My birthday

is today! Some of my friends here threw me a surprise birthday lunch party of sorts. It was really great. They made pizza and we had brownie mix and trifle (don't ask) and cheese! It was one of the best birthday parties I've ever had. Karena, Allie, Johnny, Sam, Laura, Bethany, Jack, Gimpy (Luke), Dan, Stephanie, Jon, and a couple others came.

We leave for Scotland on Friday! I need to pack. Before I pack though, I need to write my "Alive in Christ" book report. I'm going to go do that now!

Another rainy Saturday...

Things haven't been very eventful around here, besides lectures and other school stuff. Last night was social night, which was pretty fun. There were different activities around school and the area. I played Wii with some friends. I got some pretty hilarious action shots that I'll upload when possible. Today was supposed to be an oceanside walking trip, but that was unfortunately canceled due to another gorgeous English day. That's probably a good thing, seeing as now I'll actually get some work done. Time is going by really fast now. There are only 51 days until Christmas break. I'm looking forward to going home, but I'm having a great time here!

Computer Failure

Well, this is my first update from the computer lab in the basement of the castle. My laptop has been giving me a plethora of blue screen errors and taking the liberty of shutting itself off while I'm taking lecture notes. This is my second resort until I can figure out the issue... or get frustrated enough that I take it to an IT guy. I finished my first homework project today, but have little time to pat myself on the back because I have three more current projects to work on. They aren't due tomorrow, (my procrastination hasn't kicked in that badly yet) but they are due within the next couple weeks. Fortunately, the research and subjects are actually applicable to real life, so I am learning more than head knowledge by completing them. I'm also compiling a book list of recommendations made by the lecturers. I'm really looking forward to reading some of them... when I actually have the time.

I booked a hostel with a bunch of friends going to Edinburgh at the end of October. Did you know that Edinburgh is pronounced "Edinboro?" The wonders of the Scottish... anyway, the hostel is only £12 a night, and our next decision is what we're going to see while were there. If any of you have been there and have any suggestions of sites worth seeing, let me know! I'm hoping to go to Glasgow for the day, and definitely tour the castle in Edinburgh, but beyond that, we're open to ideas!

I love Saturdays!

I'm currently in the preparation room, which becomes the internet room during wireless hours. There are about fifteen of us in here with our laptops, doing various things. Karena and I are looking up accommodations in Scotland right now for the travel weekend coming up at the end of October. Capernwray offers a coach to Edinburgh at a pretty good price, but their hotel deal is pretty expensive. Edinburgh has a lot of nice guest houses and bed and breakfasts, so we'll probably just book a big group of us in one of them. The one we're looking at right now is 13 pounds a night and seems legit.

I went exploring with some friends yesterday afternoon, and we took a big loop hike around the Capernwray area. It's really gorgeous hilly farmland around here.
I also have a couple pictures uploaded now:

shopping in Lancaster

wandering around the fields of sheep
English countryside

Due to the slow internet, I do not have all of my pictures uploaded, but you can view more of them on facebook!

Outside Communication!

Hello all!
I finally have wireless internet, so my plan is to post updates regularly at this location! The problem with the wireless is the ridiculously slow speed, so I'm not sure yet if picture posting will work out. But at least I can let you all know I'm alive! Which I am, and doing very well.

Its beautiful here, and its a great sunny day today. Sunny days are rare, and usually I'm outside on them, but I couldn't resist the internet today. I'm really enjoying lectures so far, and just the atmosphere of Capernwray in general. The schedule is pretty course intensive, but its all information with real life application, so its easier to listen to than, say, calculus. (No offense, math buffs.)

I went to Lancaster yesterday, mostly just for a change of scenery. (I get sick of the castle sometimes... not!) Its the closest city, and its not very large, but it has a mall. Unfortunately, with the current exchange rate, shopping is not very beneficial to me.

I also have band practice soon, as I'm on one of the rotating worship teams. We are scheduled to play on Tuesday, and I'm really looking forward to singing again.

I'm planning on trying to upload some pictures soon, but I've taken so many that I don't really know where to start. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it when I tell you that its gorgeous!

Well that's all for now, welcome to my blog!
Cheerio!
Erin

PS- here's a preview of my room... and me with my laptop!