sammii | Recent Entries

*grumble*

*hiss*

Spring break is over.

I have to go to class now.

What a bummer.

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Yes, class is fun.

But so is posting on entmoot all day.

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I just got back from vacation.

I want another.

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Good luck with your homework, Katya.

I've got to run - post office, then class. Hope I can stay awake, I'm utterly shattered today. *falls asleep*

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Oh yeah, I forgot to add 'The Music Man' to the list of musicals I've seen...

On break from class. It's a pretty good class this evening, but I'm still tired.

*watches post-count creep quickly towards the 500 mark, and still has no idea on a title*

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Fantastic.

My next door neighbor is SHOUTING at her mother AGAIN. They're always getting into these fights where she acts like the biggest baby in the world.

And the best part?

This girl will be a mother in a few monts.

Eru help us.

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I'll call you Link, I like that.

Well, I'm in one called 'Long Lost Leaves' which is a lot of fun. You might read through that, and the information thread. I don't know for sure if Eärniel is taking new characters or not, but she took me, so she might be.

What I did was PM her and ask, and then send her my character idea via PM as well.

It's rather fun.

I'm quite an avid RP'er on other boards, but I'm just getting used to this one myself as well.

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Start RPing, Katya! It's so much fun!

I RP a LOT on the other board I'm on - I've won 'Best RP'er' or 'Best RP'er' runner-up for five years.

Not bragging - but I do put a lot of time and work into it.

Most of my stuff is First Age, though. My favorite RP I've ever done (and which is still in progress) is called A Memory Fair but Unfinished, in which I play Amarië, Finrod's beloved. It's their love-story, and of course, quite sad in the end.

Memory is part of a quartet the participants and I call 'The Noldor Quartet' (or N4) which is a pretty intense RP quartet also including Blood Brothers (about the relationship between Maedhros and Fingon, and also within the House of Fingolfin (including his relationship with Anairë his wife, and Turgon, Argon and Aredhel)), Spirit of Fire (about Fëanor, Finwë, Nerdanel, etc. - starts when he finds out about the Doom of Mandos concerning the Statute of Finwë and Míriel) and Flight of the Noldor, which brings them all together and takes the Noldor to Middle-earth. I play Fëanor, Amarië, Anairë, Maedhros, Curufin, Turgon, Eldalotë (Angrod's wife), Andreth, and several other minor characters. It's great fun.

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I'm for bed. Goodnight Sis, Naughti, Rian, Sane, and whoever else is around.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/399927.html

Morning, all.

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Cold and rainy?

At least it's just rain today, and not hail and sleet and snow like yesterday.

There's a classical music thread?

I studied classical voice for several years...

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I do not have bad impulse control!

Oh, wait...

I'm Fëanorian...

Maybe I do.

EDIT: To add a picture from Belgium.

This is me and a random Irish friend at Waterloo:

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Well, I *might* be posting less anyway.

Classes start back tomorrow, after all.

Of course, that didn't stop me from posting like a fiend in Belgium...

Ok, maybe I won't be posting less.

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Quote:

Nice picture, btw. You're not very afraid of the 'net, are you?

No, I'm not.

I've been online for 12 years now, and I've been posting pictures and videos and everything, and never had anything untoward happen to me. I'm not going to post my address or phone number or anything, but really, if you just use a little common sense, nothing's going to happen.

Of course, I would never let young children do such things, but I'm 30 years old, and can take care of myself, and to be honest, if people want information about you online, they can find you anyway.

Katya - I'll try adding you and see what happens.

EDIT: I added you, but it says you're not online.

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Of course, I have special e-mail addies that I don't mind getting spammed. That's not my 'official' e-mail.

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Katya: Check your e-mail (the one in your profile).

I'm here because I love Tolkien's works. It was a message board similar to this that introduced me to everything Tolkien wrote (before I knew more than The Hobbit and LotR), but it is also very easy to get rusty on them, because there's so much to remember.

I was talking to a friend of mine who knows more about Tolkien than anyone else I know and we agreed that it was impossible to know everything. You have to concentrate on one part, to really know it inside out.

Hector: You're not showing up on my buddy-list.

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OME, I cannot keep up with you guys.

I'll go work on my HoME reading project and maybe when I've got a bit more done, youse will have slowed down a bit!

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Quote:

Originally Posted by katya

I think it means that I love how nerdy you can be.

Trust me, my nerdiness knows no bounds.

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I have facebook and AIM and everything, but right now everything's crap because the internet is going psycho...but anyway, it's off to bed for me...almost 1am and I have class in the morning!

Night, all!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/399803.html

Ah, but spring rain is nice.

I should go to the store soon, and get some spaghetti sauce, but I'm so lazy.

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I did finally get to the store, but jeezus it's cold outside. It feels more like December than April.

And it was snowing last night.

But now I'm nice and warm in my room!

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Ah, theater, my other obsession.

Where to begin...

I guess my first experience with acting/directing, etc. was when I was in 4th grade and began making short movies to compete in something called a 'Media Fair.' Basically, a bunch of schools would get together, and students would compete their videos, and the winners would go on to the state level. It turned out I was quite good at this, and won state four times, as well as placing 3rd at National once.

When I got into Jr. High and High School, while I continued doing Media Fair, I also tried my hand at live theater, and loved it. I was in Annie Get your Gun, Guys and Dolls, The Miser, May the Farce be With You and a non-musical version of Les Mis, as well as doing a great deal of writing/directing of original material (like for Christmas charity presentations, etc.) I also was really into choir and voice (I still am).

I first saw Les Mis on my 16th birthday in New York City, and I loved it. In addition to Les Mis, I've seen...get ready for the huge list...Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, Aida, Phantom of the Opera, Man of La Mancha, the Scarlet Pimpernel, Cats, West Side Story, 1776, The King and I, Once Upon a Mattress, Once on this Island, Jekyll and Hyde, The Sound of Music, Cabaret, Oklahoma, Godspell, Ragtime, Rent, Grease, Once on this Island and probably a whole bunch I'm forgetting.

I also love non-musical theater as well, especially Shakespeare and Eugene O'Neill.

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Well, it's a huge list for a 30 year old University student doing it for fun.

(Not to mention I know there are a bunch of others which aren't on there and I just can't remember them!

)

At my Uni, the scene kind of sucks, and Dublin is so expensive that it's cost prohibitive.

But I'm hoping to see some shows when I get back to the states this summer.

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My taste is anything I can get my hands on.

But in southern Indiana, my choice is limited to touring productions that come to Louisville or Indianapolis. Hence all the big name ALW musicals. I'm actually not that much of a fan of ALW - very overrated.

As for NYC, just depends on my budget.

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Argh, my head is going to explode.

There's only so much Christopher Tolkien I can handle in one day...

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I'm currently making myself some penne for dinner, before going back to HoME X.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/399590.html

It snowed here really late last night...then it went and got Wetty. Ha! Take that, snow from Northern Ireland.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/396653.html

*hugs*

Bye Mari!!! Have fun!!!

She's going on vacation just as I get back.

I'm sitting here eating Belgian chocolate.

Soooo good.

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I'm sorry to hear that.

Care to share? Or not? Either way.

Yeah, that was a good conversation up there. Even if I did kind of call myself a Middle-earth-whore. Ah well.

Why do pictures take so bloody long to upload?

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LOL, mine doesn't either. I'm approaching the big 3-0 and my metabolism behaves quite badly anyway. But I've earned my pudge the honest way.

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Quote:

Bossy newbies.

*isn't used to being a newbie*

*has been on her other board for over six years*

*has met ten people from her other message board in person*

*doesn't like being a newbie*

*still decides to be bossy anyway*

Get your butts up north.

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Eh, the kinslaying didn't work so well, last time. You know, that whole Doom of Mandos and all.

I could go for persuasion.

Or I could bring out the puppy-dog-eyes...

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I'm sorry to hear that, Hector.

That's why the US needs a good mass transit system like we have here. It would be so much easier.

Hope you can work out your car!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/399300.html

I love Shakespeare!

The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings...

~Julius Caesar

(one of my favorites)

Today is my last day in Belgium.

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Agree with Sis and BoP.

I'm back in Derry, but not worth much tonight...so tired!

Night, all!

PS...off to read Children of Húrin until I fall asleep...just got it in soft cover at the airport...

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium and Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/399081.html

I have to go home today.

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ATA went belly-up? My aunt used to fly them all the time! How did I miss that?

Good luck finding another airline, Þingy!

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Good to hear!

I have to fly myself tonight, actually. Amsterdam to Belfast. Can't say I particularly like it, but the more you do it, the more it seems that it's just boring and tedious, rather than scary.

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Yeah, I accidentally called Derry 'home.' Which it sort of is. In a way.

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Heathrow - no joke, what a disaster.

I tend to refer to wherever I happen to be sleeping that night as 'home.' I guess I don't have very deep roots.

~~~~~~~~~

I wouldn't be suprised if I did something similar under the conditions!

Well, I've got to check out of my room, so I'm off. Talk to everyone when I get back to Derry!

Bye, Belgium!

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Back in Derry.

Our flight was delayed out of Amsterdam, and then we had an hour and half drive once we got there.

Had a fantastic trip, though - I'll upload some pictures tomorrow...

I was so bored at the airport that I bought a paperback copy of The Children of Húrin and I've actually stared reading it. I have the hard-cover version at home, but I'd ben procrastinating reading the thing.

I haven't been utterly disgusted with it yet...

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium and Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/396392.html

Good morning, all. I am, as I am on most vacations, exhausted. And I'm going to have a late night tonight.

But I can sleep at home, I suppose.

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*comes in*
*says hi*
*goes to bed*

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/398714.html

Hi, all. I'm absolutely wiped out. *dies from exhaustion*

Travelling is quite exhausting.

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[re: Where am I?]

Belgium.

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No, I haven't, but I am meeting up with a friend from another Tolkien board I'm on tomorrow...

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*gladly takes a massage*

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Good luck, Mari!

I always enjoyed debate when I was studying it.

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Yes, I still like them now.

My people always enjoy informed debates - even with lowly humans (or at least Findaráto did)

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Quote:

*mutters, sotto voce "never enough to be beautiful. must be more beautiful, or MOST beautiful. Egomaniacs*

Sometimes it's so hard to be Noldor. People get so jealous, but we really can't help it that we're the best.

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*is potty-trained*

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Eeew...smelly cats.

I hate that.

I have four cats, but one's really fluffy, and sometimes his butt-fur gets stuff in it, and we have to give him a butt-bath. It's quite traumatising for him.

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It'll only be 10:30, stay up!

I don't want to leave Belgium. I love it here. I might apply to do my PhD work here.

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*grumbles at silly uppity hobbits*

Mari - I'd like to learn Dutch, too. And French. I really should try.

*grumbles again* And it's Noldor*

Well, technically, according to Tolkien's later writings, it's actually Ñoldor, but I'll let you get by without the tilde.

*grumble*

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Yes, I'm in Leuven until Friday. I absolutely love it here - definitely my second favorite European country so far.

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/398464.html

*dies*

Hi, everyone. Too knackered to read up what everybody's said today, but I trust everyone is well?

I'm exhausted - spent the morning at the US Mission to the EU, then the rest of the day trekking around Waterloo. Great day, but very, very, very tired!

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/398228.html

Morning, all!

Getting ready for a day full of lectures today...they look interesting if I can get a cup of tea in me and wake up a bit...

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Just had lunch after a lecture on EU bureaucracy and one on lobbying the EU...I suppose it'll get us all ready for our trip to Brussels on Thursday...

~~~~~~~~~

I'm not personally trying to get anything from the EU...I have no voting rights and no investment in it.

I just think it's rather interesting and I enjoy learning about it.

~~~~~~~~~

Working for the US Permanent Mission to the EU is one of my dreams, as well...maybe I'll see you around some day.

~~~~~~~~~

Parsnips are good.

And I'm tired.

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/397954.html

Hey, everyone!

I'm in Belgium right now, having a great time...hope everyone is well!

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Yes, I certainly am addicted!

I would have posted yesterday but I was so knackered after staying up all night on Friday and then travelling all day I could hardly remember my own name!

Today we went to Brugge...it was great (would have been better if it hadn't been raining, though.

). Going out to get dinner soon, but so far I'm really enjoying Belgium!

EDIT: Oh, and I bought a box of chocolates today, Mari! *shares with group*

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Yeah, I guess we must have brought our Irish weather with us! Brugge is gorgeous. It really is a great little town, great for shopping too, so bring lots of money! All sorts of lovely little stores.

Travelling - I've been (other than the US, where I was born and raised) three times to Ireland, including the last time, where I've lived there since September, to Canada, to England where I visited Birmingham, Oxford, and Bath (over Christmas, which I spent in Burbage, Hinkley), France (Paris) and now Belgium. Oh, and I spent about three hours in the Netherlands.

I've only been here a little more than a day, but I'm really impressed by Belgium. I'm actually in Flanders, so they speak Flemish here, which I'm clueless about. I can get by in French...but don't even know where to start with Flemish. It's a bit distressing.

I love travel too, though. It's totally addictive. There are so many other places I want to see!

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I used to hate flying as well, but simple repetition has made it go from frightening to dull and tedious. Now I just dread it because of all the hassle, not really from fear.

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I like boats...but sitting anywhere except at the window on airplanes makes me want to toss my breakfast...

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I flew Ryanair to Paris last month under very heavy winds, and there was a lot of turbulance. I was at the very back of the queue, so I got stuck in an aisle seat, and I literally thought I was going to be ill.

I hate it when plains bounce...

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No, unfortunately no time for Antwerp...but we will be spending a day in Brussels...and I desperately want to go to Waterloo...

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Well, truth be told, I'm a bit of a Napoleonic wars/History junkie, and I'll probably be standing here telling my group how Cavalry Regiment so and so was placed in formation here...blah blah blah...

I love battlefields. I've been to every single American Civil War one.

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I've been looking into schools for my PhD program, yes. I'm looking at Queen's University in Belfast, The London School of Economics, and Indiana University. I'll go to whichever one offers me the best funding package.

But for now, I'm off to bed - I'm utterly exhausted from a day of travel!

Current Location: Leuven, Belgium
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/397751.html

Yes, Mari, that's unfortunately very true.

I'm lucky that nobody in my immediate family has died of cancer (crosses fingers), but I know many people who have. There was a girl a few years behind me in school who died of Leukemia, and one of my best friend's mother died of ovarian cancer, and I could go on and on and on, unfortunately.

My hometown has a very high instance of cancer - way above the national average.

I speculate this has something to do with the fact that we're less than five miles from a US government proving ground where they used to test bombs and shells and the like - many of which were made with depleted uranium, and many of which are still there.

(read the link for more...'DU' is "depleted uranium" and JPG is "Jefferson Proving Ground.")

In other news, the day when I have to walk downtown to go shopping it's pouring down rain. Joy.

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I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, katya...

I hope everything works out.

Back from downtown, and I didn't get wet.

I took a bus there, and then it had stopped raining by the time I got back. Now I just need to do some laundry and pack and I'm ready to leave for Belgium tomorrow!

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Yep, and some books.

Bookstores are the Bane of Curu.

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Oh, I'm not terribly picky - I'll read pretty much anything.

Today I got a Terry Prachett book for my trip...and a beautiful paperback copy of Lord of the Rings...

Hey, I don't have my copy with me in Derry.

But I have everything from politics to history to romance to Sci Fi to classics on my bookshelf.

I was going to reply to you in the 2008 Election thread, but I think I may hold off on that.

EDIT: Blech...I'm so tired and achy even my toenails hurt...

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Quote:

What did you do to your toenails?

Just had a rough day in Menegroth.

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It's been raining here on and off all day.

But it's Ireland, so I guess that's to be expected.

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Ah, nice fire. I like fire.

My home in the states has a woodstove and it's sooooooo nice and warm.

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Oh, my house isn't that big, it's just our only source of heat.

*warms up to fire*

I'm fixing dinner right now.

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Yeah, it's 20:00 right now. Is that late for dinner? At home I usually eat around 9 or ten...

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Nope, I had steak. And from now on (until I get back from Belgium) all my food is paid for! YAY!

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I'm off for Belgium! Catch everyone later. Don't know when I'll be back on - definitely by the 5th of April. Bye!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/397550.html

Morning, all!

I feel so old in here!!!

For those of you planning to go to college - it's great! I'm a bit of an academic nerd, so I really enjoyed that side of it, but just being in a situation where you're surrounded by people your age and living with people your own age is an incredible experience.

Unfortunately my first year I let the social get in the way just a little...

but everyone does, I think, and as long as you don't let your grades fall too far, it's worth it.

Grad school, on the other hand, is CRAZINESS.

So much work! I love it, though.

Ah, I'm finally getting my food money today, so I can go to the grocery and get some meat. I've been surviving most of the past two weeks on pasta and tomato sauce. Which is perfectly good, of course, but gets dreadfully old when it's all you eat...

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Yeah, you're right about the other stuff, too. For my first 2 1/2 years of University I was lucky enough to be on a residential campus which was mostly students my age. After I transferred (to a bigger school with more academic opportunities), it wasn't the same, but I still found a group of people with my academic interests and it was quite inspiring indeed.

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Nothing wrong with being in school for a long time.

It does get expensive after a while, though.

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Milk with vanilla and cinnamon does sound really good...had some of that for the first time in Paris a few weeks ago....soooo good!

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Oh, I LOVED Paris! Beautiful city!

It was my first time there and I went for a friend's birthday party.

Fantastic place. So many wonderful things to do and see, and so much wonderful food!

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Here in Northern Ireland, though, you can get cadbury creme eggs year round.

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No, I'm not from Ireland, but I do live here for the time being.

I'm going to the University of Ulster for my Master's Degree, and it's in Derry, Northern Ireland.

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Mari - that's great! I was in choir in high school, and then in the audition concert choir and a barbershop quartet (all women) in college. We went on a great West Coast tour in '98, singing in Chicago (where we flew out of), Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and LA...amazing experience! What part do you sing?

SCA - Chocolate is an enigma. It really isn't that amazing, yet you just can't stop eating it.

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I'm on spring break right now, which has meant a great deal of free time. When classes start back I won't have so much time on the computer.

*hears other people cheering*

And the day after tomorrow I'm heading to Belgium, too, for a week. Who knows if I'll have internet access then!

EDIT: Oh, and I sing 1st Soprano...or whatever they need.

I'm rather proud of my range. Nearly 3 octaves.

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We're actually flying into Amsterdam, and then catching a bus! So I'll say hi to your country.

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Quote:

Nothing like having houseguests to make you appreciate time alone.

Ain't that the truth.

Of course, my last houseguests included my brother's girlfriend...who happens to be one of my least favorite people on the planet. Very, very glad to see the back of her...

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Yeah, I have two essays and three exams left this term, then my master's thesis to start after that. So I should be working.

But I don't want to right now.

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I'm doing well. Loving this site, I must say.

I'm even getting involved in my first RP! (well, my first RP here, anyway)

I hope I have internet access in Belgium!!!

If not I may have to pay for an internet cafe somewhere...

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I'll be at the Irish college in Louvain. Since it's a school, I'm hoping we'll have net access of some sort...I'm taking my laptop, so we'll see.

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Well, guys, it's going on 10:30pm here, and I've got a busy day tomorrow, so I'm off to bed.

Catch y'all in the morning!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/397124.html

*has a nice juicy steak waiting to be eaten for dinner*

This is exciting when you've had nothing but pasta for two days.

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I even like pasta.

But I need protein once in a while. And iron.

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Meatballs -

But my steak looks yummy...and is getting ready to go into the oven right now!!!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/396250.html

Of course, I find life in Europe in general is more laid-back than American life...

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/395881.html

It's actually sunny and springlike here today.

What?

Sunny?

*has heart attack*

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*is annoyed by student village*

They have six dryers for 400 students. And three of them are not working.

I'm waiting in line for a drier now so I can finish my laundry. I've been waiting three hours.

Edit: Got a dryer! Finally!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/395711.html

Guess what?

It's raining!

How is everyone today?

EDIT: Bah, I just scored as Legolas on a LotR test.

He's Sindarin.

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I'm quite enjoying Spring Break. It's nice to have no responsibilites for a few weeks!

But my sleep is all screwed up now.

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quote:
I have this image in my head of Amárïe strapping Fëanor down to his own workbench with the leather thongs at his wrists, and then slowly leaving a trail of clean skin down his chest as she licks away the dirt of his work...

Wow...this is getting me excited...

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The post-office here is closed until Wednesday!!!

I've only been in Ireland one other Easter (the first time I was here in 2005), but they really take things seriously when it comes to this weekend.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/395328.html

Northern Ireland appears wet and cold today.

In other news, grass is green.

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quote:
Well I do believe you are starting to become very English Curuthingumibob by talking about the weather

Here's my question - why do you talk about the weather constantly when it's always the same!????

BTW, I broke down and added those two applications on Facebook.

I didn't know that the one actually saved rainforest!

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See, in the states our weather is different all the time. I actually have to look outside before I get dressed, unlike here.

But we don't talk about the weather much at all.

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Maybe that's true.

But we did have that rather nice day when you were here.

The mizzle let off for a few hours.

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Broadband must be nice.

I have BT broadband, which is kind of like having AOL dial-up from 1993.

I miss my Roadrunner High-speed Cable Internet.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/395190.html

I have grocery money!

I can go to the store in 40 minutes and buy food!

I lost six pounds last week. Not on purpose.

Ah, the simple joys of a grad student.

ON MY WAY TO THE GROCERY! YES!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/394863.html

But I'm on Spring Break now!!!! FOR THREE WEEKS!!!!

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No work for me today...

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Malted milk! MMMMMMMM!!!!

Random message of the day: I really, really, really, really, really, really, really hate Túrin.

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I'm reading his part in the Silm right now (Túrin's, that is).

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quote:
taut Elvish thighs

And don't forget the "equipment" under his apron...

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I'm exhausted. I haven't really slept all week because of stupid essays, so I'm going back to bed.

Later!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/394506.html

quote:
I don't understand your sleeping patterns. Or how your brain functions at all.

That makes two of us.

Thorin - I might look into that! Thanks for the info.

Well, I'm off to Coleraine to get some books for my essay that's due tomorrow (I've already done a bunch of research, just need to do a bit more).

Later!

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I'm in Coleraine...and guess what - it's raining!

(Yes, I'm trying to be excited about this.

)

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I would love to be bored right now.

Instead of having to study, study, study.

Spring break starts as soon as I turn in this paper, though!

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Now, that's a fantastic idea!

Can you write a convincing paper on the effects of the Somme on Ulster Unionism?

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Hmm. Do you think if I bottled Irish rain, I could make a whole bunch of money?

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Great, 2500 words, due tomorrow.

Nah, I'll write it myself. Wasted too much time reading all those articles, after all.

And the topic is quite interesting, really.

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Stop raining?

What does that mean?

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MUST. GO. STUDY.

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I'm unlikely to take any medicine I don't have to. Me no want!

I was able to get it under control on my own until this week when I've been throwing off my hours writing papers into the early hours of the morning, and using Lucozade to stay awake.

Spring Break starts as soon as I turn in this blasted paper, so I should be able to get things worked out in the next two weeks.

590 words so far on my essay...going...sooo...slowly...

~~~~~~~~~~

1099 - almost halfway there!

~~~~~~~~~~

My neighbors are loudly having sex while I'm working on long, boring paper.

It was annoying before, but this is just pushing it too far...

1600 words...

~~~~~~~~~~

INC: "I thought your paper was interesting?"

That is in relation to other papers.

Not in relation to what is happening next door.

~~~~~~~~~~

2001 words!

At least Spring Break starts tomorrow, so I can relax nicely for two weeks when this stupid paper is done.

~~~~~~~~~~

I have another one then, too. It's called "summer."

Oh, and I have one in two weeks too (two weeks from tomorrow, actually), when I get to spend a week in Belgium.

2222 words!

EDIT: DONE!

Now I just have to do my bibliography and run a spell-check.

Current Location: Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/394472.html

No. It can't.

I'm going to try to get an hour or two of sleep. I don't believe I've been up all night.

This sucks.

~~~~~~~~~~

quote:
I little tip for next time Ama- TURN OFF THE COMPUTER!!! That usually helps for me...

Ah, but if my computer was off, I would still have books. There are always distractions for those who seek them.

And I had lucozade yesterday, but it was in the early afternoon...
~~~~~~~~~

It's fun, isn't it?

I have been stuck with creativity all week (although mine is more the RP -writing sort) and instead I get to write two essays on different (boring) aspects of Irish history.

I'm really tired of answering other people's questions.

I can't wait to do my own research.

Oh, look, it's started raining again.

~~~~~~~~

quote:
Might I ask what aspects of Irish history? *is curious*

Well, I changed which question at the last moment, so it's not actually boring anymore...

My current paper is on the effect of the Battle of the Somme (July 1, 1916) on Ulster Unionism. It's an interesting topic.

Oh, and they call them STI's in Britain, too.

~~~~~~~

quote:
Still interested in what could possibly be boring about Ireland

Well, the question I was going to do was 'The foundations of partition are to be found in Gladstone's Home Rule proposals of 1886.' Discuss. Gladstone bores me.

My new question, Explain the impact of the Battle of the Somme on Ulster Unionism, is far more interesting.

~~~~~~~~

*huggles*

Poor Lilli...

I'm still awake.

Why?

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/393303.html

[To Inc]

I know everything will end up okay, but sometimes it all seems like there is too much going on

I feel for you. So much stress, especially this time of year in school, and when you're trying to figure out what you're doing with your life, etc. etc, sometimes it just seems like the stress is too much to handle...

*hugs*

But you're so talented (I know this for a fact, having heard your music

) and so smart I have very little doubt that you'll succeed.

You just need to have as much faith in yourself as the rest of us have in you...

*hugs again*

~~~~~~~~

How's the weather on your side of NI, Glóin?

They said we'd be getting nifty big gales tonight, and we don't have anything more than usual.

~~~~~~~~

Have you ever been so obscenely tired that you can't sleep?

Yeah?

That's where I am now.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/393145.html

Hi, everyone. Hope all is well, just stopping by on a break from my studies...I think I must be the pentultimate procrastinator...

Paper due tomorrow...so ta ta!

~~~~~~~

Well, I've got over 1000 words out of the 2500 I need...I'm getting there.

~~~~~~~

1600...

EDIT: 2100...

~~~~~~~

DONE!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/392918.html

SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNY DAYS, Everything's A-ok!

Sorry, I get a bit nuts when the sun comes out.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/392668.html

People who mock you for being a Tolkien fan should be smacked.

Especially if you have lots of good other reasons to hate them...

~~~~~~~~~

My little brother will be turning 27 in May.

Wait until you're there.

~~~~~~~~~

KITTEHS!!!!

I miss my kittehs. *le sigh*

~~~~~~~~~~

Wow, what great friends I have. I just got accused of having Asperger's Syndrome because I happen to be a bit of a LotR geek.

~~~~~~~~~~

Well, that's true. LotR just doesn't do it for me. Fëanáro and the Noldor all the way baby!

Inc - it's a mild form of autism

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/392272.html

Add another person to the post-Paris gloom.

Not to mention the post-Paris exhaustion.

~~~~~~~~~~

I like doom and gloom.

But I'll take French food over British/Irish any day.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/392080.html

Yay for Paris!!! This trip has been absolutely fantastic and it was great to meet MT'ers!!! There will be pictures when I get back to Derry tomorrow!!

~~~~~~~~~

Leaving Paris today.

Have had such a fantastic time here...will post pictures when I get back to Derry tonight.

Just wanted to give first (tentative) notice that there will be another MT party in Derry the weekend of Halloween. There is a big celebration in Derry on Halloween and it is a lot of fun. Don't book yet - I need to make sure my school funding goes through (which it should) but hold the weekend if you are interested in coming and let me know if you are interested...

~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Derry.

Had such a wonderful weekend - it was over so soon!

Will go upload pictures now, though.

~~~~~~~~~~

My facebook friends can see a selection of Paris photos now...

If you're not on facebook, you'll have to wait until I get them approved by everyone in them.

Current Location: Paris, France, Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/391834.html

Barad-Dur was also terribly high...

I think I prefer being closer to the ground, thank you very much.

The flight here was really bumpy and terrifying...I thought I was going to die before I ever saw Paris at all...I think from now on I prefer to travel by train or boat...pretty ones shaped like swans maybe...

Anyway - it has been fantastic to meet more MT'ers!!!! I have tons of pictures to upload when I return to Derry!

Current Location: Paris, France
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/391387.html

YEAH!

*stress flies away from Ama's shoulders*

I rocked the world with my exams...oh yeah...go me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Great.

The girl who lives next door to me in the dorm has decided to have loud sex with her boyfriend frequently. There are some things I really don't want to hear, but I'm quite trapped.

God, I wish the walls were a bit thicker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's enough to make be vomit, actually. They need to find a place to do that where the whole world can't hear.

~~~~~~~~~

Yeah, I'll get laid when hell freezes over.

~~~~~~~~~

So, since I got my results back from my exams (and rocked the world!) I now have to come up with a topic for my master's thesis. I have some time, but I want it to be something good.

*thinks*

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/390956.html

Just found out I'll be spending March 29 - April 4 in Belgium, on a 'field trip' with my University.

Woohoo!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

quote:
Where in Belgium ?

We're staying at the Irish College in Leuven, but I think we'll be going to Brussels as well.

I'm excited.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/390717.html

Hey, guys, would you mind putting my grandma in your thoughts? She went into the hospital on Saturday with congestive heart failure. She's doing alright, but she's 89 years old, so this could very well be the beginning of the end for her.

She's ready to go - she tells us this rather frequently - but I've always been very close to her and if she were to pass on while I'm over here and couldn't even go to her funeral I'd be absolutely devastated. Maybe that's selfish of me, but I can't stand to see her go yet. So please keep her in your prayers.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/390548.html

*has never seen Lost*

Hello again, everyone.

I'm back.

What a stressful week. Left for a bit because I thought everyone would appreciate me not having another nervous breakdown on the board.

Apparently, UU hasn't cashed my loan check yet, which has led to my loan appearing as "cancelled" on the website. Which sent me into a total panic, because if my loan hasn't paid my tuition, I'm SOL - there's no way I can come up with the £8000 that I owe. But it turns out that it's the University's fault, not mine, and the University and the lender are working ot figure it out.

So I can relax now, after that scare.

EDIT:

quote:
I saw Jürgen Habermas on Wednesday speak about religion and secularisation.

FLIPPING AWESOME!!!!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/390306.html

OMG, it's SUNNY!!!!!

~~~~~~~~

Right, so I get up super early this morning, get ready, and head to campus only to find out that my class isn't until tomorrow.

~~~~~~~

Yes, it is.

I was still annoyed with myself, though.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/389931.html

Hamfast and Keo - I'm afraid I wasn't clear. Lush sells soap - the kind you bathe with, not the type you watch. I was a bit confused until I figured out that's what you thought I meant! Sorry about that!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/389687.html

I love that new Heroes game on Facebook!

It's nifty and fun. Even if Elu is stronger than me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't anticipate getting over feeling sad about Heath anytime soon...I was looking forward to his career so much....And he had a little girl and everything...

I'm going to sound like a heartless bitch, but so be it. People die every day. People with little girls and little boys. Only those with money and fame ever get remembered. It's sad, yes. It's always sad when someone dies before their time. But I guess I just can't understand getting bent out of shape over the death of someone I've never met. I read the articles, and yes, it was sad. He was a good actor and it was a tragedy. But isn't getting yourself in a mope about it a little excessive?

~~~~~~~~~

Do any other UK MT'ers get their soaps and stuff from Lush? Athene introduced me to this stuff when we were in Bath, and I'm totally and absolutely addicted.

~~~~~~~~~

Unfortunately, I've not been able to see a lot of English TV, because I'm a poor college student and can't afford a TV of my own.

But I do love their soaps. They're all handmade and no-animal-testing and all that kind of thing, so they're all guilt free as well.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/389533.html

Well, just let me say I'm glad to be back in Derry - London or not - as long as my brother's evil bitch of a girlfriend is nowhere around.

~~~~~~~~

No, actually I absolutely love it here.

I love the people, and I think the country is stunningly beautiful (even in January), and I love how close I am to the rest of Europe, and I love that I get free medical care...etc. etc.

Although I must say I'm craving some real Mexican food.

~~~~~~~~~~

Usually, I like the rain. It's gentle and calming and nice when I'm sleeping. But I don't like it when I have to walk back from the store or something in it. And not having a car (which I usually like as well) I sometimes don't have any other options.

At least it's a lot warmer here than it is at home in January.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, but suprisingly, Indiana has a fantastic selection of Mexican food. We're a very agricultural state, and we have a lot of migrant workers, many of whom decide to settle there - and start resturants. My town of 13,000 has three authentic Mexican restaurants - the type where they don't really speak English at all and you kind of point to the number on the menu.

Ah, I miss it!!!

EDIT: And I'd love some good company now too. *sigh*

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/389339.html

My father teaches Human Sexuality.

I don't want to think about that.

I have my last exam in two and a half hours! In less than five hours, I WILL BE FREE!!!!!!!!

And my brother is coming tomorrow!!! I'm excited - haven't seen any family in over four months, and it's been more than a year since I've seen my brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~

EXAMS ARE DONE!!!!!!111!!!!!

Whether I failed them or did brilliantly, it is now 100% totally and completely out of my hands!!!

And I'm free for two weeks!

Life is good.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/388993.html

Hey, all.

Have my first exam in 2 hours, and I'm more than a little nervous. Half my grade hinges on this. Wish me luck?

~~~~~~~~~

Well, saying I'm going to be writing on Poynings' Law and the Jacobite Parliament of 1689, it actually was.

*tries to relax*

*takes lots of deep breaths*

~~~~~~~~

Well, Poynings' Law was brought in by Henry VIII and The Jacobite Parliament of 1689 was lead by James II - who ELSE's fault would it be?

EDIT: *takes the

and holds it inside for her exam*

Well, I'd best be off.

I have to go print out my exam schedule and buy a virgin pen.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/388337.html

My diet begins Saturday, when my best friend starts, Swordy. I feel your pain. I lost almost 3 stone, and gained it all back.

So it's time to get it off again! Athene is right, snack on healthy things of course, but don't let yourself get hungry!

EDIT: And all the lolKiens are very appreciated and I will get them up soon, but right now I'm in the middle of exams so please give me a few days kthxbai.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/388024.html

Have I mentioned that my brother's girlfriend is an evil orc?

~~~~~~~~~

*pulls her sword on her*

Get thee gone, and take thy due place! (Which, by the way, is under my brother's thumb, with your stupid mouth SHUT)

Edit: Changes signature, after reading Silmarillion again.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/387773.html

Right now I am running into town to buy a duvet.

Unless I can steal across the Irish sea and steal Athene's duvet without her noticing...

Best. Duvet. Ever.

~~~~~~~~~~

I can has duvet.

~~~~~~~~~~

I like Obama.

Huckabee scares me.

But I guess that's expected.

Derry is so beautiful today! We got several inches of snow last night and it's sticking to everything. Truly lovely!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Singy, from the polls I've read, Clinton has the most people who absolutely, positively won't vote for her. So I support Obama in the hope that he can get some of those people.

We'll see.

The idea of President Huckabee is more than a little terrifying.

~~~~~~~~~

Er, how do you put a duvet into a duvet cover? I can't find any holes!

~~~~~~~~~

Aha!

Found it!

~~~~~~~~~

Today is a good day.

I was calling 02 to make my payment, and they were like, "er...you have £37 in credit left."

Apparently they've applied the deposit I forgot I made way back in September.

So I won't have to pay next month either!

Woohoo!

~~~~~~~~~~

I'm tired.

And not even the Lucozade is helping.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/387409.html

Lucozade Orange.

And it was GOOOOD!

[Re: About what I mixed with my malibu, lol]

~~~~~~

See, I guess I'm in the opposite situation.

I did do what I wanted to do, despite what my parents wanted.

My family was constantly trying to pressure me into journalism or law, when what I really wanted to do was research (yes, it's geeky, but we all have our dreams). To be honest, I've never been happier. I'll never get rich this way, but I'll be satisfied in ways that money could never make me (

*waiting for obscene comments on that*).

Money is only part of happiness, Swordy. I'm not going to say it's nothing - because it does matter. But it certainly isn't everything, and if your heart is in writing, you have to write.

Good luck to you!

~~~~~~~~

Try rum and Lucozade. It's quite good.

~~~~~~~~

Speaking of lolcats...

I can has Silmaril?

~~~~~~~~~

I must give credit where credit is due...it was Athene's idea.

And we are planning to start a LOLkein website - so send me your pics, Lili, and we'll get them going.

~~~~~~~~~

Please use one of the Fëanor brats, plz?

Brats?

Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/387161.html

Ah, my fever finally broke and my appetite came back, so I think I'm finally on the mend!

Happy New Year, everyone, even though there's still ten hours here and fifteen hours in New York!

~~~~~~~~~

*waves hello to Scandinavia 2008 from western...western...western Europe*

Half an hour left here!

~~~~~

Double post (but it's a special occasion): Happy New Year from Europe!

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/386669.html

Sick as in a cold or is it worse?

Worse. I think I have the flu.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/386481.html

*is back in Derry*

Had a fantastic time in England. And now I have to start revising.

~~~~~~~~

God, I don't remember the last time I was this sick.

Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/386203.html

I'm here!

donkey is well, and Milo sends his regards.

The flight was actually quite good once I got off the ground, the delay was crap, though.

Going out to buy cheese soon!

Current Location: Hinkley, England
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/385936.html

I leave for Christmas at Athene's in less than twelve hours!

God, I hate flying.

Current Location: Derry, Northern Ireland
Crossposts: http://sammiifer.livejournal.com/385550.html

Two days to England!!!

~~~~~~~

What is a cheeseboard?

It sounds lovely, but I have no idea what it is.

~~~~~~~

Ooh, it sounds absolutely lovely!

Edit: And it looks even lovelier!

Cheese! Mmmm...and with fruit and crackers - even better!

Has the tea arrived yet for your mom and grandma?

*hopes*

~~~~~~~~

Well, I have some little things for your mom and grandma, but I want the tea to get there, darnit!