A Good Week

Hello all.

Coast along St. Andrews

It's been a fairly good week. Got together with a few friends on Monday (V-Day) and made dinner. Nothing crazy or romantic, but fun. I still have no solid opinion on Valentine's Day one way or the other. On one hand, it is logical that the 'holiday' is only fun if you have a significant other. Right? Otherwise you are left alone on a holiday dedicated to the celebration of Love and the appreciation of your loved one. However, being single has its perks. After all, clucking young maids may fawn over the charming fellow that takes his girl out to dinner, dresses up nice, does the whole rose petals/champagne/chocolate-covered-strawberries deal, but in the end...who really wins? Not his checkbook. So the choice is similar to many we all must make with regards not only to Valentine's Day, but other occasions which basically involved the same extravagance: a good time or some extra cash?

From my weekend in the Lake District

So that was Monday. I had written an Art History paper on Sunday, and this week I started one for my English class. I have another two to write that will hopefully get done by the end of next week. They aren't due until the second week of March, but, the way I see it, they are literally the only work I have to do for all of my classes, so having that out of the way asap will mean that March will be a great month.

18th Hole, Old Course, St Andrews

Got a 72 on my first essay for my Scottish Lit course. I almost choked when I saw the grade, but once I looked at the conversion scale for UK to US grades, I was set at ease. A 72 is, apparently, 'excellent.' So that was reassuring. The thing is, UK schools grade 'up,' aka give you points for things you do correctly, whereas US schools take off for things you do wrong, or grade 'down.' Or the US just has horrible grade inflation. We also pay for our education, so I guess one could argue that we might as well get some fringe benefit grade inflation out of the deal.

St Andrews Castle, Coastal Ruins

Tuesday was a friend's 18th birthday, which is like a 21st in the States. So we all had a good time and hit the town. Not much to say for Wednesday, truthfully. Only one lecture, and then kickboxing. Thursday was productive with three classes and a night out, and today I finished my English essay and saw The King's Speech. Good flick. Thought it ended rather abruptly, personally, but if you think about it I guess it ended appropriately. Might skip seeing The Fighter. I've heard it is very good, but I've already seen Cinderella Man.

Coast at St. Andrews

This weekend doesn't have any trips planned, but on Saturday night I'm seeing A Midsummer's Night Dream performed. Haven't read it, actually, but may do so tomorrow before I go. Might bite the bullet this weekend and write those essays so I can do as I wish without the pressure of impending deadlines. Next weekend I'm seeing Richard III performed, too - so it will be a Shakespearean fortnight. Not much else going on right now. Can't wait for baseball to start up. As far as that rugby match goes, Mick, if you'd like to wire me $77 I'll gladly attend. Otherwise I'd rather buy groceries for a week.

Hope all is well with everyone!