The Diwali Ball

Today was the day of the long-awaited Diwali Ball organised by HUMsoc. We didn't go last year but had all promise Chandni (who is now co-president of the society) that we'd go this year and make it extra-special.
On arriving to the Kassam Stadium in Oxford we had a non-alcoholic drinks reception with rose and mango flavoured Lassis, orange, lychee and mango juice. Here I saw Bhanvini, Rima and Hasina from Twyford and they were just as shocked to see me and I was to see them! Everyone from Oxford was there too including Marja who looked stunning in a red dress (as usual) and Mel from Biology. It was great to wander around and see so many familiar faces. Chandni also looked beautiful in a cream and gold sari which matched with her co-president’s outfit. After the drinks we all went upstairs to the stadium's dining hall and had an exquisite three-course meal which left us all very full. This was accompanied by some music, dancers, comedians and entertainers. After the meal we all went outside to see the beautiful fireworks display marking the festival of light. It was very impressive and you could hear the crowd oohing and ahing in appreciation. The display was followed by the opening of the Humsoc bazaar which included a chocolate fountain, more Indian finger food, sweets, Henna artists and a masseur - we were very spoilt! We spent the rest of the night and early morning eating, dancing and getting henna painted on our hands. As it was a non-alcoholic event it was really nice to truly enjoy the evening with everyone.

Tough day

3 lectures, 3 hours of labs and a cells class on Gibb's free energy. oh dear. Today was pretty hectic and it was pouring as I cycled home. My head hurts. (I would like to point out that the fact thats It's Friday 13th has nothing to do with this !).

The day it rained and my mudgard decided to be useless

It was quite depressing to realise, half way through the day, that although it was incredibly sunny and glorious I would not be able to appreciate the un-characteristically warm weather. I am right slap-bang in the middle of my week of doom - 9 lectures, 1 tute, 1 computer lab, 9 hours labs, and 1 1/2 hours cells class all crammed into the space of 4 days. Tomorrow is the mother of all days - 9-6:30pm straight with a break for lunch among the lectures, 3 hour lab and cells class. Oh dear. I'm actually quite looking forward to it as I'm really enjoying this year. Ok, its not like I would voluntarily ASK to do a day like tomorrow but I always that its important to make do with what you have and try your best to turn a potentially bad situation into something good. I've just finished as much as possible of my cells problem sheet. I hope its not too bad. As always, Albert’s saved the day. It truly is the Bible of Cell Biology... On the plus side, I've been indoors for most of the time it was raining :) Here is a picture I took in Amelia's room as we admired all her costume jewellery. That’s my new word for today, before then I didn't really know what it meant. I love jewellery and will ensure that I wear something extra-pretty tomorrow.

A note on courage

"It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."

I was stalked by a ladybird

It hitched a ride on my laptop so, as I started to work in the RSL, I noticed the little bug crawling over the ethernet cable. It was raining outside and I couldn't be bothered to work. Talia and I marvelled at the resistance of something so small to hold onto my laptop for dear life. It continued to rain and we went for lunch at Hertford, I had to move my bag from the bench as it was boiling and would have frazzled my work. I saw Amelia and Alice before rushing off to the library to have a crack at my problem sheet for the week. I saw James. Talia and I had a break and walked around Oxford in the cold drizzly weather. We came back and, as I sat down, I noticed the same small red ladybird happily clambering over my laptop, completely unfazed by the days events.

I wrote this letter to you

I found this ladybird circling the rim of my glass of water as I finished writing. Its so cold outside I thought they'd all be dead.

small steps

I had coffee with Anna Powell today and it was as if neither of us had left Ealing. Someone once said thats the sign of a good friend - someone who, no matter how long you've been apart, you can still talk to as if you'd seen them only last week.
We ate dinner as a family this evening and I managed to get everyone together for a photo before I left. Being home gave me such a clearer and calmer perspective on life that I know it will be alright. The majority of University life seems to be learning how to cope with situations and face the consequences of your decision; your degree is only a tedious task done along the way.