Bailey!

So, I am sitting in Bailey's luxurious (to my standards) living room, listening to Coldplay, and catching up over random stories from the past month that didn't make it into skype conversations. Today was a long day, starting out at 4:30 as I took a very awkward taxi ride with a driver that felt obligated to make conversation, yet wasn't very skilled in it. It's the thought that counts though, right? It reminded me why I don't like mornings. I spent the next few hours dwelling on every negative aspect of my life, becoming thoroughly depressed about leaving Scotland and stressed about upcoming Spanish classes. All that disappeared though when it was time to land. Once again, I was a twin. This afternoon Bailey introduced me to her roommate, Colleen (so nice and funny), and took me around Galway's city center. No major purchases yet, but it is bound to happen. Tomorrow: church and revisiting a promising dress shop downtown. Fun!

Laser Tag

Tonight I played Laser Tag for the first time in ages. So fun! My first game I was 17 out of 22, and pretty happy to just not be last. By the second game though, I was 8 or 9. Impressive, right? I had to leave early though, so I took the train by myself. Ummmm, very sketchy people live in Scotland. Falkirk, to be exact. I think it makes it worse when you can't really understand their accent as they pass around joints. Still, with a little help from friends and nice strangers, I was able to find my way to the right train. And guess what??? Tomorrow, I get to see Bailey!!!!!!

Houseparty

I know its been almost a week, but this past weekend was very eventful and deserves its own post. The Christian Union had their "Houseparty," or retreat, and we all went up to the Scottish Highlands. It was gorgeous. The weekend was just what I needed. Lately I have been feeling slightly frustrated, because I have soo much work to do, but hate to be cooped up and not taking advantage of being in Scotland. Most of the time was just hanging out, but we had a guest speaker that gave four solid, challenging sessions on God's grace and what it means for our lives. Other than that, the weekend consisted of walks, taking pictures of the changing colors, late night talks, and ping-pong. Or table-tennis. Which is just a ridiculous name, because then you have to call the table a table-tennis table. But I guess ping-pong is just a ridiculous of a word. Anyway, I started off really great, and even impressed the guys with my sneaky serve. But then the pressure got to me and I started to lose it. Not that you are all interested in my ping-pong success. Another highlight was archery lessons, though I was AWFUL. In a one hour session, I only hit the target board once. Needless to say, it is harder than it looks. 

I'm adding some pictures of the weekend. Enjoy!

I left my heart in...Scotland?

Every day I stay here, I just get this awful sinking feeling. I am falling for Scotland. I've not sure how hard I've fallen just yet, but I definitely have. I love the country. I love tea and biscuits and kilts and bagpipes. I love traditions and crazy accents and friendly people you can't understand. I love my bible study, Phil and Ros (the leaders) and all the friends I've made. 

Yesterday I had a great day. I know I said I would write a "day in the life" post, but this was just so much more enjoyable that I would rather write about it. I woke up early to turn in two big essays I have been obsessing over, took a nice nap, and then officially got up for the day. Mari and Rebekka (my Norwegian friends) have been raving about this one pub's scones, so I went up and got one for myself. Probably the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I felt slightly like a loner as I was sitting all by myself, but I enjoyed some great people-watching. I then headed up to the castle's gift shop to do some shopping. After some hefty purchases I made my way through the historic part of Stirling, stopping to read plaques and spend time in the old cemetery. I wish I had my camera...it was the stereotype of a spooky cemetery. All these old tombstones sinking into and earth and sticking out at weird angles. The earliest one dated back to the mid 16th century. Crazy.

After giving in to some more shopping (I know, I'm weak) I went to the town library, where I met a friend and found a good reason not to do much reading. As they would say, we had some good "banter," before we left for bible study. It was my night to give my testimony, and though I was nervous beforehand, it went really well. Something about opening up and being vulnerable with people. (Sidenote: if you haven't heard my testimony before and would like to, just send me an email. I would love to share it.)

All in all, it was a great day. But it just reinforces these feelings. I love it here. But I love home as well. Why do they have to be so far away?

Some Things Don't Change

I'm supposed to be proving to myself that it is possible to write a research paper in two days, start to finish, so I will make this short. But as I was desperately searching JSTOR for my research paper it struck me how much some things don't change. Like procrastination. Or the fact that I am once more at the computer, college sweatshirt on, bangs pulled back, with a word document on the right of my screen for notes and online articles on the left. Its funny to think that if I was in SLO right now, there is a good chance I would be doing the exact same thing. Actually, I would probably be snoozing away, but you get the idea. I feel like its been awhile (if ever) since I have done a "this is what my life in Stirling is like" blog post, so maybe I'll do that tonight. If I get this research done :)

Girl Talk

It's been awhile since I've had any. Such a crucial part to being a girl. Tonight I sat around with some new friends, eating shortbread and drinking tea. What better way to get to know someone better?

Bus Romance

Today I was on the bus and watched this elderly couple come in. He was using a cane with one hand, and the other was using her shoulder as support. They walked slowly to their seats, him holding onto her the whole time. They made sure they sat next to each other, even though it would have been much easier for him to sit across from her. The whole time they were bent together, talking. They were this ordinary older couple on a bus. But at the same time they weren't. I want that.

If You Were Coming in the Fall

So I'm not a huge poetry person, but there are a few that I just love. I was looking through Emily Dickinson poems tonight and though I would share one of my favorites with you. I just love how smoothly it all runs. Also, look up "Death is counted sweetest" and "Hope is the thing with feathers."  Okay, here it is:

If you were coming in the fall

I'd brush the summer by 

With half a smile and half a spurn, 

As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year, 

I'd wind the months in balls, 

And put them each in separate drawers, 

Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed, 

I'd count them on my hand,

Subtracting till my fingers dropped

Into Van Diemen's land.

If certain, when this life was out, 

That yours and mine should be, 

I'd toss it yonder like a rind, 

And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length

Of time's uncertain wing,

It goads me, like the goblin bee, 

That will not state its sting.

Lin-lith-go and Edin-bur-a

I think I have finally mastered how to pronounce these two names. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard, but my mind just couldn't wrap itself around Linlithgow. Yesterday I went on a day trip to both cities, starting in Linlithgow and making our way to the capital. I think we picked the coldest, windiest day for the trip, but it was still a lot of fun. Our group was quite international, consisting of two Norwegians, 2 Americans, 1 Northern Irish, 1 German (with an Irish accent...she is engaged to Aaron, the Northern Irish guy with us), and one Scottish. We had all met at the CU (Christian Union) and Colin, Aaron, and Julia were nice enough to be our tour guides for the day. Even though Edinburgh is really pretty, I would have to say the best part of the day was Linlithgow. We visited the palace there, so I was able to see where Mary, Queen of Scots was born (!!!!). The palace was mostly in ruins, which only made it more beautiful. And it was SO WINDY. I loved it. In Edinburgh we mainly walked the Royal Mile, and ended up watching a street show for way too long. The guy was mediocre at best, but some of our group got picked as volunteers (thankfully not me). All in all, it was a great day. I got to see some more of Scotland and was able to spend time with some awesome people.

I'm adding some pictures as well. 

1. The top of Linlithgow Palace. Pretty!

2. The first window up is where the room was that Queen Mary was born in. I can't even wrap my mind around it. So cool. 

3. Bagpipes!

4. A failed attempt at a group shot. 

5. Edinburgh Castle on our hunt for food.

August Rush

I have recently discovered the beauty of listening to an ipod in public. Next time you walk somewhere, make sure to put in your ipod, even if it does make you look anti-social. So worth it. Suddenly, I feel like August Rush. As he would say, there is "music everywhere." Everything goes along with the song. The leaves sway with the background music, people step in time with the beat, birds fly in a way that makes you think they must hear the song as well. It is so cool. Maybe I am the last to figure this out, but if not, you have to try it!!