out of NYC would have been the easiest.). Christie and Hannah had a blast making fun of my underwear and criticized my lack of fashion (T-Shirts are not hip, apparently...). We had to roll all of the clothing so it could fit into the two suitcases (Great tip from Bethany, one of the heads at the Study Abroad Office at Potsdam.).
After an hour, Christie, Hannah and I drove the the Applebee's in Auburn. We talked and joked the whole way there and was excited to find a DJ at the restaurant playing some really fun music. Hannah and Christie danced in the booth while I tried to dance with them, an epic fail on my part.
The worst par of the night was our waitress. She was very rude and disrespectful to us. Because we are our Uncles had worked in he restaurant business most of their lives, we always knew to NEVER be nothing but nice to the service. The horror stories of what our Uncles told us about what they did to rude customers goes far beyond just spitting in their food...
Halfway through our meal, I saw a sign on the table that said that if the server did not tell us about gift cards, we'd get free boneless wings. Since I ordered boneless wings and our waitress never mentioned the gift cards, I told Christie to tell our waitress that I had the right to free boneless wings (Free Fatty Food: Another American Tradition). Christie told a waiter who came to fill our drinks. He obviously told our waitress because she came storming over, slammed her hands on the table and muttered about something about gift cards. Hannah was angry, saying that if we were charged for the boneless wings, she would turn into our Mother, meaning all hell would break lose.
So of course, when the bill came, we were charged. Hannah demanded we see a manager. Christie and I just started at each other. This wasn't going to be pretty. It took 20 minutes for the manager to finally see us and by that time, Hannah was ready to let him have it. After telling him it was the worst service she was ever dealt with, the manger gave us a coupon for free boneless wings the next time we came in ("Like I'll ever come here again!"- Hannah), offered us some drinks (yes, serve some alcohol to my underage sisters) and stay for the dance party. We declined and after he walked away and we got our change, Hannah got up to leave.
"Ugh... Hannah. You forgot to give her a tip." For some reason, my parents had given Hannah the money for dinner.
"No way is she getting a tip! You better not leave her anything!" And walked out.
Me and Christie looked at each other for a second, looked at out table with the dirty dishes and bolted for the door before our waitress came back. As we got into the car, we saw through the window our waitress at our booth, screaming at the manager. It felt good to be a rebel on my last Friday Night... :)
On the way home, Hannah played some Flo Rida, Taylor Swift and "Gandam Style." All three of us belted and tried to harmonize with the music. We passed my old high school on the way home. I looked at the building full of memories good and bad. Dreams were dreamt and created there. A lot of the kids in my graduating class planned on either staying home or going off to college to pursue a 9 to 5 job that was guaranteed to give them a comfortable lifestyle. But not me. My plans for life were going to doing what I love to do, no matter how successful (or unsuccessful) I became. Going on this journey to London in hopes that my dreams will become realities.
When we got home I finished up my packing and now, after thinking about for a little while, it is really hitting me. I'll enjoy my final night in my bed, with it's jean comforter and memory foam topper. I know not much will change in this house, this town, this area, but I know I will.
This Friday Night, I'm a Central New Yorker. But I'll be a Londoner next Friday night...
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Christie Helping Me Pack.
I feel like I should be more stressed or worried, but I feel completely calm and cool. It hasn't hit me that this is my last night in my house in Jordan, NY. But clearly, everyone else does.
My Mother has been crying on and off for the last few days. Today, she took me out for one final "Mommy and Melanie Day." We first went to Chilies. I'm not the biggest fan of the restaurant chain but nothing says American like ordering to much imitation Mexican food. We kept on talking about London; how I was going to love it and how I can't forget my passion. She's afraid I'll fall in love and never come back home. Oh Mom...
We then went to one of my favourite places on earth: Barnes and Noble. To me, one of the greatest joys in the world is buying a hot chocolate and browsing the stacks of books, DVDs, CDs and hot nerds. I'd received a $100 gift card for Christmas and was excited to spend it. Mom tagged along with me for a little while but went n her own way after a half hour. I ended up getting the Complete 1980's Beauty and the Beast TV Series (I'm obsessed with it. The reboot does not give it justice.), a copy of Interview with the Vampire: Claudia's Story ("I Want More"... tehe... Claudia could kick Bella's ass...), Ramin Karimloo's CD (Look up "Till I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies or the 25th Anniversary Concerts of both Les Miz and Phantom) and a 2013 planner. I can't take the DVDs or CDs to London but they'll be a nice treat for when I return.
After, Mom and I headed over to Great Northern Mall to get some last minute things. The mall was packed with people returning ugly Christmas gifts and using up gift cards. I wanted to shop quickly because Mom was getting tired and I didn't want her to feel overwhelmed. By the end of our shopping trip, I got a new red coat, socks, jeans and some sweaters.
Driving home, I began to make plans with my sisters about going out to dinner tonight after we packed a little. Hannah wanted to go to Tully's but Mom said no because it would be crowded on a Friday night, Christie then said Chilies but that was out of the question because I had eaten their earlier today. Christie and I then thought Denny's wound be perfect but Hannah was against it ("I'M NOT GOING TO DENNY'S! NOT AGAIN!"). We finally decided to go to Applebee's.
When I got home we started to pack. Are plan is to leave tomorrow morning and head to Washington DC and I fly out on December 31st, New Years Eve.(Dad says it's cheaper to fly out of DC on New Years Eve, even though flying out of NYC would have been the easiest.). Christie and Hannah had a blast making fun of my underwear and criticized my lack of fashion (T-Shirts are not hip, apparently...). We had to roll all of the clothing so it could fit into the two suitcases (Great tip from Bethany, one of the heads at the Study Abroad Office at Potsdam.).
After an hour, Christie, Hannah and I drove the the Applebee's in Auburn. We talked and joked the whole way there and was excited to find a DJ at the restaurant playing some really fun music. Hannah and Christie danced in the booth while I tried to dance with them, an epic fail on my part.
The worst par of the night was our waitress. She was very rude and disrespectful to us. Because we are our Uncles had worked in he restaurant business most of their lives, we always knew to NEVER be nothing but nice to the service. The horror stories of what our Uncles told us about what they did to rude customers goes far beyond just spitting in their food...
Halfway through our meal, I saw a sign on the table that said that if the server did not tell us about gift cards, we'd get free boneless wings. Since I ordered boneless wings and our waitress never mentioned the gift cards, I told Christie to tell our waitress that I had the right to free boneless wings (Free Fatty Food: Another American Tradition). Christie told a waiter who came to fill our drinks. He obviously told our waitress because she came storming over, slammed her hands on the table and muttered about something about gift cards. Hannah was angry, saying that if we were charged for the boneless wings, she would turn into our Mother, meaning all hell would break lose.
So of course, when the bill came, we were charged. Hannah demanded we see a manager. Christie and I just started at each other. This wasn't going to be pretty. It took 20 minutes for the manager to finally see us and by that time, Hannah was ready to let him have it. After telling him it was the worst service she was ever dealt with, the manger gave us a coupon for free boneless wings the next time we came in ("Like I'll ever come here again!"- Hannah), offered us some drinks (yes, serve some alcohol to my underage sisters) and stay for the dance party. We declined and after he walked away and we got our change, Hannah got up to leave.
"Ugh... Hannah. You forgot to give her a tip." For some reason, my parents had given Hannah the money for dinner.
"No way is she getting a tip! You better not leave her anything!" And walked out.
Me and Christie looked at each other for a second, looked at out table with the dirty dishes and bolted for the door before our waitress came back. As we got into the car, we saw through the window our waitress at our booth, screaming at the manager. It felt good to be a rebel on my last Friday Night... :)
On the way home, Hannah played some Flo Rida, Taylor Swift and "Gandam Style." All three of us belted and tried to harmonize with the music. We passed my old high school on the way home. I looked at the building full of memories good and bad. Dreams were dreamt and created there. A lot of the kids in my graduating class planned on either staying home or going off to college to pursue a 9 to 5 job that was guaranteed to give them a comfortable lifestyle. But not me. My plans for life were going to doing what I love to do, no matter how successful (or unsuccessful) I became. Going on this journey to London in hopes that my dreams will become realities.
When we got home I finished up my packing and now, after thinking about for a little while, it is really hitting me. I'll enjoy my final night in my bed, with it's jean comforter and memory foam topper. I know not much will change in this house, this town, this area, but I know I will.
This Friday Night, I'm a Central New Yorker. But I'll be a Londoner next Friday night...
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Christie Helping Me Pack.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Before I Fly, I'll Blog!
On October 16th, 2012, I got an email that made me break down in tears in the middle of Crumb Library at SUNY Potsdam. It was from SUNY Brockport and it said that I was accepted into their Study Abroad program at Roehampton University. I was going to go to study Theatre in London, England in the Spring of 2013.
Since then, my life has been a world-wind of paper work, phone calls, emails and research. It all seemed to be to good to be true. It still hasn't really sunk in yet. It feels like I'm going to wake up from this crazy dream. In a few short days, I will be on a plane flying to a new city, a new country and in some ways, a new world.
I'm doing this for so many reasons. One is to study my true love and passion: theatre. Also, to prove others wrong. I've been told by a lot of people that "You Can't." Because of something I was born with, people gave me this label that came with these invisible limits. Not only did people tell me I could never study abroad, but not even go to college. In fact, some people believed that I should of worked on getting my GED, lived on disability and MAYBE get a part time job. But that wasn't what I wanted in my life. As Pippin said: "Don't you see I want my life to be something more then long?"
I like to tell people that I am "Defying Gravity Everyday" because I like to prove people wrong. I am literally going to be "Defying Gravity" on January 31st. I'll be in the air going on a new adventure that will be life changing.
But why start a blog? I want everyone to know what I am up on my outrageous adventures in London. I promise a lot of theatre, Harry Potter, London history, new friends and maybe even a new Melanie.
I don't know how often I will be updating this blog but it will be updated whenever I'm not busy discovering something new. Check back every so often.
Defy Gravity
Melanie
Since then, my life has been a world-wind of paper work, phone calls, emails and research. It all seemed to be to good to be true. It still hasn't really sunk in yet. It feels like I'm going to wake up from this crazy dream. In a few short days, I will be on a plane flying to a new city, a new country and in some ways, a new world.
I'm doing this for so many reasons. One is to study my true love and passion: theatre. Also, to prove others wrong. I've been told by a lot of people that "You Can't." Because of something I was born with, people gave me this label that came with these invisible limits. Not only did people tell me I could never study abroad, but not even go to college. In fact, some people believed that I should of worked on getting my GED, lived on disability and MAYBE get a part time job. But that wasn't what I wanted in my life. As Pippin said: "Don't you see I want my life to be something more then long?"
I like to tell people that I am "Defying Gravity Everyday" because I like to prove people wrong. I am literally going to be "Defying Gravity" on January 31st. I'll be in the air going on a new adventure that will be life changing.
But why start a blog? I want everyone to know what I am up on my outrageous adventures in London. I promise a lot of theatre, Harry Potter, London history, new friends and maybe even a new Melanie.
I don't know how often I will be updating this blog but it will be updated whenever I'm not busy discovering something new. Check back every so often.
Defy Gravity
Melanie
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