Touchdown, Chad Johnson.

Anyone for a hot jacket?

Tonight was the perfect night to wear my new jacket. It was misty, chilly and it's starting to get dark earlier so I thought my new pinstripe jacket with a grey, zip in hoodie was the perfect call. But as great of a jacket as that is, it's not what I mean by a hot jacket...

A hot jacket is a baked potato. At the cafeteria I kept seeing this sign that said "Today's hot jacket filling is ____." To me that sounds like some type of sandwich but I never saw any bread around with the "filling." Then I saw someone putting it on a baked potato and finally asked what a hot jacket was. They confirmed my suspicion that a hot jacket was a baked potato smothered with various toppings such as chili.

So, if you didn't already know that, now you've learned something new for today.

something scary (this one's for you Melissa)

Check out what I found at the supermarket.
Number 1: Yeah, that's SICK.

Number 2: I think it's called Macaroni and Cheese, not Macaroni Cheese. I don't think there is a type of cheese named "Macaroni."

This is the only macaroni and cheese I've seen in the store so far. I spent 43p on this just so I could share the experience with you. No, I definitely did not eat it - the experience stopped once I took the pictures. I need to get some Kraft. Even better, I need some Velveeta so I can make some homemade.

My man Kevin K. is back.

No more ponytails

I got my hair cut! I've been itching to go short for awhile now, torn between being able to put my hair in a ponytail and the fun of having short hair. (One of life's big dilemmas). So I decided now was the time. It will be nicer for the rainy weather and it's a fun way to start my new life in London. I'm also wearing my new pashmina- they wear them with everything here. Am I looking European yet Dorota?

Exploring

Today I biked around Wimbledon for about two hours. This wasn't like riding on Loveland Bike Trail...Yeah, I'm going to be sore tomorrow. It was great, though. I rode all over streets I hadn't been on and then rode/walked up the hill to Wimbledon Common. I'm not sure exactly where I went in the park but it runs into Richmond Park and Putney Heath. It was a beautiful day so I took my camera. I've added some new pictures to my Wimbledon album. I took some along the streets and also in Wimbledon Common. Here's one to pique your interest:

Americans!!

When I was searching for places to watch American football in the UK, I discovered the message board of an American Expat meet-up group. Basically you join this free group and people organize events all over the city to come and meet other American Expats. So last night I went to a Mexican Food meet-up!! If you recall, I was missing some good mexican food and this was supposed to be one of the better places to get it in London. It was pretty good. The nachos, chips and guacamole were good. My burrito seemed like it was missing a something. I can't put my finger on it, I think it might have needed more cheese or some kind of sauce- it was no Chipotle or Burrito Loco, but I enjoyed it.

At first I wasn't really in the mood to go. I had to figure out how to get to a new area of the city, just after I was getting so used to my typical routes. But I'm glad I went, I met lots of interesting people as well. There were probably 25 or so people there, but I spent awhile talking to 5 or so. One of the girls was even from Cincinnati! I was surprised to meet someone else from the same city so it was nice to chat with her. At the end of the night a few of us exchanged phone numbers and email addresses and talked about getting together for dinner soon. I'm looking forward to more events in the future.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

One obvious adjustment to moving to London is not having a car. Part of my criteria for finding a flat was that it should be close to the train. Wimbledon has a great station with lots of train services and is also on a tube line and tramlink. It takes me a little longer to get everywhere and I have a little less control over what time I arrive places, but I don’t think I really need a car (that much). In fact, I don't really think a car would be much quicker with all the traffic.
It’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the station, depending on how fast I feel like walking. To get to Central London it’s about 15 minutes on the train to Waterloo, then I have to switch to a tube line depending where I want to go. Similarly, it’s about 15 minutes on the train to Weybridge for work. There is a shuttle bus there that can take me to the office, or I can walk about 15-20 minutes. It’s not a bad walk as long as it’s nice weather (not too hot, not freezing and not raining- that means I should have a solid 3-4 weeks out of the year!) Since it’s such a big city it just takes longer to get places than in Cincinnati but I’m getting used to it. Plus all the walking is good exercise and I’m hoping it saves me from having to join a gym. I enjoy all the time on the train (unless someone decides to squeeze into a space next to me that isn't quite big enough for them), I can listen to my iPod and read a book. If you have any good books to recommend feel free. I just finished Atonement by Ian McEwan and am starting The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher.

This weekend I’m going to get a few items to fix up my bike then explore Wimbledon some more by bike. I haven’t gotten off of the main strip from my flat to the store to the station much, so I think it’s time to see what else is around.

What do I miss?

Well, it's been almost a month since I've moved to London. Wow...

Anyway, some people have been asking me what I miss so far*. Not a lot of things have really hit me yet. I'm sure I'll think of more in another month but today at lunch a few co-workers and I were sitting in the cafeteria discussing foods we missed from home (none of us are originally from the UK). It was interesting to talk to other expats about what they missed.

So far I haven't found brownie mix, cake mix, or pancake mix. Apparently I have to make them from scratch?? (Thanks for the brownie recipe Mom) To be fair, I wouldn't have had all of these items in the last month if I was at home, but not being able to have them makes me want them more. Someone today did tell me they sell these items at a Costco here. However, I would probably get a 2 year supply of pancake batter if I bought it there. But, the brownie mix is Ghiradelli and it comes with multiple packets so he might bring me a packet if he remembers. Now I just have to buy a baking pan.

Next item: light Ice Cream. I can't find it anywhere. Of course I love regular ice cream more, but my lack of self control in this area makes having a container of regular ice cream in my freezer very dangerous (although fortunately I do a lot more walking now). I did break down and buy some last week. I deserved it. I am adjusting to a new situation and need ice cream to cope. I'm still on the look out for light ice cream. In the mean time, it's probably better just to buy a cone now and then.

Also, there isn't any real Mexican food here. Today I had something that resembled an enchillada for lunch at work but my stomach hasn't been happy about it ever since. At least if I eat Taco Bell I know it will taste good even if I suffer later. I could use some Tostitos Gold and salsa about now.

On a more general level, I'm craving some good, home-cooked food. My family went to my grandma's house for dinner this Sunday and I was jealous. Grandma makes the best food, and I particularly love her pies! I heard there was apple cobbler. When I first arrived here I ate sandwiches, toast and cereal for at least a week. I didn't have any pots and pans and I was too overwhelmed when I went to the supermarket to figure out what to buy. Slowly I've ventured away from meat and cheese and now I have pots and pans. Most recently I discovered a supermarket with very nice prepared meals. Not frozen dinners, but more like recipes that just need to be put in the oven, etc. So last night I had some excellent chicken with parmesan cheese, pesto and pine nuts. Probably once I exhaust my options there I will move on to cooking for myself!


*This list of items obviously excludes the people, who are too numerous to list here.

slingbox update

I've been enjoying watching the Bengals smash up the Browns. But as far as the picture quality goes, it could be better. The main problem is that when the action gets fast (which is pretty often in football), the picture gets a little blurry. Sometimes it's worse than others but when it comes down to a pass, it's hard to tell if the receiver caught it until the announcer yells. I'm lucky to even watch at all so it's certainly better than nothing- I can still pick up the action and hear the announcers, but it's no HD TV.

I was starting to feel bad for the Browns...well, not that bad. That was a nice pass Charlie but we have Carson (and Johnson and Johnson and Washington and Henry, etc).

By the way, I love the Sprint commercial with Peyton Manning.

Chicken anyone? I'm sorry I missed it...

Camera or no camera?

Sometimes I feel silly pulling my camera out everywhere I go. I mean, I live here now so I feel weird always taking pictures. But if I came back with no pictures that would be weird too. So...lucky for you I'm still taking pictures.

Today I went to Primrose Hill and Camden with my friend Ruth. I'm really exhausted from all the walking but it was a great time. We walked through Regents Park, Primrose Hill and the Camden markets. I bought some fruit in a market where Ruth's friend recently saw Chris Martin! Here's a picture from Primrose Hill overlooking the city, I'll try to go back on a clearer day sometime. You can check out more pictures on my webshots.
When we were walking through Regent's Park we passed by London Zoo. We looked over the fence and what did we see? An anteater! I didn't know what it was, I had to look it up online because I'd never seen one. But you can see one right here!
Last night I went to the cinema to see a film, Little Miss Sunshine (aka. I went to the movies). It was a funny, but dark, movie. I don't always enjoy dark movies but this one had a way of making you laugh right after really tragic moments. Here the film is rated 15 which means suitable for viewers over 15. That doesn't seem as strong as the R in the US although there was definitely enough language and themes to be rated R. I also got some candy, umm..I mean "sweets," called Minstrels that were like extra large M&Ms. They were pretty good.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Bengals game tomorrow :)

more on TV

You'd think I have a one track mind. I really don't.

Thursday I made my first real venture into British TV and checked out "Extras" on BBC 2. It's by the creator of the The Office, Ricky Gervais. I figured, I like The Office and I'd seen some reviews of Extras in the paper so this would be a good show to start with. (Plus, Orlando Bloom was guest starring)

It was the first episode of the second series and it was hilarious! It's about a guy named Andy and his friend who are extras trying to make it as actors (sound familiar Ryan?). It has a similar style to The Office with subtle humor, more obvious humor, and awkward situations. Orlando Bloom played an overdramatized version of himself who was obsessed with how great he was. He kept making arrogant comparisons between himself and Johnny Depp (based on their filming of Pirates of the Caribbean) and talking about how women thought he was so hot. I've never seen him in a comedy but he was very funny- it's always fun to see actors mocking themselves! I think I probably missed a few jokes due to the cultural gap, but it was still good. However, I would probably rate it at least PG-13 due to language, apparently they can say a few more words on public television here.

TV in the UK

If you're a faithful reader you already know about the TV tax in the UK. After being here a little over two weeks I have some more interesting observations on TV here. Actually, I haven't gotten into real British TV much so the majority of comments are on the American TV crossover.

1. BBC3 and BBC4 are off air a significant portion of the day. Is this what my money is paying for???

2. The most common American TV show to see on Telewest cable? Will and Grace. This isn't based on a real statistical test but more anecdotal evidence that I'm pretty sure I could watch that show any time of the day here.

3. Friends is also on a lot here. I don't mind that. I have it set to record all the episodes so anytime I need to relax and feel at home I can watch an episode.

4. Current TV shows are about a season behind here. So you can see last year's episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Lost and other shows. Thanks to my slingbox this won't be a big problem.

5. On other shows UK viewers are waaaayyy behind. Here are a few examples of old TV shows you can catch over here: Murder She Wrote, Starsky and Hutch, and Nightrider. Not as old but still old: Mad About You, Home Imrovement.

6. The Brits have another show I've been thinking about tuning into - "How to find a husband." But don't worry mom, I won't watch it while I'm here!

7. One show that is pretty current is "The Daily Show," it would have to be since it is based on current events. Anyway, it's great to have it on here, Jon Stewart is hilarious!

8. One point on radio (I know, this post was about TV). I turned on BBC Radio 1 hoping to hear some great music as I think there are lots of great bands coming out of Britain right now. However, I was disappointed to hear them playing The Pussycat Dolls - one of the worst American pop groups. I guess I'm not completely surprised. I like (some) pop music, I had just hoped for better. I hope my money is not going towards that!

Since I'm filling my blog with pointless observations about TV shows, you can presume I don't have much to update you on (and I sit around at night watching a lot of TV). Things are going well and I'm starting to feel a little settled here. Yesterday I bought some crumpets! They are quite lovely - like English muffins, only better. I ate mine with coffee, not tea. Maybe the true test of how English I become will be if I ever choose tea over coffee.

This is me smiling. Why? Because the slingbox works! Tomorrow I'll be able to watch the Bengals game! Thanks Dad.

Buckingham Palace

Today I went for a tour of Buckingham Palace. The palace is only open to the public for a few months in the summer, when the Queen is in Scotland. I especially wanted to go because there was a special exhibition of 80 pieces of formal wear worn by the Queen throughout her reign. It was a very cool exhibit. I wish I could have gorgeous dresses specially designed for me on every occasion imaginable. We weren't allowed to take pictures but I got some postcards. Of course seeing all the state rooms was also very impressive. The gardens behind the palace were also very pretty (shown here). You can check out more pictures here. Since I've moved here I'm more and more intrigued by the monarchy so I'm going to have to check out some books.

stage fright

People here ask me if I was nervous about moving to a new country where I didn't know anyone. Hmmm, let me think for a second...yes! The scariest thing about moving to London? Leaving everyone that I know behind and going to a city where I know no one.

It's sort of like getting ready for a big performance or presentation. When I played in piano recitals I used to get really nervous beforehand. What if I forgot a note? What if I messed up? But when the time came to play, there were only two options. 1) Get on the stage, cave into the pressure, and run away. 2) Get on the stage and just do it. Option 1 is really worse than messing up a little bit on Option 2. The way I see it, Option 1 was never a real option.

That means that as scary as it is to move to London and meet new people, it is just a matter of putting my mind to it and doing it. Well, that is my "control freak" attitude coming through. There is also a significant amount of trust in God involved. In times of uncertaintly I tend to rely on Isaiah 40 and Psalm 139. "You see me when I travel and when I rest at home...If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me." (Psalm 139: 3, 9-10 NLT)

Getting to meet new people has really been a blessing as I'm trying to get settled in. Sometimes it's nice to relax with someone who knows everything about you, but it's also stimulating to meet new people and connect with them. The only people I know here are friends of friends who I emailed with something to the effect of "You don't know me, but I'm friends with your friend and I'd love to get together when I move to London." So far it's worked out surprisingly well! They have all been welcoming, accepting, and enthusiastic about meeting me. I've had a great time meeting them and learning about about them- I really feel like we'll hang out again. I feel a real air of possibility- and uncertainty- but mostly possibility.

It must be a God-thing, because it's definitely out of my control.

My daddy loves me

Well, I practically guilted him into it in my last post but I know he would have done it anyway. Dad went out and bought the Slingbox and started hooking it up. He got it to work on his computer then ran into a glitch, but is sure he can get it set up. This is my vote of confidence that he can do it.

I really do have the greatest dad. I won't get too sappy here because I just ate... but he is a strong, godly man full of wisdom (even when I don't always want to listen to it). I know he's always there for me and is praying for me. He's hilarious in his own way that sometimes makes me roll my eyes, but it still makes me laugh. If you thought it couldn't get any better, he can quote all of Top Gun - now that's a good time! Crash and burn, Mav, crash and burn...Slider (sniff), you stink. He's taught me well.

Thanks Dad, I love you!

Greatest Invention!

First, sorry about the format of my last post. I tried to be creative with the font and it threw everything off for those without the font.

BUT, check out the greatest invention of our time... the Slingbox. Of course, there may be other inventions- like the wheel, electricity, and the lightbulb- that might rank ahead of slingbox in the grand scheme of things, but it's pretty great.
I have to do some research but this could solve all my football woes. Maybe you've heard of it, but if you hook it up to your TV and the internet, you can relay the TV signal to your computer. That means I can watch TV channels in America on my computer anywhere in the world! AMAZING! It's a little pricey up front ($159 on Amazon) but there are no monthly fees. Then I can stop paying for NASN which might not even show NFL and I could watch all the Bengals games. Plus I can watch the current seasons of 24 and Grey's Anatomy.

It's even compatible with DVR and TiVo so I can watch recorded programs. Even better for those night games that are in the middle of the night here. Now I just have to get the buy in of someone [who loves me and would never want to let me down] in the states who will hook up the box for me. The installation seems pretty easy so it should be simple to hook it up (right Dad?). And I don't think it would interfere with someone watching the actual TV if I wanted to watch something different on the computer.

Thanks for the find Mike!

fRankfurt

I'm just assuming this is what Frankfurt looks like, I have to trust the internet on this one. Right now I'm sitting in a hotel somewhere outside of Frankfurt, Germany. I arrived last night around 10pm and came to my hotel. Since P&G offices are always located outside the main city- I won't get to see the city at all, I leave tonight after my meeting this afternoon.

When I was younger, I thought those jobs that had lots of travel involved sounded intriguing and glamorous. Intriguing? Maybe. Glamorous? Hardly. I think it would only be glamorous if you had a private plane to fly you around. I won't attempt to downplay the fact that my job gives me lots of great opportunities. Sometimes the travel is exciting, but sometimes it seems more like a hassle. Last night I left my flat around 4:15 for a flight to Frankfurt leaving at 7:05. The flight is only an hour but the traffic to Heathrow (the cab driver must enjoy alternating between slamming on the gas and slamming on the brakes), waiting at the gate, and waiting on the plane is a lot of build up for a short distance to go. Darn the English Channel. Plus some lady was letting her toddler squeal like a 16 year old girl the entire time.

I'm not really complaining here, my point is just that it's not as exciting as it might sound. But hey, now I can say I've been to Germany and I have a new stamp in my passport. Maybe the next time I come it will be for a Friday meeting so I can stay on the weekend and see a few things. Although, when I get off the computer I'm going to walk up to a mall and check out the stores full of consumer packaged goods. Man, am I cool or what?

Adrenaline anyone?

Things are really catching up with me. On the way back from Windsor today I could hardly keep my eyes open. I think the adrenaline from the week wore off. I came home and crashed. It's hard to figure out how to settle in here. I feel like I need to always be out seeing things and getting acquainted with living here. But I also need to remember to relax, I have a while to see things. So, tonight it's me and the TV!

Here are a few pictures from Windsor. I won't post them all here, but I added them to my webshots.

Lots of People

Not too much new news today. This morning I had coffee with my re-location agent in Putney. It was really nice. She is about my age so we might get together sometime, we'll see. After work I went into central London and had dinner at Wagamama in the Covent Garden area. All the streets around there are so small and windy it's easy to get lost! After dinner we wandered over to Trafalgar Square where there was a big concert going on. It was some type of Venezuelan festival. Everything looked so cool lit up at night so I took a few pictures.From there we walked up to Picadilly Circus and up Regent Street. Going into central London on the weekends makes you realize just how many people live there! The streets are jam-packed. It's really crazy to think about. Wimbledon tends to slow down at night which is fine with me, although there are a decent amount of things to do there as well - lots of restaurants, pubs and theaters.

Tomorrow I'm going to Windsor with Jamie and a friend of her's who is visiting this week...so I'll have more pictures! This time I'll stay there longer than 20 minutes. If you're in Cincinnati enjoy some fireworks for me this weekend!