Hi my readers,
Clearly I have not been maintaining this blog and I apologize! Please know that I'm safely out of quarantine and am currently busying myself with two podcasts, and now a blogcast! As such, I won't be continuing this blog, partly because I'm no longer in Kensington anymore.
Please check out my current work at my new blog: "From the Biblio-Files," where I interview science writers about their books. Link is here: https://fromthebiblio-files.blogspot.com/
It's been a fun a long journey and I thank you all for sticking with me on it.
May you all be safe and well.
Kenna in Kensington
Monday, April 6, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Day 3 of quarantine
If you can't tell by now, I'm actually really bad at keeping up with all this. I said I would do a blog every day of my quarantine, and missed the entirety of yesterday. To be fair, describing my actions would be rather boring, as I mainly read, played video games, and rested. Today has been a bit more exciting, as I've been trying to do a lot of job applications. Our economy is slowly sinking, but I'm hoping to try to find something online, maybe a tutoring position or a virtual assistant? If anyone knows about anything let me know in the comments section.
Besides job hunting, I've been spending a lot of time with my pets. They're the only ones I can touch during my quarantine, and even then I'm trying to be careful and wash my hands and stuff to make sure they don't give anything to my family. Cooper, our kitten, is such a character. We're pretty sure he's part dog, because even when he goes outside, he just stays in the backyard, and doesn't wander everywhere. He's also a huge lap kitty and snuggler. He purrs quite loudly and always is looking for attention. I find him constantly reaching out to me, paws outstretched, trying to grasp my hair, or jeans, or anything to get my attention. He also loves exploring, and according to my parents, he now knows how to open cabinets...so....who knows where he'll end up.
Emmie, who I've mentioned before on this blog, is doing quite well, but she gets quite jealous of all the attention Cooper gets. they wrestle and play all the time, it's quite cute and good to know that they entertain each other.
Besides spending time with the pets, I'm continuing to do research for my dissertation. Though all classes have gone online, it's just better to get ahead on things, plus it makes me feel good knowing I've done productive things. My research, which is on cold cases, is mostly archival so quite easy to do online, which is helpful as well.
For those of you wondering, I'll still be doing the podcast, Human Angle just may be slightly delayed due to remote recording and delay in research. But it'll get there! I promise, now is as good a time as any for a podcast.
For those needing book recommendations, I'm currently reading In Search of the Trojan War, which is all about the archaeological digs that helped to discover the ruins of the Trojan War. I picked it up at the British Museum when they had their Troy exhibit on, and before they closed. It's quite a good read so far, and I'm a sucker for good nonfiction stories. It's odd but I'm pretty sure I read more of those than actual fiction these days. I can't complain it's just the scientist within me.
That's about it for now, everyone in my family is doing well and keeping safe which is good. I'll write soon about my next few days. Hopefully, things will be more exciting then.
Cheers, and stay safe!
Kenna
Besides job hunting, I've been spending a lot of time with my pets. They're the only ones I can touch during my quarantine, and even then I'm trying to be careful and wash my hands and stuff to make sure they don't give anything to my family. Cooper, our kitten, is such a character. We're pretty sure he's part dog, because even when he goes outside, he just stays in the backyard, and doesn't wander everywhere. He's also a huge lap kitty and snuggler. He purrs quite loudly and always is looking for attention. I find him constantly reaching out to me, paws outstretched, trying to grasp my hair, or jeans, or anything to get my attention. He also loves exploring, and according to my parents, he now knows how to open cabinets...so....who knows where he'll end up.
Emmie, who I've mentioned before on this blog, is doing quite well, but she gets quite jealous of all the attention Cooper gets. they wrestle and play all the time, it's quite cute and good to know that they entertain each other.
Besides spending time with the pets, I'm continuing to do research for my dissertation. Though all classes have gone online, it's just better to get ahead on things, plus it makes me feel good knowing I've done productive things. My research, which is on cold cases, is mostly archival so quite easy to do online, which is helpful as well.
For those of you wondering, I'll still be doing the podcast, Human Angle just may be slightly delayed due to remote recording and delay in research. But it'll get there! I promise, now is as good a time as any for a podcast.
For those needing book recommendations, I'm currently reading In Search of the Trojan War, which is all about the archaeological digs that helped to discover the ruins of the Trojan War. I picked it up at the British Museum when they had their Troy exhibit on, and before they closed. It's quite a good read so far, and I'm a sucker for good nonfiction stories. It's odd but I'm pretty sure I read more of those than actual fiction these days. I can't complain it's just the scientist within me.
That's about it for now, everyone in my family is doing well and keeping safe which is good. I'll write soon about my next few days. Hopefully, things will be more exciting then.
Cheers, and stay safe!
Kenna
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Home sweet home
Hi, my lovelies! Sorry, it's been ages since I've written. To be honest, I kept telling myself I would write and then the weeks went by, and nothing had been written. Clearly, that method didn't work. As I am now back in Colorado due to the COVID-19 virus, and in self-quarantine for 14 days, it makes sense to write, and I really have few other options. So I thought I would sum up my last couple weeks in London and then talk about moving forward.
My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and I was supposed to go to Scotland, but Flybe collapsed due to the virus and lack of government funding, so I didn't actually end up going anywhere! Well, that's not true, I decided to go to Kew Gardens the morning of my birthday, and honestly, I've very glad I did as Kew Gardens is now closed. It was a grey and very cold day, but thankfully no rain.
I hopped from conservatory to conservatory and then wandered the grounds, balling my fists to keep my fingers warm. I was proud of myself and only bought one item in the gift shop, a book on evil plants in literature. Seems fitting for me I suppose. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring it home as my suitcase was already 50 lbs due to me fitting my entire wardrobe inside. But at least I got to enjoy a bit of nature on my birthday.
Earlier in the week, my three closest friends and I got together at my favorite speakeasy bar for birthday drinks. None of them had ever been to a speakeasy bar before, and it was fun to introduce them to how it worked, where you had to convince a detective to let you into the bar by explaining why you were there. Only when he believed you would he open the bookcase door into the bar. The detective I talked to, Tony, was a 1920's New York cop with the accent to prove it. Don't ask, but I ended up spending more on drinks than I planned on. That's the downside with speakeasy bars, they're not cheap. But the cool thing with this one, Evans & Peel detective agency, is that each of the drinks is named after a famous gangster. Really getting into the mafia vibe, and they have 1920's music and posters on their walls. It probably has to be my favorite bar in London if I'm being honest.
Besides enjoying my birthday, I've been trying to stay in as much as possible. It has been difficult with working in retail at Harrods, but at least my flat is close enough I could walk to work and avoid public transport.
My anxiety has gone through the roof with this virus epidemic so I haven't been sleeping well. Plus not knowing whether the UK would be closed and I even would be able to get home or not was a terrifying thought. I originally was supposed to leave March 28 but moved my flight up to the 18th just in case the UK shut down sooner than that. Once I knew my classes were canceled and I didn't have to be on campus, I packed up and shipped out. After 16 hours of exhausting travel, I finally made it back home to Colorado! I do have to self-quarantine for 14 days just for safety reasons, as both my mom and sister have asthma, and the last thing I want to do is pass them anything. So I'm currently 6 feet apart minimum from everyone, except my pets. But I'm washing my hands often and am very glad to be home. It's currently snowing here, and I could not be more excited!
So I'm now going to convert this blog into a daily journal of my self-quarantine, just so people have something to read while the world self isolates. Know that we're all in this together, and I'm happy to talk to people over skype if people want to talk.
Thanks to all my readers for staying with me! Keep safe and healthy!
Kenna
My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and I was supposed to go to Scotland, but Flybe collapsed due to the virus and lack of government funding, so I didn't actually end up going anywhere! Well, that's not true, I decided to go to Kew Gardens the morning of my birthday, and honestly, I've very glad I did as Kew Gardens is now closed. It was a grey and very cold day, but thankfully no rain.
I hopped from conservatory to conservatory and then wandered the grounds, balling my fists to keep my fingers warm. I was proud of myself and only bought one item in the gift shop, a book on evil plants in literature. Seems fitting for me I suppose. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring it home as my suitcase was already 50 lbs due to me fitting my entire wardrobe inside. But at least I got to enjoy a bit of nature on my birthday.
Earlier in the week, my three closest friends and I got together at my favorite speakeasy bar for birthday drinks. None of them had ever been to a speakeasy bar before, and it was fun to introduce them to how it worked, where you had to convince a detective to let you into the bar by explaining why you were there. Only when he believed you would he open the bookcase door into the bar. The detective I talked to, Tony, was a 1920's New York cop with the accent to prove it. Don't ask, but I ended up spending more on drinks than I planned on. That's the downside with speakeasy bars, they're not cheap. But the cool thing with this one, Evans & Peel detective agency, is that each of the drinks is named after a famous gangster. Really getting into the mafia vibe, and they have 1920's music and posters on their walls. It probably has to be my favorite bar in London if I'm being honest.
Besides enjoying my birthday, I've been trying to stay in as much as possible. It has been difficult with working in retail at Harrods, but at least my flat is close enough I could walk to work and avoid public transport.
My anxiety has gone through the roof with this virus epidemic so I haven't been sleeping well. Plus not knowing whether the UK would be closed and I even would be able to get home or not was a terrifying thought. I originally was supposed to leave March 28 but moved my flight up to the 18th just in case the UK shut down sooner than that. Once I knew my classes were canceled and I didn't have to be on campus, I packed up and shipped out. After 16 hours of exhausting travel, I finally made it back home to Colorado! I do have to self-quarantine for 14 days just for safety reasons, as both my mom and sister have asthma, and the last thing I want to do is pass them anything. So I'm currently 6 feet apart minimum from everyone, except my pets. But I'm washing my hands often and am very glad to be home. It's currently snowing here, and I could not be more excited!
So I'm now going to convert this blog into a daily journal of my self-quarantine, just so people have something to read while the world self isolates. Know that we're all in this together, and I'm happy to talk to people over skype if people want to talk.
Thanks to all my readers for staying with me! Keep safe and healthy!
Kenna
Monday, February 17, 2020
The Troy Exhibit
Hello, Lovelies!
I apologize for such a gap in time between posts. I currently am working two jobs, and two podcasts, so my life has been a bit hectic! But I'm happy to say that I've also had many wonderful adventures and cannot complain.
Currently, we're getting a lot of rain in London, partially due to Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis. I'm very grateful we don't have flooding and hope those that too will be able to recover quickly. I'm surviving the rain with fuzzy waterproof boots and lots of warm tea, but it has taken a toll on my mood. I'm recovering from Seasonal Depression, and the long stretch from winter to spring is always the worst. Thankfully, this part of the year is also one of the busiest, so I'm usually inside with my head down working on an essay or script, and that helps me not to notice the gray clouds outside. Like most people here, I'm looking forward to the warm weather, when I can read in the park again.
Speaking of reading, I just recently finished a book called The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth, by Thomas Morris. If you're into weird Medieval and Victorian Medical treatments, as well as some of the weirdest discoveries known to science, you'd enjoy this book. The main thing this book has shown me is how many different objects can be inserted into one's...nevermind. I am interviewing the author Thomas Morris, hopefully, this week, and cannot be more excited to pick his brain about this read.
This past week I visited the Troy Exhibit at the British Museum. Let me clarify, I visited the exhibit twice, once by myself and the other occasion with my boyfriend on Valentine's day.
I digress...
The Troy exhibit was absolutely fabulous. There were frescos from Pompeii that had survived Vesuvius. There was pottery telling some of my favorite Greek myths. I'm a bit of a myth junkie, loving all the stories from Thor, King Arthur, Mars and Venus to Athena and Indra. I studied the myths in my undergraduate degree and specifically looked at the use of plants within myths (as I'm also a plant junkie). From my research, I've become very familiar with the myths surrounding the Trojan War, and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the stories come to life in front of me. Some of the pottery I had only seen in slideshows, and never thought I would see it in real life. The cool thing about the exhibit was that some of the pottery had projections near it, so the projections could explain what was happening on the pottery and who the key figures were. Definitely very helpful. It was also amazing to see how much of a legacy the Trojan War has had on our culture, from art to movies to music. I, of course, bought a few books from the bookstore (I couldn't help it, it's a reflex? Not sure that's a good excuse).
The other major thing that happened this past week was that I recorded another episode of Human Angle. It's on Beatrix Potter, the famous author and amateur mycologist (bet you didn't know that). Unfortunately, my old cohost, Jacqui, has become too busy to help me with the podcast, so I brought in a new cohost, Matthew! I was afraid he was going to be really mic-shy, but he did fabulously. You can find our new episode on all your favorite platforms.
This coming week I'm hoping to get a bit more work done at the British Library, as well as visit a few more museums. I've got a bit of a travel bug, and want to combat the poor weather by getting out of my flat and around London.
Until next time!
Kenna
I apologize for such a gap in time between posts. I currently am working two jobs, and two podcasts, so my life has been a bit hectic! But I'm happy to say that I've also had many wonderful adventures and cannot complain.
Currently, we're getting a lot of rain in London, partially due to Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis. I'm very grateful we don't have flooding and hope those that too will be able to recover quickly. I'm surviving the rain with fuzzy waterproof boots and lots of warm tea, but it has taken a toll on my mood. I'm recovering from Seasonal Depression, and the long stretch from winter to spring is always the worst. Thankfully, this part of the year is also one of the busiest, so I'm usually inside with my head down working on an essay or script, and that helps me not to notice the gray clouds outside. Like most people here, I'm looking forward to the warm weather, when I can read in the park again.
Speaking of reading, I just recently finished a book called The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth, by Thomas Morris. If you're into weird Medieval and Victorian Medical treatments, as well as some of the weirdest discoveries known to science, you'd enjoy this book. The main thing this book has shown me is how many different objects can be inserted into one's...nevermind. I am interviewing the author Thomas Morris, hopefully, this week, and cannot be more excited to pick his brain about this read.
This past week I visited the Troy Exhibit at the British Museum. Let me clarify, I visited the exhibit twice, once by myself and the other occasion with my boyfriend on Valentine's day.
I digress...
Helen of Troy and Cassandra |
Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's wife |
The other major thing that happened this past week was that I recorded another episode of Human Angle. It's on Beatrix Potter, the famous author and amateur mycologist (bet you didn't know that). Unfortunately, my old cohost, Jacqui, has become too busy to help me with the podcast, so I brought in a new cohost, Matthew! I was afraid he was going to be really mic-shy, but he did fabulously. You can find our new episode on all your favorite platforms.
This coming week I'm hoping to get a bit more work done at the British Library, as well as visit a few more museums. I've got a bit of a travel bug, and want to combat the poor weather by getting out of my flat and around London.
Odysseus and the sirens. This fresco is from Pompeii |
Until next time!
Kenna
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Returning to London and starting the new year
Hello wonderful readers!
I apologize for being late on this blog, I took off more time than I planned. It seems that always happens, doesn't it?
My Christmas was pleasant and I was happy to be home with my family. We didn't get any new snow, so I couldn't go snowshoeing, but I did spend some of the sunny days outside practicing my archery. When I wasn't spending time with my family, I was catching up with friends. It's amazing how many people want to see you after you've been living in another country for 3 months! I was so happy to see everyone and tell them all about my adventures in London. It made me miss London more, and I was ready to travel back by the end of the holiday.
During the holiday, my 15-year-old cat, Joey, passed away suddenly from a seizure. My sister and I found her body in the basement, which was a bit of a shock to both of us. It was hard to lose Joey, as she was one of my childhood friends as I grew up a shy introvert with few others to talk to. Joey would often follow me on walks down my dirt road, or climb up into the apple tree with me when I wanted to be alone from other people. We buried Joey a couple days after she passed, and I made a plaque to go over her grave. She will be missed, to say the least.
My whole family was a bit miserable after Joey passed, so we decided to try and get another kitten, at least in order to give my dog Emmie some company. We searched a whole day for a kitten, driving around Denver looking at different animal shelters. Finally, we found the perfect kitten. After debating many names for him, we settled on Cooper. He's a character! Unfortunately, I only got a few days with him before I had to leave, but the whole time he would snuggle and loudly purr, falling asleep on my lap or shoulders. He is curious about everything, and my parents often send me pictures of him playing with something he is not supposed to. My dad and I also both have a soft spot for orange tabbies. I was really sad to leave him behind, to be honest, but I know that he is having fun with my family back at home.
When I arrived back in London, I settled back into the fog, humidity, and lack of driving. School started in a couple days, so I spent the weekend relaxing and trying to get over the jetlag. I wandered around Kensington a bit and got myself a membership with the Kensington Central Library. It's not that they're a big library with a large selection (quite the opposite), but they're a quiet and nice area to go to study. Plus Imperial College's library has a very very limited selection of books, so I figure the more libraries I sign up to, the better. Maybe then I'll find the books I'm looking for as opposing to buying them. Part of me just wishes I could ship my entire 900+ book library here from Colorado. A friend of mine asked if I had Crime and Punishment that she could borrow, and it bothered me that I had to say no, because my copy was in another country, halfway across the globe.
I digress...the struggles of being a bookworm in two countries.
I began classes with a slow start. I'm only taking one class this first half of the term, and two the second half. It does sound a bit confusing, but it makes sense to us students. This half of the term I'm taking the class on museums. I thought it would be a good way to explore more of London's museums that I haven't yet seen. Each week we read some articles about a different aspect of museums, and then go visit a museum gallery to complement our reading. So far I've been to the British Museum's Enlightenment gallery (I did geek out on the books and Greek pottery thank you very much), the Science Museum's Medicine Gallery, and the War Museum's soldier exhibit. There are so many museums in London, it's amazing! I also enjoy the fact that most museums here are free. Back in Denver, all our museums are very pricey to get into, so it's difficult to justify as a student, or family for that matter, going there.
Besides my museum's class, I've been keeping myself busy by starting up a couple more podcasts. Human Angle is slowing down a bit, as both Jacqui and I are busier this term, so we will only be putting out episodes every two weeks. However, I'm starting a podcast with my friends Matthew and Sunita on young scientists (under 35 years) and their contributions to society. Sunita and I are also making a separate podcast discussing current popular science reads, including interviews with the authors! So stay tuned!!!
Besides podcasts and school (including my dissertation research), I'm still on a job hunt. If anyone has any openings, including some with work sponsorships, as I'd like to stay in the UK for longer than my student Visa allows, let me know!
Until next week!
Kenna
I apologize for being late on this blog, I took off more time than I planned. It seems that always happens, doesn't it?
My Christmas was pleasant and I was happy to be home with my family. We didn't get any new snow, so I couldn't go snowshoeing, but I did spend some of the sunny days outside practicing my archery. When I wasn't spending time with my family, I was catching up with friends. It's amazing how many people want to see you after you've been living in another country for 3 months! I was so happy to see everyone and tell them all about my adventures in London. It made me miss London more, and I was ready to travel back by the end of the holiday.
During the holiday, my 15-year-old cat, Joey, passed away suddenly from a seizure. My sister and I found her body in the basement, which was a bit of a shock to both of us. It was hard to lose Joey, as she was one of my childhood friends as I grew up a shy introvert with few others to talk to. Joey would often follow me on walks down my dirt road, or climb up into the apple tree with me when I wanted to be alone from other people. We buried Joey a couple days after she passed, and I made a plaque to go over her grave. She will be missed, to say the least.
My whole family was a bit miserable after Joey passed, so we decided to try and get another kitten, at least in order to give my dog Emmie some company. We searched a whole day for a kitten, driving around Denver looking at different animal shelters. Finally, we found the perfect kitten. After debating many names for him, we settled on Cooper. He's a character! Unfortunately, I only got a few days with him before I had to leave, but the whole time he would snuggle and loudly purr, falling asleep on my lap or shoulders. He is curious about everything, and my parents often send me pictures of him playing with something he is not supposed to. My dad and I also both have a soft spot for orange tabbies. I was really sad to leave him behind, to be honest, but I know that he is having fun with my family back at home.
When I arrived back in London, I settled back into the fog, humidity, and lack of driving. School started in a couple days, so I spent the weekend relaxing and trying to get over the jetlag. I wandered around Kensington a bit and got myself a membership with the Kensington Central Library. It's not that they're a big library with a large selection (quite the opposite), but they're a quiet and nice area to go to study. Plus Imperial College's library has a very very limited selection of books, so I figure the more libraries I sign up to, the better. Maybe then I'll find the books I'm looking for as opposing to buying them. Part of me just wishes I could ship my entire 900+ book library here from Colorado. A friend of mine asked if I had Crime and Punishment that she could borrow, and it bothered me that I had to say no, because my copy was in another country, halfway across the globe.
I digress...the struggles of being a bookworm in two countries.
I began classes with a slow start. I'm only taking one class this first half of the term, and two the second half. It does sound a bit confusing, but it makes sense to us students. This half of the term I'm taking the class on museums. I thought it would be a good way to explore more of London's museums that I haven't yet seen. Each week we read some articles about a different aspect of museums, and then go visit a museum gallery to complement our reading. So far I've been to the British Museum's Enlightenment gallery (I did geek out on the books and Greek pottery thank you very much), the Science Museum's Medicine Gallery, and the War Museum's soldier exhibit. There are so many museums in London, it's amazing! I also enjoy the fact that most museums here are free. Back in Denver, all our museums are very pricey to get into, so it's difficult to justify as a student, or family for that matter, going there.
From the Enlightenment Gallery |
Besides podcasts and school (including my dissertation research), I'm still on a job hunt. If anyone has any openings, including some with work sponsorships, as I'd like to stay in the UK for longer than my student Visa allows, let me know!
Until next week!
Kenna
War Museum |
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Week 13-Last week of term 1 and heading home
Hello, my friends!
Well, I finally made it to the last week of my first term for my degree. It's amazing to think that ten weeks have already gone by. It seems only yesterday that I first moved into my flat, went traveling around London, and hoped to make new friends. But here I am, leaving on Saturday to head back home for the Christmas holidays. If I don't write, know that I'm taking a break for the holiday, and should be back in 2020. Crazy to think that the new year is coming up.
Last weekend I went and saw Knives Out. Amazing movie, highly recommend. For someone who reads a lot of detective novels, I was on the edge of my seat and didn't actually know who the murderer was until almost the end of the film. The theater I went to was in Notting Hill. Called the Electric Cinema, it's an old movie house with plush armchairs, cashmere blankets, and of course a built-in bar. I was more than happy to lounge in my chair as characters on screen blamed each other for murder.
This past week was the launch of our 44th issue of I, Science magazine! This was the first issue my team made and it was amazing! I have to thank Lucy our designer for making it look so beautiful. I'm taking at least five copies home with me to distribute to family and friends. I know quite a few people who will want one. The magazine is free and is completely run and written by students. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the process and learned quite a bit from publication. You can find our new magazine online at isciencemag.co.uk for the 44th issue. I can't wait to see what the next issue brings!
I also had an essay due this week which I was busy with. But on top of that, I was also editing the new Human Angle podcast episode, as the air conditioning was on in the studio, which threw the mic levels off. Because of this, it took me around 6 hours to edit 50 minutes of podcast material. I'm just glad to say that it is finally done. When I wasn't audio editing or writing, I was busy packing for my upcoming trip. I have a bit of travel anxiety when it comes to making sure everything is accounted for on a trip. In order to make sure that my bag could be properly checked, I bought a luggage scale. In the dull gray skies over London, I captured this image of a church near High Street Kensington, because it was just so peaceful in the middle of the Christmas bustle. Seeing it calmed me down quite a bit as well, so I'm glad the church was there. My books and gifts alone, when weighed by the scale, were 30 lbs, which means I have 20 lbs for clothes and toiletries and the like. Thank goodness because I had hoped to bring at least some clothes back with me. I can't just wear books, as I keep trying to convince my parents of the opposite.
This week I've been spending time with my friends before I leave since I won't see them for a couple weeks. I went ice skating with a few friends in front of the Natural History Museum which were both fun and perilous, as it was raining and the rink became a giant puddle in the middle. We saw quite a few people fall down and become soaked. I haven't done ice skating in a while and was okay at it. I mainly just held hands with my other friends for support.
I did a gift swap with my friends this afternoon before we all part ways. Some of us are going far away, to Malaysia, and others of us to Romania, or even just staying in the UK. One thing is clear though, I will miss them all.
Until next time, have a happy Christmas!
Kenna
Well, I finally made it to the last week of my first term for my degree. It's amazing to think that ten weeks have already gone by. It seems only yesterday that I first moved into my flat, went traveling around London, and hoped to make new friends. But here I am, leaving on Saturday to head back home for the Christmas holidays. If I don't write, know that I'm taking a break for the holiday, and should be back in 2020. Crazy to think that the new year is coming up.
Last weekend I went and saw Knives Out. Amazing movie, highly recommend. For someone who reads a lot of detective novels, I was on the edge of my seat and didn't actually know who the murderer was until almost the end of the film. The theater I went to was in Notting Hill. Called the Electric Cinema, it's an old movie house with plush armchairs, cashmere blankets, and of course a built-in bar. I was more than happy to lounge in my chair as characters on screen blamed each other for murder.
This past week was the launch of our 44th issue of I, Science magazine! This was the first issue my team made and it was amazing! I have to thank Lucy our designer for making it look so beautiful. I'm taking at least five copies home with me to distribute to family and friends. I know quite a few people who will want one. The magazine is free and is completely run and written by students. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the process and learned quite a bit from publication. You can find our new magazine online at isciencemag.co.uk for the 44th issue. I can't wait to see what the next issue brings!
I also had an essay due this week which I was busy with. But on top of that, I was also editing the new Human Angle podcast episode, as the air conditioning was on in the studio, which threw the mic levels off. Because of this, it took me around 6 hours to edit 50 minutes of podcast material. I'm just glad to say that it is finally done. When I wasn't audio editing or writing, I was busy packing for my upcoming trip. I have a bit of travel anxiety when it comes to making sure everything is accounted for on a trip. In order to make sure that my bag could be properly checked, I bought a luggage scale. In the dull gray skies over London, I captured this image of a church near High Street Kensington, because it was just so peaceful in the middle of the Christmas bustle. Seeing it calmed me down quite a bit as well, so I'm glad the church was there. My books and gifts alone, when weighed by the scale, were 30 lbs, which means I have 20 lbs for clothes and toiletries and the like. Thank goodness because I had hoped to bring at least some clothes back with me. I can't just wear books, as I keep trying to convince my parents of the opposite.
This week I've been spending time with my friends before I leave since I won't see them for a couple weeks. I went ice skating with a few friends in front of the Natural History Museum which were both fun and perilous, as it was raining and the rink became a giant puddle in the middle. We saw quite a few people fall down and become soaked. I haven't done ice skating in a while and was okay at it. I mainly just held hands with my other friends for support.
I did a gift swap with my friends this afternoon before we all part ways. Some of us are going far away, to Malaysia, and others of us to Romania, or even just staying in the UK. One thing is clear though, I will miss them all.
Until next time, have a happy Christmas!
Kenna
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Week 12-Still sick...visit to the BBC
Hi Everyone!
I guess I'm now uploading my blogs on Wednesdays. That seems to work better for my schedule. I'm afraid I'm still sick but I'm soldiering through. I've been trying to take multiple flu bombs (a mixture of cayenne pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and echinacea tea), which I can only take so much of without feeling like I have to throw up. Hopefully, the disgusting taste of the medicine will be worth its benefits. But I am finding that I'm breathing normally more and coughing less, so generally, that's a good sign.
This past week we had an essay due so all of us were a bit stressed out from that. It was also Thanksgiving. And the first Thanksgiving I had without my family. Instead, I invited my boyfriend over and we ate sushi and skyped my family. It was bittersweet. To be honest, I was sad I wasn't home, but at the same time, it was really sweet of my boyfriend to spend time with me and make sure I didn't celebrate alone.
The day after Thanksgiving, my friends and I had a large Friendsgiving party in our campus bar. There was soo much food, all of it delicious. My friend Cristina came over before the party and I helped her cook eggplant dip. It's a traditional Romanian recipe, where she's from, where you cook the eggplant directly on the stove burner. It smells...interesting, and we only set the fire alarm off twice, but it was definitely a success. There was also a freshly baked apple pie, sweet potato pie, some couscous with veggies, falafels, crisps, chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, and more. Everything tasted amazing. Even though I didn't plan for the party to have karaoke, the bar was hosting karaoke that night. I've got some great videos of a few of my friends belting out some tunes, which I'm sure I'll treasure forever. All-in-all, not a bad Thanksgiving.
I spent the weekend in recovery mode from being sick, so lounging and trying to rest. I finished a book, surprise, and of course worked on podcast stuff. It's definitely keeping me busy, but I'm looking forward to continuing the podcast next year, after Christmas break.
Speaking of Christmas, I can't believe I leave for home in 10 days. That is insane!!! I cannot believe it. I've been busy this week, and it's rushing by me. I was able to visit the BBC last evening to watch my radio professor do his weekly podcast. Their studios are huge and amazing, super techy and professional. I really want to go back and work there at some point. It was an absolutely fabulous experience and I'm so grateful I was able to tour.
Today I was visiting King's College London, as I'm going to be a tutor there next term for their upcoming Science Communication class for Biomedical Undergraduates. It's a brand new class that I get to help develop, so I'm really excited about putting in some ideas to make the class fun and exciting for science students, and show them that there are more jobs out there than just in the lab.
Besides being rushed off my feet, I have managed to do more research for my last essay due next week. I'm also trying to relax and get some reading done, and buy some last-minute gifts for friends. Nothing fancy mind you. But just to lighten the spirit.
Until next week!
I guess I'm now uploading my blogs on Wednesdays. That seems to work better for my schedule. I'm afraid I'm still sick but I'm soldiering through. I've been trying to take multiple flu bombs (a mixture of cayenne pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and echinacea tea), which I can only take so much of without feeling like I have to throw up. Hopefully, the disgusting taste of the medicine will be worth its benefits. But I am finding that I'm breathing normally more and coughing less, so generally, that's a good sign.
This past week we had an essay due so all of us were a bit stressed out from that. It was also Thanksgiving. And the first Thanksgiving I had without my family. Instead, I invited my boyfriend over and we ate sushi and skyped my family. It was bittersweet. To be honest, I was sad I wasn't home, but at the same time, it was really sweet of my boyfriend to spend time with me and make sure I didn't celebrate alone.
The day after Thanksgiving, my friends and I had a large Friendsgiving party in our campus bar. There was soo much food, all of it delicious. My friend Cristina came over before the party and I helped her cook eggplant dip. It's a traditional Romanian recipe, where she's from, where you cook the eggplant directly on the stove burner. It smells...interesting, and we only set the fire alarm off twice, but it was definitely a success. There was also a freshly baked apple pie, sweet potato pie, some couscous with veggies, falafels, crisps, chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, and more. Everything tasted amazing. Even though I didn't plan for the party to have karaoke, the bar was hosting karaoke that night. I've got some great videos of a few of my friends belting out some tunes, which I'm sure I'll treasure forever. All-in-all, not a bad Thanksgiving.
I spent the weekend in recovery mode from being sick, so lounging and trying to rest. I finished a book, surprise, and of course worked on podcast stuff. It's definitely keeping me busy, but I'm looking forward to continuing the podcast next year, after Christmas break.
Speaking of Christmas, I can't believe I leave for home in 10 days. That is insane!!! I cannot believe it. I've been busy this week, and it's rushing by me. I was able to visit the BBC last evening to watch my radio professor do his weekly podcast. Their studios are huge and amazing, super techy and professional. I really want to go back and work there at some point. It was an absolutely fabulous experience and I'm so grateful I was able to tour.
Today I was visiting King's College London, as I'm going to be a tutor there next term for their upcoming Science Communication class for Biomedical Undergraduates. It's a brand new class that I get to help develop, so I'm really excited about putting in some ideas to make the class fun and exciting for science students, and show them that there are more jobs out there than just in the lab.
Besides being rushed off my feet, I have managed to do more research for my last essay due next week. I'm also trying to relax and get some reading done, and buy some last-minute gifts for friends. Nothing fancy mind you. But just to lighten the spirit.
Until next week!
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Week 11-I get sick...yay
Hello everyone!
I apologize for this post being late...again. I'm afraid I got sick earlier this week. I blame a certain individual who will not be named. But thankfully, I'm doing pretty well, just dealing with a stuffy nose and some sneezing.
This past week I made a book tree for my flat. Granted Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet, but I got bored and wanted to add some festivity to my room. It's amazing because I still had books left over. I also added my color-changing plastic cactus on top which made the tree all the more official.
It was nice to decorate my flat and realize the holidays are coming up quicker than I thought. It's only a couple weeks until I return home to Colorado for Christmas. Crazy how time flies. At school we're doing a Secret Santa with all my classmates, so I do look forward to trying to shop for one of my friends. I wonder who I will get? lol. I'm also hosting a Friendsgiving party this Friday evening for all my classmates. Even though the majority don't celebrate Thanksgiving, it will still be nice to be around people during this time so I don't feel homesick. This week has been hard due to my family getting together without me for Thanksgiving. It will be my first Thanksgiving away from home. But I think it will be okay. I have people here to spend time with, or as I call them, my London family.
I also went charity shopping (or thrift store shopping for us Americans) this past week. I've been a bit before, but I wanted to see if I could find some more dresses, just to add some flair to my wardrobe. I got to experience a bit more of the backstreets of London I didn't see before, and of course, took some pictures.
Oddly enough I found a cat on someone's doorstep, just huddled in the rain. I wanted to take them home with me, but my new roommate actually has a phobia of cats. Plus I don't have the time right now to take care of a cat. Instead, I said hi, snapped a photo, and left. I decided I would name the mystery cat Steve. Bye, Steve!
I did manage to find some dresses in the local charity shops, and it was nice to get out of my flat during the weekend. I ended up spending the rest of the weekend in. I read an entire Agatha Christie novel, The Mystery of the Three Quarters. It's one of the new Christie novels that co-author Sophie Hannah has continued in the spirit of Agatha's old novels. Hannah's new novels are okay, they're a bit more modern and less of the adorable 1950s and 1960s slang. But still intriguing, all the same, I really had no idea that the murderer was....oh I shouldn't give it away. Nevermind.
In other news, the podcast I've been working on, Human Angle, has already gotten 50 plays!
Thank you to all my amazing fans! I couldn't have done this without you. Jacqui and I put a lot of work into these episodes, and we're glad to see that a fanbase is rising. Thank you all so much for your support.
I have another essay due tomorrow, so of course, I'm still trying to keep up with the grind, when I'm not trying to sleep in to recover from this cold. I'll get well eventually, I'm sure.
Until next week,
Kenna
I apologize for this post being late...again. I'm afraid I got sick earlier this week. I blame a certain individual who will not be named. But thankfully, I'm doing pretty well, just dealing with a stuffy nose and some sneezing.
This past week I made a book tree for my flat. Granted Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet, but I got bored and wanted to add some festivity to my room. It's amazing because I still had books left over. I also added my color-changing plastic cactus on top which made the tree all the more official.
It was nice to decorate my flat and realize the holidays are coming up quicker than I thought. It's only a couple weeks until I return home to Colorado for Christmas. Crazy how time flies. At school we're doing a Secret Santa with all my classmates, so I do look forward to trying to shop for one of my friends. I wonder who I will get? lol. I'm also hosting a Friendsgiving party this Friday evening for all my classmates. Even though the majority don't celebrate Thanksgiving, it will still be nice to be around people during this time so I don't feel homesick. This week has been hard due to my family getting together without me for Thanksgiving. It will be my first Thanksgiving away from home. But I think it will be okay. I have people here to spend time with, or as I call them, my London family.
I also went charity shopping (or thrift store shopping for us Americans) this past week. I've been a bit before, but I wanted to see if I could find some more dresses, just to add some flair to my wardrobe. I got to experience a bit more of the backstreets of London I didn't see before, and of course, took some pictures.
Oddly enough I found a cat on someone's doorstep, just huddled in the rain. I wanted to take them home with me, but my new roommate actually has a phobia of cats. Plus I don't have the time right now to take care of a cat. Instead, I said hi, snapped a photo, and left. I decided I would name the mystery cat Steve. Bye, Steve!
I did manage to find some dresses in the local charity shops, and it was nice to get out of my flat during the weekend. I ended up spending the rest of the weekend in. I read an entire Agatha Christie novel, The Mystery of the Three Quarters. It's one of the new Christie novels that co-author Sophie Hannah has continued in the spirit of Agatha's old novels. Hannah's new novels are okay, they're a bit more modern and less of the adorable 1950s and 1960s slang. But still intriguing, all the same, I really had no idea that the murderer was....oh I shouldn't give it away. Nevermind.
In other news, the podcast I've been working on, Human Angle, has already gotten 50 plays!
Thank you to all my amazing fans! I couldn't have done this without you. Jacqui and I put a lot of work into these episodes, and we're glad to see that a fanbase is rising. Thank you all so much for your support.
I have another essay due tomorrow, so of course, I'm still trying to keep up with the grind, when I'm not trying to sleep in to recover from this cold. I'll get well eventually, I'm sure.
Until next week,
Kenna
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Week 10-International Dinner and job interviews
Hello everyone!
I apologize for the lateness of this blog, it has been a very busy week for me with essays to write, a podcast to record, and job interviews. But it's been a fun and exciting week as well with new assignments and opportunities.
This past weekend one of my classmates, Laura, hosted an international dinner. We were to bring a dish from the country of our origin and dress up from that country. I really didn't feel like cooking, and also really didn't know what to make that was truly American (yes, hot dogs, I know...) so instead I went to McDonald's and ordered five large fries. I can't tell you how many stares I received on the tube, but it was a lot! The smell of the fries seemed to fill the entire carriage. The fries were warm so I used the bag to warm my fingers, but 45 minutes later, when I arrived at Laura's flat, they were cold. Most people didn't mind that as they were gone by the evening. We had tomato rice, vegan sausage rolls, Brazilian cocktails, Moscow mules, French baguettes and cheese, Colombian cheese balls with caramel, 15's (a Northern Ireland dish), and stir fry. Wayyyy too much food! But everything was delicious! As the evening went on we played different party games, voting who would be the most likely to... as well as a murder mystery game called mafia. I didn't end up getting home until about 3 A.M., but it was worth it.
Or so I thought until the next day when I had a splitting headache. I didn't leave my flat at all that day, just taking it easy. My new roommate Nishita moved in that day too. She is very nice and friendly. She's a writer as well so I'm sure at some point we will chat books. I'm sensing that we will get along well.
Monday came and the usual school stuff happened. I have an essay due next Thursday which I need to start writing. Thankfully I already have an outline prepared so it's just filling it in. Monday evening my friend Florian invited the whole class to come back to campus to watch some of the Science Media Production documentaries. It's to be a regular Monday night thing, and I look forward to it. The documentaries were only 30 minutes long, but between the films, we discussed the logistics of the camera angle, different shot sequences, music, dialogue, and other cinematographic techniques. It was a fun evening, to say the least.
Yesterday I had a job interview for a bookselling position. I walked out of the interview feeling confident, but I never want to assume that I have the job after the interview. It just makes for disappointment. I am supposed to hear back from the company today, so fingers crossed all goes well. I have a separate job interview today for a Science Communications Manager position. I feel the position is too far above my skill level, but I am still going to interview for the experience. Life does throw curveballs, so you never know what you're going to find happening. Fingers crossed all goes well.
Yesterday was extremely busy as I rapidly transitioned from interview mode to school mode. This week is just packed with assignments, interviews, and podcast stuff, all of which I find challenging and fun. Hopefully, I'm not overwhelmed!
Cheers,
Kenna
I apologize for the lateness of this blog, it has been a very busy week for me with essays to write, a podcast to record, and job interviews. But it's been a fun and exciting week as well with new assignments and opportunities.
This past weekend one of my classmates, Laura, hosted an international dinner. We were to bring a dish from the country of our origin and dress up from that country. I really didn't feel like cooking, and also really didn't know what to make that was truly American (yes, hot dogs, I know...) so instead I went to McDonald's and ordered five large fries. I can't tell you how many stares I received on the tube, but it was a lot! The smell of the fries seemed to fill the entire carriage. The fries were warm so I used the bag to warm my fingers, but 45 minutes later, when I arrived at Laura's flat, they were cold. Most people didn't mind that as they were gone by the evening. We had tomato rice, vegan sausage rolls, Brazilian cocktails, Moscow mules, French baguettes and cheese, Colombian cheese balls with caramel, 15's (a Northern Ireland dish), and stir fry. Wayyyy too much food! But everything was delicious! As the evening went on we played different party games, voting who would be the most likely to... as well as a murder mystery game called mafia. I didn't end up getting home until about 3 A.M., but it was worth it.
Or so I thought until the next day when I had a splitting headache. I didn't leave my flat at all that day, just taking it easy. My new roommate Nishita moved in that day too. She is very nice and friendly. She's a writer as well so I'm sure at some point we will chat books. I'm sensing that we will get along well.
Monday came and the usual school stuff happened. I have an essay due next Thursday which I need to start writing. Thankfully I already have an outline prepared so it's just filling it in. Monday evening my friend Florian invited the whole class to come back to campus to watch some of the Science Media Production documentaries. It's to be a regular Monday night thing, and I look forward to it. The documentaries were only 30 minutes long, but between the films, we discussed the logistics of the camera angle, different shot sequences, music, dialogue, and other cinematographic techniques. It was a fun evening, to say the least.
Yesterday I had a job interview for a bookselling position. I walked out of the interview feeling confident, but I never want to assume that I have the job after the interview. It just makes for disappointment. I am supposed to hear back from the company today, so fingers crossed all goes well. I have a separate job interview today for a Science Communications Manager position. I feel the position is too far above my skill level, but I am still going to interview for the experience. Life does throw curveballs, so you never know what you're going to find happening. Fingers crossed all goes well.
Yesterday was extremely busy as I rapidly transitioned from interview mode to school mode. This week is just packed with assignments, interviews, and podcast stuff, all of which I find challenging and fun. Hopefully, I'm not overwhelmed!
Cheers,
Kenna
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Week 9-The Podcast is live....and an amazing book to read
Hi Everyone!
So this past week has been a busy one for me, but a very rewarding week. I spent six hours one day trawling through the archives of the I, Science magazine website to make sure all our pictures were not infringing on copyright values. For those of you who don't know, I, Science is Imperial College Science Communication's award-winning magazine. As the web editor, I'm in charge of making sure the website looks pretty and is well maintained, which means that I have to make sure our 3,000 plus photos don't break any legal rules. Thankfully we're all good.
I spent the rest of last week writing my first essay for Dr. Stephen Webster's class: Science in its Social contexts. My essay focuses on whether we can trust our own senses in the case of fear priming, using different philosophies of thought for evidence. I felt rambly with the essay, and of course, will be editing it this week before I hand it in, but often philosophy does get rather wordy, so I'm not too worried.
Jacqui and I also recorded our second episode of Human Angle. I can't give too much away but it's all about the scandal around the discovery of the structure of DNA. We're focusing on two of the main scientists involved, Dr. James Watson and Rosalind Franklin. For those of you who don't know who Rosalind Franklin is, don't be worried. She was never credited with this discovery.
We'll be discussing why that is in the episode. Our last episode on Hedy Lamarr went live this past weekend and is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Alexa+Tune in, and Stitcher. If you haven't listened to it yet I highly recommend. There isn't another podcast like this out there, and Jacqui and I really try to make it a worthwhile experience of discussion and education for our listeners.
I can't give too much away about what I'm recording this week, but this episode is nothing like we've done with the previous two. We'll be discussing John Steinbeck and his lost book on marine biology, Log from the Sea of Cortez. It's an amazing read and I highly recommend it to everyone, as it discusses the friendship Steinbeck had with a marine biologist named Ed Ricketts. Steinbeck, being one of the classic American novelists, loses no style in this incredible read as he discusses how science looks to a layperson, as well as fascinating scenes of marine life in the tidepools around the Gulf of California.
I'm honestly in love with this book and I can't put it down. Some of his quotes are absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to share them in our upcoming episode. So keep your ears open!
Tonight I will be attending the Imperial Late's show called Infectious, which is all about diseases. Imperial College does a once a month late-night show about certain topics in science. I didn't get to go to the last one due to a poorly timed bout of food poisoning (is food poisoning ever appropriately timed?). I'm excited to see what this event has to offer. The I, Science team will hopefully be interviewing people at the event as well so keep looking at our website for updates.
That's all folks!
Until next week,
Kenna
So this past week has been a busy one for me, but a very rewarding week. I spent six hours one day trawling through the archives of the I, Science magazine website to make sure all our pictures were not infringing on copyright values. For those of you who don't know, I, Science is Imperial College Science Communication's award-winning magazine. As the web editor, I'm in charge of making sure the website looks pretty and is well maintained, which means that I have to make sure our 3,000 plus photos don't break any legal rules. Thankfully we're all good.
I spent the rest of last week writing my first essay for Dr. Stephen Webster's class: Science in its Social contexts. My essay focuses on whether we can trust our own senses in the case of fear priming, using different philosophies of thought for evidence. I felt rambly with the essay, and of course, will be editing it this week before I hand it in, but often philosophy does get rather wordy, so I'm not too worried.
Jacqui and I also recorded our second episode of Human Angle. I can't give too much away but it's all about the scandal around the discovery of the structure of DNA. We're focusing on two of the main scientists involved, Dr. James Watson and Rosalind Franklin. For those of you who don't know who Rosalind Franklin is, don't be worried. She was never credited with this discovery.
We'll be discussing why that is in the episode. Our last episode on Hedy Lamarr went live this past weekend and is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Alexa+Tune in, and Stitcher. If you haven't listened to it yet I highly recommend. There isn't another podcast like this out there, and Jacqui and I really try to make it a worthwhile experience of discussion and education for our listeners.
I can't give too much away about what I'm recording this week, but this episode is nothing like we've done with the previous two. We'll be discussing John Steinbeck and his lost book on marine biology, Log from the Sea of Cortez. It's an amazing read and I highly recommend it to everyone, as it discusses the friendship Steinbeck had with a marine biologist named Ed Ricketts. Steinbeck, being one of the classic American novelists, loses no style in this incredible read as he discusses how science looks to a layperson, as well as fascinating scenes of marine life in the tidepools around the Gulf of California.
I'm honestly in love with this book and I can't put it down. Some of his quotes are absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to share them in our upcoming episode. So keep your ears open!
Tonight I will be attending the Imperial Late's show called Infectious, which is all about diseases. Imperial College does a once a month late-night show about certain topics in science. I didn't get to go to the last one due to a poorly timed bout of food poisoning (is food poisoning ever appropriately timed?). I'm excited to see what this event has to offer. The I, Science team will hopefully be interviewing people at the event as well so keep looking at our website for updates.
That's all folks!
Until next week,
Kenna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)