MrsHughey.com

The rest of my trip and what's happened since

The rest of my time in Oxford was lovely. We didn't get to go to York - or anywhere outside of Oxford for that matter, but it was very nice nonetheless. We took a couple of gorgeous walks along the river near Andrew's new place. The first day, we walked along and through some meadows and wound up clear across town! The scenery and weather were lovely and we saw lots of wild bunnies! They were very shy and we didn't have the camera, though.

So we decided the next day we would start the walk from where the first walk ENDED and work our way back toward Andrew's room. We first went to the Oxford Botanic Gardens. They were lovely, although not very exciting unless you're into gardens. I was glad we got in free with our cards because I would've been disappointed at having had to pay £5 each to see them. Anyway, the gardens were nice and we could see people trying to punt and row down the river. Then we left the Botanic Gardens and headed to Christ Church sports grounds, behind which we entered the meadows for our walk. This time we had our camera, but the bunnies were more elusive (Murphy's Law). Anyway, we took our time and it was about 2 hours before we got to Andrew's room. A very nice walk.

We just kind of hung out around Oxford and enjoyed spending time together. On the night before I left, we went out for our friend Marin's birthday, and I got to say goodbye to some of our friends this time. It was nice to get more proper closure on life in Oxford.

I returned to the USA via Orlando, where my sister and brother in law picked me up. My dad, stepmom, and niece and nephew (my stepbrother's children) were all at the hotel. It was great to see them all, and we had fun hanging out in the parks and stuff.

I finally got home on the 28th/29th very late. There were tons of bills, phone messages, and other loose ends eagerly awaiting my attention! I had received an email from the department head at my former school officially offering me a place there next year (teaching English). I very excitedly agreed to meet with her on Thursday. It looks like, if all goes as planned, I'll be teaching 10th grad English next year. YAY! I haven't taught many sophomores before, but I know what to expect. I went by BHS, met with Jackie (and got to chat with friends) and picked up teacher's editions of the textbooks. So now I can really sink my teeth into planning for next year, which is really cool. I just have to go to the job fair next month and sign the paperwork.

After my visit to BHS, I picked up the kitties from Mom's. They hate riding in the car, but we all survived the ordeal!

I also received a phone call from Barnes & Noble while I was out, saying they've had some positions open up since I applied last month! (When it rains, it pours I guess). So I have an interview with them in about two hours. My husband, sister and my friend Nicole have all worked there so I know what to expect in the interview and in the job. I feel really confident about the interview and I hope they'll have a good number of hours to offer.

In somewhat related news, Andrew continues to progress on his thesis, which is due a week from today. Then he'll have about two weeks to study for his examinations. So things are winding down there and he's very busy. When he gets back to America, he's seriously considering teaching at BHS, too. In fact, we're pretty sure he's going to do so if they'll hire him. I think he'll do a good job and learn a lot, and I think the kids will like him. Plus it'd be really cool to work at the same place with him again. Years ago, when we were engaged and just married, we worked at different companies in the same building. He also helped me out when I worked at Victoria's Secret as stock manager several times. We work well together. And the money, benefits, and convenience are also big plusses.

Okay, I'm still kind of manic, as I have been since returning from Oxford. There’s a lot to do and many opportunities are opening up, which makes my hyper and my brain starts making lists like mad. I suppose I'd better take care of a few things and get ready for my interview. I'll let you know how it goes.

Here's a picture of Andrew's new room, where he moved after I left Oxford.

This is me at Oxford's Botanic Gardens.

Here's Andrew at the gardens.

Again at the Botanic Gardens, in the flower portion of the garden.

This rose had a lovely aroma.

At the rock garden

Isn't Andrew a wonderful photographer?

Still at the Botanic Gardens

These ducks live conveniently close to the Oxford Aviary Society booth at the gardens.

Starting out hike down the bunny trail.

There's one!

A stump on the river's shoreline.

Looking for more bunnies

Posing on a tree toward the end of the hike

One of several swans floating along the river

A bird and her nest

Posted by Erin at May 30, 2003 03:39 PM