Big Week in Review

Well, it seems I have a lot to catch everyone up on!

Ireland was SO much fun! It was a short trip...but we definitely packed a whole lot in. I made it in about an hour late (thanks Aer Lingus!)...and arrived to the smiling face of my dear friend Jack Quinn. Jack and I met in France back when I was studying at the Universite de Haut Alsace. We became instant friends and thankfully have stayed in touch through the years. He’s the perfect cross between a brother and friend. I adore him!

Jack dropped me off at Jordan’s house in Booterstown, just outside Dublin. Jordan (see photos in previous posting) has been my friend through thick and thin and I love her. She and her hubby live in a cute house with ocean views. After some coffee and a nap (makes sense, right?), we dolled ourselves up for a night out.



Jordan picked out a fab restaurant along the coast and then we headed into town for drinks and to meet up with Jack. Give me some drinks and a camera – and I’m a happy girl! Loads of fun!




Back in London – and needing some rest – I joined my lovely new friend Sabrina for a walk in the park. It was such a beautiful day, we couldn’t pass up an afternoon in the sun. So we headed to St. James Park – smack dab in front of Buckingham Palace. We grabbed some food and had an impromptu picnic in the park.

People in London take every opportunity to enjoy the sunshine. I’m learning fast that you have to take advantage of the sunshine...it’s not always guaranteed! Plus, who doesn’t love a picnic?! I’m becoming a big fan!





The work week flew by...thankfully! After such a busy weekend and not much sleep...I don’t think I could have handled much more than a 4 day work week! Plus, I had a date with Eric Clapton to look forward to! That’s right...THE Eric Clapton. He played at the Royal Albert Hall. It was AMAZING! The venue alone is spectacular...and to see him there was outstanding! And even at 64 he can make love to a guitar like no one else. Holy cow! I think I might have a crush...

Not a whole lot can really compare to Eric...but even still the rest of this weekend was nice. The weather has been fantastic...so a couple more days laying out in both the backyard and the park (Hyde Park today), plus a few beer gardens in between have made this a pretty great one. It was all topped off with a Skype chat with the family tonight, so can’t really complain!

Hope you have a great week!

A Weekend for the Irish

As if one weekend would be sufficient...but a girl's gotta start somewhere!

I'm off tomorrow (bright and early) to visit one of my dearest friends, Jordan. We met and sealed our forever friendship during a "study abroad" year in college. We like to say that we went through hell together and will be forever connected. I'm so excited to spend time with her and catch up. It's been about 4 years since my last trip to Dublin...so I have much catching up to do.

Here are a few snapshots from our past visits. I like to think we're getting better with age and don't take ourselves too seriously!

Tributes

I took a new path to the train station this morning and stumbled across this sweet little memorial:

This street is lined with these big beautiful trees and homes (promise to take more shots of this street soon) and the fact that this particular tree has become a tribute made me happy and sad all at the same time. It's not really clear in the picture, but they've placed little plastic frogs hopping to the door as well as planted the flowers. So much thought and energy went into this little space. I have no idea who/what is being memorialized...but I'm not sure it matters. Just knowing someone cared enough to do it breaks my heart.

Have been giving lots of thought to making the most of today....every day. Our days get so busy with deadlines and obligations to others, that I think we ofter forget to stop and breath once in a while. I know I do.

I hope you stop and enjoy something beautiful today. Or at least be happy that it's Thursday, and the weekend is almost here!

Smile

News of the weird never fails to make me smile.

Violet Dreams

My favorite color growing up was purple. I LOVED it. I had purple everything. And I used to tell my mom that when I grew up I wanted a purple house, with purple walls, get married in a purple dress...the whole 9 yards!

Now that I'm older, I have some restraint on exactly how much purple to have in my life - no purple house anymore. But on a walk yesterday around my neighborhood...I think I found the right amount of violet for a house:

This house is beautiful in its own right - and the purple door just adds that something extra! I think it's perfect!

Missing Bisous...

For those of you who don't know...I had to leave my 'sweet' Bisous in Charleston with my parents when I embarked on this fabulous adventure. As much as I really wanted to bring him with me...I couldn't imagine getting him safely through the relocation package. He's not a guy that likes change...and a carrier, cargo hold of an airplane for 10 hours, etc. was probably not going to be good experience for either of us.

(looking cute at my parents house)

I might have considered it if this company were operating international flights: Pet Airways.

Bisous could have been flying in style...probably better than the coach seat I had for myself! :) The fact remains, Bisous is in Charleston and I am in London. And so I have to wait for my parents to catch Bisous on the web cam during our Skype sessions...or surf the net for cute cat pictures and videos (wow...I'm kind of embarrassed just writing that!). Here's today's gem:

http://meview.metro.co.uk/Video.aspx?id=44779

Sweet Family Ties

So, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it or not -but my cute, charming flat is a bit off the beaten path. I mean, we're talking a good 12-15 minute walk (sometimes when I've had a bit too much on the vino...it's a 18-20 minute walk!). On sunny days, the walk is great. When it's overcast - or worse - rainy...not so much.

But despite the misty gray skies this morning...I saw something this morning which truly made me smile. A father was walking his primary-school aged daughter to school. They were talking up a storm and she was definitely telling him a grand story (lots of hand waving and big smiles). And she held her father with such rapt attention...I melted. Fathers and daughters have this special bond. I can remember waiting anxiously for my father to come home after a long trip...so excited to see him walk through the front door. And as tired as he probably was...I got his full attention.

So I have such a special treat coming up. My dad is coming to visit in June. I'm SO excited! Despite my father being a pilot and seeing the world from an airplane - he hasn't seen much from ground level. So, I'm making up a list of things for us to do. What do you think?

1. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
2. Go on the London Eye
3. Visit the Tower of London and the Royal Jewels
4. See inside St. Paul's Cathedral
5. Do the Museum Mile
6. Take a riverboat tour of the Thames
7. Catch a show in London't West End Theatre district
8. Visit Westminster Cathedral
9. See Big Ben
10. Check out Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
11. Grab lunch at Borough Market
12. Tour the Foundry which produced the Liberty Bell

Hmm...he's only here for 3 days. I've been here 2 months and haven't even done half this list (and it's a pretty small list in fairness...). There is just so much to do in this city! You can't possibly come to London and be bored. Which begs the question...when are YOU coming to visit?

Wishing you a great day!

I'm baaaccckkk.....

I thought about waiting until May 25th for my next post...thinking a whole month wouldn't be so bad, but I realized whatever is left of those of you reading this would officially disown me! Here's to maybe keeping the blog going... :)

So, part of why I moved to Europe was the opportunity to travel. I love getting to see new places and check out the scene. There's just so much history here! I mean, I think Charleston is an old city...and really it is for America. But we're talking about bustling cities in and around Europe before America was even "on the map"!

Plus there's the whole culture here which is completely different. Not better, not worse...just different. And I'm enjoying every minute of the experience!

What's even better about travelling is when someone else is picking up the tab, right? Check out my latest work trip: Winchester Cathedral - http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/

I mean, who can spot the American tourist? I was walking up to the meeting, camera in hand, snapping photos! :) But it's just so impressive. Parts of this cathedral have been in place since 1068 AD! Incredible!

I didn't get a chance to go inside the cathedral - or visit the quaint city sites (gotta get a paycheck, so meeting took priority!) - but I will definitely be back here soon.

(imagine how many people walked through this door...so wild!)

And since this isn't a perfect world...and I do have to pay for some of my own travelling...here are a few snapshots of a day trip to Arundel, a pretty city about 1.5 hrs south of London.

(I like to think this castle could be my summer home along the river...really belongs the Duke & Duchess of Norfolk, but maybe we can work something out...)

(The grand entrance to the castle - and no, that's not my car...I'm not even going to attempt driving in this country!)

(A Dominican Priory - or basically a place where monks lived. This dates back to the 1250s)

(the pretty Arun River)

(my new sweet friend, Joanna)

It's the Weekend!

Hi my friends!

It's the weekend again! Thank goodness. After what seemed like a long week, I was so happy to sleep in this morning! The sun is shining, so I'm anxious to get outside and enjoy the day. But I wanted to write a little something...

All week I have been feeling a complete lack of creativity...which is driving me nuts! Not only have I been stressed about what to post on here for you, my dear friends...but I've been tasked with coming up with several presentations at work. Pressure! And I love public speaking, but for some reason - my brain was not helping me out this week! So, rather than fear the blank page...I'm just going to start writing. Something will come out of my rambling notes, right? Well, I hold out hope... (new goal...again!)

This week has provided lots of inspiration, despite my ability to use it. A new friend, Michaela, had a gig on Wednesday night at the infamous Madame JoJo's. It's one thing to get in front of colleagues or peers and give a presentation. But I can't imagine singing! And Michaela not only sings, but she writes her own music, too... Talk about opening up your heart on stage?! She was amazing! I was so impressed. Check out her MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/thisismichaela

Well, I hope you are all having a fabulous day! I'm out to enjoy the sunshine! :)

xoxo

Officially Calling Myself a Nerd

I came across this video while doing some honest-to-goodness research for a presentation at work.

Who really has the time to do this:



Here's what the culprit had to say for his production:
Please note no effects or sampling was used. What you see is what you hear (does that even make sense?)
- Atari 800XL was used for the lead piano/organ sound
- Texas Instruments TI-99/4a as lead guitar
- 8 Inch Floppy Disk as Bass
- 3.5 inch Harddrive as the gong
- HP ScanJet 3C was used for all vocals.
Please note I had to record the HP scanner 4 seperate times for each voice. I tried to buy 4 HP scanners but for some reason sellers on E-Bay expect you to pay $80-$100, I got mine for $30.

(originally found at: http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/technology_internetcritic/)

Hope you're having a fab day - and remember, everything matters to me!! :)

A Couple Firsts

So, last night was my first "official" home cooked meal night in the new flat! Exciting times, right? After a month of eating soup and sandwiches...this is a pretty big deal!

After a couple trips around town to various shops and venues, I have finally collected the bare minimum supplies required to cook (not just microwave) a meal. Keep in mind, I have to carry everything around...so no Super Shopping Trips for me. If I can't carry it in a hand basket, I can't carry it home...so that makes for multiple trips and small pieces! FYI - I am now the proud own of not 1 but 2 pots (!), 2 spatulas, and a can opener! Still working on getting saute pans and some other appliances... All in due time...

Now I recognize that this was no gourmet meal...a meager pasta and tomato sauce with meatballs...but I considered it quite a feat! And I now know how to use my oven without burning the house down...something I'm sure my neighbors would love to know, but I'm rather glad they don't!

So, the other "first" was a walk in the pouring rain to the train station this morning. I've made it a month exactly without a rainy commute! It's been misty, but this was just downright rain today. I was a trooper, though. Slick red raincoat and Nicole Miller umbrella and I was off to the train, although not quite singing...more listening to my iPod. :)

I only wish I looked this good walking in the rain....

(photo: Rain with Love by =widjita)

J'aime Barcelona!

Ok...so that's French...but my Spanish did not improve this weekend. But God, do I love the city of Barcelona! It's absolutely beautiful. The weather was awful...but even with cold rain every day - I had a blast (sangria probably helps!).

Here are few snapshots from my weekend there with Amy Chason. Muy beuno!

(Mom is always there for me, whether or not even she knows it!)

(On the mosaic terrace of Parc Güell, created by Gaudi - Barcelona's favorite son.)

(Enjoying a frozen margarita shot...Like my new friend behind me? Creepy!)

(Barcelona has an Arc de Triomphe as well!)

(Amy and I are done with the rain and are enjoying the city from above in the Telefèric de Montjuïc Gondolas.)

A quick update

So, I caught the coolest show last night on the BBC. Okay, maybe cool isn't the best word...but I loved it! It's called The Speaker. Teenagers from around the UK audition to be the best public speaker. Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/speaker/

I mean, I'm not knocking American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the rest of those shows...they are great! Singers and performers are important...but what about showcasing the importance of public speaking skills and well-thought out & logical speeches? The next generation (gosh, I sound old!) needs polished, professional, intelligent leaders. What a great start!! Ok, so public speaking is something I'm passionate about...but I won't get on my soap box!

I'll just say this...my favorite line from last night's episode: "The geek shall inherit the earth."

Well, I'm off today to Barcelona for the Easter weekend. Very excited! I promise to take lots of pictures and post them for your viewing pleasure!

Happy Easter!

Family Ties and SSPU

Mom and Aunt Dorothy are coming to visit me! The revolving door at my flat has begun!

Actually (thankfully) they are staying in a hotel. My place, as I’ve mentioned before, is charming...but 3 Armstrong women under one little roof is a mess! Plus, what I call charming, Mom will call old, dingy and small.

Semantics.

In addition to having the ladies visit, I’m THRILLED that Silversun Pickups are playing in London this weekend. I missed them in Charleston 2 years ago and have been kicking myself ever since. It’s funny – they are too big for Charleston, yet they are opening for some band I’ve never heard of here. Must be a different continent thing...

If you haven’t heard of Silversun Pickups...don’t tell me...just download these songs and fall in love: Common Reactor, Lazy Eye, and Well Thought Out Twinkles.

(http://www.silversunpickups.com/)

Anyway, they are playing at some place called KoKo on Friday. I’ll just have to tuck Mom and Aunt D in bed early and head out. Not going to let this opportunity pass me again.

SO EXCITED!

I've got my Eye on you...

This past weekend, in addition to moving into the new digs, my dearest Jordan came down to welcome me to London. She’s been living in Dublin for the last few years. It was hard when she was so far away, but now we’re so close!! She was a Godsend this weekend...my little packmule. Helped me get situated in the new flat and taught me how to use a gas stove. Bless her...

As a treat, she welcomed me to London with a Champagne Tour on the London Eye.

I highly recommend doing the Champagne Tour if you’re going to do the London Eye. It’s a short ride, but having the champagne toast on top of the city is amazing. Yes, we did look a little like a recently engaged lesbian couple (“She’s quite a catch!”), but no matter...the views are worth it.

And who says no to bubbly?

I'm Sorry...

...I totally suck at writing a blog! I realize this and will try to be better in the future. Thank you for your patience with my fledgling attempt at being creative and tech savvy...

I’m sitting in my new flat (yay!) waiting on Fedex to arrive with my boxes from the US. Very excited, although I’m looking around this place now wondering how on earth I’m going to store everything. Yikes! I definitely had rose-colored glasses on when I was looking at apartments. Now that I’ve actually spent a few nights here, I can see some glaringly obvious oversights on my part. For one, there is only 1 closet!! How did I miss that?!? It was even something I noticed in other places as good/bad/whatever. So, how did I miss it this time? I’ll tell you...

The charm in this place is intoxicating. There are pretty little touches like beautiful stain glass windows in the kitchen and bathroom. There are fireplaces in the living room and in my bedroom. The natural wood frames of the doors and windows make a nice contrast to the whitewashed walls. It’s charming, plain and simple...

But it still doesn’t help me find a place for my clothes!

Once the boxes arrive, I’m off to search for storage. Here are some shots of the “charming bits” of the flat. More to come soon...

(They really use keys that look like this!)

(My tiny kitchen...good thing I'm not a gourmet chef!)

(Pretty blue stained glass in the bathroom)

(My bedroom window)

(My bedroom so far...and yes, I have a teddy bear!)

View from a Window

So, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic about leaving my "temporary apartment" on Saturday. I've only recently discovered the gems of Borough...namely Borough Market!...and it is sad to think that this eclectic little area will be several Tube stops away from my new home.

Now, I'm still VERY excited about my new place...and I know Putney will have gems of her own for me to discover, but still...with views like this, what can I say?

(clear as a bell)

(garden delight!)

(watching the clouds roll in over the London Eye)

(all's quiet - the London Eye is bright against the dark sky)

I LOVE Borough Market!

Borough Market is a bountiful open-air market near the South Bank. It's colorful, great for people-watching, perfect for grabbing a snack, or even doing your weekly grocery shopping. Everything is here: produce, fish, beef, chicken, sausages, pastries, flowers...you name it and you're likely to find it there.

Now, this place isn't for those who don't like crowds. Because the market is only open 3 days of the week - people flock here in droves, locals and tourists alike. And because today was (yet again) a lovely sunshiney day, I imagine it was filled to the brim.

Here are a few of my photos from today. (Wish I'd taken more but I'm one of those people who don't like crowds, so my patience was limited...)

(my first stop)

(gorgeous fruits and veggies)

(preserves and spreads)

(a pretty flower shop just outside the market)

(this is Southwark Cathedral...very beautiful)

(a view across the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral)

Rude Awakenings

Woke up this morning only to discover the water in my building has been turned off!?! What?!?

Thankfully, I had a bottled water in the fridge and could at least brush my teeth. So, I then decided to pop down to the little convenience store downstairs and get some breakfast. Imagine my delight to find they carry Diet Cherry Coke!! (I know - healthy breakfast...but I was swayed because DCC can be hard to find in the grocery stores back home and thought I was in for such a treat!) I picked up a few other little items for the week and rushed back up here to write this entry and enjoy my precious drink. Yep...it's not the same. It's not at all the same sweet deliciousness as back home. In fact, it stinks!

One pleasant surprise (and believe me, I had my doubts) was that hummus, or houmous as they spell it here, is great!

So, no banking progress as of yet...but I'm taking my stinky, no shower self off to explore Borough Market today. V. excited! :)