Come on 2010!

Well... it's that time of year again. The time where it ends. Out goes 2009, in comes 2010.

I, however, live with the school-year. For me, my year basically started in September. If this is Frank's #yearotf, then basically my year is always near my birthday, since I'm mid-August.

So far, this year has been great. By that, I mean THIS school year.

2009? Well. 2009 rather stunk, although I'll mix it up with 2008's ending.

My 2008/2009 year: AKA the last year at York University:

- break up with Luke just before the year starts
- York goes on strike for 3 months
- I can barely afford groceries due to said strike as I was laid off for its duration
- Luke and I completely stop talking
- lose touch with more than one rather close friend
- Uni life was very stressful
- crazy drama revolving around my younger brother
+ spent the majority of 3 months with my nieces
+ graduated! I'm now the owner of a Specialized Honours BA, majoring in English. I am also the (much less proud) owner of a Bachelor of Education, specializing in Junior/Intermediate English
+ despite all terror, applied and went through all the red tape to come teach in England!

My 2009/2010 year so far:

+ moved to London England!
+ realized I actually LOVE living in London!
+ wrote 70,000 words in the month of November for Nanowrimo!
+ met some wonderful people through Nano
+ actually enjoyed supply-teaching!
+ got hired for a Year 5 class starting Jan 2010!
+ learned to let myself spend money when it comes to doing what I want
- as such, I'm not QUITE saving as much as I want to be
- worried that some of my friends back in Canada are going to forget about me or just not bother trying to keep in touch
- miss my friends and that back in Canadaland


As you can see, 2009/2010 year is starting off quite wonderfully. I've never been happier.

I don't do New Years Resolutions, but these are my near-future (how close the near-future is is debatable and up for change) goals:

* finish my novel
* save up money and find my own flat (this I think is quite ambitious living in London!)
* pay Siggy back
* keep on top of my student loan
* get the rest of the 2009/2010 year PLANNED thoroughly
* travel somewhere outside of England
* get a new lens for my camera

They won't be done in that order, but those are the goals. Well. The new lens IS the last on the list, but nonetheless, it is a goal that I have in the back of my head.

Christmas in London

This will be my first Christmas post-university, and although it won't be the first Christmas I've spent by myself, this will be the first Christmas where I've planned and looking forward to spending Christmas all on my own.

A lot of people have seemed to think it's a sad thing, but you know what? Honestly, I'm quite excited for it. I haven't been this much in "the Christmas spirit" for absolutely years. I think being at York might have affected it - was always so busy and stressed out in November and the beginning of December, that by the time Christmas came all I wanted to do was sleep and play video games. Not a bad way to spend the holidays, but for the most part I really had no excitement about the holidays and only thought "thank gawd, no more essays"

This year? For the last few days now I've been listening to Christmas radio when on the computer. That's right. Christmas radio.

I've also bought and set up the most Charlie Brown of Christmas trees. I am working on a small budget so that's alright with me. It looks cute when it's dark, but during the day it's a little sad to look at! Poor thing. I really dislike putting the lights and garland on the tree though. You can sort of tell by looking at it. Dismantling this tree is certainly going to be a challenge!

I've also went through the process of somewhat buying myself Christmas presents (aka, some things I would have bought myself anyway, plus some knick knacks that I wouldn't have, plus the various chocolates that I only ever have at Christmas). Now.... the nerdy and embarassing part: I had no presents to wrap in this country, and after decorating the tree my next favourite thing is wrapping presents. So I wrapped my own presents, because what else was there to wrap! It made me happy, but once they were all wrapped I really felt quite silly for it. I believe I will feel utterly embarassed unwrapping them, but I really just wanted to wrap something.

I started off my Christmas celebrating by going out with some of the #nanolondon crew (Mel, Jay, Claire, Jen, Ben, Chloe and Sarah plus a few of their friends). We went to a traditional German Christmas Market down at Southbank, right where we've been writing for the past month for nano! It was a great evening, which mostly consisted of food. We had mulled wine (Gluwein) and for most of us, it was our first time having it. I thought it was absolutely delicious. Mel and I also bought roasted chestnuts! I've wanted to try roasted chestnuts since I was a little child, so I was quite excited to finally get to! I was not disappointed at all, as I loved them, which was good since the rest of the nano-crew really didn't seem to like them!

It was a lovely evening with them, and felt very Christmasy to me.

In other news, completely unrelated but is basically an awesome Christmas present for me: I've been hired! It's with a year 5 class who are quite lovely children, in a small and really lovely school. I really like how it feels there. I only found out last Thursday (the 10th) so I'm really very excited! The school is willing to get me my QTS which is possibly the best part, as that's at the top of my priority list!

It's really setting up to have 2009 end on a really good foot, which is the exact opposite of how the year started. Last January was not a good time! I've got a lot on the calendar for now though - dinner with Melissa before she heads back to Canada for Christmas, dinner with my flatmates before they head off, Christmas and Birthday drinks for Frank and the nanolondon crew. Cookie baking at Claire and Jen's, kareokee at some point for Claire's and possibly Sarah's birthdays, New Years at Claire and Jen's, a trip to visit Mel and go to Windsor Castle just after New Years... somewhere in there will likely hang out with Tony, and at some point Jay is going to come over for movies in Wanstead... Plus whatever I end up deciding to do all on my own! So I've got lots more to go.

I also yesterday went and spent the day at Jay's, and while he was worried that his flat would be messy, the only things I could possibly give him shit about where 1. he met me WITHOUT A COAT ON!! 2. he needs to get himself FOOD so he can eat and 3. there weren't any pictures of his girlfriend up! All of which are easily remedied, so silly stress-case had nothing to worry about. I had an absolutely lovely time just hanging out and playing games and watching Dr. Who. Seeing as games and watching tv are Christmas traditions for me (being the only time I really have to do either!) it felt a lot like holidays. Plus Jay just started his Christmas holidays a week early so it really IS holiday stuff). It was really nice to have a relaxing social day, since normally I keep myself running around ALL THE TIME.

Anyway!,I hope that everyone back in Canada is having a wonderful start to the Christmas season, and I really hope that 2010 will be wonderful for everyone.... everyone I know has worked so hard that you really deserve to have things going your way! As for me, I really think 2010 is going to be amazing (even if it does get stressful right at the start when I adjust to working full-time as a teacher!) and I am amazed at my luck at having everything go so wonderful already. Of course, I know that most of it has been due to my own hard work and determination and whatnot, but a lot of it has also been luck. For example - yes I made myself go out and do the write-ins for Nanowrimo. But the luck came in when it turned out that everyone at those write-ins was so awesome! What a fun group of friends to have ran into! It was definitely luck. But I'm rather lucky so I'm not all that surprised.

All the best Canada!

PS. Your snowstorms make me smile.

A Reflection on Nanowrimo

(most of this was written while running around London with the most amazing group of writers!)


The Nanorilla Reflection

When I was 7, being the practical child that I was, I would have told you that I would have loved to be a writer, but that I wouldn't be. This wasn't because I thought I was horrible, I just 1. knew it wasn't a reliable job and 2. didn't want to do something that I loved so much as a job. So I decided being a farmer was a better choice (I could only think of farmers or vets as options, as I wanted to work with animals and I couldn't bear the thought of cutting an animal open... apparently I hadn't thought of slaughtering the farms animals!).

One of my life goals has always been to write a novel. Not publish one, but write one. I've had it set as “something to do once I was finished with school” since before I was even in highschool.

I am now done with school, having graduated last June. I have now written almost 70,000 words in a novel. During the past month. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is only 76000 words roughly, to give you an idea of how long it is. It will be even longer by the time it is finished. I've left out a lot of probably-needed description in the novel, since I hate writing, so I will need to go back and edit that in at some point (which will make it even longer). I also need to edit it so that the writing quality is of a higher grade that Twilight (that will be easy though, have you READ Twilight?!).

So I've wrote a large part of my novel and I did it in a month. That's right. One month. As part of National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). I first heard of nanowrimo while I was at York, and I promised myself I would do it when I finished uni. The challenge for nanowrimo is to write 50000 words into a novel in the month of November. I met that challenge on November 16!

Of course, when I first heard of nano I wasn't thinking about moving to London. I knew that was my plan (to move to England) but it wasn't fully real to me at the time. So I move to London at the end of the summer, which is huge and new, lovely and scary. I was finally starting to live the life that I want to live.

Not much was missing in my life. I love London. I love being here, and being free to do what I want with my spare time. I can start pursuing my hobbies, which are all time-consuming and/or expensive. And while I am not fully pursuing all of them, I have at least began to. For September and October I mostly contented myself with exploring the area and hitting up various parks and museums. Which I love doing.

In all of that enjoyment, I totally forgot about Nano over the last few months.

I remembered about it though. Towards the end of October I realized what I was missing (I was starting to notice a downward trend in my moods by this point). I was missing my social life, which I'd always thought was rather tame. I was really starting to miss my friends (and I still do).

So, when I finally remembered about Nanowrimo, I was super excited. Something to do for the month! I joined the site and planned out a memoir (which I changed a few days before it started, and have been writing something that was completely fiction and rather unplanned). Trolling the forums in my pre-nano excitement, I discovered that I could join a region. I joined the London region, and discovered something far more awesome – write-ins and meet-ups! Apparently people actually get together and write! Who'd have thunk it? Who the hell can write WITH someone? I was a bit unsure of that idea. I thought it sounded a little weird.

Ok, so this may or may not sound odd to you, but I'm actually fairly shy. Once I'm in some situation where I have to interact with strangers I'm perfectly fine and overly chatty (to be quite frank, I'm overly chatty BECAUSE I'm shy and nervous at first, and don't want to stop talking so that I can ignore any weird looks and avoid the potential let-down in someone's response... no one notices this because once I'm comfortable I just babble away happily... but when I first start babbling? I'm NOT happy and comfortable. I'm incredibly nervous and self-conscious and end up giving off the worst impression ever and then get right paranoid). But generally, I avoid contact with strangers as I NEVER initiate. I just respond when someone starts a conversation with me. I'd find it rude not too and don't want to start an argument, so it's easier to respond and be polite and friendly and hope it will be over shortly. So meeting people for Nanowrimo didn't seem like a very good idea to me before November started.

If I had still been in Toronto, I can say I wouldn't have gone. I would have been too shy to go without knowing anyone. However, I'm in London. I really DON'T know anyone. I haven't figured out how to actually meet people here, as I normally befriend people through school or work. Hard to do supplying! I wouldn't find it easy to meet people who share similiar interests, as all my happiest activities are very solitary. If I made myself go to the meets, I reasoned, at least I could have some social contact, with the possibility of keeping myself motivated to write the entire month. I wasn't sure at that point if I was going to tell my friends that I was attempting to do this, as I wasn't sure how I felt about being questioned and was worried about embarrassing myself.

The first meet was going to be during half-term, when I didn't have to work. Thinking back, I probably would have chickened out if I had had to work the next day. I decided to cut my stay at Siggy and Jen's in Bristol a bit short to attend. By doing this, I assured my attendance – I HAD to go since I'd cut a visit with one of my best friend's short! I would have been miserable if I left Bristol early for no reason!

So off I went. I can say now that it's probably one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. I met some fun and crazy people at the meet up, and it gave me the courage to try attending a write-in. So I went to my first write-in in Bethnal Green, and enjoyed myself. I wrote a lot, and it was nice to be with other writers. Reading the forums, I decided that maybe I would try braving one of the central London write-ins, as they seemed to have a larger crowd and a different atmosphere. I was apprehensive about getting there though, as I work in East London and don't usually know exactly when I'll be finished my day. I was worried I'd be late.

Those of you who know me well, should know about my issues with being late (as in, if I'm going to be late, I will likely cancel or not show up), so the prospect of being late combined with being with people I didn't know and the potential of getting lost finding the venue? Led to a stressful debate.

I dragged my laptop with me to the school I was teaching at that day. I ended up finished remarkably early, as the school day at that school was finished at 2:45pm. Wow eh? I made it to the venue at least an hour early. I wasn't sure that I was in the right place until I found the nano-group amassing tables.

Attending that write-in is probably one of the best things I've ever done. It took a huge amount of courage for me to get there, and I was a huge ball of nerves. I think I only loosened up when I recognized @jayintheclouds from the first London meet and Twitter. Yes, I have Twitter to thank. Oh Twitter, how the #nanolondon crew has used you! The difference between Bethnal Green and Southbank was very noticeable to me; there were a lot more people (increasing the intimidation factor) and it was much brighter and I couldn't hide in a corner in a pub. (I will explain a wee bit about myself here and now – I'm GOOD at mingling with strangers as I'm used to having to do it. It doesn't mean I enjoy it or feel comfortable. Just because I seem happy and cheerful, doesn't mean that I am. I just force it and hope it changes. Southbank was one of those times where I managed to actually succeed in feeling comfortable.) The people I met at Southbank were amazing. They were friendly and outrageous, and it was such an interesting mix of personalities that I was hooked.

I began to go to all the downtown write-ins, because I loved the people that were there so much. I eventually concluded that we all had three things in common.

1.we like to write
2.we're all some variety and level of geek
3.we're all a little crazy

Everyone has been so supportive of each other throughout the month, and getting to actually spend time with such people has been such a pleasure. In a way I feel so close to them all and I've only known them for the month. It feels a bit like a frosh week, except so much better. I haven't felt nearly as lonely in London as I had been, and I really feel like I've just started some proper friendships with some really wicked people. Scarier still, I really think that at least some of those friendships will continue after this is all over.

It feels so silly to write that, about making friends, but it's been a very real, and very emotional, experience for me. I knew I would see people at the write-ins for the month, and that it would likely be friendly. But I didn't actually think that I would meet anyone who could stand the idea of seeing me beyond the boundaries of Nanowrimo. And yet, at this moment, I really feel like some of the people I've met actually enjoy my company, and that is why it feels so silly to write that.

We've all gotten along so well that many of us plan to keep writing together afterwards, and that makes me so happy. It really does, and I think it's the first time in my life where I actually feel like I fit IN. Normally I always feel like I'm on the periphery of a group, floating around on the edges and looking in but never actually belonging in it. I'd just wait until it was time to move on or end up excluded. It doesn't feel like that with the nano-group. It's so weird for me, and until they read this (even though right now they are sitting all around me in Covent Garden drinking caffeine or alcohol) they won't know how much of a positive and profound experience this has been for me, and how much it actually means to me to actually feel that way. Lol [Yes, I wrote lol when I was writing on the paper!], I almost cried writing that and I feel mighty silly. Thank gawd I didn't, everyone would have wondered what the hell was going on! I just never imagined I'd feel like I fit in in a group. I gave up years ago, and definitely thought the opportunity for it even being a possibility was long gone now that I'm finished with school. And yet here it went and happened and I have all of these lovely people to thank for giving me that. I just can't get over feeling amazed with everyone.

In a way, for that reason if nothing else, I really love all of these people.

Now as to a recap of our day so far: It's been such an honour today to go traipsing around Central London writing in random locations, getting crazy looks from strangers, and laughing like maniacs. We met at St. Paul's Cathedral and froze while we gathered and wrote on the steps. Jen and Claire (the lovely organizers of the write-ins) had even made cardboard signs for the #nanorilla Twitter group!

After freezing and writing on the steps of St. Paul's, we retreated into the Starbucks that we could see from the steps. Somehow we managed to get enough seats for nearly 20 of us. I had a Black Cherry Mocha and it was delicious (and it did NOT burn my tongue!). We wrote Stick Novels. On the stir-sticks. Mine was about an airplane.

[Henceforth this is what I've typed at home, everything before I wrote while running around in London]

My first Stick-Novel was a memoir on one side, and a story about a Princess (Cleo gave me the topic). I couldn't think about a Princess name and I accidentally called it Jay, so Jay got a bit insulted with what I wrote, naturally. So I gave it to him and no one else has read it. After, Jay told me to write about a plane. So I did, and this was my stick-novel:

“Once upon a time there was an airplane. It really wanted to be a ship so it crashed into the sea. (other side) Once the plane was in the sea all the passengers drowned. The plane regretted its decision.”

Later in the day at the pub, I wrote two more. One was about beet (Jay's topic) and one was about the rain (Melanie's topic). Everyone wrote rather hilarious Stick Novels in my opinion!

We headed towards Tate Modern, deciding that we needed to be indoors (although I did manage to miraculously keep the rain away all day, cause I've got skills like that. You can ask my dad!). Inside Tate Modern we went to see the big old black room. What was it called? Jay had a moment before going inside, so I was basically his guide dog while in there. Yep, I noticed when I said that at Tate that I'd just basically called myself a bitch. Kept Jay safe and made fun of myself for acting like a teacher at the same time. We then sat in Tate and wrote, and I have no idea what people thought of us as I had my back to the crowd. Jon hit 50k while there, so cheers for that!

After Tate we ended up writing on the BlackFriar's bridge. It was a fun, but short, stop! Had a LOT of odd looks for passers-by, and we had someone stop and photograph us for a while. It was quite amusing. What else was amusing was our group conga-line and that that we had going for part of our walk to there.

We then high-tailed it to Covent Garden, as we were cold and hungry. So what did we do? Sat outside at Covent Garden at a cafe and drank caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Somehow we had miraculously got enough seats for all of us, ALL TOGETHER! What the hell are the odds of that one!

We then left to go find a pub. It was dark and we couldn't keep writing. This is when we lost the leaders of our pack, as the walk way was too thin and crowded for such a loud group. No fears though, as we found our way there in the end. And spent the next 3 hours or so in the pub, just hanging out.

My fingers are sore, so I am so not giving the day justice in it's recap, but it was a marvellous day and had many many hilarious moments that perhaps I will add in at some point!

Bonjour, Blog!

Ok. So it's been a month since I've written.

What have I done in that past month? Umm. I went to Bristol to visit Siggy and his fiance Jen! (Except she wasn't that THEN, but is now, and I knew that was coming! hahaha) and I had a great time, even if I DID spend most of my time there sleeping cause I'd been sick!

So that was that week, and then it was Hallowe'en, and I haven't really done much since then.

Except write 50,000 words. Oh yes. That's what my word count has been on msn.

I decided to take part in www.nanowrimo.org this year. I've wanted to participate for YEARS but knew there was no point while in uni. So I had promised myself I would do it my first year out, and so I did.

And can now say that I've written 50,032 words in SIXTEEN DAYS. AND I've worked! Since it's for the month of November, I'll see where I end up by the time the month is done, cause I'm certainly not done the novel.

It's been an extremely social month for me though. As odd as that might be, since I've spent all my time writing. There's a lot of other people in London taking part in nanowrimo as well, so I've gone to various write-ins and meet-ups. A write-in is when a bunch of us meet up at a certain time, with our laptops, and then we ignore each other for a few hours and write our novels.

So I've been out a lot of those, and it's great. Feels like I have a social life again, as I'm sure most people who will read this have heard me complain that the ONLY time I'm missing from Canada is social-time with my friends. I was getting a bit lonely in October, but Nano's helping with that this month so I've been quite happy.

And no, you may not read the novel. It's not finished, for one. And for two, it's an UNEDITED FIRST DRAFT. Half the time my characters sounds the exact same as each other, and there are large segments of dialogue with VERY little going on in between (the setting doesn't help though). And no, I'm also not going to bother explaining my story, because it's complicated and I can't do it justice. I can babble about it in person, but writing it down doesn't seem to work out quite as well. Ask me again when I start spamming the internet about FINISHING a novel. Then we'll talk.

Portobello, Natural History, and random encounter #1

Oiy!

Apparently I have forgotten to keep this up-to-date. I pass off all blame by saying that I have been busy, but mostly work-busy so there is less to write about and less time to write it in.

Since Lille, this is what I've done: Attended some seminars, went to the Natural History Museum and quickly into the Victoria and Albert Museum, went to St. James Park and found Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Random Creep #1, tried some Indian Cuisine finally, went to the Vietnamese restaurant on our High Street, have a class to teach for two weeks, went to HomeBase (sorta like Home Depot) and bought various things to start making my bedroom my bedroom, went out for Thai, went down to Leicester Square to meet Tony at work and go for Sushi, went to the market on Portobello Road and then to Kensington Gardens again...

So now, for the stories.

I decided one day that I wanted to go to the Natural History Museum. I knew it would be lovely. A piece of trivia my flatmate shared with me: the architect who designed the building.. it was his SECOND attempt ever. He was a genius. It's a gorgeous building. So, off I went.. and discover a HUGE LINE OUTSIDE. There was no way I was going to wait in that line, cause I knew it was for bag checks. So, I decide I'll walk down the road to the Science Museum to see what its line was like. On the way to there... I discover this tiny little door with a security person standing there.. and random people going in. Curious, I stopped and asked what the entrance was for. It was for anyone! So in I went to the Natural History Museum.. and totally bypassed the queue.

So take a mental note of that: there is a SIDE ENTRANCE that is not as well known, and lots of families prefer the bigger entrance cause it's more grandoise.

It was an amazing museum, and I did a whirlwind tour of it. I kept stopping to admire the architecture, cause it was gorgeous, and I could have spent all day there (and I did spend most of it) but I had to rush myself. I did NOT go to see the dinosaurs however, even though I really wanted to. But I wasn't waiting in that queue all by myself!

After the Nat. His. Museum I wandered into the V&A museum.. it wasn't fully my thing, and I was exhausted and had gotten a headache so I left again.

The next day, I decided I was going to go to St. James Park as I wanted to see the pelicans that reside there. Despite getting off at St. James Park Station... I was unable to locate the blasted park! (I went the wrong way as I didn't look at signs and just wandered off and had forgot my A-Z book at home). So, instead of St. James Park I discovered Big Ben and Westminster, which I hadn't been looking for. So I enjoyed the area and I did a big huge circle and ended up back at St. James Station (go me and my topographic map in my head, as I had quite the meandering course and still ended up where I wanted to get back to!). I then find my way to the park finally, and I spent at least an hour or two watching the Pelicans. Yes, that's right, I'm a bit of a nerd. They were right up near the fence and OMG the pelicans actually will let you pet them gently. I was so excited that I actually asked some strangers to take a picture of me with them (using my point and shoot, and NOT my Canon Rebel). That's right... I asked a stranger for help.

Since I was in the area, I figured I should probably go over and look at Buckingham Palace.. so I did, and remained unimpressed. lol. So I wandered off to find the Canada Gate that I'd remembered seeing the last time I was there, and find it I did. Then went off to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. What can I say... I really like parks and it was a gorgeous day.

So... I find the boating area and take a seat on a bench and take out a book to read. I'd been sat there reading for ages... when I end up with my first creepy encounter in the UK. (AND IF YOU ARE READING THIS THEN I'LL SAY IT PLAINLY - LOOKING SOMEONE UP IS NOT COOL).

Here is the creep story:

I'm sat on the bench and this guy sits on it as well. I glanced over cause I always do just to see who is sitting near me. It was only a quick glance and I went back to my book. Guy then asks me if there's anything on his back, and says that he'd been laying on the ground (lots of people do) and wasn't sure if there were any leaves.

I'm then not allowed to go BACK TO MY BOOK as this guy keeps talking to me. Now, you all know me... I'm polite. I'm friendly. I've had a lot of experience with random creeps. I've already learned that it's just easiest to be polite and friendly and not bother getting bitchy or rude cause that just tends to lead to more disaster. Within a few minutes this guy has invited me over to his place for tea - saying he lives in the area. I say no and said I had dinner plans with a friend (I didn't, although I made some later!). He then wants my phone number. I say no, but he was persistent, so I ended up saying that I don't KNOW my phone number (which is true, I've ALMOST got it memorized but I'm never sure). He was then going to try to show me how to find out my phone number or someshit like that, and I really DIDN'T want to give out my phone number (since my agency allllways shows up as "Unknown" so I have to answer all those damn calls that I normally ignore... fortunately it's always been my agency!)... so I decided that the easiest way to get rid of this would be to just give him my email (I was thinking of my msn address) and then block him and be done with it.

Of course, I'd had a long week and was tired and worn out and frustrated with the conversation by this point, and what do I do? GIVE OUT MY REAL EMAIL. Stupid ass me. Y'know.. the one with my NAME IN IT. Whoops. I noticed it RIGHT as it was too late and was busy going "fuck fuck fuck FUCK" in my head. So I looked at the time and lied and said I really had to leave to get ready to go out for dinner... so off I went. Thought that it MIGHT have went ok as far as the creepy encounters go... and just from experience and a hunch, I opted to look behind me a few times to make sure that he wasn't following me along at all... he wasn't, so I gave Tony a call and told him the story cause I was looking for a laugh.. then invited Tony out for supper and we found a really delicious Thai place in Isle of Dog.

Now, I shall say that when I got home I had two messages from Creep#1. One was to the email.. and he looked me up on facebook. This is what they were: facebook - " i like seeing your picture Lindsey. Very impressive profile on word press. Will you take it down when I asked you to. I should tell you this privately though. Are you still reeding DavinCi code."

to my email - "Hey Lindsay

I googled you.

See the link below. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home

I must meet you soon to discuss with you something important.

I like your girly writting, just between two of us. You look good to my eyes.

Come, come. Let get it going." (dont click the link... I never have)

Yep. Lovely eh? Man was I cursing away by this point. How the HELL are either of those even remotely acceptable? Still haven't fully figured out what was meant by asking me to take it down... I'm guessing a photo. Who the HELL thinks the have the right to ask someone to take down their picture? Fuckhead. I was so mad. I wasn't expecting the messages to be thhhhat disturbing, and who the hell googles you? Yep... I've got some skill in attracting the scum really... I don't know how I do it, I was SAT THERE READING.

So I replied to the email quickly and in anger, but was still trying to be polite so I asked something about what on EARTH could be so important. The reply? "You of course and a couple of kisses in your cheek):" .... *smacks forhead* Good lord. I've now had enough by this point and sent back: "Look, I'm sorry, but that is really just inappropriate. Each message you have sent has been inappropriate, and I'm going to ask you to stop. Goodbye.".

Since then, these are the messages I have received:

"No, what do you mean. I haven't said anything inappropriate. It's between you and me and confidential. Most importantly depends on how one looks at the wording. But I left that to your imaginations, Lindsey. don't get upset. I take a break for a while." (sent the day I'd sent the last message... anyone else get what was meant by CONFIDENTIAL? If it's between me and him.. and *I* say he was being inappropriate.. then it MEANS HE WAS BEING INAPPROPRIATE!)

"Hi Lindsey How's work? It would be very nice if we could begin a normal conversation again! XX SAMAD" (sent the next day.... long break eh?)

"I would like to invite you to an event for movie's, show "theater in Covent Garden", or a trip to Windsor Castle. Would like to join me in one of these event. Please let me." (sent less than a week after the last one... persistent fucker no?)

*slaps forehead* So hopefully that's done, it's been a week since that last one now.

The next week for me was also quite long, and rather exhausting, so by the weekend I decided I was just going to stay at home for the Thanksgiving Weekend and not do anything. It was VERY hard to do. But I know I've been wearing myself so I thought it would do me some good.

Sunday for Thanksgiving I went to Cuckfields for a thanksgiving meal with my flatmates. Had roast chicken, roasted potatoes, and veggies. It was yummy for a thanksgiving meal, but I was really missing pumpkin pie. This country doesn't do pumpkin!!! I was so upset.

Last week I made up for my slow weekend by being out every night: Monday went to Tony's for thanksgiving proper.. we were going to make steak but the car wouldn't work, so we ordered Chinese and watched a movie. Tuesday went to the last of the seminars. Wednesday went to meet Tony downtown in Leicester Square for supper for when he was done work.. we went for sushi and it was delicious, and then we wandered through China Town. Just so you know, London's China Town kicks Toronto's China town's ASS. Thursday I went to Homebase and bought all sorts of stuff for my room that I wanted. Friday I invited Tony over to go to the Vietnamese restaurant on our High Street cause I had heard it was gorgeous and delicious. And it was.

Just so you know, my room is starting to look and feel like MY space. Especially since I put up the shower rod and hung up a sheet on it (it's a work in progress)... and my photo wall. I just need to figure out how to get other photos up on my wall. I will manage it though.

Saturday I went to the market on Portobello Road. I LOVED it. I've wanted to go there since I was a kid and watched Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I think it's been one of my best experiences.. I left here at 7am to make sure I was there by 8am when it opened (I wanted to avoid the crowd). There was so much to look at! I went on a hunt for small presents for my parents and danny... but the best parts of my day were the things I bought for myself. I bought a GORGEOUS (word of the day apparently!) mechanical bird cage clock... the bird does the ticking and the ball thing in the middle rotates to show the time. I'm not sure when it was made though cause I forgot to ask. I don't care if it's an actual antique or if its a reproduction (I'm going to let myself think it's legit!) cause it's so lovely. The box it came with smells rather oldish.

I also bought myself a 1913 Vest Pocket Kodak Autotrophic Camera. haha. It's lovely. The shopkeeper was lovely too. I was just walking around and stopped when I saw his stall inside and was like "OMG this is the most awesome stall I've seen today! I didn't think I'd see anything this cool!". Seriously, I sounded like an excited little kid. The shopkeeper and I were stood there chatting and I eventually asked how much some of them were... and then I was like "OMG I can actually afford that!!!" and was then so excited that I told him I would just have to buy one. So we picked me out a cute one and he showed me that it was £25 pounds, but said there was one in better condition for £35 pounds. So he said he'd knock off £5 for me for either of them, so I was going to get the £35 pound one.. which he then saw the tag said £30, so he still knocked it down to £25 for me.

(MOM DON'T LET DAD READ THIS PARAGRAPH... it's about all your presents!)

I also was excited with what I bought my dad.... a 1930s barometer from germany. It's just hilarious, I've got a photo of it I can send you. I loved it. I also bought a necklace from that stall, which is very much NOT antique but I really liked it and it was only £3. Mom I bought a small trinket for and I can't say what it is but I can say that it was crafted by a friend of the man who sold it to me. And danny I bought a little soldier that's wearing a gas mask, and is in a "CHARGE!" position. It's holding a bayonet and the arms holding it can move up and down. It's new from the looks of it and the stall, but that was fine with me. The stall-keeper was super cheerful and he and I chatted around.. he helped me pick it out cause I wasn't sure what to get.

So... that's been my life for the past few weeks!

Random Comments

This past week I haven't had a whole lot go on, not much at all since returning from France. This would be mostly because I caught myself a cold and have slept a lot and had no energy. I'm almost back to 100%, just feeling a little stuffed up. Anyway, I feel like posting a few comments up that people have made to me over the last while... mostly comments from my neices or about them.

But first, a comment from Ashley:

Ashley

i'm not familiar with your ass... and I won't be for a long while.

wow. that's depressing. i'd rather think of my nausea

and on that happy note, i must go to bed! see you!

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Ok, so I'm actually feeling too tired to want to look up the rest of them, so I'm just going to leave it at that.

The Ville de Lille, France

If you read the titles, then you will have a slight idea of where I went and where this post is going.

Did you read it now? Good stuff, so I really don't need to state right here that I was just in Lille, France. What's that? Not Paris? Go look at a map if you don't know where Lille is, but I'll give you a hint; it's North and it's not all that far from Calais.

I went with Tony, Melissa (from Orangeville) and Tony's friend Anna. We were supposed to go last weekend but the car was in the shop so we postponed. Which worked out for the best in the long run, as it meant we actually stayed for an evening instead of just driving there and back on the same day.

This trip also meant that I was finally on a ferry. No Chi-Cheemaun for moi, as I've never been on that despite living on the BPen. Of course, there was nothing special about being on a ferry - it was a boat! But since I do love them so, I was mildly annoyed at the world for being dark both trips and being too cold (I was of the frame of mind that I would not need a sweater in France, so therefore I brought none. I was right about France, but I was wrong about the ferry!)

We had a bit of an adventure getting to the ferry. Traffic in London decided that it was going to be absolutely horrendous, so Melissa and I had a dash to Stratford instead of being picked up - of course, if we had been smart from the beginning, and if I had known that someone was going to jump on the tube line at Mile End, thus prompting me to use the Jubilee Line instead of the Central Line.... we could have just met at Stratford from the beginning. But you see, I did not expect to be using the Jubilee Line and switching back onto Central at Stratford station, or perhaps I might have thought of that brilliant plan. Espcially since Melissa was working with Stratford being her nearest tube station for the day... but I will get back to the point.

Traffic was horrific. Forty minutes after Tony and Anna leave to come get us in Wanstead, I messaged Tony to call him slow - boy was I wrong! Normally it takes 20 minutes to get from Stratford to Wanstead.. but 40 minutes in, and Tony and Anna have barely even moved within Wanstead. So off dashed Melissa and I and we made it to Stratford... fortunately I SOMEWHAT know the area, so with Tony and I having a lovely conversation where we confused the hell out of each other, Melissa and I jump into the car and off we go.

Despite driving like a bat of a hell (and that is an understatement), we arrived late for the ferry. Luck was on our side, however, as the ferry hadn't left yet either. We were the second last car on the ferry. So, after brief hiatus where we all just sat like zombies on the ferry, we arrive in Calais! With next to no gas in the car tank, as we hadn't had time to stop on the race for the ferry.

Thus began the hunt for a gas station that was open 24/7. We found one quickly... that was closed. The next was just diesel. We did find one though, running on empty. And someone else was stranded there, as the were 47p (I forget what the money is called with euros!) short of being able to pay for their gas. So Tony gave them some change and off they went.

Exhaustion was setting in by this point as it had been quite the adrenaline rush up until this point of the trip. This neccissitated a rest at a rest station, where we admired the sky. Apparnetly I am the only person who has really been able to see stars on a somewhat regular basis! But to compare: the stars in France felt a lot closer to the ground than they do in Ontario. And since it is a new continent, the stars are in different places. We found the Big Dipper, near the horizon! And I found Cassiopia quickly, and I am quite sure that I finally fround Pegasus and Adromeda, which are rather hard to find in Ontario but Natalya and I were looking for them.

Finally, we arrive at the hotel, exhausted. Except for me, apparently. I was unable to sleep. Keep in mind, I was up around 5ish Friday morning, had walked all around downtown London Friday during the day, but no, I was still not tired out. I ended up in a bit of a laughing fit, fortunately Tony was up for a while too and didn't mind chatting with me although I could not stop laughing. Eventually he drifted off to sleep and there I was, still wide awake. I think I slept for maybe 2.5 hours that night? Cause I was awake by 5:45 again.

I have came to the conclusion that my body really hates me, as it just will not sleep when it needs to. C'est la vie....

Lille

I have finally reached a point where I can talk about Lille! What a trip getting there.

I have to say, I really adored downtown Lille. The buildings were so ornate, and I must say, France knows how to do doors. The doorways in Lille were gorgeous. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted to really be in much of a photographic mood (plus I get a bit camera-shy when there are too many people with me) so I did not take a SINGLE picture of any of the doors that I loved. Next time I go to France I will take pictures of doors.

We hit up the tourist centre, which was fortunately easy to find and very central. We had to do this as we all forgot to look up what we wanted to DO while in Lille. I had a vague idea of what I'd seen online but couldn't recall anything. So off we went, and the exterior of the Tourist Centre was beautiful. I also forgot to take a photo of this, too.

So, armed with a guide and a map, we set off to discover Lille. I made my demand of where to go - I wanted to check out one of the parks, as it was supposed to have a little grotto with a waterfall. Leave it to me to go to a brand new country... and ignore all the "culture" and bee-line it directly for the "nature". What can I say! That's just what I do.

Just for the record, I pick great places to go. It was such a quaint little park, and the grotto felt like it was right out of a story-book. This was amplified by there being a puppet theater in the park, and there was a little cottage on it's own little island right near the waterfall. I was really missing Natalya and Payton while in this park of France, I kept thinking about how much they would have loved it. We all loved it there though, and this is pretty much the only spot on the trip where I took a lot of photos.

On our way to the park though, we stopped at the Citadal. What a fortress! It even had a little drawbridge (it was easy to miss that it was a draw-bridge, but Tony noticed; thank goodness, and it was the part that sealed the deal for me on liking it!)

After the park, we went for lunch. I have to say, this was definitely the worst time I've had since coming to England. Anyone who has ever been to a restaurant with me knows that chances are, there's only one or two things on the menu that I'm going to eat. But then, those who have been with me within the last few years know that I'm getting better and will try a few new things.

It is very hard when you can't read the menu. Tony was helping Melissa figure out what she wanted, and while I was able to pick out a few words and was trying to ask what the meal was, I hadn't found what I wanted. The waiter came over, and Tony said that yes we were ready to order. I wasn't. Not at all. So Tony ended up ordering something for me, and since I've ate with Tony and know distinctly that I've talked about the BIG NOs for me.... I figure it would be ok.

I have never been so wrong.

Now, think to yourself: what is the sort of meal that I will say "NO" to very quickly?

How many of you went "soggy"? If you were thinking things like chili, stu, soups, lasagnas.... you would be correct. I do not like soggy food, in particular meat.

So three guesses what my meal looked like?

Soggy meat. As soon as it was put on the table, cue the panic attack that had almost began when our orders were taken, but now began once I saw what it was. Tony had just said sausage of some sort, and while I HATE sausage with a passion, I was willing to try whatever this was.

Until I saw that it was sliced into small pieces, and was mixed in with who knows what, and it sort of looked like a mix of stew and pasta. Except there was no pasta.

Being a trooper, and starved, and having a panic attack about upsetting everyone by not eating, and by pissing off the restaurant by not eating... I tried a bite.

And almost threw it up. I cannot do soggy food. I choked down the fries afterwards and could barely manage that, and I was unable to finish the Diet Coke I had (because I was not allowed to order the drink I WANTED to have because Tony had ordered me something that CAME with a certain drink... and when have I ever ordered POP while out for a meal? Never. But during my panic when the orders were being taken, and then the humiliation of annoying the waitor, I ended up just pointed to diet coke and that was what I had. I drank about 3/4s of the glass and the bubbles were also making me feel ill.

So, I sat through the meal with my hands clenched and resisting the urge to get up and leave and walk around while they all ate, since that is what I typically do when I am having a panic attack. Of course, exhaustion from having no sleep really set in, and I was trying not to burst out crying, so I felt even worse for being so obviously not in a good mood.

Now, here's the really kicker: Know what the meat was? Intestines. That's right. I knew it was something weird while we waited for the food, but I didn't want to know what kind of meat it was, as I can handle trying weird meat (I'm quite sure at some point I've even tried Ox Tongue in Toronto). But yes, the soggy meat was intestine made into a sausage. The funny part, is that the TYPE of meat it was was NOT the reason why I couldn't eat the damn meal!

It took me an hour or two before I got out of that one. Especially since it was the longest meal ever for me, as it took Tony and Anna eons to drink their wine and then eat the cheese platter they ordered after their meal, plus coffee and desserts...... I was just not in a good state and was pretty much a mute for a while. Oh well!

We then headed off to see an art museum. The area outside of the art museum, the building and whatnot, was sooooo pretty. The art was really nice too, but it was almost all reglious art and I NEVER stick around staring at photos of Jesus being crucified; it's simply not my type of art. I think the style is gorgeous, but the subject matter is just not for moi.

By this point, Tony is starting to feel really ill. He hadn't been feeling the best the day before, and it was getting worse by afternoon. I decided he was my sick little puppy so I spent a lot of time in the art museum just sitting with him. Poor puppy.

After the art museum, it was time to head out to make it back to the ferry on time. We made it there without having to rush, although Tony was in a looooot of pain. We managed to catch an early ferry home, which was lovely. Melissa and Anna explored the ferry this trip, since we weren't all zombies, and they were my little errand runners when I needed something as I was acting out the role of a pillow so that Tony could just sleep.

We arrived in Dover (and yes, I saw the white cliffs of Dover, but since it was dark out both times we were there, I have no pictures of them) and we were tempted to just stay the night there for Tony's sake, but Tony was feeling marginally better and was more alert (I take full credit for this as I am just an awesome pillow) so we made the drive back to London.

And now, here I am, writing a gigantic post on just one day!

A few Reasons why I love London

I just thought I would make a list of all the reasons why I am loving life in London so far:

1. Today I was in the area, so I stopped in to the British Museum. With the SOLE purpose of looking at the Rosetta Stone. I walked in, I looked at it for a few minutes, and I left. Did not even glance anywhere else in the museum. (For those of you who are probably thinking I am quite obsessed with the Rosetta Stone, I really can't help but feel this huge sense of awe when I see it... it's no different than a work or art or music.... everything BEHIND the Rosetta Stone just amazes me)

2. Beautiful Parks. For those who ever may come to see me, if I take you to a park, it is going to be Regent's Park to go see Queen Mary's gardens... gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.

3. Pick an atmosphere, and you can find it in London.

4. Pick a store and you can find it in London.

5. A lot of men wear business suits on the tube. More guys should wear them.

6. The tube. It's so fast to get everywhere.

7. Lots of water. That's right, there are lots of fountains and whatnot, and the Thames.

8. Pubs. Lots of them.

9. The history (for me, this mostly means what I've read in literature.... I'm just always in awe when I'm in some parts of London... for example... today I was walking in Regent's Park, looked at a HUGE tree, went "I wonder how many authors I've read have walked RIGHT here" and then felt a huge sense of awe.)

10. The Architecture. Even all the nude statues. I just love how the older buildings look in London.

Today it really hit that I was ACTUALLY living in London. It sunk in when I was at the British Museum, as I sat on the stairs near the huge columns after going in to look at the Rosetta Stone. I actually felt a little overwhelmed that I am actually living a life I want to live, and I almost burst out crying. How pathetic, but true. I was watching everyone at the musuem rushing around, and I'd thought to myself "this is SO nice... I just walked in, saw what I wanted to see... and don't have to worry to try to see everything.. can just chill on this step" and since I couldn't do that if I wasn't living here, it really just hit me.

I've just spent so much time over the years not letting myself do what I wanted to, because I either didn't have the time to commit, or the money, or I was just scared for some reason or another. Yet I managed to get myself to England. I actually let myself.

Good for me eh?

Reconnections, Woodford and Water

***NOTE: I figured out how to change the settings, so you can leave comments now! A few of you let me know that you couldn't, well, now you can! At least to let me know if you read it so that I don't repeat myself to you??****

This update may be a little delayed, as most everyone has seen my photos on facebook, but nevertheless, write I shall!

It's nearing a month now that I've been in London. Not there yet, but closer. 3 weeks! It seems like a lot longer, really, I'm quite comfortable living in this city. I like it much more than I ever did Toronto. I can get from where I live to downtown London in about half an hour, but I live far enough away from anything touristy and big that where I live feels like a small town. Sort of like Wiarton except smaller, but it's like Wiarton because it's got a few really busy roads (one of which is right outside my window!) that always has people driving by. And it's so pretty. I know I know, anyone from the GBA is going "It can't be prettier than the Bruce!" and while that's true for scenic beauty, London has another charm entirely, and I haven't found that in Ontario. The closest would be at the Elora Gorge, the village there is close. There are a lot of buildings here, and while they are all close together they still maintain a neat charm since the buildings are all so old. And Londoners from what I've gathered pay a lot more attention to their gardens.

This past week I've taught all week. Which means I've made £625 before any of my money gets taken away. 4 out of 5 days was with the same Year 1 class. They were a challenge but I really liked them. By the end of the day, my throat was usually pretty sore from having to yell for them all day long. They just don't have the slightest idea how to sit quietly. Not that I blame them, mind you, it's only their second week in proper school and most of their time has been spent without their actual teacher! The class and I worked out a routine though, by the end of the week they were definitely showing improvement in the skills we were working on (lining up quietly, and making good choices on where to sit and who to sit next to). Next week I'm going to be so disoriented, I've got work lined up for Tuesday (Monday is a holiday for Eid) and will have to take a new bus. Well. I COULD take the same tube/bus route I've been taking for the past week (Friday-Friday I've been taking the same bus route so I know where I'm going... the two schools were really close) and I COULD walk a lot further, but I think it's time I try out Leytonstone Station instead of Woodford Station. Worst comes to worst, I'll miss the school, end up near Ainslie, and walk backwards. hahahaha. It's really gotten to be a habit walking to the schools, as I'm comfortable enough with that area that I do what I always do when I'm walking in a known area: don't even pay attention to where I'm walking as my feet take me there alllll on their own!

From the pictures on facebook, I'm sure everyone here knows that I went to the ocean. Sea, really. I went to Bradwell-on-Sea, and it was a spur of the moment trip as we were in the "area" although it took Tony and I two hours to drive there. hahaha. I'd never been to the coast at all, so while it wasn't a huge vastness of water (it was more like a bay, as we could see England across from us still) I was quite excited. It was different from being at Georgian Bay, as the beach was covered in shells. Being the child that I am, I was collecting shells for Natalya and Payton, along with a few for myself. The few rocks that I took home were quite interesting too. What can I say, I was just too excited to be there. I'm really glad that I've gotten back in touch with Tony (well, that he got back in touch with me) because it's really nice having someone who's known me well for years be around. And as I've told him lots of times, I'm taking advantage of him having a car ;) hahahha. I'm so very nice. It was just really nice to be walking along the shore with a friend who is quite fine with me being whoever it is that I am, as I didn't feel embarassed at all collecting shells or making him help me look for particular kinds.

Or take pictures. I, not planning on going to the coast, had neglected to bring my camera. Thank goodness, Tony had brought his. So either I directed on some photos that were more snap-shots and I didn't care, or I just took the camera and snapped away. If you've been out somewhere with me where I've been playing with my camera, then you know how that goes. If you haven't, count yourself lucky. It can make a five minute walk take a lot longer. Not that I care, but if you aren't interested then it's QUITE the journey. Fortunately I tend to befriend people who don't care, and those who I think do.. well, that would be why you haven't seen me playing with my camrea! I try to spare some of you :P

It was just really fascinating to see how different a salt-water coast is from a fresh-water one. It was crabs we could find, not crayfish. Tony found some really tiny ones running around in the water, but the water ended up a bit too murky to find them again and take their picture. I was sad, but they were the neatest things. We then found a big one that was quite dead on the coast. Not being afraid of dead things if they aren't decomposing and full of maggots (really now, I enjoy biology, I've dissected enough dead things!) I insisted on taking pictures of that too. And the jellyfish. At first we weren't sure if they were jellyfish, as the one we found sort of made us think more of a breastimplant, although my FIRST statement was "jellyfish!" but we couldn't find any tentacles on it. The second one that we saw, however, confirmed that my gut instinct had been right. This was because the gonads (it'll look like an outline of a four-leaf-clover) were clearly visible. I was SO excited.

Before I could get out the camera to snap a shot... Tony had flipped it over onto it's back to look for tentacles!! THE HORROR! I was so upset, because then the top was covered in shell fragments and was unfit for photographing. What a guilt trip I laid on, but I forgave my friend. We did find a third one were you could see the gonads, but it wasn't perfectly circular and the gonads weren't as clear. We took a picture of it anyway.

I just really love to be near the water.

The next day, Tony took me along for a flying lesson! Talk about doing something I didn't really think I'd ever be doing, but I found myself up in a four-seater plane! With my friend flying it! I never would have pictured myself doing that, but do it I did. The view was amazing, although we only flew around the area. We were below the clouds, but it was the most surreal feeling for me sometimes looking at the clouds and going "wow, we are CLOSE to those!" In some ways, it was more surreal than looking down on the clouds (which is what I spend as much time as possible doing on big planes) because I was still looking UP at the clouds they way I am used to... except that in this plane, they were oh so very much closer. I tried taking pictures, but it wasn't overly successful as it wasn't a bright enough day outside; on automatic the camera always wanted to use the flash, and on manual they were too blurry. Regardless, it was fun watching cars and farm machinery and cattle moving around when they were so tiny. Even getting pushed around by the wind was entertaining for me, cause man did our little plane get bullied by the wind a few times. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the time up there, and I'm very glad that my friend was kind enough to invite me along!

The last thing I've done within the past week now, has been the Protocol Boat Cruise. It was just a boat cruise along the Thames for those of us with Protocol. It was rather cold but I enjoyed. I spent as much time as I could outside on the deck to see the sites, and when I had finally retired inside due to numbness, I didn't seem content to dance and kept hanging over the one rail to look out the window better to see what I could see.

The view of Big Ben from the Thames was amazing! And all the colours at night that lit up most of the buildings and bridges - it made me think of Niagra Falls in some ways. I had forgotten how pretty the Thames was at night, because the time I was walking along it with Siggy I was in a rather miserable mood! I think being on a boat helped, seriously, if you want to keep me happy, take me out on the water. Always makes for a happy Lindsey. It was a bit amusing on the boat though - I was there with my flatmate and one of our neighbours and her boyfriend, and I KNEW I knew more people on the boat... but for the life of me, I did not see any of them! Seriously now, it's a boat. With a limited capacity. You would THINK that you would see the people you knew, but alas, I did not.

On a final note, for any Ontarians who think they've seen a big slug or snail in Ontario, you are COMPLETELY WRONG. London's got the big ones. I saw a slug the other morning (cursed my camera for being in my room on the floor!) that was as big as one of my fingers. No joke. Despite getting rained on, I stopped and stared at the slimy thing for at least a minute, I just could not believe how big it was. I've also seen a few snails that would easily put any of our snails to shame. Just so you know.

Until next time, ladies and germs!

Feet and Hostels

Hello children! I know it's been a while, but unfortunately I just haven't had much net access. But fear not, I'm back! And have loads to write about, and I'll probably leave something out.

The Second Day - Hostel and Notting Hill

Well, I did not make this clear in my first post, but I was not overly keen on my hostel. The day I checked in, they told me I'd be in one room for a night, but then would have to switch the next day to a new room cause of how things were booked. This wouldn't be so bad, except that I had to drag my suitcase up four flights of stairs. It didn't wear me out too much the first day, seeing as I dashed off right away, but still.

The way to describe the hostel? Most of the toilets did NOT have sinks to wash in. You had to go into the shower rooms, which were almost always locked with someone using the shower. I was rather disgusted. That, and their organization, were the only things I had against this hostel. However, if you know me, those are both AMPLE reasons for me to dislike being somewhere.

The first morning arrived, and I wrote my blog and did other things to pass the time until around 12pm, which gave the hostel an hour after check-out to get the rooms cleaned and whatnot. But I had wanted to leave, so I go to ask where my second room would be... to be told that I won't be able to put my stuff into my room until after 2pm. What the hell, I said I wanted to go out for the day and really didn't think I should have to spend all day here with my things. I was then told that I could bring all my stuff downstairs and leave it in the storage room. So I drag all my things down four flights of stairs. To then have to drag them back up two flights of stairs that evening to my next room. I was NOT impressed. This wasn't something that was my doing, so I really shouldn't have to be dragging my luggage around so much. I wasn't impressed, especially since my bags were so heavy and my feet were destroyed.

Anyway, between the lugging of the luggage, I met up with Melissa and we went to check out the Notting Hill Carnival. I think if we had had more energy it really would have been lovely, as it was just a whole bunch of people and I guess the best comparison is Caribbana, although I've never gone to it.

I was amused with the crowds, although Melissa isn't too keen on crowds so it wasn't too pleasant for her. I enjoyed drinking alcohol in the middle of the street right near the police, as that is just unheard of in Canada and I found it QUITE exciting. We bought silly souvenirs, which I'm sure most of you saw the photo of me with the bunny ears.

Feet Drama

Monday, my third day, was my attempt at going to Kensington Gardens. It was quite lovely and I want to go back, but that day... oh my poor feet. I had destroyed them with the shoes and they were in so much pain that I had to give up early and retire back to the hostel. Which drove me insane. I did not do so well being stuck in the hostel! I began my search for a home then.

Wanstead

After a bunch of scams about housing (oh they are so obvious when you know the common characteristics) I got grumpy and remembered about an agency called Arrive Homes that was recommended by Protocol. I emailed them and outlined what I was looking for, and I got a text Monday evening asking to meet to see about a room in a house.

So, Tuesday morning up I get and take off for Snaresbrook Station. I met Phil, the guy showing me the house, and went to check it out. It was super close to the tube station, and the area really looks more like a small town than being a part of (Greater) London. Seriously, once I go for a walk and take pics of the area, you will all go "what?! That's London?" and my answer will be "why yes, it is!". There's a big park area which is quite lovely, and the shops are all within easy walking distance. Including at least two bakeries, a butchers, a grocers, plus grocery store and pharmacy. Really, everything you need daily is within easy grasp.

Hermon Hill House

There's a lot of stairs. The house itself is rather small, as we have one living room (which doubles for dining), a small kitchen, and a bathroom. It's not too bad though, the kitchen looks nice so I'm good. My room, however, is huge. I have two large windows that open easily (although each time I open them I am terrified that it is going to fall on top of me!), which opens onto a balcony! Not one that you can really stand/sit on, although you COULD if you really wanted to. But I could get some little tables out there and have my own garden in the spring if I want to. I'm quite happy with it.

My flatmates are quite lovely too. There's Lucy, who is also with Protocol and is from Alberta. There's also Catherine, and our unofficial flatmate Charlie (poor Charlie, he gets put to work here all the time already, haha). Catherine's Irish and she has a full-time teaching job since she did her schooling here. There is also Queen, who is a vocalist from LA but she may not be around for too long before she goes back to the USA.

Our Local

Our local pub is called Cuckfields. I have only been there a few times, the first time just for drinks with Lucy and Christine (who is from the other House near us which is full of Canadian and Irish folk). I had a strawberry cider and oh my was it delicious. There are at least two resident cats at the pub, and I feel mighty sorry for how much the poor things get approved by everyone! They of course ignore all attentions (or they acknowledge and refuse to comply).

I think so far the best time we had there was when Lucy, Catherine, Charlie and I went for dinner. We ended up playing Monopoly. That's right. A full game of Monopoly in a pub! Apparently people kept looking and watching us sat there playing a board game (really, they were on a shelf right near our table, it was bound to happen) but we didn't take too much notice of it. Poor Charlie got wiped out right quick, but I followed suit a while later (that's right, for any of you who have EVER attempted to get me to sit through a full game... I ACTUALLY managed it for once!). Catherine, who started out losing, cleared us all out! It was rather amusing and we quite enjoyed ourselves.

Teaching

That's right, I've already taught a day. I taught at a school near Whitechapel station (ok, so I give locations based on tube stations, so just look up the tube stations and you can figure out roughly where I am in London all the time). I was teaching year 4 in the morning and year 6 in the afternoon. It was mostly a very good day! The teachers who heard it was my first day were all surprised and said they would have never guessed (probably because various people definitely witnessed me making the classes line up correctly and enter the classroom correctly, haha). Both classes were lovely children, and we had a relaxed day as it is their Induction week and they aren't really doing much actual coursework. So I taught various lessons that I came up with out of thin air and it went quite well.

Not the last half hour, mind you. The year 6s had a TA in the classroom the whole afternoon, and she stepped out to use the loo for a few minutes. And naturally that is when all chaos ensued, mostly instigated by one group of boys. I took their names down and informed the class how sorry I was that I would have to let their teacher know how disrespectful they were for the last part of the day, as they had been QUITE lovely until then. Of course, I had to make sure that I let the class know that it wasn't ALL of them, that some of them had remained lovely all day, but that there were enough of them that it wasn't JUST a few students either. I didn't crack though, so yay for me.

One of the boys (who hadn't really been being that out of control) came up and apologized to me. It was so sweet, I was very touched. The miracle of the day, however, was that I didn't break out crying because of my feet. As I mentioned earlier, I had destroyed my feet at the beginning of my time in London. They had gotten better, and Tuesday morning (marking one week of living in Hermon Hill) I went out to break in my new teaching shoes. And COMPLETELY cut up the back of my feet, way worse than the last time.

And I had to teach in heels. Wedge ones, mind you, but still. Oh was it sore, but fortunately they weren't really hitting the other spots that were badly cut, so I survived.




And that, my dears, has been the rest of my time summarized quickly. I spent a lot of time at Protocol, I hit up the British Museum again, Lucy and I went to go pay an outrageous price to see a movie in Leicester Square, which we refused to do and ended up going to comedy night for cheap (after being approached by a creepy man in a trench coat who pulled something out ot the coat... turned out he was just being silly and was actually just giving away free vouchers to get in to the comedy half-price.... no joke either, hah). The comics were all quite hilarious, so we were impressed. What else did I do? Oh, I discovered that I really like the one chain food place called Pret a Mange. Not the cheapest but not too bad either, and I ACTUALLY like the sandwiches. I have yet to eat proper fast food. Did I mention in my last post that I had my delicious portobello mushroom burger that I've been craving since I was here with Siggy? Well I did.

Coming Live from London!

I have arrived!!

Well, techincally I arrived yesterday around 11 something in the morning... was out of the airport by 12:28.

It was QUITE the day, so I will recap it.

While Still In Toronto

I went out to Moxie's for dinner with my parents, Peri and Ashley A. No one else could make it, and I will admit I was disappointed, but they ALL had really good reasons and I totally understand them all. Peri and Ashley made up for it anyway, cause they rock. Peri and I went out to play pool that evening and it was a blast... we're both pretty equal, skill level. As in, we both STINK equally. hahaha. It was awesome.

I had NO lines at all at the airport. There was no need for me to be there as early as I was because seriously... there was no line at check in, no line to pay for my extra weight, no line at security. And it was a relatively short line when I was OFF the plane for customs.

While I was in the airport, it finally hit me that I was 1. FINALLY doing what I want to do with my life and 2. That I wasn't going to see everyone again for a long time. I was getting a bit emotional... and paniced. Seriously, I was border-line having a panic attack sitting there. I think I was just overwhelmed with it all. It was a little pathetic. However, I solved this, and the next section will explain WHY.

The Airplane

I made my first friend ;) The girl sitting next to me on the bus is using the SAME agency as me (Protocol) and was just returning to London from going back to England for a visit. WHAT luck! She seems pretty awesome and she was super nice to me.. answered a million questions I didn't notice I had, and stayed with me all the way to the tube station that she had to get off at. haha. I was so grateful. She had totally erased, within five minutes of me getting on the plane, ALL the panic and upset I was having. She ALSO happens to live near where Melissa (friend from highschool who's just came to London too) is living... what are the odds, right? I think it's a bit hilarious, and is rather typical for my life. Of course, this is NOT the end of the luck for my day.

The Hostel

I arrived at the hostel QUITE fine thank you, with no mishaps. I even had a nice stranger help me carry my suitcase up some stairs when I had to get off at a non-planned tube station since the station I was planning on transferring at was under construction. Thank the trees for kind people, I would have died (in fact, later on I DID almost die while lugging that thing up a flight of stairs at another station). Aside from that I arrived alive and well, and ended up not being able to have a nap when I got here, so I left the hostel and went on my first adventure.

London-Town

I decided to head to Oxford Circus (near/at the expensive SoHo district) because I knew that there were mobile shops, Lush, and the Apple Store. So off I went!

I have my cell phone, and while I don't particularly want to have anyone call me, I will give out the number if asked. I did NOT find Lush (despite looking desperately) so I am going to have to make another attempt for that. I found the Apple Store but didn't need it as I bought a new and rather cheap converter that works a-ok for this laptop (or I wouldn't be on here now). This all only the beginning of the adventure.

I ALSO found sushi. So naturally I went in to have some as I have spent the last few days constantly hungry. While there (after totally confusing the staff as I was quite out of it at this point in the day) I begin to text the people in England - Siggy, Melissa and Megan, to give them my cell number.

End up on the phone with Melissa (while I'm walking PAST Oxford Circus station which is mega busy) I discover that she's in a store just a LITTLE bit down the road from me and I had walked past it a few times already (in my quest for finding Lush).

What are the ODDS of that?! So we meet up naturally. Now, you may be thinking "is this the end of the luck for the day?" and the answer is NO, it's not!

The Second Adventure

Melissa and I then go shopping a bit more (and were STILL looking for Lush as I hadn't gave up on it at this point). And what do I finally find? SHOES THAT I CAN TEACH IN! And oh my, are they lovely. They weren't too cheap mind you, but they are a good brand and I LIKE them (of course, today they have gave me ONE blister so far) so WOOT excitement! After looking for a pair of shoes ALL BLOODY YEAR I find them in the first shoe-store I walk into here. I had seen them before meeting up with Melissa, but I didn't try them on until after.

We are then just walking down Oxford Circus, heading towards Tottenham, and Melissa stops to check out a perfume shop that is closing to see if she could find any perfume cheaply.

Cue the music.

I shit you not, as we're standing there on the street, the shopkeepers get up on a pedastal, and one of them starts calling in people nearby on a microphone. Think of any movie where you see a crowd get randomly called in where they PARTICIPATE. This is then what happens: they start throwing out free perfume to people. Yes, seriously. They were THAT serious about that store CLOSING THAT DAY (it was near 6pm, aka closing time).

Melissa and I walked away with about $400 worth of perfume each. For 20lbs (I need to find out how to mae the pound sign). I have 5 bottles of perfume. hahahaha. And they actually do smell nice, as they kept spraying us all with the perfume.

I had kept waiting for the catch, but I just couldn't find one... 20lbs for all of that? no way was that a rip off. It was so bloody funny, kept laughing at that random experience for the rest of the night. Like what the hell, that doesn't happen in reality.

Now, this STILL isn't the end of my experience for the day.

I am sure that at least SOME of you have heard me rave about that portobello mushroom burger that I had when I was in England with Siggy, right? HOW much I loved it and have craved it since? FOUND the place again! And had that for supper. YUMMY. I was so happy.

Bedtime

I get home to the hostel around 9pm. Bit before that. I pass out at 9pm, and aside from a stint around 12am when I woke up (I counted myself to sleep... got to around 350 and then fell asleep again) I slept pretty solidly until 7am! Like what the shit right, WHO adjusts their sleep patterns the FIRST DAY BACK? I just hope I can keep it up.

So in other words, so far London is lovely and I am feeling quite comfortable here. Having no problem at all getting around or anything so far.

Packing Packing and More Packing

I can honestly say, that right now I'm utterly sick of packing!

I just keep reminding myself "I'm saving money" and that shuts me up for a few seconds. Sometimes.

Currently I'm quite pissed off at my suitcase. I took most of it back out to repack it (to put the stuff I need to use for the next few weeks at the top and also to pack in more fragile things into the middle) and seriously, it looks like it doesn't want to fit! haha. I will make it fit somehow, I just got mad at it.

It sometimes doesn't really like seem like I'm ACTUALLY going because it's something I've always wanted to do, and normally I don't seem to let myself do the things I want to do because they aren't usually all that practical, yet here I am actually letting myself do what I want for once.

The past two days Nat and Payton haven't been with me, (first a day at daycare, then an overnight with some of their aunts that they haven't seen in ages) so it's almost like I don't know what to do with myself - sorta like when I was at Emma's, I sorta had adjusted to having the girls around and the day is a lot less busy without them! Which SHOULD be a good thing so that I can get all this boring stuff sorted out, yet instead here I am sat the computer again and I keep wandering away from the bag.

My latest procrastination tool: Daydreaming about trips! Lately been thinking about hitting up Finland to go crash in on Olli (friend from York who spent a year at York on exchange) and have decided that maybe I'd like to go to northern Finland to check out the Northern Lights, as I've never seen them. Just can't commit myself to taking a vacation to somewhere COLD!

Ah well. Back to the bags.

All that's left to do is fly..

So! Today is July 30, 2009. A month from now, I'll be in England. HOW exciting. And nerve-wracking.

My flight is booked, as is my stay in a hostel: Dover Castle Hostel, to be precise. You can check them out at www.dovercastlehostel.com

Aside from having to repack all of my stuff, as in reduce it by half because I decided to use Air Transat instead of Air Canada last minute (it will probably be a shitty flight, BUT it's a night flight and half the price, so I will make do!) all I have left to do is arrive and start trying to find a more permanent place to be.

I've spent the summer so far hopping around this province and overall it's been a good summer. Minus the cruddy weather.

And now here I am starting up this blog. Here's hoping I'll remember it and update it!

I suppose I will clearly state my purpose for this blog right now:

It's a way for me to let everyone back in Canada know what I've been up to. It's a way for me to save time, and keep those of you who are worry-warts somewhat in the know. It's a way to prevent people from constantly emailing/messaging me wanting my phone number or to know how things are going.

I will post things here. On Facebook. And on Twitter, which I've just set up so we'll see how that goes. If you message me going "How are things in England?" when it's not during an msn chat... then I am going to tell you "go read my blog!".

Got that? haha. :)