Dissertation Madness

Hi friends,
Its been a really long time since I have posted, so I thought I would say hi! I am alive and well, now living in Islington, London in a fabulous flat I have subletted from an American friend for two months. I have been having a nice mix of work and play, but this week is the most important, as I have to finish my first draft and get it reviewed and fixed up nice and pretty. :) So far things have gone well, I received an A on my presentation at the Dissertation Conference in July! Check out the poster I made for the conference:

The Lord has been faithful to help me produce some good research, even though I don't consider myself an "academic" it has been a priviledge to have this time to learn. I fly home on September 15th, so stay tuned for more! Miss everyone at home!

May Week

Take a peak at my slideshow of pictures for May Week, actually a period of 9 days in June where Cambridge becomes a constant party after exams have ended. From Boat Races to Garden Parties to all-night balls, it feels more like a fairy-tale land. Many of the balls are themed after things like the 1940's, Alice and Wonderland, The Land of Oz, and The Grand Tour. I visited this week in 2007 and attended two balls, it was a good way to convince a girl to apply!! :) I wish you all could be here to share it with me!

Love you girls!

Katie, Kristal and Jen - thank you sooooo much for my fun gift package! I love the banner with the pictures that remind me of good times with you all and how special our friendships are. If there is anything I have learned this past year, it is that I have much to be thankful for, and you girls are at the top of the list! I am going to miss sharing these next couple of days with you fellow birthday girls and friends, and I wish Kristal & Jen the most wonderful of birthdays too! Know I am thinking of you and will toast to seeing you again in September! :) Here's to another great year of adventure and blessings.

Mom and Gary Come to Cambridge

After a lovely weekend in the Cotswolds, Mom & Gary finished their trip to England with 3 relaxing days in Cambridge. Here are some highlights:

• Formal Hall at Corpus Christi College hosted by my friend Hanan (don't we look very Harry Potter?)
• Punting on the River Cam to see the 'backs' of the oldest colleges, including Queen's, King's, St John's, Trinity, and Magdalene (where CS Lewis taught).
• The University Botanic Gardens where all the trees and shrubs from around the world are labeled for our education! :)
• The choir service at King College Chapel where the most talented male singers from all over England are trained - beautiful atmosphere, amazing sounds!
  
• Pub dinner at the Anchor, where the band Pink Floyd started. (They were Cambridge townies as opposed to Gownies, the University students and members who were the gowns you see above.)
• Getting to spend two afternoons with mom, punting down the river, having tea at Aunties, going to gardens and the Fitzwilliam, and just relaxing in lovely Cambridge. :)
  

Family Time in Paris and London

I honestly did not expect to have visitors this year due to credit crunch, so it has been a joy to have two different visits in the past month. First, my brother, Dad and grandma Thompson met me in Paris at the end of my Easter break trek. It was great to see Grandma and Dad experience Europe for the first time. I believe the highlight was when we had a beautiful day out in Versaille. The gardens are truly amazing!

My Mom and step-dad Gary arrived early this week in London, where were joined at times by Anna who graciously led us to some great spots. On Wed. we did a 'historic pub tour' in the old city of London, beginning at a pub that wasy built in 1546! We walked over the River Thames to the Shakespeare Globe for a final pub dinner. We then strolled along the river on a strangley warm and clear night, under the London Eye, and crossing the bridge towards Big Ben when it stuck 9pm! (Check out the beautiful twilight on the Thames.) I look forward to Mom and Gary returning from their 'Best of Britian' tour they began today, when we will have a weekend in the Cotswolds before coming back to Cambridge. Funny, all this traveling has made coming home quite nice. :) I look forward to a lovely summer in Cambridge. I do miss people from home dearly as the weather gets warmer. The plan is to come back and work in SLO again starting in October, so my Europe experience will be over in a few short months. Praise Jesus for this time!

Feeling Cultured

Three countries and languages into my trip, I am feeling quite cultured and spoiled. I wanted to share a few 'highlights' photos of my trip so far. I hope you enjoy them!

French Provencial meal in Avignon, amazing!
The old hang out of the Popes in Avignon: Palias de Papas

Flamenco Dancer's feet in Barcelona.

Biking to the beach via converted riverbed park in Valencia.

Eating traditional Andralasian tapas at a restuarant located in the wall of the beautiful hill town of Arcos, Spain.

Travel Mania!

If you've been wondering where I've been, check out my new slideshow called "Fun with ESD Coursemates" for some photos of our time in the Southeast of the England in the area of Cornwall. We spent 4 days in the sunshine going to the Eden Project, China Clay and Tin mining country, and spending lots of time on the bus traveling the 8 or so hours to and from Cambridge! It was a great time to get to know my coursemates even better. We had a lot of laughs.

Today is my last day in Cambridge for a few weeks as I get ready to go to Portugal, Spain and France for Easter Break with two girls from my course! We start in Lisbon, then head to the beach in southern portuguese area of Faro. From there we make our way along the southern coast of Spain, stopping in Sevilla for Semana Santa festivals, Arcos, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona. We then head to Avignon in Southern france for some great wine and food.

As of the past few days, it looks like I will get to meet my Grandma Maxine, Dad and brother Matt in Paris on 20th!! I am so excited to see them and be apart of my Grandma and Dad's first trip to Europe. If all works out with my course assignments, I may be joining them in Italy too. Whew! Its a tough life, but somebody's has got to live it! :) I am so greatful to have this experience, its a dream come true!!

Let me know if you have any 'must sees' for any of the places I am visiting so I don't miss them! I would love to hear your traveling stories too. :)

Springtime treats

Footpath in the Cotswold's village of Blocking

Lovely dinner after long day of walking with Vanessa

Precious view of farm from Dover Hill (highest point in Cotswolds)

Typical farm house in village of Chipping Camden

I admit it, I am terribly spoiled! It is so easy to not see the forest for the trees in the monotony of everyday life, but today I feel overwhelmingly THANKFUL for how the Lord, and the people he puts in my life, bless me!

This past weekend I was privledged to take a trip to an "area of outstanding natural beauty" called the Cotswolds. This quaint village landscape is covered in farms, agriculture and breathtaking estates owned by the rich and famous, artists and retirees. My friend Vanessa and I did not see an unkept garden or house, and not one was ugly. The arts and crafts style found its way to the Cotswolds with the architect William Morris, and the cottages and massive homes that result are absolutely charming. I look forward to returning with my mom and Gary when they visit in May, I am already looking forward to it!

Today the blessings did not stop. I received a package this morning from my sweet friend Kristal who I lived with for many years and is now living in Atascadero with her husband and baby Wes. I was so excited to see that she had included some of my favorite items from Trader Joes, some body butter and a teapot shaped spoon rest! What else could a girl want, really? Thank you, Kristal! Those who know her, give her a big hug for me!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Thankful for Girlfriends

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." John 15: 7

God is so faithful to answer prayers. After leaving the amazing fellowship in SLO after Christmas, I began to really miss the wonderful women that God has been so faithful to surround me by for the past few years. Women like Kristal Thomas, Katie Hill, Jen Lind, Jaime Lien, Leah Prendez, Melissa Trowbridge, Steph Chroman, Sherry, Wendy, the list goes on an on! I have grown up mentally, physically, and spiritually with these women. I realize now how special it was and is to share our lives and our walks with Jesus. I cherish the times we had through Cal Poly and working, through hards times and celebrations.

When February came around, I began to ache for Christian girl friendships. Humbled, I prayed for true friends. Now a little over a month later, I can say that God is faithful once again to hear my cries, in little and big things. The following lovely ladies have been a blessing to me, and I'm praying God would help me to more and more be a blessing to them and those I meet in Cambridge. What a great God he is to know exactly what we need!

My new friend Eloise (from South Africa) on our way to Notting Hill Market on Portebello St in London. :) She invited me for the day in London and a visit to Hillsong church for an encouraging time of worship.

Tower Bridge in London (photo taken by South African new girlfriends I shared a sunny day in London with.)

Elizabeth (US), Kat (UK), Vanessa (S. Africa), me and Ruth (Irish) at Hughes Hall Boat Club Black Tie. I met all these ladies at the Christian Graduate Society bible study.

Nicki and I enjoying a coffee date before classes. (God answered our prayer from last term for her to get a nursing job here - yea!)

Hastings (from Florida) and I at Bella Italia on student night. I cherish friends who like to look for ways to enjoy life here on a budget.

Presenting a Business Case

Of the many things I have been learning here in Cambridge, the business courses has been the most unexpected and fun undertakings. Honestly, I don't really like to talk about money, maybe because I associate it with greed or strife. However, learning more about finance and markets in conjuction with current events and governmental policy has been fascinating and challenging.

As a conclusion of the MBA aspect of our course, called Management of Innovation and Technology (MoTI) taught in the Judge Business School, we presented a business case to a few members of a large multinational consultancy firm called Scott Wilson Group headquartered in London. It was a good opportunity to work with industry and I was nervous today as we presented our findings. We felt good about our 6 weeks of hard work researching and playing with business models. Now I have two more weeks of term left and a billion things to do but trying to soak up as much as I can!

Here's a photo of our international group (Left to Right: Hanan Azeem from Pakistan, Kat from Cyprus, me, and Jay from Sri Lanka):

Weekend Fun

Lovely Anna came to visit for Valentine's weekend and we hit the ground running with Formal Hall on Friday night, marking halfway through the academic year. We continued to a classical concert put on by the college. My housemate Christine played piano, accompanied by a violinist. The final piece by the orchestra was really good and we were right in the front row of the action! After stopping in the bop and listening to a live funk band, we headed home to sleep & prepare for a full day of being tourists.

Thankfully we saw some sunshine the next morning and Anna actually got a chance to wear sunglasses (I know, how exciting) as we toured Downing, Emmanuel, and King's Colleges. After a proper English Cream Tea, we headed to Kettle's Yard, a unique museum that allows you to sit in the chairs and read the books around a house that was donated by a friend of the university. It was so relaxing! They host jazz concerts so we hope to go back. Saturday evening we enjoyed a play by the Unversity Players called 'Death of Salesman' which is actually somewhat sad but a good "make you think" kind of play. We had good conversation and got to pray before bed, yeah for fellowship!

On Sunday we slept in and braved the dreary weather for a walk along the river to see the boat houses and eat Sunday lunch at Fort St. George pub. The classic roast was delicious and it felt so British to be there with the students, couples and families. We continued our exploration of Cambridge shops and colleges, making our way to the Fitzwilliam Museum. We happen to drop in on a free concert by an amazing pianist. She infused the air with beautiful sound in that beautiful building, it was fabulous. After a few hours, we had to call it a day because we couldn't see everything and vowed to return.

We snuggled into a pub for a afternoon treat before heading to an early dinner with my good friend Hanan at a Turkish restuarant. The pub scene is alot like the coffeehouses of the US, it is the place to pass time and talk about life. It's so encouraging what God is doing in both of our lives in our time in England!

After our medeterranian mezes, we headed to Holy Trinity Cambridge for the evening service. The worship was great and sermon challenging, again spurring conversation as we headed home to send Anna off. Exhausted from our explorations, we settle in for another week. Life is good with friends like Anna to share it with. :)

Real Snow

The past week has been full of snow flurries during the most substantial snow storm in England in many years. Trains all over the country were delayed and London came to a screaching halt this past Tuesday. Thankfully I can ditch the bike and gingerly walk to my faculty with only a few minutes delay. These are some shots along the way.

I can tolerate the cold a little more when I see the white dusting because it is magical somehow, like Narnia, as my Hanan friend mentioned. :) This morning we woke to a new layer of snow, and as I walked into Pembroke college for lunch with friends I was struck by the loveliness of this place and the people who are here and have been here.

"...for I know what it is to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

Recent Rowing Fun

This past week I have spent some quality time with the rowers, including visiting Lucy Cavendish College for a "Formal Hall." (Cambridge students traditionally to wear gowns on these occasions, and the undergrads are required to wear them for exams. Hence the nickname "Gownies." ) A few male rowers & coaches joined us. It nice to see people dressed up instead of in exercise clothes at 7am!

Today the "second boat," or the newcomers who are a bit slower than the seniors in the first boat, raced in the Newham college sponsered Head of the River race. This means that we don't race next to other boats, but against the clock. These are very common in Cambridge since the Cam River is so narrow. This morning we got cut off by a barge boat turning around and had to make a fisherman move his line. :) It's always interesting on the Cam. This was the first race that I've felt good about at the end, so we are improving! Afterwards we went to the St George pub for hot chocolate, yummmm!

Next Saturday we travel to Peterborough about 1 hour away for a race. We actually take the boat apart and put it on a trailer and then have to put it back together before the race. It should be a good bonding experience go Hughes Hall/Lucy Cav women!

Inauguration Party at Graduate Union

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 went down in history as the day the first African American President took office, so a group from my course headed down to the Graduate Union after our class to catch the Obama fever. Mary Lou is the woman standing up on the phone, she is wearing a T-shirt that says "Maui diggs Obama". She obviously an American who lived in Hawaii for the past few years, and the mid-west before that. Jenny is on the right wearing a "Mr. President" Obama shirt, she is originally from Portland and more recently worked in northern California as a Water Resources Engineer. Keven is from France and consequently is very interested in all things political. A group of about 15 of us sat together, enjoying snacks and sharing the historic moment together.

The crowd was mixed with people from all over the world, from Europe to India, so I was very interested in the reactions of people as certain things were said. (Or happened, like when George Bush walked out.) Everyone is quite civil about things here in Cambridge, but there is a lot of emotion tied to certain subjects, especially concerning war and financial policies. I'm personally excited about the change Obama is looking to implement in the area addressing Climate Change, since that is directly linked to future work and we are way behind the EU. He is such a charismatic speaker, you can't help but be a little inspired. :) But I will always put my ultimate hope in the One and Only who Saves...Jesus Christ!

Sunday Wanderings

Today it was a sunny, if not brisk day, so I decided to venture outside to familiarize myself with the neighorborhood. The Mill Road area is known for having locally owned shops that display the international character of the people who live here. I'd read about the Antique Shops, so I headed that way. Unfortunately, most vendors aren't open on Sundays (funny to most of us who are from places where people buy mostly on weekends!) The Cambs Antique outlet is the best one I've seen and it is on my street, I pass it ever day! I'm on the hunt for some special artwork for my room for a steal!

I ended up wandering in local shops and stopping and purchasing the sun-dried tomato filled olives from Limoncello, a boutique Italian shop. I bought some veggies from the greengrocer pictured, and then headed to Cafe Paris for a cappacino and coconut macaroon. Each of these shops are owned by people from these countries - Italian, British, French, Brazilian, Arabian, etc - so the goods and services are ligitimately true to their culture. My housemates and I enjoy visiting a particular International Shop that has a post office inside because the owners are so friendly. I will give them my business for a smile anyday!!

My most exciting discovery of the day is the cemetery that is literally just behind the row of houses across my street. It is a pleasant open space and had some beautiful head stones. I met a few other wanderers on the way, a older couple and two families with small children on a Sunday walk. Overall it was a lovely day to help feel more at home here in chilly Cambridge.