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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!

Say What?

Something you just don't think you are going to see in the London Underground...

a buddhist monk in his red gown & shaved head.

Thought it might be rude to take his picture. But really, he was there yesterday as I was heading home. Then again, you do see all sorts at the St Johns Wood tube station!

I have to admit that I'm kinda sad that I didn't fully take advantage of living in Kilburn while I was there. I didn't check out all the restaurants or pubs. And now that I've moved, it's more likely that I won't. Perhaps this summer.

What prompted this 'sadness' is the fact that I met up with some people last night at an Indian restaurant just one block from my old house. And it was inexpensive and darn good! What they day about Geeta is true - it's quite plain in decor, but the food is like that which you'd get in a home. It's not as English as most Indian restaurants...catering to the tastes of the local neighborhood. Instead of being very hot, it is spicy. Instead of being very heavy, it's just flavorful. And it was really very inexpensive! R. & I spent around £30 TOTAL and shared a starter (masala dosai), had two mains & two beers each.

After the dinner, the group headed to the North London Tavern (just a few blocks away). We had a beer here & just enjoyed the company. While it's not the best pub ever, it'd be nice to have it in Cricklewood as our local. Sigh.

So, if you ever get to London and want a decent meal on the cheap & good beer, check out Geeta & the North London Tavern. I'd say it's worth the detour!

The First Game

Yesterday we had our first cricket game. It was a decent day...it wasn't raining (which it has been for a while), there were bursts of sun and it wasn't uncomfortably cold. We seemed 'on' and excited about playing. I certainly was.

We started off fielding. I play in what is the equivalent to the outfield (if you only know baseball) in a position known as deep square leg. The reason I play here is that I have a good arm. I can usually make it to the wicket from the boundry in only a bounce or two. And on this game day I got a LOT of work. Our bowlers (pitchers) were giving them some lovely shots to hit in my direction. On the positive side, I was told that the other team didn't try to get an extra run cause they figured I'd run (throw) them out! After 25 overs (each over is 6 bowls), we took a break and it was then going to be our turn. They scored 149.

Next came our turn at batting. I was the second batter. While I did fine in the beginning, I made one big ol' mistake and got out. It was a great throw by the bowler. Still...ya never like getting out. We had a few good runs but didn't get to 150...we made it to our 25 overs and scored 107. Happy we got over 100 runs for our first game (the other team was more experienced)...but hope we can get even better!

The Rock

What is it about engagement rings that make people so crazy? If you do a search on google, you'll see that there are thousands of sites dedicated to selling this one piece of jewelry. Amazing.

The wonderful thing about the UK is that people don't have the expectation that you are going to have a HUGE ROCK on your hand. The majority of people have a nice diamond and many people actually choose to have a different kind of stone as their engagement rings. And I think that is cool.

When you check out American sites though...bigger is better! Even the pics they put on the sites are shown as larger than they truly are...cause you wouldn't want to be seen as having one that is tiny, would you? And two months salary as a guide? Crazy!

I do have friends who seriously wanted more than a one carat diamond ring...irregardless of the cost or the fact that it might make more sense to save some of this cash for other things. Yes, I do realize that it's an important piece of jewelry for some...that you are going to be wearing it for the rest of your life...but have you ever tried to actually DO SOMETHING when you're wearing a big ol' honking ring? It's kinda tough.

What goes through my mind is the fact that I'm going to be sharing money with my new hubby...his money & my money will be melding in a lot of ways. So if he spends £5000+ on a ring, it takes away from money we could spend as a couple...say helping pay for a car or putting it toward our house downpayment. I just want something simple. Something that is an engagement ring...but a ring that I can wear for life, that won't get in the way & one that doesn't detract from our ability to pay for a really cool honeymoon (travel is more important to me than jewels).

So I'm hoping that when I go to the States and meet up with friends and family, that they don't grab my hand, take one look at my modest ring (that we'll be buying over there) and give me that look...you know the one...the one that say, oh, so he just didn't have the money to pay for a ring...or the, oh, your fiance is just too cheap to spend that much money. I HATE THAT! Cause marrying R isn't about getting a diamond...it's about our lives together. He's neither cheap nor poor - we just figure that there are more important things in life than carats!

'Dem Blogs

I started writing a blog after reading a few that made me laugh. I've been reading a few for quite a while and decided that it was my turn to write about my life. I didn't really care if anyone else read or made any comments (which is good as no one has left a comment yet for me!), but I thought it'd be great to share my thoughts to anyone who might care and especially to leave my thoughts as I go through this great journey of love and life. I want to be able to look back and see what I was thinking just months or (hopefully) years ago.

When you read a blog that has been going on for years, it's cool to see how people grow and change. I have two favorite blogs which I've read for a while that follow the lives of two women. One is recently married, one is still single...and both of their journeys are interesting to read. You should check them out: http://thesmitten.ivillage.com/love/ and http://thisfish.ivillage.com/love/.

They then led to me a few new blogs which I am beginning to read religiously (darn them!). The first is a food blog. As a complete foody, I LOVE going on there to read a new idea or recipe. Such yummy stuff is on offer. If you love food, you have to check out: http://www.nosheteria.com/.

And then finally, while spending time on ivillage, I found my latest blog...one that supports 'women power'. Her latest blogging was very similar to the one I just posted yesterday...about women and viewpoints. Grrl Genius is very fun to read.

I hope to find more and more blogs that strike a cord. While it does take away from some of my day to read them...it's like a little present each day. Sometimes there's a new post, and I'm thrilled, sometimes there's not and it heightens the anticipation!

Smashed

I recently read a book that was very poignant. It's call Smashed: Growing up a drunk girl by Koren Zailckas. While I was one of those girls who didn't drink in high school (aka 'the geek'), I remember how my friends reacted to drinking and that 'freedom'.

So many of us start out our lives feeling quite good about who we are and how we look...children typically don't feel fat. But then, at least in my generation, the focus on looks and popularity and doing the 'right thing' started...probably around age 13 or 14. So many girls went on diets. So many slept with guys to feel attractive and okay. So many pulled away so hard from their parents that their heads were spinning.

What is it about our society that allows young women to feel so lost. And so much so that they need to turn to alcohol and other drugs to hide from these feelings of hurt & anger. Why are we told to be nice and good, and that looking perfect is part of that? What is it that makes us want to get 'smashed'?

I know women who just haven't grown from this yet. They still see themselves as awkward teens. I know women who still, in their 30s, drink to feel okay at a party or to be able to flirt better. And I know that I was that way for so very long. The things we learn in adolescence has such a strong hold. And the scary thing is that the message is being sent earlier and earlier...we have 12 year olds getting pregnant, 11 year olds in rehab, and 9 year olds dealing with eating disorders. How do we stop this? Or is this the route that eventually will cause us to implode? I don't have the answers...but I know that if I have a little girl, I'll work my darndest to make her feel okay for as long as I can. I'll never, ever, talk about diets or being 'fat' or anything like that. And hopefully, she'll grow up thinking that everything is not about looks...that she's more than that. And that she can BE.

I coach a youth field hockey team (or just hockey as they call it over here). The girls are aged around 11-13. It's such an interesting age for girls...for the most part, they are completely self-absorbed at times, have a tough time focusing (even during a game), are more interested in how they look and scattered. But not always and not all of them.

Yesterday we had our one and only day of games. We were playing a group of young ladies from a local British school. Let me tell you, it was not pretty! The girls on the other team have seen the game and played in PE since they were able to run around. My girls on the other hand just began to learn the game this spring. We only had about 10 practices in total...have you ever tried to learn a sport? It takes a while. But on the good side, they had a lot of fun learning something new & we may be able to get them to play in the senior teams (high school age). So we'll build up this sport to make it better.

A cool thing that happened is that a large number of parents showed up. And they brought treats. Cup cakes, oranges and fruit bars were exploding all over the place...juice dribbling down their faces which were caked with chocolate icing. It was good to see the kids NOT dieting at their age but enjoying treats while they still can!

So we lost and tomorrow is our last training session. I'll miss them...while they can be almost like typical teens, they also can be utterly sweet & look up to a grown adult woman who pays attention them. It's nice to be a mentor of sorts...even if it's just about athletics.

Hi, Ho, De, Merry-O, A walkin' we shall go...

It was Saturday night. A time when most people are planning to go out to dinner, drink at the pub, watch a movie, read a good book or curl up at home with a loved one. That is exactly what I would have wanted to do...but I had to go on a walk.

Saturday night, five of us from work met up in Hyde Park to take part in the Playtex Moonwalk. We met around 8pm and found a space in this huge tent.



We were excited about doing the walk. We felt we were contributing to something worthwhile...something worth giving up a Saturday night of fun and sleep...and potential pain!

The fun thing about the walk is that you are supposed to decorate a bra. We did not like the ones that they sent (you really need a sports bra for this sort of thing), so we decorated our sports bras. We had a USA sort of team - all red, white & blue with flashy bits and feathers...quite special I tell you. But there were all sorts of funny & funky people with some great designs. From a bra that looked like boobs (nipples & piercings included), to eyes and more, there were some fun themes. Here's one person who was sitting next to us...and yes, even men did it!



We began around 11:40-something in the evening. And we vowed to stick together through blisters, bathroom breaks, water stops and stretching. And we did. We started the walk in Hyde Park and began the walk toward the river. We went along the river on both the south and north banks and headed toward Fulham & Kensington at different times. We laughed at jokes, sang all sorts of songs, talked to people we didn't know and made fun of the drunks who came out to cheer us on (and we thanked them too, but boy were they out of it!). I took a bunch of pics, most of which are blurry due to walking & pic taking...but you'll get a sense of how the light changed in our 8+ hours. I'm sore today. But boy, it was something to do. And we'll never forget the strange man in the spotted shirt and his clingy girlfriend...there are just some things you ought not to do in public! (ask me about it if you want!)

To see the flicker show, just check this out: Flicker Show

Break in

It's 9:30pm. Roy & I are just about ready to go to bed (it was a late night due to Arsenal game the night before). And then he gets a phone call. It's A. My old flatmate.

A. I can't get into the house. The chain is locked.

L. What? How did that happen?

A. I think someone is in there.

L. Shit. Call the police.

A. No. I want you and R. to check it out first to make certain I'm not being idiotic.

L. We're coming, but you really ought to call the police.

Now I'm quite peeved that this is happening. I'm exhausted from this week...I just wanted an early night with lots of sleep. I was feeling ill from being so tired. And R wasn't so pleased either. But she's our friend, so we're heading over.

We get there and, yes, the chain is locked. So we call the police and talk to our nice neighbors who let us wait inside their house. The police come within 10 minutes (which is very reassuring)...in fact another set come 10 minutes after that. They cut through the chain to get in and do a search. The place has been turned upside down.

We have to wait for another 1-1/2 hours until the crime division come to try to get finger prints. And then after that we can check on stolen stuff...cause we're not allowed to touch anything.

Luckily none of the big stuff was taken - A's computer, our big screen tv, etc. But we both lost a couple of gold jewelry items. My high school class ring, my gold watch that was given to me on my 16th birthday, a gold bangle from Italy and a few other cheap gold things. Nothing that mean much to me (or else they would be with me at R's place)...but still, my stuff that I left there was all mussed up.

So, we finally left the house and took A. to Roy's. We emailed our bosses and told them we'd be in late. And we slept in a bit, had coffee and cereal & took the bus in. And now sitting at work, a bit more tired (but happy it's Friday), I'm glad that I've moved out and that A. will be moving to another place in one month. Sigh. Living in the city can be hard...but they haven't broken me yet.

Ewwww!

As you may recall, I typically love riding on buses and trains and the like. Typically. But today, my people watching came to an ugly conclusion. I got on the tube in West Hampstead as per usual, rushing to get a seat in the car up front...usually there aren't seats so if you see them, you rush to them! Ahhhh...comfort. It was especially lovely as I was wearing a pair of high heeled boots (it's cold here today...rainy and in the 50s/60s). And then I began my people watch. I've gotten quite good at being subtle about it. But today, there was no need for caution...the person I looked at first didn't seem to know that he was in a public space. Why do I think that? Well...he was picking his nose. At first, he started by rubbing the side of his nose, as if it was itchy. Not a problem, we all do that. And then the finger went in...not too far, but definitely in. And then he went to town. And played with the results. It was like a train wreck...I just couldn't look away. And just as we were reaching my stop, the finger went into the mouth.

As I gagged and left the carriage of the train, I wondered what it is about being on public transport that makes someone like that feel like he's in his own private world. Didn't he notice that there were people around. I mean, come on, I know a lot of people do pick their noses, but they do it in the privacy of their own homes...with no one else around. Ick. What are we teaching people these days?

SWEET!

Last week, my boss came to my office to ask me if I would take on some extra work in the fall. It related to what I was already doing, but would still mean I would have more to do each day. I thought about it and decided to take on this new task. I expected that I'd make an extra thousand pounds or so in my salary, but she let me know just yesterday afternoon that I would be getting an extra 1/5th of my salary for taking that on. Yes, a 20% RAISE! Woohoo! What this means is that I will have the money to pay for my honeymoon - any honeymoon I want...so R. can't use expense as a deterent to any of my potential plans. Woohoo!!! This rocks!
(But ask me again in the winter after I have to bring work home yet again!)

I went to see the movie 'Confetti' yesterday with my old flatmate, A. We were kinda excited about it. In case you haven't heard about it (not sure if it's being advertised in the US or basically anywhere other than the UK), here is a synopsis of it:

Three couples compete for the mantle of Britain’s most unique wedding, with a £500,000 house and a massive photo spread in top wedding magazine Confetti at stake. Fitness enthusiasts Josef and Isabelle want a tennis-themed wedding while Matt and Sam go for a dramatic Hollywood musicals theme. And Michael and Joanna, a pair of naturalists, want their nuptials to be a celebration of the environment. Interfering wedding planners make sure that each ceremony has its fair share of hiccups in this hilarious comedy.

It's meant to be a 'mockumentory'...it was filmed freefall style, with no script. The idea is based on the company, Confetti, which focuses on wedding information. There are even stores around the UK.

And to be honest...it wasn't good. It wasn't bad, but it certainly was not worth the £8.80 that I paid to go see it. The idea was fun, some of the scenes were cute (loved the wedding planners...they ruled), but overall it was just way to amateur feeling. Which is a shame cause they got some great actors...ah, well. The one thing it did do is remind me that it's not the wedding that matters, it's the marriage...the couples were most happy once the whole thing was finished.

So...if the movie makes it's way to your city or town...I wouldn't go. But rent it. It's cute enough for that.

FLR

It's official. I'm allowed to stay here and work for the next five years...unless, of course, I get fired or something like that. In which case I guess I'd have to get a spouse visa after marrying R. It's an interesting world, the one of the expat...we have to get visas to live elsewhere. Some people don't understand this. They think that if you live in the USA that you ought to be able to move whereever you want. Nope...you have to have something to offer to the country that they think is important enough to let you in and stay. A pain for all those Anglophiles!

So I went to the Home Office in Croydon yesterday (had a lovely 9am appointment)...it took two trains, a tube ride and some walking to get there...yup, left about 7:15 and got there around 8:30. But found the place.without too much difficulty. I was let in immediately (there was a line of people waiting for appointments after mine) and started the whole process. First you get in a line to check in. You need to have your application and all other paperwork with you or that's it...you are sent home. But I had everything. So then you are sent to pay for the visa. You get to pay the grand sum of £500. Glad that work is paying for this one (which reminds me I have to turn in the receipt!). Then off to meet with someone who will decide your fate. I had to wait about 1/2 hour until my number was called and then met with him for 1/2 hour. And I was approved! Then sent away for one hour or so while they do what they have to do to your passport. I returned and waited one more hour until I got my passport back. And then I was free.

So now I have my further leave to remain for 5 years. Woo hoo! I'm a Londoner!

Fat Days and Holidays

I am having one of those days that EVERY woman knows about (even the stick figure ones)...yes, a fat day. Normally, even if I want to lose some weight due to not fitting into a skirt I love or having eaten everything in sight, I quite like my body in an overall sense. It's been good to me. It helped me play some fun sports, helped me play a sport that got me into an Ivy League university, has gotten me some good ol' lovin' and has allowed me to continue doing the stuff that I enjoy. But today...I'm not loving my body. And I know it's my own darn fault. I have given in to the diet monsters. I have eaten crap, drank like a fish and not done an ounce of exercise in the past few days. And on top of that...I'm frickin' premenstral. (Sorry guys)

So...what's a girl to do when she's having a fat day and she has to go to work? (Cause otherwise she'd just sit at home in sweats) Well...first of all you put on cami clothing. Yup, a good dose of black and a skirt that hugs in the right places and not in the others. You work hard to have a GREAT hair day and your makeup must be perfect. You laugh a little louder. Drink tons of water. You don't go for the chocolate and stay away from that worker who ALWAYS has brownies on her desk. And you find some way, any way, to get a little exercise in, even if it kills ya! And so that's the plan folks. I will do what I was meant to do all last week but didn't...eat in a healthy manner and go to cricket training for my exercise. And I'll focus on things other than my body. It'll be tough. And I won't like it all that much (other than cricket). But I'll do it.

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On a side note - got some information from a few places in India about weddings in Kerala. I kinda like one of the companies as they are suggesting some interesting things - like a Mehendi ceremony for me or a night and ride in a houseboat along the backwaters of Kerala. I always wanted to do something different. Now if I can only convince him that spending some money on this will be worthwhile...he's such a boy!!!

Good for the soul, bad for the body

I had a great weekend. Absolutely fantabulous.

Friday afternoon: it all started out with a 'friend' from work inviting me to hang with her gang to celebrate her birthday. Now this group of people have not really done much to make me feel welcome. They haven't done anything recently to make me feel unwelcome, but a few had in the past. And yet, because I'm friendly with the birthday girl, I decided I wanted to go and hang. And I had fun. The group was lovely to me and made me feel part of it all. I had to leave earlier than any of them, but that was okay. I'm happy that I went.

Friday evening: I met R. in Golders Green. We were going to friends for dinner. The guy has played cricket with R. and the girl is his fiance. We all get on quite well. We arrived, carrying some wine & cheese & crackers (always a welcome combo). And the binge commenced...lots of jambalaya, salad, cheese, crackers, pudding (desert) and wine up the wazzoo! It was a glorious gourmet feast. We left by taxi at around 1am. And happily passed out soon thereafter!

Saturday day: we did next to nothing. We made food (again) and just relaxed. We went food shopping to get even more food. And cleaned a bit. We ended up watching X-Men (1st one) as I want to go see the 3rd in the series and R. had never seen it. We weren't hungover either, which was amazing considering the bottles of wine that were consumed.

Saturday evening: It was Quiz Night at the club. R. was part of a team & I was one of the scorers. I helped along with two hockey/cricket players (female) and the daughter of the quiz master, Jim Carter (hubby to actress Imelda Stauton who stopped on by to say 'hi'). Another night of food and drink plus lots of social stuff. When Jim introduced the scoring table, he had to announce my engagement...which started all sorts of hoots. We left at a more normal time this evening and had a booze fueled sleep.

Sunday morning: I decided to make homemade pancakes...no mix or nuttin'! And they turned out okay. I was quite pleased and will do it again some time in the future. R. went off to his folks house and I was left to watch "Girl with a Pearl Earring". What a great afternoon...though it was marred with the fact that I had to do some work. Then R. returned to watch Arsenal kick some tush & make it to 4th place, thus guaranteeing a return to the Champions league. Woohoo. We also did a touch of cleaning (well, I did a lot) and R. cooked dinner for me. We finished the night watching Invasion & Lost. Once again, a lovely evening.

So - too much food and drink...but lots of relaxation & fun. And now...it's back to Monday.

Checking

R. & moi are lying in bed, as per usual, and just snuggling. L. notices that R. is rather pensive. And so she says...

L. So, what's up?
R. I'm just thinking about things.
L. Like?
R. My new job, our relationship, fears.
L. What are you scared of?
R. Well, it's not really scared, maybe concerned, maybe just checking.
L. Checking?
R. Well, I always do checks about our relationship to make sure I'm doing the right thing. You know that I love you and that I am totally committed to marrying you, but I have to do these checks. I ask myself am I doing the right thing. Yes. Do I love her. Yes. Do I want to marry her. Yes. Will we most likely have a great future. Yes. And then I'm fine.
L. Hmm. I think I "checked" about 5 times in our relationship...early on, that first January after our first argument, February of this year when I was worried that you were going to break things off and your parents were being crazy mean about things...and of course when you asked me I did it instantly. Do I think about our future? Yes. But do I question our happiness or potential? No.
R. I know it's strange, but it's something I do. But know that I do love you. I just worry about my parents and what affects they can have on our relationship.
L. Honey - we get to choose what effects they have on us...if you & I decide that your parents WON'T have an effect on us, then it won't. We hold the key here.
R. I'm still worried.
L. I know.

Until I get married to R. his parents will have a hold on him and our relationship. It's so frickin' frustrating that this won't go away. I know it will have effects for life and that's one of the things I'll have to deal with, but I feel for R. He so doesn't want to make them unhappy...but he's going to have to. Or else make both of us unhappy. Ugh!

I received my first brochure for weddings/honeymoons at a "destination"...we are looking at Maritius, Indian (Goa & Kerala), Kenya and South Africa. We have thought about actually getting married at these locations but not sure as of yet. My parents may want to see me get married and offer to host a wedding and reception. I know that R. isn't interested in a church type wedding so I'm not sure how it would work out. This is one of those areas that we have to deal with as he's non-religious and I grew up in quite a religious family (even though I'm not into going to church either).

I'm trying to look at the pros & cons of each place we're thinking about...and doing as much research as I can online. Gotta love TripAdvisor. I can check out the comments of people. And of course I've gotten clicked in to a bunch of 'wedding' websites that cater to UK folk...so they write about these destinations. I checked out one American one and most people there stick to the Carribean, Hawaii and US locales (or Europe). So, hopefully we'll get enough information to make some decisions after our trip to the States in June/July. We'll need to book so that we can get the resort & time that we want (I think April of 2007). For a research geek like me, it's all sorts of fun! Can't wait to get more brochures that I can mark up for R. to look at after he's dealt with the fact that we're actually doing this marriage thing! ;-) Maybe it's time to go online and register at other sites...

I hate diets. I hate the idea of dieting. I had some food issues back in college so that I never want to go back there. Basically, my field hockey coach told me I was too fat. Yes, she told this to a 19 year old who had just lost a bunch of weight. I was probably 5' 5" at that point (I grew in college) and probably weighed about 130 lb with 22% body fat. Does this sound fat to you? So I decided to lose even more weight. I don't know what I actually weighed, but it's only due to beer that I kept a reasonable weight on...I ate next to nothing each day - a few bagels or some veggies. And then the woman had the nerve to have the captain come up and talk to me about losing too much weight when I hit 21. Are you kidding me? How much can you mess up a female's mind?!!!

So after that I decided that I would no longer go on diets. Of course, I have, but nothing as insane. And I still hate them. But the problem is...I've gained weight. I moved over here weighing in the 130s and am solidly in the mid-140s. I don't care about weight but I'm also not able to fit into clothing that I love and want to keep...plus shopping for bigger sizes really sucks! Especially in England as you are already 1-2 sizes larger to begin with (a size 10 in US is a size 12 or 14 in UK). And I know the reason I gained weight due to boy. Yup, spending so much time cooking with him and being served insane portions that he's encouraged me to eat has done me in. Yup - it's HIS fault. Okay...I recognize it's my fault but it's easier to take it out on him!

So...I decided to join Weight Watchers. And modify it. There is no way that I can exist on the amount of food that they want me to eat. It's insane. But it's making me look at my food differently - I am eating WAY more veggies...and cutting back on sugar...and eating smaller portions. And I am actually recording my food on the website. Whew. Hopefully I can keep this up and six months later I'll weigh my 'old' way. But in the meanwhile...I'm not on a diet. I'm just watching out for my health. (gulp)

I have started a specialized blog to write about my progress. I want to keep it separate from here, which is more about life & living. But if you want to check it out, please do: http://ukyankee.extrapounds.com/.

The Long Weekend

There have been a lot of good things about coming to work in the UK. For example, meeting the man of my dreams who I'll be marrying in the next year or so. Another example is the fact that the attitude toward socializing is much more relaxed...we even have small gatherings with alcohol AT work quite regularly. And if you wanted, you could hang with the 'gang' every Friday night (not that I want to or do...but I could). And finally, one of the best things (outside of meeting R.) is the fact that we have amazing vacations over here. Just yesterday we had a day off. Yup, another long weekend. And there will be another one at the end of the month. It's great! In my field, we typically get decent vacations anyway, but here it's even better (in my view!). So...what did I do with my time?

Friday: left work at around 4:30pm. R. was having his 'leaving do' to celebrate his last day at his job. I met him at the Princess Royal near Old Street station. I was the first there, at a pub with a bunch of servers and only 2 other customers. But I had smartly bought a paper & so got my vodka and tonic for the wait. R. showed up about 15 minutes later. Along with him, and soon after him, came his workmates. Now...imagine...a large number of IT guys (plus one woman) all together. Quite a sight, eh? I had fun chatting with them about R. and getting all sorts of dirt. R. decided that it was a night for him to get completely smashed as I was there to take care of him. Woohoo. I finally got him to leave 5 hours later so that we could get some food...he was blotto and couldn't really tell me where to go so we ended up at the first curry house along the way. It was fine, but I had a challenge of keeping R. on task and relatively quiet. Finally, we finished our food (it wasn't all that great) and got on the tube. Here I had to support R. (no seats) and keep him awake. I certainly got to laugh a bunch of times, though I have to admit I got a bit frustrated at points. But he's taken care of me plenty of times, so he rightly deserved the chance to go all out. I finally poured him into bed where he proceeded to snore his night away.

Saturday: Time for a walk. I left Cricklewood at around 11:30am for a picnic in Hampstead Heath. I brought my map as I was going to walk over to Hampstead and then down toward the southeast end where a bunch of friends were gathering. Hampstead is a rather interesting place...not at all on a grid system. So I winded in and out of roads, getting a touch turned around at times and ended up much higher up than I expected. But it was lovely. The houses there can be so quaint and pretty. And while it was up hill, I knew that I'd hit the 'down' soon! I went to the outdoor market & purchases some lovely looking raspberries for my meal (I decided to go on a diet after the night before...Weight Watchers, here I come!). In and out of roads, finding paths to where I was going. Finally, I found the path I was looking for and 1 hour and 30 minutes later, I was at the picnic site. There I was joined by the hosts and eventually by 7 others, plus 2 babies/kids. We ate some food (I ate more than my berries I'm afraid...bad dieter, bad!), laughed and wine was poured (I was good and had a very small glass).

R. did not join me as he had a cricket match...and I had promised to come and see some of it. So a few hours later, I went on my merry way, walking toward the cricket pitch. I missed seeing him bat (46 pts) but was able to get there before the end. His team won. Which was good as he wasn't feeling particularly well at that moment! Hee hee. We hung out with the team for a bit and then headed home to cook. I was going to make a lovely Mediterranean dish but we didn't have any tomatoes, fresh or otherwise and I wasn't in the mood to run out. So instead I decided to use the salsa and make a Mexican meal with roasted peppers & onion to boot. And it turned out quite nice too!

R. decided that he would join me in watching "The Chorus". He's not really into independent films, but this one he truly loved. It's the story of a boy's school for 'bad boys', a few years after WWII. A teacher arrives who treats them compassionately and who begins a choir. He saves a few boys along the way. It was wonderful. A good ending to a great day.

Sunday: The boys went out to play cricket, so my friend, G., invited me to go shopping. We met at noon at TK Maxx (like TJ Maxx in the States). We tried on all sorts of things, from dresses to shoes to tops to skirts. And we each found a few things. G. found a lovely blue polka dot dress that fit her to a tee, as well as a cute stripy top that would be great with jeans or a black skirt. I found a pair of shoes with a wedge heal that ties up around your ankle...it's tan with little flowers on it...different than anything else I own. I also purchased a black & white skirt with a bold print, a 1/2 sleeve sweater with embroidered flowers and a black tank sweater with white trim that will go well with the skirt or almost anything else. And it was all for £75! The price of a decent pair of shoes. I was chuffed. We then walked over to the mall. There we didn't find any clothing, but were able to get some jewelry. In a fit of accessorizing, I bought two pairs of earrings and 2 necklaces that were on sale at Mikey. As I don't own too much jewelry but wanted to branch out, I was pleased with my purchases.

I ended my Sunday with R. We didn't do too much as we were both tired.

Monday: R. & I went to the Science Museum. I think we're a bit too old for the place in a lot of ways, even though we did find a few things to be interesting. I was disappointed that they had removed the psychology section, but did enjoy other parts. We left after about 2 hrs, which was just in time as it was getting packed! We had been thinking about heading to the Museum of Natural History but the queue was huge. Nah...not worth it, plus R. was dead tired. So off to home it was. We rested a bit, ate some leftovers for lunch, then went food shopping. Finished the day watching Arsenal win though one of their young new players got nailed and may be badly hurt. I cut R's hair to be ready for his new job today. And then off to bed. It was my favorite part of the day...we chose to go to bed 1 hour early so that we could lie there and chat. We end up talking about so much more when we're in the dark and lying there. It was a good cuddle and then off to sleep.

Yup, a good long weekend. Hopefully the week will continue with this trend!

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!

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?

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 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.

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!

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.

Happy Easter!

I'm on my way to my old house to have bbq with R. and A. Since none of us are particularly religious, nor have family to celebrate with, we're doing it together. We invited others but they all have plans. So that's my celebration - that plus chocolate. Not a bad way to go!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.