"Love that is ever steadfast"

My Halloween inspiration

Last weekend was fun. On Friday the University of Denver group and I headed into the City Centre for fun. We went to a couple of Halloween stores ( I decided that I am going to be Leslie Knope for Halloween !) and went to dinner at a Wok place. Then they went to see a movie because I headed back early because I promised my big's friend that I would see the movie with him. When I came back to my flat my roommates were going to "Cheesy Pop" so I decided to go with them. Cheesy Pop is a night at one of the student unions where they have a DJ and literally play cheesy pop music. It was like a fraternity bar party with better music :D. It was fun but packed, so everyone was pushing and shoving. The DJ did play "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Dancing Queen", and "Summer Nights" from Grease (only for you Dannae :D) so it was worth it.

The next day I went to The Perks of Being a Wallflower with Ivan, Abbie, and Lauren. However, we didn't know that the Glasgow movie theater was the place to be on Saturday. Ivan and Abbie bought their tickets online before coming and the movie was sold out, so Lauren and I went to a later showing so all was good. Lauren and I just walked around the City Center before the film. The movie was so good because it reminded me of my sister. All I will say is that its a deep coming of age story. Everyone should go see it.

On Monday I went to see FUN. The concert that was sold out but on SUnday my friends found this interesting website called Crabtree (I think) It was kind of like Craigslist. In our case, people sold their tickets if they couldn't make it and you'd meet up with them privately to collect your tickets. I was afraid it was going to be a little dodgey (yes that's my acquired Scottish word meaning sketchy) but it was fine. It was a first come first serve kind of concert, so we got there thirty minutes before the doors opened. So one of my friends met up with the guy to get her two tickets but we were four people. The plan was to get tickets from 2 different guys but the other guy never showed up! So my two friends from DU went in but I waited for the guy that never showed up with my friend Kate, from New Jersey. I was really worried we weren't going to get tickets but somehow we got one ticket each from two different groups that were cheaper than our original tickets!

Walk the Moon Live

Look at that smile 

The venue was pretty cool. It kind of looked like the Rosewood in New York but it was much cozier. The concert was amazing. We were able to make it into the 3rd row! To be honest, the opening act was one of my favorite parts of the concert. The are called Walk the Moon and are from Ohio. They are an indie/hipster band, which is usually to main for me (just kidding :)), but they were so good! They are the band that sings "Anna Sun" and I swear I've heard it before. And I will admit, they were very attractive but they were also really into their music, which I love.

My new favorite song

Next FUN. came on and they were amazing, of course. They played all or their hits and a few songs I didn't know. They sounded amazing though and the lead singer wore his famous Oxfords.

While Lauren, Katy, and I were waiting outside after the concert for Kate to retrieve all of our jackets, some dodgey guy came up to me and asked me whose CD I had (yes I gave in and bought a Walk the Moon CD. They were just so good!) and I told him and it turns out that he works for them and the band was standing a foot away from us! We met all the band members except for hot guy and they were all really nice, but again, they were hipsters from the US, and therefore they didn't like Americans (Sorry for stereotyping. On a serious note, I know it can hurt people but this is all in good humor). Just about as we were going top leave the hot guy showed up! I walked up to him, but there was a little girl chatting him up that looked like my sisters age. To be fair, I would later chat him up too but she was so young and he was maybe in his mid-twenties so it was funny to watch him try to be polite to her (when all he probably really wanted to do was leave). Anyway, I coyley went up to him and asked "Could you sign my CD? All the other band members got to but you" He obliged and was very kind. I think he liked that we were all from the United States. I've decided that he is my new future husband (Sorry Jamie and Nisky. I still love you guys but it would help if you actually PLAYED NHL hockey this year!!!). All in all, it was an amazing concert and a great time with friends.

Other than that, this week has been pretty slow. I've been working on my first paper for Celtic Civ. I'm a little nervous because I haven't done an assignment at Glasgow yet, so I've been working pretty hard on it.

On Thursday the Politics Society met at a bar to...chat about politics. I talked to one of my flatmates forever about education there. Although I might have been able to volunteer at schools if I was studying abroad in second world countries, I can still learn a lot from the Uk education system. For example, did you know that it is acceptable for students to leave school at 16 if they do not want to further their education? I do not know if I agree or disagree with this but it gives me something to think about. This Friday it was my friends old flatmates 21st birthday party. It was fun to chill with upper classmen, although I love my freshers :D.

I went bed that night at 1:30 but woke up at 7am to catch an 8am train to London to see my sorority sisters/ roommates from last year. Alexis is studying in London and Emily is studying in Spain but is visiting a friend in London this weekend so it was the perfect time to visit. The train ride was a little bumpy on the way there but it was overall a good ride. When I arrived at the tube station there was the longest line for tube tickets ever! I finally met up with Emily and Alexis around 2.

Sir Lawrence Olivier Statue

It was so good to see them, even though I was tired from the night before. We all couldn't stop telling each other about our abroad experiences :D. After dropping my things off in Alexis' room, we headed to a street food fair that had every food imaginable. I got a pie and a hotdog. Next we headed to the Globe Theater. We couldn't actually go inside because they were preforming Richard III but we did make it to the giftshop :). We the went back to the torture museum we passed on our way to the globe. It was scary, but not very sophisticated (for lack of a better word). We then stop of a famous along the Thames (of course I forget the name) and continued our walk. We decided our next stop was the London Eye. On our way, we stopped at this really cool used book fair and, of course, Emily bought some books (Emily LOVES to read). Again the London eye was too crowded but it was nice to walk along the river.

Then Emily went to meet up with her friend from Australia and Alexis and I went to get the air mattress from her boyfriend's flat. We then went to this really cool pub that had really good fried mushrooms and soda bread (Leah, your's is better). We then travelled back to her flat, snuck past the front desk (otherwise I would have to check in) and fell right to sleep after our long day.

On Sunday we had breakfast at the Workshop with Emily and her friend. It was a good brunch but Emily had to catch her flight so it had a somber tone. My train didn't leave for two more hours so Alexis and I went to Covent gardens. We happened upon this shop that sells cute knick knacks and I bought some Royal Family tea. Then we went to an outdoor market and I bought a really cute bag. We had to rush our goodbyes but I'm glad I did because I literally ran on the train as the doors were closing! The train ride back was not as good as the first one because I didn't have an assigned seat and the bathrooms weren't working.

Overall, it was a really great weekend. It was so good to see my sorority sisters. It really felt like seeing family. All though we didn't see each other over the summer, it was like we had never left each other, like we had never said goodbye. The only downside was that I left my charger in London. Oh well, a small price to pay for a great weekend.

"To those closer ones love that is ever steadfast"

"Denver, oh Denver..."

Disclaimer: I am going to be talking about the debate in this post, so I just wanted to say that if I offend anyone I am truly sorry. I am going to try to talk bipartisanly about the debate, but if I slip (because I am really passionate in what I believe in) then I apologize.

Some of my favorite people and I at the Denver Captial

So yesterday was a big day for my home university. On October 3, 2012, the University of Denver held the first presidential debate for the 2012 election. After talking to some of my sisters, I learned that the school was shut down for two days because of the secret service and because of secret service. To me, it reminded me of the way that the England took the week off for the Royal Wedding of Catherine Middleton to Prince William.

Being a part of politics on campus made me really miss home during the debate. My political family at DU are some of my closest friends. Last year one of my favorite times of the week was meeting with them every Tuesday. We were able to bond over our similar philosophies on life. I participated in many fun activities with them such as visiting Denver's capital and being able to debate against the other political group on campus. Our interaction with DU's other political club on campus made me love my club even more. We would have dinner with the other group and discuss political matters, such as women's rights, to prepare for the our DU democrats and DU republicans debate. Again, my political family not only consist of one club but both of the clubs. Being in a political party is  hard for me because I do not like choosing sides. I identify myself as one party but that does not mean that I will completely disregard the other party. I want to hear what they have to say and learn from them on how we can continue the greatness of the United States. Although that is a long background description on my involvement in politics, I feel that is vital to tell you, as my political background shapes the way I viewed the debate.

To kick off the debate, I watched Bill Clinton's speech on President Obama. I am not exaggerating when I say that his speech gave me goosebumps. I loved what he said about affordable education (because I want to go into education reform). He told the audience that he understood how hard it is to pay for higher education because he and Hilary had to take up a loan for law school, making him more relatable to the middle class. He suggested that education, science/technology, and health care are pave the road to a prosperous America. He asked "What kind of country do you want to live in? A kind that celebrates diversity, welcomes immigrants, has open education, and constructive cooperation?" He said that the goal of not raising children in poverty is a bipartisan issue. He added that we should live in an America where something good happens rather than in an America who we hate today. After learning about Scottish nationalism and how people identify a Scotsman against the English, I believe that we should not try and pick out the "other" but that we should be understanding of all people and their identities. Closing Clinton asserted the powerful statement, "It's better if we go forward together... It's your future, go claim it". His speech was so empowering to me as a student. It made me believe that I could go out and do good in the world (which is my goal for my life). It almost left tears in my eyes.

The only critique of his speech that I have is he talked to much about how he tooted his own horn and talked about the success of his own policies enacted when he was president. I also thought his introduction to his speech was interesting. He said that some student had told him that he/she didn't even know if they were going to vote and how he told that student that their voice mattered. This was funny to me because I know for a fact that both political clubs on campus hold voter registration for students so their voices can be heard.

Unfortunately, I couldn't watch a Republican speech for Romney because I went to Ultimate Frisbee. Ultimate Frisbee was awesome! I went with one of my friends from DU. It was about a thirty minute walk from my dorm but it was worth it. We played indoors at a rec center. Unlike my pickup games of Ultimate Frisbee, we did technical drills, such as how to throw a Frisbee, how to defend, and how to move quickly on offence. I felt like I was at softball practice again!

I got back in time to eat dinner, do my homework, and Skype my family all before the debate started. The time difference was very strange. Although the debate was 7 mountain time, it was 2 am on October 4th here in the UK. Two of my flatmates, one from Holland and one from Scotland watched the debate with me. It was exciting to watch the debate with them, to get an outside perceptive of American politics.

First, I thought it was sweet how it Barack and Michelle Obama's 20th wedding anniversary on the day of the debate. Speaking of the first lady, I thought it was weird how they had a coin toss to see who would be introduced first out of the debaters wives. Why are they introduced? They are not even debating? My friends also made me realize that the debate was held in Magness Arena. What about the hockey team? Are they playing right now? Where will the practice? Lastly, I thought it was interesting that they didn't like America because we aren't a welfare state. They have lived in a welfare all their life so they do not know how it is to live anyway else. It made me realize that the world is much larger than they American bubble I live in.

Anyway, the debate was very enlightening. It was very touching to see both Obama and Romney to thank DU for their hospitality. Logistically, I felt the debate was not moderated well. Mitt Romney completed dominated over Obama. As a history major, I compared the debate to the Nixon and JFK presidential debate, the first televised debate in history. From that one debate, one can learn a lot about how body language and manner affect the outcome of the polls. I though Romney had an overbearing demeanor. He kept interrupting Obama and the moderator. Obama, on the other hand, was much more proper in his manner. He did not interrupt (as much) and seemed more on board to talk about his own plans. Both were a bit snarky on their comments though. I think I have learned that debates leave me anxious because of all the name calling and mudslinging. "Why can't we all just get along and bake a cake full of rainbows and smiles and we'd all just eat and be happy" (Mean Girls)

My flatmates left and went to bed about a quarter into the debate. Apparently I fell asleep watching the debate. I woke up this morning, went about my day as usual, and finished the debate tonight. I am so proud to be a Pioneer. Although I was away from home, I still felt apart of the madness, just by being able to name drop and tell people, "Oh yeah. My school is held the first presidential debate for 2012. How has your day been?"  :D

To Brussels and Back

Hello All. I have just had the hardest time logging into my account. I forgot my user name and spent about thirty minutes trying to figure it out. But I am here now :D.

A brussel sprout for Brussels

So on Friday I went to Brussels with four friends from my home university. I woke up early for our train. I still wasn't feeling my best but I it didn't side track me because I was going on vacation! We had take a train from Glasgow from Edinburgh. The train apparently broke down but we weren't delayed, so we made it to the station in time. When we made it to Edinburgh it was pouring down rain. Typical Scottish weather. We took a double decker bus to the airport.

The Edinburgh airport looked familiar because my mom and I were just there when we went on our "Royal Tour of the UK". While waiting to board the plane, my friends and I met a nice guy about our age from Toronto. He said he played hockey and knew a guy that just signed for the Dallas Stars. I responded "DO YOU KNOW JAMIE BENN?" (For those of you who don't know, Jamie Benn is on the Dallas Stars and is my future husband if my plans with Matt Niskanen (Pittsburgh Penguins) fall through. It's ok, they don't know they're my future husbands yet either). He said he didn't know Jamie Benn but that is still pretty cool that he knew a draft pick of Dallas' (Sadly, the NHL is on strike. I would tell y'all all about it but it would be an entirely different blog entry. Sufficed to say, I am very emotional about it and would rather not talk about it). Anyway, I told my friends that I was nervous about flying and they were very helpful on the plane, and unlike Annie's experience in Bridesmaid, the plane ride went surprisingly well.

Jamie Benn (just for a visual)

Matty

When we got through customs, we decided to split a cab with Canada guy and a girl from Brussels. We tried to negotiate the price but then they asked us for the address for the hotel and I was lost. I should have looked it up before we went but I didn't. Then, in French,  one of the other cab drivers called us a bunch of whores and told us to take the bus. It was a very harsh welcome but we decided to take the bus to the city center. Instead he dropped us off at South Station. From there, we looked up our hotel on the internet and found the address, and grabbed a cab. I have to add my french was very helpful for the taxi driver, although I did not do so well on the AP exam,  and we made it easily to the hotel.

My friends and I had two rooms at the hotel. Lauren and I stayed in one room and Liz, Jamie, and Katy stayed in another. Because Liz, Jamie, and Katy's room was reserved under my dad's name, they got free breakfast and wifi. However, they were notified about these amenities from a letter addressed to my dad but written to Mr. Pieureu. It was very funny.

The City Center

Delirium!

That night we walked to the city center with a few Finnish people we met on the way there. Ironically, our first meal in Brussels was good ole American fast food. However, they had gourmet "cheesy balls" that were to die for. After dinner we went to this really cool bar called Delirium. I am pretty sure they had over 2,000 beers. We met some guys that were studying abroad from Virginia. It was nice to hang out with people from the states in a very foreign country. At Delirium, I had apple beer and cactus beer.  It was a lot of fun.

Brussels was very scary at night. We were hit on by many grimy guys walking to and from the bar. Also walking away from the bar, we say a guy with a gash in his head getting arrested. Needless to say. I am so glad that we were only on vacation and I can call Scotland my home away from home.

Saturday we did the touristy site seeing things. To give you an image, Brussels is a beautiful city with its old Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. The speak more French and Dutch than English.

A sample of Brussels architecture

First, we took pictures by the Palace and the giant smurf :D. Then we went to the city center to get some Belgian chocolates. Then we went to the famous statue know as Mannequin Pis. The story of the statue is kind of funny. From what I've heard, it is a statue made by a father looking for his son. He made the statue in the way he saw his son, I guess as a peeing boy. After that, we got Belgian waffles that were so good! Mine had nutella, strawberries, and pistachio ice cream. Lastly, we went to a beautiful gothic Cathedral where a gypsies grandson tried to steal all of our chocolate.

The Palace

Smurfs!

Le Mannequin Pis

Our Belgian Waffles

The Cathedral

Next, we all went back to the hotel to take a nap. Lauren and I fell asleep to ICarly in German. Ironically, Lauren has been an extra in ICarly a couple of times and is very noticeable in one episode. When I woke up, the Big Time Rush concert was playing on German Nickelodeon. It made me think of Leah and Becky, so I watched the concert and their ICarly episode. I miss my sister so much! We don't see each other very much over the school year but we spend ALOT of time together during the summer. I TERRIBLY miss watching Supernatural with her( I am Sam and she is Dean (even though she is younger than me)). We started watching it together because she told me she couldn't watch it alone (It's a scary show). One of the first things I did when I got to Scotland was to see if they have Supernatural on Netflix. Sadly, they do not. We also went to a lot of movies and watched Parks and Rec together. I miss her so much but I figured that if we I watched a One Direction concert, it would fill my Leah void, which it did, although I still miss her.

After our nap, we all tried to navigate the subway so we could meet up with Liz's friend (who ended up being one of my sorority sister's roommates!). We went to a really cool pizza place with her where they cut the pizza the size you wanted and charged you for how much it weighed. Then we got ice cream and headed back to the hotel.

On Sunday we checked out of the hotel and went to the city center to eat some frites (fries). We then made our way to the bus station that took us to the airport. However, we ended up not taking the bus. A nicer cab driver than the first one took us to the airport for the same price as the bus. It was so easy. We got to the airport so early for our flight (four hours to be exact!). I spent the first hour watching New Girl but then  I bought a deck of playing cards and we all played as many card games as we could think of. Honestly, this might have been one of the best parts of the trip. I don't know what it is about card games. They make everyone more relaxed and more themselves. They also make everyone very competitive.

Thankfully, with all the excitement of the card games, we did not miss our flight. Security was kind of hard to go through, seeing as we could only take one bag. We had to rearrange our bags and stuff a lot of things into our jacket pockets but we made it through security (You would thing they would restrict bags based on weight).

The flight back was also very smooth, although the landing was not the best. We were not delayed and we made it back in time. Because we were on the last train to Glasgow from Edinburgh, we had to book it to customs. At customs, with my puppy dog folder with my customs documents I told my friends that I got my visa because of community service. The customs guy laughed and told me that community service is something for people that are being punished. Now I will say volunteering :D.

We made it to the bus and train on time and both were fine. From the train station, we split up and took taxis going to our respective locations. The trip was great but I am glad to be back home in my flat. I have a greater appreciation for the University of Scotland. I'm glad I am where I am.

Back in Scotland, things have been good. I have been just trying to get organized. I met a girl, Mckinley, from Hamilton University that is taking the same three out of four classes I am taking. She is very nice. Speaking of this week, can I just say I hate Vodaphone. Let me just say they are not very user friendly. I miss the United States where I can have unlimited texting and calling on my iphone.

 I can't believe that it's already October! I have been here for a month. I thought that it would be a lot harder than it was. I did miss my family terribly but so far, I have had a great abroad experience with great friends and great memories. I can't wait for the 2 more months I have here! I just don't want it to be over that soon...