And that's when I realized it's not actually just across a pond..

I am leaving the U.S. in 2 days, 18 hours, and 44 minutes.

And I am now realizing that that is very, very soon.

Tomorrow I get to shove a bunch of things into space bags and then vacuum them up. That should suck. ... Get it? Chuckle out loud.

John (my brother) got a couple of notes (I think that is what they call bills, right?) for me at the bank. $150 turns out to be about £70. I am going to be very, very poor when I come home in April.

(viewimages.com)


Am I Ready?

Spitalfield says...
"When you fall asleep tonight
And you ask the question:
Am I ready?
Yes, you're ready"
(Spitalfield - Am I Ready?)

Okay then...

Cheers,
B.
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Today's Links
None Today.. Go outside and take a walk.
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Now playing: The Moldy Peaches - Nothing Came Out

The radio's playing Crimson and Clover; London Bridge is safe and sound.

I'm sorry I'm so terrible at posting. I'm also sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR. But, seeing as I'm bed-ridden this Christmas, maybe I'll post? Though I'm pretty sure Dave and Liz are going to be the only two that read this thing. Brianne's kind of a default.

So, these small town blues will soon wash away. London's just going to be so OPEN: open vintage markets, open countryside excursions, and the entirety of Europe at our disposal. I'm trying to hit some key places: Spain, Norway, Amsterdam, Prague, Wales/Scotland. Hopefully Italy in late February. I love the idea of taking your friends out of the country you grew up in and transplanting them somewhere new. See what we become. I've always believed you don't truly know what your friends are like until you've traveled with them. It's all going to be so exciting :)

Hopefully I can make it to the Spice Girls concert! I'm also dying to go on this Wales Horseback riding trip, but the BU London site where I can buy tickets is currently outta commission. But our school isn't known for its efficiency.

There's also this amazing amazing artist whose gallery I am dying to visit. His name is Peter Callesen, and he designs all his creations using paper. We're talking like full-scale models using delicate white paper/He is incredible. See for yourself:









I can't wait to get to the U.K. We're talking, I won't sleep because I'm afraid of missing anything. My R.A. went last year and highly recommended StrongBow. Really cheap and really good? And cheap is going to be my middle name whilst I'm over there. I'll try to avoid the Ramen though. Wouldn't want my hair to fall out because of all the MSG.


Love Love Love (Love Love),
Xteens

Piles and Pembridge

Today is the 21st of December in the year 2007. That means 10 more days until I leave good ole Boston and head straight to classy New Jersey!! That's right.. I get to spend a full 7 hours in the delightful Newark airport before departing for London. I just got an email telling me to put red ribbons on all my luggage so my fellow Birkbeck study abroad students and I can recognize each other. Like a secret code. How fun!

Since I am lacking video again (I know, kick me), here are some piles instead:


I shall call it "The Process of Packing in Three Photographs"
Oh! And here is the likeness of my dorm (according to londonhotels.co.uk):

Outside

(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)


and Inside

(Picture from http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Pembridge_Gardens_Budget_Rooms.htm)

It's called Pembridge Gardens. Isn't that so British? Looks cozy and bright. Only two tube stops away form Christina!

I can't believe how soon I'm leaving; this past semester felt like a montage, so short and sweet that you barely have the chance to realize it's passing. I hope my time in London doesn't speed away from me as fast.

Cheers,
B.

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Today's Links
MSN Currency Converter - a real tear-jerker
London Street Fashion - showcases fashion found on the streets of London including interviews with the people pictured
The Face Hunter - another London fashion blog, this one's from a fashion photographer!
New Moon - where I will be interning! where I will no longer be interning
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Now playing: Manchester Orchestra - Now That You're Home

Visa, not the credit card

Today I got the official email saying that my application for a visa to the U.K. has been approved! Okay, I lied about this being a video post. I apologize. I did include a picture, however, so no complaining please. Now that all of my paperwork and official matter have been settled, I am starting to think about things like am I going to have internet in my dorm?, will I starve from the shrunken portions?, will there be a university gym or will I have to run on the streets?, will "Black Books"* be on basic cable there?, will people think I dress weird?, etc. I'm also trying to remember how to make friends. I think it's something like, ask a lot of questions, find things in common, let the bonding ensue?

Also, I really hope I don't forget socks. I always forget socks.

Cheers,
B.



*"Black Books" - a British sitcom about a cranky man who runs a book shop and two of his mates. I watch episodes of this show online.
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Today's Links
New Moon - where I will be interning!
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Now playing: As Tall As Lions - Maybe I'm Just Tired

Study Ablog

I'm leaving for London in less than a month now - that is, if they actually deem it safe to let me into the country and approve me for a visa. [They let Spellman into Egypt... I think I might be okay] It's going to interesting spending the transition into the New Year in transit to England. I think it will be a great way to spend it, though. There is nothing like a clean start, and I think that is exactly what my semester abroad is going to be for me.

My next post may or may not be a video post. I'm hoping to start doing that, because let's be honest, sometimes you'd rather just watch my pretty face than actually read something.

Also, Hap Ha Birt t M ! (that is half of Happy Half Birthday to Me... get it?)

Cheers,
B.

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Today's Links:
Etiquette in the U.K. - don't do the peace sign backwards!
iPod City Guides - info about London right in the same place as your Jimmy Eat World (or your Rilo Kiley if you're indie or something..)
iSubway Maps - nifty tool for preventing self-misplacement while in London
World Clocks - where the one on the left panel comes from
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Now playing: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light