Accidental Pun + Gap

Today I said: "I want to go to a real, bonafide sex shop in Soho."

"Mind the Gap" in America would be: Caution! Not Responsible for injury, death, or items lost due to the space between the train and the platform.

London

Athena's foot - In the British Museum

The London Eye from Westminister Bridge (I think)

Trafalgar Square

London is wonderful. I continue to feel more and more embarrassed to say that I am from the States. The amount of history and tolerance, no acceptance, here is staggering. The thift and book stores have been incredible. I think I'll follow the Bible tomorrow and rest a bit, after all it is the Sabbath. I do have another gift or two to buy; next week is dedicated to museums and other historical sites.

cheerio

I'm in London.. feeling lonely and overwhelmed. America knows nothing of history, and I can tell this even though I've barely seen this city. Time alone may be difficult to come by.. with in one minute of being in the room.. the television came on and all peace went off. Shows and museums and libraries await.

purely

Over the years, I've received many gifts. The most important gifts are the ones which are intangible or those which bring an intangible meaning with them. The gifts I've received of late are the best I've ever received. The gifts given not out of obligation but out of love are the most important.

Today I watched as Nora became overwhelmed at the number of gifts she received. While the gifts did have a tangible value, they were given out of pure love. But, more important than that was the joy received in watching her open these gifts. She is a true joy, and that smile breaks my heart.

Christmas is not my favorite holiday, but when a gift is given purely, it is a lovely thing.

Lately I've been happy to see my library grow along with my mind and my heart.

free

It is official. I am now an undergraduate.

It scares the hell out of me. Of course, I won't get the diploma until May, but I'll keep myself busy with graduate studies until then.

In the past few years, I've learned what the word "stress" actually means. I've also learned how to communicate fully. I am still trying to learn how to listen without excitedly stating my point of view at inappropriate times.

I've learned that putting everything on the line, when done with pure intentions, is always worth it. I am now beginning to fully understand what a truly good man looks like, and it is an incredible sight. I've learned that being honest is not always easy, but in the end making the decision to be honest is well worth it, even while working through the consequences.

I understand that my soul can be cleansed with the tears of another or the laughter of my child.

I know that not watching television is one of the best decisions I've made to date. I know that good novels and poems have likely been edited over and over again. I've learned that books affect my life and thoughts more than any other form of art.

I've learned that following through with stated intentions can be very difficult and very rewarding. I know that patience is a virtue I with which I will always struggle. I have a dry sense of humor. Being an English major has completely changed the way I look at the world; this can probably be said of any field of study.

I know that I will always be a bit unfriendly. I will doubtless always incorporate the words of those that I admire into my own vocabulary.

I know that when I made the decision to live by the words: "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain" (Dickinson), I made a damn fine decision. While I may only be able to help heal one heart or stop one heart from breaking, I hope to touch the hearts of many.

I don't know who decided that I deserve a degree, a title, but I think that person made a good decision. Pardon my gloating, please.