A New Life at University of Roehampton

I've made my decision. I've gotten some offers and I've chosen the school that will work best for me. The University of Roehampton in London, HERE I COME!

I'll be studying a Master of Arts in Education, something that will aide me in my quest of working at universities. I hope to one day be a study abroad advisor, encouraging other people to take the plunge in experiencing a new life.

But first I have to take the plunge.

This is not an easy feat for someone that is notoriously afraid of heights. But I must labor under the apprehension that it's beneficial for my soul--the soul of a true explorer. All lovers of travel are actually in love with exploration. And so I sojourn forth, with a renewed spirit that this will be a year for evolution of self. I will be exploring to my heart's content!

The expedition starts in late September.

Mission: A Life Fulfilled

The other night I had a fabulous meal of gourmet pizza and fine wine, to where my satisfaction level was at an all time high. Maybe it's because the waiter kept filling my cup with Sangiovese. More likely, it was the great conversation with two of my dearest friends. From this talk, my smart therapist friend revealed her favorite question to ask people she is getting to know. This question, she said, says a lot about a person:

What is your greatest fear? 

A simple question that has a very telling answer. What she's heard before: I don't want to end up alone. I'm afraid I'm not good enough. I don't want to fail. 

After some contemplation, I knew exactly what my answer was. It's a theme that's been carried over throughout my blog, influencing some of my biggest life decisions.

I don't want to live an unfulfilling life.  

I don't want to look back one day and shake my head at my submission to fear. I want to make the scary decisions and follow through with them. 27 is certainly not old, but it's definitely an age where you take a look at what you've done and what you're wanting to accomplish, and you really start devising plans on how to bridge the gap. There's no time for lollygagging anymore.

There's life to be lived, and dreams to be attempted and that just won't happen by wishing on the north star.

Mission: A Life Fulfilled has commenced.

My Secret News

I mentioned several months ago that I had secret news, and would tell it once I had more answers...Well, now is the time to reveal my news...

I applied to grad schools in the United Kingdom, and I got my first official acceptance letter today to a school in London. I'm awaiting answers from 4 more schools, but with this first acceptance, I'm fairly certain that I'll be moving to the U.K. for a solid year starting in the fall.

I think you all know about my addiction to traveling--a nagging wanderlust that hasn't left my side and one I must cater to now. I have to go. I have to GO!!!

I'm always talking myself out of doing daring things, because they are bigger and scarier than my little presence on this earth. And so I want to do something big. I want to make a grand gesture to believe in the power of one tiny person. I want receive the best kind of education, the kind where one's brain is not just enlightened, but evolved from amazing experiences.

I'm so ready to evolve. This time, I'm ready.



***
If you are reading this post and work at the same University I do, please refrain from spreading this news, as nothing is set in stone and financial planning has to be worked out before I sign any contracts (thanks). 

Music Challenge, Day 28: A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty

Firstly, I guest blogged over at Selma's blog and forgot to mention it. It's a post about Turkey. Are you surprised?

Secondly, I started this music challenge last April...as in 2011. *ahem*

Time to just get it done with!! Now onwards, a song that makes me feel guilty:

This song describes all the reasons I feel like a complete twit when gushing over a guy. Some lyrics:

"Something's got me amazed/ Don't know what to do/ My head's in a haze/ It's like a heatwave burning in my heart/ I can't keep from crying/ it's tearing me apart."

Yep, that about explains it. Why do we tend to act like moron lunatics when we are in love (or think we are in love)? Something about brain chemistty and yada, yada, yada...

It's a massive amount of emotions for an overly logical girl ;)

The Challenge so far:
day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that nobody would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you're angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you're happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you're sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral

day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play

When Did Bridal Showers Start To Look Like Weddings?

Ahhh, Bridal Showers...one of the infamous events before the big event. We Americans sure do like our events. Over the weekend, I went to the most extravagant Bridal Shower I have ever been to, and it was imperative to write about it...

Jenny, the Bride. 

On the one hand, I had a fun time celebrating with the bride and guests; on the other hand, I can't help but shake my head a little at the excess of our culture. 

Call me scrooge, but I just can't justify spending a ton of money on what should be considered a pre-event. I mean, look at those sugar cubes...have you ever seen prettier sugar cubes in your life?

Jenny (the bride) laughed it off, as it was planned by her wedding-lovin' mother-in-law. Of course, there is no real harm in this kind of party; these things can be a good time! But it undoubtedly sets a precedent in our culture where we are constantly trying to out do each other. What has resulted is weekend-long bachelorette parties at luxury spas in place of raunchy-one night jaunts in dive bars. When did America become so...obnoxiously glamorized? 

Don't think I'm a fan. And neither is my pocket book. 

Although, I couldn't complain about the Chambord (Black Raspberry Liqueur)!