New Haircut

A combination of school work and depressing weather has gotten me down lately, so I gave myself a haircut--it's shorter, but with the same choppy layers as I always have. I gave myself bangs, though, for the first time since I was in elementary school.

It's still long enough to pull back, though.

Study break

The River Aire at Clarence Dock

Railway bridge between Leeds and Kirkstall

I haven't put up new photos in awhile, because I haven't really seen anything new and different since I've been back in Leeds. It's been too cold and rainy to get out there and explore. Also, I've been busy with finishing my essay, studying for my exam, and now, writing up my dissertation proposal. The weather was gorgeous today though, so I took a walk along the canal and brought my camera along. Back to work now, but it was a nice change of pace.

Inauguration Day abroad

My President is better than your Prime Minister

I stayed in this afternoon to watch the inauguration alone, and I'm glad I did--I wouldn't have wanted anybody to see me cry this much! From the moment I saw Malia and Sasha coming out of the Capitol until after Aretha Franklin's rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee," I couldn't stop crying. I'm just so happy for my country and the world.

Waking up from a long nightmare

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I'm finding it hard to wrap my head around the end of Bush's presidency. This morning I watched his farewell address, trying to keep an open mind and imagine what this would be like from his perspective. He must be aware of the excitement and relief Americans are feeling about Obama. With just 4 more days in office, his legacy is out of his hands. So, I tried to be sympathetic and hear him out.
But then he said that under his presidency, Iraq has become "a democracy in the heart of the Arab world, and a friend to America."
I can't even try to understand him.
Bush has been president for all of my high school and college years, all of the years that I've been interested in politics. When I've introduced myself as an American, I've always had to explain that I disagree with Bush, too. Now when people hear I'm an American, they congratulate me on Obama's win, not knowing whether I'm a democrat or not. Obama already has brought change.

Holiday in the States

Mom and me at the National Christmas tree with the White House behind us


Playing peek-a-boo in the mailbox with Will

So cool to see the stage for the Inauguration!