Academic Update
Quite a lot has happened over the last few weeks. I have been working really hard on my PhD. Yes- I have been reading, writing, interviewing, and I am feeling like its moving in the right direction. So although I have felt very busy and overwhelmed I at least feel like there is progress. I have a meeting with my BSL tutor tonight. Hopefully will begin working on the language development more seriously.
Comedy Update
Last week I took part in what is called the Bright Club. It is a thing that gets academics, and researchers together to do a bit of public engagement via stand up comedy. Yes, I did standup! Making research funny- at least educating the public a bit. Since my research wants to some how contribute to making graduates more qualified that was my focus. If anything, i hope people walked away knowing that sign language is not universal, interpreters need to be professional and qualified for a range of assignments and we as teachers have a responsibility to prepare them for the real world. They may however just walk away thinking about upside down, moving vaginas but you never know. It was honestly one of the most fun things I have ever done in my life. I was so glad I had the support of friends there as well. I didn't originally want anyone to come because I was so nervous, but I am glad they twisted my arm and the word got out. It was nice to have such positive feedback from both strangers and non strangers.
Beautiful Weekend Update
It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. The girls and I took ourselves to the beach and enjoyed the sunshine. Unlike, you people back in California, our beach experience was not lathering up the sunscreen and laying on towels, no we still had scarfs on, jackets at times (although I did get to take mine off for a short time), and walking along the sand in boots. Haha. It was a beautiful day. I am thrilled that the sun was out and we got to experience the beautiful skies of Edinburgh. We stopped for some hot coco and then a pint and some light lunch and did a little shopping. I will say that when you are with friends you can talk about anything and everything. And when you have two Americans and a Turkish person we are not the most quiet combination. I am sure this makes it interesting for the strangers around us who get to listen to our conversations- not because they want to, but because our volume forces them to listen. For example (one story I am still laughing about) is at the poor guy who was gardening (that we didn't see) who popped up right as we were done loudly discussing hair colors… not just the hairs on heads, um... I will put it this way, drapes and carpets… We didn't see anyone around while we were discussing this and thought we were safe. However, this man weeding got an earful. He popped up with a big grin on his face. OOOPS! At least, he will have a story to tell to his mates over a pint.
After all day out- we went back to Sara's and did some laptop karaoke, made rice crispy treats which went stale within an hour and were so gross, and then went and got some Indian food. My American came out at the indian restaurant because they wouldn't put the food in a take away container. They then told us that the portion sizes were different if you take it away or you sit in. So you pay the same price and get less food?Hello- starving student here- I will eat that food for days. So we had them box everything up and out we went. I hope they didn't spit in our food. Still my fav indian food in town.
A little fun run update..
I paid 10 quid to run 3 miles. At least it was for charity so I was told! Did this in about 30 minutes which wasn't horrible. I know that I can do 3 miles quicker than that, but I had taken 2 weeks off. You know, what you normally do before a race.. stop training? Yeah, I did that. AND there were so many people on such a small path it made it very difficult initially to get into the actual running pace. However it was great fun and was glad to be out and about. Afterwards we got showered and headed out for lunch. Fantastic food, especially for the prices. Its the same place the BSL team went for a little gathering before. I think I may have blogged about that. Anyway, a lot of fun. I am really enjoying getting to know all of the people here. And doing things that are healthy… its a great combination!
American Food Update
Later that evening I made a meatloaf for Mr. Tyke.. he had never had one! So we had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and some veggies… I had to make it without bread (the gluten free bread had gone off) and so it didn't mold too well, but I will say it was still good! He approved, although was a bit skeptical at first.
Looking forward to the week!!! Hope you all had a good one!
Looking forward to the week!!! Hope you all had a good one!
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