Unforeseen Circumstances...

This time 4 years ago, I was road-tripping to Harding University to visit a few of my high school buddies, Jenna and Caleb included. (I love that those friendships have remained so consistent!) At the ripe old age of 18, we were adjusting to our newly-found freedoms, beginning to understand our individuality. But, we still clung to familiar relationships as we figured out what we could do with a blank slate. Four years sounded like an eternity to a bunch of freshmen. We felt pressure to decide our majors and lay the framework for our professional lives, and I think most of us changed our mind at least a few times. Heck, some of us still don't know what we want to be when we grow up. But I think we are all a lot closer to deciding who we are now than we were then.

Classic pose on the pregnant tree. Legend has it that touching this trunk makes you extra fertile. No babies yet.

This time 3 years ago, I was on family vacation during spring break. We split our week between New York City and Washington, D.C. I was a sophomore at Oklahoma State, and my sister was a junior in high school. That trip was my first experience with a subway or metro mode of transportation. I was bitten by the travel bug while walking the streets of these two fine American cities. At that point, Matthew and I had already planned our trip to Spain later in the summer to study Spanish. But little did I know that our initial experiences abroad would leave us with a severe case of cabin fever.

Outside the NYC Public Library. I still wear that coat, carry that purse, and sleep in that t-shirt. Don't know whether to be proud of my frugality or ashamed of my stagnant wardrobe.

This time 2 years ago, Matthew and I were flying over the mountains surrounding Tegucigalpa, coming in for a landing that was one of the more exciting I've endured. (This particular Honduran runway is so short that only specially qualified pilots are licensed to land on it. And they still miss sometimes.) We were part of a medical mission team sent there to teach doctors at the public hospital how to use certain orthopedic devices in surgery. After the most emotionally trying week of our lives, Matthew's desire to become a physician was solidified. The stories of the patients and families remain with me. Some haunt me, and some fill me with hope. But all of them confirmed in my soul how broken the world is, and thankfully, how great a Healer my Jesus is. It was hard to come home and plan a wedding after witnessing that level of human devastation and suffering.

Preview of the future Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Grant.

This time last year, Matthew and I were boarding separate airplanes and heading to Cambridge for a visit. We had been married for approximately 8 months. He had already been accepted to Baylor College of Medicine. As far as I was concerned, we were moving to Texas after we graduated from OSU. Then, we made a week-long trek across the United Kingdom. Matthew and Chad held some meetings with a few Cambridge colleges. They completed short interviews with their respective potential programs of study. I remember how everything felt like it was being squeezed in at the last minute. This wasn't what we had planned for our post-graduation timeline. There was no way that the laundry list of requirements would fall into place in such a crunch. But, fall into place they did. Providentially, I might add. I never expected to lay eyes on the River Cam again. I had resigned to the fact that that stamp would be the final one on my passport from UK immigrations officers. Obviously, God had other plans. And they were big. Kinda like Him. 

Matthew unwittingly wore the Girton green. Funny how that ended up.

That brings us to this year. I'm probably skipping ahead of myself a bit, but I don't feel ready to start this next journey. In my 23 years, I don't think I have ever really been ready to leave one chapter in life for the next. I left Broken Arrow because I finished high school, and it was time to go to college. Four years later, I left Stillwater because I finished college, and it was time for Matthew to get his Master's. Before we know it, we will be leaving Cambridge because Matthew will have finished his Master's. And all of a sudden, it's time to start medical school. Is this how life goes from here on out? Does my great-grandmother think to herself, "It was only yesterday that my kids were born. Then, their kids were born. Then, their kids' kids were born. And soon enough, my great-grandkids' kids will be born." How does it blow by so fast and furious? Not that I am dreading the next step. We've been well taken care of thus far, and I'm not afraid of the unknown. Although, I would be lying if I said I wasn't anxious. But, thank the Lord, the circumstances that have been unforeseen by me have been preordained by The One and Only.

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."  

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) 

As I have discovered through this wonderful detour of our months in Cambridge, I can devise all the carefully crafted plans I want. I can create spreadsheets, think of every 'what-if' scenario, prepare for the worst, and run myself ragged trying to make things work out the way I think they should. But, at the end of the day, God chooses whether I take another breath, let alone another step. And I can say with all that is within my soul, that I trust His leading. He hasn't steered me wrong yet. He's like an infallible GPS. And more graciously still, He guides me to the places I didn't even know that I needed to go with the promise of blessing me beyond measure at my final destination. Should I fall off course, He is patiently ever-present, waiting to recalculate my route for me.

This time next year I could be anywhere. I won't even attempt to guess. I assume I'll be in Houston, but you know what happens when you assume... you end up on the other side of the Atlantic among people with awesome accents. (That's how that saying goes, right?) For now, I'll take heart in the confidence I have in my uber-qualified Guide, and face my current road head on. Time to hit the ground running!

Primavera...

Today, I think that the Cambridge wanted to wish us well on our upcoming trip, and to remind us what we would be missing while we're away. So, the sun came out with more force than it has since October. It was warm enough that I even donned short sleeves! Of course, I couldn't resist traipsing around town with my handy dandy DSLR.

This tropical flower looks like it belongs in Florida or Hawaii, not England!

Super sassy and waxy red tulip(?)

The trees are getting in on the action too!

Daffodils abound nearly everywhere you look.

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter.
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here.
Here comes the sun, doo doo doo doo! Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right!

Cherry Blossoms remind me more of grapefruits than cherries. Whatever. They're ultra pink, and I love it!

Like I said, they're everywhere!

Speaking of everywhere, I think Will and Kate have made royal appearances just about everywhere except Cambridge. Until now! Behold:

Sadly, standing at the window and drooling over this jelly bean portrait is probably the closest I will ever come to these folks. But I'll take it. Quite an impressive likeness to be made of candy, no?

And finally, I paused to snap this on Queen's Road. In all my time here, I have yet to see anyone besides a tourist get inside one of these things. Do the phones even work? On the singular occasion that I opened one to view the inside, I was overcome by the stench of urine and sweat. Needless to say, I have keep a sanitary distance since.

I suppose I have now glimpsed all four seasons in Cambridge - the end of summer, an entire autumn, most of a mild winter, and just a hint of spring. Mad. Absolutely mental. It isn't possible. Feels like we just arrived. I'm simply chuffed to bits for a brief respite Stateside. But don't fret, Old Blighty, my dear - I shall return. Meanwhile, don't do anything too exciting while I'm gone.

G-Cubed...

I've been alluding to our impending trip back to the beloved US of A for quite some time now. And it just hit me, that I don't know if I have ever explicitly laid out our itinerary. So, in t-minus 45 hours, our second prolonged travel adventure will begin! I have dubbed it, "The Great Grant Getaway #2," or "G to the Third Power," or "G-Cubed" for short. And it goes a little something like this:

"Let's hear it for New Yooooork! Concrete jungle where dreams are made, oh, there's nothing you can't do! Now you're in New Yoooooork! These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you! Let's hear it for New York! New York! New York!" (Bum, bum, bum, buh.) As you can see, I'm already in an empire state of mind thanks to some Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

We will spend Friday through Tuesday in the Big Apple with our bestest bud, Caleb. He is studying at Harvard Law in the copy-cat-and-not-as-cool Cambridge, and is going to take the weekend away from his books to hang out with us. In order to illustrate how much man love there is between Matthew and Caleb, I'd have to say that I when I married Matthew, Caleb was part of the deal. He is Matthew's other significant other.

I'm sure by posting this picture to the world wide web, I have just destroyed any hope of their future political careers. But, come on, I would be selfish not to share such a gem. Really though, we are both looking forward to some quality time with Mr. Griffin. It is always a pleasure. Apart from Bullitt, Caleb is my man's best friend.

During our time together we plan on hitting all of the hokey tourist highlights in the city that never sleeps. And of course, our plan also includes consuming copious amounts of food - pizza, barbecue, etc. Trust me, these boys aren't happy unless their tummies are full. On a side note, did you know that Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco? Or, that every year there are roughly 250 films shot on location in NYC? Or, that approximately 5 million people use the city's subway system on a weekday? Me either!

Come Tuesday, the three amigos will be parting ways. Caleb will return to Harvard and to reading endless pages of court cases. Matthew will join up with his classmates in Boston for their course's international exchange program. And I will be on a flight to Tulsa. Technically, I'll first be on a flight to Chicago, and then another to Tulsa. No direct connection. Nevertheless, I'll be homeward bound!!! (I hated that movie, by the way. Made me bawl my eyes out every single time. Dog movies have scarred me for life. First, Homeward Bound. Next came My Dog Skip. Followed by the most tragic and gut-wrenching of all - Marley & Me. Cannot handle it. Gotta move on or I'll start tearing up.)

It has been far too long. T-Town may not be listed in the top 10 largest cities in the US, but it is ranked number 1 as the dearest to my heart. Oh, and according to a less biased opinion, Money Magazine deemed our hometown (Broken Arrow) as the 8th best place to retire in 2011. Sadly, it is also among the fattest cities in the nation. Cough, cough. But enough with the numbers...

I cannot explain how ready I am for the catch up sessions with friends/family that will be coming my way during my week at home. And although Matthew will not get a chance to go back to Oklahoma on this trip, he is still going to reap the benefits of family time with his relatives that live in New Bedford, Massachusetts. I'm jealous that he will be visiting all his cousins, aunts, and uncles, but he is equally as envious that I am getting to see Bullitt. Top things I will indulge in while at home: my parents' high efficiency washer AND dryer, Mexican food, Wal-Mart, Target, Braum's chocolate malts, a manicure/pedicure, a much needed haircut, my car, my comfortable bed, an automated dishwasher, and hugs. Extra doses of hugs.

Then finally, if I can reluctantly peel myself away from those glorious things, I will jet off again to meet up with Matthew in our future home, HOUSTON!!! (PS - Matthew finally accrued enough American Airlines frequent flyer miles to travel first class from Massachusetts to Texas. Fancy, schmancy pants.)

So, we are starting G-Cubed in the largest city in the US, and ending our journey in the 4th largest. Lots of pavement and skyscrapers for the next few weeks. What a wild ride!

While in "Space City" (NASA lives there), Matthew and I will be squeezing in as many important grown-up decisions as possible. For instance, we are going to buy a house. I am going to interview to (hopefully) secure an official big girl job. Matthew is going to meet with someone at Baylor's financial aid services to determine just how far into the debt ocean we will be sinking in order to fund his medical school education. Clearly, prayers during this time would be much appreciated. And advice. We won't reject either.

As evidenced by our second whirlwind travel adventure, we like to go big. End each term with extensive and exhausting excursions. Go big or go home, that's what I always say. (Not really.) But in this case, I'll do both. Go big and go home. God bless America!

Physics...

Numbers have never been my strong point. Oh, I took Calculus in high school, but I could no longer tell you what on earth a derivative is. I think I erased all that information from my brain as soon as I put down my pencil on the Advanced Placement test five years ago. (I'm sorry, Ms. Patch! You probably just cried a little after reading that. Don't lose heart - I still treasure the life lessons I learned from you, even if I can't recall the intricacies of advanced mathematics.) Furthermore, I have never been much of a science enthusiast. Biology and chemistry were excruciatingly painful subjects to endure in school. Sure, I'll watch every single documentary out there on NASA and outer space. I love Planet Earth and learning about the oddities of nature. However, these things don't require me to perform any calculations. In order to watch these shows and appreciate them, I don't need to know how to do anything except press play on the screen.

Which is why I married an engineer.

Of course, his highly functioning brain is not the only characteristic that attracted me to him. His love for the Lord, his sensitive spirit, his desire to make a difference in the world - those things helped too. But, I am truly thankful for his spatial reasoning skills, especially when I am faced with a situation like the following:

Matthew, tell me again how I'm supposed to fit all of this into one suitcase and one carry-on? And don't forget, I have my camera bag, my purse, and other random chotchkies that need to go in there too. I'm sure to you, it will be a simple and logical application of concepts like mass, weight, volume, etc. To me, it's an impossible task better left to the professionals, like yourself.

Even if I have to leave half my clothes behind and forgo a few worldly possessions, I will absolutely find a way to be in the United States of America by Friday night. Countdown commence!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I spoke too soon. The lovely spring weather and blooming wildflowers have given way to dreary scenes of drizzle and clouds. I guess the sunshine and warmth were only teasers for the season yet to come. After spending several days outside, I have now spent several days mostly indoors. Out of nowhere, we even had a freak snow shower! The flakes were falling as quickly and heavily as rain, so I was a little confused at first as to which type of precipitation it was. Despite coming down for over an hour, nothing stuck to the ground, and everything is now a cold, muddy mess. I am definitely counting on Oklahoma and Texas to deliver some spring time skies during my visit. Judging by the 60 and 70 degree days they are having now, I'm thinking they'll come through for me. Just no tornadoes, please. Thunderstorms would be fine. In fact, I can't remember the last time I heard thunder or saw lightning. Maybe I'll have to open iTunes for some "Relaxing Sounds of Nature" tracks to remember what that rumble sounds like.

In other disappointing news, my precious gardenia plant has started to shrivel. I read somewhere that coffee grounds make for good fertilizer. So, after Matthew whipped up a cup of joe one night, I swiped the grounds and added them to the dirt in my gardenia's pail. Fatal decision on my part. Killed it. At this point, it is almost entirely withered, but I haven't had the heart to dump it in the compost bin. I keep telling myself that it probably wouldn't have survived three weeks of no water or sun while we were in the States, but I can't help but feel guilty for murdering it. Or at least, negligently man-slaughtering it.  I think I've decided that I don't do well with living things in small contained habitats. During college, my fish keeping experiences were total busts. First, my Beta fish lasted a grand total of 2 weeks. (And those guys are reputedly indestructible.) Then, Stanley my black goldfish made it all of 4 hours from the time I bought him until he was belly up in the bowl. Now, my gardenia plant suffocates after 4 months. I give up.

Not completely brown and rotten, but beyond recovery.

Obviously, this calls into question my ability to care for another (and more important) living thing - namely, our dog Bullitt. But, for whatever reason, free range animals like him fare well under my supervision. Probably because I can't cuddle with a plant or stick a scarf on a fish.

FYI, this is Matt's fake smile. He was insulted due to the way I had emasculated his companion with a knitted accessory from my own collection.

Sorry for the doom and gloom today. I hope this Tuesday is tremendous for you! But, if a dead house plant and some wet weather are the worst things we have to deal with, I'd say we're doing just fine.

Florals & Formals...

(I'm just now recognizing how often my post titles are alliterative. Sorry if it is annoying. I guess these names just come naturally to my cheesy brain, and they make me feel clever. Anywho...)

Inexplicably and surprisingly, Kelsey "I-hate-running-with-an-asthmatic-passion" Grant has decided that jogging is her most recent choice form of exercise. I'm still not good at it. You'd think that playing soccer (excuse me, "football") for years would lend itself to an overall acceptable level of tolerance for this particular activity. False. I have always hated running. Without fail, I was the last person to cross the finish line in conditioning practice. During games, put a ball in front of me, and I'd sprint to it like a gazelle being pursued by a lion. But if my task involved a paced, distance goal, forget it. Inevitably it would end in tears and frustration. I say all this so you have an idea of how shocking it is that I have chosen, of my own volition, to strap on my sneakers and set off on jogs around Cambridge. Even more astonishing is that I have almost come to enjoy it. Each time, I have run a little bit farther. Incredible what two puffs of an inhaler can do to improve lung function!  I suppose the recent mild weather and endless number of nooks and crannies in our fair city have enticed me to explore my surroundings. Whatever the reason, I'm proud to report that I no longer despise this healthy pastime. Not that I will be signing up for a half-marathon or anything crazy like that, but at least I am improving my cardiovascular well-being while discovering the quaint corners of Cambridge. While out on a jogging excursion this week, I ran past this super awesome British car and had to return to get a picture of it.

Obviously, this photo has been altered with Aperture editing software, but still. This car looked like a normal, pale blue, old school beetle thing until...

I saw the roof. How patriotic! (Excuse the shadow of me holding up my camera. I had to stand on the sidewalk, on my tippy toes, arms fully extended in order to be tall enough to capture the majority of the Union Jack.)

So that was pretty fun. British Herby the Love Bug. Doubt I'll see one of those in Houston. A little further down the sidewalk, I came across more of those gorgeous flower weeds that are popping up everywhere. Spring time is officially upon us! Yippee!!! (Macro setting, engage.)

Tons of bees were pollinating their busy bee bodies all over these plants. It was a delicate balance between getting my camera close enough to see them and avoiding getting my hand stung. Of course, I think they were rather preoccupied and weren't too offended by my intrusion.

There are such a range of colors from purple and periwinkle to yellow and white.

Even stripes! I can't believe how many of these are blooming on the side of the road and under random trees. Like Someone went around with seed bombs and exploded some cheerfulness on every bare patch. Lord, You make beautiful things out of dirt!

Perfectly charming.

 ^27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

 ^30-33If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." 

Matthew 6:27-33 (The Message)

Later that evening, after completing my physical and photographic promenade (there I go again with the alliteration!), it was time for some pigging out. Queen's style. Somehow, I walked/stumbled in my high heels in the dark all the way from our flat to Queen's College for formal dinner. (And by somehow, I mean clutching Matthew's arm, tripping on the cobblestones, and creating quite a spectacle of myself. Passersby probably mistook me for Bambi. Or a baby giraffe at birth. Wobbly legs and generally unstable. Ok, maybe I wasn't that bad. But it definitely took way longer to walk there than it should have. Next time I'll have to figure out how to finagle a dress, gown, and heels on the bike. That can't end badly, right?)

Chad and Matt looked especially dapper.

For awhile, we were worried that we would be the only ones who showed up. Never fear, the place ended up being quite full.

Thanks to Sneha for letting me borrow her gown (again)! There were several guests without them, but I am more comfortable when I blend in. Totally passed as a student, I'm sure.

This is an iPhone shot of the Queen's dining hall. And yes, that center portrait above the high table is Queen Elizabeth II. The college has an old hall which is more traditional and ornate, but that one is only used on special and more intimate occasions. The wood and ceiling in this room remind me of The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World. Hints of an African vibe. I'm sure that's what the architects were going for.

Awaiting our rump steak and profiteroles. Yum, yum. The high maintenance American named Marcos who was sitting on my left was not pleased with his dining experience. "Every time I come to dinner, you never get the vegetarian dish right...the coffee has too much milk in it...it's not really bothering me, but I think you should tell the rest of the staff...blah, blah, blah." Gosh. Be grateful and stop complaining. I'd say there are bigger problems in the world than your overly white cup of joe.

With the exception of Marcos and the moment of panic when Matthew was nearly choked by a large bite of meat, the meal was very pleasant. Our inaugural inter-collegiate formal was a success. In light of our less than ideal walking journey to Queen's, we wisely opted to take the bus home. After waiting patiently at the stop for 20 minutes, we gave up and assumed the bus wasn't coming. We disappointedly headed towards home, but a few hundred feet later, we heard the familiar rumble of an oncoming double decker transportation vehicle. Thus ensued our frantic gallop back to the stop. Still wearing our gowns, we looked like Batman wannabes swooping down the street, black fabric billowing around us. Nevertheless, we made it just in time, and the doors closed behind us.

This was my first ever Citi bus ride, and I could be hooked. So quick, so cheap, so little muscular effort required.

Fun night. And that basically catches us up to today. We slept in late this morning and got up to resume our ritual weekend brunch at Pembroke. We were joined by Chad and several of Matt's classmates. Poor things, they are exhausted from working countless hours on multiple projects. I know they are all looking forward to the next two weeks being over. Although I am not exhausted in the same way that they are, I can relate to wanting to fast forward to March 16th. Home sweet home is on the horizon!

I dream about this. Cannot express how ready I am to see my puppy, veg on my super comfy sectional, and hug the necks of the people I love most. When I step foot in my parents' house, it will be for the first time in 6 months. That's the longest I have ever spent away from home, as well as the longest I have ever been abroad. I don't know how military families deal with year-long deployments of loved ones. Makes me appreciate their sacrifices even more.

Well, I probably ought to start researching a recipe for dinner. Minced beef is on the menu, along with ???? Yeah, I better get on that. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ox-ferd...

Cambridge and Oxford are like bickering twin sisters. They are virtually identical in every way. Born at almost the same time, one has turned out slightly larger than the other; but, the basic personality and characteristics are incredibly similar. For whatever reason, they have grown up as rivals, despite their common ground. One is more right-brained and scientific, producing discoveries that lead to Nobel Prizes. The other is more artsy and social, with aspirations involving politics and literature. After meeting both, I am happy to have befriended Cambridge. She has been good to us, and I would choose her over her sister any day.

All that aside, our tour of Oxford was a series of déjà vu moments. For the most part, the colleges have the same names, the shops have the same names, the overall ambiance is the same. Oxford feels slightly more cosmopolitan due to its wider streets and higher level of hustle and bustle, but that was the extent of the differences. Tour guide Matt liked to make fun of the way us Americans pronounced "Oxford." I guess it comes out "Ox-ferd." He informed us that the English use a more gutteral "-furt" sound. Whatever. I'm American - deal with it. And while we are on the subject of names, the city has a logical name just like Cambridge does. Cambridge = Bridge over the river Cam. Oxford = Ford (lowest point of a river bed) where the herds of Oxen can cross over. Creative, huh? So, without further adieu, here was our experience in a nutshell:

Took a brief browse through the Ashmolean Museum (the Oxford equivalent of the Fitzwilliam Museum.) The huge (free admission) galleries contain headlining exhibitions like Manet and Stradivarius violins. Don't tell anyone, but this museum beats the Fitzwilliam. Oxford: 1 vs. Cambridge: 0. Sshhh...

Wall o' heads. Kind of took me aback. I felt like they were all watching me walk up the stairs and waiting for me to trip.

Our guided tour began at the Martyr Memorial. It was dedicated to the Protestants that Queen Mary Tudor burned at the stake in Oxford. It's shocking to me that Catholics and Protestants could ever be pitted against each other. Same God, people.

"X" marks the spot where the Protestants were burned. And thus, you have the origin of the name for the "Bloody Mary" cocktail.

A prankster artist named Gormley likes to plop his sculptures in random places. This statue of a man has popped up in numerous locations, including the roof of this building.

Another street artist was a little more subtle with his or her work.

The impressive Bodleian Library, home to nearly 7 million books and 1 million maps situated on 105 miles of shelving! This is a copyright library (like the one in Cambridge), and they have already built an additional warehouse outside of town to start filling with their abundance of printed materials. That extra warehouse is projected to run out of room in 2030. Perhaps even more impressive is...

...this door of the Bodliean, which is featured in the first two Harry Potter films. Oxford: 2 vs. Cambridge: 0. But don't lose hope just yet!

The other doors in the inner quadrangle of the "Bod" are still labeled as they were back in medieval times. Each one led to a different area of study, whether it be philosophy, Hebrew and Greek, mathematics, etc. This one was particularly special to hubby as it was the "Study of Life Medicine" entrance. (PS - Did you know that the Brits abbreviate mathematics as "maths" instead of "math." When I hear the word spoken, I always think the person has a lisp.)

Outside of Christ Church College we had to pause for a photo op. I mistakenly thought that this was C.S. Lewis' stomping grounds. However, he studied at University College and taught at Magdalen College. Fail. But at least I walked the same streets as he once did. On the up side, inside Christ Church is the Harry Potter Hogwarts dining hall and one of the Hogwarts staircases.

The middle window on the top floor was the study of J.R.R. Tolkein, the writer of The Lord of the Rings saga and good friend to C.S. Lewis. He was a fellow of Pembroke College, which is the sister college to Queen's in Cambridge. On the day we were visiting Oxford, our friend Chad was doing an exchange at Pembroke College because he is a member of Queen's. I know, it's confusing.

Doors are my new lamp posts.

Well hello, Mr. Photogenic. Get your blue steel face on! (I'm sure he'll love me for that one.)

I would absolutely cuddle up with a good book in this place, the university reading room. Students check out their books at the Bod and then take them down a short path to read them here. No wonder Oxford produces renowned writers and students of literature. Who wouldn't want to utilize this building?

This is one of the routes from the reading room back to the library. Not really too significant historically, but I thought it was pretty.

The Bridge of Sighs. Cool, but clearly not as breathtaking as the one that spans the river at St. John's in Cambridge. We're catching up! Oxford: 2 vs. Cambridge: 1. Oh, and this one spans a street instead of a scenic canal. So, I believe that Cambridge deserves another point. Oxford: 2 vs. Cambridge: 2. It's anyone's game!

The Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is where Oxford students receive their degrees. Sorry, but once again, home sweet home wins in this category. Creepy, disproportionate heads guarding a pseudo-octagonal building can't hold a candle to the symmetrical glory of The Senate House. Oxford: 2 vs. Cambridge: 3. Finally pulling ahead, but will we maintain the victory???

Matthew and I attempted to implement our tried and true method of strutting into a college looking like we own the place in order to avoid the tourist fee. Well, we made it a decent distance into the courtyard before this ultra pleasant female porter (yes, that's a woman) yelled at us and kicked us out. At least we tried. That cranky lady subtracted a point from Oxford in my book. And I believe that leaves us at Oxford: 1 vs. Cambridge: 3. Game over!!! Cambridge wins!

And we ended our day with a masterfully painted sky. Not too shabby.

Whether or not you agree with my bogus scoring system, I stand by my preference for Cambridge over Oxford. That's not to say that if Matthew went to Oxford I wouldn't claim the opposite, but nevertheless... I'm glad we got to visit rival turf and learn more about the connections between the two universities. It was a day well spent as far as I'm concerned.

Tonight, Matthew and I are accompanying Chad to formal dinner at Queen's College. Last night, Chad went to Homerton College's formal, and it was Harry Potter themed. And by themed, I mean that they hired live owl handlers to be stationed around the dining hall while the Hedwig impersonators flew around. I want to know why we weren't invited to that one! Just kidding. But, sounds exciting doesn't it? I'm looking forward to catching up with Chad, and I'll take any excuse to dress up and go out to eat.

Well, happy March everyone! Can't believe February is gone already, and with it, the winter weather. Today was a sunny and mild day in jolly ol' England, and I hope it was bright where you live. I'm crossing my fingers that the warming trend continues. Cheers!