Scout Finch

“‘And you -‘ she pointed an arthritic finger at me – ‘what are you doing in those overalls? You should be in a dress and camisole, young lady! You’ll grow up waiting on tables if somebody doesn’t change your ways – a Finch waiting on tables at the O.K. Cafe – hah!’” I just wanted to … Continue reading →

The Magnificence of Lists

I’m thinking about lists today. Lists to organise, lists to prioritise, lists written simply to list excellent things. You could list your favourite words, places you want to travel, jobs you want to apply for (that’s my life right now). I recently got so overwhelmed with my situation and feeling stuck in a rut that I … Continue reading →

Graduating, Fairy Lights and Frasier

Passion. Risk. Preach what you practice. These were the messages I received at my recent graduation ceremony. I wrote them down in my diary that night so I wouldn’t forget the speaker’s advice. Graduating was an honour, and one of those moment’s that really felt like a landmark to me. When I look at the … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (part 7): WAIKIKI, O’AHU

This is it! The last stop on our incredible journey across the United States. It’s been over a year now since we were there, but it’s been incredible looking back at all we got to experience. The first day: Beautiful Hawaii. We caught a flight to Honolulu, ready to wind-down in paradise after four weeks … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (part 6): LOS ANGELES

This seven-part series is getting ridiculously drawn out. HOWEVER, if you’re you, and you’re interested in reading about the ups and downs of doing Los Angeles in a day and a half, read on my friend: The first day: First drive through the desert, Vegas to L.A. style. The trip was almost four hours long, … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (part 5): VEGAS

It’s Vegas, baby! And it’s about time I told you about it, too. The first day: After stormy weather, flights being delayed, and a stopover in Houston, it was already evening by the time we reached Vegas. A New York native named Jerry (who’s face and demeanor I have mentally morphed into those of Richard Belzer from … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (Part 4): Orlando

Merry Christmas everybody! I’ve been in such extreme holiday-mode lately that it’s taken me how long to tell this seven-part American tale?! Hey, at least it’s making the trip drag out in my mind, even though in reality there’s been a whole semester between then and now. Get ready to read about 92% Disney World, 3% candied almonds, 1% … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (Part 3): Memphis

I submitted my last two assignments of the year on Friday (!!!!), so this Sunday off has sent me kind of loopy with liberty and endless possibilities. Tried looking at the course handbook to decide my classes for next year, but that was too overwhelming for my day off, so I’m going to tell you guys about our two days … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A (Part 2): Nashville!

Let me tell you about my favourite place in the world, where the grass is green, everyone is so lovely, the locals say “y’all” (I swear I had a crush on just about every boy I met or overheard in Nashville), people wear boots and country music is everywhere. The first day: I knew we were heading south when … Continue reading →

ALYSSA IN THE U.S.A. (Part 1): New York

New York. Before my visit, I knew it only as the city where Taylor Swift owns an apartment (and likes to step out on the daily to greet the paps with her cat – Olivia Benson – in her Swiftacular grasp), the place where Alicia Keys and the kids from Glee went to make their dreams come true, and most … Continue reading →