Adventures in London: Issue 208

What a week this has been!!! Words cannot describe how excited that I am that the 2012 Olympics Games are finally here! I kicked off the week by adding a new dish to the list; venison steak marinated in chili flakes, garlic, cinnamon and old bay. Cannot get enough of my old bay. A special thanks to Molly for introducing me to it, and to Nat & Adam for the inspiration to try it with EVERYTHING. There really isn't a dish that Old Bay does not go with; crab, eggs, cous cows salad, steak, jacket potato...you name it and Old Bay is a good addition :-)

On Wednesday I got to celebrate my four year anniversary of moving to London in the most amazing way; by cheering on the Olympic Torch as it ran through my neighborhood. I remember when I moved here that I was umber excited with the thought of the Olympics. In fact, a few years ago when I was thinking of moving back, its the Olympics that kept me here. AND now they are here! Truly UNBELIEVABLE. The city of London has transformed into such a beautiful city. I cannot wait for the games to officially start. Slightly nervous of things going wrong, it raining, but really hope that the 2012 Olympic Games are one that everyone remembers because I know I definitely will.

I definitely got Olympic fever as seeing the Torch once wasn't enough...I had to see it again. I am not a morning person, but if I have something to wake up for I do. The following day, I did just that. Was up early as early can be so I could see the Torch as it ran through St Paul's area. I wanted to see it go on the steps themselves, but the crowds had already gathered (90minutes before the torch was meant to run by). It was great seeing the torch for the second time and especially with an organized crowd this time so people could actually see the torch. Was insane seeing it the other evening. People were actually racing behind the torch. Was mad, but very cool all at the same time.

On Friday, it was officially time to kick off the 2012 Olympic Ceremony. I had plans for another opening ceremony celebration, but with the recent events, my plans sadly changed. Instead however I had an amazing evening with some British friends. It was actually amazing watching the opening ceremony surround by people that understood all the little detail of it. I know many outside the UK did not get it (based of course purely on my Facebook news feed), but living in the UK for the past 4 years made me appreciate the opening ceremony and the pride that it instilled in the country. Brilliant show to showcase what London is all about. There are some bits that I didn't find thrilling (aka some of the music bits), but overall I give the show two thumbs up!

The next day I wanted to go watch the men's cycling, but playing the Olympic Country drinking game essentially meant I drank a lot when a country was introduced that I didn't know existed. Instead I spent the day chilling in the flat, tried BBQing a new dish (which to be honest wasn't my favorite) and later went into town and then met some friends for dinner at a new pub. I can hardly believe that it has been 26 years since the passing of Dad and Binga Mama. Always makes me think about things...about my life..about what I am doing with it. What have I made of myself?

Sadly that evening whilst I was out, a few guys thought they would try to break into our flat. They didn't get into our flat, but they did manage to get upstairs. Thankfully, the neighbors upstairs were up and scared the guys away. Rather un-nerving event. I have (knock on wood) never been broken into, so this was the closet. You feel very vigilant of people walking by the flat, noises in the night. I am glad that KV stayed over the night to keep me company. Don't think I would have slept if I was alone that night. It was also very nice to have someone to make pancakes and bacon for in the morning :)

It has only been two days into the Olympics, but I am already addicted. I cannot stay away from watching regardless of the sport. The BBC coverage has been absolutely amazing so far. Like the WiFi and the ability to watch TV whilst BBQing...if that isn't the good life I don't know what is :-)

Pat came by in the afternoon for lunch and to catch up. I am glad that I got to see him again this week. Was a great evening watching the Women's biking (WHAT A FINSIH) and chilling. Its what Sundays are all about :-)

Hope you all are well and enjoying the Olympics wherever you are

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 207

On Monday I was meant to take another Night Photography class, but with all the rain, I decided not to attend. Didn't want to get Diem wet nor did an evening in the drizzle seem like an enjoyable way to spend the evening. In stead, I went on a 'date' with my dear friend Pat who is moving to Thailand in a matter of weeks (if he ever gets his passport back). I am so happy that he is finally able to move to Thailand to be with his GF, but I am going to miss him beyond words. He is my person here in London; that one person that you could go to at any moment and they would be there to talk, to listen or to seat next to you in the pub. I hope this move doesn't change our relationship. Knowing us the way I do, I don't think it will. No matter how close/ far away we are, there are some friends that are always in your heart and he is that friend. 

I have been thinking and reflecting a lot on my past lately. What events in my life have lead me to become the person that I am today. Which people in my life influenced me to become the person that I am today. Its been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least. As I have grown up, I realize more and more that I owe so much to my Grandfather. He is so much apart of the person I am today in all the good ways. He has taught me the meaning of doing things properly. If you are not going to put your heart into something, don't disrespect it by 'half-assing" it.  I am so thankful to come from the family that I do. Honestly and truly would not be the person that I am (for better or worse) if it were not for them. Thank you. 

It is going to be 4 years in a next week for me moving here. It feels like just yesterday that I was in NYC with the girls, playing beer pong, going for brunch and having the time of our lives. I never thought four years later that I would have settled into London so much to call it home. These four years have been amazing and I am so very thankful for the people that I have met, experiences and moments that I have shared. I am looking forward to what lies ahead, but do very much so miss NYC and the people that I have left there. Hard to have your heart split across the ocean. 

Living in London and being friends with ExPats who have to come to accept that what bonds us is that the world is our oyster and no city is forever. We are not tied to the ground and our lives are meant to experience the world around us. Sucks really...as you have to accept that the people you have become great friends with are going to move out of the country to continue their adventure abroad elsewhere. It is starting to become real that Pat is leaving us. We celebrated his leaving with a good ole fashion Pub Crawl around Camden. Was a great afternoon to evening of fun to celebrate a great friend that I am going to miss with all my heart.

Hope you all are well. Miss you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you all

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 206

This week has been a difficult one. I have felt pain and relief all in one blow. This week has been consumed with flat hunting. Feel like I am a gypsy, jumping from flat to flat to find a place to rest my head. I am trying to sort out the thoughts in my mind. Which ones do I listen to. On one had, I get emails to say: " In all healthy relationships there comes a time where the honeymoon must evolve into something real...You should also be able to listen, really listen to the concerns of your partner. In a narcissistic relationship this doesn't happen. The reason the narcissist loves the honeymoon is because they can be stuck in the Peter Pan, terminal childhood stage where they don't have to be responsible or accountable. They don't want to deal with issues in the relationship. They love the romance, the attention, admiration, adoration, promise of ideal love and hope that they have found "the one" who will tolerate all their weirdness without question... The narcissist doesn't want to grow up and be accountable. Once you have been wooed you should be hooked in and they shouldn't have to invest so much anymore. They have groomed you to be a constant source of admiration, attention, sex, affection, and nurturing. The piece that is missing is that the narcissist doesn't seem to believe that they should reciprocate. Underneath it all the narcissist cannot enter into a place of mature love. They are looking for unconditional love but are unwilling to give it. They never had the ability to move beyond the honeymoon and upgrade to mature love. Playing with Peter Pan can be a magical experience, one that you don't forget. It can be intense, passionate, sexy, and romantic. But you are destined to live in never never land which means you will never have anything real or true. It is all only make believe.Love only goes as deep as we do, and frankly if your mate doesn't run very deep than neither will the love...." ..Well it keeps going, but you get the idea. I believe in true love. That love does not mean changing a person. Love does not mean controlling someone. Love is free, love is without boundaries, love is experience life for the first time with someone else cause life before them wasn't a life at all. If that makes me a 'Peter Pan', then I do not apologize. 

That same week, I also received the following amazingly touching email: "Love is an interesting emotion.  In some ways it is a lot like pain, sometimes uncontrollable and intolerable, sometimes driving and motivating and sometimes needed or unwanted.  However, rest assure that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has been through this...Lastly, life is tough, really tough.  I know you think you know, but you are just starting life so you have a way to go.  You need someone ready to explore and experience, for the first time, the same things as you. You need someone extremely supportive of you today and at the onset because life will only give you many many reasons to test that support. These are things you do not settle for and things you need to emphasis in light of them being shadowed by "love". I am sorry you are in Pain, but wounds heal and will allow you to be careful the next time you decide to jump head first....Apparently someone told me lots and lots of chocolate release the same emotion response as Love/Pain, might be worth a try....Keep your chin up, stick your resolution." Its amazing who picks you up when you are on the ground. We have differed so very much over the last year, but this email made me realize that no matter what happens, we have a love and bond that nothing will ever come between or break!! 

Life after that second note seemed to be coming together. I had a great appraisal at work, an appreciative email from a client (which rarely if ever happens in my line of work) and that weekend I got to see my man again. I didn't think I would smile ever again with the way the week started, but I can smile now. I am hopeful for the experiences that are before me. I am hopeful that I will have someone to share them with who will understand me.

Here's to hoping :-)

Miss you all dearly! Love you loads

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 205

It has been an interesting week. The week kicked-off feeling under the weather due to allergies/ cold and the week ended with just being under.

It is funny the things we go through in life and how we discover who our friends are. How you uncover who are the people that love you and will stand by your side regardless of what the situation is. I am so very thankful for my friends especially after this week. For all their support, love and understanding I am forever grateful.

This week we all celebrated our country's independence from the Kingdom...rather ironic when you think about the fact that both my 'home' countries have fought against the Empire only for me to move her and desire to become a permanent resident. Gotta love the irony in all of it.

The day was an interesting one. Not really the day that I expected. Went out to lunch with LL to The Diner for an all American meal. After that, things went pretty much tits up. To this day I don't know where I went wrong. Should have taken that day as a sign of things to come, but I am a dreamer and will always wish for more.

That Thursday we celebrated the leaving of a fellow team member. It is the start of what is going to be many to come. It was a great night catching up with co-workers old and new. I have learnt through my time on this team how very special it is. They are a team that is not only tight whilst you work there, but also when you have left. Amazing how many people from the team truly keep in touch. Makes me realize how much I miss some of the people that I have worked with in both New York and London. I suppose we keep in touch with those that were more than just co-workers. I am glad that for those individuals, they are still and will always be in my life. 

That weekend I finally met the cutest and most adorable man alive (aside from Kadin & Parker of course) -- Mr Noah Alexander Wibberley :-) There is nothing in life that baby cuddles cannot cure. My heart and worries have just melted away looking and holding this little treasure. I am going to be one of a long line of women who are going to fall head of heals with this little peanut. 

I don't know who is more lucky, Cheryl & Mark for having this little prince or Noah for having two wonderful parents. I am looking forward to one day having a family of my own. This week I feel like I have taken a step back in all of my dreams of having a family, but that dream hasn't gone away. I want nothing more than to become a mother, to become a wife. Right now may not be my time, but that doesn't mean that it won't happen. In time everything works out. I just know it will. And when that day happens, I am going to enjoy every moment of it. 

Hope you all are well! Miss and love you all dearly

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 204

 Its been awhile since I have been a teenager. Kids these days are forced to go up too soon. I don't know if its forced or a desire to, but it interesting how much life is exposed to teenagers these days. They Facebook, tweet, watch movies with content I don't personally see fit. Enough ranting :-)

It been great having a guest in town as it has forced me to leave on time. It is amazing what a difference leaving at 5:30pm makes. Puts a whole new spin on evenings. Could get used to this...(doubt though it will last long after our guest leaves).

Wednesday marked what would have been my Dad's 70th birthday. I had a rather surreal day on Wednesday. Was a bit under the weather with a cold/ allergies all day which meant my head was in the clouds. On the tube ride home, I left my blackberry on the tube. Immediately realized as I was going up the stairs so told the tube tenants. The guy told me to phone back at in a half hour and he would see if he could track it down. I phoned back and to my delight some turned it in at the next stop. How amazing is that. There are good people out there :-)

On Thursday we went to see Rock of Ages. I had no premise for the movie and must say that I was rather pleasantly entertained. Tom Cruise's performances was annoyingly good...he was over the top as usual, but think that was part of the character. Julianne Hough was brilliant. Hard to believe that she was one of the "pros" for DWTS and now she is on the silver screen. The whole cast really was amazing. Love good musicals :-)

On Friday we celebrated our friend's Maeve's birthday. We went to a new pub up by Allie Pallie which was really cool. I had some questionable beers there, but really nice pub and the food was top notch. Very unusual menu, but really great food. I cannot wait to find an excuse to go back :-) It was a lovely evening and so very glad to have had the chance to celebrate Maeve's birthday!!

We couldn't celebrate too much as Saturday was an early start. We had to first get our guest to the train station and then race to Wales for Vicky's wedding. Shockingly everything went as planned and we were able to check into the hotel, chill for a bit before getting dressed for the wedding. What a wedding it was. It was so great to see Vicky so incredibly happy. She was absolutely glowing. I love weddings and seeing the people you care about on cloud 9 with bitty happiness.

 The wedding reception was LUSH! The food was top notch, the service was top notch, the booze was infinitely flowing and the music was BRILLIANT! I had a cold that weekend, but that did not stop me from dancing my heart out. I couldn't stop dancing. May have started 'mum dancing', but had a blast doing it. In fact it may be my new move :-)

Hope you all are well and happy wherever you might be

xx

T