Back and White

 

The world isn’t black and white… it’s a myriad expanse in shades of grey.

Wallace Monument

Myles and I decided to take a trip to Wallace Monument on Saturday. I've been here since September and have hardly taken any pictures so I've decided to start using my blog to post pictures from my adventure in Scotland. 

The Banned Books Advent Calendar

     When you think of an advent calendar, the first thing that comes to mind Is Christmas (and possibly chocolate). Banned books are definitely something that is not generally associated with this holiday tradition. However, the International Federation of Library Associations as created the worlds fist video Banned Book Advent Calendar.

     This unique advent calendar works exactly the same way a traditional advent calendar works. Each day a new video is posted on sites like youtube and vimeo around the world, and highlighting a book that has once been banned in different parts of the world. The books in question have so far been very different and banned for different reasons. There have been obvious titles such as Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler and more surprising titles like Charlie and the Chocolate Factor by Roald Dahl. Many of the books in the calendar were banned because they were deemed too obscene or too graphic for readers. Others such as Mein Kampf were feared and hated because of what they represented.

      It doesn’t matter why the books were banned. The fact that they were banned highlights censorship throughout history as well as in our modern world. This video calendar is overthrowing that stigma and celebrating the right of freedom of speech. The first half of December has showcased books that have certainly left their mark on history. The second half of the month is sure to be equally as captivating. 

Cabin Fever!

Oh dear! I'm getting a slight case of cabin fever. I am staying with my boyfriend and his family until I can move into my flat. I am so thankful that they have let me stay with them, but I really need to get out and do something. They all work/ go to school so most of the day I'm here alone. Yesterday I went for a run. It was really nice to get outside (today its just a little to rainy for running). Here is a re-cap of my day so far.... 8am: wake up eat breakfast. 9am take a shower. 9:30am: get dressed dry hair. 10am: look up junk on internet. 11am: mattress delivered must sign paper work. 11:30am: put on makeup/ skype mom. 12pm: lunch/ paint nails. 2pm: blog/ complain about being able to do nothing all day. You see..... I really should be basking in having no responsibilities and nothing that I have to do. Alas, no I am really looking forward to having a schedule. I really want to start classes and get settled. I'm going to email my professor today and see when out program induction is set to take place. Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait! 

New Day

So today is the first official day that I have been in Scotland to "live". I'm here, I've made it! Grad school seems so surreal. I move into my flat on Saturday and  classes start a few days after that. I can't believe its finally time. I'm a little anxious about moving in. When I packed, I only packed what was essential since I am staying for an extended period of time. I'm having packages shipped from home once I'm settled. Until then however, my room is going to be bare and uninviting. I suppose I could buy things to decorate, but I really want to have some of my own things to make it feel like home. I tried to sneak a few nick knacks into my luggage but my bags were already over weight. :( The first time I packed my suitcase was around 80 pounds.... I'm only allowed 50. Needles to say I ended up taking another bag. Even then here just wasn't enough room for anything non essential. Besides that though I am so excited to meet the people I'll be living with and the people I'll be studying with! The University of Stirling, from what I understand, has a very diverse student body with people from all over the world. I've already been in contact with three other post graduate students, two of whom are in my program, and they are all international. This is honestly the most exciting think I have ever done. I can't wait for it to all begin. 

HELP!!!

Ok so I've gotten into grad school at the University of Stirling in Scotland. I'm so excited about starting the program and moving to Scotland, but I seriously need some help finding the funds. I've applied to a few scholarships already, however, I'm having a really hard time finding ones that are for graduate students. I've found loads for undergrad.... If worse comes to worse I'll just have to take out loans. Those have to be repaid though, and considering I'm paying for it myself and I work part time as a server that doesn't look to appealing. It would be amazing if I could find enough scholarships to cover at least half. I'll looking at something between $20,000 and $25,000. I honestly can not wait for September when the program starts. I'm going to be studying International Publishing. I think that who ever created this program could see into the future and knew that I would find it and apply. Its like its was tailor made for me! What could be better than books? If for some terrible reason I wouldn't be able to attend I seriously think I would just completely break down. Publishing is all I want to do I have absolutely no idea what I would do as a back up plan. Soooo... I'm kinda freaking out about the finances. If anybody has any suggestions or knows of any scholarships for American students studying in the UK or any kind of graduate scholarships for that matter please please pleas leave me a comment. It would be much appreciated! Any little bit will help. <3

Puppies!

Last week my little Pippen gave birth the four tiny little puppies. She only had one girl who is named Molly. Her brothers are named Jasper, Charlie, and Fritz. They are growing so fast! Their eyes aren't open yet and they aren't able to walk, but they are so funny to watch. Their little heads are to heavy for them to hold up for long periods of time, so they end up bobbling all over the place. They look like they are drunk :D Silly puppies don't they know they aren't old enough for that yet.