Monday, April 1, 2013
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November Happenings!
4 more days till the big move! I have included some pics of the place pre-move-in...it's definitely tiny but so cute! Should be interesting to see the result of the rooms with furniture included!
In addition to our big move there has been lots of activity in the last few weeks. I am still adjusting to being home but it is very nice to have such easy access to family. I haven't been able to see most of my friends as of yet because of my work schedule and the lack of a vehicle. I think in a few months I might want to have a car just in case I want to go to NJ to visit friends and family. I have time to consider this further and at this point need to focus on saving money! With Christmas around the corner this should be interesting. haha!
Also, I did an 8K race the morning of Thanksgiving which was so fun. I hope to do this every year! I also signed up for my first half-marathon which I am super excited about. It's nice to have something to work towards with regards to running. I finally was able to meet my aunts little baby bear - super cute! Picture of him almost-smiling & delicious pies courtesy of my mom and sister, Leia, below!
So far I really like my new job. I am not as busy as I figured I would be but I know that will change soon enough. In the meantime I can focus on other important matters! The commute and the days are super long - it will be nice to have a quick trip via the subway starting next week! woot. Living with my sister, Jody, has been a dream for so long. At the end of the day I do feel fortunate to have lived the life I really wanted.
I definitely still miss London at times but I still feel completely confident in my decision to move back. I feel like I will have more money and access to the important elements of my life. I am hoping that I get visitors from the other side of the Atlantic!
In other news - the Steelers lost this past weekend with Ben out - but we have tickets to go see them for xmas so I am hopeful they win on the 23rd! It will be depressing if they don't. It will also be freezing. Also, the PowerBall is at 425 million; I bought two tickets and feel confident that I have a shot. A girl can dream, right?
One important item for the remainder of the month - I am only giving myself a little more time to get my act together. I am extremely tough on myself and I know it's been a crazy month between a Hurricane, a transatlantic move, new job, temp livings places, moving to NYC, seeing people a year later, blah blah. I know I need to get back to doing what will make me great - I need time and energy poured into entreprenuerial efforts like in London. I promise myself I will be very active on these ventures in December and even stronger in January and beyond. My resolution will be a combination of half-marathon completion success & the launch of bysophia.com. Pinky swear.
In addition to our big move there has been lots of activity in the last few weeks. I am still adjusting to being home but it is very nice to have such easy access to family. I haven't been able to see most of my friends as of yet because of my work schedule and the lack of a vehicle. I think in a few months I might want to have a car just in case I want to go to NJ to visit friends and family. I have time to consider this further and at this point need to focus on saving money! With Christmas around the corner this should be interesting. haha!
Also, I did an 8K race the morning of Thanksgiving which was so fun. I hope to do this every year! I also signed up for my first half-marathon which I am super excited about. It's nice to have something to work towards with regards to running. I finally was able to meet my aunts little baby bear - super cute! Picture of him almost-smiling & delicious pies courtesy of my mom and sister, Leia, below!
So far I really like my new job. I am not as busy as I figured I would be but I know that will change soon enough. In the meantime I can focus on other important matters! The commute and the days are super long - it will be nice to have a quick trip via the subway starting next week! woot. Living with my sister, Jody, has been a dream for so long. At the end of the day I do feel fortunate to have lived the life I really wanted.
I definitely still miss London at times but I still feel completely confident in my decision to move back. I feel like I will have more money and access to the important elements of my life. I am hoping that I get visitors from the other side of the Atlantic!
In other news - the Steelers lost this past weekend with Ben out - but we have tickets to go see them for xmas so I am hopeful they win on the 23rd! It will be depressing if they don't. It will also be freezing. Also, the PowerBall is at 425 million; I bought two tickets and feel confident that I have a shot. A girl can dream, right?
One important item for the remainder of the month - I am only giving myself a little more time to get my act together. I am extremely tough on myself and I know it's been a crazy month between a Hurricane, a transatlantic move, new job, temp livings places, moving to NYC, seeing people a year later, blah blah. I know I need to get back to doing what will make me great - I need time and energy poured into entreprenuerial efforts like in London. I promise myself I will be very active on these ventures in December and even stronger in January and beyond. My resolution will be a combination of half-marathon completion success & the launch of bysophia.com. Pinky swear.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
An expat no longer...
This blog post took me a while to write, not because I was strapped for time but rather because I was just purely exhausted. I didn't feel the extreme fatigue of jet lag this time around; it only took me about a day to be OK again.
I had rescheduled my flight to ensure that I didn't get caught up in "Superstorm Sandy" per the title provided by the media. I knew it was going to be a pretty big storm and I didn't want to have any massive delays in travelling back home. I had packed up my suitcases and was in a very fragile emotional state by the time I left. Bittersweet is the word you would use, yet, that doesn't even begin to truly express how I felt.
I managed to load up just two suitcases, a carry-on and my purse to make my way back home again. I was fortunate to be able to celebrate with friends and coworkers in the last week of my time in London and spent most of the last days crying. I miss the London crew tremendously.
Since being back my goal was to start work & find/move-into an apt. I have also just tried to get up to speed and meet up with friends and family in the interim. It's been extremely challenging and stressful. Thankfully my aunt and her fiance (and puppies) have welcomed me into their home and I have been commuting into the city. Hurricane Sandy has made transport utterly insane but since Jody and I signed a lease on the lower east side yesterday for December 1st my commute it going to get much better very soon!!
I had rescheduled my flight to ensure that I didn't get caught up in "Superstorm Sandy" per the title provided by the media. I knew it was going to be a pretty big storm and I didn't want to have any massive delays in travelling back home. I had packed up my suitcases and was in a very fragile emotional state by the time I left. Bittersweet is the word you would use, yet, that doesn't even begin to truly express how I felt.
I managed to load up just two suitcases, a carry-on and my purse to make my way back home again. I was fortunate to be able to celebrate with friends and coworkers in the last week of my time in London and spent most of the last days crying. I miss the London crew tremendously.
Since being back my goal was to start work & find/move-into an apt. I have also just tried to get up to speed and meet up with friends and family in the interim. It's been extremely challenging and stressful. Thankfully my aunt and her fiance (and puppies) have welcomed me into their home and I have been commuting into the city. Hurricane Sandy has made transport utterly insane but since Jody and I signed a lease on the lower east side yesterday for December 1st my commute it going to get much better very soon!!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
History in the making
Here I sit on this lovely (though chilly) early evening, laid up from a bad cold. I have managed to get my usual weekend gym time in but it has been pathetic with severe difficulties breathing normally so I am really praying one more night of good sleep will ensure I wake up with an easier time of it.
Today is a historic day because of the live jump more than 23 miles above the surface of the Earth on the anniversary of Chuck Yeager breaking through the sound barrier. Watching Felix Baumgartner jump from the capsule into the air was thrilling, nerve-racking and amazing. It is incredible how very far we have come in this day and age.
All of the conversations were capture via Twitter and Facebook with thousands of people watching via the Internet in real-time.
I had first heard of Felix Baumgartner planning his Red Bull Stratos jump via an in-flight magazine a few months back. At the time, I remember thinking "he is insane." I passed the article to my father to test the validity of the proposal. My father also was shocked at the notion of jumping from a capsule so far above the earth's surface. The slightest rip in his suit could be catastrophic - it reminded me of the possible space shuttle disasters of the past.
Even Felix was tweeting as he rode all of the way up via the largest balloon ever created to carry him to space - the final tweet post-jump, "we live to conquer fears and pursue dreams, may our attempts and accomplishments progress humankind."
Today is a historic day because of the live jump more than 23 miles above the surface of the Earth on the anniversary of Chuck Yeager breaking through the sound barrier. Watching Felix Baumgartner jump from the capsule into the air was thrilling, nerve-racking and amazing. It is incredible how very far we have come in this day and age.
All of the conversations were capture via Twitter and Facebook with thousands of people watching via the Internet in real-time.
I had first heard of Felix Baumgartner planning his Red Bull Stratos jump via an in-flight magazine a few months back. At the time, I remember thinking "he is insane." I passed the article to my father to test the validity of the proposal. My father also was shocked at the notion of jumping from a capsule so far above the earth's surface. The slightest rip in his suit could be catastrophic - it reminded me of the possible space shuttle disasters of the past.
Even Felix was tweeting as he rode all of the way up via the largest balloon ever created to carry him to space - the final tweet post-jump, "we live to conquer fears and pursue dreams, may our attempts and accomplishments progress humankind."
Felix pre-jump
And now for a little song I came upon via one of my favorite podcasts, the "Nerdist." Hope you like it!
Monday, September 17, 2012
All the rowboats...
As Regina Spektor sings in her new song "All the rowboats" - they all are ready to sail away. My time in London is slowly coming to a close but I am still embracing all of the opportunities possible. I have a strong interest in ticking off the items on my bucket list; and so far so good. One Italian restaurant, Centre Point, Harrods all done!
The past few weeks have been crazy at work; including a day trip (4AM - 10PM) to Geneva for business. As much as I enjoy the intensity of my job I do feel that at times it can be a distraction from my project interests which I really wish I had even more time for.
THE GLOBE!
This past Friday I saw "the Taming of the Shrew" at the globe theatre & tried the delicious pizza express "Padana Leggera" that my friend Leia said was amazing. It truly, truly was. Really enjoyed walking from work down to Southwark; crossing the bridge (any of the bridges really) on a beautiful Friday on your own feels ultra relaxing. I have really embraced the times when I can just go and do something by myself. I feel like I take in more of the city that way versus getting caught up in interesting conversation! Of course, I love spending time with friends & flatmates and my coworkers but I really like having time just for myself to explore and see & experience everything.
Saturday was the thrilling exposure to "Meat Liquor." Definitely, hands down the best burgers in the city. I was utterly amazed! It's a very cool, dark environment with wine served in small mason jars & interesting cocktail concoctions. The fries are not chips but actual American-style fries. Haven't had those in forever & they were delicious. A little post-dinner card playing and wine with the flatmates & Tori and I woke up with a bit of a hangover. I managed to make it to the gym as I would feel utterly sorry for myself if I didn't go!
We have been in search for a person to take my room over when I leave at the end of October. Man, that has been a struggle! So much organizing and it can be quite exhausting giving the tours and repeating yourself multiple times over multiple days. We had a few people over on Sunday and since my other flatmate has decided to move out as well we have been pulling a bit if double duty trying to get someone for her room too. Honestly looking forward to downsizing & just living with my sister in NYC!
Oktoberfest with my sister Jody & one of my best friends, Nicole is about to begin! I leave for the airport Saturday morning and we return Wednesday evening. Planning to take them both to a pub quiz with work on Thursday and just do a bit of exploring. I believe my cousin Ashley will be in town as well which will be very exciting! Haven't seen her in forever.
As I haven't been feeling amazing today I am about to go back to sleep and hopefully feel 100% tomorrow!! Just really needed a non-stressful R&R day and then I should be back in fighting form.
Night!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Big changes.
So a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks! One big item is my relocation back to the US! It's a bittersweet move for me because I have really grown to love and care about the people and places here. London does feel like home away from home now - I no longer get lost and everything has a sense of familiarity to me. I remember, vividly, the feeling of complete anxiety and apprehension in every step the first couple of weeks I lived here. I would walk out of buildings and be completely turned around. It didn't help that I didn't even take a day off from when I first moved-in and started my job.
If I can advise anything - take time for yourself when you move to a new place. Take time to learn about the most basic of needs; ie where do you buy groceries, how banking works, transportation details. I had brushed up a bit before I moved here but I think I could have done a little bit more to be fair.
I have no clue where I will be working when I am back home at this time - there are definitely some options and since I am still 2 months out I have some time. I am going to be moving in with my sister in NYC! We have been looking for spots there and I am really looking forward to this aspect. Well there are a lot of good things to come - Thanksgiving with family, NFL, mexican food & sushi, Target, etc. Just a few things I really have missed.
In the interim, my good friends have provided me with a bucket list of things I need to complete. I really need to get a move on it. I have decided to use the bank holiday (man, will I miss these) catching up on work things and shopping for a bday gifts. Next weekend, I promise, will be for crossing items off the list.
The one I did get to was Venti 2 with Tori. Delicious Italian!
Transferring the copy from the back of the Busaba tablemat to this blog:
Lucy and I went to the Notting Hill Carnival; apparently it is a very big deal; biggest street festival in Europe. Learn more here: http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
It was an interesting experience. I was really expecting a lot more street vendors with lots of delicious food and drinks. Not so much. Also, TONS of prams/strollers & whistles. Everywhere. Drunk people + whistles + babies = lots of noise. Also, I wouldn't describe it as the safest environment - people smashing into each other to catch a glimpse of the parade. Definitely interesting to see but we didn't stay for very long.
I did pop-in to a comic book store to see if they had Walking Dead; also thought it would be nice to get away from the noise. It definitely was. Plus, they had a few options from the series to choose from. I picked up the fourth one and already read it. Amazing! Pics from the parade and my new copy of Walking Dead below!
I have been catching up on Dexter and Sister Wives when I have free time. Though this is definitely limited these days. I am in a bit of a funk lately trying to figure out what I really want to do and where I want to be. I guess it's just my personality to always be thinking and considering the future. I think my strong desire to be an entrepreneur is clouding any perspective to work at a stable, corporate environment. I do work incredibly hard at everything I do and put a ridiculously amount of pressure on myself to do my best whether I am at the gym, working on my projects or at work. I am usually the first or second one in and one of the last to leave each night. I find myself irritated when people stroll in at half past nine when I have been there for over an hour and feel there is so much to get done. I know this is my own hang-up but I cannot help my extreme work ethic and maybe I am envious that I cannot just let things go a bit. But then, maybe I wouldn't be here in London with a successful career path carved-out for me? hmmm.
If I can advise anything - take time for yourself when you move to a new place. Take time to learn about the most basic of needs; ie where do you buy groceries, how banking works, transportation details. I had brushed up a bit before I moved here but I think I could have done a little bit more to be fair.
I have no clue where I will be working when I am back home at this time - there are definitely some options and since I am still 2 months out I have some time. I am going to be moving in with my sister in NYC! We have been looking for spots there and I am really looking forward to this aspect. Well there are a lot of good things to come - Thanksgiving with family, NFL, mexican food & sushi, Target, etc. Just a few things I really have missed.
In the interim, my good friends have provided me with a bucket list of things I need to complete. I really need to get a move on it. I have decided to use the bank holiday (man, will I miss these) catching up on work things and shopping for a bday gifts. Next weekend, I promise, will be for crossing items off the list.
The one I did get to was Venti 2 with Tori. Delicious Italian!
- Venti2
- Provodores
- Paradise
- Kensington Roof Gardens
- Oxo Tower Drinks
- Centre Point Sky Bar
- Paramount
- Kew Gardens Picnic
- Aqua
- Bliss Spa
- Afternoon Tea - Claridges
- Harrods (I know, everyone makes fun of me on this one)
- Camrbdige
- Haka San
- Makiki "It Club"
- The Wolsley "Breakfast"
- G.A.Y
Lucy and I went to the Notting Hill Carnival; apparently it is a very big deal; biggest street festival in Europe. Learn more here: http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/
It was an interesting experience. I was really expecting a lot more street vendors with lots of delicious food and drinks. Not so much. Also, TONS of prams/strollers & whistles. Everywhere. Drunk people + whistles + babies = lots of noise. Also, I wouldn't describe it as the safest environment - people smashing into each other to catch a glimpse of the parade. Definitely interesting to see but we didn't stay for very long.
I did pop-in to a comic book store to see if they had Walking Dead; also thought it would be nice to get away from the noise. It definitely was. Plus, they had a few options from the series to choose from. I picked up the fourth one and already read it. Amazing! Pics from the parade and my new copy of Walking Dead below!
I have been catching up on Dexter and Sister Wives when I have free time. Though this is definitely limited these days. I am in a bit of a funk lately trying to figure out what I really want to do and where I want to be. I guess it's just my personality to always be thinking and considering the future. I think my strong desire to be an entrepreneur is clouding any perspective to work at a stable, corporate environment. I do work incredibly hard at everything I do and put a ridiculously amount of pressure on myself to do my best whether I am at the gym, working on my projects or at work. I am usually the first or second one in and one of the last to leave each night. I find myself irritated when people stroll in at half past nine when I have been there for over an hour and feel there is so much to get done. I know this is my own hang-up but I cannot help my extreme work ethic and maybe I am envious that I cannot just let things go a bit. But then, maybe I wouldn't be here in London with a successful career path carved-out for me? hmmm.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Raining and Bursts of Sun - Summer in London to Welcome the Olympics!
People are amazing.
I didn't know that I would be so amazed by all-things "Olympics." Yet, here I am typing away on a blog post with the previous day recap playing in the background. "Background" meaning I keep stopping and staring at the screen every couple of minutes. I can't help it, OK? It's just utterly amazing to me that individuals have the dedication and passion to train for at least 4 years to only have a moment in the spotlight. I haven't been as fascinated by badminton or synchronized swimming which wasn't surprising; the surprising moment for me came when I couldn't take my eyes off of judo and the heptathlon.
I didn't know Jessica Ennis existed before this year. I saw her face everywhere I went in the city and started to learn more about her as I continued to live here. I, of course, wanted my USA team to win whenever possible. Yet, I saw myself rooting for GB athletes and teams alongside the American athletes. BBC is obviously focusing on local athletes and it's so easy to want the best for everyone who competes. Everyone works so hard and I feel as though their story is being told on the iPad, computer and TV screens across the world - a little glimpse into the life of someone with the supreme desire to do well. It feels really special being able to be a part of it in any way possible.
Here is the advertisement from Adidas on Jess Enis. One of my absolute fave ads of all time - it gives me chills whenever I see it. Like just now. Chills; right?! I just love the words:
CHILLS!
Unfortunately tickets are very difficult to acquire as they are very limited and extremely expensive. There are a couple of free events - such as the cycling, triathlon and marathon. I managed to trek down in the non-summer rainy weather to trafalgar square to watch the US women take on the world in a very long 26.2 miles. My spot was perfect - right next to a large group of East Timor supporters (very random, I know) and a couple of Sheffield men. Everyone was so friendly and just enjoyed the day, despite the torrential downpour and sudden heatwaves. Ahhh, London. Never fail to disappoint.
Some of the friends I was with caught even better pictures and I will be adding those later when they send them over! I cannot express how exciting it was to be "this close" to my idols, Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher. Desiree Davila ended up dropping out because of injury but ALL three of them are amazing women. They were so fun to watch and I have read and watched so many of their videos and interviews and then suddenly I was able to see them in action at one of the most important events of all-time. Even writing it now I still cannot believe it happened. They came around to our spot 4 different times and then we watched the very end on an iPhone from BBC streaming.
After that it was American girl out in the city; grabbing some food and pub hopping including a stop at a Blues Bar near Marylebone. Hyde Park was having a large, free, showing of events on big screens and I was able to watch the 100meter men's race and cheer with everyone else on the hope for Bolt to win the gold. He did.
Was such an amazing weekend that it was hard to get back to work today. I was exhausted! Unfortunately my knee has been a huge problem the past couple of weeks and I am stuck with cycling, elliptical and sometimes swimming vs running. I REALLY miss running. I think partly because I can't do it. I am actually quite nervous about it. Sometimes the pain can be so extreme that I feel like I am going to start crying or throw up. Pretty hideous feeling especially when you are out in the public. Like the hair salon for example. BOO. Wednesday I have an appointment with my doctor and I am really hoping for the best. My Osteopath has been very nice and helpful but I think I need x-rays at this point.
In other news, I have a lot of interesting life-events taking place that I cannot openly discuss as of yet. I am hoping in the next couple of weeks I will be able to talk more about that. All I know is that I have realized that I am stronger than I thought I was. I feel brave and happy knowing I will always find the positive, even if I am in a dark place. I admit to myself that I am a naturally happy person and I genuinely avoid and almost shut down a bit when faced with negativity. It makes me sad when I see that to an extreme degree in others; you have to be willing to find the happiness in yourself and the situation. It definitely makes for a better life. Just my little soapbox speech - yet, I truly believe that. As time goes forward I feel confident in the decisions I make and I think coming to London made that happen for me. I trust myself and am proud and happy with who I have become. I have met such amazing people here and cannot begin to express how they have impacted my life for the better. Forever.
So, not wanting to end on such a deep note; here are a couple of my newest favorite pop songs and an amazing video about the Mars "Curiosity" landing. Quite amazing.
People are amazing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b01llnb2/
I didn't know that I would be so amazed by all-things "Olympics." Yet, here I am typing away on a blog post with the previous day recap playing in the background. "Background" meaning I keep stopping and staring at the screen every couple of minutes. I can't help it, OK? It's just utterly amazing to me that individuals have the dedication and passion to train for at least 4 years to only have a moment in the spotlight. I haven't been as fascinated by badminton or synchronized swimming which wasn't surprising; the surprising moment for me came when I couldn't take my eyes off of judo and the heptathlon.
I didn't know Jessica Ennis existed before this year. I saw her face everywhere I went in the city and started to learn more about her as I continued to live here. I, of course, wanted my USA team to win whenever possible. Yet, I saw myself rooting for GB athletes and teams alongside the American athletes. BBC is obviously focusing on local athletes and it's so easy to want the best for everyone who competes. Everyone works so hard and I feel as though their story is being told on the iPad, computer and TV screens across the world - a little glimpse into the life of someone with the supreme desire to do well. It feels really special being able to be a part of it in any way possible.
Here is the advertisement from Adidas on Jess Enis. One of my absolute fave ads of all time - it gives me chills whenever I see it. Like just now. Chills; right?! I just love the words:
Queen of the heptathlon, as explosive as a fireworks factory. 3 fractures almost broke her, but in sheffield they're made of steel. so here's to her comeback. now for her coronation.
CHILLS!
Unfortunately tickets are very difficult to acquire as they are very limited and extremely expensive. There are a couple of free events - such as the cycling, triathlon and marathon. I managed to trek down in the non-summer rainy weather to trafalgar square to watch the US women take on the world in a very long 26.2 miles. My spot was perfect - right next to a large group of East Timor supporters (very random, I know) and a couple of Sheffield men. Everyone was so friendly and just enjoyed the day, despite the torrential downpour and sudden heatwaves. Ahhh, London. Never fail to disappoint.
Some of the friends I was with caught even better pictures and I will be adding those later when they send them over! I cannot express how exciting it was to be "this close" to my idols, Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher. Desiree Davila ended up dropping out because of injury but ALL three of them are amazing women. They were so fun to watch and I have read and watched so many of their videos and interviews and then suddenly I was able to see them in action at one of the most important events of all-time. Even writing it now I still cannot believe it happened. They came around to our spot 4 different times and then we watched the very end on an iPhone from BBC streaming.
After that it was American girl out in the city; grabbing some food and pub hopping including a stop at a Blues Bar near Marylebone. Hyde Park was having a large, free, showing of events on big screens and I was able to watch the 100meter men's race and cheer with everyone else on the hope for Bolt to win the gold. He did.
Was such an amazing weekend that it was hard to get back to work today. I was exhausted! Unfortunately my knee has been a huge problem the past couple of weeks and I am stuck with cycling, elliptical and sometimes swimming vs running. I REALLY miss running. I think partly because I can't do it. I am actually quite nervous about it. Sometimes the pain can be so extreme that I feel like I am going to start crying or throw up. Pretty hideous feeling especially when you are out in the public. Like the hair salon for example. BOO. Wednesday I have an appointment with my doctor and I am really hoping for the best. My Osteopath has been very nice and helpful but I think I need x-rays at this point.
In other news, I have a lot of interesting life-events taking place that I cannot openly discuss as of yet. I am hoping in the next couple of weeks I will be able to talk more about that. All I know is that I have realized that I am stronger than I thought I was. I feel brave and happy knowing I will always find the positive, even if I am in a dark place. I admit to myself that I am a naturally happy person and I genuinely avoid and almost shut down a bit when faced with negativity. It makes me sad when I see that to an extreme degree in others; you have to be willing to find the happiness in yourself and the situation. It definitely makes for a better life. Just my little soapbox speech - yet, I truly believe that. As time goes forward I feel confident in the decisions I make and I think coming to London made that happen for me. I trust myself and am proud and happy with who I have become. I have met such amazing people here and cannot begin to express how they have impacted my life for the better. Forever.
So, not wanting to end on such a deep note; here are a couple of my newest favorite pop songs and an amazing video about the Mars "Curiosity" landing. Quite amazing.
People are amazing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bigscreen/tv/episode/b01llnb2/
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