Missing Oxford

The dreariness of January makes me want to hibernate,  I never mind the snow or bad weather until I have to go somewhere, but life is too busy now to be able to stay inside and ignore the cold and constant precipitation.  I remember 15 Januarys ago when I got my wish.... to stay inside until it got warm again.  That was the January I spent at Oxford University at Harris Manchester College during Hilary term. A former student from The Oaks Academy, is spending Hilary term at Oxford now, and I think of her often. 

I can recall in detail my small room in Warrington hall that overlooked Mansfield Road.  It was me, the contents of a suitcase, a bed, wardrobe, sink, and books.  As a student at Oxford, I like all other students had a primary and a secondary course.  I was required to meet with my primary tutor once a week and with my secondary tutor (the president of the college) every other week.  Attending lectures was optional, and so the only times I needed to leave my room was to go to the library and to eat meals.  I studied Victorian Women's Literature and Early Church History, and I literally read, ate and slept for three months straight. 

Being a people person and always having a roommate since I was a baby, I was unaccustomed to having so much solitude.  I actually ended up loving it. . I had a daily schedule that I follwed to the letter.  Get up, eat breakfast, come back to my room and read.  Then, it was lunch, and I returned to my room to read.  I often fell asleep and took a nap (a forgotten luxury) and when I woke up I'd sometimes go for a walk or run at University Parks, a beautiful scenic park with a pond an mature trees that even looked beautiful in the winter.  Then, I'd shower and have dinner, come back and read again, and stay up late to ICQ my now-husband Mark.  Do any of remember ICQ?  The pre-Instant Messanger!  Then, I'd fall into bed around 2am, to repeat the whole process again. 

Those were the days when I could dictate my own schedule, no one asked me for anything, and when I said I was "busy" I really had no idea what I was talking about.  Life is so different now, but I can appreciate both my solitude then and the kids that are hanging on me right now as I write this!  I'm so glad that I have the memories of such a unique time of my life.

New Beginnings in 2013!

As 2013 begins, I'm excited to announce my new affiliation with a local travel agency, The Travel Agent, Inc.   in Carmel, Indiana.  Since 1979, The Travel Agent has provided clients with luxury travel experiences and  has earned the distinction to be part of Virtuoso , an invitation-only network of the world's finest travel agencies.  Being a part of Virtuoso provides agencies like The Travel Agent with preferred connections with hotels, airlines, cruise lines and tour companies.  There is a difference with a Virtuoso agency!

The Travel Agent has invited me to be their Disney Specialist to inform the agency on all of Disney Parks' expansions, promotions, special events and training opportunities.  I'm extremely excited to join this professional team of advisers to research what I enjoy most--the Disney experience.  While I will focus on the Disney Destinations (Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawai'i), I am also expanding beyond Disney to meet the needs of a wider client base.  I now book cruises on all major cruise lines.   I also provide travel planning for couples' vacation packages (such as Sandals) , honeymoon packages, and any family vacation in North America and the Caribbean.

Take a moment to browse The Travel Agent's site.  Our motto is "We sell the world and we want you to see it."  Maybe you will be inspired to make 2013 the year to take the trip of your dreams!