I applied

I turned in my "pre-application" to be allowed to apply for the PhD program at the library school on Friday. It was two days late; but nice Joanne in the office said, "We don't get very many of these; I don't think it'll be a problem." I had total anxiety about writing this thing! It was only two pages, and all I had to do was say what I wanted to do, who I wanted to work with, how it built on my academic / work experience so far, and with which department I could partner. But I think I had a big anxiety block.

If I get in, I will do it part time, while still working. And will obviously cut down on other things going on in life currently. But I will still make lots of time to stare off into space.

I bet "mental health" is our most-frequently-used tag.

London Town

Jude and I have been having a good time in London. My thesis is in (YAY) but I still have a scholarship application due next week, so that has been hanging over my head. However, it looks like I will have it in on time, so can RELAX and enjoy the big city! Yesterday we went to the National Portrait Gallery - Judith saw a lot more stuff than me. Guess I was just being slow! Then we headed over to Victoria to see a matinee of Wicked. We were one row from the front and you could see every detail! The costumes were just incredible. And the flying monkeys freaked me out.

I am so proud of us - we have navigated the transit perfectly and not got lost whatsoever. We have been walking quite a bit too, rather than blindly taking the Tube everywhere. We found a bookshop that only stocks mysteries called Murder One, which was quite cool, and replenished our book supplies. Today I had to work on my scholarship this morning and am meeting my friend Jason this afternoon, but Jude and I will meet up for tea (free in the Executive Lounge of the hotel... and man am I ever enjoying my access to the Executive Lounge!) and will go find a nice pub or something tonight. Been really nice having some time to spend with Judith - am very glad I skipped out on work for a couple of days!!

Social Scene

Yes, it's true I met them in the airport and said 'hi, I really liked your music this weekend, and did you know that my sister Allison will be marrying Brendan Canning in September?' 'Thanks a lot' they said, 'he'll wear the pink tanktop'
I was very excited.
Then went and slept in airport lounge until my flight was going to leave. Though I did realize that I lost my boarding pass, but went to bathroom and retrieved it in stall right by toilet. Yuck.
I bought a handbag online! Like Allison's but in Firebrick Red, with a Willow design.
Folkfest was a lot of fun as usual. Saw Sue and Mike 2X in beer garden and had a good if slightly alcoholic visit!
It is always nice to see everyone there, though some lame ducks didn't come. We missed them in the beer tent.
I have to work tonight, then to Montana tomorrow after I sleep some in the morning to visit Kris, Rhonda and families.
Alex the driver is very nice, I was happy to meet him.
Jude, you should have struck up a conversation with the band! Though to be honest, I would suppose that they would prefer to be travelling around people who don't stare at them and then make weird conversation.

Home from a great festival

Well, my folkfest is over, and I'm safe back home. I got into Edmonton late Thursday, and went straight to Jude's, aided by a helpful shuttle driver who dropped me at the front door! I met up with Al and Lisa and their friend Carmen for a really good lunch at the wildflower cafe. I had roast beef and yorkshire pudding poutine. Then it was back to Jude's to wait paitiently (except Al) for Laura to drive us to the site. Al and I waited in line- no colour lottery for us, but we got a good spot. The music on Friday was good- I saw Tom Russell who I knew I liked, and Outlaw Social, who I didn't know I liked, and who are from Victoria. Saturday was up early for the colour lottery with Jude and Al and Mom and Grace (Laura drove us). We did ok, and Al got an awesome tarp spot! The day was super fun, and super hot. Tim, Ty and I beat the heat in the beer garden after the 2:00 mainstage show. I saw more of Tom Russell, and Ridley Bent, whose a sort of urban country singer. Very good. The main stage that night wasn't too exciting, so when we felt a few drops of rain, we packed up quickly. Turns out it was a good thing, since it started to pour when we dropped off Lisa.
I got up early to help with the colour lottery, and my luck helped us get a spot in the third round! I'm anxious to hear how good the spot was. A quick brekkie, and Mom drove me back to the airport. A busy, fun weekend, with lots of good music, and lots of good new music! I was so glad I was able to go - thanks again Jude!