Adventures in London: Issue 234

The month kicked off in great fashion...nothing says Easter Break than a Disney Movie marathon with wings and bacon dip. Seriously what more could you want. KV came by for the afternoon and like old times we curled up on our individual sofas and enjoyed Cinderella, the Parent Trap and Despicable Me (yes I realize this is a Universal movie not Disney, but you have got to love this movie...if nothing else who can resist those minions!!) This is how Easter should be celebrated :-)

Sadly that great relaxing feeling did not last long as it was time to return to work. You would think that it would have been easy as it was a short week, but instead it felt like I squeezed in two weeks worth of work into one (probably cause I think I have). It been a stressful week for the whole team, but we have ensured to laugh all the way through it. Laughter is a way of masking the tears :-) In all seriousness, I don't think I would have made it through this week without my team. We are all on a learning curve (me included), but I am looking forward to where we go as a team. You will all be happy to know (Mentors especially) that I have learnt to let go and trust the team around me.


We have learnt some good lessons this week. 1) Never share anything embarrassing with MM and I cause we will remember it and 2) If you are looking for embarrassing photos of me, keep trying...they won't exist on Facebook (my Uni photos are WAY before the digital social era -- THANK THE STARS) :-)

Good or bad, nothing is forever and I was pleased when the week finally came to a close. I did not get through everything required, it is a strange phenomenon that a to-do list always grow faster than they shrink. At some point I would like to get on top of things.

Friday finally came and despite my desire to cancel all plans, but my friend convinced me that plans were not being cancelled. I am happy they did not as I finally got to see Les Mis in the cinema. What a movie?!?! Rather long for a Friday night, but it was pure brilliance. The voices were truly beautiful. I am always in awe when I see Hugh Jackman sing. How can he have such a beautiful serene voice and then turn around and play Wolverine. He is the perfect man :-) The only character that I could not stop thinking it was the actual actor was Russell Crowe. Like Tom Cruise there is just something about him that annoys me and I don't like him anymore.

Who I do like is my lil NUGGET!! It took me a couple of months, but I am so happy that I got to spend  the day with Nugget (aka Niamh to everyone else). She is such a beautiful buddle of joy. Just loved having her lay and nap in my arms. There are no words to describe the feeling of having a sleeping baby in your arms....#Bliss

It was a lovely afternoon and chance to spend some quality time not only with Nugget, but with Mama and Papa. Always worth the trip up to Broxbourne to see the Os. It was a nice family visit and just what I needed to smile. That is just what will happen when you have a Powers hug...you cannot help but smile. Combine that wilt a Nashville song from Papa O and a smile from Nugget and you are in heaven :-)

Milli Vanilli said to blame it on the rain, but I am going to blame my good mood on the sun. April has kicked off in good fashion and its first weekend was blissful - wish all weekends could be filled with sunshine, family time, close friends, pancakes and the ultimate topper... BOLLYWOOD SHOPPERS. This was a concert held at the O2; I wasn't able to find anyone to go with me, but that did not stop me from going to see a show with performances by Bipasha Basu, Malika Auora Khan, Shaan and Atif Aslam (whoever that is - - shhhh may have left the show early as had no desire to see the rest of his set).  Watching Malika Auora Khan dance to one of my favourite songs Chaiyya Chaiyya was brilliant and really made going to see the concert worth it.

I set out 2013 with the desire to do something more with my photography. I am so thankful for the board members of FREEdom Vision for suggesting my name to be the official photography of a charity event. The event was held by RBS for a Nelson Mandela kids charity. It was an interesting event; if nothing else I learnt how much I have not clue to who the "UK Celebs" are. It was nice to be behind my camera. It did take me a bit to get used to just taking photos of people, but behind my camera is where I feel the most comfortable and happiest. Don't know how to describe it. It did inspire me to do something more with my photography and to find more chance to be the 'official person behind the camera'.

So with that said, that weekend I decided to do something about it. After 5 years of talking about wanting to do something more with my photography, I decided to set up a Facebook page. I don't know what to make of it or what I am going to do with it, but its a start. A start of what...that it is yet to be determined. I know I need to pick a niche and figure out where I want to position myself. It is a massive market and hobby so best to tailor what I want to do with it. For now though, I am excited to see where this goes. If you have a moment, drop by and let me know what you think. Leave a message, post some comments, like things. This is my attempt at creating some social media traction (and now you know why I am in analytics and not on the creative side). If after all that you fancy a visit..here is the link https://www.facebook.com/PhotosByTeaknee

You know where else I suggest you visit (this is me changing topics) is Duck and Waffle. We made a books weeks in advance (which is ridiculous), but the wait was well worth it. Between the 3 of us we tried to order most of the menu; you have to try everything once right. It is a straightforward menu with slight twists on classic dishes. The highlight without a doubt was as the restaurant's name would suggest...the Duck and Waffle. I didn't know what exactly to expect, but will say it was delicious and well worth the wait. The dinner was fantastic. In addition to the great food, drinks, and view I was with great company. They say the numbers never lie and well that night thanks to some analyse I was able to sort out a massive dilemma and I could not have been more pleased with the outcome :-)

Following a good ole BU evening, it was only fitting that Monday was Patriots Day. Unlike the other Marathon Majors, the Boston Marathon is on a Monday in time with a Boston Red Sox home game. It is a great day for Boston. I remember lining the streets every year on marathon Monday to cheer the many runners. Even though I am not in Boston anymore, I have always tuned in to cheer the runners. Nothing was different for this year, I watched the elite women's race, cheering for hometown girl Shalene Flanagan and was gutted when she didn't make the podium. I thought the drama of the day was done with that, but little did I realise. Hours later I got a text from a friend sharing the news of the events in Boston. I immediately turned on the tele and tears streams down. Who would do something like that. And why would one target a marathon. Seriously?!... Angry fists to you!

There are good things and not so good things about living in London. I have met some great people living here...people that have enriched my life so truly and dearly. I am not from here, and London is not going to be my home forever, so I cannot be shocked and heartbroken when people leave...but I am. I never said I was a rationale human being. First it was Si, then Pat, then LL...and now Ceejers! I cannot hardly believe that 2 years have come and gone. Honestly where does the time go? I am going to be gutted to see the kiddo go, but I am so very excited for him and his wife-to-be (and thanks for allowing me to celebrate with you all and be your unofficial leaving to photographer -- you are a crazy and fun bunch)

Well just as one group of Yanks were packing up to head back over the pond another darling Yank was making her way this side. Unfortunately it was not going to be a permanent stay (though I keep wishing), but at least it was going to be for a full month and just in time for my birthday:-) You know you have a good friend when they agree to spend your birthday at a Country Music Concert (tip: Eric Church is amazing)!!!

A visit from KR can only mean one thing... a trip to Borough Market. I am ashamed to say that I think the last time I went to Borough was probably with KR during her last visit. I forgot how much I love this place!! It is pure heaven. KR and I were smart this time around and developed the perfect strategy to optimise the Borough experience...SHARE! We started with a luxurious Duck Confit sandwich, then it was onto scallops and later to Oysters and then more Oysters. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon and get some last minute something for the big birthday cocktail party that evening!!

I really shouldn't be allowed to throw parties as without fail I will always over order. This was no different. There was cheese, fruits, sausages, sushi, pakoras, samosas and pizza....lots and lots of pizza. I have learnt what 1/4meter is.

It was a chilled evening with some old friends and a new friend. It was an unexpected birthday and one that I will always remember and cherish. KR you are absolutely the best friend a girl could ever have in the world!! Thank you!!


Well as I have likely lost most of you and you haven't a clue what I am talking about..its time to end this blog!

Farewells are never easy...so going to wish my dear CJ a 'see you later'. Going miss you chap!! I still remember when you joined our team 2 years ago. We have accomplished so much working together and I am going to miss my American Sidekick! Wishing you all the best for your next chapter kiddo!! (just wish it wasn't on the other side of the pond!!)

To everyone else! I hope you are well.

Miss you loads and love you more

xxx

T