Permanence

I've done a lot of unpacking this year and I seem to have gotten it all down to a reasonable amount of stuff. Ok, ok, my room at home is a rat's nest, but the pile that goes places is moderately organized. Basically, I choose kitchen supplies and bedding on the assumption that I have to pack them up at least once a year, if not more. This bothers me. Like many college students, I don't own a set of non-plastic dishes, a collection of spices, or more than 3 pots. I feel this need to settle down, if only so I could have a place to store all these things.

Leaving aside the fact that I equate settling down with the number of pots I possess, I'm noticing more and more that I am putting things on hold until I find a permanent place. Getting a kitchen set is a good example, but also included are finding a home church, volunteering in the community, having a satisfying job, and building new relationships. After a year of moving from one location to the next, I'm ready to stay put in a single home.

Unfortunately, I don't get to stay anywhere for long. First the summer, then graduation, then who knows! All I know is that I want to go home, wherever that is, and stay there for a really long time. Until then, however, I'm going to have to keep settling down in various places. That probably includes redefining my idea of what I can do in a short term place... Even though I want nothing else to disengage until I can find a new home.

Blogging Part II: Home

Some of you know that I used to have a blog that was less oriented toward stories and more towards, well, randomness. It was a place for me to think out loud and occasionally get feedback from others. I want to continue that, especially as I move towards graduation in the fall. I have a lot of decisions to make and a great many changes in the next 6-8 months. It's important to me that I try to keep considering how to deal with those changes instead of hiding from them.

Therefore, I'm turning this blog into more of a reflective, random, and sometimes political collection of thoughts. My focus is not on grammar, spelling, or good writing, but simply on attempting to organize my thoughts. This means that there will be typos. Grammar Nazis be warned, you are not welcome here. Leave your commas and other oddities at the door.

One last thing: if you have any life experiences or stories to share about how you handled post-college transitions, job hunting, and/or relationships, please share. Honestly, please do. I need as much help as I can get.

Museums, Clocks, and Squirrels

On Saturday I went to London for the day. We went to the British Museum and then walked to the Churchill War Rooms. On the way to the War Rooms, we walked past a rally in front of Downing Street (an ineffective one, since I have no idea what they wanted) and Trafalgar Square. A very exciting walk to be sure. However, the War Rooms were very expensive to get in, so I just wandered around the area for a bit - unexpectedly running into many major British landmarks.

First I ran into the parade grounds... That I didn't even know were the parade grounds until I went into the museum. Sometimes I think being at Oxford has just helped me reach new levels of spaciness.

The Horse Guard Parade Grounds. Unfortunately minus horses.

Then I went into the Cavalry Museum. Which is both warm and informative, though small. It was fun to learn something about the history of the Horse Guards as well as some about their horses (the actual thing that interested me in the first place).

Calvary Hats! They certainly know how to make a spectacular hat.

A lady's dance sign-up card for all the handsome officers who want to claim her for a set

 After the museum, I went and ate my snack in the park. Which was splendid and peaceful and sunny, until the squirrel climbed up my knee. Twice. I think he's rather cute, don't you?

 Then I met up with my friend who toured the War Rooms. We got a bit lost and ran into Big Ben. Just accidentally. No big deal.

 

Then, as we wandered to the station (in the correct direction this time), we ran into Buckingham Palace! It's awe-inspiring, especially when you aren't expecting it. All in all, a grand day in London.

Palm Sunday

Today I went to an Anglican Palm Sunday service at the local parish church. Growing up in very non-traditional Protestant churches, this was an intriguing experience for me. First we "processed" from one small room back to our seats after having our palm branch crosses blessed. Apparently these are supposed to be burnt after the service at some point and then the ashes are used on Ash Wednesday. Quite a logical idea, actually. We were supposed to go from the church offices about ten minutes away, but the icey conditions made that impossible for the many older people who can't walk quite as well. So we happily sang the hymns and processed around the small church, quickly finding our seats.

Then the priest (or the priest's minion - I don't know the proper names, ok?) filled the air with incense as he honoured the palm crosses, the communion table, and the priest reading the Gospel of Luke. This reading took the place of the sermon as we listened to the several chapters of Christ's passion - possibly the first time I have heard it read aloud in church all at once. Communion was the same, however, creating a sense of continuity. Even though this is the holiest week of the church calendar, it is still a part of our ordinary lives with God.

The traditions, the liturgy, the hymns, and the respect for scripture made me think about the benefits about both types of churches I have attended here. Both are valuable and I do not understand why some are so determined to reject the other. The Nicene Creed that is recited every week in this Anglican Churches says that all who ascribe to it believe in "one holy catholic church" and I wish that this could be seen in Christian life.

My Week in Timezones

It's been a while... Sorry for my lack of posts! I just finished Oxford's 8-week term, so I am done with my tutorials. However, I am still here for another 4 weeks while I take classes with the program I came with. It's rather confusing, but basically, I am done with my official Oxford education and now I am taking two different classes: British Landscapes and a History Seminar. You'll be hearing a lot about British Landscapes because we go on field trips to various historical sites around the country - starting with Stonehenge and Sailsbury tomorrow! I get to see one of the original four copies of the Magna Carta. Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!! :D I'm a tiny bit excited. Just a little bit.

Anyway, because we just finished term, we all got five days off for our spring break. I went home to Finland with my Finnish friend and we had a lovely time relaxing and freezing in 20 degree weather. Pictures and stories to come!

But to give you an idea of the craziness of my life, here are the changing times I had to deal with:

On Thursday I was 8 hours ahead of my family in Seattle.
On Friday I went to Finland, then I was 10 hours ahead.
On Saturday America (but not Europe) observed daylight savings time, making me 9 hours ahead.
On Wednesday I traveled "home" to England and am currently sitting at 7 hours ahead - until Saturday, then it's back to 8 hours.

This is the craziness of my life right now. Places have become home in a way I never could have seen several months ago. I am doing things that I never imagined being able to do and I'm growing because of them.

I think the timezones of this week demonstrate this very well. I'll get back to stories and pictures tomorrow.

Easter

I'm excited for Easter. It might be my favorite holiday of the year. As I learn more and more about the world, the church, and just people in general, I find it so hard to find hope without an undercurrent of fear or shame. Except on Easter.

Easter is a day when families gather together.
When Jesus rose from the dead.
When I can celebrate God's power instead of stuggling with my sin.
When Christianity shows its best face to the world: hope, joy, love reflected in Christ.

This is a day when I can be unashamedly happy. Jesus rose from the dead and I can celebrate that with believers all over the world without worrying about denomination or practice. Because, on Easter, the focus is on my Lord, not on the world's arguements.

On a less spiritual note, I love Easter because I don't have Easter traditions. My family and I rarely do the same thing for Easter twice in a row, so anywhere can feel like home. I don't have to wistfully wish that they are around me, I can celebrate with my friends without an awful gloom of homesickness.

I love Easter and its just around the corner!

Dinner

The past weeks have been so busy. But I'm down to one more week of term, then off to Finland for five days! Then I come back and do... things. I'll explain that in another post. Basically I'm almost done with my official Oxford classes, then I will take two more seminars with my program (SCIO).

But, enough of the boring academics. I had a lovely dinner tonight and, while there are no photos, I wanted to share my joy with you :D

1 fresh, warm, organic baguette from Tesco
Fresh cucumber
Mild cheddar cheese (a smooth, heavenly cheese that just dissolves in your mouth)

Now, these three things are boring on their own. But I can't cook. So, my solution was to buy balasmic vinegar. Combined with a simple oil olive, it turned my bread and cucumbers into a happy delight. The cheese was just there because, well, when do I not want cheese?

Later tonight will come tea, scones, and chocolate. Also probably more bread...

All in all, a wonderful and simply meal. Especially since I can't cook.