Good days...
Today has been a good day.
Started off way too early, with an 8:00am wake-up. I had to eat a decent breakfast as I was hoping to play cricket today. There was some question about it as the weather had been quite rubbish in the evening. But we got the call that, yes, we'd play with a later start...and so I ran to the train for my one stop.
My favorite book sellers were out today (sun shining and all). So I bought a new book (which I needed having finished Harry Potter), which I really needed. Okay, you never NEED a book, but I wanted to have one to read.
I got to the pitch well on time and started checking it out. Quite squishy. Rain had slogged through the area. But we were up for it and the decision was made to play on the astro part of the pitch. I'm not a huge fan of the astro as it's quite slippy even regularly, but at least we were going to be able to play.
We were lucky and got the toss, so chose to take the field first. I was very happy about this as it gave me a chance to check out the wicket before batting. I had a good day out in the field - my arm worked well and I didn't make any major mistakes. I love being able to use the strength of throw to my advantage in this sport. Where I play I tend to get quite a few hits.
We were able to get them all out for 55. This is an amazing feat for us - to get everyone out and only allow them to hit for 55 points. Our bowling was magnificent. The best it's ever been. But we also had the advantage of the wicket being complete ick.
I was then up to bat first. This is a huge thing for me. I feel like it means that the team has confidence in me. And I try to live up to it. While I didn't get many runs, I was in for the entire time until we got out 56. And we only lost one wicket. I was instrumental in making lots of calls so that we would get some extra runs on extras.
So it was a fun day at cricket.
In addition, we've now ordered a carpet for our bedroom, and so the plan is to paint it next week...then the carpet will be delivered...and hopefully we'll get the bathroom finished as well and we'll put it on the market (after making the flat look pretty).
So - that's it for now. If the day continues the way it's been going, then I'll be a lucky girl.
29 July 2007
26 July 2007
Healthy
So I've been in this new 'diet' for a week. It's not necessarily a diet as much as a new way to try eating. I haven't been exactly faithful to it - eating what they say that day - but I'm following most of the 'rules' and doing what I can.
This diet is the 5-Factor diet. It has some good ideas in it - you workout 5 days a week, for a minimum of 25 minutes (so the days you have little time, you can get a few things done and feel good for having done them). You eat protein, carb, fiber, healthy fats & drink a sugar free drink (water for me usually). You have one cheat day a week, where you can eat anything. And 5 meals a day - the normal 3 and 2 snacks.
Now, I'm not usually hungry for the snacks as I'm eating breakfast much later than I normally do and eating lunch at a normal time...so I've been mixing my snack possibilities with my lunch to make a much nicer combination. Or I'll mix up the ingredients in different ways. Today I was supposed to have a black bean & tofu mix as well as a soup...I just made the soup into more of a stew with the beans and tofu mixed in. Much nicer!
I also add many more spices than they call for, cause I don't want bland food. Ick. No way! One of the problems with this diet is that it's US-centric...we don't tend to have many fat-free items in the small grocers around here...or sometimes even in the big ones. People just don't eat fat free sour cream. So I've used the full fat things (like cottage cheese), but less of it. It's just the way it is.
Even if I don't really lose much weight on this diet, I do still feel much healthier for it. I'm eating very fresh things and with the combination of products, feeling full. I like that. I won't be able to do this during the school year, especially in the autumn, but I will strive to eat things that make me feel good and last me a while...less fats, less sugars...yeah, I like that idea.
So I've been in this new 'diet' for a week. It's not necessarily a diet as much as a new way to try eating. I haven't been exactly faithful to it - eating what they say that day - but I'm following most of the 'rules' and doing what I can.
This diet is the 5-Factor diet. It has some good ideas in it - you workout 5 days a week, for a minimum of 25 minutes (so the days you have little time, you can get a few things done and feel good for having done them). You eat protein, carb, fiber, healthy fats & drink a sugar free drink (water for me usually). You have one cheat day a week, where you can eat anything. And 5 meals a day - the normal 3 and 2 snacks.
Now, I'm not usually hungry for the snacks as I'm eating breakfast much later than I normally do and eating lunch at a normal time...so I've been mixing my snack possibilities with my lunch to make a much nicer combination. Or I'll mix up the ingredients in different ways. Today I was supposed to have a black bean & tofu mix as well as a soup...I just made the soup into more of a stew with the beans and tofu mixed in. Much nicer!
I also add many more spices than they call for, cause I don't want bland food. Ick. No way! One of the problems with this diet is that it's US-centric...we don't tend to have many fat-free items in the small grocers around here...or sometimes even in the big ones. People just don't eat fat free sour cream. So I've used the full fat things (like cottage cheese), but less of it. It's just the way it is.
Even if I don't really lose much weight on this diet, I do still feel much healthier for it. I'm eating very fresh things and with the combination of products, feeling full. I like that. I won't be able to do this during the school year, especially in the autumn, but I will strive to eat things that make me feel good and last me a while...less fats, less sugars...yeah, I like that idea.
23 July 2007
Busy busy
We're doing it. We're going to sell our flat. So it means that we have to do the final finishing touches to make our place the best it can be. It means doing some painting, a bit of fixing things, putting in new carpet & bathroom flooring...it'll be a busy few weeks ahead of us. But that's a good thing.
I saw one place that I'm interested in. I hope that I can get to see it some time this week. We'll see. It's a townhouse, with three bedrooms and a back yard (garden), as well as a garage and other parking. That would be a good step up the ladder and it's within our budget.
On top of all of this, I definitely have tons of other things to do, from getting a new social security number, a new passport and changing my name on credit cards and the like, to working on the advisory program. Busy summer for me. But for the next few days, I'll be focusing on the Harry Potter books. Yes, books. I decided to re-read the sixth book before I started in on the last one. And once I get to the final book, I'm going to take my time. I really hope that no one messes it up for me...I refuse to read anything about it!
Well...on to my next reading session!
We're doing it. We're going to sell our flat. So it means that we have to do the final finishing touches to make our place the best it can be. It means doing some painting, a bit of fixing things, putting in new carpet & bathroom flooring...it'll be a busy few weeks ahead of us. But that's a good thing.
I saw one place that I'm interested in. I hope that I can get to see it some time this week. We'll see. It's a townhouse, with three bedrooms and a back yard (garden), as well as a garage and other parking. That would be a good step up the ladder and it's within our budget.
On top of all of this, I definitely have tons of other things to do, from getting a new social security number, a new passport and changing my name on credit cards and the like, to working on the advisory program. Busy summer for me. But for the next few days, I'll be focusing on the Harry Potter books. Yes, books. I decided to re-read the sixth book before I started in on the last one. And once I get to the final book, I'm going to take my time. I really hope that no one messes it up for me...I refuse to read anything about it!
Well...on to my next reading session!
20 July 2007
The movie experience
I had such a cool experience last night. I went to the Everyman Cinema Club. It was such a different experience than anything else I had ever been through when watching a movie...and if you are in London, and don't mind spending a bit more on a movie, then you should try it.
I 'rented' a club suite. Sounds impressive, does it not? What you get with this is a lovely couch with squishy pillows, across from that is a soft covered bench where you can put your feet or your purse or something, and on the side, a place to put food, wine glasses and a wine bottle cooler. It was the most comfortable movie going experience ever, plus I got to snuggle up to my honey when the mood hit.
I went to see 'Harry Potter' and enjoyed it. Definitely very dark compared to other movies I've seen. And it was so cool to see Imelda Stauton in this movie as a horrible woman - she did a great job...and it must have been totally fun to be BAD!
I had such a cool experience last night. I went to the Everyman Cinema Club. It was such a different experience than anything else I had ever been through when watching a movie...and if you are in London, and don't mind spending a bit more on a movie, then you should try it.
I 'rented' a club suite. Sounds impressive, does it not? What you get with this is a lovely couch with squishy pillows, across from that is a soft covered bench where you can put your feet or your purse or something, and on the side, a place to put food, wine glasses and a wine bottle cooler. It was the most comfortable movie going experience ever, plus I got to snuggle up to my honey when the mood hit.
I went to see 'Harry Potter' and enjoyed it. Definitely very dark compared to other movies I've seen. And it was so cool to see Imelda Stauton in this movie as a horrible woman - she did a great job...and it must have been totally fun to be BAD!
18 July 2007
Baby Cakes
So I'm back from Philly. It was so nice to see my dad and step-mom. The conference was fantastic. And the Phillies won the game that we went to see. Life in the States was good. (I mean how bad could it be if I was being paid to be in a cool city? Yes, I did have to pay for some things, but overall not much.)
And now I'm back, with tons to do, but no motivation to do them. I feel like a slug. I suppose I deserve some relaxation time, but will have to get a move on it next week.
Recently, Roy and I have been talking about what life will be if we end up having a baby. There are tons of articles which scare the bejeezus out of me...this one for example:
baby article
The whole idea of actually giving birth is rather frightening. I remember those videos they showed with the baby being born. Gross. And then there's the lack of sleep. And I like my sleep. And I'm already bitchy when I lack it. What kind of mother will I be?
So as you can see...I really don't have a baby urge. I love them when I can get a hold of someone else's and I have a knack for making babies smile (or at least stop crying) by wiggling my curls...but have never felt that drive that some women seem to have. I know if we have a baby (which is getting more and more biologically impossible due to age), I'll be a fine mom. I love to play and I'm usually decently patient. But I have to admit that if we can't have one due to either Roy's or my bodily incapabilities, then I won't be too sad for myself. For Roy, who has a huge want for a baby, yes, but for me, no.
Sometimes I wonder if that makes me 'less of a woman'. But realistically, there has to be some of us out there who don't have kids. Booming populations in the world and all. And maybe some of those 'needs' have been sublimated into taking care of teenagers at their most needy times in my job. I do care for my small group of kids who come to see me regularly.
Regardless...we're trying for a little sprocket of our own. I can see it now...a year of craziness. But despite my misgivings, I'm going to give it my best. Cause I have an amazing husband who would make a fantastic dad, and who talks to me about my worries. I don't think I'll be like the woman in the article, primarily because I will have someone to talk to - can't shut that boy up! Keep those fingers crossed.
So I'm back from Philly. It was so nice to see my dad and step-mom. The conference was fantastic. And the Phillies won the game that we went to see. Life in the States was good. (I mean how bad could it be if I was being paid to be in a cool city? Yes, I did have to pay for some things, but overall not much.)
And now I'm back, with tons to do, but no motivation to do them. I feel like a slug. I suppose I deserve some relaxation time, but will have to get a move on it next week.
Recently, Roy and I have been talking about what life will be if we end up having a baby. There are tons of articles which scare the bejeezus out of me...this one for example:
baby article
The whole idea of actually giving birth is rather frightening. I remember those videos they showed with the baby being born. Gross. And then there's the lack of sleep. And I like my sleep. And I'm already bitchy when I lack it. What kind of mother will I be?
So as you can see...I really don't have a baby urge. I love them when I can get a hold of someone else's and I have a knack for making babies smile (or at least stop crying) by wiggling my curls...but have never felt that drive that some women seem to have. I know if we have a baby (which is getting more and more biologically impossible due to age), I'll be a fine mom. I love to play and I'm usually decently patient. But I have to admit that if we can't have one due to either Roy's or my bodily incapabilities, then I won't be too sad for myself. For Roy, who has a huge want for a baby, yes, but for me, no.
Sometimes I wonder if that makes me 'less of a woman'. But realistically, there has to be some of us out there who don't have kids. Booming populations in the world and all. And maybe some of those 'needs' have been sublimated into taking care of teenagers at their most needy times in my job. I do care for my small group of kids who come to see me regularly.
Regardless...we're trying for a little sprocket of our own. I can see it now...a year of craziness. But despite my misgivings, I'm going to give it my best. Cause I have an amazing husband who would make a fantastic dad, and who talks to me about my worries. I don't think I'll be like the woman in the article, primarily because I will have someone to talk to - can't shut that boy up! Keep those fingers crossed.
17 July 2007
An attempt to answer a question
A reader, Casey, has asked me to post about my relationship, particularly in regards to it being a Hindu-Christian one. So I thought I'd try to answer his questions and worries a bit from my viewpoint.
Hi Casey - glad you've stopped by. I hope you've taken some time to read my earlier posts...they definitely talk about some of the not so happy times in my relationship. And yes, there were some VERY tough times.
I'll give you a bit more background...when I was in my 20s, my father went on sabbatical to India to work at a private school over there. I decided that since I was going to be spending some time there, I should learn more about the culture. And it is different from the American one...at least historically. One thing to remember - all families will be different and come from different points of view - even when it comes to relationships (I know a white woman who was highly welcome). But there are some general 'truths'. We in American come from an individualistic society - this means that the focus is primarily on the individual. We treasure this in so many ways. And it can be great - we can move beyond our 'station' in life and go from poverty to millionaire within one generation. But it also means that family can be lost. In many Eastern societies, such as India, family is much more important. They are collectivist societies. You don't think about your self as most important but what is best for the family. And this comes through in relationships...while Indian society has moved a bit toward 'love relationships', there is still a focus on being with someone who will work well within your family. Because marriage is it. That is the relationship. And marriage is not just between two people, but between two families. So you want your families to be compatible. You marry within your group...so if the family is wealthy, they may expect their son or daughter to marry rich as well. (This isn't different than American society in some ways if you think about it).
So - a lot of Indian children will not talk to their parents about dating. Especially if they are first generation to a more individualistic society. And ESPECIALLY if their dating partner is not Indian. Because that goes against expectations.
Roy did not tell his parents (who moved to England in their 30s) about me. Not until it got VERY serious. He knew that they would object. His parents' view about Americans was not a good one. And that's because all they hear are the bad things -
- Americans get divorced
- Americans are all about getting money (thus when women divorce the man, they take them for all they are worth)
- Americans are sexually promiscuous.
- Americans are anti-family
And worse...if we got married and gave birth, our child will lose their "Indian-ness...the culture would be lost. I compared it a lot to my very Jewish friends - their parents were very worried about them marrying outside the faith and losing the faith.
When Roy actually told his family about me...well...it was not good. If you go back to the beginning of my blog, http://ukyankee.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_archive.html, you'll get to read about some of those difficulties...
His parents refused to meet me once they found out about me. And they threatened him quite a bit. The summer after met, about 9 months in, was one that was horrible. He was getting a lot of pressure to stop dating me. And it was a pressure that almost caused him to break up with me. And that's where it's tough. Because family means so much. It's not that they want their children to be unhappy...but they do want them to do what they think is the right thing, aka mate with another Indian person.
It wasn't until we were engaged, about a year after that first summer, that they finally started to come around. We didn't meet until after that. It took a lot for Roy to get us to this point. It took threats, blackmail, etc. from his family. And now it's okay. But that's not what always happens.
So what to do? Trust your girlfriend for a while. But ask her about her family. Support her as she tries to work through this relationship. Don't push. Give some time. While it was very, very hard on me, it was worse on Roy. I just gave him tons of support and didn't push him. He says that's what made the difference - his family were pressuring him, but I didn't put too much out there. And so the choice was made easier for him...
She knows her family and what will work. And if you are both young and new in this relationship, then you have time to give. As a 30-something year old, I wasn't willing to wait to marry him for too long (we got engaged after 1-1/2 years of dating and married one year after that)...but if we had been in our 20s, then I would have not worried so much about the family thing until after a full year or two of dating.
Have to tell you...it was hell for a while. I cried a lot. So did Roy. Our love was put to a huge test. But he came through. It doesn't always happen. Sometimes the family wins. But I thought he was worth the hell...for a short period of time. From 9 months (summer) until we got engaged (spring), there were times when I just wanted to leave and not have to deal with it...but it was worthwhile.
So, Casey, not sure if I answered your questions or not...hope that I did. I think any relationship where there are differences between the partners will be tough, be it religion or race. Only you and your partner can decide whether it's worth the effort. Good luck!
A reader, Casey, has asked me to post about my relationship, particularly in regards to it being a Hindu-Christian one. So I thought I'd try to answer his questions and worries a bit from my viewpoint.
Hi Casey - glad you've stopped by. I hope you've taken some time to read my earlier posts...they definitely talk about some of the not so happy times in my relationship. And yes, there were some VERY tough times.
I'll give you a bit more background...when I was in my 20s, my father went on sabbatical to India to work at a private school over there. I decided that since I was going to be spending some time there, I should learn more about the culture. And it is different from the American one...at least historically. One thing to remember - all families will be different and come from different points of view - even when it comes to relationships (I know a white woman who was highly welcome). But there are some general 'truths'. We in American come from an individualistic society - this means that the focus is primarily on the individual. We treasure this in so many ways. And it can be great - we can move beyond our 'station' in life and go from poverty to millionaire within one generation. But it also means that family can be lost. In many Eastern societies, such as India, family is much more important. They are collectivist societies. You don't think about your self as most important but what is best for the family. And this comes through in relationships...while Indian society has moved a bit toward 'love relationships', there is still a focus on being with someone who will work well within your family. Because marriage is it. That is the relationship. And marriage is not just between two people, but between two families. So you want your families to be compatible. You marry within your group...so if the family is wealthy, they may expect their son or daughter to marry rich as well. (This isn't different than American society in some ways if you think about it).
So - a lot of Indian children will not talk to their parents about dating. Especially if they are first generation to a more individualistic society. And ESPECIALLY if their dating partner is not Indian. Because that goes against expectations.
Roy did not tell his parents (who moved to England in their 30s) about me. Not until it got VERY serious. He knew that they would object. His parents' view about Americans was not a good one. And that's because all they hear are the bad things -
- Americans get divorced
- Americans are all about getting money (thus when women divorce the man, they take them for all they are worth)
- Americans are sexually promiscuous.
- Americans are anti-family
And worse...if we got married and gave birth, our child will lose their "Indian-ness...the culture would be lost. I compared it a lot to my very Jewish friends - their parents were very worried about them marrying outside the faith and losing the faith.
When Roy actually told his family about me...well...it was not good. If you go back to the beginning of my blog, http://ukyankee.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_archive.html, you'll get to read about some of those difficulties...
His parents refused to meet me once they found out about me. And they threatened him quite a bit. The summer after met, about 9 months in, was one that was horrible. He was getting a lot of pressure to stop dating me. And it was a pressure that almost caused him to break up with me. And that's where it's tough. Because family means so much. It's not that they want their children to be unhappy...but they do want them to do what they think is the right thing, aka mate with another Indian person.
It wasn't until we were engaged, about a year after that first summer, that they finally started to come around. We didn't meet until after that. It took a lot for Roy to get us to this point. It took threats, blackmail, etc. from his family. And now it's okay. But that's not what always happens.
So what to do? Trust your girlfriend for a while. But ask her about her family. Support her as she tries to work through this relationship. Don't push. Give some time. While it was very, very hard on me, it was worse on Roy. I just gave him tons of support and didn't push him. He says that's what made the difference - his family were pressuring him, but I didn't put too much out there. And so the choice was made easier for him...
She knows her family and what will work. And if you are both young and new in this relationship, then you have time to give. As a 30-something year old, I wasn't willing to wait to marry him for too long (we got engaged after 1-1/2 years of dating and married one year after that)...but if we had been in our 20s, then I would have not worried so much about the family thing until after a full year or two of dating.
Have to tell you...it was hell for a while. I cried a lot. So did Roy. Our love was put to a huge test. But he came through. It doesn't always happen. Sometimes the family wins. But I thought he was worth the hell...for a short period of time. From 9 months (summer) until we got engaged (spring), there were times when I just wanted to leave and not have to deal with it...but it was worthwhile.
So, Casey, not sure if I answered your questions or not...hope that I did. I think any relationship where there are differences between the partners will be tough, be it religion or race. Only you and your partner can decide whether it's worth the effort. Good luck!
11 July 2007
Philly!
So I made it to Philly after a bumpy airplane ride. Luckily I was next to a silent girl, so I could watch my movies in peace and just read when I wanted. The ride from the airport to the hotel took WAY long...went in one of those vans that drop people off a few at a time. And I was in the last hotel. Definitely NOT doing that for the way back - it'll be a taxi all the way.
Met Alicia (from UK and now living in US) at the hotel (poor thing had been waiting for 1/2 hour). We plopped my stuff in my very large amazing room (it's almost the size of my living room/dining room combo), checked out the cool river/Penn's Landing view, and then, feeling a bit of hunger, took off to find a place for dinner.
We walked up and down Market St and finally, in a side road, found a place to get some steaks...something we were both hankering for. And I got my fav Pennsylvania beer, Yuengling lager (pronounced ying-ling). We ate well...then needed to walk some of it off...before finding a cute, very cute, old fashioned ice cream store. It was fantastic. And the ice cream was good too!
We then walked back, hung out and tried to keep me awake past 10. I happily made it to 11:00 while watching the Discovery Channel.
I slept okay, though woke up around 6:45am...sigh...and Alicia got up around 8am. We then hung out more, talked, showered and tried to decide what to do. As it was in the 90s (or 30s c.), we decided that shopping in the outlets was in order and we hit Franklin Mills. As I only have one small suitcase and didn't want to buy another, I was restrained...only a few teeshirts, two pairs of jeans and a pair of work shoes for me (and yes, that is restrained when you think about the exchange rate). And all of them are 'needed'...I don't fit into my current jeans, my current black work shoes are shot, and I don't fit well into my nice tee-shirts...so all of this will replace old stuff (though I'll keep my smaller jeans in hopes that I return to that size someday! Yes, I am a girl.)
I start up in my conference in a bit...hopefully it will be useful and good. I'll let ya know!
So I made it to Philly after a bumpy airplane ride. Luckily I was next to a silent girl, so I could watch my movies in peace and just read when I wanted. The ride from the airport to the hotel took WAY long...went in one of those vans that drop people off a few at a time. And I was in the last hotel. Definitely NOT doing that for the way back - it'll be a taxi all the way.
Met Alicia (from UK and now living in US) at the hotel (poor thing had been waiting for 1/2 hour). We plopped my stuff in my very large amazing room (it's almost the size of my living room/dining room combo), checked out the cool river/Penn's Landing view, and then, feeling a bit of hunger, took off to find a place for dinner.
We walked up and down Market St and finally, in a side road, found a place to get some steaks...something we were both hankering for. And I got my fav Pennsylvania beer, Yuengling lager (pronounced ying-ling). We ate well...then needed to walk some of it off...before finding a cute, very cute, old fashioned ice cream store. It was fantastic. And the ice cream was good too!
We then walked back, hung out and tried to keep me awake past 10. I happily made it to 11:00 while watching the Discovery Channel.
I slept okay, though woke up around 6:45am...sigh...and Alicia got up around 8am. We then hung out more, talked, showered and tried to decide what to do. As it was in the 90s (or 30s c.), we decided that shopping in the outlets was in order and we hit Franklin Mills. As I only have one small suitcase and didn't want to buy another, I was restrained...only a few teeshirts, two pairs of jeans and a pair of work shoes for me (and yes, that is restrained when you think about the exchange rate). And all of them are 'needed'...I don't fit into my current jeans, my current black work shoes are shot, and I don't fit well into my nice tee-shirts...so all of this will replace old stuff (though I'll keep my smaller jeans in hopes that I return to that size someday! Yes, I am a girl.)
I start up in my conference in a bit...hopefully it will be useful and good. I'll let ya know!
09 July 2007
A Country Wedding
I went to a wedding this weekend and this is what I wore. So happy to get the experience of wearing a hat to a wedding.
It was a typical English wedding in a gorgeous old church, with the bells ringing like crazy. There were about 7 or 8 people who were in charge of these bells and they made quite a happy noise. The ceremony was lovely - not too long, not too short - and the bride and groom along with their families looked ever so happy.
This was followed by a reception at the local cricket grounds under a marquee (or tent as we call it in the States). The party had worked hard to make it look lovely all purples and greens. Pimms and lemonade were served as you entered, and small tidbits of food were passed around.
Then dinner was served and people were very happy with their salmon or chicken, and the wine flowed from that point on for hours. It's quite the tradition to get a bit sloshed, I think, based on my past and current experiences.
Roy and I drank a reasonable amount of wine and beer...but much of the time you could find us on the dance floor. We knew we had to drive at least a mile or two to get to the hotel, so we didn't want to be under the influence as we did so.
It was a blast to see all the people in their various styles. I was one of the few younger ones in a hat, but got tons of compliments on it....which made me very pleased (internally I was very smug...bad, Liane, bad!). The music was perfect for us all to dance. The drink flowed at the perfect pace. And food was solid and yummy.
It was a great country wedding, in a gorgeous location. And as we stepped outside to get to our car, and we looked up, there were thousands of stars to be seen. Something we miss in our lives in London. And after we woke up to a lovely Sunday morning, with a view to the hills, we vowed that we MUST go to the country at least once every summer...if only to gaze at stars and rolling hills...
I went to a wedding this weekend and this is what I wore. So happy to get the experience of wearing a hat to a wedding.
It was a typical English wedding in a gorgeous old church, with the bells ringing like crazy. There were about 7 or 8 people who were in charge of these bells and they made quite a happy noise. The ceremony was lovely - not too long, not too short - and the bride and groom along with their families looked ever so happy.
This was followed by a reception at the local cricket grounds under a marquee (or tent as we call it in the States). The party had worked hard to make it look lovely all purples and greens. Pimms and lemonade were served as you entered, and small tidbits of food were passed around.
Then dinner was served and people were very happy with their salmon or chicken, and the wine flowed from that point on for hours. It's quite the tradition to get a bit sloshed, I think, based on my past and current experiences.
Roy and I drank a reasonable amount of wine and beer...but much of the time you could find us on the dance floor. We knew we had to drive at least a mile or two to get to the hotel, so we didn't want to be under the influence as we did so.
It was a blast to see all the people in their various styles. I was one of the few younger ones in a hat, but got tons of compliments on it....which made me very pleased (internally I was very smug...bad, Liane, bad!). The music was perfect for us all to dance. The drink flowed at the perfect pace. And food was solid and yummy.
It was a great country wedding, in a gorgeous location. And as we stepped outside to get to our car, and we looked up, there were thousands of stars to be seen. Something we miss in our lives in London. And after we woke up to a lovely Sunday morning, with a view to the hills, we vowed that we MUST go to the country at least once every summer...if only to gaze at stars and rolling hills...
05 July 2007
Terror
I have to admit that all of the latest news about terrorism in London and Glasgow is quite scary to me. The possibility that there are men who were trained to be doctors, the ones who SAVE lives, who are willing to kill people through car bombs, is quite frightening. And I can see why terrorists would want to 'hire' someone like that. It definitely screws with your mind. You start thinking, 'Who can I trust?'. And that is more powerful than any bomb going off.
Now, this won't stop me from doing what I need to do during my normal daily life. Or Roy's life. Yesterday, he was kept from leaving his building at work, as they were doing a forced detonation in a car right near where he was. The entire sector were asked to remain in their buildings and get back from windows. Not cool. But we're all still going to work (well, I'm not) or going shopping (I definitely am). And that's what is great about being in London. UK people have lived through so much - World Wars, IRA and now more terrorists - and keep their 'stiff upper lip'. While they may be a touch more nervous to travel on the tube sometimes, they still do it. It's just what they do.
I've checked out the newspapers in the US to see what they are saying about all of this, and I'm quite happy that it's very low key. I'd hate for my parents to be freaking out about it all. But we do have fears over here that this will not only continue but get worse. I kinda hope nothing too major happens...I'm grateful that no innocents were killed by the latest actions.
Next week, I leave to go back to the States for a conference. I know that there are possibilities that flights could be cancelled, delayed or otherwise messed up. I really hope that nothing of the sort happens, but if it doesn, I'll deal. I'm looking forward to going to this conference, and to see my dad and step-mom (it's in Philly which is relatively close to my hometown) for a day. It will be very cool. And give Roy a needed break from me - once you spend 2 weeks in each others' company non-stop, you sometimes need some time apart. I've had the days to myself...but Roy always is around people at work and then home to me...it'll be good for him to not have to worry about what I want for a few days!
I have to admit that all of the latest news about terrorism in London and Glasgow is quite scary to me. The possibility that there are men who were trained to be doctors, the ones who SAVE lives, who are willing to kill people through car bombs, is quite frightening. And I can see why terrorists would want to 'hire' someone like that. It definitely screws with your mind. You start thinking, 'Who can I trust?'. And that is more powerful than any bomb going off.
Now, this won't stop me from doing what I need to do during my normal daily life. Or Roy's life. Yesterday, he was kept from leaving his building at work, as they were doing a forced detonation in a car right near where he was. The entire sector were asked to remain in their buildings and get back from windows. Not cool. But we're all still going to work (well, I'm not) or going shopping (I definitely am). And that's what is great about being in London. UK people have lived through so much - World Wars, IRA and now more terrorists - and keep their 'stiff upper lip'. While they may be a touch more nervous to travel on the tube sometimes, they still do it. It's just what they do.
I've checked out the newspapers in the US to see what they are saying about all of this, and I'm quite happy that it's very low key. I'd hate for my parents to be freaking out about it all. But we do have fears over here that this will not only continue but get worse. I kinda hope nothing too major happens...I'm grateful that no innocents were killed by the latest actions.
Next week, I leave to go back to the States for a conference. I know that there are possibilities that flights could be cancelled, delayed or otherwise messed up. I really hope that nothing of the sort happens, but if it doesn, I'll deal. I'm looking forward to going to this conference, and to see my dad and step-mom (it's in Philly which is relatively close to my hometown) for a day. It will be very cool. And give Roy a needed break from me - once you spend 2 weeks in each others' company non-stop, you sometimes need some time apart. I've had the days to myself...but Roy always is around people at work and then home to me...it'll be good for him to not have to worry about what I want for a few days!
04 July 2007
An American holiday...but not here
Happy 4th of July everyone! It's kinda weird living in the UK and knowing that my friends and family in the States will be watching fireworks, eating traditional foods and celebrating this holiday. But over here...nothing. (Which, of course, makes sense) There are things you can go to, but it's not the same as hanging with your buds or fam and doing it. So I won't be celebrating this day, other than to eat corn on the cob & blueberries for lunch, which is about as traditional as I could get. Maybe when I have a back yard, I can host a barbeque!
Happy 4th of July everyone! It's kinda weird living in the UK and knowing that my friends and family in the States will be watching fireworks, eating traditional foods and celebrating this holiday. But over here...nothing. (Which, of course, makes sense) There are things you can go to, but it's not the same as hanging with your buds or fam and doing it. So I won't be celebrating this day, other than to eat corn on the cob & blueberries for lunch, which is about as traditional as I could get. Maybe when I have a back yard, I can host a barbeque!
02 July 2007
Just a day...
Today is the first day where I don't have to go to work, and yet I'm not on a vacation. Now, note, I did actually go into work for a few reasons, and I got an email from Roy about our future vacation around Christmas. So I haven't gotten away from either too much!
We didn't sleep too well last night. It probably had a lot to do with Saturday night. I went to a hen night and was out until 1:30am (just dinner and drinks but it was in south London so it took a while to get back home) and Roy was out with the future hubby and a friend until (frickin') 4:00am. This did not help change our sleep patterns too well. And then we woke up at 8am. Sigh. But I got up with Roy, took my shower and got ready to head out. I wanted to see if I had any phone messages, change my outgoing message, get any mail that was there and see what Alicia had left for me in my office prior to moving back to the States.
My office was packed with some good stuff and some junk, which I will toss. The rest of it will either go to my in-laws (a big screen t.v. that I leant to her) or will be sold to newbies coming in August. I did find some good mail and a few old messages. But best of all - I got to meet the new Head of School and Head of High School. I'm looking forward to talk to them further but it was good to actually see them and introduce myself. I'm a bit nervous about next year having so many new people working in administration...but we'll survive it!
The rest of the day so far I've spent relaxing (on counch, on computer or watching cooking shows), cleaning and shopping for lots of veg and fruit (we're trying to up our 5-a-day thing). I'll cook dinner and do a bit more laundry soon...busy day! I wonder what tomorrow will bring...it ought to lead to some gym time I think!
Today is the first day where I don't have to go to work, and yet I'm not on a vacation. Now, note, I did actually go into work for a few reasons, and I got an email from Roy about our future vacation around Christmas. So I haven't gotten away from either too much!
We didn't sleep too well last night. It probably had a lot to do with Saturday night. I went to a hen night and was out until 1:30am (just dinner and drinks but it was in south London so it took a while to get back home) and Roy was out with the future hubby and a friend until (frickin') 4:00am. This did not help change our sleep patterns too well. And then we woke up at 8am. Sigh. But I got up with Roy, took my shower and got ready to head out. I wanted to see if I had any phone messages, change my outgoing message, get any mail that was there and see what Alicia had left for me in my office prior to moving back to the States.
My office was packed with some good stuff and some junk, which I will toss. The rest of it will either go to my in-laws (a big screen t.v. that I leant to her) or will be sold to newbies coming in August. I did find some good mail and a few old messages. But best of all - I got to meet the new Head of School and Head of High School. I'm looking forward to talk to them further but it was good to actually see them and introduce myself. I'm a bit nervous about next year having so many new people working in administration...but we'll survive it!
The rest of the day so far I've spent relaxing (on counch, on computer or watching cooking shows), cleaning and shopping for lots of veg and fruit (we're trying to up our 5-a-day thing). I'll cook dinner and do a bit more laundry soon...busy day! I wonder what tomorrow will bring...it ought to lead to some gym time I think!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
