As has been the trend this year, my posts have been few and far between. But now that it's time to write my dissertation, there are two things you could expect from me: stress and procrastination. It might mean I will post more, but that's no real comfort because that also means I might not make any sense. I'd love to post on the ongoing situation between Lebanon and Israel (Stephen Harper!!??? Seriously??), but I doubt I could produce any intelligent thoughts at the moment.
I have five weeks to write 15-20,000 words - and I won't tell you how much I've done so far, as it is quite embarrassing. I have been working hard on it however, I have also been distracted doing other things like travelling, having visitors and watching Grey's Anatomy (well, a couple of things are still ongoing...). But the clock is ticking and I'm quickly losing my hair so I have to get working.
But to carry forward from my last post, Kosovo/a was definitely a worthwhile experience. I spent two weeks in Prishtina meeting with different locals and internationals who are working there. We visited different areas of the region, which are stunning. The highlight for me was meeting the many different people who were generous and hospitable to us. It was a place full of history and hope.
Since Kosovo, I've moved, gone to Dublin to visit my sister and her husband, Katz and Wilson, and to meet with my mom who was there at the same time. I've also gone to a wedding in Newcastle. A few people have also come to visit. It's been a busy time, and now it's time to buckle down and do some work...of course after next week's trip to Berlin.
This year went by so quickly. A lot of the people I've met in the past year have gone or are preparing to go back home, or somewhere else where there's a job or internship waiting for them. Bradford is starting to feel a little empty again.
Well as was part of the plan, posting on my blog has made me stress again about doing work. So before I go to bed tonight (which is in an hour), I better write something intelligent...(who am I kidding?) I guess as long as it's academic, that should be fine.
July 27, 2006
May 29, 2006
in kosovo...finally
After several months anticipating this trip, I'm finally here! I'm here with 11 other colleagues (well, 10 - one was stuck in London and will be arriving today). We're here on a self-organised study group. Today we met with a law professor and discussed issues of human rights, then met with Kosovo's leading independent newspaper, then met with the Minister of Justice. All in all, a pretty eventful morning.
We arrived last night and after the taxi driver took us for a ride, literally and figuratively, we found the guesthouse we are staying in. In what is described as true Balkan style, we were all confused by the arrangements, which took just a little over two quite pleasant hours to figure out. At around 11:30pm, we were finally ready to go look for dinner, which we found an hour later.
The rest of the time here is spent meeting with different organisations and visiting different sites. After this time in Kosovo, I'll be visiting Macedonia for a day and Bulgaria for another three days. Then it's dissertation time after that.
We arrived last night and after the taxi driver took us for a ride, literally and figuratively, we found the guesthouse we are staying in. In what is described as true Balkan style, we were all confused by the arrangements, which took just a little over two quite pleasant hours to figure out. At around 11:30pm, we were finally ready to go look for dinner, which we found an hour later.
The rest of the time here is spent meeting with different organisations and visiting different sites. After this time in Kosovo, I'll be visiting Macedonia for a day and Bulgaria for another three days. Then it's dissertation time after that.
April 16, 2006
happy easter
Today has been a glorious day in Bradford. It's the third sunny day of the year, which in itself is something to celebrate already. But it's also easter sunday.
I have been quite preoccupied lately with the work I need to get done for the semester so I have been doing too little thinking about other things. But this easter has been good. I enjoy easter because it gives me a chance to reflect on my faith. I admit to not having really observed Lent this year and I reflected much more briefly than I would have liked, but it was a worthy reflection nonetheless, and one that lifted my spirit.
I like Good Friday and Saturday because it provides this necessary space in my faith for uncertainty, doubt, disillusionment and maybe expectation. On that day Jesus died, I wonder what went through the minds of his followers. I wonder how they felt on Saturday. I imagine they felt lost, unsure, doubtful and depressed even. They didn't know Sunday would bring such news. I appreciate that because too often I anticipate Sunday because as someone in the 21st century, I know the story well. I often fail to stop, wait and wonder. Because in that lowest moment in Saturday, when God seems to have disappeared, that time is still divine time.
And yes, Sunday comes and it's ever sweeter when I've acknowledged the loss and found the resurrection.
Happy easter.
I have been quite preoccupied lately with the work I need to get done for the semester so I have been doing too little thinking about other things. But this easter has been good. I enjoy easter because it gives me a chance to reflect on my faith. I admit to not having really observed Lent this year and I reflected much more briefly than I would have liked, but it was a worthy reflection nonetheless, and one that lifted my spirit.
I like Good Friday and Saturday because it provides this necessary space in my faith for uncertainty, doubt, disillusionment and maybe expectation. On that day Jesus died, I wonder what went through the minds of his followers. I wonder how they felt on Saturday. I imagine they felt lost, unsure, doubtful and depressed even. They didn't know Sunday would bring such news. I appreciate that because too often I anticipate Sunday because as someone in the 21st century, I know the story well. I often fail to stop, wait and wonder. Because in that lowest moment in Saturday, when God seems to have disappeared, that time is still divine time.
And yes, Sunday comes and it's ever sweeter when I've acknowledged the loss and found the resurrection.
Happy easter.
April 06, 2006
judas helped jesus?
Sorry for not being very diligent with updating my blog. I am doing fine. Still enjoying the schizo (and yes, I know I'm not very PC) Bradford weather - sun, hail, sun, rain, rain, rain, sun, hail (all in one day)... But that's alright because I seem to stay away from most of it whilst sitting within the protective yet sanity sucking walls of the library. The past few weeks seem like one long day in the library. Yes, that's my exciting life right now.
Some interesting read from the Globe and Mail here. Judas helping Jesus out. I always did wonder about that. I was chatting with a couple of people the other day and someone asked about Satanism. One of my friends was saying that in Satanism the Bible is viewed as the story told by the 'winners'. Someone mentioned that in Satanism, or at least the one he was talking about, Satan could be seen from the perspective that he was the oppressed and God was the oppressor... (If Satan won, wouldn't the narrative be so different?)
Aren't stories so fascinating?
Some interesting read from the Globe and Mail here. Judas helping Jesus out. I always did wonder about that. I was chatting with a couple of people the other day and someone asked about Satanism. One of my friends was saying that in Satanism the Bible is viewed as the story told by the 'winners'. Someone mentioned that in Satanism, or at least the one he was talking about, Satan could be seen from the perspective that he was the oppressed and God was the oppressor... (If Satan won, wouldn't the narrative be so different?)
Aren't stories so fascinating?
March 18, 2006
Iraq and Tom Fox
It's three years since the troops went into Iraq and there are mixed feelings about whether or not the troops should stay in or leave.
On another note but still in Iraq, over a week ago, it was confirmed that one of the CPT (Christian Peacemakers Team) hostages was killed. Tom Fox, one of the four taken hostage was confirmed dead, killed by the Swords of Truth, the group that took him hostage in November. You could read his blog here. And here is an article he wrote the day before he was abducted. My prayers go out to his family. (I blogged about the abduction on 23 Dec 05)
On another note but still in Iraq, over a week ago, it was confirmed that one of the CPT (Christian Peacemakers Team) hostages was killed. Tom Fox, one of the four taken hostage was confirmed dead, killed by the Swords of Truth, the group that took him hostage in November. You could read his blog here. And here is an article he wrote the day before he was abducted. My prayers go out to his family. (I blogged about the abduction on 23 Dec 05)
March 03, 2006
being filipino and canadian
The past few weeks have forced me on a few different levels to tap into both my canadian-ness and filipino-ness. Two weeks ago I took part in a studio recorded panel discussion on canadian politics, particularly on the recent federal elections. I sat in a discussion panel with four other canadians, and the host, who was also canadian. It was fascinating and nerve-racking, given the fact that I had never done anything like that and I am not all that politically savvy. I was defaulted into the panel being one of the few canadians in bradford. The show might air this weekend but I haven't heard anything about it, but will definitely post some information once I find out.
This past week I also got to sit in on a roundtable discussion with the Philippine Ambassador to the UK to discuss peace issues and sustainable development in the Philippines. I sat amongst much more qualified and informed Filipino students. A wiser person would equate ignorance with keeping her mouth shut, but I suppose, I'm not that wise of a person. Regardless, it was a special time. I got to know the other students here (there were 10 of us in all) and I learned a lot more about the Philippines. I am starting to recognise and acknowledge the Philippines as one of the places I would like to consider for work. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said 'not a chance' but there's been some stirring in me for the past three years about the Philippines. We'll see what that means and where that takes me.
On a another level, I am thinking of looking to some degree on identity for my dissertation. On an academic note, I think it will be useful to consider how we shape our understanding of ourselves and how we differentiate ourselves from 'the other'. On a personal note, I think it might help me consider how I define myself and recognise some of the labels I give myself to attach meaning to my personhood and hopefully explore some of the questions that I have been asking myself for the past few years. It's all in the preliminary stages of the dissertation right now. I don't suppose I'll really know what I'm saying until the night before its submission.
This past week I also got to sit in on a roundtable discussion with the Philippine Ambassador to the UK to discuss peace issues and sustainable development in the Philippines. I sat amongst much more qualified and informed Filipino students. A wiser person would equate ignorance with keeping her mouth shut, but I suppose, I'm not that wise of a person. Regardless, it was a special time. I got to know the other students here (there were 10 of us in all) and I learned a lot more about the Philippines. I am starting to recognise and acknowledge the Philippines as one of the places I would like to consider for work. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said 'not a chance' but there's been some stirring in me for the past three years about the Philippines. We'll see what that means and where that takes me.
On a another level, I am thinking of looking to some degree on identity for my dissertation. On an academic note, I think it will be useful to consider how we shape our understanding of ourselves and how we differentiate ourselves from 'the other'. On a personal note, I think it might help me consider how I define myself and recognise some of the labels I give myself to attach meaning to my personhood and hopefully explore some of the questions that I have been asking myself for the past few years. It's all in the preliminary stages of the dissertation right now. I don't suppose I'll really know what I'm saying until the night before its submission.
February 23, 2006
more on the philippines
Just to add to the post a couple of days ago, the BBC has posted some photos on the Philippines. An interesting photo collage on poverty in the Philippines.
On another note, on Monday the Philippine Ambassador to the UK is coming to Bradford and together with some of the other Filipinos here we will be hosting him with a roundtable discussion on peace and sustainable development on the Philippines. Don't have a clue what that means but we'll see what we come up with by Monday.
On another note, on Monday the Philippine Ambassador to the UK is coming to Bradford and together with some of the other Filipinos here we will be hosting him with a roundtable discussion on peace and sustainable development on the Philippines. Don't have a clue what that means but we'll see what we come up with by Monday.
February 21, 2006
no survivors
There are between 1000 to 2500 feared dead. 84 confirmed dead. Mass graves and a school buried in the mud. The mudslide in Guinsaugon last Friday is another tragedy hitting the Philippines. Rescuers have confirmed that there are no survivors from the school that is buried.
The news reports give many reasons for the landslides, including a small earthquake, rains and of course deforestation and illegal logging (!!!!). At this time I would like to extend my prayers and thoughts to the displaced families and those who have lost loved ones.
I'm sure some of the bigger humanitarian organisations have come to the aid (at least briefly) of the Philippines. If you are interested in finding out or donating, you could flip through some of their websites. A quick search led me to this.
The news reports give many reasons for the landslides, including a small earthquake, rains and of course deforestation and illegal logging (!!!!). At this time I would like to extend my prayers and thoughts to the displaced families and those who have lost loved ones.
I'm sure some of the bigger humanitarian organisations have come to the aid (at least briefly) of the Philippines. If you are interested in finding out or donating, you could flip through some of their websites. A quick search led me to this.
February 04, 2006
still around...
It's been over a month since I last blogged, which is a shame on me. So, happy new year everyone and happy valentine's as well...Thanks for consistently checking in.
I had a great three weeks in Vancouver over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I returned to Bradford sometime mid-January and have not left the library since. Okay, so that's a little bit dramatic but I've been buried in books and papers. My lack of motivation to work in Vancouver (although the break was fantastic) meant I had about four weeks of work to do in a week, which is why I have neglected everything else but sitting in the cold University of Bradford library for the past three weeks. I have a week and a half left to do the rest of my work. And it's looking a little tight but I'll be happy when the crunch time is over and the new crunch time begins (it already has actually, I'm just behind as usual).
Anyway, enough of my uneventful life in the library (although if you sit in the library long enough, you realise what an absolutely strange place it is, with strange people and a strange 'in the library culture').
The new year is an interesting thing. It's a month into 2006 and in the few minutes I have to think of something other than ethnic conflict, landmines and guerillas, I realise that this is quite a significant year for me. Every year is significant but this year is when I am finally going to embark on a potentially life long career of [insert career] in [insert place]. Of course the blanks reflect the ambiguity of the year, and I am quite aware that life constantly changes so 'life long' is may not be reflective of what comes up in September. Still, the openness is both exciting and daunting. A small voice asks me every now and then if I could find something in September and the pressure of finishing my programme, being in student debt and the expanse of the field can be intimidating. But the excitement of finishing a programme I was anticipating to do for a few years, the options available and the places and people I see and meet are overwhelming. I am curious how things will turn out. Of course it's only February. You might note a hint of panic towards July-August, so stay tuned.
I am also keenly aware of my uncertainty about going back to Vancouver. It was a sad moment stepping on the plane in Vancouver going to London and realising that I was unsure when my next trip home would be. It is home and I love being there, but it's not my current home. Again, I might be saying something different in a few months. Lots of decisions to make in the next few months.
It's back to the books for now. I will update. I was quite reluctant to update because I'm tunnel-visioned right now. I can't see past the next article I have to read and that's no fun to blog about, or read about. But perhaps the boredom and tediousness of school work might force me to tap into Angela's alter-reality and I might blog about that for interest's sake.
I had a great three weeks in Vancouver over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I returned to Bradford sometime mid-January and have not left the library since. Okay, so that's a little bit dramatic but I've been buried in books and papers. My lack of motivation to work in Vancouver (although the break was fantastic) meant I had about four weeks of work to do in a week, which is why I have neglected everything else but sitting in the cold University of Bradford library for the past three weeks. I have a week and a half left to do the rest of my work. And it's looking a little tight but I'll be happy when the crunch time is over and the new crunch time begins (it already has actually, I'm just behind as usual).
Anyway, enough of my uneventful life in the library (although if you sit in the library long enough, you realise what an absolutely strange place it is, with strange people and a strange 'in the library culture').
The new year is an interesting thing. It's a month into 2006 and in the few minutes I have to think of something other than ethnic conflict, landmines and guerillas, I realise that this is quite a significant year for me. Every year is significant but this year is when I am finally going to embark on a potentially life long career of [insert career] in [insert place]. Of course the blanks reflect the ambiguity of the year, and I am quite aware that life constantly changes so 'life long' is may not be reflective of what comes up in September. Still, the openness is both exciting and daunting. A small voice asks me every now and then if I could find something in September and the pressure of finishing my programme, being in student debt and the expanse of the field can be intimidating. But the excitement of finishing a programme I was anticipating to do for a few years, the options available and the places and people I see and meet are overwhelming. I am curious how things will turn out. Of course it's only February. You might note a hint of panic towards July-August, so stay tuned.
I am also keenly aware of my uncertainty about going back to Vancouver. It was a sad moment stepping on the plane in Vancouver going to London and realising that I was unsure when my next trip home would be. It is home and I love being there, but it's not my current home. Again, I might be saying something different in a few months. Lots of decisions to make in the next few months.
It's back to the books for now. I will update. I was quite reluctant to update because I'm tunnel-visioned right now. I can't see past the next article I have to read and that's no fun to blog about, or read about. But perhaps the boredom and tediousness of school work might force me to tap into Angela's alter-reality and I might blog about that for interest's sake.
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