It's been one of those months were at first I feel like nothing exciting happened, but as I start to reflect I see all sorts of amazing or crazy adventures mixed in with the struggles of writing my dissertation.
First - I went camping with some friends to a little place called Seaford. It was quite the adventure getting there. It was pouring rain, most people bailed the first night - but I wanted an adventure... so my friend and I continued on our way. We were on the train, about halfway there when we learned that our train had hit someone. The news shocked me and I had a hard time processing it. We continued to try to find our way to the camp ground, but after the shock, and standing in the pouring rain, and general confusion at the next train station, we decided to turn back and try again in the morning. So I went over to a friend's house and spent the night. Then we left early in the morning and got to camping. We set up, walked along the beach, and all the way up and over some cliffs to go see the "Seven Sisters" - we also helped my friend make a music video which was a fun experience, though I have yet to see any actual finished product. After lots of wandering and fun, we made our way back. Got groceries, made dinner, and got ready for the night. Then my friend and I went to take pictures of the stars, only to learn my lens is not quite adequate... but it was still fun. The next day decided to rain again, so we hurried and packed up, soaking wet, and went back to London. Adventure. :) Pictures are on FB!
Next, I've spent most of my time on my final research project - as would be expected. Mostly at home, I've got a nice desk and a big window, plus it's quiet. So I tend to focus for a couple hours at a time before needing a break. I've gotten really good at dividing up my time and setting daily goals, which has helped me not feel abnormally stressed about this project. Throw in the other stressors and I am borderline panic-attack some days... Ok not that bad yet, thankfully. But still. Almost there now as I write this, so much so that I've made progress on my CV and looking for housing- I get kicked out of here in just under a month... and no plans to go or stay anywhere. It's freaking me out. But it will come together. Probably. Haha - no it will. It just will be extra stressful for a while.
Oh! And there have been 2 Tube Strikes already, with 2 more planned, right over the time my dissertation is due. Great. I walked 5 miles one way, just to get to church/institute. I wish they could resolve their issues without this next strike... but it doesn't seem likely. There are a lot of mixed reviews but it surrounds the proposed change to make certain tube lines 24 hrs. starting in mid September. We'll see if it starts then or how it proceeds from here. Anyway - I wish people weren't so stubborn and or were able to resolve conflicts easier, but we're all just trying to find our way forward and sometimes that is really hard to do.
Anyway. Those are my London adventures as of late. Also looking for housing / work, is the worst.
