It's hard to believe that it's already mid-November; this month is flying! Being busy, of course, seems to make time pass quicker than it would otherwise. And have we been busy.
The first week in November, our friend and former neighbour, Melina, returned to Cambridge from Germany to deliver a pre- grad hall lecture at our college. Her lecture, titled 'Amazing Mazes', concerned work that she has done so far for her PhD in American Literary Studies. It was a fascinating lecture (perhaps a bit over Will's head, but that's because he didn't spend 2 summers at creative writing camp like Jackie), and we had fun providing moral support, as well as catching up with Melina over dinners at hall and home. We greatly enjoyed Melina's visit and look forward to hopefully being able to visit her and Sebastian in Hamburg in the coming year (particularly after transportation issues forced us to cancel our previously scheduled trip to visit them in Geneva. Sad).
Melina + Will represent. Melina spent time in ATL so she knows how to be gangsta. Word. 
Jackie + Melina in the MCRThat same week, Jackie also began a part-time temporary job with the university. Although her work as a data entry temp is not particularly stimulating, she enjoys the friendly and fun working environment, and is thankful for the opportunity to earn some money while continuing her LSAT preparation (3 more weeks!). She will be working in this role until we depart for our trip to the US in December.
Will too has been busy working, not only on his PhD project, but also supervising first year undergraduates! It is his first real experience teaching, and he enjoys it immensely. Of course, it helps that his students are the best of the best and come to supervisions prepared and ready to work. ;o)
Last week, we had a meeting with the vicar of our church to see where we might become more involved and help out. With 100 members of the congregation leaving this month to augment another church in Cambridge, there are many opportunities to serve. We have not yet made a decision, though we are debating between leading a small group like we did at university or (and parents, you will find this entertaining) working with the children on Sunday mornings. Yes, that's right children. Considering that neither of us has much experience with, uh, children (Jackie has babysat 3x, Will never. Neither of us has changed a diaper) it would be very interesting (but hey, wouldn't it be better to practice with someone else's kids before having your own?).
To top things off, Will's officemate Oscar invited us last week to attend a formal swap at his college, St Catherine's. It was our first time dining at another Cambridge college and experiencing the different setting, hall rituals, and cuisine was fun. We also had the best dessert we've eaten at a formal hall yet: dark chocolate mousse cake with raspberry and fresh whipped cream. After a year+ of lemon syllabub and pistachio affogato at our formal halls, it was incredible to taste something so delicious from a college kitchen. Overall, we had a lovely evening with Oscar at St Catz.
