A fish feast and bad shoes



Recently, R. has been feeding me lots of pizza and pasta. I'm trying to lose weight for the wedding and this is not helping (as they are amongst my favorites foods). So last night I decided to introduce more fish into our diet. And boy was last night's meal delish!

I made rainbow trout with caramelised onions. Sweet and also spicy, the fish just melted in your mouth. And with a side of rice and roasted veggies, it was a gorgeous meal.

I started out by making a syrup of water & brown sugar. I then added sliced garlic (10 cloves!), ginger and a hot green chili. After cooking down a bit more, I then squeezed in a lime and put in a touch of fish sauce which gave it a Thai sort of feel. The fish was just pan fried in a touch of olive oil for about 5 minutes per side until the skin was crispy.

Roy, who isn't really a fish person, decided that this was fantastic and that, yes, we should eat more fish now. So I'm in search of good fish recipes that are reasonably healthy...

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Have you ever purchased shoes quickly? You see them, think they'd be great, try them on but not 'really' (as in you don't walk around too much), get them home, still don't think about walking around in them on carpet to test them, and then go out into the real world with them and think - "Damn...these shoes are cute but *&%$£ they hurt!". That happened to me today. I bought some cute work shoes while I was in the States. They are Nine West, which I usually have good luck with. Black, medium heeled, funky bits of extra leather & brass metal bits all over them...absolutely cool looking shoes. And they hurt. So much that I'm sitting in my office without shoes on. And not looking forward to teaching in 20 minutes with them on. I think the kids will just have to deal with my toes being shown. Sigh. Now I have to spend more money on new shoes, cause I just can't imagine having to wear these all winter long as my cool work shoes. And I didn't want to spend money this autumn on clothing or shoes - I want it for our wedding!!!! Bugger!

5 Years Ago

5 years ago. I was working at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. It is located about 3 miles from the Pentagon.

5 years ago. I was dating a guy who was working in the Pentagon that day.

5 years ago. I was not teaching when the first plane hit. But heard the news through another teacher. Each classroom had a television in it so we turned on the news. And then saw the second plane hit.

5 years ago. I went outside to see if I could find an administrator. And heard an amazing noise. At the time I didn't know that it was the sound of military planes taking off after the Pentagon hit.

5 years ago. I had to hold in my own fears for my bf as I worried about the kids whose parents were working in the towers and the Pentagon. We were lucky. All the parents got out. But there was a lot of work for me in the following days. You couldn't live in the DC area and not be affected somehow.

5 years ago. My bf was fine. He's live on to cause more serious heartache later.

5 years ago. I was one of the lucky ones. And my prayers go out to those who lost someone.

I've now been in two cities struck by terrorists. It's part of life now. Innocence is gone.

Love

I was reading another blog that asked us to write down our story about how we met our good guys. And I thought to myself...have I ever written down how I met R.? I'm not sure I have. (And quite honestly I'm too lazy right now to go and look). So, with less than 7 months until our wedding, I'll let you know the story...

I arrived in London in July 2004. I was going to be a school counselor, teach a Psychology course and coach a field hockey team. One of the coaches had some interest in joining a hockey club in the area and I was excited about doing it too. So I went to their open day. And had a blast. A few of the people were really quite welcoming...one being Ali T. She invited us back to the club for drinks and took it upon herself to look after me for the next few weeks. We got on great. Which was good cause work wasn't going so well.

In mid-October '04, Ali T. invited me to go to her birthday party, which was going to be held at a ceilidh or Scottish dance. I wasn't sure I wanted to go as I was only going to know Ali T., but figured I might as well as I'd meet other people. So I showed up at the pub where people were meeting. Had a drink with all sorts of new people. And then we were off to the ceilidh. There I met a bunch of new people, including R. I honestly thought that he had a girlfriend with him. So I didn't really flirt. In fact I was having a high time flirting with one of Ali's college friends. R. just knew Ali through cricket.

Then the last dance arrived. And R. asked me to dance. We were both quite squiffy by that point and had a blast...we laughed at ourselves and each other. We were NOT in a state to dance. But we made it through. And at the end, R. turned to me and bam! He kissed me straight on the lips. And it was soooo unexpected...but sooo nice!

And we spent most of the night together talking and talking and talking. And that was the beginning. A few days R. called me and asked me out. I wasn't so sure about him...but something led me to give him a chance. And boy am I glad I did. He has added so much to who I am and to my life.

So that's it. That's the story. Of course there's a bit more to it...but that's private to me and R.

I've been having a lot of conversations about "Relationships". From the moment they begin (perhaps with that first siting on the website or the first date) to the moment they end (all things end...), there are tough moments. And we're so afraid of them that we try to remove ourselves from them. But usually that just creates even more tough moments.

I think back to my younger days of dating. I made so many mistakes. Mistake number one was not TRULY listening to what the guy was saying to me or SEEING how he was acting. I had on my rose tinted glasses of expectation and fear of loss. So many people are so afraid of losing what they have that they stop recognizing what their own instincts say. And in the end they tend to lose anyway...but sometimes at a great cost to their hearts, lives or sanity.

Mistake number two: I know that I had a problem asking guys questions in my relationships. I think I was usually afraid of the answers. Or that the questions would put 'too much pressure' on the guy. What hogwash! If I wanted to know something, then I ought to have asked. And if the guy broke up with me for just asking a question, then he wasn't the guy for me.

What makes us tip-toe around relationships? Why are we so afraid to lose something if it's not right for us? Why do we refuse to see the signs that people send all the time? Why is it that being part of a couple, even a bad one, is better than being alone & healthy?

I'm glad I've pretty much moved on and grown up in my own way. I do know that if I lost R., I'd be beyond unhappy. I would definitely be depressed and angry and hurt. But I'd be okay after time. I'd survive. And I'd deal with the loss and move on eventually. Cause we all can. Life is full of hurts, from that first time as a baby that mom leaves us to our first fight with someone to the act of dying in the end....but other than that last hurt, we are made to move on and be okay...if we CHOOSE.

I now ask those questions of R and if I see something that bothers me, I bring it up. I am prepared to piss him off sometimes. But I know that he loves me now and we'll be okay. He brings up topics that make me uncomfortable, but he does it for us. I bring up topics that make him uncomfortable, but I do it for us. If we couldn't handle these things, then we ought not be together. But we do handle them and it's made us a better couple. Right now I'm not better off being single...but it's not holding me back from keeping my 'eyes open'.

Dinner

Last night R. and I were in the mood for a bit of spice. To his disappointment, my desire was for spicy food, not a spicy evening (though I can tell you he wasn't complaining by sleep time!). So we went to the shop and got the ingredients for a spicy pasta...

Plum tomatoes
Tomato puree
Chopped tomato with garlic in the tin

Those were the base of the tomato sauce. Into this I added some pan sauted garlic and onions that had become quite translucent. And then the kicker...thin slices of chorizo that had been pan friend with mushrooms and red pepper. Mmmmm....it adds a nice touch of 'kick' to an otherwise bland dish.

We made up some penne which soaked up the sauce. The veg was still dente and the meat tasted a touch smokey. All in all it was heaven on a plate.

Hmmm...now what to have for dinner tonight?

Let's do lunch

As you know, things have not been great in terms of R's parents and me. They have kept trying to push us apart. But it's mainly his dad. R has always stated that his mom would be more interested in meeting me and starting a relationship...that she wants to see him happy.

Last week, my df's mom met with him for lunch to chat. He finally told her that we had set a date, that the wedding was going to be held in the US and that things were moving forward (I have to admit that I've been putting the pressure on him to do this). She reacted relatively well. He then also told her that he couldn't keep coming over for dinner and leaving me behind at the flat. It wasn't fair as I was going to become his wife. She cried at the thought of him not coming over, but he emphasized that there was a way to get around this and that was meeting me and having me come over too.

So...last night we were sitting watching t.v. when his mom calls. She said that they now want to meet me. Holy cow! My df is going to meet with his dad first to set down some ground rules (such as, don't interogate her, don't accuse her of anything, etc)...and then we'll figure out when to meet.

I'm happy about this but also VERY nervous. I know they don't want me in their lives and are only doing this to not lose their son...but at the same time I know I want to do this. It's probably going to be awful at first, but hopefully more meetings will bring some respect and perhaps even liking.

I'll keep y'all updated about this future meeting. Cross your fingers for me!

How to start your day off right

1. Wake up on time, almost without the alarm, because you actually slept well.

2. Turn and see a cutie pie in the bed next to you, all cuddled up with the blanket and head smooshed into the pillow right next to you.

3. Have cereal with fresh milk that your honey bought last night because he felt the 'old' milk just wasn't right.

4. Find an outfit that looks really good and earrings that you haven't worn in ages that are wonderful & were forgotten.

5. Return to the bedroom to say 'goodbye' to the sweetie and have him turn to look at you and say, "Wow. Phewarrrr...You look gorgeous. They don't deserve you at work. Wanna call in sick?". Hee!

6. Walk out the door to get the bus (cause you're actually running early & the train is running late) and realize - IT'S FRIDAY!!!

I see you!

As you may remember, I love to watch people....on the sidewalk, in the tube...yeah pretty much everywhere. There's just so much facinating stuff going on and we don't know the half of it. Too many people don't take the time to slow down and check what's going on in the world around them.

So this weekend, my psychology classes are getting a chance to do some naturalistic observations. It's their first project of the year. They have a choice of three different things to do:

1. observe a group of people interacting...this will be done in pairs
2. observe children & parents interacting in a playground
3. observe people in school doing their thang

I can't wait to see what happens in this project...it's always interesting to read what teenagers have to say about what they observe. It gets you thinking...what would I look for? how would I interpret this differently?

So perhaps today is a good day to think about your world. What do you see? How is your experiences influencing your interpretation of events? Could you 'see' in a different way? Could this change you...your behaviours...your world?

How to almost have a heart attack

We won!!!

Yesterday, on our Bank Holiday Monday, the ladies cricket team were part of a 6-a-side cricket tourney. We were definitely NOT the favorites by any bit of the imagination. The team that everyone thought would win was the Alexander Palace team (aka Ali Pali). They have a few women who have played for years...and they always bat first. They are just strong & good (somewhat manly, but you know, that's nothing against them). No one else got a chance to bat for them but these two ladies. Other teams used the day to let their entire team bat...but this team was out for the kill.

So we lost the first game versus the hosting team of Potters Bar (I love English town names!). Then we beat two other teams to get to the semi-final. Let me tell you...these games were close...tense...crazy! Then came our game versus Ali Pali. Previously, they had murdered us in our cricket games. Slaughtered. We didn't have high expectations. But we had tactics. Our coach, Tom, put us in specific positions so that they couldn't get high scoring runs (4s). And it worked. We kept them to 41...the lowest score they had for the day. Then it was our turn.

I was up to bat...and stayed to the end. We had ONE more ball to be bowled. And the score was 41 - 41. I decided to just run irregardless of what happened on the other end. So as the Ali Pali bowler let loose the ball, I took off for the stumps. And there wasn't a hit. The ball bobbled around by the wicket keeper (like a catcher)...and I screamed to the other batter, Lucy, "Runnnnnn!!!!!!". She took off, I got to the stumps in time and she was not run out. WE WON!!! A score of 42-41. Yup - I had saved the day. And our best win ever...against Ali Pali!

The last game was sorta ridiculous...it was played in the dark. And we won due to the fact that the other team just couldn't SEE the ball. We didn't really care about this game...but we won anyway! Woohoo...it was a long, hungover and lovely day!

I can make you do things

Today was the first day of full length classes...all 80 minutes of them. We have a block schedule so we have 4 one day and 4 the next. I have the fun of teaching one Psychology class on the odd days and the second on the even days. It'll work out well.

So we started out with the kids writing down what comes to mind when they think about the word, 'psychology'. It's actually a cool exercise. Most people come up with Freud or 'mind' or 'abnormal' or something like that. And they did. And it's a great segway to talk about what happens in the 'world of psychology'. It captures them right from the beginning. All of a sudden, this class has some relevance. And it does...

• Advertising - they want to know how you think and what you might buy or not and why
• Military - how does the oppo think?
• Police - who might be a terrorist? what is their profile?
• School - how can we get kids to be more motivated?

Etc, etc, etc.

And then they have to think about where the info comes from. Who does the studies? How do they work? Is the information out there accurate? Is it truly scientific? Can someone really control what I do and think? Yup - mind boggling!

And that's what makes it a great class...every day there is something that will hit you - we studied that, we talked about that...psychology is everywhere. And they don't know it...but I'll make them all do something without knowing they are doing it. But I'm not telling you what that is...at least not now.

Inconceivable...

Oh. My. God.

It's the first day of school and I JUST (at 10:30am) got a chance to check out my fun email (usually it's one of the first things I do after checking work email). And there it was. You won your Ebay bid. Hee hee.

Here's the thing. I decided for shits & giggles that I would put in a ridiculous bid for a wedding dress. It's quite pretty and simple...which I would want in a wedding dress.



But I never expected to win it. I put my total bid to top out at $25 (that's about £18...which I spend on a meal quite regularly). I truly thought it'd be topped quite easily, as most of the wedding dresses I saw were being bought for $125+ (some even higher). But this one didn't. I got it for $20.25. Crazy. That is £10.70 for me. That's almost the price of a movie. That's about what I pay for a few drinks out. And I bought a dress for that. Unbelievable.

I'm having it sent to the US (my dad's address) so that I can try it on when I visit in Dec. I may wear it to part of the reception....not sure yet. Or perhaps, may not wear it at all, if it's not too great a dress or it doesn't work with my bod. For that price, it doesn't really matter!

Here's to Ebay...now we'll see if the seller actually sends it to me!

Survival...meetings...and food

I survived the first day back at work. And what a day it was...

6:30am - woke up for the first time in ages at this time (on purpose at least). Body went into shock. Why am I doing this? Oh, yeah, to be able to live in London...and because I've done it at every other school job I've had. This is normal. This is okay. You've had tons of vacation...it's time to get back into the swing of things. Okay. Shower.

7:30am - catching the train. I forgot about the hussle and bussle of this. I forgot about getting crammed between the guy in his painting clothes that clearly haven't been washed in a while and the businessman who is okay with jamming his briefcase into your right thigh.

7:50am - pull out teacher ID to show to guards at the front. They're still in their "I must be stern" mode. You laugh and say 'hi'. Then they smile.

8:00am - get your cup of tea. You have 1 hour until the first meeting. But you have to pull out all your stuff, organize your desk, remember the password to your voicemail, check emails, etc, etc, etc.

9:00am - you are sitting in the gym. You got there early to get a back of the bleachers seat...cause it's painful otherwise. Woohoo...it worked. But then you have to sit there for 2 hours. They tell us that kids ought not have to sit for a full 80 minute class...why not allow us to at least stretch. I'm losing concentration.

11:00 - next meeting. This one is in the commons. Ahhh...seats with backs. And it only lasts one hour. It's not so bad. But still...it's the first day.

Noon - you are hungry, but know the line in the caf will be huge. So you go up to your office, and do the work that is needed. Typing up lists of kids is so exciting, but necessary. You'll check them over tomorrow for typos and missing kids. Fun, fun.

Next meeting is at 1:30pm, so at 1:00, you are rushing to get a sandwhich (roasted veggie in a wrap), yogurt and apple. Good on you for being healthy.

1:30pm - another 2 HOUR MEETING. This one about retirement. Yes...YAWN! But you realize that you have more knowledge (or at least the ability to make connections) than most of your similar aged colleagues. Hah.

3:30pm - still have work to do. Stay for 1-1/2 more hours to get it done. It's not finished...but you work at a school and so you are used to it...work is NEVER done!

5:00pm - get on tube, then train...run home and grab workout gear. Meet R. at gym. Do a bit of cardio and a bit of weights. Healthy again. Hmmm...is this a trend?

6:30pm - run home after showering...with R's help, finish fixing the fridge. Wait for grocery delivery. Decide that since fridge has no food that you should eat a bowl of Japanese noodels. Mmmm. Oh. Answer door and get delivery of groceries. It's good to have food again...and the simple things, like mustard!

10:00pm - go to bed. You have another big day ahead of you!

Light sleeping and a loud boy

I love my guy. R. is amazing. But sometimes he makes noises during the night that make me want to punch him in the face.

Last night I was tired. Very, very tired...and we had stayed up to put in our new fridge & try to make it fit in the box that the stupid people who had lived in the flat before us had installed. It didn't work well and so we kept trying and trying...thus staying up a full hour later than I hoped for.

R. was exposed to dust and had been drinking heavily the night before, so his throat was a bit rough. I was hoping though, that he'd be okay during the night.

No such frickin' luck.

I can't even describe fully the noises that came out of his body at 3:30 a.m. Grinding throat things, snorty nose things and mumbling were all on display. I tried, but it was just not going to happen...nudging him just made him make more noise. So up I got, gathering bedding along the way, and pulled out the newly delivered futon in hope of some sleep. And if I didn't have to get up for a cricket game that ended up being cancelled, I would have slept in like a teenager home from college. I can say that our new futon mattress is lovely to sleep on, and the room temp was comfy. It's easy to open the thing up while in a hazy fuzz, so I know that I'll be spending quite a few nights there in my years with R.

I'm still unhappy that I had to do this and would love to get my revenge (I won't cause I'm a nice fiance)...but if it's the worst thing about R. then I think life will be hunky dorry with him. I can put up with a few nights on 'the couch'.

Winner

I went to see the England Ladies' Cricket Team play against India yesterday. It was a great game...and we won!

I met the captain of my cricket team at Lord's. It is one of the best known cricket grounds in the world...and a really cool ground to boot. We were lucky that her mum knew a member, so we were invited to go into the Pavillion. It's an amazing facility. It reminded me some of the buildings at Princeton with the old polished wood, the pictures from the 18th century...the 'old boy' feel!

We went to the top of the Pavillion and watched the match. What a view! It was a great experience as I was able to see how the players moved their feet, what they did with their bat and how they watched the bowlers. I learned quite a bit.

Had to leave before we actually won, but it was looking good around 6:15pm (there was a late start due to rain...shocker).

Met up with my old flatmate, A., for dinner downtown. We went to one of our fav's, Belgos (which I believe I've talked about in the past). Mussels and beer are a great combo!

Then headed home to see the guy. As per usual, he gave me a huge hug upon seeing me. Isn't he the best?!

I had such a great time walking around Southall and looking at bridal outfits. I forgot my camera (doh!) and my mobile phone is on a fritz, so I didn't take pictures. But there is a lot of gorgeousness going on for Indian brides.

I saw one young woman in her early 20s trying on a beautiful orange lehenga choli with LOTS of beadwork. And that's one of the potential issues with these dresses....they are frickin' heavy! Here's a few examples of things that I did see...or at least something similar:

And as you can see, these types of outfits are quite sexy! I found one online that has less beadwork, thus lighter, though I'd have to have the neck-part removed (wouldn't look so good in my opinion - you can see the full picture by clicking on the smaller one)...I may bring this pic to one of the places in Southall and see if they could make something similar...but only at a certain price.

And that's one thing I definitely was in awe about. Sticker shock is not the word. These gorgeous pieces of work were amazingly expensive. I do understand it, but I'm not willing to pay it. For a dress I'll truly wear only once, I can see paying over £1000...and in some cases, MUCH MORE. So we'll see. I know it's supposed to be a special day...but I want to also be practical.

Terror and a normal day

Happiness is not flying. I woke up this morning to find out that security alerts have gone up to their highest in both the UK and US...glad that I did all my flying earlier in the summer, glad that my old flatmate, A., arrived back in the UK on Monday and glad that I don't have any other trips to go on for a while. Yes, I could still fly, but who wants to have to check in all your baggage. I love having handbaggage, just in case my bags get lost. I love bringing water with me as I can never get enough on the flight...now even mothers bringing milk for their babies will have to drink some of it to prove that it's not an explosive. I feel like I'm back to the 9/11 time...similar restrictions.

No, today, there will be no flying. Instead I'm getting my hair done (roots done & highlights...getting old is a bitch). And after that I'm meeting A. for lunch. I'm working out with R. after he arrives home from work and then we're going out for Indian food. And hopefully going to bed early (again, that aging thing). Nothing too exciting...but necessary for body & soul.

The more fun day will be tomorrow...I'm heading to Little India to look at potential wedding outfits. I'm joining a new friend I made through an web board, who is Indian and will be a great host in this search. So not only will I be shopping, but I'll also meet a cool chick for the first time. I'll take pictures so that you can see the cool things I looked at too!

A simple life

Have you ever had to live without a fridge? I don't mean while camping or anything like that...I mean while living in a normal house or flat. Well...it's been over 3 days since our fridge packed up and let me tell you - it's NOT fun living without a fridge.

I was very sad throwing out all sorts of food. All the chutneys from Borough Market, the grape jelly specially imported from the States (they don't have it here), the cheese and all sorts of other things that I had just recently purchased in a big shop. Sigh. Having to replace all of that will cost quite a few quid...having to replace the fridge will cost even more.

So we've been shopping for a fridge freezer. And we came across a few problems. We have a built in fridge that is no longer made...and the dimensions are not like any other fridge on the market. So we're having to make do with the weird ones that we can find. And we're trying not to spend a huge amount as we plan on selling the flat in about 3 years. Several nights and daylight hours have been spent online. We finally found the 'perfect' fridge...and it's on backorder. Ugh! We have a little mini-fridge that fits a pint of milk and our butter but just barely.

I was hoping to eat more fruit and veg, but without a fridge it's a bit hard to do so. We can't cook anything that has leftovers or that needs refridgeration beforehand. It's crazy. So we're eating out a lot or doing things like making baked beans from a can (today's lunch). Sigh.

It's a comin'

So today I got my "Save the Date" cards. And they are soooo cute. I'd love to show them to you but for some reason the uploading function is not working for me today...perhaps another day!

So now comes the hard part...finding people's addresses, remembering spouse's/boyfriend's names and then addressing a gazillion of these cards. We're sending a load of them out knowing that most people will not come, especially R's family in India and a few friends here in the UK. I expect that we'll probably end up with around 75 guests, most of whom have known me since I was a baby - so an older crowd. But I'll also be surrounded by some close friends and family too.

It's so exciting (for me at least...you might be bored to tears with all this). Instead of flowers on the tables, I'm having red candles and silk rose petals...I'm not a cut flower kinda girl...hate to buy something that expensive that's going to last about 1 day. At least people can grab the candle holders and take them home, along with some rose petals if they want. I'm waiting for info from one of the DJs I'm looking at (got one bit of info) and the photographer is sending my contract by the end of the week. There are so many things to look into. And I'm kind of a research geek sort, so I'm in my mode!

But back to reality...out of someday bride mode. It's time to eat a little something before cricket training and then take off. Life is good.

Boring

I'm sore and I'm knackered*. It's not something I expected during my summer holidays (well...maybe for one reason), but it's here. The culprits? Working out pretty hard on this weekend on the cross trainer and lifting weights (I'm getting there). Playing 30 overs of cricket on the pitch - against a team that was hitting my way (or near my way) almost every over. Doing housework. Emptying the fridge-freezer as they seem to be on the fritz. Doing school work. Oy.

The cricket was fun though tiring...and kinda disappointing. For those of you who have no idea what cricket is, check out the Wikipedia description. If you'd like a more technical explaination or want to really understand the game, here's a great website that explains it all in terms that are truly understandable (I think it's an American website, which does help at times). Now, my position is called 'Deep Square Leg'. It's easiest to think of it as outfield. I have been put there because I'm relatively mobile (for my age) and have a decent arm (thank you softball catching!). Here's a picture of the pitch so you can get an idea (note they are describing all the different positions...you only have 11 on the pitch at one time):






The bowler (which I will never, ever, hope to God, be) is like the pitcher...but it's all different than baseball though somewhat similar too. I love explaining cricket...so if anyone is ever interested, I take them to a game and just help them get the general idea.

So, I played between Deep Square and Deep mid, depending on the bowler and batter. And I RAN MY TOOSH OFF. Many sprints were done during those 30 overs. Way too many for my old butt. I felt I did well though. But batting was a different story. I got bowled out and ought not to have. I have lost my touch and I'm sad about it. Hopefully training tomorrow will include a lot of batting as I NEED help!

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* Knackered - what we Americans would call extremely tired, exhausted. It's one of my favorite Brit words. Come on, you know it's great!
So, what will I do with the rest of the day? Probably a bit more school stuff, clean more of the fridge out (left a few things that I thought wouldn't go bad too quickly) and figure out dinner. Oh, the exciting life of a teacher on summer holiday.

Red skies at night...

I haven't gone out in central London in ages. So I was pleased when I got the invite to my friend Amy's birthday party. Woo hoo...a chance to get dressed up a bit and get out of NW London (not that the area isn't fun...I just like a break from it once in a while). R., in his fully approved outfit, and I got all gussied up and took off for Blackfriars station which was the easiest to get to considering our transport links. We then walked across the Milenium Bridge and turned left to get to Zakudia.

Now before I describe my evening, I have to tell you that I looked good. I was quite pleased with myself. My skirt was a lovely red rose print, topped with a red tee and black 3/4 sleeve cardi. But the best part were my shoes. Completely wrong for walking around London but so very lovely. R. was quite turned on by these gorgeous pieces of red leather that made my legs and ankles look so slim and well proportioned. There may be days where I don't feel good about my body, but if I put these shoes on, I feel all sexy and wonderful!




Zakudia is a fun bar with a great outlook. You can sit and just watch the Thames as boats float on by and the light of the ending of the day bounces off the slight waves. It's a small bar but big enough for our party. Amy was already quite "happy" by the time we got to the party, having tried out a few of their specialty martinis. The one she had in her hand looked great. It was the Miss Thames: raspberries muddled with a large measure of Stolichinaya Rasberi and topped with cranberry and apple juice. Mmmm...lovely. But I had in mind my typical summer drink, a Stoli vanil and tonic with lime. The perfect summer taste. Like a crisp cream soda. R. started off with a beer and then tried the Cappuccino Martini: a creamy blend of white chocolate liqueur Polstar vodka and Illy coffee finished with a frothy cappuccino head. It was lovely. But not something you can drink often.

We both decided to stop at two drinks after our evening from hell. He had to play cricket the next day and I just didn't want a hangover. But that didn't stop us from having fun. It was nice to see a friend I hadn't seen in ages (plus get to know her hubby a bit better) as well as make some new aquaintances. And to just get OUT.

As we walked back across the bridge, the light was just perfect for some pictures. So I took out my mobile phone and like a tourist, snapped away.



R. agreed, we have to do this much more often. Meet in town, try out a new place, taste a new restaurant and walk around town. There's a certain romance to London at dusk. And that's something that is always welcome in a relationship.

Food and fun

I've been keeping busy the rest of the week...waiting for furniture to arrive, doing a lot of research on food for our reception or places to go for our honeymoon. And I must say that I've made a boatload of progress on all fronts! We just have to get our carpet delivered (hopefully it will arrive next week) and then I'll have the fun of putting together flatpack furniture (time to get out the drill). But it's getting there. As for the wedding planning...we have come up with a menu for the evening...I'm hoping that it works for everyone. Here's the idea:

- Wedding ceremony at 6:15pm
- 7:00pm Reception begins (ceremony is at the same place)...we will have an open bar with 2 beers, a few wines and some hard alcohol plus all mixers, juices and soda for the whole 4 hours of the evening. We'll have butler-passed appetizers (Thai chili chicken, samosas, shrimp cocktail) plus have a fruit table and a cheese table.
Somewhere in here we'll have speeches and the first dance (music will be played throughout).
- 8:00pm The meal is served via buffet/stations. There won't be any set tables, so people can mingle as they like or sit where and when they want (and I won't have to be at a head table which is my idea of HELL). We'll be serving: Garden Salad Station with Rolls & Whipped Butter, Manned Sautéed Pasta Stations (2 pastas and marinara & vodka sauces), Manned Roast Beef Carving Station with miniature baguettes and appropriate sauces andChicken Curry with rice.
- 9:00pm Desert - we'll have cupcakes (love them) and a viennese desert table. At which point we'll have the cutting of the 'cake'.
- 10:00pm Snacks - we'll have baked brie and assorted crudités.

The evening ends at 11:00pm. I think 4 hours of being on display and smiling at people for pictures will be enough for me! And there's a jazz club across the street or a bar in the hotel we'll have for people if they want to continue the party...

We're going to have a DJ so that we can have all sorts of music - light jazz to start things out, the first dances, blues, 80s, 90s, etc. Anything that makes it fun to dance! And I plan to do quite a bit of it!

Now, for the honeymoon. I'm so excited. We're going to do 9 nights in St Lucia (would have done 10 but the flights won't work out). We're flying Virgin so that we can use our flying miles to upgrade ourselves. And we've found a great place which is all-inclusive but also not the typical sort of place. Looks totally romantic, with great food and a lovely bit of privacy. We'll have the time to explore the island, check out different places and most of all, get a nice bit of tan on the beach! Can't wait!!!

So now...no more planning for a bit...hoping that our save the date cards arrive soon so I can start sending them out. But relaxation is in order today...and a party tonight!

And then there's step five...

I am almost finished re-doing the second bedroom. Yes, I know, it's been a while. Or as I like to call it, a work in progress. I did the first coat on the window, the baseboards and around the doorway. I'm quite pleased. Tomorrow the second coat will be going on and then I'll be done with my painting...but not my work...

Friday we get a delivery of a variety of furniture...a futon, a wardrobe (no closets in the place like so many other UK flats), chest of drawers and bedside table. It will be flatpacked, so I'll be in charge of putting it all together. Luckily I am the queen of IKEA type furniture...will have my handy drill in hand!

And then soon after we'll get our new rug and it will all come together. A lovely extra bedroom for our guests and for when R. & I drive each other CRAZY.

I know...really exciting, eh? Here I am on vacation and all I'm up to is painting rooms and doing research for my wedding/honeymoon. But I like it - I feel like I'm getting something done. And guess what? Next week will bring...yup, get the trumpets going...school work. Thrilling. I know.

Owww!

I was just having a wonderful time. We had played a six-a-side game of cricket under cloud and sun. I had put on a bit of sun creme and didn't think that it'd be a problem. We ran around, we hit the ball, we attempted to bowl (well...some did well...I attempted). It was a blast. And then we sat outside to watch the men play and eat some food.

Two of the players went to Sainsbury's to get food. We were having a picnic on the lawn (a lovely one at that). Hoummus, spreads, brie, fruit, crisps...so much food. And then the sun. I had spent quite a bit of time outside and didn't think anything of it.

Around 2:30pm, R. picked me up to go look at carpets for our extra bedroom. And that's when I began to feel it. A prickly sort of feeling. And itch on my arm. Heat around my knee. I came out of the first carpet store, looked down, and then saw what I had done to my poor body. I was sunburned.

What a horror. I ALWAYS put on sun creme. I usually use 30+. What was I thinking to not put it on my legs or arms? The pain.

Sleeping last night was tough. I had to put my sheet inbetween my legs as the skin on skin sensation was awful. Rubbing was torture.

Woke up to continued pain. Less on my arms which have turned more golden then red. But my legs...so sad. And the worst - the front of my legs are all that are red....the back are just a light shade of tan. Which means I just look ridiculous. Sigh. Perhaps Johnson's Holiday Skin will help!

So to everyone - don't forget your sun creme! Even in England. Not only do I have pain now...but fear of future skin cancer and aging...it's just not worth it!

And now a bit more...

I have promised R. that I will not become a Bridezilla. And it's most likely that I won't. But I don't think he ever expected that I'd become so organized about everything. He didn't see how I organize things before...so he's in a bit of shock as to how 'fast' everything is moving. He also doesn't realize what needs to be done for a wedding. Bet he's regretting us not eloping!

We have now booked our place for the ceremony and reception (same place). I'm quite happy about it, as it's a nice place and the woman who is the event planner is a family friend (our next door neighbor's daughter-in-law). She's young enough to get into all of this and seems to be enjoying the fact that we're going to be doing something a bit 'different'.

I have also booked a photographer and have a DJ in mind for the music. And I've sent away for a sample of a wedding invite. I know...moving fast. But I'm impatient to have it all organized and done. Since I have all this extra time in the summer, it'll be easier to do this now as opposed to later. I know I'll have to do some stuff in the future...

I hope I don't become one of those boring people who can only talk about the wedding. A bit is fine...but I know I could become a touch obsessed. So feel free to let me know if it's getting a bit much. Then again, using this forum to talk about the excitement I'm feeling is probably better than doing it to my friends!!!

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A little addition just an hour or so later...

R. & I were planning on paying for this wedding ourselves. I thought maybe my parents might offer to pay for flowers or something like that. But in a HUGE move on their part, my two divorced parents pulled together and are giving us $10,000 toward our wedding. This will cover, if not everything, then a HUGE part of it. I am entirely overwhelmed. I even began to cry. And I'm not a cryer. This is amazing. I'm beyond words.

Planning, planning and more planning

Oh, the joys of planning a wedding. Now, I'm not one who wants in any way to become a Bridezilla. It's the marriage that is most important to me. But once you start planning an actual wedding and reception - particularly if it's a bit different - then it starts to be a lot of work!

So here's the scoop...

We came up with a budget. It's modest but doable for a nice wedding.

We have probably found a place in Pennsylvania for us to have the wedding. We're leaning toward Easter weekend, which may mean that a few people won't be able or want to come, but it works more for us (vacation time-wise).

Roy had a little freakout about the fact that no one from his family may be at his one and only wedding. But he still thinks it's a good idea to get married in the States.

I have put together a potential ceremony that blends our Christian and Hindu backgrounds. I'll post it eventually after I've finished it up.

I also think I found a photographer...she's seems new to it in a way, but I like the style on her website...which she's updating. I think we'd get on...and that she's take the more casual style that I like. I hate posed stuff...

But there is still lots to do and I tend to be VERY impatient about it all. Tonight will be the final decision making about the venue so that I can get an email out to the wedding coordinator there.
Doing this all overseas is hard work - thank goodness for the help I'm getting from my step-mom, dad and sis-in-law!

Better

After such a disasterous Sunday & Monday, I figured I had to make up for it, if only to myself. So I've been doing some good work yesterday and so far today (it's around noon). And I'm quite pleased. For someone who is on summer break, I've done some mighty fine work.

Yesterday, I finished painting the ceiling and walls of the second bedroom. And it looks good. We decided on a lovely blue...cululous blue. It does have that sky blue sorta feel. Very calming. I also ordered furniture for it - a futon, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a bedside table. Plus, we'll be ripping up the rug tonight so I can pain the floorboards and then we'll replace it with something nice and new. It's going to look great. And it'll be a nice extra room for guests or if one of us wants to relax away from the other - do a bit of reading, take the laptop to do work, etc.

Today, before noon, I cleaned the master bathroom and the second bathroom - and that involved in one of them, scrapping paint off of the tub (never allow paint excess to dry - it's a bitch to clean!). In addition, I have started on making some peach ice lollies (ice pops)...with fresh peach, vanilla and some sugar...we'll see how they turn out! I just need to finish cooking it all, mix it and then put it in the moulds.

So - not bad for the day. I'll do a bit of prep work for dinner this afternoon and look at a few wedding ideas (we're figuring out where,when and appox who tonight!). Woo hoo!

Idiocy

Once you hit a certain age, drunkness just comes across as so wrong. It also means that your recovery time is HUGE. And really, you should just know better. But no...not me...I wasn't so bright. And I paid a huge price of being completely unable to do anything yesterday.

On Sunday, I played cricket. We didn't do so well and it was bloody hot. But at least it was sunny. And so R & I decided that we'd have a picnic afterwards at the cricket grounds and watch the men who were playing after us. So we headed off to the shops and got ourselves some cheese, bread and wine. So that was the beginning...and it would have been fine if we stopped there. But no, we ended up hanging out with friends after the picnic and, this is where we became stupid, played a drinking game.

At 37, I should not be playing a drinking game. My body can't handle it (which is actually a good thing). And I definitely am a light-weight when it comes to drinking. So you can imagine that it didn't take long for me to get sloppy. And that is very embarrassing to be that drunk in front of friends. And I'll have to see some of them tonight at cricket training. Awful. But I deserve it. Cause, again, I should know better. Sigh.

Being The Wifey

I still have about one month of vacation left. It is the beauty of working in academia. But it seems as though I'm going to be busy 'doing' the entire time. I started off by painting our extra bedroom...still in the process - it needs another coat on the walls and I have to paint all the detail stuff (windows, door, etc). We're buying a new rug and the furniture for it (it was an office before I moved in). After everything is done there...I'll be painting our bedroom (hopefully the furniture will arrive within a week or two or we won't have anywhere to sleep). Lots to do...lots to do.

Today I found ants in the kitchen. Ick. I have to buy some spray and an ant trap tomorrow - just didn't have it in me to trek to the shops. But I did clean the entire kitchen and put all the food away (as far & high as I could). I also fixed the caulking around the window and the back of the sink, just in case that's how they're getting in. But I don't think it totally worked. So I'll get the spray.

And due to all of this...the flat looks a mess. And as I'm the only one who is home all day long...guess who's going to have to clean it up. Sigh. While I love being on vacation and all...it does mean that I become the 'housewife' as R. calls me. Then again, I do look forward to work when I get done with summer break.

I finally went to the gym. Yes, I know, I had three weeks of vacation so I do have that excuse...but truthfully, I haven't been doing the gym thing too much before leaving for the States. I did that whole walking thing outside to get ready for the marathon walk...but nothing after that. I have been LAZY!

And to help me continue going to the gym...R. has joined as well. Woohoo! We went last night. I did 30 minutes of cardio (R did his own and sat next to me on a bike for a few minutes - he was trying out a few things). Then we did a bit of weight lifting for our legs and had a good stretch. I'm not someone who has to do everything with their significant other, but it's so much more fun to have someone to workout with...and will keep me honest. I need to do the gym as I've gained quite a bit of weight...after looking at the holiday pics, I could really see it in my face and tummy! So gyming and healthy eating it is! (We had salad and smoked salmon last night with strawberries for desert)

And I've finally downloaded the nicests of our holiday pics - feel free to browse...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ukyankee/sets/72157594205344166/

The View

The first full day in New Mexico was gorgeous. After all that rain, it was amazing to have 30+C (90+F) weather will lots of sun. I was sooo happy to have to put on my sunscreen! We had to drop off the rental car at the airport and then my mom drove R & me to Sandia Mountain. In the winter, you can ski at Sandia...but in the summer, there's a tramway that takes you to the top. According to them, it's the world's longest tram. And it's cool!

The woman who was running the tram gave us all sorts of history and info on the mountain. (She's the one who said something about Tim Allen and the movie...which we promptly forgot.) And the view was amazing.

We got to the top, got off and then went on one of the nature trails. They do a great job - lots of fun info for kids but also interesting enough for adults too. We learned that the rocks near the top were actually at the bottom of an ocean at one time (wow!). We saw lovely birds and smelled yummy pine. It was just gorgeous - the pictures I took just don't give it justice. If you get a chance, you should definitely check it out!

Yo! Get off the set!

I saw Tim Allen. Yes, that Tim Allen.

My mom asked R and me if we'd like to go to this funky little town in New Mexico, just north of Sante Fe. It sounded as if it was a cool artist town. So, we decided to go...particularly as my mom told me that there was a great jewelry store! (I don't wear a ton but love it anyway).

We took off around 10:30am and drove to Madred. Very nice backroads through the mountains. Once we got there, we parked and walked straight to the jewelry store. This rough looking guy drove right by me on a motorcycle and then drove by again. Thought it was odd...but then again, we were in a funky sort of town. To our dismay, the store was closed. Sigh. We then continued to walk on. Hmmm...a chili festival was going on? The storefronts said one thing but the stores were something else? What was going on? And then we remembered...they were doing some filming here. And that same guy drove by me...it was TIME ALLEN. How cool. Unfortunately I did not have my camera up and ready as we were then politely asked to move away from the 'set'. So we ended up having lunch in the local pub/restaurant (very yummy Bison burgers).

So that's it. My brush with 'fame'. Not such a great deal...but it was still an unexpected thing, which makes it much more fun in my memory!

And now the stories can commence. I promise that there will be a few over the next few days. And they'll probably get better and better as my brain clears more and more.

I'll start with the trip from Denver to Albuquerque. I don't know why, but I had allowed R to convince me that we ought to drive between these two cities. The drive is supposed to take between 6 to 8 hours, depending on a variety of factors. You'll get to see what these factors are...

We took off around noon from the Denver International Airport. We were renting a lovely full sized car - an Impala to be precise. And it had a huge boot (trunk), which fit ALL of our luggage, which had grown to include 2 large suitcases, a large duffle, a carryon suitcase, a small backpack and my purse. Impressive, eh?

We began to drive through the plains and mountains of Colorado on Route 25. It's a lovely road to drive on. You pass by all sorts of cities and towns from Colorado Springs (home of radical right and 'family' movement) to Pueblo (aka Home of Heroes) to Trinidad (sex change capital of the US). We wanted to make it to Albuquerque by 8pm, so we just kept driving on...but I did take some lovely pictures! Here's one...



We passed through Raton pass, which is a curvy road through the moutains at the edge of Colorado and New Mexico. It was just after this that we had quite a scare. We were heading toward a storm (not a shock after all the rain which had fallen during our trip)...but it was a different storm. We heard a thump. Then another. And then a large number of sharp thumps. It was hailing. And not that small hail you usually get. The hail was huge - about the same size as a nickle or large marble. It was scary. R. was driving and he did an amazing job. We pulled over as the road got more and more slippery...we couldn't see more than a few feet in front of us. Most people had pulled over as well. And then, ten minutes later, it stopped. Clear skies for as far as we could see. So off we went.

We continued driving until we hit Las Vegas, NM. It's not even close to as fun a place as the one in Nevada. In fact, it was downright blah. But we were very hungry (no lunch after a big breakfast) and needed some petrol. So the town did it's job. R had his first taste of Wendy's. At least it wasn't Burger King!

And then off we went and made it to Albuquerque by around 7:00pm...we made great time. And were we ready to get some sleep!

(here's a link to some pics in Denver...more pics to come: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ukyankee/sets/72157594202020754/)

The Ring

Feeling a bit odd this morning. Slept quite a bit...but not a really good night sleep - woke up a few times and then went back to sleep. Will be trying to get to gym today to start off the losing weight program...as well as trying to eat healthy!

I decided to try to take a picture of my new engagement ring and post it...but I can't seem to get the detail right...so I went online to try to find a pic that is similar...and here it is: The diamond looks a touch larger here. I have a .40 carat diamond. It's small but perfectly formed (it's a 'Hearts on Fire' diamond...supposed to be the 'world's best diamond'. It's the best diamond we could find that size so it's a beauty to look at. R. calls me his sparkly girl & I can't stop looking at it. The ring is tension set (exactly same look as pic) so there isn't any diamond sticking up - it's great for someone who is active! I love it! I never wanted a big diamond and was even looking at anniversary bands as a possibility (simple is good in my book). Friends who had a bigger diamond weren't all that impressed, but I don't care...it is perfect for me and even if I had a ton more money to spare for such a trivial thing, I wouldn't have wanted anything different!

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Just a little note of happiness...the seamonkeys did not die while we were away and not taking care of them for the 3 weeks. In fact, I can see a bunch of little baby seamonkeys in there. Woohoo...I'm not a bad seamonkey owner!

Home

I have arrived back in London. After 3 weeks of blissful (mostly) holiday, I'm back. And tired due to some serious flying. We left Albuquerque at 12:30ish pm on Saturday and arrived in London at 9:30ish am this morning. The bags are still unpacked and probably will remain so until tomorrow when I start doing laundry. And we're barely moving. Very, very tired. So I'm going to refrain from telling my last stories, other than to say...I still love my new ring. It's so sparkly. Hee!

More Movement

How odd to be back on a computer. It's a rare thing when I go even 24 hours without accessing my email or anything else. But it's been so very nice to not even have the option. To disconnect from anything electronic was wonderful! But I'm back...at least for a day or so...probably after this I'll be on only one more time until I arrive back in London (next Saturday).

We've had a blast so far. Spent a few days in Boston with friends and ate & drank like there was no tomorrow. And then took a flight to BWI...which was only 20 minutes from Gibson Island. We spent one lovely 4th of July there at my cousin's house on the Island. It is definitely a unique place...feels sorta 1950s in a way - skinny moms who don't work, men who come to the island for a weekend but work during the week, kids who can run amok without worrying about being abducted. It's a VERY wealthy community. As someone who is not, it was a facinating glimpse into this world.

We then drove the next day to Alexandria, VA where my cousin has a house. We did a bit of touring around Alexandria, watched one of the Cup games and then ate seafood in Old Town. I love Old Town! It brings back some wonderful memories of going out with friends there. Unfortunately we couldn't all get together. Sigh. The next night we went out with R's uncle, who he hadn't seen in almost 30 years. We met him and his white American girlfriend...and had fun. We got turned away from a bar for not having our passports (no id) so went out for Chinese in Chinatown. Yum. Slept a bit that night (not much due to creepy old house noises) and then went on a flight to Denver.

My best friend, J., of 30 years lives there with her guy and we had another friend, N., coming out to visit. We went to downtown Denver to a wine bar (quite nice) and for dinner at Tamayo..it's a funky mexican style restaurant. We left a sleepy bunch and didn't wake up this morning until around 10am. We're now planning on heading to Boulder for the day...and more stories will come soon!

I'm so happy I've done this vacation. I feel so good about it and feel so much closer to R. We've learned a lot about how we deal with things and haven't killed each other. I guess that's a good sign!

The Boston Experience

Continued the Boston tourist existence. R has never seen the place so we walked all over the older parts of Boston from the Boston Garden/Common to Back Bay to Faneuil Hall. It was a LOT of walking. And it was nice to see the old sights. I do miss Boston.

We ended back at M's place for a well deserved break. Boy was it hot outside yesterday! We waited until our appetite had returned after a HUGE brunch and started our journey to the North End in search of pastry and pasta...we definitely found both! The food fest has not stopped yet!

Today's mission is to go to the aquarium, followed by a walk around Harvard Square. Hoping to run into a few old friends. Then off for some Indian in the Square. It'll be our last time in Boston as we'll be heading off tomorrow for the DC area. Won't get to a computer for a while is my guess...so should have plenty of stories for a future post!

More

I think I'm still full from last night's meal. I mean big belly full.

We arrived in Boston yesterday around 4pm...tried to find a bar that was showing the England game along the way but failed, so we were running a bit late. But got the rental car to the place on time after a crazy search for the road...forgot to print out a map & had to use friends to direct us. Still, we made it.

My friend, M., lives with her fiance in the South End. Great place - a big loft like space with an airy feel. We're spending nights on the pullout couch. We watched the end of the France game and then went on a walk to the Pru Center and that sort of area. Lovely shopping through we restrained ourselves! We then went for a drink at what had been our hangout and off to a lobster dinner. Oh, my, God! Baked stuffed lobster is amazing. Utterly unhealthy in the end, but so very yummy. We needed to walk back just to feel better!

So for the next two days we'll be walking and continuing the eating fest (North End tonight)!

Way too early

It's about 6:30am here. I wish I could have slept in a bit longer. But R is having a 'snotty night'. He has issues with his nose and also gets allergies...so with the combo, ends of snoring and snorting some evenings. Last night was one. Oy!

We went to R's first ball game last night. It was only a minor league match but was a lot of fun. The Red Baron's (Philly team) beat the Pawtuket Red Sox (Boston team) by quite a bit. We exposed R to fried dough (aka funnel cake). And then there were fireworks after the game. Yup - lots of Americana just for his enjoyment. The expressions on his face were priceless.

If you are heading to the Crossings Outlet Center...just note that they may be lacking in bargains. We pretty much cleared them out. It was a shopping extravaganza like I've never had before. Yes, even R. survived FIVE hours of shopping...and never once complained. He cooks, he gets along with my family and he can shop with me...yup, he's a keeper!

And photos have been taken of all sorts of events, but as of now, we can't post them due to computer & camera issues. But I promise you will see them all as soon as I get back to London!

Off to Boston in a few hours...more to come...

Snippets

* Arrived at Heathrow and got in line (a short one for once) to go to the ticket counter. I looked at the guy who was serving us. I swear I had met him before. But figured I must be wrong. We finished with checking in our bags and he said, "Hey...have I served you before? You look familiar.". Bingo!

* Turned the wrong way while trying to find a pizza joint. Got a bit lost in downtown NYC. But in doing so found R. a few pairs of Levi 501s...2 pairs for less than the price of one in London. And I got to wander around Sephora.

* Finally found our way to Greenwhich Village/Soho area & found John's Pizzaria. Soooo good. Definitely go if you are anywhere near Bleeker St. Mmmm. Even bought the cool black & red women's tee.

* Keen's Steakhouse. Try it. Great steak & cool atmosphere. Less than we thought it would be (though not cheap either).

* Driving through the flood waters to get to Pennsylvania. Glad daddy was driving and not me. We did make it. And there isn't a flood. But it was close and a lot of roads are still closed. The bridge at the end of our road is out...but luckily we can go the opposite direction.

* GOT MY ENGAGEMENT RING! It's simple, small and pefectly formed. It's an 18K white gold band with a small tension set diamond. The diamond is a very good one. Love the sparkle! The magpie in me is quite pleased. R's credit card is quite pleased that I didn't do too much damage.

* Hanging with the fam. My brother & sister-in-law were evacuated so they stayed here with us. Luckily dad & step-mom have a big home. Poor R. was given a family quiz. He got an 'A' though! The fam is impressed!

So, we're off to shop in a bit. Think the roads may be open to do so. Woohoo! More later...

The Flood

Can't write much at this time...on my dad's Mac (hate them...can't do as much with this one). We had a good time in NYC even with the rain...and then arrived in PA to the potential of floods...and there have been evacuations. I've never seen such rain in my life. It's crazy! My dad was pumping out the basement between 9:30pm and 4am...and up again at 6am to check on it. Luckily the crazy rain has stopped (just a shower here & there)...but we have to wait and see if the water will top the levees in the area...and many roads are closed. Wow. Puts a damper on things for sure!

Will write more later.

This is it!

The taxi is due in 10 minutes. See ya on the other side of the pond!

Countdown!

So excited! So very excited! Less than 24 hours to go until I leave the UK for New York City! I haven't been back to the States for over a year and can't wait to be back. I love living over here but there are a few things that I do miss (though not enough to move back):

• My family - while I've never been a homebody & my family is spread all over the place, it will be absolutely wonderful to see them all
• My friends - I haven't seen a few of them in over 2 years...can't wait! And I have to say that it's a testimony to all of us that we've kept some of these friendships going.
• My dog - I truly miss Amber. She's the cutest big ol' lab...I'll take pics when I go home to post them.
• Mexican food - you just can't get a really good bit of Mexican or even a terrific burrito.
• Maine lobster
• Pierogies - again, you just can't get them easily. I guess I could more easily get to Poland from here...but still!
• The rolling hills of PA - in the summer, there is such green that it's gorgeous

The "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song is still being sung in my household (particularly by R.) and packing has begun. We've printed out all our reservations, found our passports & drivers licenses, saved up our dosh....yup, we're ready to get a move on it. USA - here I come! Watch out NYC!

Happy 100th!

Like many little girls, I wrote in journals. I think there has to be a few of my old ones, from youth to young adulthood, up in the attic of my childhood home. I never really wrote more than a few at a time, which I think is a shame. I wish I could go back and get a better glimpse of what my life was at that time. The thing about growing older is that you start to lose some of your memories about your youth. There are small glimmers from high school, but so many less than I would have thought. I wish that I had wrote more about my thoughts back then...it would have helped me quite a bit in my current role.

And quite honestly, that's one reason I decided to begin this blog. I didn't want to lose out entirely on my first few years in London. I have already forgotten the beginning fears and angers and joys of my first year here, but at least I'll always have something down on the rest of my life here. And I'll be very proud of myself if I can keep it up!

I've moved a bit toward writing about more than life in Britian and have written about other things, but I think that just reflects on my state of mind at the time or what I'm being exposed to. I think it'll make an interesting read in a few years. And if I have the 'luck' of having others read my blog and getting even a smidge of pleasure from it, then even better!

So, here I am, on my 100th posting. Not bad for a slacker like me.

In My Mind's Eye...

So - how's "No Fat Talk Week" going for you? I have stopped myself from talking abotu my body several times. It's bringing to mind just how much I focus on my body. And I'm hoping that it's going to get better as the week goes on. Perhaps some time in the future, I'll focus more on how my brain is working...believe me, as you get older it's something to truly think about!

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In London, it's a law that you cannot ride your bike on the sidewalk. And most people don't have a problem with this law. And I don't mind the odd kid on the sidewalk as it scares me to see them on the busy streets. But today, on my way back home from grocery shopping, a guy, about my age or so, decided he needed to ride his bike on our crowded sidewalks. And he wasn't weaving in and out, trying to get our of OUR way...no...he was expecting people to move for him. And people did.

Now, I see myself as a kind, compassionate, caring person. I do the right thing toward people. I love my fellow man (especially R!). But right as the guy passed by me on the road side of the sidewalk, I wanted to push him into traffic. Yes, me, a nice girl, a caring mentor, could literally envision myself pushing his lame arse off the bike, onto the road, and could see him get squooshed like the cockroach that he was.

I am not a mean person. But man, sidewalk-rage really hit today.

The Travel Bug

Five more days!!! Only five more days and I'll be on my way to the States. I am so excited to be heading away with R. And just as excited to see my family.

Last night I called my brother's place as I knew my dad would be there. "Happy Father's Day" and all that had to be said...but I also got to talk to my bro, my step-mom and my wonderful sis-in-law. It reminded me of who I had left behind. Not enough for me to want to move back to small town PA, but enough to REALLY, REALLY get me excited about coming over for a visit!

So the visit will go as follows:

A few days on our own in NYC. I haven't been there in ages. In fact that last time I went I was there for a job interview. Not exactly a visit. And R. has never been (well, he's never been to the States). So, we're going to go and see the Empire States Building, take the hop-on-hop-off bus all over the place and ride the ferry to Lady Liberty & Ellis Island. And of course, we'll do a lot of eating, walking around and window shopping! Then my step-mom and dad will show up to join us one night for dinner and a bit of touring around before taking us back to PA.

In Pa we'll do the ring & clothing shopping as well as seeing family and friends. I'm sure there will be stories galore!

Off to Boston for lobster, then my cousin's place on the beach in DE, followed by friends and fun in DC. A plane ride to Denver where my bestest of all friends live, Jnet, to go hiking, spa-ing and more food & fun.

Then finally the family in Albuquerque. Yup - LOTS of family.

So - in 5 days I'll be heading toward an adventure of family & friends, food & shops...and I'll try my best to keep y'all up to date. Cause there's gotta be a bunch of stories to tell. And at the least, it will be a record for me to remember - R's first visit to my home. Hopefully one we'll take for many years in the future.

Summer Begins

Done and dusted. Finito. Au revoir. We are finished!

Yes, I am now a lady of leisure. Graduation happened on Friday and so I have off 2 months. According to R., I am now his "housewife" which means the place will stay all nice and clean and he'll get lovely funky meals. As much as I hate to make him right...he is - I will spend more time cleaning and I'll have a blast finding new & fun recipes to try.

So now come the stories of 2 months from work...well, at least 2 months from going into work. I got a grant to develop a curriculum using a new technology so I will spend some time doing that...but not until after my trip to the US (which is only 6 days away!!!!). Hope to take lots of pictures, check out small museums & shops and explore areas of London that I haven't seen before (while still staying safe, of course).

So...hope to keep up with the blog as much as I did during the school time...but will probably have a few days off (particularly over my trip)...but also hope that each blog will be more interesting to read!

Thanks to a discussion on the Grrlgenius site about women and girls and their focus on being pretty - which leads to very unhealthy things - I have decided to start a movement in which next week will be declared "No Fat Talk Week".

So, what's the focus of the week? It's to give yourself positive self-talk. We all know about how we focus on what's wrong with ourselves...well, this week we focus on our positives! I love my muscles and I'm a smart & interesting chick! Positive! We won't mention that eating something was "bad" or that we were "good" this week because we ate all the things we're 'supposed to' or cause we went to the gym. We are to tell at least one person a day why we think they are amazing - cause they are sweet, smart, lovely - especially a young man or woman.

Let's make this a great week - if we can all focus on our other qualities, then perhaps the media will understand that we are multi-faceted and that we want more than a cute girl up on the screen or in print. I want to hear about the smart actresses, the ones who have bodies that haven't been starved.

And let's put out a shout out to those thin women who are there naturally - like my mum - who are told to feel badly about theirselves too...they don't truly have it easier (my mum was constantly asked if she was anorexic and she ate more than moi!). Let's appreciate everyone for who they are as a person. EVERYONE!

And have a great week next week...I'll be reminding you!

Lost...in...space......

I had the best idea for a post while lying in bed last night. It was going to be awesome, something I would want to go back and read again (like everything on here, of course! hee hee). It flitted in and out of my consciousness, striking me with its brilliance. I was sure that I'd remember today. I was sure that it was such an amazing idea that there was no way I'd forget. I didn't recall the power of my mind, or lack thereof. Yes, folks, it's gone. Done and dusted. And like all night time fancies...it has trickled away. Perhaps somewhere my subconscious will bring it back another day. But until then...a sad memory.

It's something I've kinda got used to, so I should have known better. I'm always being told that memory is lost as you age, and to be frank, I'm screwed. If confronted with having to remember a name, it's gone - even if it's having to introduce my best friend since I was 7. Being told about a meeting and not having paper is an absolute nightmare to me - by the time I walk to my office, not only will I forget when it is but also it's existence. Sigh. I have more paper on me than one ought - but it keeps my life in tow. And if I ever lose my diary (calendar), then I will be lost...adrift. Just leaving it at home makes me squirm.

So the lesson is - write ideas down, let my future spouse know that he needs to introduce himself and never, ever, lose my diary!

The Gift

I just received a note and a present from a student today. The present was lovely - a scarf - but it was the note that struck me. It's one of those things tha tremind you why you took on a job that pays so little. It's the kinda note that makes you think that perhaps you are in the right field and doing some good things. That someone has benefitted from all the work you try to do.

It was a note that brought tears to my eyes - no champagne or gift certificate every has the power to do that.

Every year, in my field, you reassess what you are doing. You question your worth & your abilities. And if you get just ONE response such as this note, then you think, "Yup, this year has gone well." Feedback from a boss or peer is wonderful & needed...but from a kid is so much more insightful and meaningful.

Put Your Pencils Down...Now

Do you remember sitting in a classroom, paper in front of you, waiting with pencil in hand, teaching standing over you and you hear the words, "And now...begin."? It's now exam time here and students are finishing up with their tests tomorrow (some last week, some today, but everyone by tomorrow) and after doing some proctoring, boy, have the memories flown back.

French III - knowing that I just hadn't done enough of the work all year long and studying was a futile attempt for that exam. I almost cried that day. I did okay...but barely. Not my most proud moment.

Chemistry - I was a science person at this point. I just 'got' Chem. Not worried in the least. But it was still tough. Happily got an 'A'.

World History - I was going to be fine as long as they didn't ask about capitols. They did. Not pretty.

I'll admit it though...I was a good student. Could have been better if I had put more work in, but I didn't see the point. I did enough to get myself into an Ivy League school through playing field hockey, getting a great SAT 'grade' and doing well enough in most of my classes (French being my only tough grade). I wasn't a partier but loved my sleep (10pm baby...just like now!) and books for fun were much better than textbooks. I think I read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe more times than I can remember just so that I wouldn't have to study - if my parents saw me doing something, they never said a word. But I did the work necessary and did well. And yes, my friends hated the fact that I rarely stayed up past 11pm or needed to.

Ah, yes, exam time. The thing we all dreaded...but knew at least that it meant that vacation was only a few more days away.

Footie

Today is the first day of the World Cup. Living in England, you just couldn't miss it. Every few minutes on the news there is some item about it...the papers all have a story on the front cover...England flags (St George's) are flying EVERYWHERE... and I even got a funny email from a friend about it (The Ignorant American's Guide to the World Cup June 6, 2006).

I will be supporting the US as well as England as they are my two homes. I fear that neither will do so hot - the US being in a very competitive section and England having many, many injuries. I don't really care so much about the games, but as I am in the midst of hysteria, I figure I might as well join in. And tonight is the first England game, so I'll be watching that at home with the 'hubby'.

So, check it out. Even if you don't like football (soccer), it's an interesting event - countries coming together to try to beat one another...and their fans trying to beat one another! ;-)

Done...soon

Yesterday was our last day of classes. We now have exams to give. Normally, you give your exam on one day...but I have all sorts of kids who need to take it on other days. So this morning I'm giving an exam to one kid, another is taking it in the afternoon and the real exam is happening tomorrow, followed by one or two on Tuesday. So much fun. And what it means is that I had to make THREE different exams so that no one could cheat. But no one knows who is taking what exam when - yup, I'm being the 'evil teacher' and mixing it up. So tomorrow, there may be kids taking 3 different types of exams. Hehe! (As a student I think I would have appreciated my minor evilness...).

So this means that school is almost over. The countdown to graduation is upon us...on Friday, June 16 at this time, graduation will begin. And by noon, I'll be a free woman for approximately 8 weeks!! 3 of those weeks will be spent back in the States dragging my fiance around like a crazy person, meeting all my friends and family. At least one week or two will be spent working on curriculum for an AP course (I got a grant...woohoo!). And the rest will be rest, relaxation, fun and the gym. I'd like to get a touch of tan (I'm too pale for anything else), get a bit buff (will need quite a bit of work to accomplish that!) and do some interesting reading of books that challenge my mind and perceptions. Oh, and I'd love to just go out and hang at a pub in the garden while reading these books...in the sun. Ahhhh.

Now, you'd think that R. would be all jealous of my time off...but no! He benefits from me being free. How? I become uber housewifey - I tend to clean the flat, come up with yummy meals after perusing recipe websites and magazines, have more energy for night time fun and am generally a less stressed, more happy person (not that I'm typically stressed or unhappy, ya know). He gets the Super L. And boy does he like her! He's been talking about her for weeks - "I can't wait to get my housewife back...she rocks." (and yes, I do punch him in the arm in the name of feminism...but I truly love having the time to keep the flat looking lovely).

So - less than 1-1/2 weeks and I'm free. Time to start checking out cool pubs on the web!

06-06-06 at 6:06:06

So the world didn't end. But it was one of 'those days' in a way. At around 6:06pm, I was stuck on a train...stuck because I got on the wrong one in my rush and ended up way out of the way. So I had to get on a train heading in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the next train was cancelled. I was freaking out as I had to be back in order to get to the clubhouse - I was playing in a summer hockey game that night. The next train arrived at 6:50pm...and I needed to be at the club around 7:15pm...I didn't have my clothes or my hockey kit. But my lovely fiance brought it for me and met me there. And we won the game.

So the world didn't end...and the night ended in a much nicer mode than it began. But I wonder how the party in Hell, Michigan went?

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On an aside...I hate deliveries. I was informed that my case of wine needs to be delivered to only a residential address...and that I can't change the delivery address, nor can they guarantee a time...other than 7am to 5pm. What the heck? and then they said they may not be able to hold the delivery until the 19th when I will actually be home. I think I'm going to cry! I want my wine!!!

To Be or What to Be?

I was looking at old pictures of myself the other day. These are pics of myself at age 2+. I had short hair, a genuine smile at all times and usually with some sort of nature or animal. I tried to think back to what I wanted out of life back then and as I grew up. And it's interesting to recall...

Age 4 - I wanted to be a fireman. Or a boy. I was the epitome of a tomboy and all I wanted was to be a boy or at least be able to act like one. My poor mom despaired at ever getting me through a day in a dress without it getting ripped or stained. I lived in knee patched jeans most of my youth.

Age 7 - I decided that being a boy would still be better but realized that I didn't have a chance at that vocation. So instead I was going to be a cowgirl. There are pictures all over of me in my cowgirl suit...evil cap guns included (my parents were anti-gun but my grandma gave these cap guns to me as a pressie and they had a healthy fear of her).

Age 14 - I took my first biology class and decided that my life was meant to be spent on the ocean. I would study whales or plankton or something like that. Yup, an oceanography or marine biologist was the way to go.

Age 15 - I declared in Health class that I neither wanted to get married nor have kids. Didn't see the point in either. Husbands and babies would just slow me down. The husband thing didn't stick once I kissed my first boy (I was a LATE bloomer) but the baby thing is still in debate even at age 37.

Age 18 - Going to college. Still interested in biology as a potential, but I've also taken a psychology course. My dad is a psychologist and taught the course, so one would think I'd be anti-psychology, but I am and will always be daddy's little girl. Hmm...biology or psychology...or both?

Age 20 - need to declare a major in college during your sophomore year. After being placed in advanced biology during my freshman year by my clueless advisor (it was filled with hundreds of pre-med type sophomores) and almost failing it, I decide psychology is the major for me. What to do with it? Who knows...but I love the stuff.

And the interest continued in a variety of different directions. And now in the coolest job ever (which I won't really ever talk about for several reasons), I can happily say that I did check out all sorts of possibilities even in my adult life and so feel good about where I am. And I could still change my mind some day and try something new...even R. will support me in that (which is one reason to change my mind about husbands...he'll never hold me back!).

Rules for a Sunday Night

Sundays ought to be about relaxing. Especially Sunday night! You know you have to go to wake up early the next day (boo!) and that a lack of sleep will effect you the rest of the week (sigh). So what happened last night? UGH! Serious talk. Yes, serious talk. Something that should never, ever happen on a Sunday night.

We had just finished watching Lost (the one where they show how the group from the other side came to be how they are) and R. asked me if I was "feeling sexy", which is our special code for 'you know what'. I was, but was hoping for a lovely nice quick sort of thing. But no, he decides to ask for something a bit different. Something I wasn't particularly comfy with. But I wanted to think about it while kissing. Then I decided, no, this wasn't the time - cause it's Sunday night and I would rather have more time to get comfy with the idea of 'something different'. Then he has to suggest something that he KNOWS makes me feel uncomfortable - it wasn't something different but something we've done before. And he knows how I feel about it. UGH. So, me saying "NO!" ruins the mood and he gets all upset about this which then makes me all upset...we both can't fall asleep so we have to have a frickin' SERIOUS TALK. Which should NOT HAPPEN ON A SUNDAY NIGHT. It's midnight, neither of us can really sleep well, we both have to get up at 6:30am and neither of us get a good full night of sleep.

So, here's the future rules for Sunday(cause I am the rule maker in the family - and believe me, that was just a snarky remark):

1. No asking for unusual or potentially uncomfortable sexual favours unless you are willing to ask for them around 8pm, so that the person asked can either get more comfortable about them, or can say 'no' while out of bed & thus it's less awkward and sexually castrating.

2. No serious conversations should take place after dinner on Sunday. That way we can get it out & then have our minds free for a good night's sleep.

3. When in doubt, just go for comfort sex on Sundays. Helps you sleep, makes a nice connection and everyone is happy!

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As for the rest of the weekend...had a blast!

Friday night - met up with A. & another friend. We went to Salvador & Amanda, a wonderful tapas restaurant. We drank white sangria & ate way too much food. Yummy. Met up with R & his friends at the end of the night. A great time for all!

Saturday - spent the day walking, shopping for costumes (more on that later) , grading papers & sitting in the sun at the Hampstead Cricket club. It was finally a nice day! That evening was the "Bad Taste" party at the club - I dressed as a pregnant chav (so crop top & short skirt with belly showing...pillow & all) & I got R. the loudest shirt I could find. Charity shops are great for such party items!

Sunday - relaxed in the morning and then R & I went to see Middlesex play in a cricket match at Lords Cricket Grounds. Again, a nice day. And very relaxing. You sit, you drink a drink, you eat some junk and you watch a bit of cricket. It was nice. And then we went home...the rest is history.

Date Night

Recently, R & I have been homebodies. We have found a couple of shows we enjoy watching and we've made it a mission to get home in time to watch them. Last week, we decided that our lives ought not be ruled by Invasion or Lost (I know they are over in the States...we get them later here in England) with the one exception being an Arsenal game (in the future). So we have begun to tape the shows and try to have nights OUT!

Last night was our first 'date night' in a while. Instead of coming home and changing into our pj's and sitting around watching t.v. or reading or playing on the internet, we stayed in our grown-up clothing and went out to dinner. I have to say that R. looked very HOT! He was wearing his black suit with a pink/red stripe shirt. Yummy! I went with cute and wore a black knee length peasant skirt and a black with embroidered flower shirt...with my hair back but still down...sorta a romantic look with my curls.

We went to an Italian restaurant that has only been open about 1 year. I discovered it soon after it opened and have gone a few times but never with Roy. They make the BEST pizza crusts I've had...light yet with substance, thin and slightly chewy. MMMMMM! I had a calzone and R. had an Americano (with pepperoni) pizza. Sheer delight. We then tried an Italian white wine (red doesn't work well with my bod for some reason) which tasted like honey & melon. We talked about our plans, we made fun of each other and R sweetly kissed my hand several times. It was very romantic...something we had needed to inject into our relationship.

On the way home, we both remarked that it had been a nice evening and that we have to do it more often. We then got into our pj's and cuddled. Yes, a nice night indeed.

Summer time, and the living is...

It's June 1st. A day that I consider to be summer. Yes, June is definitely summer. And yet, I was still wearing a longish coat to work. And I'm at work. And it's not sunny. Bah!

There is a national obsession with discussing the weather in England. And now that I've been here almost 2 years, I can say that I understand why. In one day, you may get sun, rain & hail. It can be 20 degrees C (~70 F) in February and yet on the first day of June it's only supposed to be a high of 15 degrees C (~60 F). And yet, this weekend is supposed to be glorious! Sigh.

I don't mind the English weather we get in London (it's much warmer than up North). But I'm ready to wear my flip-flops. I'm ready to break out the tee-shirts to wear to work, without fear of hypothermia.

The worst thing is that my mom emails me from Albuquerque, NM and tells me about the 90 degree F temps & sunny skies. Even dad, in PA, is enjoying warmer weather than here. And they are mean, mean people for gloating about it. But then again...I'm in London and they're not. (ha)

June 1st. 2-1/2 weeks until my vacation to the States for 3 weeks. I'll probably hate how warm & humid it is and then return to the cooler London weather. And complain about that too. Oh, well...when in London, complain like a Londoner!