Oxford: A Reflection on Gratitude

A priest recently assigned me to sit and think of the people and experiences I'm grateful for in Oxford. I suppose it's a really good exercise for life, to accept where we are and love life the way it is. So, here's a list (in no particular order) of some of the things about Oxford I'm most grateful for:

• Oxford is truly beautiful. I've never lived somewhere with this much architectural beauty--and probably never will again. It's taught me to pay more attention to beauty in my daily life, not to overlook it as common-place.
• For the first time in my life, I have a wonderful group of female friends. Making female friends has been a real challenge for me all of my life. I feel so immensely grateful for the women I've met here and their acceptance.
• I've been a part of a wonderful Christian community this past year. I prayed so hard for one last year. I often felt lost and alone. This year, I've felt the love and support of the Catholics and the chaplaincy and many of my Christian coursemates.
• All of my coursemates are awesome and amazing. I'm always grateful for the chance to be around other clever people. It helps me keep my own life and education in perspective.
• CLC has changed my life.
• I would never have gotten involved in ballet if it wasn't for the Oxford University Dance Society. Dancing on stage was an amazing experience. I am strong and flexible as I've ever been. And I've learned to truly love ballet, as a performer and a spectator.
• I'm so glad to have been able to learn so much about English culture! Beans on toast... Doctor Who... tea... But I'm grateful for the subtle ways being in England has affected my American psyche. I don't feel rushed urgency the way I used to. It's a habit I hope I can keep.
• Most of all, I've made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. So many of my Oxford friends have already changed my life.
  

The last week has been pretty difficult. I'm feeling desperate to finish my dissertation, be with Adam again, and to get on with my life. But this is my life right now. And it's beautiful.

(Sorry for the quality of the recording of my favorite pep song. They sound WAY better on the CD!)

Experiences I Wish I Could Have Shared with Adam #1

After a few days of fairly heavy posts, I thought I'd offer something a bit lighter.

Oxford academic years are divided into three eight-week terms: Michelmas, Hilary, and Trinity. For people who aren't sitting exams, Trinity Term is the fun term. There's a lot of work to be done, but the mood shifts from gloom and panic to a better sense of perspective and fun. That's where punting comes in.

Punting is a lot like riding in a gondola. Well, a bit. It's actually a lot more rustic. Beautiful. Someone stands in the back of the boat and pushes it along the river, steering by using the pole as a kind of rudder. Everyone else lounges in the front of the boat, soaking in the sun--or at least the light glare off the clouds. Adam and I have never had the great fortune to go punting together, but I did have a delightful time punting with friends.

Punting together made it onto a recent "to-do list for life" that Adam made. Hopefully I'll post more about that later. See more punting pictures here.