38 days

38 days until my flight! I have had so much to do in preparation. First of all, I have to acquire a visa from the British Consulate in New York! I had to fill out an online application, go into Boston for a biometrics appointment where they put in my information from my passport/license, took my fingerprints, and my photo. The next day, I had to get my photos done at Triple A to sent to the consulate in the mail, along with my tier 4 self assessment, a copy of my application, and my actual passport (which makes me a little nervous.) But it is under review and I find out soon if I am approved!

On another note, I received my housing allocations, the school I will be working at, and my class schedule! I am living near the River Avon on a cobblestone street with 3 roommates, also from ASE. I am working at Hayesfeild School for Girls in the History department all day on tuesdays, and I am taking the 8 credit education programme, History of the Middle Ages: the formation of England 400-1400, and Tudor and Stuart England. Everything is coming together!

I love Saint Mike's so much, but I am so excited to be getting this amazing experience!

Keep Calm and Follow the Moon:) 

Let it Snow!....Please?

Its finally December 1st! December, besides September, is my favorite month.  Yes, I love Christmas. Who doesn't? But I do not love it for the superficial fact that I get presents.  It is the feeling that Christmas brings.  I try to not get stressed about the holidays and enjoy them for what they are supposed to be: spending time with people you love.  My mom and I have a wonderful tradition of seeing Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker every year.  It is hands down my favorite tradition. Ever. We often go in to town early, grab dinner on Newbury Street, and then go into the show. My dad drives us in, eats dinner with us, and then goes Christmas shopping (Ballet is not his favorite thing...understandably). But it is a great time and I love getting to bond with my Mom.  Now that I am in college I truly appreciate my time with my family a lot more.

Last Year we had great seats! So close (this is the curtain for the performance)

Another fabulous tradition my family has is hosting a Christmas Eve party at my house.  It is so fun, filled with laughter, food, drink, and cheer.  We always have a Yankee swap, which is so entertaining.  Everyone gets so intense and pushy about their gifts, but its all in good fun. 

Here are some photos from a McCarter Christmas :) 

Its hard to enjoy the beginning of December with all of the stress of school.  I have a huge paper due next week on Psychological Warfare in WWII, a lesson plan, and a paper on Orwell's 1984. But for me, finals will be pretty simple, consisting of only a take-home exam in my Christianity class (I lucked out this year)  But I will try and make time for my wonderful friends who I won't see for  quite a while and maybe go out to dinner some night before finals. 

But these are some of the many reasons why I love December and Christmastime. 

Do you have any fun traditions of your own?

Keep Calm and Follow the Moon:)