So if you read my most recent entry you will remember that we had a big paper due today and were all staying up late last night. Well, I finished my paper and turned it in this morning. However, I did not go to bed until 4:20 AM (10:30 PM Bama time). Sometimes I just feel like I might as well stay up if I'm going to have stayed up late at all. I did eventually have to go to bed, though, and at "Half four" as the British call 4:30, I laid down on my bottom bunk for a quick nap.
In our craziness last night, we decide to have fun with our last day of Invasions class. We decorated the classroom with streamers, and the girls dressed crazily. Most of us wore tights; mine were neon orange. We were all mismatched, but ironically, still considered in style in the big city. It was a nice change. I kept the outfit on all day and soaked up being able to be bold in fashion. I'm sure an outfit like I wore today would probably warrant a special feature in the East Lauderdale News or something.
I went as the awkward third wheel to lunch with Philip and Rachel. Nah, it really wasn't that bad. Philip and Rachel are a lot of fun, and even though they're newlyweds, they don't want to spend ALL of their time alone. I have really enjoyed getting to know them. Twelve days until home and I just had my first cucumber sandwich. It was okay. I wouldn't crave it or anything. By the way, sandwiches here automatically come on wheat or "brown" bread, and if you want white, you have to specially ask for it. Another interesting event: when our post-lunch tea and scones arrived to the table, the sun was shining. NO LIE-- within SIX minutes, the weather changed from sunny to raining to hail. I wish I would have had my video camera. It was insane. I talked to Roger tonight and he said he was on his way to visit the gardens of the American ambassador when it started raining, and in his words, "I abandoned it." He said his "trousers got soaked," but by the time he was back at home "it was beautiful sunshine." After recounting all of this to me, he just laughed. Even after forty years of living in London I guess one never gets tired of the ever-changing weather.
Anyways... the weather cleared up a little and the three of us went shopping on High Street Kensington. We went into Marks and Spencer and H&M (where I bought some cute summer clothes!) After we were finished, we walked back to the house. We stopped at Partridge's-- a grocery store on Gloucester Road-- and checked out the American food section. They have Oreos, Betty Crocker cake mixes, Goldfish, and lots of American cereals. Would you believe a regular box of Cheerios is $16? SIXTEEN DOLLARS. Believe it. We left Partridge's and continued onto the house and I stopped off at the post office to pick up a few things.
A little while later, Rachel and I went out again and walked to Chelsea. The weather was so delightful today; I didn't have to wear a coat. Coming back from the States, I was worried that I would be thrust back into December weather, but this week has been so nice. We went to Cath Kidston (a favorite) and got a few gifts (*Mom*). I love that store. Everything is so cute yet soooooo pricey. As we walked out we said goodbye and lamented the fact that we would not be returning to Cath Kidston for a long time. We crossed the street and went into Paperchase in search of journals and other paper goods. We were a little disappointed, and in ten minutes, guess where we were? Back in Cath Kidston. I know, pathetic. The cashier said, "You didn't make it very far."
We walked back to the house from Cath Kidston and I came up to the room to see if I could get somewhere on a resume for a job in the fall. I made a little progress, but also got a lot of other things done in the room such as cleaning, putting up all of my exciting new purchases, journaling, crossing things off my list, and checking my email about fifteen times.
Tomorrow starts my last weekend in London. Let's make the most of it!
