I figured out a way to update my blog from work.... I've beat the system! I promise to bring my camera tomorrow and upload piccies of my old (temporary) flat and the new. I hope to spend the upcoming weekend doing "tourist" things (e.g., sightseeing, shopping, taking pics, etc.) That should provide you some better sites to look at online.
A big Happy 3rd Birthday to Caroline and Jane! I wish I could have been there for the festivities! I think about you (and all my nieces and nephews) every day. I wish I could be with you all.
As I've alluded to before, work is work. I seem to be spending way too many of my hours getting the "florescent suntan" from the office lights. I thought the UK would be a break from the rat race of the US. I was wrong. I'm struggling between making my mark on the UK and fighting for the next step up the ladder and really enjoying my rotation and seeing all I can while in Europe. I've never been one to be a slouch but maybe it's my turn. I honestly keep thinking that job title doesn't mean much BUT missing out on Europe means a lot. Coming to grips with this is a lot harder than I ever imagined.
While I may have figured out how to blog at work, I probably shouldn't spend all my time online. Back soon!
B-
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Dark
Sorry for the delayed posting. I don't have broadband at my house yet and they block all the "fun" sites at the office. So, here I sit at the Northcote Library blogging away. (Mom, you will be happy to know I have my library card and have a stack of books to take with me today.)
Where to begin...
Well, as I alluded to above, I have successfully "moved" into my new flat. (I don't consider taking three bags in a taxi moving, but you get the point.) The flat is OK, if only I could figure out the boiler (furnace). It seems to be smarter than I am right now. After freezing my hiney off for a couple of nights, I made a trip to a department store and purchased the biggest, fuzziest, warmest blanket I could find. I am trying to be patient until the remainder of my stuff comes from the US. That will definitely help me feel more settled.
Work, is work. After a couple of mornings on an overcrowded tube that suffers from constant delays, I found my way to the overland train. While my morning walk is now 20 minutes rather than 10, my commute drops from over an hour to a bit less. In due time, I will have a new client and have to go through this all over again.
Oddly enough, I find myself working quite a lot right now. I thought this was going to be a relief from the manic hours and overall craziness of life in the US. Not so. This next week will be a busy nightmare, but I will figure it all out.
I have met loads of great people here. Some English, French, Aussies, Americans, etc. Everyone has been fairly friendly. I think I've lucked out on my neighbors. They seem to be the greatest. Upon my arrival, I was greated with two pages of notes on the area where I live, tips on places to try and tricks on how to survive the morning commute. I am truly blessed.
I already have an invite to a SuperBowl party. Game time is 11:05pm, so I'm not quite sure how much I will see but it will be fun none-the-less. Another American is trying to figure out a way to watch the US commercials during the game. Otherwise, we are stuck with these Englishmen sitting around a desk and talking about a game their barely understand. Keep your fingers crossed and GO BEARS! I am desperately waiting for the next SuperBowl shuffle.
My time at the library is coming to an end. I need to run back to the house and clean up before I meet a fellow ex-pat for dinner and a beer up in Clapham. My broadband doesn't get installed until March (ugh) but I will plan on coming by here at least once a week or figuring something else out. Also, I have pics to post but can't do it from here. They are forthcoming, I promise!
Miss you all dearly.
Love,
B-
Where to begin...
Well, as I alluded to above, I have successfully "moved" into my new flat. (I don't consider taking three bags in a taxi moving, but you get the point.) The flat is OK, if only I could figure out the boiler (furnace). It seems to be smarter than I am right now. After freezing my hiney off for a couple of nights, I made a trip to a department store and purchased the biggest, fuzziest, warmest blanket I could find. I am trying to be patient until the remainder of my stuff comes from the US. That will definitely help me feel more settled.
Work, is work. After a couple of mornings on an overcrowded tube that suffers from constant delays, I found my way to the overland train. While my morning walk is now 20 minutes rather than 10, my commute drops from over an hour to a bit less. In due time, I will have a new client and have to go through this all over again.
Oddly enough, I find myself working quite a lot right now. I thought this was going to be a relief from the manic hours and overall craziness of life in the US. Not so. This next week will be a busy nightmare, but I will figure it all out.
I have met loads of great people here. Some English, French, Aussies, Americans, etc. Everyone has been fairly friendly. I think I've lucked out on my neighbors. They seem to be the greatest. Upon my arrival, I was greated with two pages of notes on the area where I live, tips on places to try and tricks on how to survive the morning commute. I am truly blessed.
I already have an invite to a SuperBowl party. Game time is 11:05pm, so I'm not quite sure how much I will see but it will be fun none-the-less. Another American is trying to figure out a way to watch the US commercials during the game. Otherwise, we are stuck with these Englishmen sitting around a desk and talking about a game their barely understand. Keep your fingers crossed and GO BEARS! I am desperately waiting for the next SuperBowl shuffle.
My time at the library is coming to an end. I need to run back to the house and clean up before I meet a fellow ex-pat for dinner and a beer up in Clapham. My broadband doesn't get installed until March (ugh) but I will plan on coming by here at least once a week or figuring something else out. Also, I have pics to post but can't do it from here. They are forthcoming, I promise!
Miss you all dearly.
Love,
B-
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Moving Day....again
Here we go again.
I'm packing my bags from my temporary flat, calling the taxi and moving to Clapham South. The good news: I only have three bags to move and can carry it all in one trip. The bad news: I have to have to take a very expensive taxi to get it all done at once. (Otherwise, it would include three tube trips with heavy baggage.)
After a very long day at the office yesterday, I got the keys to my new flat. I am so exicted to have my own space again. I had to have the property manager show me how to use the heat, hot water, etc. I can't believe how little things are so different in two separate countries. I just need to be patient until my stuff comes from the movers on 2-Feb. It will be great to have all my linens, clothes, etc.
I went for dinner and drinks on Thursday at a restaurant overlooking the city. The view was simply amazing. Afterward, we went to the Savoy for a drink in the American Bar. The Savoy is very nice but old. I wouldn't spend the money to stay there. But, I guess I'm spoiled after a year at the Hyatt in Seattle. To put it in perspective, the room rate (for a SMALL hotel room) was about $400 and that is considered cheap. I paid over $10 for a beer. This whole city is expensive though.
I need to get my new broadband sorted out at the house so may be out of commission for a bit. I will definitely keep posting once I am back online.
I'm packing my bags from my temporary flat, calling the taxi and moving to Clapham South. The good news: I only have three bags to move and can carry it all in one trip. The bad news: I have to have to take a very expensive taxi to get it all done at once. (Otherwise, it would include three tube trips with heavy baggage.)
After a very long day at the office yesterday, I got the keys to my new flat. I am so exicted to have my own space again. I had to have the property manager show me how to use the heat, hot water, etc. I can't believe how little things are so different in two separate countries. I just need to be patient until my stuff comes from the movers on 2-Feb. It will be great to have all my linens, clothes, etc.
I went for dinner and drinks on Thursday at a restaurant overlooking the city. The view was simply amazing. Afterward, we went to the Savoy for a drink in the American Bar. The Savoy is very nice but old. I wouldn't spend the money to stay there. But, I guess I'm spoiled after a year at the Hyatt in Seattle. To put it in perspective, the room rate (for a SMALL hotel room) was about $400 and that is considered cheap. I paid over $10 for a beer. This whole city is expensive though.
I need to get my new broadband sorted out at the house so may be out of commission for a bit. I will definitely keep posting once I am back online.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
1 week!
I've officially been here one whole week and am finally over the jetlag! Woo hoo! I highly recommend an Ambien should you decide to make the trip. If only I didn't have to go to work, then this would be the real vacation that I deserve.
I started work on Monday. It is nice to be excited about work again. I hope I don't spend the next two years working crazy hours. That doesn't really follow my European traveling plans.
I miss my house, tumble dryer, queen size bed and Fabreeze (an odd assortment of American creature comforts). Not too bad after a week. These are all things that I can get used to being without.
On a final note, I am moving into my new flat on Friday. Me and all three of my bags are making the trek. This is definitely the way to move; much easier than loading boxes into a 10x10 storage unit. The remainder of my stuff arrives in London on 2-Feb. I will make due until then; I'm glad I packed rather "smart" (included sheets, towels, etc.).
I will definitely make sure to take pics this weekend of the new flat and neighborhood. I hope I can get the internet access ironed out rather smoothly.
Take care,
B-
I started work on Monday. It is nice to be excited about work again. I hope I don't spend the next two years working crazy hours. That doesn't really follow my European traveling plans.
I miss my house, tumble dryer, queen size bed and Fabreeze (an odd assortment of American creature comforts). Not too bad after a week. These are all things that I can get used to being without.
On a final note, I am moving into my new flat on Friday. Me and all three of my bags are making the trek. This is definitely the way to move; much easier than loading boxes into a 10x10 storage unit. The remainder of my stuff arrives in London on 2-Feb. I will make due until then; I'm glad I packed rather "smart" (included sheets, towels, etc.).
I will definitely make sure to take pics this weekend of the new flat and neighborhood. I hope I can get the internet access ironed out rather smoothly.
Take care,
B-
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
I spent Friday and Saturday in "the country" this weekend. I was out visiting som new friends Nick & Penny (I was introduced to them through my Denver friends, Elizabeth & Dani); we had a fantastic time in Reading, Swindon and Malmsbury. I am simply amazed at how green things are here. The humidity does wonders to the country (and my hair!).
As for today in London, I took a walk down to the Tate Modern and spent a good few hours checking things out. I spent lots of time with the Picasso's, Monet's and Warhol's. I could easily get lost in the presence of that museum. I ended my museum tour with a walk to St. Paul's Cathedral and caught an evening service (and I didn't end up in flames). St. Paul's is gorgeous; Princess Diana and Charles' wedding must have been fantastic.
Otherwise, I had two separate groups of people asking me for directions and I steered them in the right direction. It was a sense of accomplishment after 5 days. This is a truly a great city. I am excited to start work tomorrow and meet people from the office.
Peace out for now.
-B
As for today in London, I took a walk down to the Tate Modern and spent a good few hours checking things out. I spent lots of time with the Picasso's, Monet's and Warhol's. I could easily get lost in the presence of that museum. I ended my museum tour with a walk to St. Paul's Cathedral and caught an evening service (and I didn't end up in flames). St. Paul's is gorgeous; Princess Diana and Charles' wedding must have been fantastic.
Otherwise, I had two separate groups of people asking me for directions and I steered them in the right direction. It was a sense of accomplishment after 5 days. This is a truly a great city. I am excited to start work tomorrow and meet people from the office.
Peace out for now.
-B
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Sightseeing
"Look kids - Big Ben, Parliment"
I spent my first day doing some serious sightseeing. Hopefully, this will be one of many as there are so many amazing things to see here. I walked around in a misty and rainy haze today and ended up seeing Buckingham Palace completely soaked. I guess when in London, do as the London-ers do. While I was there just in time for the changing of the guard, they cancelled the ceremony due to rain - go figure. I also wandered down the Diana Princess of Wales memorial walk. I will have to enjoy this again on a much nicer day. Then, it was off to Harrod's for a quick lunch, some shopping and a sign-in on the Doty Al-Fayed and Princess Diana memorial book.
This evening was spent having drinks with a couple other secondment people from the US. We've all agreed to meet up at least one time per month just to keep in touch. It will be nice to lean on each other while we are here.
I start work on Monday. I can't wait to infuse some "B. Bird lingo" into the office. I'm sure they will be amazed.
On that note, Peace out.
I spent my first day doing some serious sightseeing. Hopefully, this will be one of many as there are so many amazing things to see here. I walked around in a misty and rainy haze today and ended up seeing Buckingham Palace completely soaked. I guess when in London, do as the London-ers do. While I was there just in time for the changing of the guard, they cancelled the ceremony due to rain - go figure. I also wandered down the Diana Princess of Wales memorial walk. I will have to enjoy this again on a much nicer day. Then, it was off to Harrod's for a quick lunch, some shopping and a sign-in on the Doty Al-Fayed and Princess Diana memorial book.
This evening was spent having drinks with a couple other secondment people from the US. We've all agreed to meet up at least one time per month just to keep in touch. It will be nice to lean on each other while we are here.
I start work on Monday. I can't wait to infuse some "B. Bird lingo" into the office. I'm sure they will be amazed.
On that note, Peace out.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Arrived in London!
Wednesday, Jan. 10
I made it!! Right now, I'm cold chillin' in my temporary London flat getting ready for another long recovery from jetlag. I spent yesterday fighting exhaustion with a quick stop at the office to pick up my mobile and laptop. Today was spent careening around London with a homesearch agent finding a flat. I put a hold on something that I hope will be very comfortable near Clapham Common (British word for "big park"). I really can't imagine moving more than once while I'm here, but you never know!
This experience doesn't seem real. I have crossed the threshold of a personal goal of mine and am staring at my future. This is all very scary and exciting for me.
More to come soon. Tomorrow I have reserved for a double decker bus ride! Can't wait!
Betsy
I made it!! Right now, I'm cold chillin' in my temporary London flat getting ready for another long recovery from jetlag. I spent yesterday fighting exhaustion with a quick stop at the office to pick up my mobile and laptop. Today was spent careening around London with a homesearch agent finding a flat. I put a hold on something that I hope will be very comfortable near Clapham Common (British word for "big park"). I really can't imagine moving more than once while I'm here, but you never know!
This experience doesn't seem real. I have crossed the threshold of a personal goal of mine and am staring at my future. This is all very scary and exciting for me.
More to come soon. Tomorrow I have reserved for a double decker bus ride! Can't wait!
Betsy
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