A big election day (in more ways than just one)!!!

Hello! 

Jac and I had a nice time in Edinburgh! We didn't accomplish many things on our list (other than having a really fun time together). Thankfully, Edinburgh is only a short jaunt away (45 mins. by train). I left my planner at home by accident and discovered upon my return that I will be in Edinburgh again next Monday for my course! :)  

Now to the juicy bits:

Unless you are living under a rock, you know that Barack Obama won the election in a LANDSLIDE! :) The international perspective was quite interesting, as many British folks were so excited about election day and asking us Americans our thoughts, opinions and questions about our voting system. I found their enthusiasm and interest in our election to be completely refreshing. Thankfully, according to the voter turnout numbers in America, Americans were also enthusiastic about voting! :) 

I went to bed on election night around 11:30 p.m. and woke up again at 3:15 a.m. At 4:00 a.m. the West Coast returns came in and Obama was called the winner! :) :) :) I could hear cheers throughout my block! When Obama gave his acceptance speech, I actually cried. It is an awe-inspiring moment to watch history unfold and bittersweet to know that you can't be in America to witness it...I must say, I would have given just about anything to have been in Grant Park to hear his speech! 

I saw that McCain won every single county in Oklahoma (all 77 of them), giving him the largest margin of victory than any other state (and Oklahoma was the only state in which he won all of the counties). I know that many friends, family and acquaintances in Oklahoma voted for McCain and are upset that he lost. Sadly, I received a few messages that were less than kind regarding my support of Obama...everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, but I am saddened by the display of ignorance in those remarks (and countless MySpace and Facebook status messages). 

Also on Election Day, I met with the Head of my Department to discuss my dissertation proposal. Thankfully, my proposal was approved and I will be researching/writing on the 1999 Museum and Galleries Commission Report on Museums and Insurance here in the UK. 

The Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC) was responsible for advising the UK government and museums on the security of museums and exhibitions. However, in 1998, one year before the report, it was announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that the Museum and Galleries Commission would be disbanded in the year 2000 and would be absorbed by the Library and Information Commission (LIC); creating a new body (the Museum, Libraries and Archive Council) that would be responsible for the strategic direction of museums, libraries and archives in the UK, inheriting the responsibilities of the MGC and the LIC.

I intend to explore the effectiveness of the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council by scrutinizing reports, the new (October 2008) initiative for the development of a National strategy for museums in England and the impact of such reports on museums via case studies. 

I am interested in the following questions: How were the identified issues in the Museum and Galleries Commission’s 1999 report managed? Do the same issues/problems persist? Are there any new problems? How much focus is given by MLA to important museum issues, such as gifts made in lieu of inheritance tax, a comprehensive insurance policy and an automatic government indemnity scheme? Are museums getting lost in the shuffle?

My goal is to understand how effectively the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is protecting museums of the United Kingdom.  How have things improved since the Museum and Galleries Commission report almost ten years ago? What issues current issues are museums facing in regard to risk management? What does the future hold? 

Whew...I know that is a LOT of information to take it, but it does excite me in a way that I can't even begin to describe. Thankfully, Liz loved my proposal and said that it was fresh, interesting and something that I was clearly passionate about. :) 

At the same meeting, I discussed with her the possibility of returning to the program in the Fall 2009 to write my dissertation as a University of Glasgow student. Liz said that I would need to petition the faculty in my department for permission, but she felt there was no reason why they would not allow me to do so!!!! :) :) :) Also, I would not be required to wait until the "normal" writing period of April to September...rather, I would be able to begin writing in the Fall 2009 semester! :)

Thus, I met with the International Office last week to discuss my visa options and such. I will need to petition my faculty by January 23rd and I will know more then. :)

I am sure your retinas are burning looking at the screen after all of this information...more later, I promise!

-Vanessa

P.S. Have also managed to cut and color my hair again (how many incarnations have you seen in such a short amount of time) in hopes of looking more "polished" in preparation for our upcoming job placement experiences next semester. :) The photo from the post on Sunday was taken on my way out the door to meet Jac and the train to Edinburgh. 

Ferris Bueller has a point

"Life goes by pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."-Ferris Bueller

Dear Faithful Readers (who haven't disowned me yet),

As you know, I've been quite busy keeping up with course demands and completely neglecting my blog. I have so many GREAT things to fill you all in on! 

I am headed to Edinburgh today with Jac for a mini-mini-mini break and to take in a few museums, as well as begin research for our dissertations and upcoming essays. We both are in desperate need of a break that takes us outside of Glasgow. 

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, but they are forecasting hail for a good portion of the day....we are leaving in about an hour and it is just pouring rain now.

I don't have enough time for a comprehensive post this morning, but enough time for me to grovel. 

Thanks for your patience and I promise to fill you all in soon (aka tomorrow at the latest).

-Vanessa

Thank heavens for Craig Ferguson!

The first week of classes were as I suspected---intense, exciting and informative. :) As I've mentioned before, the History of Art Department is FANTASTIC at introducing us to the museum and art community, both here in Glasgow and beyond. Our introductions occur via lectures, museum receptions, exhibition openings, field trips, etc. Today, we are journeying to Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire (see: www.drumlanrig.com ). I will be meeting with the head of my department on Wednesday to discuss my Personal Development Plan (PDP) and my potential dissertation topic...I think I may have changed subject area, but I will let you know after I visit with Liz. 

I worry (after re-reading this blog) that I am yammering on about things you all might find boring. I realize that I have been neglecting the cultural aspects of living in a new country and I sincerely apologize for that...I suppose I was just giving myself some time to digest these differences first before making comments about them (i.e. ice trays). Since I've been here a month (ALREADY) it's high time that I clue you all in on some cultural/societal things...

• I live in the West End of Glasgow =VERY hip, VERY trendy, VERY expensive part of Glasgow to live in. My dorms are surrounded by GORGEOUS and EXPENSIVE apartments that I would give just about anything to live in! 
• No one really wears t-shirts here...so, when I am chilling in the Botanical Gardens on Saturdays and Sundays, I can be found wearing jeans, a sweater (lightweight) and some comfy shoes. I made the mistake of wearing my t-shirt out once and I felt COMPLETELY out of place. Now, I just blend in. :)
• Coffee and tea time is very important socially in this country. I have quite possibly consumed more coffee in the month I've been here than in my ENTIRE life. I suppose I love the 'idea' that coffee and tea embody here: take a breath, catch-up with friends and share a few laughs. This is definitely something I could get accustomed to!
• I journeyed over the weekend to Sir Walter Scott's house a few hours away with 2 classmates. One of my classmates was our fearless driver and we were apparently driving on the German Autobahn...I have NEVER felt carsick in my life and I was completely gray during the entire journey there (we took VERY curvy back roads). The views were amazing, but I did make the mistake of sitting behind the driver (on the right side of the car) and the passing traffic didn't make things any better. Note to self: pick up a sedative before riding again. 
• It is amazing how close you become with people you only met a month ago. I feel like I have known these people FOREVER and I can't believe that it has only been a month. A week here feels like months at home....interesting.
• I seriously love my friends here (and miss my friends in the States like CRAZY). I feel so lucky to have wonderful friends on at least 2 continents. I am close with 2 Americans (Jacquie and Aimee) and several girls from my program (Naomi and Karen) and with the former owners of the Tomato (David and Edward) and the first friend I made here (Jen). I would say this is my core group of friends and although I do hang out with other people, these folks know me the most. 
• I miss college football culture; I miss hearing Gameday; I miss yammering on about the Sooners and the polls in the grocery store, at work, etc. It is really hard for me to miss this fantastic football season...now I know how my best friend Melissa felt when she moved back to Chicago and couldn't attend the games anymore. People look at me BLANKLY when I tell them how excited I am that we are now #1 in the polls...only Americans seem to understand and some Americans (err...Jac) doesn't quite understand the magnitude of being #1. I never considered myself a HUGE college football fan (or even OU fan), but I suppose a time difference of 6 hours and 6,000 miles changed that! 
• Must confess that lately I have been completely ADDICTED to watching snippets from the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Youtube...I suppose he is helping me to bridge the cultural gap, as he is a Glaswegian living in America and I am an American living in Glasgow. Also, he just makes me laugh out loud and how can that ever be a negative thing? Interestingly, my friend David reminds me of Craig Ferguson---facial expressions, Scottish sense of humor, etc. It is hilarious to listen to David make fun of Americans who came into his coffee shop wanting to know about EdinBURG. A riot! :)

I hope these cultural musings have been informative (or at least interesting) and I plan to continue onward with them. Have a great day! 

-Vanessa

Ticket, please?

Today is officially the first day of classes, although I did technically have a 1st class meeting last week. Nonetheless, I feel like I have reached the first summit on a roller coaster; I can hear the chink-chink of the gears bringing me up to this point and then that eerie moment of calm before the screaming begins. :O

Please allow me to clarify by saying that I do not feel nervous per se (which NEVER happens for me), I am just keenly aware of the power this educational opportunity could exhibit in both my professional and personal life. I am already making valuable connections with museum professionals and my fellow classmates---future museum professionals. Our group of 30 is quickly becoming more cohesive and I also expect that for our smaller sect (12) of History of Collecting and Collections students. This will be an intense experience for all involved and I am eager to see how far I can push myself, how many comfort zones can I break out of, how can I challenge myself in new ways? 

Above all, I want to ultimately be present for this entire experience. 

Some would say/have said (and probably won't EVER read this) that I should not put too much pressure on myself and this experience because I am merely an exchange student and I am NOT writing the dissertation.  (I will meet all of the requirements to earn the Diploma, but if I wanted to write the dissertation, I would be required to pay Glasgow tuition and fees for the year; about $30,000 USD). Here's my train of thought: 

• I am required to do EVERYTHING leading up to the actual writing of the dissertation. This includes: a 4,000 word Literature Review, a formal presentation of my research and a formal research proposal that will either receive approval or not. 
• My potential dissertation topic could be rolled into a PhD or I may have the opportunity to return to the University of Glasgow to write my dissertation....
• This is an INVESTMENT. I will be receiving an ivy-league caliber education (Glasgow is one of the top 100 universities in the WORLD) by only paying OU tuition and fees. Why not take advantage of that?
• I am building connections that I was not/could not build at home in the U.S. 
• The access that we are provided to Glasgow museums, collections and curators is incredible. We have world-renowned art institutions here and we are encouraged to utilize them to the fullest. 
• I am interested in possibly remaining in the U.K. to pursue work or other educational opportunities, so I really need to make the best of this opportunity! :)

I realize this sounds a bit like a rant, but I just want folks to understand the magnitude of this opportunity and the types of doors it is ALREADY opening for me. I still can't believe that I am here; that I live here and that this is now my life. Every day I awake absolutely thankful for my life. I live in a place that I LOVE, surrounded by so many wonderful people, museums and weather patterns. 

Yes, it has been difficult to leave so many of the people I love in America. The two hardest things for me have been the inability to merely pick up the phone and call people and the idea that I will not see many of the people I love for at least the next year---if not longer if I can gain permission to stay in the U.K. for up to 2 years via the Scotland Scheme (more on that later as I find out additional information, folks). 

It looks like I will be headed to Edinburgh for the Impressionism & Scotland: Taste and Critical Reception Conference at the National Gallery of Scotland October 9-10. Vivien Hamiliton is giving a talk, along with the head of my department and the head of Culture and Sport Glasgow. With my potential dissertation topic in mind, this seems to be a good jumping off point. Will be checking with my fellow students this week to see if anyone else is interested in attending and if they'd like to bus together and possibly share a room somewhere. If not, looks like I'll be heading to Edinburgh on my own.

Many thanks for all the support, encouragement and love from my family, friends and former co-workers. I wouldn't be here without you all and I carry you all with me in my heart. Please know that I love and miss you all and that I will do my very best to keep up with communication while I am here. I still want to know what is happening in YOUR life, so keep me abreast! And, if any of you are interested in visiting Scotland while I am here, let me know and I can brief you on the academic calendar and such. 

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So....get on your way...." -Dr. Seuss

-Vanessa

Small World Moment

This week has been a marathon. Plain and simple. 

My department (History of Art) has hosted an ENTIRE week of activities, behind-the-scenes tours on campus, at museums, galleries, churches, etc. Couple that with all of the overwhelming academic information and all 30 of us are walking around like a bunch of zombies.

Let me clarify that I am INSANELY grateful for my department's intense introduction to Postgraduate study. No other program on campus does even half of the introduction that the History of Art department provides. I am VERY grateful for the sense of community the introduction has created; our group is already cohesive and we are all looking forward to shouldering the intense work load alongside one another. Also, we are being introduced in the vibrant community of museum professionals. 

Yesterday, we travelled to the Burrell Collection, where we met with Vivien Hamilton, head of the Art Research Division for Culture and Sport Glasgow. Culture and Sport Glasgow is responsible for all of the public museums in Glasgow. Vivien spoke to us about utilizing the collections of Glasgow for our dissertation research. Based on our connection to the University of Glasgow History of Art Department, we are granted FANTASTIC access to basically whatever we want---items, curators, etc.!  

As we met with Vivien, we went around the table, discussing our backgrounds, our future job intentions and what we think we'd like to write for our dissertations. Vivien was quite interested in my job intentions and the Industrial/Organizational approach I could bring to the table in museum management. Although I didn't really have a dissertation topic selected yet, she did recommend that I go straight to the top and speak with Mike O'Neil, the head of Culture and Sport Glasgow. She doesn't typically recommend that people start at the top, but in my case, it is a good recommendation. Thankfully, he will be speaking to my class in late November, so that will be a GREAT time to meet him. Vivien and Liz (the Head of the History of Art Department) will suggest a 'reading list' for me, as Mark is VERY well-read. I think my head was actually spinning at this point. :)

After everyone went through his/her spiel, I was feeling a bit behind...about half of my classmates have VERY focused research/dissertation ideas. I seriously had NOT a clue, as I am trying to be a bit sponge-like; soaking in everything. Found out later in the afternoon that we need to pick a topic by October 21, so there is a bit more time for research. I finally matriculated on Wednesday and received my ID card which FINALLY allows me to enter the library. Headed to the library (AMAZING) after class today and picked up some required reading and a few books on the National Gallery of Scotland and some on the museums and galleries in Glasgow. 

I started to brainstorm earlier in the day that I would really like to focus on Impressionist art...after all, I do LOVE Impressionist art and how often will I actually be granted the access, permission and assistance to better understand some aspect of Impressionist art? 

So, I stumbled upon this book: Millet to Matisse: Nineteenth-and Twentieth-Century French Painting from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located on our campus, so I thought that was a good sign. Checked-out the book and headed to my favorite haunt---The Tomato---a great little sandwich/juice/coffee shop ran by two really nice guys whom I've befriended. After hulking ALL of my books down to the Tomato, I open up the battered copy of the book thumbed through it and found exactly what I was looking for...a very good start for a potential dissertation topic. Continued reading and then wondered if any more books might exist about French painting in the Kelvingrove; made a note to research the author.....guess who wrote the book?

Yep, you've guessed it. Vivien Hamilton

Talk about being EXACTLY where I need to be. ;) 

Papa was an excellent gardener

Today is a bittersweet day; today would have been Papa's 77th Birthday. 

I remember joking with him during what would turn out to be his last summer that we should have a HUGE party to celebrate the 77th Birthday. He laughed it off and we went back to shooting the breeze. I miss his laughter, his hugs, his funny jokes, phone calls prodding me to return calls; the list could go on for miles. Above all, I just miss him. I miss being able to tell him things, ask for advice and let him know just how much I love him. 

In recent days I have felt increasingly guilty for all of the times that I didn't return phone calls, went home from my grandparent's house a bit earlier so I could take care of some menial task. I feel guilty that during my last summer with him, I was so devastated with my own personal situation, that I felt paralyzed. Papa gave me the most comfort during that trying time when he randomly called me up (and when I wasn't really in the mood to talk to ANYONE about my issues---except my therapist) and said the following: "I don't know how to help you not hurt anymore by this, Vanessa. Just please know that I hurt for you."

Today, I am hurting for him; longing for him. In my head, I know that Papa is in a better place and is no longer suffering here on Earth. I hope he knew how much I loved him and how much I appreciated everything he ever did for me. 

I will end this with a quote that I find particularly comforting:

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -Marcel Proust

Papa was an excellent gardener. 

Part 2: The Journey Explained

Quickly realized that I was not merely dreaming. Ventured down to the Residential Services Desk where I was given directions on how to get to the Main Campus. I set out about 3 and apparently confused the directions and ended up walking about 2 miles out of the way! However, I am a firm believer in "happy accidents" and I did meet a wonderful 30 something woman (Kristen) who walked along with me, chatted about school and invited me to her upcoming housewarming party. 

From the start, I was greeted by friendly, kind and helpful people. I am forever grateful for the kindness of strangers and the patience of new-found friends. Perused the older campus area and then went to the Visitor's Centre Gift Shop where I purchased a few things on the sale table to spruce up my room. Chatted up the ladies at the cash register and they recommended a GREAT tea shop and used book store. Once again (although NO fault of my own this time) it took much longer than necessary for me to reach my desired destination. The tea shop is off a side street, down an alley-like dead-end and around the corner of a building. The shop is quaint and cozy; old-lady couches, chairs, various paintings adorn the walls, friends surround the fireplace and a young couple on a date were playing some game that I did not recognize. Ordered green tea to relax a little and a bowl of vegetarian carrot and lentil soup---DELICIOUS and a bargain at 4.50 quid for the entire thing. Must go back with friends and hang out. Must.

The following day I once again ventured out around 3:00 (hey, a girl has to be proactive about overcoming jet lag) and once again went to the Residential Services Desk. As I was relaying my previous day's adventures, the Receptionist (Jen) who checked me in the day before was off duty and offered to show me to city centre so that I could buy useful things (like pots and pans, groceries, etc.). Jen proved particularly useful in helping me secure waterproof shoes, pots and pans, groceries, etc. Jen is a native of Banff, Scotland and is in her 3rd year at Uni (what the locals call university), studying Scottish literature. 

I spent the next several days shopping for more supplies, redecorating my room (quite creatively, if you ask me), reading and enjoying the Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens are a shortcut to campus from my hall of residence. Although there are many LARGE hills in the Gardens (and everywhere else in Glasgow), it is definitely worth the extra leg muscle. At least my calves will be enviable in no time at all. :) 

On Sunday (August 30), Jen and I ran into her swimming group at a local coffee shop and I was introduced to some lovely folks. Also met Jen's friend from Dundee, so enjoyed far too much conversation and coffee for one day!

Thus far, the weather has been MUGGY and damp with intermittent rain showers...thankfully, Monday (Sept. 1) signifies the arrival of Autumn, as the sun appears, the clouds disperse and the air is a bit crisper! YEAH! :)

On Monday, I met up with the American (Jacquie) from the plane to Glasgow to register with the police and look into purchasing pay-as-you-go cell phones with local numbers. We weren't able to register with the police just yet, as Jacquie is waiting on a letter from the Accommodations Office. We had success finding phones (yeah!) and with a bit of shopping at Charity Shops (thrift stores that benefit charities), lunch at Tennants (a pub that opened in 1884) and a nice leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens. All in all, a pretty fantastic week, minus the jet lag! 

Part 1: The Journey Explained

I know, I know...I haven't posted in some time. As many of you may have guessed (based upon my Facebook and Myspace updates and e-mails), I have arrived in Scotland. In fact, yesterday was the 2 week mark. 

Let me back up and discuss the entire experience thus far (let's hope this makes up for me being lazy):

My last day of work was on Friday, August 22 and it was a bittersweet day. I really loved the people I worked with and they felt like a second family (albeit dysfunctional). Even though it was INCREDIBLY difficult to leave, I knew in my heart of hearts that I need to do this for myself. I journeyed to Hobart to stay with my Mom before leaving on Monday, August 25. Watched plenty of movies, ate yummy food (thanks, Gram) and spent time hanging out with the fam and Adonis. I managed to clean out my car (no small feat) and turned it over to a willing buyer (Tim). I spent a good chunk of the weekend staring into my pre-packed luggage making sure that I had everything I thought I needed and could fit it all in. I am quickly turning into a master packer extraordinaire. 

Monday morning brought a mix of emotions and exhaustion, as we awoke at 4:00 a.m. to drive me to OKC in time for my first flight to Dallas. Much to my Grandma's dismay, I was granted once last driving expedition before my departure. The ride was mostly quite all the way to OKC, minus my endless chatter and singing and my Mom getting riled up over farmer's and their benefits from the government. Good morning conversation, I tell you.

Once we arrived at the airport, I had to shuffle some things from bag to bag and a few things (books), I sent home with my sister to send me later. Leaving my family at the security check point was intense. I was doing fine until my Mom started crying...I have always hated to see her cry and I sincerely hoped that her tears were tears of happiness and not tears of sadness. August 25 was to be a hard day for my Mom anyway, as it was the date that her own mother passed away when I was 2. As my Mom said it best earlier that weekend, "One journey ended on this day and yours is just beginning. Some things come full circle." 

I was on standby for my flight from OKC to Dallas, thanks to my friend Alexis and her mother's American Airlines Buddy Pass they so graciously bestowed upon me. :) I arrived in Dallas and quickly learned that I would need to pick up my luggage at baggage claim, check in with U.S. Airways and go through airport security all over again. Unfortunately, I was dropped off at the wrong end of the terminal and I had to drag all 110 lbs. of luggage with me in the heat. By the time I reached the check-in counter I was drenched in sweat. Proceeded onto security where I was "selected" for a more intense security screening. This involved taking EVERYTHING out of my carry-on and having it swiped for chemicals. Thankfully, I left the chemicals at home. 

I was put on standby for an earlier flight to Philly, as the ticket person wanted to make sure I arrived in Philly in plenty of time. Thankfully, I was able to make the earlier flight and I sat by a really nice 20 something guy from Texas. A good start to a long journey. Landed in Philly and called family, friends, surfed the internet and prepared for the flight to Glasgow. A 20 something girl sat down near me and was also making calls to friends and relatives, explaining that she was moving to Glasgow and would be out of commission for some time. We struck up a conversation with one another and realized that we were both headed for the University of Glasgow for postgraduate work. She to study Victorian Literature and me for the History of Collecting. We exchanged e-mail addresses and agreed to try and meet up once we arrived and got settled in Glasgow.

The flight to Glasgow was long and surreal. The moment the plane lifted off the ground, it felt anti-climatic. I wanted to cry, yell, laugh and do a little dance. I had that cliche feeling that the rest of my life was really about to begin. Sat by a REALLY nice 82 year old, exchanged e-mail information at the end of the flight, and was blocked into my seat for the entire flight!!!!!! :( Arrived in Glasgow and spent some time with the Immigration Official...lots of questions about my "sponsor" and why he would want to sponsor me. Eventually stamped my passport and I was officially in Glasgow! Finding my luggage and a taxi was QUITE easy and everyone was so lovely and helpful. Arrived at my accommodations and was slightly disappointed with the sterile nature of my room, but at least it was a room. Proceeded to unpack my bags and sleep for the next 5 hours or so. Woke up and thought I had dreamt it all....hmmm...

All in a day's work! :)

Today I accomplished much: I finished up summer school (finally!) AND completed my visa application and overnighted it to Los Angeles (yeah!). Now, all I need to do is play the waiting game with my visa. Ironically, Los Angeles had an earthquake today...here's hoping that the British Consulate did not sustain major damage and my application will be processed swiftly and without any problems! 

It has just now started to sink in that my time here in America will soon be drawing to a close. I've been consumed with school, work, moving and the visa application to the point of thinking of little else. 

What do I need to do before I leave? Pack, for starters....read some books of my choosing (and those that I can't take with me), research Glasgow, try and get a rudimentary understanding of the city layout (not likely to occur as I am horrible at reading maps), cram in visits with family, friends and folks that I am not likely to see for many, many years. Whew! All of that, and whatever else I may be forgetting, into the next 27 days! 

Tomorrow begins my housesitting duties until I leave on the 25th. I am looking forward to large amounts of quiet time, reading and hanging out with two adorable kitties. D-E-C-O-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N. Living without Adonis has been extremely difficult; he is very much family to me, as we have been through so much together. I have faith that he is in good hands and every reassurance from family and friends that he will, in fact, remember who I am upon my return....now only if I could say the same for my family and friends....just kidding. :)

I think the best approach to prepare for my departure is to start making lists. I really do not want to forget anything major and not be able to remedy the situation from the other side of the pond. I've started having nightmares that I've arrived and forgotten something UBER important (like my passport or suitcases, etc.). Yikes!

One thing I can tell you (if you know me this comes as NO surprise)....I am SO looking forward to ditching 105 degree temperatures in favor of the low 70s and below as high temps! Bring on the rain, I say! Bring on the gray! Bring on the cold! Fabulous weather, I'm ready!!! I know, I know...only I would think that cold, gray weather is spectacular, but what can I say? 

If you think of anything that you'd recommend taking with me, or investigating before I leave please let me know. I can tell you that I will be doing some research on the differences between plug adapters and plug converters as I don't really feel up to frying my beloved Mac on my first day in Glasgow! Talk about the potential for a major meltdown on both accounts! 

-Vanessa

Breaking the News!

Yesterday I broke the news to the College of Architecture that I would be resigning from my position on August 22nd. I was very nervous about how the news would be received. Would they be angry at me for leaving? Would they be upset that I did not tell them sooner? Would they make my life hell before I leave?

Those fears were unfounded (except for one person in the office who shall remain nameless). I received such a wonderful outpouring of well-wishes from  the 5 Division Directors. Being in academia for such a long period of time, they understand the magnitude of this opportunity---academically, professionally and personally. 

Also yesterday, I journeyed to OKC to have my biometrics taken for my visa application. I will be overnighting my visa application to the Consulate Office in Los Angeles early next week. The application was comprehensive and requires tons of documentation. I have to provide my last 3 months of bank statements, last 3 months of pay stubs, a letter from Human Resources validating my employment and pay, an unconditional offer letter from the University of Glasgow, proof of the cost of my housing contract and my tuition....and the list goes on. Wow, the process is so comprehensive! 

It should take approximately 5 business days for my visa to be processed once it is received. I am worried that it will not be processed in time for my departure or that they will deny my visa for some unforeseen reason. I know that these fears may seem irrational, but the visa and my financial aid are the last things that need to fall into place and the worst to deal with if they do not. 

One of my friends reminded me that I need to have a little faith and that it will all work out...how can it not? So, I am going to try and take her advice and have a little faith....of course all the while crossing  my fingers.... :)

-Vanessa

Glasgow Date/Time Widget

I've added this widget to show the local date and time in Glasgow. Adjusting to the HUGE time difference will be interesting, both for myself and for those of you interested in communicating with me at a decent hour. Enjoy!
-Vanessa

Flipping things upside down again!

Today marks one year since my entire life was turned upside down.

Today, I flipped my entire life upside down again. Only this time, the flipping was on my terms.

Good news; I booked my airfare and signed my accommodation contract today!!!!

I have consulted with many friends who've studied abroad, and the general consensus was to arrive at least 2 weeks before orientation. Study Abroad Orientation begins on September 9. Unfortunately, I could not book my airfare until I knew if I had been allocated accommodation for the fall/spring semester.

I randomly went to the Student Union to stop in and just check on prices with STA Travel. Sadly, I learned that Friday was their last day at OU, as OU has chosen to not renew their lease and bring in a Starbucks instead. Nonetheless, my STA contact was very helpful in finding me the shortest way of getting there, even if it did cost a bit more. Thankfully, she was able to find the shortest itinerary and it cost the least! :D By going through STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com/), I was able to save about $450 on my flight(s)!!! Yeah!

Flight Details:
I am leaving Monday, August 25th, which is coincidentally OU's 1st day of the Fall semester. I am flying out of Dallas (DFW), to Philadelphia and then straight into Glasgow. My first flight leaves Dallas at 3:05 in the afternoon and I arrive in Philadelphia at 7:41 p.m. I then board another plane that departs at 9:00 p.m. and will arrive in Glasgow at 9:00 a.m. Glasgow time (which, in case you are wondering, is 3 a.m. Oklahoma time).

Housing Details:
Thankfully, I was allocated my first choice in accommodations and that is a huge relief. The difference in price between my 1st and 2nd choice in accommodation was about $1300 USD. I can use that money to fund other travel expeditions around Europe. I will be living at Winton Drive (aka "The Hall"); see http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/residentialservices/undergraduate/self-cateredaccommodation/wintondrive/.

My contract is from September 12-June 12th and I have received confirmation that I will be able to arrive on August 26th and pay about $20 USD per day to stay in university accommodation. I did receive an e-mail warning me that I may have to move from whichever summer room that I'm given into my regular fall/spring room. Nonetheless, I am happy to have early accommodation.

Note for Visitors:
I WILL be allowed to have overnight visitors in my flat. Here's what the Winton Drive Flats FAQs say about overnight guests:

13. Can my friends stay overnight?
Overnight guests may stay in your room for a maximum of three nights. There is a nominal fee to pay and guests must be registered to comply with Fire regulations.

Once I arrive, I shall check out how flexible they are on their visitor policies.

Shopping:
Even though I hate the arrival of summer, I am thankful that it's caused the stores to clearance much of their winter merchandise. Today, I hit Kohls for sweaters, cute hoodies and winter gear. I am looking for a nice rain coat/windbreaker/fleece thing and may have found it at LL Bean.

However, it is $159!!!! I like that the fleece can be zipped in and out of the jacket...so really, you're getting 2 pieces in one. As those of you near and dear to me know, I am VERY hot natured. What is YOUR thought on purchasing this?

Glasgow's yearly temperature breakdown; monthly averages in °F:

January
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 43°
Avg Precipitation: 3.42 in

February
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 3.11 in

March
Avg Low: 37°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.93 in

April
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 53°
Avg Precipitation: 1.83 in

May
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 59°
Avg Precipitation: 1.32 in

June
Avg Low: 48°
Avg High: 63°
Avg Precipitation: 1.52 in

July
Avg Low: 52°
Avg High: 67°
Avg Precipitation: 1.95 in

August
Avg Low: 51°
Avg High: 66°
Avg Precipitation: 2.07 in

September
Avg Low: 47°
Avg High: 61°
Avg Precipitation: 2.23 in

October
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 54°
Avg Precipitation: 3.34 in

November
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.62 in

December
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 2.95 in

Thanks for your input!

-Vanessa

Freak-outs are okay, right?

Today I had the pleasure of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :O

Why, you ask? Let's just say that my totally whacked out sleeping schedule is creating mayhem in my daily life.

I thought that my Pre-Departure Orientation Packet (PDOP) was due on Tuesday, May 6th. I realized last night, long about 11:45 p.m. that it was due on Monday, May 5th (TODAY)!!!

Normally, I don't freak out about these things, but I realized that I had NOT met with Allison Palmer (my favorite art history professor and mentor http://art.ou.edu/people/palmer-a.html) regarding my course equivalencies. Schedules for everyone are tight this week, as this is Finals Week. Like a trooper, she agreed to meet with me on the fly today and all is well.

Thankfully, being a Graduate student ended up being a major plus for me with the PDOP. If you are a Graduate student, the Graduate College doesn't sign off on your classes until your transcript is sent over from the exchange institution. Thus, the course equivalencies I selected can be changed in the future and I DID NOT have to track down a signature from the Dean of the Graduate College. I just needed Allison to sign off on it and, thankfully, she did! Yeah!

It looks like I will receive credit for ALL of my course work while abroad. Ironically, OU added a new degree program in Arts Management on April 19th and all but one of my courses may be equivalent to the courses offered in the Arts Management program (the other course will count as an Art History course). Talk about good timing! :)

Also, I am enrolled in 5 hours of Graduate Directed Readings this Summer with Andrew Phelan (http://art.ou.edu/people/phelan-a.html) the professor responsible by creating the Arts Management degree program. ;)

Isn't it amazing how things seem to be falling together?

-Vanessa

Ziploc Bags + Vanessa= BFF?

"Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag." -Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Let's hope that this is an effective packing tip!!! I must admit that it does seem a bit daunting to think about only taking what I ABSOLUTELY need with me on my journey. Everything else will be taking a year long sabbatical in storage.

Thankfully, friends with previous study abroad experience are proving invaluable. They have offered up incredibly helpful tips, suggestions and opinions. They have even answered bizarre questions from me with a straight face (I have the best friends).

Some of my favorite suggestions from the past week:

• "Take a ton of Ziploc bags with you! You can't find them in Europe readily and you never know when you might get bed bugs in a hostel." Point taken.
• "Waterproof your shoes; nothing says enjoyment like perpetually wet feet."
• "Be prepared to wear the same thing over and over again. Whatever you take; you'd better love it."
• "Remember, if you do need something, you CAN buy it there!"
• "You'll get good at reading maps. I promise." If only I had a dime for every time I have heard that....I would surely be a millionaire by now.

I'll keep you posted on other fun suggestions. Feel free to post your suggestions as well.

-Vanessa

Bridget Jones is onto something....

As many of you know, my Grandpa (Papa) passed away on April 16th after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. I can rest easier knowing that he is no longer suffering, but I still miss him terribly. I have picked up the phone at least a dozen times each day to call and talk to him; to check on him; to tell him that I love him and to talk about the weather. I guess I should be directing my calls to the big operator upstairs. ;O

Before Papa passed away, I was able to share the good news of my upcoming travels and studies. Papa was quite enthusiastic; always encouraging me to, "Go and have fun. You deserve it." I won't lie, I felt so conflicted being blessed with such happy news while my Grandpa was being cursed with cancer. Perhaps Bridget Jones said it best, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one part of your life starts going okay, another falls spectacularly to pieces."

I take comfort in knowing that my Grandpa exited this planet knowing that I am about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and he gave me his full blessing (apart from flying in airplanes, but I digress).

I look forward to taking the spirit of Papa with me along my journey. The life lessons he taught me light my path, and I hope to pass on the love and compassion he showed me. He will always be ever-present in my psyche and, more importantly, in my heart.

Rest well, Papa....you surely earned it. Sit back and enjoy the ride we're about to embark on....and, yes...it does involve riding in airplanes! ;)

-Vanessa

I did it!

To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive. -Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish author (1850 - 1894)

Well, folks...good news was finally bestowed upon me today. The University of Glasgow has accepted me for study in their History of Collecting program for the 2008-2009 Academic Year!!!

I was without words (a true rarity), but not without tears, when I received the news early this morning. Still groggy from late night fun at the College of Architecture, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the e-mails this morning. They seriously picked me? Wow, this must be my destiny after all! I probably read and re-read those e-mails 25 times before calling Sobota and leaving a message in which I wept like a child (best friends are hard to find these days and she definitely earns her title). Who cares that the person spelled my name wrong twice, in two different e-mails? I still get to go...don't I? :O

I must admit that it still hasn't quite sunk in yet. I have so many things to take care of before I can even board the plane---applying for a student visa, mortgaging my life for airfare, housing and travel expenses, praying for the value of the U.S. dollar to rise, purging my accumulation of stuff and preparing to adjust to a COMPLETELY new way of life. Although it seems daunting, I am completely up for the challenge. I expect the entire process, from start to finish, to be interesting, full of mishaps, funny stories, tears, one-of-a-kind moments and ultimately, be the most life altering experience of my life.

I would like to share my experiences with the people I care about most in this world---you. I welcome your feedback, questions and/or suggestions. Let's take this amazing journey together!

See you on the road as I say hello and wave goodbye!

Love,

Vanessa

Everything is happening for a reason!

University of Glasgow, Scotland

http://www.gla.ac.uk/

"I believe everything happens for a reason. People change so that you learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe less so eventually you trust no one but yourself. And sometimes, good things fall apart so that better things can fall together." -Marylin Monroe