Posts
That is the only way to describe my trip to San Fran- I became the proverbial wet rag… Unfortunately my body chose to decrease it’s white blood cell count when I needed it the most- and as a result 300 people’s germs were allowed to invade my normally healthy body during the 12 hour flight to the US! Ugh.
I’m an optimist though, and I successfully convinced myself that I just had a bad case of allergies- until I started running a fever and lost most of my breathing ability about 48 hours into the trip.
So, JP can fill you in on most the fun and shenanigans. I was back at the La Luna Inn, taking in hours of American TV. Man, do I miss American TV. I caught up on it all- The Girls Next Door (love that show), old episodes of Grey’s Anatomy (yes, I was home on Friday night, so what!), Real Housewives of NYC- man are those women awful, and I even took in some Real World/Road Rules Gauntlet –which I am way too old to enjoy and admit but who cares? Coming back to the US didn’t make me want to hop the next flight home or anything, but man did it make me appreciate the entertainment options in the US. The UK has NOTHING on US TV.
I can comment on the highlight of the weekend though- the wedding… gorgeous! The bride looked amazing, the flowers were spectacular, the food was yummy. Our views were of the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF Bay. The music was fun, and there were ever flowing Irish car bombs being served throughout the night. There was no cheesy bouquet toss or YMCA or Macarena- just a bunch of people dancing and drinking and having a real nice time. I held fast to my wet rag status, drank my water, took it all in, and had pangs for my normal self that would have led the charge on the dance floor and would have danced with the crazy old uncles in attendance. Oh well, I can’t be fun 100% of the time. Ariel- if you read this- you looked amazing and did such a great job in planning! What is it about brides that bring tears to my eyes? Seriously, even if I don’t know the bride that well, I always get so choked up seeing her walk down the aisle. So sweet.
I’ve been tasked with taking this blogging thing to EY (well, not me personally, but using the existing techonolody) and start a blog as part of my role here. It is quite surreal. People want me to blog on topics related to Diversity in the workplace. No, not as much fun as pub life and European travels, but it got me thinking and researching. In my research I came upon a snidely written article on blogging. Basically the author asks the question- “who cares” when it comes to other people’s blogs. I was taken aback- thinking to myself- why, I blog, and people read this! Why would they read this if they don’t want to read it? This blog doesn’t automatically pop up when you turn on your computer. I don’t send out reminders to read this blog. I was so peeved when I read this, but then realized that he was a jack ass without anything interesting to write about- so I instantly wrote that off and decided to blog about him. For those of you who do read this, I appreciate it. If nobody read this, I think I would still put fingers to keyboard to dish about the randomness of life here. It is something like nothing I’ve ever experienced!
Tonight we are celebrating JP’s birthday by taking in a show with our friends Stacy & Frank who are in town visiting from the OC. This isn’t any show- I’m a good sport and found a fun burlesque/cabaret supper club in Central London that I thought would be unique and fun. You can check out what show we are viewing at: http://www.volupte-lounge.com/
I think we are in for some fun- and I’ve heard from mostly girls that this is the best show of girl power you can get for only £10.
After Portugal I’ll post better travel stories and pictures. Until then, Happy Easter, enjoy some Peeps for me!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
A life Derailed…
This weekend brought to light something that has been brewing in us for awhile. What happened to us here?? I’m about to divulge some secrets of our new life that you may want to judge in a negative light… However, I ask for your understanding as we are technically still in “transition” mode.
A year ago, I was in the best shape of my life (well, yes, I did have a wedding dress to fit into), kept a clean house, did my errands timely, woke early on the weekends to enjoy the day, had a challenging job, and drank on occasion a few glasses of wine or participated in a happy hour here or there.
Fast forward to March 2008. From far away it appears as it is really March 1998- my college years. We drink heavily and consistently. We don’t have errands to run really because we don’t have a car or excess cash. My clothes fit tighter due to excess calorie consumption and lack of healthy eating options here. Our house goes unkempt unless we have visitors in town. Our laundry goes undone until JP needs something at the bottom of the basket. We wake up at 11am most weekend days because we got in at 2am the night before. What happened to us? I mean, I’m three weeks shy of 30 and living like a 20 year old. We laughed on Saturday as we had all these grand plans for a great workout, lunch out in town, walking around in the city, etc. At 11am when I finally “came to” those ideas seemed minuscule compared to my new plan of just trying to get rid of my headache. We eventually made it out to the gym and such- forcibly because we only have so many weekends to enjoy in London. Seriously though- we are declining- fast.
Many of you reading this have lives that probably are more like our past life- you have kids, family nearby, plenty of things to stay busy with on the weekends. You are probably reading this and thinking- what is she complaining about? I should caveat this to say I’m not complaining per say- but when you watch yourself digress, even if you are having fun, it is disappointing. What we will do to change the situation, I am not sure. It is more of a thing that we’ve acknowledged that we are grown-up yuppie deadbeats and need to find a happy medium so we don’t lose all control here.
Upon reflection with some friends who have been here for over two years now- we have come to find our life here in London is kind of like a mini-vacation. We don’t have the responsibilities we once had at home- house projects and family plans on the weekends, etc. However, it doesn’t feel like a total vacation because we all are working, some of us pretty long hours. It just feels different here- like we owe it to all back home to go out, have fun, travel, etc. and use every opportunity to be out and about because as demonstrated above, life at home is not the same as it is here.
Also, something else that has a huge effect here is that the culture is so different than that of So Cal. I mean, in So Cal, my social life revolved around being healthy and working out- biking or swimming with friends on the weekend, after work a couple nights of the week working out in groups, etc. Here, our social life revolves around the pub. It is Monday and already there are emails floating around about plans for the weekend, plans for a mid week drink here or there. At work one of my directors comes in most days looking like death and complaining of a bloody hangover. People do go to the gym on occasion and go running, etc. But, the predominant thing that everyone has in common here is the pub. The blimey pub with your mates- where the miserable weather and not so nice people here suddenly just all seem to be a tiny detail about life in London that can be overlooked.
So, I think for your sake (because I am such a nice person) I will continue this downward spiral. I will continue to drink heavily, clean sparingly, and sleep constantly because I can… and a year from now when we go home I’ll be both excited to return to our friends, family, and great weather but equally sad to return to normalcy.
A year ago, I was in the best shape of my life (well, yes, I did have a wedding dress to fit into), kept a clean house, did my errands timely, woke early on the weekends to enjoy the day, had a challenging job, and drank on occasion a few glasses of wine or participated in a happy hour here or there.
Fast forward to March 2008. From far away it appears as it is really March 1998- my college years. We drink heavily and consistently. We don’t have errands to run really because we don’t have a car or excess cash. My clothes fit tighter due to excess calorie consumption and lack of healthy eating options here. Our house goes unkempt unless we have visitors in town. Our laundry goes undone until JP needs something at the bottom of the basket. We wake up at 11am most weekend days because we got in at 2am the night before. What happened to us? I mean, I’m three weeks shy of 30 and living like a 20 year old. We laughed on Saturday as we had all these grand plans for a great workout, lunch out in town, walking around in the city, etc. At 11am when I finally “came to” those ideas seemed minuscule compared to my new plan of just trying to get rid of my headache. We eventually made it out to the gym and such- forcibly because we only have so many weekends to enjoy in London. Seriously though- we are declining- fast.
Many of you reading this have lives that probably are more like our past life- you have kids, family nearby, plenty of things to stay busy with on the weekends. You are probably reading this and thinking- what is she complaining about? I should caveat this to say I’m not complaining per say- but when you watch yourself digress, even if you are having fun, it is disappointing. What we will do to change the situation, I am not sure. It is more of a thing that we’ve acknowledged that we are grown-up yuppie deadbeats and need to find a happy medium so we don’t lose all control here.
Upon reflection with some friends who have been here for over two years now- we have come to find our life here in London is kind of like a mini-vacation. We don’t have the responsibilities we once had at home- house projects and family plans on the weekends, etc. However, it doesn’t feel like a total vacation because we all are working, some of us pretty long hours. It just feels different here- like we owe it to all back home to go out, have fun, travel, etc. and use every opportunity to be out and about because as demonstrated above, life at home is not the same as it is here.
Also, something else that has a huge effect here is that the culture is so different than that of So Cal. I mean, in So Cal, my social life revolved around being healthy and working out- biking or swimming with friends on the weekend, after work a couple nights of the week working out in groups, etc. Here, our social life revolves around the pub. It is Monday and already there are emails floating around about plans for the weekend, plans for a mid week drink here or there. At work one of my directors comes in most days looking like death and complaining of a bloody hangover. People do go to the gym on occasion and go running, etc. But, the predominant thing that everyone has in common here is the pub. The blimey pub with your mates- where the miserable weather and not so nice people here suddenly just all seem to be a tiny detail about life in London that can be overlooked.
So, I think for your sake (because I am such a nice person) I will continue this downward spiral. I will continue to drink heavily, clean sparingly, and sleep constantly because I can… and a year from now when we go home I’ll be both excited to return to our friends, family, and great weather but equally sad to return to normalcy.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Back to Bath
Recently over some drinks, a couple girlfriends and I decided to get out to Bath to visit the dayspa and get out of the city for a night... I have been to Bath (see posts from November) but loved it the first time so thought it would be fun to go back.
We left yesterday afternoon to catch the train and spent the afternoon walking around Bath, stopping into shops and pubs. It was coooold and windy, so our walking around ceased when the temperature dropped. We headed indoors and just relaxed in a few pubs, chatting and taking in the locals. Last night we headed out for dinner and a few bars in the city. The great thing about Bath is that because it is a college town, bars stay open late! We had fun and imbibed a few too many organic ciders before finally deciding to head back to our hotel.
This morning we went to the Thermae Bath Spa http://www.thermaebathspa.com/ and had facials and spent a few hours in the 'healing' waters of the baths and steam rooms. It was good for our hangovers. We left relaxed and detoxed and had some lunch before heading back on the train. It was a nice quick girls overnight trip that was super fun and relaxing... I'd recommend the spa as well. It isn't like a Burke Williams with all the locker room ammenities (it is co-ed, kind of weird) but the pools are really cool and perched atop the spa with great views of Bath in the background.
Today is "Mothering Day" or "Mum's Day" in the UK. So, JP's and my mom get two Mother's Days this year! I thought it was odd when I started seeing signs and reminders in stores and restaurants around the city to start planning- I thought to myself "well, it is kind of early..." only to realize they have a different Sunday designated for the holiday. Father's Day is the same Sunday in June as it is in the US.
That's it from me, enjoy the week!
We left yesterday afternoon to catch the train and spent the afternoon walking around Bath, stopping into shops and pubs. It was coooold and windy, so our walking around ceased when the temperature dropped. We headed indoors and just relaxed in a few pubs, chatting and taking in the locals. Last night we headed out for dinner and a few bars in the city. The great thing about Bath is that because it is a college town, bars stay open late! We had fun and imbibed a few too many organic ciders before finally deciding to head back to our hotel.
This morning we went to the Thermae Bath Spa http://www.thermaebathspa.com/ and had facials and spent a few hours in the 'healing' waters of the baths and steam rooms. It was good for our hangovers. We left relaxed and detoxed and had some lunch before heading back on the train. It was a nice quick girls overnight trip that was super fun and relaxing... I'd recommend the spa as well. It isn't like a Burke Williams with all the locker room ammenities (it is co-ed, kind of weird) but the pools are really cool and perched atop the spa with great views of Bath in the background.
Today is "Mothering Day" or "Mum's Day" in the UK. So, JP's and my mom get two Mother's Days this year! I thought it was odd when I started seeing signs and reminders in stores and restaurants around the city to start planning- I thought to myself "well, it is kind of early..." only to realize they have a different Sunday designated for the holiday. Father's Day is the same Sunday in June as it is in the US.
That's it from me, enjoy the week!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Seriously?
Just a quick story today to demonstrate how behind the times my fellow HR co-workers are:
1. The HR Director here began our larger staff meeting two days ago declaring she was terribly hungover and hoped to get through our large agenda without passing out on us.
2. Some of the HR Business Partners (equivalent in the US- our HR managers, or at EY, the People Consultants) were making fun of a blind employee and his dog during said meeting. I have little sense of humour for that- so inappropriate. Makes me wonder what the people who don't have the same cultural training as us say!
3. I've been asked to make proposals and suggestions based upon the US HR model- seems the UK model isn't working here. But, remember, they are superior to all others, so I don't know how that is all going to work out!
That is enough from me, I've had an interesting week that makes me appreciate my old job in the US so much more than I ever did when I had it!
1. The HR Director here began our larger staff meeting two days ago declaring she was terribly hungover and hoped to get through our large agenda without passing out on us.
2. Some of the HR Business Partners (equivalent in the US- our HR managers, or at EY, the People Consultants) were making fun of a blind employee and his dog during said meeting. I have little sense of humour for that- so inappropriate. Makes me wonder what the people who don't have the same cultural training as us say!
3. I've been asked to make proposals and suggestions based upon the US HR model- seems the UK model isn't working here. But, remember, they are superior to all others, so I don't know how that is all going to work out!
That is enough from me, I've had an interesting week that makes me appreciate my old job in the US so much more than I ever did when I had it!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Couple time
With all the excitement of the last few weeks, we settled down this weekend for a low key and one-on-one weekend. It is so easy to have plans every day of the week with our friends and the natural inclination for everyone is to explore/try/see/taste together. That is great for 90% of the time. However, this weekend we just needed some Angie & JP time.
Our weekend started a little early on Friday after work when we decided to join a new gym. Our old gym was perfectly fine- but we found another one that has two locations- one literally at the end of our block, and one directly next door to our office. It is called 37 degrees (which, 37 degrees celcius is body temperature) http://www.thirtysevendegrees.co.uk/. I love this place. I love nice gyms period- but this gym is just so nice, and coincidentally cheaper and closer to us.
So, our weekend started yesterday with JP's first spinning class that I dragged him to. He did great and we had a great workout. We then went home and ran some errands (I got a haircut- finally found a great hairdresser here!) and JP went to do his own thing. We then went to dinner at a little Italian restaurant right by our house that was run by a 72 year-old Argentine lady who took to us. We enjoyed our pasta and chatted with her about the old days in Buenos Aires. Then, we went to see the movie Juno. If you haven't seen this movie, I would recommend it- we both liked it.
Today we went back to the gym to work out and then showered up and headed to East London. There is a street there called Brick Lane- it has a bunch of curry houses and great markets. http://www.britannia.com/travel/london/cockney/brick.html
We had a ton of fun here, the markets were fun, we bargain shopped for a couple little things and walked around the whole afternoon. This is a fun place to go back to, I can't wait to make the trip back out to try another fun restaurant in the area and eat more Indian/Bangledeshi food.
JP has another week of terrible hours before going back to normalcy. For me, just more of the same-just working and playing at the new gym!
Until next time, enjoy the week!
Our weekend started a little early on Friday after work when we decided to join a new gym. Our old gym was perfectly fine- but we found another one that has two locations- one literally at the end of our block, and one directly next door to our office. It is called 37 degrees (which, 37 degrees celcius is body temperature) http://www.thirtysevendegrees.co.uk/. I love this place. I love nice gyms period- but this gym is just so nice, and coincidentally cheaper and closer to us.
So, our weekend started yesterday with JP's first spinning class that I dragged him to. He did great and we had a great workout. We then went home and ran some errands (I got a haircut- finally found a great hairdresser here!) and JP went to do his own thing. We then went to dinner at a little Italian restaurant right by our house that was run by a 72 year-old Argentine lady who took to us. We enjoyed our pasta and chatted with her about the old days in Buenos Aires. Then, we went to see the movie Juno. If you haven't seen this movie, I would recommend it- we both liked it.
Today we went back to the gym to work out and then showered up and headed to East London. There is a street there called Brick Lane- it has a bunch of curry houses and great markets. http://www.britannia.com/travel/london/cockney/brick.html
We had a ton of fun here, the markets were fun, we bargain shopped for a couple little things and walked around the whole afternoon. This is a fun place to go back to, I can't wait to make the trip back out to try another fun restaurant in the area and eat more Indian/Bangledeshi food.
JP has another week of terrible hours before going back to normalcy. For me, just more of the same-just working and playing at the new gym!
Until next time, enjoy the week!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Surveying the damage...
Our first big party in the flat was so fun! We had 30 of our friends over for a super mellow and relaxing get together. Well, at least that is what I told my poor downstairs neighbour in advance. What resulted was a very fun affair that included some smartly dressed expats, food, booze, friends, couples dancing to Boyz II Men, and an enormous mess. The last of us standing at 4am proved to, well, nobody that we are indeed not too old for this!
The highlights of the night include a gorgeous flat decorated with almost $100 of streamers, hearts, confetti, and candles. JP worked all week on a playlist that included some old school classics with Color Me Badd, Boyz II Men, Skid Row, Guns N Roses. We had a picture corner so you could take a picture with your date. We had old school valentines sent from the US so that people could fill them out and give them to a special someone. The dancing was kicked off by our friend Stuart who bravely told the crowd of revelers that it was time to boogy. Thankfully there was no drama, just a lot of drinking and dancing. JP and I threw out 7 bags of bottles and cans this morning- and I'm sure our neighbours won't be talking with us much after this, but it was well worth it. We are all 30 years old and acting like we were in college! The mess we had this afternoon to clean was not terrible- but boy am I glad that Ernst & Young pays all the deposits and such on our flat. It won't be the same again.
If you'd like to see pictures of everthing, feel free to click on our picture link and use the password London to see the Valentine's party album.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Pictures made easy
Two posts in one day!
JP is out of town for work- leaving me to find things to do to stay busy. I created one place for all of our pictures that we've been taking since we moved here.
You can visit our collection site at: angiejptravel.shutterfly.com
The password is: London
Add it to your bookmarks and check back every month to see more stuff! On the agenda in the next six months: San Francisco (ok, not so exotic, but we can't wait!!), Portugal, Olso (Norway), Spain, OC (another exotic trip to the US for a wedding!), and Iceland!
Enjoy!
JP is out of town for work- leaving me to find things to do to stay busy. I created one place for all of our pictures that we've been taking since we moved here.
You can visit our collection site at: angiejptravel.shutterfly.com
The password is: London
Add it to your bookmarks and check back every month to see more stuff! On the agenda in the next six months: San Francisco (ok, not so exotic, but we can't wait!!), Portugal, Olso (Norway), Spain, OC (another exotic trip to the US for a wedding!), and Iceland!
Enjoy!
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