May 2005 Archives

Unpacking reminds me of why I hate moving. Goodness. Let it not be for another 5 years at least.

So my shipment from America arrived today and except for a few framed prints, everything came in excellent condition. Only problem is that my US queen size bed frame won't fit up the stairs. So its now sitting in my living room which is most annoying. I was so looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. So any suggestions on how to possibly manipulate to make it go up? The delivery guy suggested having a carpenter possibly cutting into the frame but not sure that's a good idea since it might do long term damage. The other alternative is to get a comparable frame -- which is the UK king that seems to come in 2 pieces. I don't want to spend the money, but that might be my only option. But before doing that, I thought I would ask for suggestions. HELP!

In the last two weeks I have spent a lot of time in department as well as specialty electronic stores and I have yet to purchase a television. Main reason is that I can't decide whether or not to spend the money to get a LCD or plasma or just buy a regular TV. The problem with the regular ones is that they are so bulky and in that space is an issue, decided to just delay the purchase until my shipment from the US arrives. Once I see how everything fits in the new apartment then I'll decide what is more appropriate. The good news on this front is that is won't be much longer. My container has cleared customs and delivery is scheduled for this coming Friday. Perfect timing too since its a bank holiday next Monday so I'll use the time to get everything sorted and put in there proper place.

Changing subjects a bit, I did end up going to Church on Sunday. I almost left 5 minutes after walking in as there weren't that many people in the Church, and but for a few others, everyone there was over 65 years. However, once the service started, I really like the flow of things, so thinking I'll go back. Plus I learnt that the younger folks have a separate service on Sunday nights so I'll have to check that out.

Finally, I must point out that one of the reasons for not approaching the guy on the platform (beyond not wanting to break the illusion), is that I'm not sure that I'm really attracted to the him. Yes he's handsome and all, but the initial excitement has now worn off because part of me is wanting that admiration to come from someone else. Specifically, Racquetball Guy. I miss him. Crazy huh? Well, don't answer that. I'll just have to work through these feelings on my own.

My commute to work takes about an hour door to door. In addition, in that I'm a bit far out, I don't take the London Underground trains to work. I take one of the commuter rails as its faster. As such, I've become a slave to the train schedule – more so in the morning than in the afternoon. And every morning for the past week or so, I’ve noticed this one guy and I think he has noticed me as well. We take the same train and get on the same coach car each morning. But I doubt I’ll ever speak to him. Partly because it goes against the English rule of talking to strangers. Also, because if I did speak to him (or he did to me for that matter), it might ruin the illusion. Plus, what if we have nothing in common? Then it would become totally awkward and embarrassing and I’d have to try and hide at the other end of the platform. So I’m comforted by his presence on the platform each morning, but I pretend he doesn’t exist while at the same time sneaking peaks while reading my book. Goodness! I hope this doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

I'm approaching my one month anniversary and pleased to say that I'm starting to feel more settled. On Saturday, I joined a group of alums from other American universities for a trip sponsored by the Yale Club to see Horace Walpole's 'little Gothic castle' Strawberry Hill. They are currently in the process of raising funds to restore the mansion to original state, but it was all still very grand. This peaked my interest in seeing other historical castles and so I made plans with two of the other women I met to check out Ham House in early June.

On Sunday I decided to take a tour around my new neighborhood and realized that there is a Methodist Church down the street from me, so I'll have to check that out next Sunday. Church has always been a good place for me to meet like minded people, so hoping my luck will continue with this Church. If not, I'll surely seek out another.

After walking for some time (in circles truth be told), I came across the Wimbledon Society Museum of Local History. Since it was free I decided to pop in for a visit. I was the first visitor of the day so I had a nice chat with the lady at the front desk. Later another volunteer walked in and she told him that I had just recently moved to Wimbledon from Chicago. He offered a warm welcome but followed that up by pointing out that he had 30 years on me as it relates to living in the area. I was initially offended (mostly so by the way he said it) but then chalked it up to his English sense of humor.

Speaking of English humor and mannerisms for that matter, I broken down and purchased a book titled: Watching the English. It was one of several I purchased since I have yet to purchase a television. This book is quite interesting as it discusses the hidden rules of English behavior. And based on the little I've read so far, I know it will be valuable in helping me decode conversations and the behavior for that matter of my English colleagues.

My best guy friend wrote the following note on behalf of Choo-Choo. I thought it was so clever that I decided to post in a note all of its owns. Thanks best guy friend!!!!

Hi, Mom. So that's where you ran off to! I'm having fun here in the states. The suburbs look so different then the city did. My foster home has another kitty! Can you believe that? Problem is that she's such a pussy. I try to say hi, and she runs off to one of her supposed "hiding" spots. Like I don't know where she is. Kinda sucks though. I used to have my run of the house, but now I mostly have to stay in the basement. At least now, they put in some kind of temporary fence, so I can see the humans.

Things were really exciting on Tuesday. There was a big party, watching some reality show, and everyone came downstairs to hang out with me. Lots of new people to rub up against!

So, when do I get to go to London? The humans have been telling me all about it. So far the closest I've gotten is when the humans are watching the Pistons play basketball. When Ben Wallace does something good, they ring a "Big Ben" gong, and I think of you. can't wait to see you again. Cherrio!

Choo-choo

Cherrio Choo-Choo! Mommy can't wait to see you soon.

Many have asked why I decided to move to London. Well there are a multitude of reasons. Some I really don't want to discuss at this time. What I will say, is that I had a real desire for change. I felt stuck in Chicago. I felt like my inner self was dying. While I had made significant progress in bettering myself in the early years, I really didn’t feel like I was making progress the last few. So it was time to move on. I thought I would be moving on with Racquetball Guy, but alas, that did not happen. So here I am off on an adventure of my own. Thankfully, I was able to secure a transfer to my company's London office. But if that had not happened, I would have moved anyway. Living in Chicago in that same apartment for 10 years sucked the life out of me towards the end. I wasn't completely happy. Am I happy completely happy now? In all honesty, I can't say yes, but finally I can breathe again. There is a level of excitment that was lacking before. Perhaps it's living in a new city and meeting lots of new people. Things (life really) has suddently become interesting again. So how long will I stay? I don’t know really. Perhaps until I can’t breathe again. But something tells me that won’t happen here. I’ve been here less than a month and despite all the challenges (really the expense), I feel optimistic about the future.

Good news! I've found and moved into a new apartment in the Wimbledon area. It is slightly smaller than my last apartment in Chicago, but big enough (I think) to hold all the stuff I shipped over. Thankfully! I was starting to get worried that I would have to give away more stuff or keep some in storage, but thinking I'll be able to manage in the new space. Of course time will tell! Now I just have to wait until the end of the month for my things to arrive. In the meantime, I also have to buy a television and get cable/internet access. It is a bit strange to go home and not be able to turn on a television. I suppose I could read, but resisting to urge to buy any "more" books. Now more than ever, I need to stick to my budget. I haven't really had to do that these past few years, but with everything costing twice as much over here, I'll have to be quite more diligent.