Last night, yes, a school night, I went out with friends from my hockey team. The lovely West Hampstead Ladies' 2s. We were celebrating our amazing no-loss, winning the league season. And quite a few of us showed up! Being the early bird that I am, I showed up first at The Washington. It's an old Victorian pub that still has some of the characteristics. High ceilings with funky design (like the old tin ceilings you sometimes find in bars in the States), quaint lighting and a good size bar. The wine was yummy and not too overly pricey, which is always a good thing. I got a chance to look around, do my favorite people watching and try not to look like I felt too uncomfortable cause I was alone in a somewhat crowded bar filled with couples and groups.
But soon Claire showed up (she lives nearby). We chatted about my engagement, how to deal with awful mother-in-laws who think their sons are still their 'lil baby boy' and how we're going to rock next season. Claire & I are 'hair sisters' as we both have to deal with our curly locks...though she has much tighter curls than mine. So, of course, part of the discussion was on product and hair cuts from hell!
And then the team came pouring in, one after another until all 10 of us were sitting around a table in the (thank goodness) no smoking section. We chatted about 2007 when pubs become no smoking and we can go home smelling just as lovely as when we arrived. We received our gold medals from winning the league (and yes, I will wear it to work next week like a total chav).
It felt kinda fitting that I left first...but as I had to be up at 6:30am, I felt I should be responsible and get home to get some sleep. Bleary eyed is just not a good look on me! I tried calling Roy to see if he was still at his parents, but didn't get him (was hoping to get a ride!), so I had to walk up the hill to the tube station. I fully expected to have to grab a bus to get home after I got out of the tube, but I lucked out that Roy was in the area & on his way back from the 'rents. And so I got picked up and taken home. Bed came soon after. Man...what a good night!
28 April 2006
27 April 2006
Quote of the Day
"Are we living in captivity or in the wild?" It was a quote that came up today at lunch (work). We have quite interesting conversations usually about all sorts of topics and we were discussing this topic about captive animals versus those in the wild...and then the quote came up. And it got us all thinking.
Some came at it philosophically, that if we don't believe that we are captive, then we aren't. That if we are free to make choices then we are still in 'our' wild. Others talked of rules and society and the constraints we have in our lives...yes, we are captive, but perhaps it's good. And yet others talked of our souls versus our bodies. Yup, very intellectual stuff...that led to a discussion of bird flu and then of how long a bird can last with its head chopped off. Sigmund Freud, eat your heart out...we are the kings of free association!
So...whatta ya think? Are you living in the wild or are you a captive?
"Are we living in captivity or in the wild?" It was a quote that came up today at lunch (work). We have quite interesting conversations usually about all sorts of topics and we were discussing this topic about captive animals versus those in the wild...and then the quote came up. And it got us all thinking.
Some came at it philosophically, that if we don't believe that we are captive, then we aren't. That if we are free to make choices then we are still in 'our' wild. Others talked of rules and society and the constraints we have in our lives...yes, we are captive, but perhaps it's good. And yet others talked of our souls versus our bodies. Yup, very intellectual stuff...that led to a discussion of bird flu and then of how long a bird can last with its head chopped off. Sigmund Freud, eat your heart out...we are the kings of free association!
So...whatta ya think? Are you living in the wild or are you a captive?
24 April 2006
Just put one foot in front of the other
The blahs. Have you ever had them? I don't tend to get them often but when they hit...whammo. Typically, I'm one of those people who will drive you crazy with optimism. It's a good trait for my job, if not a necessary one, and also just is part of my personality anyway. It makes life so much nicer to think that there are silver linings or that you can learn from adversity, and I tend to have pretty decent coping skills. But for some reason, the 'blahs' can sneak up on even the most happiest of people. And I mean, really, here I am, in good health, with life going on quite swimmingly, and yet I still feel sorta bland.
I think part of it comes from not doing anything remotely social this weekend. Usually I do something with someone...even if it's just R. But we didn't do anything really. Friday night I cooked and Saturday night he cooked. We went for a long walk on Saturday. R. spent time with his cousin on Sunday while I went to the gym. But that's it. A very boring weekend. Now, I know it might seem great sometimes to have that kind of rest, as I did finish a book and got a bunch of sleep (with the exception of last night), but I kinda needed more. And I think R. felt the same way. So we've decided that at least 2 x a month, we need to go out and see a movie during the weekend (most likely on a Sunday).
So...hopefully I'll be getting out of the blahs. With R. starting cricket this week and me starting it the following one (yup, an American playing cricket), I don't think I'll be feeling 'blah' any longer. And hopefully I can amp up my social life outside of R. I definitely need to!
The blahs. Have you ever had them? I don't tend to get them often but when they hit...whammo. Typically, I'm one of those people who will drive you crazy with optimism. It's a good trait for my job, if not a necessary one, and also just is part of my personality anyway. It makes life so much nicer to think that there are silver linings or that you can learn from adversity, and I tend to have pretty decent coping skills. But for some reason, the 'blahs' can sneak up on even the most happiest of people. And I mean, really, here I am, in good health, with life going on quite swimmingly, and yet I still feel sorta bland.
I think part of it comes from not doing anything remotely social this weekend. Usually I do something with someone...even if it's just R. But we didn't do anything really. Friday night I cooked and Saturday night he cooked. We went for a long walk on Saturday. R. spent time with his cousin on Sunday while I went to the gym. But that's it. A very boring weekend. Now, I know it might seem great sometimes to have that kind of rest, as I did finish a book and got a bunch of sleep (with the exception of last night), but I kinda needed more. And I think R. felt the same way. So we've decided that at least 2 x a month, we need to go out and see a movie during the weekend (most likely on a Sunday).
So...hopefully I'll be getting out of the blahs. With R. starting cricket this week and me starting it the following one (yup, an American playing cricket), I don't think I'll be feeling 'blah' any longer. And hopefully I can amp up my social life outside of R. I definitely need to!
20 April 2006
The big leap
Last night R. came home, plopped himself on the couch and said, "I've told her." Those three little words meant so much to me. I don't even think he knows how much.
He and his mom met for lunch yesterday, 19 days after he asked me to marry him. He had not yet told anyone in his family about the engagement. And to be honest, I was getting a bit upset about it. While I knew it was going to be an unpleasant thing, I wanted them to know. All sorts of things were said...and R. stated that his mom was the most coherent of her life...and that he felt like they had finally clicked for the first time since he was a child. Now this is not to say that she is approving of the marriage, as she's not, but she didn't get all hysterical about it. She did say that R. is now out of the will, that his father will most likely die of a heart attack from this and that she was very, very unhappy (had tears in her eyes the entire time). She argued several points:
1. I will get homesick and want to move back to the States, thus driving a wedge between us.
2. That I'm too old to have children or if we have them, they will come out with problems (mental or physical).
3. That while I will not keep the culture alive in the family.
Poor R. He tried so hard to argue his point. And I don't think it fell entirely on deaf ears. But his father is being sooo stubborn and his mom has to live with that. She's on the brink of wanting to leave his dad...yet another stressor for R to deal with. And she imagines that he'll become even more irrational about this situation once she tells him. But R. told him that he's made up his mind and that his parents have to make a decision...either come on board or don't...it's up to them. I truly hope that things work out in the future.
For me, it was a mixed thing. I'm sad for R. that he has to deal with a family that won't accept his happiness for what it is. That he has to deal with strict cultural expectations that won't bend. And for the fact that he wanted to bawl his eyes out last night but just couldn't. I wish I could take on his burden. But on the other hand, this has shown me just how strongly he feels for me and that he's worth marrying. He is so strong in so many ways. He's my love. And he'll be there for me, hopefully, forever.
Last night R. came home, plopped himself on the couch and said, "I've told her." Those three little words meant so much to me. I don't even think he knows how much.
He and his mom met for lunch yesterday, 19 days after he asked me to marry him. He had not yet told anyone in his family about the engagement. And to be honest, I was getting a bit upset about it. While I knew it was going to be an unpleasant thing, I wanted them to know. All sorts of things were said...and R. stated that his mom was the most coherent of her life...and that he felt like they had finally clicked for the first time since he was a child. Now this is not to say that she is approving of the marriage, as she's not, but she didn't get all hysterical about it. She did say that R. is now out of the will, that his father will most likely die of a heart attack from this and that she was very, very unhappy (had tears in her eyes the entire time). She argued several points:
1. I will get homesick and want to move back to the States, thus driving a wedge between us.
2. That I'm too old to have children or if we have them, they will come out with problems (mental or physical).
3. That while I will not keep the culture alive in the family.
Poor R. He tried so hard to argue his point. And I don't think it fell entirely on deaf ears. But his father is being sooo stubborn and his mom has to live with that. She's on the brink of wanting to leave his dad...yet another stressor for R to deal with. And she imagines that he'll become even more irrational about this situation once she tells him. But R. told him that he's made up his mind and that his parents have to make a decision...either come on board or don't...it's up to them. I truly hope that things work out in the future.
For me, it was a mixed thing. I'm sad for R. that he has to deal with a family that won't accept his happiness for what it is. That he has to deal with strict cultural expectations that won't bend. And for the fact that he wanted to bawl his eyes out last night but just couldn't. I wish I could take on his burden. But on the other hand, this has shown me just how strongly he feels for me and that he's worth marrying. He is so strong in so many ways. He's my love. And he'll be there for me, hopefully, forever.
19 April 2006
Pooped!
I am tired. Very, very tired. And it's my own fault. I went out last night with a group of friends from UK-Yankee, along with A. & R.. We met up at Smollensky's, and would have been perfectly happy to just remain there...drinking our drinks and then having a bite to eat. But no. A special event was happening at 8pm, so we had to leave to move on to a new place. And stupid me...I suggest a nearby Mexican food restaurant, Cafe Pacifico, which typically means lots of drink and a long evening. Sigh.
Smollensky's was a good venue for people to meet, particularly as we had a pregnant woman with us and it has no smoking in a section. But there were few people there due to the closing at 8pm thing. When I arrived with A. & R., there were already about six people sitting in one of the booths. I recognized everyone except one, who had recently moved to the London area. We had a good time catching up, and I got to once again celebrate my engagement (which is starting to show in my belly...not good!). More old friends showed up as well as a few newbies. It's so funny to gather with people you know from the internet. You know quite a lot about their lives and yet you don't 'know them'. So meetings are great to actually put a name and face together - and really get a true name as opposed to their screen name. We laughed about how we talk about people on the board, how we pictured each other and how we can even get into 'fights' on the board. But it's a friendly place, overall, and we each agreed that it's somewhere we go during our day to get a laugh or a virtual hug.
The huge group left Smollenksy's at 8pm and walked up to Covent Garden. Have to say that my feet were hurting by then, darn high heeled boots! We couldn't get a table for 12 quickly, so we had a drink first. Then finally food and more drink. It was a great time - we enjoyed good company, a lot of laughs and just a nice evening out. But we didn't get home until 11:30pm on a school night...which meant a very late night for me!
So here I am, sitting at my desk, and hoping that no one comes into my office any time soon. But I know I'll have to be 'on' quite soon. Come on eyes...open!
I am tired. Very, very tired. And it's my own fault. I went out last night with a group of friends from UK-Yankee, along with A. & R.. We met up at Smollensky's, and would have been perfectly happy to just remain there...drinking our drinks and then having a bite to eat. But no. A special event was happening at 8pm, so we had to leave to move on to a new place. And stupid me...I suggest a nearby Mexican food restaurant, Cafe Pacifico, which typically means lots of drink and a long evening. Sigh.
Smollensky's was a good venue for people to meet, particularly as we had a pregnant woman with us and it has no smoking in a section. But there were few people there due to the closing at 8pm thing. When I arrived with A. & R., there were already about six people sitting in one of the booths. I recognized everyone except one, who had recently moved to the London area. We had a good time catching up, and I got to once again celebrate my engagement (which is starting to show in my belly...not good!). More old friends showed up as well as a few newbies. It's so funny to gather with people you know from the internet. You know quite a lot about their lives and yet you don't 'know them'. So meetings are great to actually put a name and face together - and really get a true name as opposed to their screen name. We laughed about how we talk about people on the board, how we pictured each other and how we can even get into 'fights' on the board. But it's a friendly place, overall, and we each agreed that it's somewhere we go during our day to get a laugh or a virtual hug.
The huge group left Smollenksy's at 8pm and walked up to Covent Garden. Have to say that my feet were hurting by then, darn high heeled boots! We couldn't get a table for 12 quickly, so we had a drink first. Then finally food and more drink. It was a great time - we enjoyed good company, a lot of laughs and just a nice evening out. But we didn't get home until 11:30pm on a school night...which meant a very late night for me!
So here I am, sitting at my desk, and hoping that no one comes into my office any time soon. But I know I'll have to be 'on' quite soon. Come on eyes...open!
17 April 2006
The Swan
Today R. & I went out for a pub lunch in the 'country'...which basically means anywhere outside of Greater London (or outside the M25). We ended up at The Swan in Ley. It was lovely. We spent a bit of time in the restaurant part of the pub. We started with a soup & piece of baked brie. Yummy. Then on too our main course. R. had some seabass on crab & asparagus risotto and I had salmon with a potato & asparagus layer. Both were absolutely wonderful. I wish I had read more about the fact that they had real ales cause I would have had one of those, but instead we both had lagers. Which are fine, but when you go to a place with real ale, you just ought to buy that! The lunch (our big meal today) was so relaxing and fine. I hope that we'll do some of this more often...we can get too set in our ways sometimes and I want to keep venturing to new places on occasion.
Today R. & I went out for a pub lunch in the 'country'...which basically means anywhere outside of Greater London (or outside the M25). We ended up at The Swan in Ley. It was lovely. We spent a bit of time in the restaurant part of the pub. We started with a soup & piece of baked brie. Yummy. Then on too our main course. R. had some seabass on crab & asparagus risotto and I had salmon with a potato & asparagus layer. Both were absolutely wonderful. I wish I had read more about the fact that they had real ales cause I would have had one of those, but instead we both had lagers. Which are fine, but when you go to a place with real ale, you just ought to buy that! The lunch (our big meal today) was so relaxing and fine. I hope that we'll do some of this more often...we can get too set in our ways sometimes and I want to keep venturing to new places on occasion.
16 April 2006
12 April 2006
Moving on
I have moved several times since college. I moved to NJ to follow a boyfriend and lived there for a few years. Then I moved back home to go to graduate school. The next move was to northern Virginia (2 moves in there) and four years later to Boston. I've lived in two places so far in London and now, am moving again to be with R. While I'm so happy to be moving in with him (no more not having an article of clothing/makeup/jewelry), it's so annoying to have to do it again. I've moved a few things over here so far...bedside desks, some clothing, my makeup...but have quite a bit more to do. So today I'm going to go to my house and pack up a boatload of stuff...clothing, files, the taxes I need to do (ick) and household items. I won't bring it all...have a desk, skis/boots and things like that which can wait until the summer...but I'll bring a lot. And then I'll have to figure out where to put it all! While R. does have some decent storage (for London), it may not be quite big enough...and we're not planning on buying a wardrobe & dresser drawers until August. I guess some of it will just go in the same spot as every other 'extra thing'...on the floor of the second bedroom. Sigh. Moving on is both wonderful and tough to do.
I have moved several times since college. I moved to NJ to follow a boyfriend and lived there for a few years. Then I moved back home to go to graduate school. The next move was to northern Virginia (2 moves in there) and four years later to Boston. I've lived in two places so far in London and now, am moving again to be with R. While I'm so happy to be moving in with him (no more not having an article of clothing/makeup/jewelry), it's so annoying to have to do it again. I've moved a few things over here so far...bedside desks, some clothing, my makeup...but have quite a bit more to do. So today I'm going to go to my house and pack up a boatload of stuff...clothing, files, the taxes I need to do (ick) and household items. I won't bring it all...have a desk, skis/boots and things like that which can wait until the summer...but I'll bring a lot. And then I'll have to figure out where to put it all! While R. does have some decent storage (for London), it may not be quite big enough...and we're not planning on buying a wardrobe & dresser drawers until August. I guess some of it will just go in the same spot as every other 'extra thing'...on the floor of the second bedroom. Sigh. Moving on is both wonderful and tough to do.
11 April 2006
Life on vacation
I love being on vacation! I get to do what I want, when I want...though I guess with this whole walking a marathon thing I can't just stop exercising (yes, I'm a lazy sloth). So I did yesterday. I walked from Cricklewood to Old Street in London City. It's quite a long walk, though it was much more interesting than some other walks I've done so far...there were more people and shops to look at. So I may have to do more 'downtown' London walks to get my hours in...I can sightsee and train at the same time. The reason I took my bod down to London central was to meet R. for lunch. He knew a great Indian restaurant and wanted to introduce me to it. Yup, very authentic...and I was one of very few white people who came in...mostly Indian folk...which is always a good sign. But I got stuffed so there was no way I was walking any longer...so I took the bus and then a tube and then the train back to Cricklewood (probably would have taken less time to walk!).
Today I did the exciting things like vacuum or clean the kitchen or even better, laundry after changing the sheets. Ohhh...so much fun. But it's good as I like my place to be reasonably clean...it doesn't have to be neat, but clean is a necessity!
I then went and did a bit of shopping, including buying myself a temporary ring. Yes, I know, I had a temp ring...but it was too big and bulky.
So I went to a (shock) pawn shop and found a cute little black stone ring (in gold) and bought it for next to nothing...it's easy to wear and I like it (plus when you wear so much black you might as well have the stone!). It'll be perfect for the short term. Can't you see in the comparison pic above that my new ring is so much daintier? I can actually move my finger now!
Oh, and I also bought R. a chocolate egg. It's a weird tradition that they have here...you buy this box which has a whopping large hollow chocolate egg in it along with a bunch of candy bars by the same company. And that's what you get for Easter. Interesting, eh? They don't have the small chocolate eggs, very few bunnies, nor do they sell very many white eggs so you can't really dye them all sorts of colours (they are brown...but much nicer so it's not a bad thing). I will miss my chocolate peanut butter eggs...the Brits just don't like that combo. Sigh.
I then went to lunch with my friend, M., who I work with. She just recently bought a flat not to far away. We hadn't seen each other since my engagement so it was time. We chatted, I showed off my new ring (we think it may be onyx but it could also be black spinnel, either way it's supposed to be a 'protective' stone). And I've agreed to help her paint a room in her flat tomorrow. That's what friends are for, are they not? I think it'll be good.
I love being on vacation! I get to do what I want, when I want...though I guess with this whole walking a marathon thing I can't just stop exercising (yes, I'm a lazy sloth). So I did yesterday. I walked from Cricklewood to Old Street in London City. It's quite a long walk, though it was much more interesting than some other walks I've done so far...there were more people and shops to look at. So I may have to do more 'downtown' London walks to get my hours in...I can sightsee and train at the same time. The reason I took my bod down to London central was to meet R. for lunch. He knew a great Indian restaurant and wanted to introduce me to it. Yup, very authentic...and I was one of very few white people who came in...mostly Indian folk...which is always a good sign. But I got stuffed so there was no way I was walking any longer...so I took the bus and then a tube and then the train back to Cricklewood (probably would have taken less time to walk!).
Today I did the exciting things like vacuum or clean the kitchen or even better, laundry after changing the sheets. Ohhh...so much fun. But it's good as I like my place to be reasonably clean...it doesn't have to be neat, but clean is a necessity!
I then went and did a bit of shopping, including buying myself a temporary ring. Yes, I know, I had a temp ring...but it was too big and bulky.So I went to a (shock) pawn shop and found a cute little black stone ring (in gold) and bought it for next to nothing...it's easy to wear and I like it (plus when you wear so much black you might as well have the stone!). It'll be perfect for the short term. Can't you see in the comparison pic above that my new ring is so much daintier? I can actually move my finger now!
Oh, and I also bought R. a chocolate egg. It's a weird tradition that they have here...you buy this box which has a whopping large hollow chocolate egg in it along with a bunch of candy bars by the same company. And that's what you get for Easter. Interesting, eh? They don't have the small chocolate eggs, very few bunnies, nor do they sell very many white eggs so you can't really dye them all sorts of colours (they are brown...but much nicer so it's not a bad thing). I will miss my chocolate peanut butter eggs...the Brits just don't like that combo. Sigh.
I then went to lunch with my friend, M., who I work with. She just recently bought a flat not to far away. We hadn't seen each other since my engagement so it was time. We chatted, I showed off my new ring (we think it may be onyx but it could also be black spinnel, either way it's supposed to be a 'protective' stone). And I've agreed to help her paint a room in her flat tomorrow. That's what friends are for, are they not? I think it'll be good.
10 April 2006
Da da dada...Da da dada.
Last week was a blur. Between trying to walk as far & as much as I could, getting R.'s flat ready for me to move into, seeing friends and finally shopping for a dress, I was quite busy. The dress shopping part was the most crazy provoking part of the week. Usually I have no problem shopping but when you aren't exactly sure what to buy then it can be a daunting process. The reason it was so hard was that the dress was for a wedding...my first London wedding. I couldn't imagine what one would wear to such an event. Particularly an afternoon wedding. People had told me dresses. Oy. What style would work? What would actually fit me and look good? So I spent hours looking, trying on, getting frustrated and finally finding one in the last store I was planning on going to. The dress is lovely, a pale aqua blue with grey print flowers, all flowing & somewhat 20s style. It was different from anything that I saw in the stores and I hoped that it would work...it just seemed pretty enough for a wedding but not too dressy.
The wedding was betweeen friends of R. & me. The young woman, E., is a ladies cricketer and the young man, L., is a guy cricketer...thus how we know each other. E. & L. had been dating for 7 years before this day and so (at least E.) were ready for marriage. A very cute couple and well matched, everyone involved was excited for them. The lady cricketers who were invited met at a pub in W. Hampstead before the event. R. was not the only boy there as another coach and two bfs were there. We had a small drink and then took a few taxis over to the church in Highgate. The church was of Catholic persuasion and quite ornate within. Like most churches, it had quite hard wooden seating which we 'enjoyed' for quite a while. The priest was good, not talking too much and able to make some jokes with the couple. But the service was long as they included a full mass. Poor R. hadn't ever experienced such a thing and was flabergasted by the communion part (had to explain that no, the wafer was not a mint). But the music choices were fine and E. looked so pretty in her dress.
On, then, next door to the party. Drink was plentiful, starting with champagne cocktails and followed by anything from wine to sparkling water to vodka & coke. My gang, of course, had decided that drinking was on. And it flowed and flowed. Food was finger style and available throughout the evening. Guests were quite happy and friendly, even Jenny Frost, ex-Atomic Kitten, was smiling at all. R & I left early in the evening as we were tired and figured that 5 hours of partying was enough...we weren't really drinking (per agreement) and wanted a good night's sleep.
The wedding was quite wonderful, I felt my dress was a hit (got a bunch of compliments) and we had a blast. Not bad for my first London wedding.
Last week was a blur. Between trying to walk as far & as much as I could, getting R.'s flat ready for me to move into, seeing friends and finally shopping for a dress, I was quite busy. The dress shopping part was the most crazy provoking part of the week. Usually I have no problem shopping but when you aren't exactly sure what to buy then it can be a daunting process. The reason it was so hard was that the dress was for a wedding...my first London wedding. I couldn't imagine what one would wear to such an event. Particularly an afternoon wedding. People had told me dresses. Oy. What style would work? What would actually fit me and look good? So I spent hours looking, trying on, getting frustrated and finally finding one in the last store I was planning on going to. The dress is lovely, a pale aqua blue with grey print flowers, all flowing & somewhat 20s style. It was different from anything that I saw in the stores and I hoped that it would work...it just seemed pretty enough for a wedding but not too dressy.
The wedding was betweeen friends of R. & me. The young woman, E., is a ladies cricketer and the young man, L., is a guy cricketer...thus how we know each other. E. & L. had been dating for 7 years before this day and so (at least E.) were ready for marriage. A very cute couple and well matched, everyone involved was excited for them. The lady cricketers who were invited met at a pub in W. Hampstead before the event. R. was not the only boy there as another coach and two bfs were there. We had a small drink and then took a few taxis over to the church in Highgate. The church was of Catholic persuasion and quite ornate within. Like most churches, it had quite hard wooden seating which we 'enjoyed' for quite a while. The priest was good, not talking too much and able to make some jokes with the couple. But the service was long as they included a full mass. Poor R. hadn't ever experienced such a thing and was flabergasted by the communion part (had to explain that no, the wafer was not a mint). But the music choices were fine and E. looked so pretty in her dress.
On, then, next door to the party. Drink was plentiful, starting with champagne cocktails and followed by anything from wine to sparkling water to vodka & coke. My gang, of course, had decided that drinking was on. And it flowed and flowed. Food was finger style and available throughout the evening. Guests were quite happy and friendly, even Jenny Frost, ex-Atomic Kitten, was smiling at all. R & I left early in the evening as we were tired and figured that 5 hours of partying was enough...we weren't really drinking (per agreement) and wanted a good night's sleep.
The wedding was quite wonderful, I felt my dress was a hit (got a bunch of compliments) and we had a blast. Not bad for my first London wedding.
03 April 2006
The walk
I walked for two hours today. It's all part of my training for the London Playtex Moonwalk of 26 miles in May. I started off in Cricklewood and walked through the neighborhood toward the top end of West Hampstead. I walked down Finchley Road which is quite busy. I looked into shop windows and passed by all sorts of people. I was proud that I was able to bypass the tube stops and the bus stops and keep on going...on past Swiss Cottage pub and down Avenue lane. The houses there are amazingly HUGE. I don't think I'd even enjoy living somewhere like that...too much space, too many rooms. But it did give me something to look at. I continued on through to Regents Park and made my way inside, walking on the pathways. The sights there are wonderful...a camel in the zoo, green everywhere, young love hand-in-hand, a guy running in shorts (brrrr)...so many lives.
I walked for two hours today. It's all part of my training for the London Playtex Moonwalk of 26 miles in May. I started off in Cricklewood and walked through the neighborhood toward the top end of West Hampstead. I walked down Finchley Road which is quite busy. I looked into shop windows and passed by all sorts of people. I was proud that I was able to bypass the tube stops and the bus stops and keep on going...on past Swiss Cottage pub and down Avenue lane. The houses there are amazingly HUGE. I don't think I'd even enjoy living somewhere like that...too much space, too many rooms. But it did give me something to look at. I continued on through to Regents Park and made my way inside, walking on the pathways. The sights there are wonderful...a camel in the zoo, green everywhere, young love hand-in-hand, a guy running in shorts (brrrr)...so many lives.
02 April 2006
April Fool?
So...he asked me. Yes, I am engaged. And he purposely asked me on April 1...yes, April Fools Day. And I must say that it's appropriate that my jokester asked me then. Was I surprised? You bet. I knew it was coming soon now that he felt more settled with finding his new job. But never last night. And I'm so happy.
So...he asked me. Yes, I am engaged. And he purposely asked me on April 1...yes, April Fools Day. And I must say that it's appropriate that my jokester asked me then. Was I surprised? You bet. I knew it was coming soon now that he felt more settled with finding his new job. But never last night. And I'm so happy.
31 March 2006
Sometimes you win...sometimes you lose
Even though I have been training for it for two months, I was unable to take my driving test yesterday. I do not want to say why, but all I can say is that I'm not happy about it. Ugh! On the positive side, I felt really confident during my practice beforehand and feel that I have a good chance of passing when I do take it. Let's hope for a cancellation during my next two weeks off! As I had the day off anyway, I ended up cleaning R's flat and beginning the organization for moving myself in - bought a bunch of storage and organizational boxes which I put to good use. And will begin to move everything over there in the next two weeks...finishing some time in June! (when I move furniture over) So while I didn't take my driving test, I can say that my future place of permanent abode is looking all lovely!
One thing worth celebrating yesterday is that R. accepted a new job and resigned from his old one. He has given his one month notice! Yippee. The stress is now relieved about that. And you could tell last night as he came home. And he brought me the loveliest of flowers...a mix of roses and wild flowers. Absolutely gorgeous! I didn't take pics but I will!
Even though I have been training for it for two months, I was unable to take my driving test yesterday. I do not want to say why, but all I can say is that I'm not happy about it. Ugh! On the positive side, I felt really confident during my practice beforehand and feel that I have a good chance of passing when I do take it. Let's hope for a cancellation during my next two weeks off! As I had the day off anyway, I ended up cleaning R's flat and beginning the organization for moving myself in - bought a bunch of storage and organizational boxes which I put to good use. And will begin to move everything over there in the next two weeks...finishing some time in June! (when I move furniture over) So while I didn't take my driving test, I can say that my future place of permanent abode is looking all lovely!
One thing worth celebrating yesterday is that R. accepted a new job and resigned from his old one. He has given his one month notice! Yippee. The stress is now relieved about that. And you could tell last night as he came home. And he brought me the loveliest of flowers...a mix of roses and wild flowers. Absolutely gorgeous! I didn't take pics but I will!
29 March 2006
On that edge
Recently watched the film, Girl Interupted. It definitely made me think. What is mental illness? Is it always a chemical thing or can it sometimes be a choice, to hide from what scares you in the world? Can mental health be a coping mechanism that just goes wrong? All of us seem to have something that we do that is not mentally healthy all the time...some of us drink when we're unhappy, some of us smoke to deal with stress, some have to have things in just the right place in order to deal with, well, disorder. Perhaps mental illness is just pushing those to the extreme. Perhaps we all fall on some sort of continuum and there's just a line that we place as a society that makes some of us 'normal' and others of us 'unhealthy'. Who decides this line? And what do you do that falls closer to the unhealthy part of the continuum? If something went wrong in your life, how would you react? I think having healthy coping mechanisms is something we should all be taught at a very young age - stress reduction, exercise, talking to someone about what's going on...so much better than turning to food, or turning away from it...so much better than hurting yourself to express your pain...so much better than taking in substances which actually stress your body even if you feel like it cuts down on the pain. I think I needed that reminder that I can handle stress in healthy ways. And that the edge between 'normal' and 'unhealthy' is not where I want to head.
Recently watched the film, Girl Interupted. It definitely made me think. What is mental illness? Is it always a chemical thing or can it sometimes be a choice, to hide from what scares you in the world? Can mental health be a coping mechanism that just goes wrong? All of us seem to have something that we do that is not mentally healthy all the time...some of us drink when we're unhappy, some of us smoke to deal with stress, some have to have things in just the right place in order to deal with, well, disorder. Perhaps mental illness is just pushing those to the extreme. Perhaps we all fall on some sort of continuum and there's just a line that we place as a society that makes some of us 'normal' and others of us 'unhealthy'. Who decides this line? And what do you do that falls closer to the unhealthy part of the continuum? If something went wrong in your life, how would you react? I think having healthy coping mechanisms is something we should all be taught at a very young age - stress reduction, exercise, talking to someone about what's going on...so much better than turning to food, or turning away from it...so much better than hurting yourself to express your pain...so much better than taking in substances which actually stress your body even if you feel like it cuts down on the pain. I think I needed that reminder that I can handle stress in healthy ways. And that the edge between 'normal' and 'unhealthy' is not where I want to head.
28 March 2006
Let's Get This Party Startin'
Saturday night was the end of season dinner for my hockey club. Imagine...12 teams, 6 mens' and 6 ladies' teams...each with at least 10 people...most of them 20-something Brits who like to drink...and most of whom are quite loud...all gathered in one big room set up like we're here for a cheesy wedding reception. It was quite the sight. And of course, I forgot to take pictures (hoping that someone has a few I can put on here later!). But it was a great evening! Last year I definitely got a bit too drunk as I could barely figure out that I had won the most valuable player award...even after they handed me a pink tiara - yes, it was a good look! And I didn't really know the people on my team or feel entirely comfortable being in that social situation. But this year, I was just 'happy' and I really like my team as well as feel comfy with them.
Before the actual dinner, we all met at one of the girls' house for some munchies and champagne. It's lovely how cheap good champoo is over here! We were given our new bandanas - tiger like black & white as opposed to the old ones which had a cow-like pattern (moo). And then we headed via taxi (heels far too tottering to walk too far) to the hotel where we ate a (not so good) 3 course dinner. The best part of the evening was handing out the presents to our coach and captain, followed by a huge group of drunken dancing. I had a blast! Now, as you must know by now, I'm not really a party girl. My nights are spent more on the couch than on the club floor...but get me out there & I can get my groove on (yes, I do plan on embarrassing any future children with my so not hip sayings!). This lasted until 1:30am after which we headed to the imfamous Lower Ground Bar in W. Hampstead. It is quite rank but it is the place where we hold membership, can get in for free and continue the party. I lasted about 15 minutes and then went to find a taxi. This did not work. And my phone not working did not help. So I fished out my last quid to call my bf. He was not happy with me, but dutifully came and picked me up at that 'god-awful' hour. Can you see why I love this man?!!!
Yup, it was a fun night. And I wasn't even hung over (just tired) the next morning...yup, drinking a water inbetween alcoholic drinks is a smart thing sometimes!
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On an aside...the seabass which I cooked last night was great! I got the recipe here: seabass in a mustard champagne sauce.
Saturday night was the end of season dinner for my hockey club. Imagine...12 teams, 6 mens' and 6 ladies' teams...each with at least 10 people...most of them 20-something Brits who like to drink...and most of whom are quite loud...all gathered in one big room set up like we're here for a cheesy wedding reception. It was quite the sight. And of course, I forgot to take pictures (hoping that someone has a few I can put on here later!). But it was a great evening! Last year I definitely got a bit too drunk as I could barely figure out that I had won the most valuable player award...even after they handed me a pink tiara - yes, it was a good look! And I didn't really know the people on my team or feel entirely comfortable being in that social situation. But this year, I was just 'happy' and I really like my team as well as feel comfy with them.
Before the actual dinner, we all met at one of the girls' house for some munchies and champagne. It's lovely how cheap good champoo is over here! We were given our new bandanas - tiger like black & white as opposed to the old ones which had a cow-like pattern (moo). And then we headed via taxi (heels far too tottering to walk too far) to the hotel where we ate a (not so good) 3 course dinner. The best part of the evening was handing out the presents to our coach and captain, followed by a huge group of drunken dancing. I had a blast! Now, as you must know by now, I'm not really a party girl. My nights are spent more on the couch than on the club floor...but get me out there & I can get my groove on (yes, I do plan on embarrassing any future children with my so not hip sayings!). This lasted until 1:30am after which we headed to the imfamous Lower Ground Bar in W. Hampstead. It is quite rank but it is the place where we hold membership, can get in for free and continue the party. I lasted about 15 minutes and then went to find a taxi. This did not work. And my phone not working did not help. So I fished out my last quid to call my bf. He was not happy with me, but dutifully came and picked me up at that 'god-awful' hour. Can you see why I love this man?!!!
Yup, it was a fun night. And I wasn't even hung over (just tired) the next morning...yup, drinking a water inbetween alcoholic drinks is a smart thing sometimes!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On an aside...the seabass which I cooked last night was great! I got the recipe here: seabass in a mustard champagne sauce.
27 March 2006
So very yummy
I introduced R. to Borough Market this weekend. For the first time since late August I had a Saturday free!! We slept in a bit (8:30am), made a yummy french toast breakfast (haven't had those in years) and then got onto the train. The Jubilee line was down so we had to go on the Northern line, but it ended up being faster anyway. Borough Market is so impressive...you are surrounded by food, smells and sounds. Horns tooting, people yelling out, vendors explaining their wares. Cheese, earthy veg, lines for the choritzo sandwhich a mile long with the smoky smell of meat drawing in the crowds. We bounced from stand to stand, tasting a bit of this and gazing longingly at that. If we had the money we would have left, completely loaded down. As it was we found seabass (whole) for £3 each, an amazingly smooth & tasty bit of cheese and a wonderful San Fran sourdough bread..the likes of which I haven't tasted in years. If you get a chance to visit London and you want to astound your senses...this is the way to go. Lush. Lovely. And so very yumm!
p.s. I can't believe I've posted over 50 blog posts. For me, that's impressive...I tend to start diaries and never keep it up...cool!
24 March 2006
Trouble with the law...
Ah...the joys of dealing with your local council. So much fun. My flatmate (A.) & I moved into a flat in Kilburn near the end of June of last year. We paid one month of council tax and then our lovely landlord, G., asked if we'd mind if he took over for it. Heck no. And yes, as soon as he asked for it, I'd pay the tax to him (which he hasn't). So, a few months later, we get a notice of non-payment from the council...and that we have to go to court about it. A. & I get in touch with G. and he has his personal assistant get in touch with the council who assure them that they've worked it out...no problem. So we don't go to court and we go on our merry way. So last week, A. comes into work with a notice from the Equita Certified Bailiffs saying that they will be coming to take our possessions on Monday. Major freakout...we again get in touch with G. who has his assistant get in touch with the council. They send us an email saying that
"Apparently there has been a mistake and the wrong account was closed, leaving
>> your account open and G's closed.
>> I need to put this in writing for the Brent council, which I am doing at
>> present.
>> The Brent council then need to clear it with the Baliff dept, which I will
>> follow up."
So we assumed it was taken care of...but we hadn't heard anything as of today. So we called the council. And were informed that WE still are in charge of the payment and that the Baliff won't be called off until the amount of £1028 is paid immediately. Like, as in TODAY. Unbelievable. We have given them G's work number.
ed. Just talked to the council...they can't get through to G. I've left a message on his mobile (he's in the air heading to London right now). We need to get this taken care of by noon so that they can call the Baliff and stop them. I have a feeling that A. will put it on her card as mine won't hold that amount. This sucks. There are just way too much bad things happening at once in my life...R's heat breaking, R's shower breaking, this...way too many expenses right around the same time that I'm supposed to be saving for the frickin thing to the States. I'm praying that I'll get paid a bunch extra in my next paycheck...cause otherwise I'm screwed.
Ah...the joys of dealing with your local council. So much fun. My flatmate (A.) & I moved into a flat in Kilburn near the end of June of last year. We paid one month of council tax and then our lovely landlord, G., asked if we'd mind if he took over for it. Heck no. And yes, as soon as he asked for it, I'd pay the tax to him (which he hasn't). So, a few months later, we get a notice of non-payment from the council...and that we have to go to court about it. A. & I get in touch with G. and he has his personal assistant get in touch with the council who assure them that they've worked it out...no problem. So we don't go to court and we go on our merry way. So last week, A. comes into work with a notice from the Equita Certified Bailiffs saying that they will be coming to take our possessions on Monday. Major freakout...we again get in touch with G. who has his assistant get in touch with the council. They send us an email saying that
"Apparently there has been a mistake and the wrong account was closed, leaving
>> your account open and G's closed.
>> I need to put this in writing for the Brent council, which I am doing at
>> present.
>> The Brent council then need to clear it with the Baliff dept, which I will
>> follow up."
So we assumed it was taken care of...but we hadn't heard anything as of today. So we called the council. And were informed that WE still are in charge of the payment and that the Baliff won't be called off until the amount of £1028 is paid immediately. Like, as in TODAY. Unbelievable. We have given them G's work number.
ed. Just talked to the council...they can't get through to G. I've left a message on his mobile (he's in the air heading to London right now). We need to get this taken care of by noon so that they can call the Baliff and stop them. I have a feeling that A. will put it on her card as mine won't hold that amount. This sucks. There are just way too much bad things happening at once in my life...R's heat breaking, R's shower breaking, this...way too many expenses right around the same time that I'm supposed to be saving for the frickin thing to the States. I'm praying that I'll get paid a bunch extra in my next paycheck...cause otherwise I'm screwed.
22 March 2006
Meet me...
I just read about a group that's begun in Boston. www.thelunchclub.com. The goal of the lunch club is to make new friends. And what a great idea. I don't know if you know it until you actually get there, but it's tougher to make friends in your 30s than it was when you were younger. So many of us move away from our hometowns, lose touch with old friends or may, like me, move very far away to a place where no one you know lives. And how do you make friends? How do you even meet people? Heck, it's tough enough to date, but "friending" is even harder! So a club to meet people sounds great...go out to lunch, go for a drink, and there are a bunch of people all wanted to meet someone else for friendship reasons. I've joined field hockey & cricket clubs so I do meet people...but there are so many 20, 30-somethings who don't have that connection and London can be tough for them. It's hard to be surrounded by people and have no one to talk to. Perhaps this is an idea for someone to try here...in such a multicultural city it might be kinda fun!
I just read about a group that's begun in Boston. www.thelunchclub.com. The goal of the lunch club is to make new friends. And what a great idea. I don't know if you know it until you actually get there, but it's tougher to make friends in your 30s than it was when you were younger. So many of us move away from our hometowns, lose touch with old friends or may, like me, move very far away to a place where no one you know lives. And how do you make friends? How do you even meet people? Heck, it's tough enough to date, but "friending" is even harder! So a club to meet people sounds great...go out to lunch, go for a drink, and there are a bunch of people all wanted to meet someone else for friendship reasons. I've joined field hockey & cricket clubs so I do meet people...but there are so many 20, 30-somethings who don't have that connection and London can be tough for them. It's hard to be surrounded by people and have no one to talk to. Perhaps this is an idea for someone to try here...in such a multicultural city it might be kinda fun!
20 March 2006
Chip, chip, ooze.
You never realize just how important small conveniences are until they are gone. Take for example, a shower. Showers are great because you get wet, you aren't sitting in dirt, the pressure for some are fantastic for your muscles, etc. I love showering. But R's shower broke last week. For a while, we were just turning the water off when we didn't need it so that cold water wasn't pouring out of it non-stop. It was definitely an electrical problem with his electric shower (so different from the States!). So this weekend, on Saturday, R. decided we needed to fix it ourselves. So we went shopping and found a new electric shower. Should have been an easy task...but no...the person who owned the flat previous to R. had put the shower within the tiles. So now, in removing the shower, tiles were missing. And the new shower didn't fit/work within that space. So back to the store on Sunday for tiles, adhesive, grout, etc. Then came the chipping away at tiles to make it all work. Chip, chip, oozing goop, "£$*(@"$&£...yeah, it has been a great weekend. We managed to get all three of the new tiles adhered last night (it takes a few hours) adn this morning R decided to grout them...with grout oozing everywhere as the spout on that broke...yes, an early morning disaster. Sigh. So I'm sitting at work, with grout/adhesive still stuck under my finger nails (hate that feeling), knowing that tonight, R will try to figure out the electronics of this new shower & probably electrocute himself or start a fire. I think I'm going to stay away for a few hours...or perhaps start to drink early! Just kiddin'. Sorta.
You never realize just how important small conveniences are until they are gone. Take for example, a shower. Showers are great because you get wet, you aren't sitting in dirt, the pressure for some are fantastic for your muscles, etc. I love showering. But R's shower broke last week. For a while, we were just turning the water off when we didn't need it so that cold water wasn't pouring out of it non-stop. It was definitely an electrical problem with his electric shower (so different from the States!). So this weekend, on Saturday, R. decided we needed to fix it ourselves. So we went shopping and found a new electric shower. Should have been an easy task...but no...the person who owned the flat previous to R. had put the shower within the tiles. So now, in removing the shower, tiles were missing. And the new shower didn't fit/work within that space. So back to the store on Sunday for tiles, adhesive, grout, etc. Then came the chipping away at tiles to make it all work. Chip, chip, oozing goop, "£$*(@"$&£...yeah, it has been a great weekend. We managed to get all three of the new tiles adhered last night (it takes a few hours) adn this morning R decided to grout them...with grout oozing everywhere as the spout on that broke...yes, an early morning disaster. Sigh. So I'm sitting at work, with grout/adhesive still stuck under my finger nails (hate that feeling), knowing that tonight, R will try to figure out the electronics of this new shower & probably electrocute himself or start a fire. I think I'm going to stay away for a few hours...or perhaps start to drink early! Just kiddin'. Sorta.
17 March 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day...sorta
Well...it's St Patrick's Day...and I'm in the UK, so you'd think I'd really get into celebrating it. The thing is - I don't own green clothing. It's just not 'my colour'. So perhaps I ought to buy something, but I just don't care enough. I know if I walk down my neighbhood high street, I'll be able to find green shamrocks up the wazzoo...and perhaps I ought to buy something from the dollar store just for shits & giggles. But the thing is - tonight I'm not going out, I'm hanging at R's, who is cooking up a lovely lamb curry (yup, so very Irish) for friends who are leaving us after this weekend (moving to Australia). So not in an Irish state of mind. Plus I have a hockey game tomorrow in the early a.m...have to meet at the clubhouse at 9am (darn it!). So...can't really drink (which is, as you know, the purpose of the holiday), am not wearing green (the official colour) and not even going to eat anything Irish of any sort. Man this is making me grumpy. Oh, well...Happy St Patrick's Day anyway. Sigh.
Well...it's St Patrick's Day...and I'm in the UK, so you'd think I'd really get into celebrating it. The thing is - I don't own green clothing. It's just not 'my colour'. So perhaps I ought to buy something, but I just don't care enough. I know if I walk down my neighbhood high street, I'll be able to find green shamrocks up the wazzoo...and perhaps I ought to buy something from the dollar store just for shits & giggles. But the thing is - tonight I'm not going out, I'm hanging at R's, who is cooking up a lovely lamb curry (yup, so very Irish) for friends who are leaving us after this weekend (moving to Australia). So not in an Irish state of mind. Plus I have a hockey game tomorrow in the early a.m...have to meet at the clubhouse at 9am (darn it!). So...can't really drink (which is, as you know, the purpose of the holiday), am not wearing green (the official colour) and not even going to eat anything Irish of any sort. Man this is making me grumpy. Oh, well...Happy St Patrick's Day anyway. Sigh.
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