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:

Sunday is a double dose of MC!

A lot of updates are happening but I don't want to have one continuous post so I have decided to break them into two parts. Here is the second part.

Golden Globes:

Golden Globes are on this evening and I will be missing it for the first time in years. I am a bit obsessed with movie awards and fully intend to watch them tomorrow evening but am quite bummed not being able to watch them live.

In the spirit of the red carpet I want to show my new favorite outfit. I bought this dress in the states and wore it to Tori's bday. Here is a pic of the dress and a close-up of me in the dress. I love it - can't you tell? Will need to get a better pic of me in the dress - it's super cute!

Travel:

In other news, I am planning to do quite a bit of travel this month. Next week I will be in Paris, house sitting for a coworker and then off to the states. Isabelle will be staying with Drew and the other kittens and I hope all goes well. I will be there to hopefully help make her move a little easier. Drew is a great caretaker and will be taking care of her till Dimitri makes his way back over from Spain until I am back!

French:

Also, looked into French courses (new years resolution). There is a course that starts in April at a local college and I am planning to enroll. Really looking forward to it! It's about 2 hours once a week which isn't too much of a commitment level and I will have a chance to broaden my language knowledge. Win-win....winning! haha :)

Keyboard/Work:

At work I just got my new keyboard - a European version. Here is a picture of what it looks like. Please note one big difference is the currency additions (Euro, GBP and Dollars). Also, the images on the keys do not necessarily match their output. I know you are thinking, what? So the pound symbol and the quotation marks - those do not align with what is displayed on the keyboard. It is confusing but I am used to knowing where they are and have managed my way through. Seems a bit weird to me though!

Online Dating:

One of the big things out here now is online dating. Everyone here thinks that this is HUGE in the states but I have tried to tell them it's probably similar to how it is here in the UK. A lot of my friends are trying it out - there are a ton of different sites to choose from. Some you have to pay and others are free - from what I understand the free sites can bring a lower caliber level of people than the ones that require payment.

I was able to get this profile example from a friend and find it absolutely hilarious. Thought you might enjoy as well. Apparently this guy is a bit frustrated with the selection on the site and some of the profiles available from the women are beyond ridiculous. I would almost hope that they are not real. Yet, that would make them less funny I suppose?

Read his profile but look below for the "gems" that I mentioned. Classic.

----- I GIVE UP ----- I'M BECOMING GAY ------ WHERE'S THAT VASELINE

FACTS.... 38 - 85kg - 6ft, looking for friendship first then who knows

BORING BIT....i take care of myself physically zzzzzZZZZZZ.......(gym , jujitsu ) love food, drink and enjoy cooking. Listen to everything preferring soul, house, reggae, rare groove , r n b , hip hop. Enjoy travelling and travelled a lot ,would really look forward to exploring sth americia and asia. Also enjoy going out to restaurants , museums , galleries and parks and discovering what London has to offer - plus weekends away in Europe are great too, Barcelona , Prague as is chilling out in a a local pub garden on a sunny day or curling up on the sofa watching a dvd (as long as the dvds mature midget porn)

HISTORY.....i have one son aged 9 from a previous longterm relationship (guess this is where a few people click on to the next profile….....condom split havent brought condoms from Poundland since, 99p store is cheaper ive discovered ) , he lives with his mum and i see him regularly

MESSAGING.....not really into the email thing if i like you id prefer to offer you my number rather then sending emails for months on end - lets chat, then possibly meet and take it from there , isnt that the point of this website

DISTANCE....if you live miles (50+) from Sth London ie Scotland or Thailand..... where i seem to be quite popular for reasons unknown (british passport - money transfer) i see little point in making contact. Its difficult enough travelling to the high street

RANDOM....why do 99.9% of women on here have at the bottom of their profile that they're not looking for a f*ck buddy - are men really that RETARDED ? (dont answer)

WITHOUT SOUNDING TOO BNP GENERALLY WOULDN'T DATE BLACK OR ANYONE WEIGHING MORE THEN ME AND I'M OVER 13 ST - NO NOT EVEN DAWN FRENCH OR SINITA OK MAYBE RUSTY LEE ...OR KELLY ROWLAND SHE FINE

If your wondering what a fluffer is : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluffer

FOLLOWING PROFILES ARE REAL ON POF, JUST SO YOU KNOW THAT US MEN HAVE A TOUGH TIME ON HERE TOO ,

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BEST PROFILE ON POF THAT IVE COME ACROSS SO FAR .......... read below......

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Hi im rachel im on here to meet a guy to make me pregnant, last year i was but lost the baby since then all i wanted was to be a mum. One night stands welcome, im happy to bring kid up by myself tho prober dad would be good. Im a size 12 and have 36dd chest. come and get me xxx

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......2nd BEST PROFILE..............

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i would like a text lover 4 flirtin and chatin x i want snog and cuddles maybe teasin on saturdays and to have a quick snog on mondays as my break and fun BADLY ASAP

ps. u MUST be in a reltionship, married or single to chat to me and possible an 02 mobile AND NO BOSSY MEN MUST TREAT ME WITH RESPECT

please u must live in or near croydon or know it and willin to travel to me. First Date meet up for a chat, kiss cuddles and walk around croydon on saturday mornings AND goin in allys for privite hot snogs please boys.

if we was to arrange a meet i like to be sneeked up on and get kiss on the lips a greet and then go somewhere in croydon for more passionate kiss and to kiss at my bedroom window

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......AND ANOTHER

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Hey Guys, I'm a model from just outside London. When i'm not working, i'm in the gym,i love working out, i train 5/6 days a week. It's so important to me to look amazing and have a wicked body.

I love shopping, holidays, tanning, pampering sessions, anything to do with fitness and nutrition, Las Vegas, body building shows, Starbucks! Energy Drinks! cuddles and watching movies.

My perfect guy is someone who works out, tanned and has an awesome body, i love, love, love muscles, the bigger the better! If you can't handle having your girlfriend being looked at 24/7 then i'm not for you! Please do not message me if u aren't good looking, u'll be wasting my time!

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..........AND ANOTHER .............SORRY

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Going to be totally honest and say I want someone to look after me financially. I will look after them sexually, be their confidant and will look good on their arm. They can be married or single, dont mind I would be everything they want me to be.

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...............NEVER ENDING !!!!!!!!!

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Hi all... I wasn't born a girl, but yet a girl!! I've been studying English here in London for 2 years, and looking for good friends to hang out with. I'm so lucky, I love eating but it never can make me fat!!

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.......LAST ONE PROMISE - username : missxexybunny - if you want to check !!!!

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First of all i have to say i have had surgery boob job and have my botox every 4 months i do love the fake look that is on me i have hair extentions and eye lash extentions i also have 18 tattoos as that is my job so if you do not like fake or tattoos i am not for you .I love dancing , clubbing , football , cars , snooker , my kids .Snakes we have a baby 12 foot at work she is so cuddly , lizards , music is a big part of my life

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sorry they just amuse me ! useranme : cystalbxx

right guys let tell it as it is PLENTY OF FISH POF DOSE NOT STAND FOR PLENTY OF ****S i ant here just for the sex if i just wanted that i would just do myself with a dildo lest their not 100 Q IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ANYTHINK ABOUT ME JUST ASK XXXXXXXXXX

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last one honestly !!!! username : kinkylady6

I am here to find a submissive male for hopefully a long term relationship. I am a slim beautiful lady and looking for a meeting with a nice male who likes to obey a woman in all areas of life. I like men who are submissive to me and do what they're told

First Date

DUE TO MY ASBO , ELECTRONIC TAG AND RECENTLY BEING ADDED TO THE SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER IM RESTRICTED AS TO WHERE I CAN GO ANYWHERE NEAR PLAYGROUNDS OR SCHOOLS ARE DEFINITELY OUT THE QUESTION....................FOR NOW

joking apart , bar or pub with good lighting and fire escape close by , to have a decent conversation, won't be able to drink though due to being in the 12 step programme but some ketamine should liven up any date . Im not going to put bungee jumping or the zoo like some folk on here - as could be tempted to cut the rope if I don't like you and hopefully being on a date with you wont be like visiting a zoo ! - i should really delete that or most of this profile actually - probably why no ones contacting me - but some of the dates ive been on i could of brought a bale a hay, carrot and sugar cube to feed them , along with the rohypnol - also if we really hit it off ill introduce you to some of my favourite dogging spots around london - what more could a girl ask for - what's not to like - definitely marriage material me - can't wait to meet your parents , now .... Form an orderly queue . i thank you x