When I became fully emerged in my research, I became FULLY emerged. I'm now resurfacing....trying to remember how to live again.
The Masters at Cambridge is officially complete! Submission was yesterday, but I, being on top of things for once, submitted last Friday. I'm happy with the final product. 111 pages and 20,000 words later, I am feeling a bit worse for wear, but I’m going to troop on.
Tomorrow marks the start of YEAR FOUR in the UK! Hard to believe it’s been that long. Last year teaching English was spectacular, and this year is proving to be equal in greatness. I feel settled, and now without the stress of the masters I’m intending to just sit and enjoy. Working hard, of course. As always.
I’ll be doing a leading from the middle course, preparing me for middle management, department head, whatever I want to tackle next. The PhD looks appealing though. I’m waiting until I find out my mark on the thesis...if I’ve nailed a 67, I’ll be searching for funding. And if I can find that...well, World Domination will involve something like three years of research! If not – I’ll be looking to take on leadership in a school....world domination, small scale.
Oh, the possibilities.
Of course, the fact that there is now a man on the scene may influence these plans....maybe.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Watching from Abroad....
The health care reform has passed in the States and as an ex-pat, I'm interested! Rather a double edged sword if you ask me -- living in both systems, I can argue both sides. I like being here and the relief I felt when I was admitted to the hospital and was then told I wouldn't be paying for my stay - well, that changed my mood entirely. I could focus on getting better, not worrying about how I was going to pay for three days and a lot of meds.
On the other hand, as an American, I loved the social interactions with your doctor. The closeness, the systematic blood pressure or weight checks, the fact that your doctor knows you near enough better than you know yourself. If there was a problem - it would most likely be spotted, and spotted quickly.
Here in the UK, if you have a problem and go to the doctor to get it investigated, you will wait ages for an appointment, see your doctor for five minutes, they will send you for blood work. When you ring back to set up a follow up appointment a few days later, the receptionist will then tell you that your bloodwork was ok. Sorry - does that actually answer the problem?
As you can see, I've got a proper issue with this system. I've been voluntarily starving myself for next to a month, dropped a dress size, have been to the doctor telling her I feel ill when I eat and the result? Nothing.
Phone tag commences again tomorrow. I will get to the bottom of this. Either that - or I'll faint and end up in hospital. Post mortems must be a delight in this country....
On the other hand, as an American, I loved the social interactions with your doctor. The closeness, the systematic blood pressure or weight checks, the fact that your doctor knows you near enough better than you know yourself. If there was a problem - it would most likely be spotted, and spotted quickly.
Here in the UK, if you have a problem and go to the doctor to get it investigated, you will wait ages for an appointment, see your doctor for five minutes, they will send you for blood work. When you ring back to set up a follow up appointment a few days later, the receptionist will then tell you that your bloodwork was ok. Sorry - does that actually answer the problem?
As you can see, I've got a proper issue with this system. I've been voluntarily starving myself for next to a month, dropped a dress size, have been to the doctor telling her I feel ill when I eat and the result? Nothing.
Phone tag commences again tomorrow. I will get to the bottom of this. Either that - or I'll faint and end up in hospital. Post mortems must be a delight in this country....
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sadly, it's March
It actually shocks me how quickly time flies. I don't understand it, but I have planned out the next five months of my life...what is that all about?
Working very hard.
Teaching, studying, being social. You know. As I do.
I've got to sort this (or the other) blog out. I'd say my twitter updates are easier. Frequent, yet short.
Considering.
Working very hard.
Teaching, studying, being social. You know. As I do.
I've got to sort this (or the other) blog out. I'd say my twitter updates are easier. Frequent, yet short.
Considering.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Year in Review!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Taught English in the UK!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I chose to say something nice every day. It did work!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Who DIDN'T give birth...here's a few:
My hairdresser Kelly, Delta Zeta Becky, Jessica.....
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not close close, but some of the old Italians passed away this year.
5. What countries did you visit?
UK, Sicily (Italia), USA
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A MAN!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
17 December - my car accident
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a job in the English Department!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wouldn't say I failed at anything, but I suppose I did loose my "no claims" bonus.....
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The occasional flu.....cold.....
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket home for Brian's graduation.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Chrissy getting RID of the moron !!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I don't think anyone has upset me....
14. Where did most of your money go?
UGH. Rent and car payments!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Teaching English!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"I gotta feeling" Black Eyed Peas -- DC song and Cassy's wedding!!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, Thinner and Richer!! I've got a great life!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Revising for my Cambridge research....
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With family and friends in Ohio
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Nope!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill. Love it.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think I "hate" anyone
24. What was the best book you read?
"Twilight" - LOVE it.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kings of Leon - they are brilliant.
26. What did you want and get?
A new job, a new house!
27. What did you want and not get?
A Man!
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
(500) days of summer
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
25 - Jen took me out in Willoughby for martinis! I wore an adorable pink dress!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably moresatisfying?
Not to sound like a broken record....but a man?
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Timeless, preppy, me.
32. What kept you sane?
Chrissy - she is so sensible!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'd say the usuals....sexy weather man....
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Health Care bill in the states
35. Who did you miss?
My Family!
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Philippe!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
If it's not funny, find a way to laugh.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I've got a pencil full of lead and nothing's gonna bring me down." Paolo Nutini
Taught English in the UK!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I chose to say something nice every day. It did work!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Who DIDN'T give birth...here's a few:
My hairdresser Kelly, Delta Zeta Becky, Jessica.....
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not close close, but some of the old Italians passed away this year.
5. What countries did you visit?
UK, Sicily (Italia), USA
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A MAN!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
17 December - my car accident
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a job in the English Department!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wouldn't say I failed at anything, but I suppose I did loose my "no claims" bonus.....
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The occasional flu.....cold.....
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket home for Brian's graduation.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Chrissy getting RID of the moron !!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I don't think anyone has upset me....
14. Where did most of your money go?
UGH. Rent and car payments!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Teaching English!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"I gotta feeling" Black Eyed Peas -- DC song and Cassy's wedding!!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, Thinner and Richer!! I've got a great life!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Revising for my Cambridge research....
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With family and friends in Ohio
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Nope!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill. Love it.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think I "hate" anyone
24. What was the best book you read?
"Twilight" - LOVE it.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kings of Leon - they are brilliant.
26. What did you want and get?
A new job, a new house!
27. What did you want and not get?
A Man!
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
(500) days of summer
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
25 - Jen took me out in Willoughby for martinis! I wore an adorable pink dress!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably moresatisfying?
Not to sound like a broken record....but a man?
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Timeless, preppy, me.
32. What kept you sane?
Chrissy - she is so sensible!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'd say the usuals....sexy weather man....
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Health Care bill in the states
35. Who did you miss?
My Family!
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Philippe!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
If it's not funny, find a way to laugh.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I've got a pencil full of lead and nothing's gonna bring me down." Paolo Nutini
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