Thursday, February 6, 2014

Why You Should Date a Girl Who Travels

There is an article floating around the internet/Facebook called "Don't Date a Girl Who Travels" which emphasizes how independent and strong female travelers are, but in doing so they list a bunch a negative characteristics (i.e. can't commit, can't hold a steady job, leads a life of uncertainty, etc.).  I couldn't really relate to it and it bothered me that this negative image is being promoted.

Then yesterday, I stumbled across a blogger who wrote a rebuttal to the article, and she's spot on.  Ha ha.  This describes me perfectly.  ;)
 
"Why You Should Date a Girl Who Travels"

Date a girl who travels. She is the one with the sun kissed skin and lightly scattered freckles. A sense of wellness radiates around her, paired with plump healthy skin and a twinkle in her eye.

Date a girl who travels. She is less materialistic. She doesn't dote on possessions but rather treasured experiences. Expensive presents are unnecessary, rather give her photographs she can have with her at all times. She can see those that live with less, recognize the small fortunes of happiness.

Date a girl who travels for somewhere is always home. She values her time there and relishes hearing about normalcy even if it's not long before her feet start to itch again. She is proud of her hometown for it is a new city for someone else to explore.

Date a girl who travels. She is the hardest working woman you will know. She will most likely hold down two or three jobs to fund her adventures. Not to mention an entrepreneur turning her travels into an income source. She is smart and knows that these days many employees find international travel favorable in future candidates.

Date a girl who travels for you will always be pleasantly surprised. She navigates unknown cities with a great sense of direction but also enjoys the spontaneity of getting lost.

Date a girl who travels. After many missed flights, wrong turns, delays, bad street food and bad restrooms to deposit said food, she is easy going and adaptable. She is prepared for bumps in the road literally and metaphorically. Life throws curve balls and she smacks them right out of the park

Date a girl who travels because she is supportive and understanding. She is conscious you may not ever be as travel orientated as her but she will always be fun, take what life has to offer and help you do the same. As a bonus she will put up with snoring and farting because she has shared a 20 bunk hostel room.

Date a girl who travels as she engages with worldly company learning the history, culture and behaviors of societies, which is sure to impress the parents. She is used to befriending strangers, thriving at conversation. She will always be open to meeting new people and impress at your work social engagements.

Date a girl who travels. She is independent, smart and strong. She will always be self-sufficient; never needy. She doesn't believe in stage five clingers. She knows the rewards of good budgets and saving her money. She learns the ins and outs of how people live and has the kind of street smarts that will spot the sketchy looking guy a mile away before he pulls a "distract and go" scam.

Next time join her. Travel bonds you.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-ridhalgh/date-a-girl-who-travels_b_4719605.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

That being said, my flatmate informed me yesterday that round-trip tickets from Leeds to Europe are as low as $62, so we're planning some weekend jumps to Spain? Czech Republic? Italy?  Whatever destination is cheapest on a weekend we have no homework/exams.  :)

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Blog Hiatus

School resumed last week after a wonderful month-long winter break.  (I went back to the States for 3 weeks, if you didn't already know that.)  It was one of the best Christmas vacations ever - and one of the coldest!

I came back to the U.K. with 5 days to study for my statistics exams.  But it was still incredibly difficult since the questions were completely different from the ones we practiced in class/for homework.  I'm just hoping I passed (grades will be posted in a few weeks).  Now we're moving quickly into second semester and I've got loads of homework.  There are fewer lectures this semester, so we're getting more assignments for self-study.  It's only been one week of classes, but this is what I've got so far:
  • Literature review of 15 articles due in 2 weeks - the topic cannot be the same as my dissertation, which means . . .
  • I have to do another literature review of an additional 50 articles for my dissertation
  • Practice exercise of a qualitative research method
  • Practice exercise of a quantitative research method
  • Formal assignment of a research design proposal
There will also be an assignment for my Communicable Disease class - most likely an intervention strategy proposal for a specific disease.

Needless to say, this blog will be on hiatus for the next two months.  I don't expect anything exciting to happen (it's very boring writing about my daily activities in the library).

BUT . . . you can look forward to some more travel blog posts at the end of March and in April!  I will be going to Geneva, Switzerland for a study tour at the World Health Organization on March 23-31.  Then Mom and Dad will be coming to England for a 2-week holiday in April.  So sit tight until spring when the adventures resume!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Winter WonderLeeds

      
(Christmas decorations in Leeds City Centre)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! (although the weather is still very mild - in the upper 40's).  In Leeds City Centre, there is a large outdoor German Christmas market with shops selling candy, food, ornaments, and other pretty little things.  I stumbled upon it one night (not knowing it was there) and took some pictures.  Very festive!

     

     

     

My classes finished yesterday (hooray!) but I still have a paper to turn in on the 19th and a statistics exam in January that I need to study for.  Last night, the Health Sciences Department held the annual holiday party.  It was a great way to end the semester - we learned traditional Ceilidh dancing and had live music by 'Gaelstrom.'  Now many of us are returning to our home countries (or traveling around Europe) for the break.  :)

     

     


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Work Hard, Play Hard

Epidemiological statistics is kicking my ass.

It's been a while since I've had any kind of math class - so learning statistics for 8 hours each day, then working on case studies at night is a lot to handle.  But I knew this master's programme would be intense, since it's only one year.

I changed my mind about which optional modules I'm going to take: instead of courses focused on health policy design, I'll be taking Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Monitoring and Evaluating Health Programmes.  I think it's more important to get a background in diseases and health topics, since international policies will be covered in those modules anyway.  I've also submitted my proposal for a dissertation topic about food security and malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa and am waiting approval.  In the meantime, I can start researching the background information.

As for my class assignments, I've completed a critical analysis of a study on mental health in four African countries and I wrote a 20-page project proposal for diabetes intervention.  My next assignment is to prioritise health services (specific to STIs, pregnancy and sexual violence) in a refugee camp.

I'm in class from 9:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday until next semester - but I still try to make time for fun.  :)

International Potluck Dinner at the Health Sciences Centre

Visit to Leeds Medical Museum

        
Day trip to Warwick Castle and Oxford

Out to dinner at Thai Edge with my classmates

Now that it's getting colder, there are fewer opportunities for excursions.  When spring comes around, you can expect more travel blog posts.  ;)