on birthdays and other joys.

My dear friend and former roomie (roommate for three full years! top that.) is celebrating her birthday today all the way across the ocean from me. I really miss you, Brenna Joy.

In other news, I'm not generally an observer of Halloween, but exactly one year ago today, I was navigating four little Saudi kids through a neighborhood to ring doorbells and earn candy for their costumes. Half of the time, we were trying to curtail the youngest's attempts to run out into the street, and it was a really hot evening to chase kids. But it was such a good time.


And still yet, I have had a really good week here. It's probably the best week I've had in London thus far. Several days, I've just found myself musing about how this is so unreal and how grateful I am that I am here.

current events.

The days are super-short now. I guess that happens when you don't live right above the equator. Seriously, though, we had the time change on Saturday night. Now dusk is about four-thirty and it's dark by five pm.

The Royal Mail strikes one or two days a week recently. I did get some "post" today, so that was exciting. I need to send out a card to my sweet former roomie who turns twenty-four at the end of the week (it might get there a little late Brenna, because of me not because of the strikes, hopefully).

Discipline is forever dogging me. The worst part is that it's not some elusive virtue, it's me having to choose to what my best intentions would have me do. It's choosing to do the better thing, even in the small things. And I think the small things might actually be the big things.

I am coming home for Christmas. Originally, I bought my ticket for December, thinking I could change if I were unable to tear myself away from the wonderful city, but now I am really glad that I will be able to go back to the US and be able to spend Christmas with my family. And "go shopping" in my own closet and change up my wardrobe over here.

Today I am on day duty- the day where a team member stays at the flats, cleans up the place and cooks dinner for everyone. I really like this day. Cleaning is usually fun (at least for geeks like me), and I am embracing the challenge of cooking a complete meal for several people. Tonight there is supposed to be a crowd- 15 people- yikes!

But I'm doing the girly-Betty Crocker thing and looking up recipes and recording what I make and trying to be creative. I even bought a little cookbook the other day. Hey, it was only two pounds. I'm keeping it simple and delicious tonight. Plain, banana, and chocolate chip pancakes with eggs and potato wedges.

little boy along the thames

still novel

Even though I live just a few minutes from the Tower Bridge, I am still finding any excuse to walk over the bridge. It's just so spectacular. And cool.

my new life in the uk

So here I am, in the UK for just over a month.

I have a flat, 2 flatmates, and 10 housemates. I have a 40 hour work week, a small collection of clothes to keep me warm in this increasingly cold weather. It doesn't feel like home yet.

I love the river Thames. I love the Queen's Walk. I am knitting, and I reading books for recreation again. Currently, reading Vanity Fair (Sarah would be so proud of me). I know how to make cappuccinos and lattes. I am trying not to drink too of such, as we make them with whole milk. I still will probably whiten my teeth when I come home for Christmas.

I am working on my goals for the year, trying to grow and learn in practical matters and the transcendent.

I like it here, most days. The food has been mostly good; I still miss my old norms. I can't wait for Thanksgiving (is that random). The Americans on the team are planning on doing it up right.

What I've been thinking about today: What does it look like for me to be the best possible person I can with where I am right now?

anthropologie hits UK

Forgive me, I know that Anthropologie is the most over-blogged about store in the blogosphere, but I too am a fan.

Anthropologie is preparing to open their first-ever store in the UK in this very city - London, of course. It's set to open on Regent Street in a few days!

near the thames

We have found a great little breakfast place by the river Thames with the most perfect coffee.