Curves

Dear Someone,

            We are all starting to see the beginning traces of the London 20. My early morning jogs just have not been cutting it. It is my duty, and responsibility to enjoy all the chocolate that I can. I’ve come to a point in my life that I don’t worry about weight management for the shake of losing weight. I happen to think quite highly of myself, as you very well may know. I just would prefer not to feel as sluggish. It’s not as much as a physique issue, as maintaining my mental sanity kind of issue. My morning jogs generally make up my only alone time. I wouldn’t want you to worry; I don’t go to the park alone. As rewarding and wonderful as it is to live with 36 women… a little space makes a world of difference.

Finding time to work out on a daily basis just isn’t at the top of my priorities. Homework, and sleep take precedence over slaving away with a resistance band. Little can be done here other than striving to eat intuitively. I miss the convenience of Curves. I can’t wait to jump back on the circuit. So I decided to find a Curves location. The nearest Curves to my flat is a 50 minute tube ride away. I woke up with some friends on a Saturday determined to seek out said location. The woman working didn’t believe that I was also Curves Trainer. I thought it was comical. She proceeded to tell me false Curves policies. I calmly, questioned and corrected her. She said that I couldn’t work out until she has preformed tests on my knees, spine, and heart. She wanted to call my darling Manager. Her sales pitch did not work. I assure you I was kind, and followed all rules of proper etiquette. There truly is nothing worse than helping a bad-tempered woman. She was even more frustrated when I didn’t have the contact information that she was seeking. People are baffled that I do not have a telephone number. Needless to say it was highly entertaining experience. 

You would be rather proud of me. I am making leaps, and bounds at becoming more flexible. Considering that working out at curves is not the most realistic solution. I simply will have to continue to work on my Couch to 5k program. Every other morning I wake up and jog around Kensington Gardens. I don’t think I could find a more picturesque place to start my mornings. Visiting Curves was an adventure. I walked away with a story to write you about, and a picture to prove it. I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow as I am jogging.  All the while keeping in mind that you will be settling down to go to sleep. Have a wonderful day!

Cheers!

Miss Fin

P.S. You should be impressed with the consistency of my correspondence.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Dear Someone,

 I love conference. It provides time for introspection. Granted conference was a few weeks ago I though I’d tell you about Conference on the other side of the pond.   Being away from home has given me time to recognize little blessings that I have taken for granted. I always walk away from Conference with and overwhelming sense of my blessings. This session was no exception. In particular I had forgotten the convenience of having conference streamed live, and at convenient times. I think more than anything I felt spoiled. It’s very humbling to look at the little things we take for granted each day. In particular living in Utah. Being away from home I was reminded of the wonderful individuals in my life that made it possible for me to study abroad. I have wonderful parents, who have always put their children’s happiness first. I’m very proud to be a Fin child. I am guilty for not expressing my gratitude to my parents as often as I should. They truly are astonishing people. 

 I think it’s fair to make the assumption that Conference weekend is generally associated with family time. It was not uncommon to hear people missing home. We missed our families. We decided that it would only be appropriate to eat some real American food. (With the intention to enjoy good customer service.) Where could we find such treasures? The Hard Rock Café of course! We went to lunch together just as we would have congregated at home with the marvelous women in our lives. It was lovely to enjoy some fries again.

A Delicious Milkshake.

Our Beautiful Table

            I truly do not have a complaint in the world. I am of the opinion that life is more livable when we take time to recognize how much we have. All is well here in London town. It is now officially Fall. London doesn’t quite smell like Fall but the countryside does. London is full of interesting, and unusual smells... the tube is beginning to become very musky. It’s surreal to think that a year ago I paced up and down campus crunching through the crisp leaves imagining stomping through the leaves on English sod. I can think of very few things more rewarding in life than achieving your goals. I hope that all is well at home! I love hearing from you!

Cheers!

Miss Fin     

Loving the Night Life!

Dear Someone,

                It's great to be back in to the blogging sphere. I have three wonderful things to write you about. I am officially half way done with my Holiday this week. We have to hit the ground running. We have so much to see and do in 8 weeks. Saturday night I went to Phantom of the Opera. It was magical! I hold a special place in my heart for this musical. From a young age my sister has told me that she begged our mother to name me Christine. She lost... at any rate my sister loved the musical so much that I wanted to love it just like her. From the moment it started chills ran up and down my spine. Chills of pure excitement. I wish I could sing like Christine. Maybe someday my high notes can also ring with such clarity. It was charming, and delightful. 

    

               Monday Night we went to the Ballet. The Royal Ballet Company preformed 4 short ballets. The music was dazzling! Tchaikovsky, it was wonderful. The ballerina's dance with so much passion that one couldn't help but be moved. I would like to go to the Ballet at least once a year for the rest of my life. It was wonderful. I am looking forward to coming home to see the Nutcracker.

              Tonight I went to the Joshua Radin Concert! It was a new and wonderful experience. I have only been to three concerts in my life. Generally sitting on the grass far way from the stage. Tonight I was front and center. I could see the sweat dripping from his brow. His concert in London was his biggest headline. He was charming. Men with guitars have always pulled at my heart strings. Someone to sing me a love song. Oh It was a wonderful concert. If you haven't heard him I encourage you to give him a listen. I love the songs Sky, and Only You. Enjoy!

Man of the Night

             Whatever am I going to do when I come home! I have been pampered by the luxuries of the the London Night life. The possibilities are endless! I still have plays, musicals, symphonies, operas, and concerts to attend. Wish me luck!

Cheers!!!

Miss Fin

She could only think of her letter

Dear Someone, 

         I leave for the Lake District tomorrow morning. I thought I would give you a preview of what is to come. Stourhead. 

"She read with an eagerness which hardly 

left her power of comprehension; 

and from impateince of know what the next 

sentance might bring, was incapable of attending to the

sense of the one before her eyes."

            Cheers!

Miss Fin

Mousey

Dear Someone,

        Oh the stories I have to tell you! Today something wonderful happened. I was able to see this sweet young girls desire to join the Church. I was sitting on my pew writing in my journal when the missionaries asked Nikki and me to help them with something quickly. We walked with them to bring a girl to church. As we walked to the bus stop I was wondering why they needed me to come with them. Then I saw the little girl. Her name is Mousey, this young girl is 9 years old. Her family is inactive, but she is looking to be baptized. It was her second time going to church. It was refreshing to have a little one on the pew with me. It reminded me of home. Nothing made church quite as enjoyable, or entertaining than when I had the opportunity to sit in the pew behind, or next to the children I nanny. Many intricate dot games have been played and concurred. 

         As I sat next to Mousey I had this overwhelming desire to teach her everything that I know. She wrote me a small note asking why the Chapel was so quiet during Sacrament meeting. We proceeded to write back and forth. I encouraged her to write the Missionary a note (who was sitting on the other side of her)  If she had anymore questions. Considering that he is more qualified to answer than myself. Once I wrote that to her. She quickly scribbled a note to the Elder. “r u going to baptis me?” I was charmed by the sweetness of this dear child. Watching, and conversing with the young lady brought a new indescribable joy into my life. It’s the first time I could actually picture myself becoming Sister Fin. Perhaps Mr. A. Fin was correct in telling me to keep my mind open to the possibility of serving a mission. Only time will tell. I think it’s safe to say that I have a new friend to sit with at church. I’m looking forward receiving the correspondence of her baptismal date. She doesn't have any Church clothes... I may have to remedy that.

Elder Brook, Nikki, Mousy, Miss Fin, Elder Rantsh

              The commute to church may be rather inconvenient, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my ward. It is a humbling experience to come to the realization that the peace that the gospel brings at home can be found all around the world.  In all actuality we have more similarities than differences.  The members of the Mitcham ward truly are an extension of my family. It is a privilege and an honor to serve among them. Life really is wonderful.

Cheers!

Miss Fin

Postcards from Paris

Dear Someone,

        I am been undoubtedly slow to write you. Rather than exhaust the details of the rest of my trip... I thought I would send you some postcards. Enjoy!!

       Day 3.)  27, 894 steps later Miss Fin has visited~ Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle,  Musee d'Orsay, Musee de l'Orangerie, Louvre, jardin des Tuileries,  Centre George Pomidou, Palace de la  Bastile, Avenue des Champs-Elysees and lastly the Arch de Triomphe. Needless to say I was very tired.

Notre Dame

At the Top!

The Louve

Arc de Triomphe

         Day 4.) Paris goes on strike. As mentioned earlier day 3 was a frenzied attempt to accomplish all of our field studies. For Humanities we were required to visit various locations. Day 4 we intended to finish what we were unable to accomplish the previous day. Little did we know… the French love their strikes. Not only did they close most lines in the Metro, but they also close Museums. In other words I was unable to finish my assignment.  Being completely fed up with the situation I came to the resolve to disregard  the impossible checklist. Instead we went to the Sacre-Couer Basilica. It was refreshing to have time to lounge around the square. We had time to enjoy the ambiance, time to listen as a harp's elegant melody waft about us.  I loved abandoning the schedule. On our way home we had every intention to stopping to enjoy one more baguette. As we emerged from the metro stop we found ourselves in the heart of the Strike. What a laugh.

Strike!

Need I say more?

Kindest Face on the Metro

I bid Paris au revoir, macaroon in hand

            Four Pastry's and a macaroon later we left Paris. I have no intention to sound ungrateful. I loved my adventures in Paris.  If things always went as planned, my letters to you would be average, and dull. Paris truly was a delight. I loved the Musee de l'Orangerie. This building houses Monet's water lilies, and weeping willows.  My soul was filled with peace as I reflected upon the tranquil scenes. I look forward to returning to Paris someday. Next time I'll remember to bring a smaller check list.

Cheers!

Miss Fin

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of Life Today

Paris Day 2

Dear Someone,

        I would like to preface my letter with an apology.  I am sorry if the lack of my correspondence has caused you grief, or cause for worry. My blog has been suffering from technical difficulties.  Miss Sally (my lap top) has been a bit temperamental. Along with a pair of tests, essays, and a bundle of field assignments I have had limited time to write. I happily reassure you that all is well. I cannot contain my joy. I am fortunate enough to inform you that I got 100% on my quiz this morning. Life is beautiful! 
          Back to Paris... From one traveler to an other, I offer you the simple advice to remember to change your watch to the correct time. Considering  I was an hour behind and I had 15 Minuets to prepare for our early morning departure.  In my frazzled state I managed to catch the coach. In the process I was able to shower, spill jam all down my front, change again, and be the last head on the coach for role call. After the coach had already left I came to the realization that my metro, and museum passes were tucked safely away with my passport at the hotel. Needless to say I was not thrilled. The professors found my predicament entertaining. They were surprised that all of the students I would be the one who left the keys to the city in my room. 

       The Coach took us to Chartes Cathedral. Chartes was lovely, a stark contrast to the commotion of the city. We visited the Cathedral with the intention to study the stained glass. Our professor examined each pane, and read each window to us. The small town was charming. A carousal sat in a square surrounded by flowerbeds.  All words escape me to describe this charming town. It would not have caught me off guard if Belle in the flesh came waltzing down the lane. After our tour we went to a patisserie for lunch. Why waste money on food when you can eat pain au chocolat? The woman working at the shop had her son sitting behind the counter. I enjoyed watching her interaction with the child. I couldn't help but think about what it would be like to raise my family in a small European town. Granted I would have to learn French.... Their lives seem to be slower paced, overall a more simplified lifestyle. I love that through my travels I am able to observe different approaches of living.  Undoubtedly delectable food for thought. 
       Versailles. I am almost positive we have talked about my desire to go to Versailles. Because I left my passes at the hotel I had to decide if I wanted to forgo Versailles, or pay the entrance fee again. Paying again would mean that I had a lengthy line to wait in. Considering the fact that visiting this location was such an important thing to me the line was merely a small obstacle. Luckily I had two dear friends who were willing to wait. We ended up in line next to a group of Russian students. I felt rather accomplished being able to distinguish which Language they were speaking. They told us that our English was wonderful, that in fact we had perfect accents. (I would hope so!) We then proceeded to have a discussion about Grammar. I have never thought about my language in such a way. Analyzing which verbs we use, and how we use them. It was delightful to answer there questions. As we entered Versailles I was taken aback by the strange pokemon-esque statues crowding the beautiful Baroque art. I fell in love with the damask textile on the walls. Each room was a new vibrant color. To make up for my less than perfect morning the sun decided to shine. When we walked in to the Hall of Mirrors the chandlers glittered. Glimmering shards of light danced across the room. I think I would have enjoyed being a part of the court. Oh the balls I would have enjoyed! My dear mother would have been beaming with delight strolling along the gardens. I would like to bring her here someday. 

The gardens

oxymoron?

              Later that evening we set off for the Eiffel Tower. What a wonderful city Paris would be in the company of someone you love? As we waited in line we fantasized about a romantic kiss on the top of the tower. Considering my luck with gentlemen in the city I was perfectly content to forgo a kiss. I can  wait to come back with someone I love. We were culturally enlightened again. As we waited in line we found ourselves behind an Australian tour group. The giggling girls provided entertainment throughout our 2 and a half hour wait. The conversation was good, and the view exquisite. We ended our night eating crepes at the base of the tower.

At the Top

             Overall the day was a success. We were able to laugh about the jam, strange Pokemon creatures, and our new foreign friends. A good time was had by all.


Cheers!


Miss Fin