Mo In London

Travel Blog - COMING SOON!

Friday, June 30, 2006

It's Friday!!!! And the sun is out in London:)

Last night we popped by our old flat to pick up the mail we still haven't changed addressees on. WOW does it look different! Richard's room is now a billiards room with a really really nice pool table, all the awful carpet in the flat has been replaced by nice wood flooring. All the ugly peach, yellow and bright green walls have been painted, and even the kitchen tiling has been replaced. It just looks so foreign - SO SO much better!
Murray played 3 games of pool against our old landlord, it was nice to catch up a bit.

And now - because there isn't much else to talk about - a few cute pictures for this lovely sunny Friday.
(and please cross your fingers for Murray & myself - The British 10k London Run is on Sunday - I just hope it's not too hot!)


My Mother & Father-in-law's puppy Emma - she is 7 months old - isn't she CUTE!!



An old picture of our god child Abigail jamming on Murray's drums.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

It's almost the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhh poor Mr. Henman lost again, but that really was a terrible draw! Shame.
However, Andy Roddick(USA), Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) and thankfully Andy Murray (GBR) - those are the guys I'm cheering for!
It made me sad to see 'the poo' is out as well (Mark Philippoussis). We saw him play when we went a few years ago - wow is he a huge guy in real life!

In other exciting news, after and exhausting run along the river last night Murray and I saw down to watch an unauthorized Beastie Boys documentary called 'Horseplay.' It was really interesting, and I even learned some new facts about my FAVOURITE BAND EVER!

Today the office is nice and quiet again as a lot of the people are away at a 'course' (i.e. golf course). So, I'm looking forward to a nice day of listening to music while hanging out with my super fun spreadsheets:)

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Everyone please cross your fingers for Tim Henman!!!

Poor Tim Henman, he has played at Wimbledon 15 times, and STILL never got further than the second round. He really has terrible luck as well - today he has to play Roger Federer who is ranked number one. Apparently Tim has beat him 6 times before, but that was years ago. I'm starting to feel about Federer the way I feel about the Williams sisters, I'm sick of watching them ALWAYS win - and I'm hoping they lose. Since only Venus is playing this year I don't think that'll be a problem, but it will be interesting to see if there's anyone good enough this year to beat Federer. I definitely want to go one evening after work and try to see a match! Now we just need to pick a day and DO IT!

Ahhhh in other exciting news I finally have become part of the ipod generation. I bought a used ipod mini (because they don't even sell those anymore!). It's pink & little & cute and I love it:) I didn't want to spend a ton because the only thing I'll use it for is running - at the gym - and at the 10k I'm running on Sunday. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 4 days away - holy cow - I am NOT ready. But, I am convinced that by listening to good music I will be motivated to not worry about the fact that I didn't train enough:)

Thus, tonight - off to the gym to run some more!!!

Oh - and last night while channel surfing I realized we has missed the first 10 minutes of the OC finale!!!! Shame Marissa (I can't seem to remember her real name right now) already blabbed to the press months ago what was going to happen. I won't say here though - cause I believe Australia is quite a few episodes behind us. It wasn't a great end of the season though, not nearly as much action as I think there should have been. Oh well.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

GO ENGLAND - GO WIMBLEDON

Australia is out of the World Cup as of last night. According to the Australians I know (i.e. my husband) they were cheated by bad refs. Shame.

And Wimbledon was rained out yesterday. They were only able to play for 45 minutes, and the club rule is that if there is less than 1 hour of play they will give full refunds. So they had to refund 1 million pounds worth of tickets - WOW! I was thinking - if England plays in the world cup on Saturday - maybe we should go queue up for Wimbledon that day. I wonder if most people will be glued to their tv sets instead of wanting to stand out in the hot sun to watch tennis. Hmmmmmmm

Also, according to the newspaper this morning London is now the 5th most expensive city, behind Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong. HOWEVER, I don't agree with the rent they listed for a '2 bed luxury flat' in London - I think it's actually MUCH higher than that. After looking at 60 flats while looking for a new place to live, I have a good idea of prices and I think the article really underestimated the rental prices in London. I know for sure that you wouldn't be able to get a luxury 2 bed flat for that price! The prices for public transport and a lunch of a burger and fries were also the highest for London out of the list. Interesting.

A few more funny pictures!

The Cigar Boys (from left - Murray, my Dad, and my Uncle Kevin)

Grandma Sis & her homeys (Kevin & my Dad)

ha ha ha ha ha ha

Thanks to Joni for the pictures - this one totally made my day:)

Monday, June 26, 2006

A few more pics from our trip to MN

Me & Grandma Sally


Grandpa Don & I braving the elements (i.e. bugs) on the non-screened in porch.

And yes, I did wear that jacket every evening - I didn't want the bugs & flys attacking me though!!!

Our little Australian flat

Murray just sent me this map which shows just how close our flat in Manly is to the ocean. **SIGH** Looking forward to the day when we can walk to the beach any time we want!!!

Our flat is on the corner of Pine Street and Balgowlah Road. Just on the bottom right edge of the green park area you can see on the map:) It's about a 5 minute walk to the beach!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, Nicole Kidman got married in Manly just this past weekend! I bet the buzz was exciting - but I can understand why she chose a church in the area - it's just gorgeous!!!

It's raining for the first time in weeks today - Ahhhh must be the first day of Wimbledon!

It seems like the rain always seems to coincide with the first day of Wimbledon. I read all about who's who in this year's tournament in the paper this morning. England's hopes are resting on Tim Henman (again) and the new guy all of England has they hopes pinned on - Andy Murray. However, ever our papers concede that the only person who may have a chance in knocking Federer off his thrown may be Andy Roddick. It will be interesting to see what happens. We didn't go to any of the matches last year, but this year I'd REALLY like to go, even if it's just one evening after work. We'll have to make an effort to get out there - especially since it's only 2 tube stops from where we live!!!

In other sports news (since when did I become interested in sport? - weird), England beat Ecuador yesterday (as I'm sure EVERYONE knows by now). Good on Beckham for winning the match for us. Kinda gross that he was ill on the pitch though - I hope he feels better for Saturday's match against Portugal. Australia plays tonight - that'd be great if they got through to the quarter finals too - fingers crossed!

It was a lovely weekend, although it went MUCH too quickly. I think that was partly because we slept into noon both days, but my jet lagged body demanded it! And I feel MUCH better today:) Saturday I went to an 'American Get Together' of a group of a bunch of American ladies who are married or engaged to Brits and living over here. It was great to meet a few new people, and see old friends. And it was a fabulous day weather wise! That evening Murray and I went to see the movie United 93. Oh wow was that emotional. So so so sad. But the movie itself was really well done and it was interesting to see the story from that point of view.

Sunday we caught up with our friend Eva and her little one Abigail. Abby is hilarious - seems like every time we see her she has learned tons of new words. Yesterday she was politely saying 'Yes Please' and even said 'Bye Murray'! Too cute. We also managed to finally finish most of the unpacking which felt REALLY good!!!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Northern Minnesota is Beautiful!

My aunt Joni just sent me these photos from our trip up North. I loved them SO much I just had to post them. Hopefully we can get our photos uploaded this weekend:)

Fishing at sunset

Grandpa Don entertaining us around the campfire

Go England! Go Australia!

Although I haven't really been following the World Cup, and I really don't understand the rules of football, I'm still getting a little caught up in the excitement. A colleague explained the points system to me yesterday, so this morning I was able to read the results and actually understand what they mean which was nice. Shame that USA is out now, but well done to Australia to making it to the 'Knockout Round' this weekend. England plays Ecuador on Sunday and Australia is up against Italy on Monday - good luck guys! I just like the term 'knockout round' - seems like a funny term for football!

Last night the ONLY thing on at the gym was a special about the world cup, so I watched it while forcing myself to run. It was interesting seeing how excited people in the UK are about England's chances, shame that Michael Owen got hurt though! It felt great to get back to the gym, so much so that I brought my stuff again today to go for a run again after work!

I am SO glad it's FRIDAY!!!! AND I'm glad that I finally unpacked last night so now we can walk into our room without tripping over suitcases. Bring on weekend!!!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Hats, metros and old flatmates

Yet another exciting journey to work via public transport.
Well, not really.
This morning I was running late again. I totally blame desperate housewives. The finale last night was great, but staying up til midnight and only getting 6 1/2 hours of sleep just doesn't work for me.

Unfortunately I found out this morning that taking the bus in the morning is NOT the same as taking the tube. I left about the same time as yesterday, but waited for the bus for AGES! While yesterday I arrived at work perfectly on time, today I was 20 minutes late. Back to my normal time of leaving tomorrow I think (IF I can get out of bed on time for once this week)!

***BREAKING GOSSIP NEWS*****
Just heard via my sister in law that Nicole Kidman is getting married Manly!!!! That's where our flat is and where she lives along with some of our friends. HOW COOL!

Anyhow, back to me:)
While waiting for the bus I spotted our ex-flatmate. She looked fabulous! Really great haircut, cool clothes etc. unlike me today in my company polo shirt - I was just too tired to bother trying to look nice today. She didn't see me though, or didn't recognize me. It's just so strange to see someone you haven't seen in years.

When I FINALLY got to the train station there were tons of girls on the platform waiting for the train with their fancy hats and dresses on. Ahhhhh I want to go to Ascot!!! How fun. Heather and Andrea are going today - I'm so jealous! But, I am really looking forward to seeing their pictures.
Some people's taste in 'hats' kinda scares me though, one of the girls this morning had a big funny lime green feather thing pinned to her head - is that really considered a hat?

Once I finally got on the tube I found I was DESPERATE for a copy of the metro (the free newspaper that comes out daily). I used to be able to pick one up right when I got on the tube, but now that I have to catch the bus first I'm not able to get one til I find a spare one lying on the train. Funny the little things that you miss. I really love reading it in the morning though. It's a great quick bite of all of the news, just perfect for a half hour train journey.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad tomorrow is Friday.
Our goal this weekend is to COMPLETELY finish unpacking this weekend. I hacked away at it a bit last night, assembling the other bedside table and starting to wash some of the dirty clothes that had built up. Tonight I really need to unpack our suitcases so we don't keep tripping over them every time we enter the room! I can't wait to see what the place looks like once it's finally all sorted out. Fingers crossed we can take pictures this weekend - then I can post some on Monday!!!!!!!

And even though I haven't been following the world cup at all - GOOD LUCK to Australia tonight!!!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Maybe in a former life I was a Pirate? or British?

Ahhh isn't the Dentist FUN! I'm so glad I have a dentist who works late one night a week. It's so nice not to have to take any time off work to go and have my teeth poked at. My appointment last night was at 6:40pm. It was unpleasant, but my dentist is nice (Australian - of course!).
Unfortunately though I will have to have 2 fillings replaced. One that was done improperly years ago, and one that has cracked in half. I asked him if that was because of previous shoddy dentistry or not, and he said he had no idea, that it may just be wear & tear (well, the broken one at least - the other one I KNOW was shoddy). Then he of course pointed out that I DO have lots of fillings after all. (hanging head in shame) Maybe that's cause I was a pirate in a former life????? I take back that British statement in my post title though. That's really a misconception that the rest of the world makes. Although it IS nearly impossible to get a NHS dentist (thus, why we go to an expensive Australian dentist and have to pay it all out of pocket). Or maybe it has to do with the fact that I have never flossed enough? No, I think it was the pirate thing - you know, that whole wooden teeth thing?

Anyhow, so now I'm booked in a month from now to have both done one evening after work. Won't that be fun - since they are on opposite sides of my mouth my WHOLE mouth area will be numbed. I just hope I don't drool on the tube ride home!!

Last night we watched the OC - so confusing when you miss a week though! I was like 'WHAT - Seth and Summer are back together??? what happened? But like any good soap opera, we put 2 and 2 together and figured it out by the end of the episode. Tonight is a BIG night for UK couch potatoes - the 2 hour double header finale of Desperate Housewives - I can't wait!!! I'm not sure how many weeks we have missed though - will have to check on their website.

Last night I was very proud of myself. After poking Murray to wake up (he fell asleep in the Dentist waiting room while waiting for me to finish), I was wide awake! I thought - 'WOW I got over my jet lag fast' pat on the back for me. But alas I was still feeling that way at midnight - not good. So I had to take a sleeping pill to get to sleep. I have no idea how long I was lying in bed thinking about work (sad, I know) but I did solve a few problems and mentally note my to do list. All I know is I was KNACKERED this morning, AND that I can leave 20 minutes later then I usually do and still get to work on time:)

Lateness aside though it's been a Fantastic day at work so far. All the hard work I did before my holiday has paid off and is making things run nice and smoothly for me. Now, I gotta get back to it - lots to do!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN

Well after falling asleep on the couch at 6:30 last night then crawling in bed so exhausted I slept in my jeans, I feel slightly refreshed. I woke up at 1am stressing that I didn't know where my phone was, and therefore had no idea what time it was. Then woke up again at 5am, stressing that I didn't know where my phone was and finding it on the bedside table, hmmmm I don't remember actually finding it earlier. But STILL forgetting to turn on my alarm. So, after 12 hours of sleep I still feel a bit woozy, but much better than yesterday. I had one of those alarming tube journeys home yesterday where I dozed off them jumped up with a start when the doors opened at my stop.

Thankfully when we got home the cable guy arrived EARLY - that was a surprise - to install our cable tv and internet connection. Unfortunately he arrived just as I had finished making dinner so we ate standing in the kitchen while he threaded multiple cords around our living room trying to get it all hooked up. We had the same set-up at our last place, but they make you cancel and resubscribe when you move. However, this dude was extremely knowledgeable (about the tv menus) and showed us loads of shortcuts and even channels we didn't know we had - good to know!

I also realised last night that tonight I have a dentist appointment. Fun. And that we are scheduled to run in a 10km run a week from Sunday. I found the 8 week training programme they included with our info packet in our room. Hmmm I wonder how much of that I can fit into a week and a half? Must get on that asap! After recovering from jet lag of course though.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Wow Jet Lag Stinks!

It's 6:30am and I'm at work. Our plane got in 45 minutes early, and I got to go through the UK immigration line for the first time ever! That was seriously the quickest time I have got through the UK immigration EVER!

Ok, screen going blurry, I apologise ahead of time for misspellings or blabbing on and on. Just got off the flight and came straight to work. First of all, I was very disappointed when we got on the plane in Chicago. They had announced that the flight was oversold because of the world cup, and that anyone who wanted to delay their flight until the next day would get put up in a hotel, food vouchers, and $600 worth of travel vouchers on United. So, we volunteered. They had us sit and wait until everyone had boarded, and even assured me when I asked what was going on that we were going to get to stay the night. Then last minute they told us we had to board. And of course when we got on everyone stared at us because we were the last people to get our seats, and they all gave us that 'oh it's YOU who's delaying us taking off' look. Oh well.

Anyhow, so it was an overnight flight, and of course we had some loud excited ladies behind us who talked the WHOLE time (I admit did shush them at one point)! And I just wasn't tired and the seats were too cramped to be comfortable to sleep in, etc etc. So now I will just do some work today and try to last at least 6 hours before going home to collapse.

The trip was fantastic. So sad to leave.

The Sunday before we headed to the house boats we spent all day out on a series of connected lakes in the Brainerd area with our good friends and her parents. It was SO much fun. A gorgeous day, awesome boat, really beautiful lake. It was really sad to leave them - but a lot of fun to catch up!

One funny thing - while in Brainerd we went to get a fishing license. We got a married license because it was cheaper cause I still have my Minnesota driving license. So they had to type in all of Murray's information and the guy couldn't figure our how to use the machine properly, so now my husband is 6 foot 33 inches tall! Also while in Brainerd of COURSE we stopped and got some salad dressings, candy corn and miniature recess peanut butter cups – yummy!

The house boat was a fun experience. We left early Monday morning and drove to meet my family to then drive together the final 2 hours. We had two house boats, for 14 people in total. The lake we went on (Rainy Lake) is in WAY Northern Minnesota near International Falls, which is on the border of Canada. The lake is gigantic! My Dad put it in perspective for me by telling me that the lake my parents live by is about 20 square acres, Rainy Lake is about 200 square acres! Holy cow!

We stayed on the house boats through to Friday morning. Thankfully it didn’t live up to it’s name and it only rained one day though! Every day we'd move to another site. Because it is all national protected land there are very very few cabins, and a lot of marked sites where you can tie up. Each boat also had a little fishing boat with it, although we weren't super successful at the fishing (but not by lack of trying)! We caught about a dozen fish in total I think?? We had some nice Walleye and Northerns for dinner one night. But then when we returned the boats we heard the boat behind us caught 500 fish in their week on the house boat! They must have absolutely fished non stop to have caught that many though, and they did say they’ve been coming for 20 years – so I suppose they know where the fish are.

It was fun to catch up with everyone, and relaxing. We spent the days fishing, relaxing in the sun reading and just chatting. At night after dinner we played one of the many board games my aunt brought, and it was just a great trip!

The only downside was the bugs!!! Murray was attacked, he must have tasty blood because he has TONS of bites. I didn't have as many bites, but I did have 3 terrible deer fly bites which swelled to frightening proportions! I woke up one morning to find one had bit me on the lip while I was sleeping leaving me with a hugely swollen lip all day. Let's just say I did not pose for any pictures that day.

Anyhow, so after a nice week we drove back Friday and some more family came over Friday evening for dinner. It was nice to catch up with that group too!!!

Saturday we slept in a little then hung out at the house all morning. That afternoon we hit the Mall of America for a spot of shopping. It was a bit sickening though to see many things we have bought recently in the UK for literally half the price, oh well. Then that evening we met up for dinner with a few of my friends and that was great to catch up a bit!!!

Sunday we got up early and had a nice breakfast at a local favourite place.

Now we're back. I am SO SO exhausted. Glad to be back, but sad to leave. It's always hard to leave, I miss the people a lot. But, I treasure the time I had with them, and will look forward to our next visit:)

Ok - now I have to try to get some work done!!!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Ahhhhh Life is Good

I sit writing this up in Northern Minnesota with a cup of coffee in my hand and a view of the gorgeous Brainerd countryside.
After a VERY long journey (18 hours from the time we left work to the time we landed in Minnesota) we made it here. Jet lag is still kicking my butt - we both woke up at 4am this morning - thinking we had slept through to the afternoon. Hmmm apparently not.
Of course on our third and final flight, our luggage didn't make it, so we had to wait on Saturday until our suitcase was delivered. It finally arrived at 1:00 in the afternoon and was filthy. I guess not only did they forget to put it on the right plane, they also rolled it around in the mud - thanks!
It's good to be home. My dog is all grey in the face - she looks so old! But was happy to see me, I think she recognises me still? My sisters look mature and so grown up and pretty. Mom and Dad and Grandma look good - was great to see everyone.
Right now we're up North visiting with our friends and staying at their fantastic house. We enjoyed a great huge steak last night for dinner and tonight we're off to go out on the boat (if it hopefully doesn't rain!!!).
Tomorrow we're off bright and early to drive up to meet the rest of the group to drive up to WAY Northern Minnesota for the house boat trip. Our vehicle is packed with all the dry goods - wow it takes a lot of food to feed 14 people for 5 days! I just hope it doesn't rain the whole time, fingers crossed. The weather here is a bit chilly - about 15c (60f), but it doesn't matter - it's the people we're glad to see!!!!

Friday, June 09, 2006

I'm off - here I come MINNESOTA!

Just a quick post cause I have a TON of work to get done before I leave in 2 hours.
It was fun lugging our suitcase from the bus, to the tube, to the site bus today. I'm sure lugging it again on the site bus, the tube, and through the airport will be a blast!
Murray has his gigantic camera bag with him - I swear that thing is heavier than the large suitcase I'm dragging around. We finished packing late last night, well - Murray did - after he repacked all our stuff so that it would fit.

Amazing how even when you pack VERY little (I only brought 2 pairs of shoes after all - that's nothing!) that the bag still fills up incredibly quickly.

Bring on catching up with family& friends, Target, free refills on drinks, and American candy!!! It's been WAY too long since I've been back - I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will try to blog a bit while I'm home, but I doubt that we'll have access very often.

I can't believe that we're leaving London just at the hottest day of the year is about to happen - tomorrow it is due to be 31c (about 92f). But I'm SO glad to be going home AND going on holiday - I need a break!

Chow:)

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Ahhhhh THAT is why the office is so quiet today

I just overheard that all of the management are at a 'meeting' today
i.e. the golf course

Oh well, it's almost easier to get work done with all of them gone and SO quiet!

GET YOUR FREE BARBECUE!!!


This is not a wind up. These stores are starting a promotion for the World Cup.
You actually can get a free BBQ grill from any of the following stores.
But you have got to be quick

Asda

B & Q

Homebase

Waitrose

Sainsburys

Safeway

Tesco

Spar

Wal-Mart


I especially like the higher shelf which can be used for keeping things warm!

He he he - this was just too funny not to post!

T Minus 30 Hours

Am I counting down - yes, I'm a geek like that. Thirty hours until we fly out - WHOO HOOO. We got emailed a fishing report from my aunt yesterday. Apparently the walleyes and northerns have been biting using minnows and leeches. Yuck. I like to fish once and a while, but I plan to leave the full day excursions on this trip to the boys. We are going up to WAY WAY Northern Minnesota for a 5 night house boat trip with my family, my grandparents, and my aunt, uncle and two cousins. We have two gigantic boats and that's all I know really. I'm just looking forward to catching up with everyone and relaxing. Weather.com is reporting to me that the weather forecast for next week is improving (thank goodness!) to the mid to high 70's by the end of next week. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain the whole time!

Last night I made one of my favourite summer salads, the recipe is from my Mom. Lettuce, sliced up mango, sliced up strawberries and finely chopped fresh mint leaves. With a little bit of vinaigrette dressing on top - yummy! That's what I'm having for lunch today too!

Also last night I tried my hand at a bit of DIY. While watching the newest episode of Desperate Housewives I put together my bedside table. Murray came in on a commercial break and was a bit worried about the bits and pieces scattered across the floor. But - hey - my job while I was in high school and part of college was soldering - I know my way around tools! I got it completely put together other than the last bit which is hammering the base onto the dresser. It was 11pm by that stage and I didn't want to bang on it and possibly disturb the neighbours - will finish it off tonight:) Oh and I must say - I tend to agree with Murray now after last night's episode - Desperate Housewives IS starting to get the level of drama that Melrose Place had. It was SUCH a dramatic episode last night. Bring on the 90's guitar rifts! Now all they need is a guest appearance by Heather Locklear!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

It's sunny in London again

Ohhhhh The Omen was SCARY! I admit it - I did scream out loud at one point! But that was the great thing about the movie, the frights were unexpected! I was really disappointed in Julia Styles though, I usually really like her, but her acting was so wooden. I just kept watching her thinking 'act girl - you're an actress!' I haven't seen the original, but our friends & Murray said it was a good remake, and pretty true to the story. That boy is really creepy looking! Although he only said about two words during the whole movie he still freaked me out! Let's just say it took me ages to get to sleep last night - I kept hearing creepy noises in the dark!

Also, we went to dinner before the movie with our friends Heather & Jason to Bodeans - a 'BBQ Smokehouse.' Oh wow I love their food, and service is SO fantastic! I got the 'Bodeans Wrap' again - which is pulled pork that you put in a tortilla with sour cream, salsa, jalapenos and of course TONS of BBQ sauce - YUMMY! The boys of course got steak as Tuesdays is half price steak night. Anyhow, was a great meal!

I have on my mind the list of things I need to get done before we leave on Friday, must get on top of that tonight!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

It's TOOOOSDAY

Another beautiful day in London, and another day stuck in the office.
The count down is on - we fly out 78 hours from now - exciting!

As today is the 6th day of the 6th month of 2006 tonight we are going to see the remake of 'The Omen' on opening night. Ohhhhhhh creepy! Well, not really. I don't believe in that stuff, but they have been advertising that movie like crazy over her - that it's premiering on 666. Looks scary though - too bad I never got around to watching the original this weekend - oh well.

Nothing else exciting to report, other than I am reading a REALLY good book right now. My sister-in-law Helen sent me the book Once Upon a Day by Lisa Tucker. I am SO sucked into the story - all I really want to do today is sit and finish reading it, but alas I have to work. **SIGH**
I'm looking forward to my tube journey home though - such a good read!

Monday, June 05, 2006

Some photos - for your viewing pleasure:)

Our living room - as it looked the day we moved in!

Murray lugging the wardrobe we took from one of the upstairs bedrooms down for us!

A view of the Putney riverside on Saturday


Another view of the Putney riverside


Murray and his new BBQ!


Ahhh isn't it cute!

Abby checking out Murray wearing her new hat



Eva, Abigail & Me with our new picnic backpack

Our BBQ - with chicken, meatballs & sausage!

Murray & Abby taking a nap

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What a Beautiful weekend!

It was a fantastic weekend.

Saturday we hung out in the park near the 'best pub in London' (according to an article I read last year) The White Horse in Parsons Green with our friends. We got fantastic thick juicy burgers from the pub's outdoor BBQ and relaxed in the park with a pint. I love that they let you take your drinks into the park, there was even a waitress how came around the park once & awhile to collect glasses!

Sunday we hit the park again - it was just too nice to stay in. We bought a little BBQ and all the supplies we'd need an enjoyed a great meal with our friend Eva & her little cutie Abigail. It was a gorgeous day, I even got a little bit of a tan!

But before going to the park on Saturday we went to get the few pieces of furniture that we needed: two bedside tables, one more shelf, a storage unit for the bathroom & a bbq (of course). We went to one of those stores where you pick out what you need in the magazine, order it, then wait at a counter to collect it (ahhh don't you just love Argos?). Of course we didn't realise until everything came out that it was too much for us to carry! We dragged it all to the nearest exit of the shopping centre then I sprinted down the road to the taxi stand to get a lift. Even though it's only a 5 minute walk to our flat I knew we couldn't make it with all that stuff! Oh well. Now it's starting to feel more like our home, and we're just about completely unpacked - YAY!

Today, as I walked to the canteen to get something to eat, I noticed it is also a fantastic day. Shame I'm stuck in front of a computer and not outside. But nothing can break my good mood - we leave for Minnesota in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

weekend pictures to be posted soon!

Friday, June 02, 2006

NOW I feel like a real Londoner

Last night I really felt like a proper Londoner.
I got off the tube and walked down to the river and sat down on a bench to take off my pretty work shoes and put on my white socks and trainers (tennis shoes). Then I walked home along the same riverside path I had taken in the morning. However, since I didn't have any music to listen to, and had already enjoyed the view that morning I decided to keep myself entertained by reading while walking. Plus, I was JUST about done with the book my sister-in-law gave me ''Ya-Ya's in Bloom' and I wanted to know how it ended! So I did the thing I have become quite good at - walking while reading while still keeping an eye out for runners, bikers and pot holes. It took me a lot longer that usual because I was walking so slowly, but by the time I got home I was SO relaxed!

I remember when I first moved to London and thought it was funny when I saw people in work clothes with trainers on, and people who read while they walked. Now if I just start saying Cheers more often I'll be totally integrated!

It's nice weather today in London - and they say it may even get up to 25 c (80 f) tomorrow - YAY! It's about time we got some nice weather - I want to play tennis!

Tonight I'm off to The Comedy Store in central London with some friends. I'm really looking forward to it as I've wanted to go for AGES - I hope it's a good show!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Tag - I'm It

Ok - so I've been tagged by Beth

I'm still new to this whole blogging thing - but I guess that means I have to take the questions she answered and answer them myself. Also, I am SUPPOSED to tag other people, but seeing as most of the blogs I read have already been tagged I won't.

5 Items In My Fridge
Bottled Water (I hate drinking London water - bleh)
Avocado & Mint salad dressing
Natural Cottage Cheese
Cous Cous with Roasted Veggies
Strawberries

5 Items In My Closet
Many many pairs of cute shoes
My pretty dress I bought for our wedding party in Australia
A bunch of belts I never wear
Boring work collared shirts
Murray's jeans - there wasn't room in his closet

5 Items In My Car
I don't have a car - just public transport for me:)

5 Items In My Purse
Tube Pass
Mobile Phone
Book to read
Kleenex
Lip Gloss

I LOVE the Ballet!!!!

Last night I went to see 'The Sleeping Beauty' at the Royal Opera House with a group of girlfriends. It was AMAZING!!!!
Yes, our seats were absolutely awful (but I guess you can't expect too much when the tickets are only£5)! Which meant we couldn't see the two most important scenes of the show (when she pricks her finger on the spindle and when the prince kisses her back to life) because they took place on far stage right. Booo:(
BUT, it was still fantastic. The costumes were stunning, the prima ballerina was amazing, and the company of dancers were all wonderful. There were about 20 ballerinas in total, but the lead ballerina was unbelievable. The amount of time that girl could stand on one toe with her other toe practically touching the back of her head while she was spun around was unreal!
Although, I can't say that was my favourite ballet. It was half confusing mime and the other half was mostly the many many performances for the king & queen as they looked on. I prefer a more flowing story - like Swan Lake.
I'm glad I went though, and I'm really going to try to start making an effort to go see at least one show a month, whether it's the ballet, opera, a musical or a play. With all the options in London it's just a shame not to.

No, I didn't take this photo (we were in the nose bleed seats after all!). I found this photo on the web from a performance of The Sleeping Beauty - aren't ballerinas just amazing? I love the ballet!

Oh - and pat on the back for myself this morning - even though I was exhausted when I got up (the ballet was 3 hours long after all - which meant I got home LATE!), I still got my running shoes on and did the half hour walk to the tube station whether than walking, bus, then tube. It was a nice walk, very refreshing and I still got to work at exactly the same time! I will definitely have to start doing that more often!

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