School Stuff

Let me just say paying 40 grand a year for a bachelor's degree is completely justified now that I have to deal with a large university. At Rhodes, you could call one person and they would answer your question. If that person didn't have the answer, they knew the exact person who would.

Unfortunately at UE that is not the case. I email one person what seems to be a simple question. In response I get, "I have forwarded your email to a person in XYZ department. In the meantime please reference xyz.com." Then the person they forwarded my email to does the same thing. NO ONE answers my questions. I don't know if this is a cultural difference or my lack of familiarity with a large university. Currently trying to answer my questions is a burden.

PS For the record, their website DOES NOT answer my questions.

Farewell Memphis

The last few days were a little sad. I spent some time with my sisters and friends in good ole Memphis.

I had a wonderful time at The Saucer with everyone! It is always nice to hang out with friends and enjoy many laughs. I already miss each and everyone of my friends...even though I haven't seen many of them in over a year! Thank you Jena for the super sweet note. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you! And I CANNOT wait for you to come visit me!!!

I got to see Victoria's school and meet her teacher. While in Scotland, I'm going to be the pen pal of her class. As first graders, they are little more aware of things around them, so hopefully my emails and mail will help to bring a little slice of Scotland to Memphis.

Here is a picture of Miss Smarty-Pants herself. This was taken in front of her school. She is very much unlike me - I would have NEVER posed in front of school. That would have been embarrassing haha.

Language Barrier

So although they speak English in Scotland, it is COMPLETELY different.

Here are some examples...

aluminum = al-you-men-e-um

pants = your underwear (very embarrassing when they think you're discussing underwear and you think you are discussing your leg-covering)

trousers = pants

cheers = thank you, bye, etc

aye = yes (pronounced "I")

eh = what? (pronounced "A")

So pretty much when they talk I must "translate" in my head by rearranging syllables and determining if what they mean is the same definition I assign to the word. Many times the definition is different. OH well. Wish me luck!!!

My Last Work Day!

Today was my last day at the spa. Sad! I have really enjoyed my time working with all the wonderful ladies of Aqua. I will not miss the cranky ladies who frequent the spa however. haha. Those bitches will be quickly forgotten.


Only 1 more week! Scary. I have started to get things together to pack. Here is a picture of the current state of packing.

Don't forget to leave some comments for me to read! :)

11 days and counting!

Yes, I am "that" girl who does a countdown til she leaves. Don't get my wrong...I am very sad to leave everyone I love behind. Although this is so I am coming to terms with this new phase in my life, and I get a little more excited/anxious/nervous each day.

While napping today, I was suddenly awakened. No reason for this, but when it happened I thought "oh crap, I'm really moving." I hope it is normal for someone to be nervous, and I am pretty sure this is the truth.

Once I am there, everything will be wonderful. I will have 3 new roommates whom I know NOTHING about. Not their names, nationalities, genders, etc. We will be sharing a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Luckily I will have my own bedroom. And those of you close to me know how much I love to hang out in my bed. While living in an apartment all by myself I ALWAYS sat in my bed...to eat, read, sleep, lounge, relax, etc.

If you want to start planning your trip to see me, go here.

Only 12 more days!

5 months down and only 12 days to go! The next phase of my life is quickly approaching, and I am nowhere near ready to leave. I have sooooo much to do and only 12 days to do it. Yikes!

For those of you in Memphis, I will be there on the 26th and returning to Jackson early on the 29th. If you want to hang out before I jump the pond call me!

Pictures of my school!!

And a picture of a dorm room at my school! So small. Hope my flat isn't quite this tiny. :)

Better Late Than Never

Jackie and I went to visit Gong and Joey in July. We had a wonderful weekend relaxing on Laurel Lake which is the most pristine lake ever.

Here are some photos!!

A Fortnight

Two weeks are all that come between now and my arrival to Scotland. It seems like not that long ago this day was ages away. Too late to turn back now!

I depart on Sept 1 at 3:20 PM. Hopefully my TWO bags will be somewhat close to the weight allowance or I could be in for a huge fee. haha. But really, how do the airline gods expect me to pack everything I need for 12 months into 2 tiny bags? Not happening.
I have a rolling case, a very large duffel my sister is graciously allowing me to have, the biggest carry on allowed, and a gigantic "purse/personal item." Not only am I using large bags to carry everything, but I also bought some of those vacuum bags....the ones you put all your items into and then roll the air out. A ton of stuff will then fit in a smaller case or bag. BUT the downfall is then the bag does weigh more. I guess that is just one setback I'll have to accept.

The Pink Elephant

The pink elephant in my life right now is my move to Scotland. The thought of it is both exciting and stress-inducing. When I think of the move ahead I do not fully think about what it entails. I think of it as a fabulous vacation, but it is not. It will be a life and career changing year. I will be 7000 miles away from all familiarity and comfort I currently know.

Last week a serious dose of reality hit me. (My mom currently has the mattresses I slept on for the past 2 years in Memphis. I lived, ate, watched TV, talked on the phone, and anything else you can think of on those mattresses. Lying on them last week led me to tears.) It was the first time I thought "hey all these familiar things won't be near in 4 weeks." There will be no Mom there, no Annabelle, no family, no friends, no Chik-fil-A, and on and on. I have to find new friends, new favorite restaurants, and someone with a dog i can "adopt."

It is becoming clear that my year in Edinburgh is going to rip down everything I know about life. Thankfully new ideas will be formed, new friendships made, and new light added to my life.

I can't wait for the ride! love you all