Barcelona, Glasgow and home again - jiggity jig

Hola! It's been a couple of weeks since my last post but I have been a busy bee. Since my last post I have traveled to two (technically 3 new places), submitted my side project to an incubator for an analysis (and potentially support!), entered and started training for a 10K and celebrated (after today) two birthdays! Plus all of the normal work/life stuff. Travels: *Barcelona - Fun trip with friends over the weekend *Glasgow - work trip for a conference *London/Berhamsted - back home for ice bar bday celebration and country bday celebration Starting off with a trip to Barcelona with some friends last weekend our group of four girls (an American, Polish, British and Scottish girl group enter a Ryanair plane...) took a plan from Stansted and landed in Reus. It's about an hour and a half away from Barcelona and requires a bus as you can see from the map below.

The Ryanair travel was quite different than I am used to. EasyJet, Ryanair, etc. sell very cheap tickets with the idea that their are no frills. You are allowed one small bag (not a purse plus bag; just 1 bag per person) and it's a bit of a free-for-all as there are no assigned seats. Just need to make sure you line up early enough to sit with who you want and where you want. I didn't really mind this too much; at the end of the trip if you arrive on time or early they play a little song. The song is the same as at the beginning of a horse race, right before Trevor Denman would say "and away they go." So we arrived early and the little song played and everyone clapped. Kinda fun. Then we were off to go through customs (extremely easy as this is a super small airport) and find our bus. We were worried we would be late. This is a tad laughable knowing what I know now. The credit card and money counter machine broke. Plus, our bus driver had no calculator and couldn't really handle money exchange. He had a LOT of difficulty providing the correct change to each of the passengers and so it took about an hour just to get on the bus! We were a bit tired on our way to the hostel, Casa Gracia, which is located in the centre of the city. I was meeting my friend Dimitri there as he lives in South Spain but is moving back to the states. We arrived and our rooms were not ready which was quite annoying. I hadn't seen Dimitri in a long time so it was great getting to see him but we all just wanted to change, brush our teeth and get some food. Yummy tapas to be exact. Visited parks, cathedrals, la Sagrada Familia. Saw a lot of the Gaudi buildings which are really quite cool. A couple pics of a cathedral and the park!

We even played some flip cup which apparently is not common in Europe? This was a pretty big past time for me and my college friends. Apparently in Europe there are not a lot of games to go with drinking - everyone just drinks! haha Next up was Glasgow; for a work trip. Glasgow reminds me of a super small San Francisco (read: lots of hills) but where everyone speaks very difficult-to-understand English. I had the most amazing red bean and sweet potato burger at O'Neill's Irish bar. Seriously, amazing! I had the most hedious travel and spent a LOT of time waiting on an airplane or at the airport. We even had to change planes at Gatwick airport and take a bus to go about 20 feet to ensure that no one got injured. Quite crazy but all of the staff were very pleasant and I would rather be safe than sorry! London: Saturday night I took my friend Lucy out for her birthday to the Ice Bar. Had visited this bar with Drew when he was here and I love it. They have such amazing food. Took a couple pictures as well. Recommend (highly) the goat cheese starter. Also, I think choosing three small plates versus one large and 1 small is the way to go! The drinks are overpriced but the delicious food and ambiance makes it worth it.

Bad news was that someone stole my wallet. Kinda common here but still bummed me out. As that was my last night to drink alcohol for the next month it was a sour note to an otherwise lovely evening. I have been training for my upcoming 10K which isn't until July 8th. Also, would love to lose about 10 pounds before our Croatia/Brussels/Brugge/Amsterdam family trip at the end of June. Cannot wait! Now off to Berkhamsted since we have a Bank Holiday - yay for May Day! :)

Easter has past; time to go to Barcelona!

Starting off this post with another very funny commercial from the UK featuring Yoda (aka puppy) and two girls from the Salon:



So I have been ridiculously busy trying to get my new side project going; very time intensive but so exciting. I would call it a business but it's too new to see where it will end up going. Some fun things to do on my own outside of work - but I am spending a lot of time learning more about digital advances and keen to to have something of my own that could provide an benefit to the larger population. More to be revealed as I continue on my journey!

I am still adjusting to life in the UK - not sure how long it will take but I am more comfortable and confident that I have ever been 6 months in. My sister and Drew were both in town for a week at a time and being a tour guide to them both proved my local knowledge has vastly improved. So good to see them - it's tough having people on vacation and you are still living your regular life. I am used to vacationing with people - not staying home and showing people around. Takes a bit to get used to but no more visitors for a while.

Lucy and Drew's bday were both this past week - I gave Lucy the gift of the Ice Bar (food + drink) - seriously so much fun! Can't wait for us to go together. Also had some family in town, Eric - tried out a Brazilian Steakhouse in Covent Garden!

Still, I totally miss my family and friends from back home. So many exciting things happening at home and I just want to be a part of it all. I hate being so far away when there are engagements, baby showers, parties, vacations, etc. Plus of course, Isabelle! Also, I miss having things be decently priced - I hate never having money. argh! It's an amazing city - way too overpriced. I know everyone says that, but it's true!

Here are a couple pictures from Ice Bar London (go if you can! food and bar are amazing; no the restaurant is not in ice) the duck boat tour (very fun!)




Heading to Munich this Tuesday for a video shoot and then Barcelona is only a couple of weeks away. So friggin' excited! Going with Lucy, Tori, Eliza and meeting up with Dimitri! Hoooray.

Sunday Roast

We decided to do a housemate Sunday Roast. This was a brilliant (or in UK speak, LEGEND) idea. Consists of potatoes, pork, yorkshire pudding (not really a pudding at all), gravy, other veggies.

Please see photos below:





Eliza is choosing to hide behind the boys:

Hiking Trip and Making Plans

It's difficult for me to describe how amazing I felt after going on the hiking trip with the UK Wild Adventures group in Buckinghamshire.

I felt a sense of purpose and ease being with a group of people; some I knew, some I didn't, touring through a very beautiful, scenic place. I feel at most peace with my decision for moving here when doing activities like this. I even took a moment of craziness to heart, rolling down the mountain and laughing the whole way along.






Still in a situation that is tough for me - where to keep my cat. My bf has been keeping her for me but it's not the best situation and is a continuous point of stress for me. I feel constantly conflicted about it. I would have no idea this was going to be such an issue.

I have been focusing on getting my taxes done and realizing more and more how annoying it is to live here and do things that seem ridiculous as an expat. Like bank transfers. Such an easy solution - get the numbers of a person's bank account and transfer money over. This is a standard practice here and completely not the same over in the states. We still take out money or write a check to supply money to a person. Also, taxes are easily reconciled for everyone I live with but myself. It's utterly frustrating. Taxes and my cat = sore point.

I am again super excited about my sister coming and then Drew (the BF). At the end of April I will be exploring Spain. Barcelona to be exact with my favorite team, Tori and Lucy. Cannot wait!

Death and Taxes (and Remembrance)

Taxes
I am so consumed with completing all of my tax paperwork. 1099s, W2s, TD F 90-22.1. Just a bunch of random forms to be filled out and after two hours I am only midway through it. At least next year it will be easier as I am only earning money in the UK and will not have any stateside income. Very much a relief!

I do have to pay for accountant work out of my own pocket which doesn't thrill me but it is what it is! I am hoping I can handle it myself next year as I have done all previous years till now. For my first filing as an expat and given that I spent the majority of the year in the states it makes sense to have an expert help me out.

Other than that I have been very tired lately. A big night out with coworkers last week left me dragging; though I made myself stay upbeat! I have been trying to just relax and get work and personal paperwork done as I know I will feel better once it is complete!

I am planning to go for a long run in the park tomorrow though I have heard that it will be quite cold! Yet, I have been running in cold weather this whole time so it's not really a change. Cannot wait for continuous warmth! Oh wait, I am in London. That will not be happening. haha

At the office
We did a taste testing exercise with the office as some of the Americas (like moi) have not tried Vegemite, Bovril and marmite. Everyone was shocked at the very notion of never having tried it. So, a taste testing was prepared - I brought the bread and on we went! Bovril was the best out of the three but apparently you are supposed to have them with cheese and microwave it, etc.

Not my favorite overall but maybe if put together in the traditional way described it would be good. They say you either love it or hate it. I am undecided. I like going against the grain I suppose!



Valentine's Day
My Valentine's Day I spent with a couple of my flatmates eating the most delicious Chinese food - London truly has an amazing selection of Chinese food. Is it incredible!! Tonight we had Lebanese food. Also, quite amazing!




Remembrance
I remember being a little girl and visiting my neighbors. They had me hide behind a door as there was a secret gift giver - I believe a rabbit - that wanted to bring me presents. I remember candy and little plastic jewlery. I remember being very happy.

Then they moved away and their family was replaced my an obsessive-compulsive man that cared about two things: his lawn and his car. He was the man who yelled at us to remain far from his home; yet the street was compiled of mostly families with children. Why would you move there if you couldn't be bothered with children?? So weird. The point is that I feel so fondly about these memories that are so hazy as if they are not real. I feel like that about a lot of the time I spent with my real father.

I remember vivid moments of time with him but the details are so dark as if plunged into night.

It's weird the moments you reflect on. Every February 19th I struggle a bit with reconciling that my father has past and that I am OK. It never seems to be just another day but I feel solid in my foundation and my family's support that enables me to feel good about where we all have come.

Depressing note to end on but it's the truth about me now and as important to reflect upon as the silly or fun.

Travel, Pinterest, Sheryl Sandberg, Jody!

Pinterest
New hobby is Pinterest. I would think most people are hearing about it or just about to. The site basically allows for you to capture all of your interests and explore new interests through visual categorization and then share. Here is an image from my Pinterest.




Some people set-up one for us to use that would be relevant for our business. I read an article about it being the number one traffic driver to retailers. I definitely think it's Worth checking out!


Visit to the states
I did also have a chance to go back to the states for a bit at the end of January. That was quite fun! Was able to see old colleagues and family and friends. It was actually quite tough being back because it did feel so natural. Yet, the more time I spend in London the easier it gets. There are things I don't like about it but I think that's more about finding my way through my job versus the lifestyle of London.

UK Socials and Jody Visiting!
I am trying to be very conscious of spending here. I want to be able to have more money for travelling and not spend too much on food and going out. I think things are too pricey here for the most part and have been really good about cooking in as much as possible and don't drink during the week much except for the random social occasion. I save it all up and then let loose on the weekends. Really like it that way! Also, this allows for more sleeping opportunities than during the week.

My sister is visiting next month and I CANNOT WAIT! I wish both sisters could visit but I am thrilled even just to have Jody out for a time. I have been writing down all of the activities we could do together from food to shopping to pubs! Maybe even a little weekend trip somewhere?

Business: Sheryl Sandberg
I have been fascinated (as has most of the newspapers) in the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg. She is so interesting to me. I have included a little video about her thoughts on Women and Leadership. Also, I am so impressed with the interactive transcript on TED.com that allows for you to pick a spot in the transcript and the video automatically plays from that exact location. So very cool!

http://www.ted.com
Worth looking at the interactive transcript mostly because it's so cool - connects directly with the video.



BAFTAs and Football
Planning on watching the BAFTA's tonight. Went for a long run in the park today as I am seriously considering the 10K in May in London. I think it would be very cool - trying to convince Lucy that this is a good plan. Not sure if I am being persuasive enough.

We met a girl at the local pub in Camden where I am house sitting for a friend that is on a women's football (American "soccer") team and they are looking for new players! Lucy and I may end up playing with them. That starts in March. I am thinking it will be a bit of a time commitment but I would imagine that I will love it. I am always up for organized sports! :)

New Fun London Commercial

Promoting "hands-only CPR" is Vinnie Jones. Quite a clever one: