Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Hurray! Got anti virus protection so now will be on msn...
Hi,

Okay, so there was much confusion about the Phenomenology of Light and Architecture course, so I'm including the prof's course description:

This course is an introduction to classical phenomenological philosophy and to the fundamentals of phenomenological practice, with particular emphasis on the theory of perception, the problems of time and space, and the theory of meaning. The set of specific problems and questions of interpretation for this introduction will be the manifold role that light plays in the built world. Could the classical phenomenological themes of presence and absence, expression and meaning, phenomenality and being be employed to frame a research program on the architecture and design of light? And, in turn, could a sophisticated understanding of what is implicit in our capacity to design the experiential feel of built space reopen the very question of the being and essence of phenomenality, and with that its fundamental relation to human existence and action?

So, whatever that means. I don't know yet, but I will keep you posted. Andy Clark would probably think it's cool!

I think that in some ways moving to a new place for me is kind of like giving birth - you remember that it involves pain, but you forget exactly what kind of pain and how intense it can be. Things weren't helped when, talking to my mum yesterday, she told me that one of her close friends from high school had died of an overdose. It wasn't necessarily intentional but they don't know yet. And I don't know if it is all the stress of moving to a different city or what but I have not burst out in hysterical crying like that for as long as i can remember. I think the worst of it right now is that I don't have a permanent home - I will be subletting from Clare's friend whilst he is in Greece, which is good (I get a whole apt to myself) and then back with Clare for a while and then possibly to Conor's sister's place for a few days. So it's not like I don't have a place to stay, and everyone is being really lovely. But September feels like it is going to stretch on forever!

Clare just got internet, which is super and means I will be on msn more in the next month or so. However, I also realized yesterday that my computer has no anti-virus protection (duh) and so I need to get that before I use internet on my laptop or else risk fucking up my computer. The uni computers don't have msn which is annoying but understandable, and the internet cafe I went into today charges almost 7 bucks for 30 mins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss you all!

Lisa

Monday, August 28, 2006

Hey all,

Well, I've just completed my first day of administration fun at my new university. I have not had the time to eat or sleep too much today, so I feel a little bit like I'm floating as I write this...

I arrived in New York last night in a cloudy haze (both me and new york). As I rode into Manhattan in my cab, I was reminded of how gothic new york can appear- especially under the metallic sheen of a rainy evening. I arrived at Clare's, tipped my cabbie (after living in britain I've forgotten what a normal tip is over here... I gave him $5.50 on a $37.50 cab ride, and i'm worried it wasn't enough... ach well!) Clare was making pizzas - sundried tomatoes, feta, spinach, pine nuts, tomatoes, peppers... yum!

I awoke at around 6, and was too anxious to go back to sleep. I was also too nervous to eat today, as I anticipated the alleged meeting (that Amber thankfully warned me about) whereby the students (literally) climbed over each other to put their names on a sheet of paper (!) in the order they will meet with the student advisor to sign up for their courses. The fateful moment actually came about 30 mins ago, and let me tell you - philosophy students are vicious! However Amber and I got two of the earliest appts, and so hopefully I'll get into the classes I want!

I miss you all so much - I had forgotten how cheery americans can be about the banal, and I am finding it somewhat alienating as I am fighting through the fog of a huge city and the early days of attending a new university. I long for the sardonic and sarcastic tones of Edinburgh!

I also just realized that as I write this, the pub quiz must just be starting... good luck to you all!

xo
Lisa
academic strength

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Hey Lottie, how did you change the heading of the blog? I cannae find it...

Friday, August 25, 2006

Lisa in Toronto...

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that I got home safe and sound. It does seem however that I brought a little bit of Edinburgh back with me - namely the weather. It's grey and rainy today and that does NOT add up to a happy Lisa. Ach well. I'm going up to my cottage this afternoon and I will enjoy it rain or shine!

I also want to thank all of you again for a great two years in Edinburgh, and don't worry, I'll be back! (is that a threat, or a promise, you ask?) And thanks again for making me feel that I will be missed. I certainly miss all of you.

I'll also be posting the progression of my move to nyc on here, so that I have some way of keeping you all involved in my life!

Miss you all!
xoxoxo
Lisa