Dear all,
Summer went by quickly. It is now that last week before all my friends and other students return to St Andrews. Work has been going well, the cafe had a few busy weeks and now were preparing for the student and parent rush. Good tips and good business coming our way. It's always good to have a mad rush.
I didn't end up spending all the summer in St Andrews. A few weeks ago I took a short trip to the USA to see friends and family. I saw Mom and Dad some, but I never spent more than three days in any location. Ari, Brett and I took a small road trip out to NH to see Zach. We we're a bit ridiculous, bolting out side of building and playing some good tunes (That Don't Impress me Much). Took Brett to see Niagara falls for the first time. I got to see my friend Shosh and explore a new raw vegan food place in Highland Park (In The Raw).
Now I am back and setting up for the year as well as attending badminton pre-season training. The new house is named Jackie, after the character from That '70s Show. The house has a very 70s feel. Carpets, purple lighting, big mirrors. Alex, my new housemate, and I have been moving things around. cleaning, and arranging the house to our taste. Of course, being guys, the TV, sound system, and xbox were set up before the boxes were unpacked and the clothing ready.
Pre-season is intense. Yesterday was a good 4 hours of straight play and drill. Getting back in shape for the new season is important and it's important to do so quickly. Matches will be begin soon. I hope to get a camcorder and post some videos for you all.
Off to more work.
-J
Monday, September 3, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Cooking Improvement
My apologies for two posts in one go, but I could not resist. This morning I was cooking for a friend and I finally succeeded in making an omelet that resembles what an omelet should look like. It has taken 40 attempts of which all have ended in, "Screw it, make scrambled eggs." But not today. Today is success.
Summer Companion
It has been quite a while since I have written for this blog. Too long I think, but then, not really. Not much has happened since London. The days have flown by and all is going in good flow. Work happens about 5 days a week and I love it. In my spare time I've been playing badminton, writing letters, organizing trips, and cooking. Also, been listening to Swing. Swing, candle light... with some boozy hot chocolate and a house guest. It just gets me in a good mood.
So, despite the lack of activity, life feels fast pace and great.
Also, I wanted to share a few pictures of a new friend. For those of you who know me my acquisition of this friend will come at no surprise. He is sweet and cute and friendly. A good cuddle buddy and a nice guy who greets me when I'm on my way home from a night out. Here's to Ginge.
So, despite the lack of activity, life feels fast pace and great.
Also, I wanted to share a few pictures of a new friend. For those of you who know me my acquisition of this friend will come at no surprise. He is sweet and cute and friendly. A good cuddle buddy and a nice guy who greets me when I'm on my way home from a night out. Here's to Ginge.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
London, I Visited Thee Again
I have now been down to London a few times. Each time I go there it is different in such a way that I experience it differently as well.
The first time I went it was to walk through and see the main tourist attractions, the ones that I found on all the bus tours. You can see the posts below where I describe them (November 2010, An American in England Parts 1-7). What I noticed recently is that me, Jeremy, was void in those posts. Yes, I went to all those places, but I did not experience them as me, and the tourist I am.
This past trip to London I visited the city as me without and agenda, but a few people to see and meet. This trip, in comparison, was much more enjoyable and much more.... me :).
I saw two theater productions, two movies, a few markets, a few exhibitions of art, and enjoyed a number of London's tasty food offers.
Theater production: The Sunshine Boys. Starring Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths this play is about two comedians who used to do a show together and twelve years after they split they are called back to do a production together. A grudge has been between them in one direction. They work together and attempt to sort out the tension while putting on their final show together. The show was great and the two actors fitted the roles perfectly. Both actors are in their 60s and so playing a character that each was familiar with, in a way, themselves. The script was filled with Jewish jokes and American ones. This became interest as the majority of the audience did not laugh at the Medicare, Medicaid or New Jersey Jokes. I did though, and so, felt alone at some points.
Theater production: Noises Off. A show about putting on a show. It's quality non stop laughing time. There are three acts. Act 1: the night before the show is opening. Act 2: the show after a month of being on the road. Act 3: the show nearing its finish. It focuses around the interactions of the cast, crew and director. I have never been in a theater where people, or embarrassingly, myself, laugh so much.
Art Exhibition: Damien Hirst. I was first told about him and told his works were meant to shock you. However, I found his works and pieces to make things, that are often portrayed as fears and creepy in society, into calm and relaxed experiences. He organized objects like cigarettes, drugs and butterflies. Often things seen in chaotic messes. Into pieces that allowed you to be among them without disgust, or anything, and their presentation made it normal and distant.
London, it was great to be me there. To rent bikes and take midnight walks. To walk miles upon miles by myself. To be among hundreds of people moving too so many places and being there with no idea as to where.
The first time I went it was to walk through and see the main tourist attractions, the ones that I found on all the bus tours. You can see the posts below where I describe them (November 2010, An American in England Parts 1-7). What I noticed recently is that me, Jeremy, was void in those posts. Yes, I went to all those places, but I did not experience them as me, and the tourist I am.
This past trip to London I visited the city as me without and agenda, but a few people to see and meet. This trip, in comparison, was much more enjoyable and much more.... me :).
I saw two theater productions, two movies, a few markets, a few exhibitions of art, and enjoyed a number of London's tasty food offers.
Theater production: The Sunshine Boys. Starring Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths this play is about two comedians who used to do a show together and twelve years after they split they are called back to do a production together. A grudge has been between them in one direction. They work together and attempt to sort out the tension while putting on their final show together. The show was great and the two actors fitted the roles perfectly. Both actors are in their 60s and so playing a character that each was familiar with, in a way, themselves. The script was filled with Jewish jokes and American ones. This became interest as the majority of the audience did not laugh at the Medicare, Medicaid or New Jersey Jokes. I did though, and so, felt alone at some points.
Theater production: Noises Off. A show about putting on a show. It's quality non stop laughing time. There are three acts. Act 1: the night before the show is opening. Act 2: the show after a month of being on the road. Act 3: the show nearing its finish. It focuses around the interactions of the cast, crew and director. I have never been in a theater where people, or embarrassingly, myself, laugh so much.
Art Exhibition: Damien Hirst. I was first told about him and told his works were meant to shock you. However, I found his works and pieces to make things, that are often portrayed as fears and creepy in society, into calm and relaxed experiences. He organized objects like cigarettes, drugs and butterflies. Often things seen in chaotic messes. Into pieces that allowed you to be among them without disgust, or anything, and their presentation made it normal and distant.
London, it was great to be me there. To rent bikes and take midnight walks. To walk miles upon miles by myself. To be among hundreds of people moving too so many places and being there with no idea as to where.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Edinburgh Half Marathon and Summer
Hi Everyone! I hope your summer is off to a great start. Mine has.
The past week or so St Andrews transformed from a rainy cold place to one of the most beautiful sunny and flowering places I have every seen. Wow, this town really is different and I think I owe myself a little kick for every time I complained about it.
During exam week and the week after I had been celebrating and throwing different sort of get-togethers with friends to say good bye for the coming season. We had an excellent last violent movie night (VMN), a tradition of staying up really late and watching some good action films. This time we had some made sushi. :) Also had a BBQ at my house.
-----
My last post was regarding a fund-raiser, which is still going on. Yesterday, however, was the Edinburgh half marathon. I completed it in 1:45:22, I believe my fastest time yet. It was a fun run, ideal weather condition, and it was great fun running with the Thumpers (a St Andrews casual football team). Over 3,000 pounds raised.
-----
Now, it is all about the summer plans. I will be down in London in June and to the States in August. Looking into more races and more fun.
Look out for more blog posts and some challenging thoughts this summer. I've had months to think on them, but now I have time to write them out. So, be in discussion with me!
:)
I hope to skype you, chat you, mail you.
-J
The past week or so St Andrews transformed from a rainy cold place to one of the most beautiful sunny and flowering places I have every seen. Wow, this town really is different and I think I owe myself a little kick for every time I complained about it.
During exam week and the week after I had been celebrating and throwing different sort of get-togethers with friends to say good bye for the coming season. We had an excellent last violent movie night (VMN), a tradition of staying up really late and watching some good action films. This time we had some made sushi. :) Also had a BBQ at my house.
-----
My last post was regarding a fund-raiser, which is still going on. Yesterday, however, was the Edinburgh half marathon. I completed it in 1:45:22, I believe my fastest time yet. It was a fun run, ideal weather condition, and it was great fun running with the Thumpers (a St Andrews casual football team). Over 3,000 pounds raised.
-----
Now, it is all about the summer plans. I will be down in London in June and to the States in August. Looking into more races and more fun.
Look out for more blog posts and some challenging thoughts this summer. I've had months to think on them, but now I have time to write them out. So, be in discussion with me!
:)
I hope to skype you, chat you, mail you.
-J
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
For Sofia
Dear Friends and Family,
For the past few years, once a year, I have ran in a
half-marathon or participated a sport event for the charity Chai Lifeline. This
year I was invited by a new friend, Matt Harrison, of mine to run with him and
a few friends in the Edinburgh half-marathon and raise money for a newly
established scholarship.
Last year, Matt began seeing a girl, Lorena. Last May Lorena
lost her dear sister, Sofia, who took her own life. Sophia was an
undergraduate student at the University of Maastricht in Holland. At the University of Maastricht a scholarship has been set up in Sophia’s name. This scholarship
will help a selected student who would otherwise not be able to attend
university, to meet with Sophia’s parents and have the chance to pursue their
goals.
In order to raise money we have partnered with a charity in
Dundee (one big town north of us), “Remembering Yusef Abubaker”, who have
kindly agreed to help us with our project.
Please, take your time to read Matt’s side of the story at https://www.justgiving.com/Thumpers-Edinburgh-Half-Marathon.
I, and the guys I will be running with, appreciate any donation you can make.
All the best,
Jeremy Hipps
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Some Days You Just Can't Get Nachos
I found out recently that sometimes life decides to support the maintaining of bad habits.
A few days ago I was worrying as my last test of the year was approaching. The test would be on psychology second year stats, mostly ANOVAs and other variance tests. I realized that this semester I had not attended any of the stats lectures and hardly paid any attention in the methodology labs. I had wanted to, I promise, but I found every time I went I just remained confused by my teacher's explanations with no hope of understanding until I went back and did the labs on my own.
Today I had this test. Last night I printed out all the slides, in a moment of determination, and sat down to work on them. But, I got distracted and visited friends. Then I went grocery shopping and had a chat with my housemates which left me in my room at 11:40pm with the stack of lecture slides. I looked at them and thought, "Wow, so many slides." I decided sleep would be better than a morning headache. I woke up, had some coffee, and started to study the practice questions (based on a friend's hint and common sense) with only a hour and a half to go.
Forty minutes until the test I walked to the psychology building where I met a friend and read a few More slides. The time came and I sat down. Half the questions on the test matched the practice questions exactly. Hallelujah. Jeremy passed.
As I said. Life can support bad habits. I'm grateful that this once on this day life did it for me.
I went out afterwards to grab some of the Whey Pat's nachos, but discovered four rejections on the way.
1. A dog sitting out side didn't want to be pet and turned its head away.
2. Hamish McHamish walked up to me then quickly ran passed.
3. The Whey Pat was closed and no nachos were two be found.
4. The West Port wasn't serving nachos until 12pm.
Some days you just can't get nachos.
-J
A few days ago I was worrying as my last test of the year was approaching. The test would be on psychology second year stats, mostly ANOVAs and other variance tests. I realized that this semester I had not attended any of the stats lectures and hardly paid any attention in the methodology labs. I had wanted to, I promise, but I found every time I went I just remained confused by my teacher's explanations with no hope of understanding until I went back and did the labs on my own.
Today I had this test. Last night I printed out all the slides, in a moment of determination, and sat down to work on them. But, I got distracted and visited friends. Then I went grocery shopping and had a chat with my housemates which left me in my room at 11:40pm with the stack of lecture slides. I looked at them and thought, "Wow, so many slides." I decided sleep would be better than a morning headache. I woke up, had some coffee, and started to study the practice questions (based on a friend's hint and common sense) with only a hour and a half to go.
Forty minutes until the test I walked to the psychology building where I met a friend and read a few More slides. The time came and I sat down. Half the questions on the test matched the practice questions exactly. Hallelujah. Jeremy passed.
As I said. Life can support bad habits. I'm grateful that this once on this day life did it for me.
I went out afterwards to grab some of the Whey Pat's nachos, but discovered four rejections on the way.
1. A dog sitting out side didn't want to be pet and turned its head away.
2. Hamish McHamish walked up to me then quickly ran passed.
3. The Whey Pat was closed and no nachos were two be found.
4. The West Port wasn't serving nachos until 12pm.
Some days you just can't get nachos.
-J
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