It seems that time has a way of slipping by; before I realized it, it was gone and I sit here wondering where it went. Another university term has come and gone. So much has happened in these last 10 weeks, not only in university, but in my life. Things that have forever changed the way I will live it from now on.

Sadness mixed with joy fills me, as things all come to an end. As this chapter closes, anticipation sets in and the wonder of things to come. What will the future bring, more sadness or will it bring with it hope? It is with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to a period of my life which has caused me much pain. I may seem a bit dramatic, after all it is only the conclusion of a school term. But, for me this term has meant much more. Funny, how events seem to mirror each other or parallel. At the start of this school term, the health of my loved one started to decline and as the end of the term approached, so did her life. Both events almost synchronized, heading toward a common goal, which is closure.

I will take many great things away from these last 10 weeks. Mainly, new friends. I have much appreciation for those who have been kind and reached out to me. I am sure that the acquaintances I have made will grow and evolve into lasting friendships.

A note to all my classmates:

Thank you so much. It really has been a pleasure. I hope that all of you won't be strangers. I plan to keep this blog, so please feel free to check it out from time to time for new posts. Also, feel more than welcome to e-mail me or IM me anytime.
I appreciate all of you. Good luck and goodbye.


Note to my Professor:

Diane,

Thank you so much. I have enjoyed your class thoroughly. I sincerely can say that it has been a pleasure to be your student. I have learned so much and all that I have learned in this class will remain forever an active part of my academic journey and beyond. Thanks again!


With love and deepest admiration,

Nikke

There are times when I can have a very spontaneous and a quite random pang to do something completely unusual. I think that's what makes me, me and I think that's also what adds flair to my usually dull life. I live my life vicariously through readings and movies, many people do, but for me it's a wholly different experience--at least I'd like to think so.

When I was in seventh grade, I remember that for my English class, we did a whole workshop on English literature & culture. I remember I was completely and utterly captivated. For me, it seemed that England and the surrounding British Isles held a certain magic that America lacked. It was since then that my fascination with the UK began. I told my English teacher I would someday be accepted into Oxford University and pick up an English accent while I was there--silly, I know.

As time went by, my desire to live in England and go to university there, dissipated. The many obstacles of life combined with the challenges in overcoming them pretty much took care of that. I would often go back and think about how lovely it would be to live abroad, and to have new experiences so different from my life now. Those thoughts quickly faded, they were just temporary.

Recently, those feelings of starting over anew where nobody knows you, have started to creep back. That feeling of anxiety and restlessness are all too present. I need to go. Where? England, specifically London, where the weather is usually mild in comparison to California and where the the fog is a typical occurrence. I really want to move to England, yes, it's crazy. What do I know about getting there? Absolutely nothing,I don't even know anybody over there! It makes the whole idea of going over there seem improbable, but not impossible. Who is to say I can't make it happen? My greatest obstacle will be myself, and If I really want it, I have to try, right? Wish me luck!

With Love,
Nikke