A day in the life

. . . hello, world.

I feel like it's been awhile since I've posted anything. The last couple weeks have been really busy as I have navigated schoolwork, social events, seminars . . . and just living. The gentle chaos that encompasses the hours between sunrise and sunset.

But in case you were wondering what a typical day is like for me at Oxford/what I'm doing when I don't post on social media, here is a brief run-down:

Most mornings I exercise. When it's warmer, I like to run in one of the many meadows or parks in Oxford.

On my way to the library, I pass buildings like these: 

And gates like these: 

I honestly cannot get over how beautiful it is here. And even though it is grey, damp, and rather miserable in November, the grey stones drenched in rainwater are rather poetic. Also, I have learned to appreciate sunshine even more. And blue skies. People, blue skies are some of the most wonderful things ever to have been created. 

A lot of my day is spent in the library (specifically the Vere Harmsworth Library in the Rothermere American Institute) reading, writing, attending lectures, seminars, etc. 

[Welcome to my life.]

["Basically, IT'S COMPLICATED." Yup. That it is. Welcome to grad school.]

On the days I study at college, I make sure to swing by the MCR to catch up with the other graduates studying/hanging out there. And of course I grab a biscuit. And say hi to Eve, our stuffed pelican mascot. 

[Oh haiiii, Eve.]

Part of being at Oxford means that there are many formal and informal social events. So I am usually doing something with old or new friends every day. Sometimes that means impromptu coffee shop runs (giving me opportunities to find the best hot chocolate in Oxford). Other times those social events are boat races, service projects, lunch dates, G&D ice cream runs, afternoon tea, or just deciding on a whim to climb a tower to see a view of Oxford. 

Oxford is certainly a crossroads which attracts people from all walks of life. And those interactions are what make my time here the sweetest and most fulfilling. 

[Afternoon tea with my lovely roommates, Mimi and Tianmin]

[Mariana and I look good in purple.]

[The climb is worth the view. And the awkward selfie--on my part, anyway. Dani looks great.]

[Just another late-night adventure with the ever-wonderful Miss Briana and Miss Dani. 

AKA Bluestockings take G&D's.]

Man, I'm feeling like the end of a Monty Python sketch. I can't figure out a good way to end this blog post. So maybe I'll just leave it with the assurance that life continues in Oxford, much how it always has. There is a lot of studying, playing, scheming, dreaming, wishing, praying, and history being made in this city of dreaming spires.

Pretty cool that Oxford's story gets to be part of mine.