Tuesday, June 20, 1989

A Rare View of the Changing of the Guard ...

The weather remained excessively hot today, but it could hardly dampen what we did today. After breakfast, we walked down to Buckingham Palace and St. James Park, with our intentions of watching the ceremonial changing of the guard.

At 11 a.m., we ENTERED the gates at Buckingham Palace, and were given a very rare opportunity - we watched the changing of the guard from the inside of the gate, actually leaning against the walls of Buckingham Palace while the ceremony took place. There was a certain self-satisfaction we felt from seeing all of the people on the outside of the fence clamoring for a glimpse of the guards, while we were on the opposite side, with a clear, unobstructed view. Thanks go to Dr. Morrison for having friends in all the right places!

When we left the palace, Mom, Dad and Angie returned to the room while Dr. Morrison and I took the Underground to Piccadilly to do some shopping. We went into a Specialty record shop of nothing but Film and Show soundtracks, where I found the record that my friend Scott has been searching for unsuccessfully for many years: "Meatballs," his favourite film. Hope he still wants it. If not, I'll gladly keep it.

In another shop, I bought a few postcards, and then browsed around Tower Records until 5.30, when I returned to get ready for tonight's West End show. Dr. Morrison and I left for "Les Miserables," while my parents and Angie went to see "Starlight Express" (which I had already gone to see during my high school class trip to England in 1987.)

We met Dr. Morrison's niece Rosemary and her sister Angela outside the theatre, having a drink before the show began. Then Dr. Morrison, Angela and I parted with Rosemary and took our seats up in the peanut gallery. I mean, they were way up there. It unfortunately took away from the show experience for us, not too mention the unbearable heat. Although the music and acting and the story were all excellent, because of our partially-obstructed position, and because of the projection of the voices, it was often too difficult to follow what was going on exactly. If I see it again, I want good seats or I'll pass. (Pictured at top is the Palace Theatre. See those windows at the top? That's about where we were in relation to the stage at ground level.)

So in the same day... awesome seats for the Changing of the Guard, horrible seats for "Les Miserables."

We met up with Rosemary at the show's end around 11 p.m., and then ate at a French restaurant nearby (very continental cuisine this week). The food was excellent, although the portions were small. But they were just the right size for me tonight.

We talked and concluded that after Dr. Morrison returned home, Angie and I could stay with Rosemary, while Mom and Dad might possibly stay at Angela's house. We'll see how that works out.

Wow! Yet another full day gone by!

Friday, April 14, 1989

Escalation of the Water Battles ...

Before going to class I received a letter from my friend Scott, which included a "Scott's Obligatory Album" cassette with it... cool! After a weak Social/Political Structures seminar and a bit of a wait, I went and listened to it in J.P.'s room, while he walked into town. Quite entertaining, and good to hear something from home.

After dinner and relaxing, a group of us headed to the pub. We only stayed there for a short while, whiche was fine with me since I didn't have any money. I tried again to take a few photos, but again the lighting just wasn't good enough.

Well, when we came back to St. Hilda's, we had a little party of our own, which was good fun. J.P. and I drank more home brew while we played a game of Myrtle Beach. Though not quite as fun of a drinking game, it was still good fun. The game got Jodie, J.P. and Sharon quite drunk, as well as Sid. I think I was able to get some good photos here, that I can send back to The Snapper folks.

Following the game it was goof-around time. J.P. and I earlier in the day had a water fight where we shot at one another quite randomly in the common room, during which time we got Jodie. She chased J.P. and got ketchup on his shirt.

Well, it was time for revenge.

In retaliation, J.P. had us fill up the bathtub with water, and then we all grabbed Jodie and put her into the water, fully clothed. It was rather funny.

Of course, it didn't quite end there. Jodie got her revenge for J.P.'s revenge by locking J.P. and Sid in his room for about a half an hour, but threatening to keep them in there all night. Eventually, she was persuaded otherwise.

Soon the party died down, and after some late night "chair dancing," I called it quits and went to bed.

Pictured is Scott's "Obligatory Album." Paula Abdul? Honestly, Scott...

Saturday, February 11, 1989

Saving for Spain ...

I got a letter from my grandparents today for Valentine's Day, and a gift cheque for $25... which is going right in the savings for my plans to travel to Spain and visit Viv in March while she's studying there.

Viv and I walked into downtown Hull, stopping at a used book shop along the way, where I purchased two more Peanuts books to add to my collection. We then headed to the monthly Record Fair, where we walked around a bit before I purchased a few items, including another copy of Prince's "Black Album." It's the third time I've bought it since coming here, but this looks like the best copy of the three, so I will give this one to my friend Scott, who implored me to buy the album in the first place. We then ate lunch at McDonald's.

Viv and I started work today on a tape that I will be sending to my parents, telling them about all of my exciting adventures in England. Later that evening we relaxed and watched a little TV.

Monday, February 6, 1989

Reading Week ...

This has nothing to do with anything, but it was on this date 7 years ago that my friend Scott and I recorded our first "radio station" - a comedy tape we would do from time-to-time when we hung out at one-another's houses. So in honor of (and inspired by) that little piece of history, I got to work on the tape I'm making for Scott, and finally finished it off today.

No classes this week, because it is something called "Reading Week." I'm not sure of its significance. I guess I'm supposed to spend the time studying for exams or something. It probably has more to do with giving professors a week off.

So I used the time to clean up my room, read a copy of The Times, and yes, do a bit of class reading ("Howard's End.") While I did all of that, Viv continued to study for her Spanish-Business exams. Viv continued to study that night while I read, finished Scott's tape, and visited J.P.

Later, Viv and I went to the local chippie for some chicken kiev, which I must admit was kwite tastee.

(Pictured: It's the start of Reading Week... the perfect time to read some great literature, such as Viz Comics' own "Biffa Bacon.")

Saturday, February 4, 1989

Bummed around ...

Continued to work on Scott's tape today. Viv was studying today quite extensively, so we didn't get a chance to hang out too much. But she has some pretty major exams coming up to determine whether or not she'll be able to move on to study in Madrid. (Pictured: Cover of a Madrid brochure. Will I be going there in March? That depends on how Viv does on these exams.)

I bought a newspaper, then spent the day bumming around either in my room or the gang over in St. Hilda's. I didn't mention it before, but Kenny has a new roommate who took Doug's place in the double room at the end of the hall in St. Hilda's. He's a rather nice bloke. Seems to get on well with Kenny and the rest of us.

Overall, just an average, uninteresting day today.

Friday, February 3, 1989

'Die Hard' Day ...

Ooh, I just remembered that yesterday was Groundhog Day. I wonder if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow? And if he did, I wonder if it means anything about six-more weeks of winter here in Britain? They don't celebrate Groundhog Day here. (Note: In 1989, Phil did see his shadow.)

I went to my Social/Political Structures seminar today, and put my two cents worth into the discussion (which here is worth about 1.35 p, based on the current exchange rate), which, of course, was generally not to Roz Billington's liking. That's OK with me, because I'd hate to think similar to her.

I ate lunch, then started to work on a tape for Scott. I've been getting into sending tapes to friends back home of late. Fun way to send a message!

Later that evening, Viv and I headed downtown to see "Die Hard." No problem getting into the theatre. This was the third time I've seen it (twice before in the States, including a sneak preview the week before it opened), and after three times, it's still a very gripping film. Viv also loved it.

Came back to my room, watched some telly, then went to bed.

Pictured is a postcard of Viz Comics' own Roger Mellie, the Man on the Telly.

Sunday, December 25, 1988

It's Christmastime ...

Wow, I woke up later than I've ever woken up on Christmas morning... 11 a.m.! My previous "late" record was 9 a.m., which I did last year. The Schofields don't open up gifts until after lunch, so I didn't miss any of the fun.

At 1 p.m. (8 a.m. in Camp Hill), I called home to wish my family a Merry Christmas, and see how everyone was doing. My sister Angie had already been up for awhile (she probably woke up even before I did!), and Dad was just getting up, while Mom had just returned home from working the night shift. So I had a chance to talk to everyone.

Mom was glad to hear my voice, as she expressed concern for my safety after hearing about the Lockerbie plane crash 4 days ago. She knew in her head that I was fine, but there was that little tinge of worry that I might have somehow figured out a way to surprise them and fly home for Christmas. Of course, my finances being what they are, that would be impossible (perhaps a blessing that I'm a poor college student.) She was also worried about Doug, because she knew he was flying home but didn't know what day he was planning to leave. She was relieved to hear that he flew out two days earlier.

After a delicious Christmas dinner, we watched part of "Back to the Future" on TV, then switched the channel to "The Empire Strikes Back" while we opened gifts. Her family was very kind and generous to me. I got a diary from Viv's parents, a shaving kit from Karen, candy from Roseanne and Grandma, a Europe book from Dr. Morrison, and Viv gave me Pink Floyd's "Delicate Sound of Thunder" live album on cassette, an ALF poster, and shortbread cookies. I gave Viv the book "The Complete Works of Shakespeare," which I think she may already have, and a stuffed teddy bear.

After the field ended, I called J.P., who was staying with Kenny up in St. Andrews, to tell him when and where we will meet in Edinburgh. Sounds like he's having a good time.

Then I called good old Scott, my friend back home, to wish him a Merry Christmas and update him about how things were (and that I was safe.) We talked for a few minutes, and said he's still dating the Tamster (Tammy). It sounds like he's pretty serious this time. He's talking possible marriage in a couple of years. Wow, a friend of mine talking about marriage? While we were hoping there was a chance he might be able to come over to visit me while I was over here, he said he doesn't think that will be possible, because of money, which is certainly understandable. A few of my friends said they might try and visit, but so far none of them have indicated that they will be able to.

After another meal, we got a game of Quizmaster going. We all played, and in the end, Viv and I squeaked out a victory. Lateron we also got a game of Monopoly going, but we (Mr. & Mrs. Schofield, Roseanne and I) didn't finish it. We left the board up to finish it tomorrow.

Although it felt very different, it was still a memorable Christmas. Hey, I just realized that I didn't even leave the house at all today.

Pictured: #1: The Schofield's Christmas tree. #2: Viv's parents (left and right) and her Grandmother, 83. #3: Roseanne and Viv, opening Christmas gifts.

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• Number One Song in Britain This Week: "Mistletoe & Wine" - Cliff Richard
  
• Number One Song in America This Week: "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" - Poison