I called BUNAC last week to find out when their orientation times were. They told me that I could come anytime on Monday. Thus, I decided to sleep in on my last day of “vacation” (I start work tomorrow) and go when I woke up. I rose at 10:00 and called BUNAC to verify (not sure why I did this, but I am sure glad I did). They told me the only orientation of the day was to start at 10:30. Now mind you, I was in Maida Vale and orientation was in Farringdon. It would easily take me a good forty-five minutes to get their by tube if I rushed. BUNAC also told me that the next orientation was not until Wednesday (i.e. I’d have to miss my second day of work). Clearly that would not be acceptable and clearly the BUNAC person I spoke with on the phone did not have a clue what they were talking about. Needless to say I did what any good and faithful employee would do. I brushed my teeth and threw on my sweats and started sprinting for the tube station. T minus 24 minutes before orientation was to start. (P.S. they told me that I would not be able to enter if I arrived late.) As I began sprinting for the tube a taxi passed, I tried to wave him down but he either did not stop or it was not a “black taxi” and thus does not have a permit to stop along side the rode. (You have to call and arrange for a non-black taxi to transport you.) I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to make it but felt as though I would feel much less guilty if I at least made a valiant effort to do so. Oh, but wait… another taxi… I all but jumped out into the middle of the road, asked how quickly he could get me to Farringdon (yeah, no address at that point as I ran out of the house so quickly) and hopped in the cab. He told me it would take 25 minutes to get there without traffic or lights. Hello, London! Fat chance! Miracles do happen, my taxi driver was in fact concerned for the matter and made a point to get me to Farringdon (Bowling Green Lane, yes, I found the address in my back… FAVOR!) as quickly as possible. With tires screeching and passing police cars and busses I got a whirlwind tour of East London and arrive on the BUNAC doorstep at 11:29. I threw twenty pounds at my cab driver (my fare was 13.80) and he tossed a five pound note back my way. Ahhh, he deserves the tip, even if it was assumed. He was quite sweet as he yelled at the window, “Run and don’t stop until you get there. Don’t take no for an answer.” I made it!!! (So did a few others that trickled in late, but had I not thought they wouldn’t let me in I would have prob. attempted to take the tube and missed the whole thing for real.) Things just have a way of working out. Additionally, I noticed that the majority of people at orientation did not have permanent housing or a job yet, which makes accomplishing anything very difficult as you must provide that information. Resultantly, at orientation, very thankful that I have been blessed with both of those things, I was able to complete several things, fax my final paperwork back to the U.S., head to Barclays to set up a bank account, obtain a student discount card (thank you blue card for allowing me to still be classified as a student) and get a National Insurance Number. Let’s talk about that National Insurance Number for a moment... About 25% of my paycheck will disappear but in return I will get medical care, but only in an emergency since I am only here on a visa. Can I not pay taxes then since I am only here on a visa if I don’t reap the benefits of what I am paying for?!? No worries, I plan on being healthy while I am here… and my track record for health is quite good at this point, just a few random issues here and there. I mean, spots are clearly no more concerning than the common cold, right?!? Ok, so more on this National Insurance Card… apparently, you call and speak with someone and they set you up a time to come in for an interview. However, very very VERY few people hit the jackpot and are told that they do not need to come in for an interview and that they their paperwork will arrive in the mail. As if I hadn’t been blessed enough today, JACKPOT!!!! Paperwork will arrive at my house in seven days!!! Hello Favor!! So, that was nice. Additionally, more favor, there were about 40 people or more at orientation, most of whom were heading to the bank to set up an account. Having stayed at the office a few minutes past I figured I would have to wait behind all of them when I got to the bank… but no, they must have all stopped for lunch because I only had to wait about 2 minutes for someone to finish and I got right in. And, when leaving the bank, IT WAS SNOWING!!!! So cool, I didn’t know it snowed in London!!! (I know, roll your eyes, I really thought it just rained all the time. But nope, no rain yet!) It should be noted that some random guy from Texas that was in orientation decided that he was too incompetent to find the bank on his own and caught my attention a ways up the road allowed me to do all the leg work for us; cursing the whole way and then cutting in front of me when we got there (hello, you would not be there if it was not for me). Either way, I’m glad I was able to help him and glad we found the bank. Other side note… I did stop and ask one gentleman for directions. He was wearing a bright yellow vest so I assumed he worked for the town. Upon getting his attention, he turned around and grabbed my map, coughing all over it. He kindly explained (big red eyes watering and pale white face completely visible at this point) that he was sorry, he had the flu and couldn’t help. HELLO!!! DON’T TOUCH MY MAP! I DON’T WANT TO GET SICK!! I thanked him for his help and wished him well… and then once he was out of the distance waved me map around the air hoping the cold air would kill any germs on it.
Oh, what a morning!! A glorious morning. Its not every day you get to sleep in, go on a rollercoaster tour of East London, hit the jack pot and feel incredibly accomplished at the end of the day! I’d say I had quite a wonderful day. To top it off, I decided to treat myself to a sit down, warm meal at a great Indian restaurant that I found called GVFAA. (They have cheap lunch specials, thankfully 3:00 is still considered lunch time.) I just had an incredible dish: chicken covered in almond sauce, rice, potato and chick pea meal that warmed me up on the inside and I’m pretty sure, burned out any flu germs that could have possible made it into my system. Yummy!!! (Mrs. Miru, no worries, while GVFAA was amazing, your Indian cooking is still my favorite! That chicken almond dish would go GRRRREAT with your cabbage dish that I love so much… ::hint hint, nudge nudge::!!) Again, having not eaten until now, I was unable to take my medicine and thus, am feeling quite stiff and sore. Thankfully, in the two seconds that I took to get ready I grabbed my magic blue pills and should be feeling better shortly!!! Oh how I love those blue pills!!!!
Yes, it is always an adventure when I am around.
Randomness from the day…
- Things you don’t want to hear on the tube while stuck between stops: “Sorry for the delay, there is a fire investigation up ahead.”
- Public transportation here and international calling in general are really way too expensive.
- Apparently it is not normal to ask for water with your meal here. Sorry, I like water, and I intend to keep asking for it, normal or not! I’ve never really been normal anyways, I am sure several of you will attest to that.
- I walked by a really cool cultural restaurant today, Giraffe, and I intend to go back and check it out at some point. A mix of cultural food and tunes!! ☺
- The cultures, languages and complete diversity in all regards that is represented in London is truly incredible!!
- They say the F word a lot here.
- Cheers (which apparently means thank you) is said at the end of just about every conversation.
- 16 hours of darkness and only 8 hours of light (8:15-4:15) really gets old quickly. Heaven forbid you sleep in, it’s practically dark outside right after you wake-up.
- For those fashionistas back home… purple is definitely the in color here! Everyone wears bright, Minnesota Viking color purple. Shirts, shoes, hair, it’s all purple.
- I learned in orientation that Barcelona is apparently the Mecca of pick pocketing!
Never a dull moment!
Cheers,
Carina
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Every Party Has a Pooper…
And, the pooper in London is for sure the man that all but cursed me out (oh wait, I am pretty sure he did curse me out) when I asked him where Oxford Street was… good day to you too, sir! However, that is neither here nor there as I haven’t written in a few days and I have quite a lot to cover.
First, I spent Friday resting (far to cold to venture out of the flat) and doing a little skyping (I won’t lie, I did a lot of skyping) and some research of areas around Romford (where I will be working). I looked at the railway map… wrote down the names of the few stops preceding and following the Romford stop, goggle imaged them and decided on Chelmsford. I know, so logical! (I see my dad shaking his head!) During my hours upon hours of computer time, Ingrid kindly stopped by to bring me some mandarin oranges… so sweet. However, it should be noted that she did not knock and instead used her key to get in which about caused me to have a massive heart attack. I was suddenly greeted by a sweet Ingrid plopping down on my bed next to me. Yes, I do believe we have reached a new level of comfort.
Once deciding on Chelmsford I woke up early Saturday morning, hopped on the tube & railway and got off a Chelmsford (the ride there was beautiful through the countryside), no real plan in hand. I figure the Lord has directed my path thus far and he wouldn’t let me down now. So, off the train I got and around the city I began to trapes. I stopped a older married couple and explained my situation. They were quite kind (unlike the man who yelled at me today) and directed me to an estate agent just up the way. Once inside, I again explained my situation and the gentleman was more than helpful. He provided me with the name a man that does “room lets” and directed me to a shop that sells the Essex Chronicle, where there would be room let advertisements. Well, I picked myself up a Coca-Cola (tastes a little different here) and an Essex Chronicle and parked myself on a bench and called away. A few “I’ll call you back” and “the room is no longer available”’s later and I finally spoke with a man that had three room lets he was willing to show me. He said he would pick me up at the railway in 20 minutes… he would be in a red van. Hmmm… I quickly called Jeff and gave him the Man’s phone number, told him I was in Chelmsford and that if he didn’t hear back from me in an hour he needed to somehow get a hold of “999” here and tell them I am with some man (yeah, didn’t really get his name) in a red van at that number. Jeff, not thrilled at my decision, gave me a few self defense pointers and I went on my way. (Jeff later made an excellent point saying that should I ever be in a dangerous situation, all I need to do is show someone my spots and tell them I am contagious. I Who needs tae-kwan-do when you have spots!?!?!) A large red utility van picked me up, at which point I also texted Jeff the license plate number… you never can be too safe… and headed on my way. Now, the man was very nice and proved to be harmless, however, the rooms and the homes that they were in are another story. Holy NASTY!! I would lose so much weight if I lived there, I’d never be able to eat. They were so gross!!!! For those unfamiliar with room-lets, you have a bunch of rooms in a house and you pay for the room and share the common areas. Except, these houses had all the common areas turned into rooms too, so the only play to go other than your room was a small, NASTY, DIRTY kitchen. No thank you! I don’t require a royal palace, but come on!! I kindly thanked the gentleman, called Jeff to let him know I was alright and frantically began calling other advertisers from the Essex Chronicle. I had just a few hours before it was to get dark, time as running out, I needed to find somewhere that day. To make a long story short, I got in touch with Nigel, he was wonderful, picked me up as well from the rail station… family guy, car seats in the back seat, SUPER NICE… showed me his room shares, all very clean, and I picked on. WHA LA – housing!!! I couldn’t be more excited. And, where flats in Central London are around 3000 pounds/mo… I am only paying $320. I’m very proud of my find!!! And, only a ten minute train ride from the stop where I work. Perfecto! I traversed the country side back to my wonderful home in Maida Vale that I am going to miss so very much and rewarded myself with a warm avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto panini… YUMMY (it should have been for 6 pounds!) However, I did not feel so bad about the purchase as I did not leave my flat the day before and thus, didn’t do much eating. Calories and pounds (money) well spent if you ask me! Two days worth in one meal!
Now, here is where it gets exciting!!! I google mapped directions to Hill Song Church (based out of Australia… amazing worship band called United, many of you are probably familiar) and decided that it was only about 3 ½ miles and would make for a nice Sunday morning walk. Oh, how I forgot that I am cursed every time I try to get directions and needless to say… they were crappy directions. My three mile walk turned into an adventure all over the city this morning and took me while beyond 3 ½ miles and just about 2 hours! Reminds me of all those ten mile walks we went on in Ann Arbor (except those were on purpose!). Anyways, I am quite thankful for my adventure this morning as it allowed me to orient myself with my surroundings. I walked through Edgware, Oxford Circus, Trottenham and a few others places that were previously only stops along the way on the tube. Now, I know exactly what exists at such places. Oxford Circus happens to be my new favorite place in London, it’s like New York City!! They had every shop from Gap to Borders to American Apparel (doesn’t having an international store defeated what they stand for) to American Outfitters, not to mention all the amazing foreign stores that I had never heard of but that had clothes that were to die for!! It was like a shoppers heaven! Thankfully people watching sufficed my shopping hunger pangs and I was able to by pass all of the stores. I made it to church in time to stand in the “queue” (line) that was wrapped around the entire building. Apparently the guest worship band today was pretty popular (Israel Houghton and New Breed). SO INCREDIBLE!!! Israel is actually from Lakewood Church in Huston Texas.
Church this morning was fabulous (word affectionately stolen from Cate!). Jeff and I have been studying about purpose and I have to say that I’ve really been struggling with what my purpose is right now. I know what my purpose is as a believer in Christ, to win souls for the kingdom of heaven and share of God’s great love and mercy, however, beyond that I have struggled with what specifically God would have me to in the season of my life, in these very moments, what my purpose is here in London. I have to say, I truly feel as though today God really showed me that His purpose for me is to be able to experience him more fully so that I might desire to worship Him more wholly, which will in turn affect my ultimate purpose as a believer and follower of Christ! Today, God revealed His splendor so clearly. It was incredible to worship with persons of all colors, creeds and nationalities, to look around and see dance and song and hands lifted high… voices praises and worshiping the same God. I’ve never experienced anything like it. (Literally, in the bathroom there was at least four different languages being spoken, two that I had never heard before and couldn’t Identify if I tried. Imagine how many more were there!) I found myself in tears as I looked around the room, wanted to know the story of how God moved and worked to bring each and every person there. How many of those people came from countries where they would be persecuted for worshiping as they were in that moment. From there I was taken back to how easy it is for me to forget that back in the states, everyone there has a story too. God worked in their lives to bring them to the places where they are attending church and worshiping God too. How easy it is to forget. I liked the first service so much that I decided to stick around for the 5:30 worship service. God’s provision, I happened to arrive at 4:40 and was greeted with a queue that was hundreds of people long and wrapped around the building all the way to the back. PRAISE HIM that I got there when I did as I was one of the last people to make it in the door before they reached maximum capacity. Well over three hundred people were unable to attend the night time service… I am so thankful that I arrived when I did. The nighttime service was just as incredible. You could see the different cultural expressions of worship around the room, all coming together to praise God, pray for healing, pray for Zimbabwe. “Ask and I’ll give the nations to you!!” – Shane & Shane
It was such a powerful experience today. I was so scared to attend such a large church, for fear that it was just another “mega church.” I thought it would be too big to get involved in, too impersonal, maybe even too showy and they would miss the true message of the gospel. Boy was I wrong. I tell you what… that is one Big Church that has it all. They really know how it is done. It was the most personal church I have ever been to. I literally had very sincere conversations with at least four people, found it almost impossible not to get involved… ahhh, it was amazing. And they get it!! They preached the word, the true gospel. Truth at its finest! Oh so fantastic!! Such a glimpse into the goodness of God. I found myself praising Him today for the fact that I am healed, despite the physical pain in my body or spots on my skin, as it says in His word, by His stripes I am healed. One song particularly that really spoke to me this morning had the following lyrics, “Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed by alive in your hands.” I have no idea what I am doing in London, no idea what I have to offer these people or this city.. but so alive in His hands!! I am so excited that God is so present in Central London! Once again, He has done immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Blessings.
- I finally purchased an Oyster Card (cheaper travel)
- Most restaurants and stores serve all natural, organic food. In fact, many coffee shops only offer organic milk and food, no preservatives if you wanted them. Additionally, I ate lunch at Pret a Manger today and patrons recycle 96% of their waste… meaning that when you throw your food away there is a compost bin, liquid bin, wrapper bin, etc… LOVE IT!!
- I have been feeling so good lately that I decided to try going without my “magic blue pill.” (For Spondylitis). Sadly, I was in a lot of pain today and thus, still very much need the medicine… however, I am so incredibly thankful for a medicine that would make me feel good enough to question whether or not my body was still sick.
- I got home to find an e-mail from Michelle (the lady from NY that I met at the coffee shop with the adorable chunky 8 ½ month old son, Sebastian). She was advising me on housing in the Essex area and invited me for dinner to meet some other fellow Americans. So sweet of her. I am very excited!!!
- God is continuing to reveal Himself to Jeff and I individually and as a couple and it has been absolutely incredible to see the ways in which He is working in that regard. ☺
Sold-out,
Carina
First, I spent Friday resting (far to cold to venture out of the flat) and doing a little skyping (I won’t lie, I did a lot of skyping) and some research of areas around Romford (where I will be working). I looked at the railway map… wrote down the names of the few stops preceding and following the Romford stop, goggle imaged them and decided on Chelmsford. I know, so logical! (I see my dad shaking his head!) During my hours upon hours of computer time, Ingrid kindly stopped by to bring me some mandarin oranges… so sweet. However, it should be noted that she did not knock and instead used her key to get in which about caused me to have a massive heart attack. I was suddenly greeted by a sweet Ingrid plopping down on my bed next to me. Yes, I do believe we have reached a new level of comfort.
Once deciding on Chelmsford I woke up early Saturday morning, hopped on the tube & railway and got off a Chelmsford (the ride there was beautiful through the countryside), no real plan in hand. I figure the Lord has directed my path thus far and he wouldn’t let me down now. So, off the train I got and around the city I began to trapes. I stopped a older married couple and explained my situation. They were quite kind (unlike the man who yelled at me today) and directed me to an estate agent just up the way. Once inside, I again explained my situation and the gentleman was more than helpful. He provided me with the name a man that does “room lets” and directed me to a shop that sells the Essex Chronicle, where there would be room let advertisements. Well, I picked myself up a Coca-Cola (tastes a little different here) and an Essex Chronicle and parked myself on a bench and called away. A few “I’ll call you back” and “the room is no longer available”’s later and I finally spoke with a man that had three room lets he was willing to show me. He said he would pick me up at the railway in 20 minutes… he would be in a red van. Hmmm… I quickly called Jeff and gave him the Man’s phone number, told him I was in Chelmsford and that if he didn’t hear back from me in an hour he needed to somehow get a hold of “999” here and tell them I am with some man (yeah, didn’t really get his name) in a red van at that number. Jeff, not thrilled at my decision, gave me a few self defense pointers and I went on my way. (Jeff later made an excellent point saying that should I ever be in a dangerous situation, all I need to do is show someone my spots and tell them I am contagious. I Who needs tae-kwan-do when you have spots!?!?!) A large red utility van picked me up, at which point I also texted Jeff the license plate number… you never can be too safe… and headed on my way. Now, the man was very nice and proved to be harmless, however, the rooms and the homes that they were in are another story. Holy NASTY!! I would lose so much weight if I lived there, I’d never be able to eat. They were so gross!!!! For those unfamiliar with room-lets, you have a bunch of rooms in a house and you pay for the room and share the common areas. Except, these houses had all the common areas turned into rooms too, so the only play to go other than your room was a small, NASTY, DIRTY kitchen. No thank you! I don’t require a royal palace, but come on!! I kindly thanked the gentleman, called Jeff to let him know I was alright and frantically began calling other advertisers from the Essex Chronicle. I had just a few hours before it was to get dark, time as running out, I needed to find somewhere that day. To make a long story short, I got in touch with Nigel, he was wonderful, picked me up as well from the rail station… family guy, car seats in the back seat, SUPER NICE… showed me his room shares, all very clean, and I picked on. WHA LA – housing!!! I couldn’t be more excited. And, where flats in Central London are around 3000 pounds/mo… I am only paying $320. I’m very proud of my find!!! And, only a ten minute train ride from the stop where I work. Perfecto! I traversed the country side back to my wonderful home in Maida Vale that I am going to miss so very much and rewarded myself with a warm avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto panini… YUMMY (it should have been for 6 pounds!) However, I did not feel so bad about the purchase as I did not leave my flat the day before and thus, didn’t do much eating. Calories and pounds (money) well spent if you ask me! Two days worth in one meal!
Now, here is where it gets exciting!!! I google mapped directions to Hill Song Church (based out of Australia… amazing worship band called United, many of you are probably familiar) and decided that it was only about 3 ½ miles and would make for a nice Sunday morning walk. Oh, how I forgot that I am cursed every time I try to get directions and needless to say… they were crappy directions. My three mile walk turned into an adventure all over the city this morning and took me while beyond 3 ½ miles and just about 2 hours! Reminds me of all those ten mile walks we went on in Ann Arbor (except those were on purpose!). Anyways, I am quite thankful for my adventure this morning as it allowed me to orient myself with my surroundings. I walked through Edgware, Oxford Circus, Trottenham and a few others places that were previously only stops along the way on the tube. Now, I know exactly what exists at such places. Oxford Circus happens to be my new favorite place in London, it’s like New York City!! They had every shop from Gap to Borders to American Apparel (doesn’t having an international store defeated what they stand for) to American Outfitters, not to mention all the amazing foreign stores that I had never heard of but that had clothes that were to die for!! It was like a shoppers heaven! Thankfully people watching sufficed my shopping hunger pangs and I was able to by pass all of the stores. I made it to church in time to stand in the “queue” (line) that was wrapped around the entire building. Apparently the guest worship band today was pretty popular (Israel Houghton and New Breed). SO INCREDIBLE!!! Israel is actually from Lakewood Church in Huston Texas.
Church this morning was fabulous (word affectionately stolen from Cate!). Jeff and I have been studying about purpose and I have to say that I’ve really been struggling with what my purpose is right now. I know what my purpose is as a believer in Christ, to win souls for the kingdom of heaven and share of God’s great love and mercy, however, beyond that I have struggled with what specifically God would have me to in the season of my life, in these very moments, what my purpose is here in London. I have to say, I truly feel as though today God really showed me that His purpose for me is to be able to experience him more fully so that I might desire to worship Him more wholly, which will in turn affect my ultimate purpose as a believer and follower of Christ! Today, God revealed His splendor so clearly. It was incredible to worship with persons of all colors, creeds and nationalities, to look around and see dance and song and hands lifted high… voices praises and worshiping the same God. I’ve never experienced anything like it. (Literally, in the bathroom there was at least four different languages being spoken, two that I had never heard before and couldn’t Identify if I tried. Imagine how many more were there!) I found myself in tears as I looked around the room, wanted to know the story of how God moved and worked to bring each and every person there. How many of those people came from countries where they would be persecuted for worshiping as they were in that moment. From there I was taken back to how easy it is for me to forget that back in the states, everyone there has a story too. God worked in their lives to bring them to the places where they are attending church and worshiping God too. How easy it is to forget. I liked the first service so much that I decided to stick around for the 5:30 worship service. God’s provision, I happened to arrive at 4:40 and was greeted with a queue that was hundreds of people long and wrapped around the building all the way to the back. PRAISE HIM that I got there when I did as I was one of the last people to make it in the door before they reached maximum capacity. Well over three hundred people were unable to attend the night time service… I am so thankful that I arrived when I did. The nighttime service was just as incredible. You could see the different cultural expressions of worship around the room, all coming together to praise God, pray for healing, pray for Zimbabwe. “Ask and I’ll give the nations to you!!” – Shane & Shane
It was such a powerful experience today. I was so scared to attend such a large church, for fear that it was just another “mega church.” I thought it would be too big to get involved in, too impersonal, maybe even too showy and they would miss the true message of the gospel. Boy was I wrong. I tell you what… that is one Big Church that has it all. They really know how it is done. It was the most personal church I have ever been to. I literally had very sincere conversations with at least four people, found it almost impossible not to get involved… ahhh, it was amazing. And they get it!! They preached the word, the true gospel. Truth at its finest! Oh so fantastic!! Such a glimpse into the goodness of God. I found myself praising Him today for the fact that I am healed, despite the physical pain in my body or spots on my skin, as it says in His word, by His stripes I am healed. One song particularly that really spoke to me this morning had the following lyrics, “Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed by alive in your hands.” I have no idea what I am doing in London, no idea what I have to offer these people or this city.. but so alive in His hands!! I am so excited that God is so present in Central London! Once again, He has done immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Blessings.
- I finally purchased an Oyster Card (cheaper travel)
- Most restaurants and stores serve all natural, organic food. In fact, many coffee shops only offer organic milk and food, no preservatives if you wanted them. Additionally, I ate lunch at Pret a Manger today and patrons recycle 96% of their waste… meaning that when you throw your food away there is a compost bin, liquid bin, wrapper bin, etc… LOVE IT!!
- I have been feeling so good lately that I decided to try going without my “magic blue pill.” (For Spondylitis). Sadly, I was in a lot of pain today and thus, still very much need the medicine… however, I am so incredibly thankful for a medicine that would make me feel good enough to question whether or not my body was still sick.
- I got home to find an e-mail from Michelle (the lady from NY that I met at the coffee shop with the adorable chunky 8 ½ month old son, Sebastian). She was advising me on housing in the Essex area and invited me for dinner to meet some other fellow Americans. So sweet of her. I am very excited!!!
- God is continuing to reveal Himself to Jeff and I individually and as a couple and it has been absolutely incredible to see the ways in which He is working in that regard. ☺
Sold-out,
Carina
Friday, January 2, 2009
a little morning blogging...
1. I am clearly in need of less spots (several more seem to have appeared, and by several more I’m talking like 75-100 more at least) and more heat (BRRRR it’s cold outside and inside!!!!)
2. I’m really excited about church on Sunday (Hillsong here I come), more my scene for meeting people. I am experiencing a very real struggle to meet people… the bar scene just isn’t me! However, despite my lack of ability to meet people, due to my lack of effort to try, I haven’t really felt lonely. Praise Him. (*Clarification, I have met and spoken with several people… my favorite being Leo whom I met at Starbucks, there is something terribly cute about a 2 year old saying in an THICK British accent, “Mummy, I’m going to go annoy that lady!” We became quick friends, he wasn’t annoying at all; until he all but crawled in my lap and started making weird “spider” faces at me. Not annoying, but a bit odd I will admit. I’ve met and talked with other people as well, most just tend to be woman with children – i.e. Michelle and Sebastian, no one my age yet!)
3. Important discovery of the day, milk with my organic muesli… It tastes better dry… a bit like soggy cardboard when eaten with milk. Gross. Also, milk here comes in a small box (all portion sizes are much smaller than those in America… duh!!) and is not refrigerated until after it is opened. Oh acculturation…
Prayer of the Day:
“Oh great God be glorified, our lives laid down, yours magnified!” – in all things, at all times, in all places!
Song of the Day:
I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry
Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I'm reminded
That every street in London in Yours
- YOURS by: Steven Curtis Chapman
2. I’m really excited about church on Sunday (Hillsong here I come), more my scene for meeting people. I am experiencing a very real struggle to meet people… the bar scene just isn’t me! However, despite my lack of ability to meet people, due to my lack of effort to try, I haven’t really felt lonely. Praise Him. (*Clarification, I have met and spoken with several people… my favorite being Leo whom I met at Starbucks, there is something terribly cute about a 2 year old saying in an THICK British accent, “Mummy, I’m going to go annoy that lady!” We became quick friends, he wasn’t annoying at all; until he all but crawled in my lap and started making weird “spider” faces at me. Not annoying, but a bit odd I will admit. I’ve met and talked with other people as well, most just tend to be woman with children – i.e. Michelle and Sebastian, no one my age yet!)
3. Important discovery of the day, milk with my organic muesli… It tastes better dry… a bit like soggy cardboard when eaten with milk. Gross. Also, milk here comes in a small box (all portion sizes are much smaller than those in America… duh!!) and is not refrigerated until after it is opened. Oh acculturation…
Prayer of the Day:
“Oh great God be glorified, our lives laid down, yours magnified!” – in all things, at all times, in all places!
Song of the Day:
I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry
Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I'm reminded
That every street in London in Yours
- YOURS by: Steven Curtis Chapman
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Can a girl just get a tortilla chip, please?!?!
I forgot to mention my great find at the market. While walking along the open air market I came across a fruit and nut stand. Taken immediately back to my days in Mexico where it is advisable not to eat the street food. Ahh, it looked ok, and an entire container was only a pound. I bought it! YUMMY!! I ate some last night and am not dead yet, so all those worrying can stop. ☺
My ride home yesterday proved to be quite the adventure as well. After bragging about my new found ability to navigate the tube, I was quite startled to experience a whole new level of “tubing” in London. Clearly, traveling during rush hour is a whole different ball game. Not only must one fight there way on to the tube, gloating secretly as it begins to move at all those falling off as the doors close and it pulls out of the station, but then one must bend their knees slightly and use all the power in them to balance for fear of beginning what would look like human dominoes (should anyone have enough room to even fall forward just a little). Quite a different experience, but wonderful none-the-less.
Being New Years Eve I was told by many of all the wonderful celebrations that occur in London. However, being new to the city and by myself I wasn't quite sure I was ready to brave it on my own. (Yes, mom, I see you smiling right now. I made a good choice. Please, do not worry. I might eat market food but I am not looking to head to Big Ben and navigate my way home alone on New Years Eve.) My solution to what could have been a rather boring New Years… a British film!! I headed towards Blockbuster and had a DVD selected, ready to pay. Ah, but a glitch in the plan. The man at the counter asked for Blockbuster Card… “My US Blockbuster card?!?” I asked shamelessly. “No! That will not work,” he replied. Well, then… after discovering that a US debit card would not work as it did not have a something or other on it, and discovering that, while I had two forms of ID I did not have proof of permanent residency (for crying out loud I’ve not even been in the country a week), I decided that I had no choice but to purchase a movie… 3.99 pound bin it is. Conclusion… cheap movies are crap. Dog Trouble wasn’t even a British film. Rubbish! I should have gone with Alfie. To top off my eventful New Years, I ran to the grocery store on the way home for some guacamole (I’d shoot the stuff up in an IV if it was socially acceptable) and tortilla chips. Guacamole… check! Chips… yeah, let’s talk about that for a moment. After asking several persons where I could locate tortilla chips, I quickly learned that in England, guacamole is eaten with Doritos (yes, the flavored ones. Everyone seemed to recommend a spicy, not sweet, Doritos). EWWWWWWW!!! Good thing McCoy chips aren’t actually the “real McCoy” and have NO flavor to them… it was like eating a plain nacho chip. Unhealthy day… did I mention that I skipped breakfast and had EXPENSIVE chicken nuggets and a McFlurry from McDonalds for lunch. (Which, after several comments relating to the matter, apparently smarties here are like m&ms – not the nasty things in the clear wrapper. Thanks for the clarification guys!)
Upon arriving home, Ingrid said she didn’t know when I had to get up and that is why she did not have breakfast set out. Clearly I said 7:30, clearly she knew that as her alarm had been going off since well before I left the house. Did I mention ms. Perfection of health herself also has leaky ears and keeps cotton balls stuff in them… yes.. perhaps she doesn’t ear as well as I once thought. Did the honey and cinnamon thing say anything about leaky ears or hearing loss? Oh well… she is still wonderful!
That about covers yesterday. This morning Ingrid had breakfast ready at 8:00, and once again I went back to bed after eating. I’m on vacation, tell me you wouldn’t sleep in too. Plus, I had a very sweet wake-up call at midnight (my time) from Jeff wishing me a happy New Year. So sweet, not to mention that by waking up I had the opportunity to view the most beautiful fireworks from outside my window. By the time I thought to grab my camera to take a few pictures it was too late. So, back to this morning… by the time I awoke for the second time I headed straight for the coffee shop to use the Internet. Lots to today regarding finding housing closer to where I will be working. Let’s just say I might have “skyped” for four hours and didn’t get a bit of work done. Yippee for free international calling!! By the time I finished there it was time to head home as I promised Ingrid (see picture) that I would help her take down some of her larger pieces so that she could dust the back of them and clean the wall. I was happy to help, but seriously would have liked to have offered to trade some more of my cleaning services for a little rent reduction. Don’t worry, I didn’t ask. I might show up for breakfast in my pj’s but I wouldn’t never go as far as to mention something like that. (Side note: Ingrid totally came to breakfast today in her bathrobe and slippers. Apparently Ingrid and I have reached a new level of comfort. Should I mention that I was in my pajamas again this morning too.) After dusting large pieces of artwork with Ingrid she was kind enough to drive me to my new flat where I sit comfortably now (borrowing Internet from “BenG” whoever that might be!) The new flat is fantastic. I am in a bottom flat this time, not sure that I enjoy ground level quite as much, but I feel safe enough. I sure would like a roommate… lucky for me, Ingrid informed me that should someone be interested, I could be getting one. Could be interesting… As for the new place, its so nice!! I like it much better than Ingrid’s museum (not that I didn’t totally appreciate the beautiful artwork around me). And, it’s so nice to have Internet at home!! It’s cute too though, quite quaint. After Ingrid dropped me off, she walked me down to the corner and I got some dinner (Pizza! Another healthy choice! I’m on a roll!) SO sweet of her. In addition to Internet I also have a t.v. here – a whole 20 channels!! Before you get too excited… there are only three shows on all twenty channels. “The Bill” – a British want to be CSI type show was on about 15 of the channels – same episode! Not sure what that is all about… good thing I’m not much of a t.v. watcher!!
More fun tid-bits…
- Patrons leave their cups, plates, trash on the table at Starbucks and they have someone that comes around every 15 minutes or so to clean up. Takes a little getting used to when you are used to throwing it away yourself.
- I doused myself in steroid cream and it appears to have helped the spot situation. YIPPEE!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
oh happy day... (sings song)
What a glorious morning. Despite the fact that I was up until 4:30 ITCHING, I had a wonderful two hours of sleep and am quite excited about the day. I’ve officially mastered the tube and rail system, a feat I am very proud of. Almost like learning to play one of Motzarts’ pieces on the piano or scoring the winning goal in the World Cup… yes, it’s that big of a deal! I must also say that I have truly enjoyed my time on the tube and railway. Traversing through the countryside has been breathtaking, and people watching in the tube has been just as fascinating (I just have to be careful not to miss my stop).
Ingrid slept in the morning so, sadly, I missed my morning tea and toast. I figure she needed sleep more than I needed breakfast. Lucky for me I’ve arrived in Romford early enough to sit in the Mangiamo (sounds like something from some Austin Powers Movie) Café and have a latte and slice of toast before my interview. I’m quite excited about my interview today and thus far, truly like Romford. I feel like I went from Maida Vale (South Park) to Bromley (Tryon Street) to Romford (Boston). I’d be quite happy in the first or the last. Also, the journey here this morning was fabulous. I got to venture ‘round the Liverpool station for a while… a wonderful place!!! I’d love to go back and tour around for the day!!
Speaking of Ingrid, I’ve forgotten to mention, in every message thus far, that my flat looks like a museum. Every way is covered in hanging paintings… the most beautiful you have ever seen. Everything from landscapes to naked women. I fall asleep every night with a strange woman staring down at me. While a tad odd to fall asleep staring at a bunch of glaring eyeballs, I must say that I appreciate the artwork a great deal and will surly miss it when I am gone.
Additionally, I am quite thrilled about what the Lord is doing in my life right now. He has given me a complete peace about all that is going on (Peace that surpasses all understanding!). It’s quite a lovely place to be and I am constantly amazed and surprised by His little blessings every day. I feel quite strongly that He has directed my path so far and will continue to do so and the comfort in that has caused me to not stress despite my lack of a job, finances or permanent housing. Each day has provided me with new opportunities and blessings that would not have come about had I not been in the exact place that the Lord has me right then. Also, without totally divulging way too much personal information, it has been so wonderful to see how the Lord has used this time apart (even just the few days it has been) to draw Jeff and I closer to Him and in a deeper and intimate relationship with Him, which has in turn drawn us closer to each other. I’m quite excited about what the Lord in doing in our lives individually and as a couple. He truly does delight in the impossible!!!
All things working together for good… (keep reading)
GOOD NEWS!! My interview this morning went splendidly, such a different feel than the one in Bromley. I like the area of Romford (must be said with a thick British accent or no one know where the heck you are talking about) and the agency had such a different feel to it. I knew from the moment I walked in that I would love to work there. I felt so comfortable during my interview and the two interviewers were so wonderful. I would absolutely love to work for them!! So, you can imagine my excitement when they offered met the job!!!! They were even quite complementary on my interviewing skills and answer that I had given, something that is apparently very uncommon for the British. Apparently they try to avoid flowery fluff. Don’t they know how much my ego likes a little flower and fluff now and then. It’s good for the self-esteem. On a more serious note, it was quite the hit to my pride the other day when the Bromley interview let much to be desired. However, I would have been so miserable working there. Clearly, the Lord had a bigger plan and I am so thankful to have received the offer that I did today as opposed to one on Monday. All of that to say that I had a wonderful morning and I officially start work on Tuesday!! I can’t wait!! Yeah for meeting people, making money, and getting to hone my social work skills! Very exciting day. Since the interview I found it only appropriate to walk around town and acquaint myself with my new surroundings. I was trilled to locate two HUGE shopping centers and a great open air market. I think Romford and I are going to get along just fine!!
A great success made even greater with a little celebration meal. What you ask did I eat in honor of such a wonderful day…. McDonalds!! (something I normally don’t even eat in the States). Ha ha I ordered a chicken nugget and a “Quality Street Matchmakers Cool Mint McFlurry.”
While I still have no idea what that it, it sounded a lot better than a Smarties McFlurry. Gross. I am all about some acculturation, but there are a few things that I will just not accept as ok. Smartie anything, and the pletnora of weird things they eat for breakfast over here being included on my list. Seriously… french-fries, a sandwich and a beer for breakfast. Yes, a beer for breakfast. Pubs are open for breakfast and people are in there drinking beer. Gross. I don’t even like beer at night, I sure don’t want it in the morning.
More tid bits…
- When order toast one is often asked if they want brown or white toast. Brown toast is not wheat toast (which I’ve yet to find) but instead, unbleached white bread.
- It has yet to rain since I have been here (I am hoping to not jinx myself here).
- Beer is called Bitters and in addition to being drunk in the morning, it is served warm and has twice the alcohol content.
Happy New Years to all!
Carina
“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Ingrid slept in the morning so, sadly, I missed my morning tea and toast. I figure she needed sleep more than I needed breakfast. Lucky for me I’ve arrived in Romford early enough to sit in the Mangiamo (sounds like something from some Austin Powers Movie) Café and have a latte and slice of toast before my interview. I’m quite excited about my interview today and thus far, truly like Romford. I feel like I went from Maida Vale (South Park) to Bromley (Tryon Street) to Romford (Boston). I’d be quite happy in the first or the last. Also, the journey here this morning was fabulous. I got to venture ‘round the Liverpool station for a while… a wonderful place!!! I’d love to go back and tour around for the day!!
Speaking of Ingrid, I’ve forgotten to mention, in every message thus far, that my flat looks like a museum. Every way is covered in hanging paintings… the most beautiful you have ever seen. Everything from landscapes to naked women. I fall asleep every night with a strange woman staring down at me. While a tad odd to fall asleep staring at a bunch of glaring eyeballs, I must say that I appreciate the artwork a great deal and will surly miss it when I am gone.
Additionally, I am quite thrilled about what the Lord is doing in my life right now. He has given me a complete peace about all that is going on (Peace that surpasses all understanding!). It’s quite a lovely place to be and I am constantly amazed and surprised by His little blessings every day. I feel quite strongly that He has directed my path so far and will continue to do so and the comfort in that has caused me to not stress despite my lack of a job, finances or permanent housing. Each day has provided me with new opportunities and blessings that would not have come about had I not been in the exact place that the Lord has me right then. Also, without totally divulging way too much personal information, it has been so wonderful to see how the Lord has used this time apart (even just the few days it has been) to draw Jeff and I closer to Him and in a deeper and intimate relationship with Him, which has in turn drawn us closer to each other. I’m quite excited about what the Lord in doing in our lives individually and as a couple. He truly does delight in the impossible!!!
All things working together for good… (keep reading)
GOOD NEWS!! My interview this morning went splendidly, such a different feel than the one in Bromley. I like the area of Romford (must be said with a thick British accent or no one know where the heck you are talking about) and the agency had such a different feel to it. I knew from the moment I walked in that I would love to work there. I felt so comfortable during my interview and the two interviewers were so wonderful. I would absolutely love to work for them!! So, you can imagine my excitement when they offered met the job!!!! They were even quite complementary on my interviewing skills and answer that I had given, something that is apparently very uncommon for the British. Apparently they try to avoid flowery fluff. Don’t they know how much my ego likes a little flower and fluff now and then. It’s good for the self-esteem. On a more serious note, it was quite the hit to my pride the other day when the Bromley interview let much to be desired. However, I would have been so miserable working there. Clearly, the Lord had a bigger plan and I am so thankful to have received the offer that I did today as opposed to one on Monday. All of that to say that I had a wonderful morning and I officially start work on Tuesday!! I can’t wait!! Yeah for meeting people, making money, and getting to hone my social work skills! Very exciting day. Since the interview I found it only appropriate to walk around town and acquaint myself with my new surroundings. I was trilled to locate two HUGE shopping centers and a great open air market. I think Romford and I are going to get along just fine!!
A great success made even greater with a little celebration meal. What you ask did I eat in honor of such a wonderful day…. McDonalds!! (something I normally don’t even eat in the States). Ha ha I ordered a chicken nugget and a “Quality Street Matchmakers Cool Mint McFlurry.”
While I still have no idea what that it, it sounded a lot better than a Smarties McFlurry. Gross. I am all about some acculturation, but there are a few things that I will just not accept as ok. Smartie anything, and the pletnora of weird things they eat for breakfast over here being included on my list. Seriously… french-fries, a sandwich and a beer for breakfast. Yes, a beer for breakfast. Pubs are open for breakfast and people are in there drinking beer. Gross. I don’t even like beer at night, I sure don’t want it in the morning.
More tid bits…
- When order toast one is often asked if they want brown or white toast. Brown toast is not wheat toast (which I’ve yet to find) but instead, unbleached white bread.
- It has yet to rain since I have been here (I am hoping to not jinx myself here).
- Beer is called Bitters and in addition to being drunk in the morning, it is served warm and has twice the alcohol content.
Happy New Years to all!
Carina
“bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
zzzzzzzzzzz...
For a day when I slept 14 hours, walked to a canal and then sat in a coffee shop, it sure seems like a lot has happened and I have a lot to say (Me, a lot to say?!? I know, what a shock!). Imagine all that I would have to tell if I had actually done something with my day!! The theme of the day seems to be: God’s Provision & being thankful for the little things.
To start, my hair LOVES the water here. (And it has to be the water because my blowdryer does not work here and the one in Ingrid’s house would barley dry a bald man’s head. Can I get a little power, please?!?!) I am having some wonderful hair days!!! No frizz at all! ☺ (Ok, you can stop laughing… just keep in mind the theme of this entry is being thankful for the little things!) In addition to my good hair days I am still incredibly thankful for my new pillow. Where I would normally wake-up several times throughout the night with a stiff neck, I have slept soundly and not had any neck pain since using it!! Now that is a BIG thing!! A few more BIG praises… my spots, while still itchy, appear to be getting better!!!! And, each day I am experiencing less and less spondolytis realted pain! I truly forget that I have it until night time and morning (at which times it is normally much worse). I am so thankful for both the big and small blessings.
As for my day (well, the half that I was awake for), my stoll this afternoon was just lovely. The canal, which was filled with boats named everything from Lucy R. to Poacher (hmmm)… was ravishingly beautiful. It was in what is known as Little Venice. Nice area, offering everything from cafes to theatres on boats on the water. I successfully navigated myself amongst the beautiful buildings and found my way back to a shopping area near my flat where I located an organic store (not that they don’t have them everywhere). I must say, the recycling bins on every corner and organic food on every store shelf are quite wonderful!!! I’m truly enjoying it. However, it was a bit of a shock to run into the American Dry Cleaning Company: the greener way to dry clean. I had a quick chuckle to myself as I hardly view anything American to be more green than what I have experienced thus far here.
Speakng of healthy living, my new staple, the organic granola that I purchased from the pound store, has impressed me even more. The Granola, which is called muesli here, had the following on their packaging - FAIR: to all our suppliers, WILDLIFE FRIENDLY: ingredients grown in harmony with nature, BRITISH: high quality wholegrain cereals grown on British farms, HEALTHY LIVING: only natural ingredients for great tasting food that’s good for you, ROOTS: a British family owned company, experts in organic food for over 30 years, ENVIRONMENT: the packaging is biodegradable. Jordans Organic Muesli: organic wholegrain cereal with vine fruits, coconut chips, roasted hazelnuts and sunflower seeds. It’s like bettering the planet and your health for only a pound. (I won’t mention the fact that I got it at the Pound store in Bromley and that in order to get more I would have to spend a fortune on tube fairs and practically kill the environment with pollutants from the tube.) Oh well…
My love of children and crazy nature to make googly faces at any that I see proved to work in my favor today. After making whooo-ing noises at the chunkiest 8 ½ month old, Sabastian, for about five mintues, I ended up engaging in a rather lengthy conversation with his mother, Michelle. Her and her husband are from New York and have been living in London for about 2 ½ years now. She works for the London School of Business and he works for Goodle. We talked about everything from Vonage being the cheapest way to call internationally (aside from Skype) to churches. Her and her husband attend a Catholic church and she wasn’t terribly familiar with any other churches in the area. However, we exchanged contact information and she told me to let her know if I ever needed anything. SO nice!! After Michelle and Sabastian left I moved to a chair closer to an outlet plug as my computer was dying. In doing so, I sat across from a lady. I would soon learn that her name was Ross. Not a moment after sitting down she said, "I couldn't help but over hear your conversation. I go to a wonderful church called Hillsong London. I wasn't going to say anything and then I thought, well... if she moves in the chair across from me I will." SO glad I moved!!! God is good. I am sure many of you are familiar with Hillsong’s famous worship music and their youth band, United. Ross even said that her sister is part of a cell group that meets in this area. SO great!! This is even more amazing as a gentleman from the church I attend reccommended this very church. I am very excited to check it out on Sunday! An even cooler part of the story though is that I was at Starbucks (I prefer local cafes and coffee shops both here and in the states) because I discovered that, while they do not offer free wireless, I am able to pick up someone else’s wireless network in the store, which means that I do not have to pay to go to an internet café. Additionally, the store is big enough that I can sit in the back corner and don’t feel obligated to buy something (not that I have managed to walk through the doors without at least buying a cup of tea yet).
Having mentioned both Vonage and wireless previously, I was also incredibly excited to find out that the flat I will be moving to on Thursday is rumored to have both wireless and a land line that I am able to use free of charge. This is great as my parents have recently purchased vonage, which can only be used to call a land line. Speaking of calling… I got in touch with my agent today and she kindly, again in a think and proper British accent said, “Where have you disappeared to these last days? We have been calling and calling and your phone has been off.“ I nicely explained that my phone has in fact been on and that I have not received any missed calls. Turns out they had been calling the wrong number. Lovely. Anyways, God’s provision again, good thing I called as she has an interview set up for me tomorrow in Havering, a little more than an hour away. I am quite excited about this position and find the area to be more fitting. I didn’t care for Bromley and if I live in Surrey (Yes, the very place where the movie The Holiday was filmed) I will be required to have a car. (I am still confused about this driving on the other side of the road business and am not sure I am ready to endanger the entire country by getting behind the wheel. Not to mention that pedestrians always have the right away and if you are getting ready to cross the road a car will stop for you. What if I see my green light and don’t stop and hit someone?!?! Ahhhhh!) Should I get the job tomorrow I will start as soon as this Friday, be close to Westminster, which I love so much, and not be required to have a car. Additonally, Havering has one of the lowerest crime rates around. Sounds perfect. Again, trusting that the Lord will either open or close this door according to His will, but very excited about the possibility!
One more small blessing… I was able to go by the grocery store on my way home and picked up: Organic potato and leek soup, hommous and melba crackers and a Crunchie Bar (crunchie: milk chocolate with golden honey combed centre – unique & different, not sure that it is my favorite but it was nice to try something new and it was a welcomed sweet treat), all for 4 pounds and 19 pence. That’s like food for a week, or a least a few days!! My day concluded around 7:30 when I walked home (in the dark, the night sky again lit by the simple glow of street lights), had a lovely conversaton with Ingrid regarding foods that naturally cause inflammation versus those that naturally decrease inflammation, and then listened intently as she taught me all about the benefits of mixing honey, cinnamon powder, and turmeric (for good measure) and drinking it with some hot warer. I even got a two page handout regarding the concoxion… apparently, this simple concuction prevents heart attacks and cures: arthritis, hair loss, bladder infections, toothaches, choloesterol problems, upset stomaches, gas, barren woman (I laughed at that one), pimples, skin infections, indigestion, cancer, bad breath, and hearing loss. It also boosts the immune system, arrests the ravages of old age, helps degcrease fatigue and increase alertness and flexibility, and promotes weight loss. Bring on the honey and cinnamon. Ingrid swears by it (and we know what a gem of health she has been lately)! Ha ha
Little tid-bits…
1. When asking for walking directions to places I am often given the location of the nearest bus. I am finding that the British scoff at the idea of walking more than a few blocks. Places that are considered unwalkable end up being less than a mile away. So silly!
2. The day after Christmas is known as, Boxing Day, and it a large shopping day, the equivilant of the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. (Apparently, Boxing Day is also celebrated in Canada and is the biggst shoping day of the year there.)
3. Dragon’s Den is an incredibly popular TV show all over the world, yet has failed to make its way to America. On the show tonight they even made mention of the fact that American’s are usually quick to jump on the train, but have failed to do so, and are actually the last to do so in this case. I only caught a few minutes of the show, but Ingrid was explaing to me that the Dragons are four self made millioners who at as the council and persons with ideas/inventions/etc… come to them proposing their idea and the Dragons can either give them the money they are asking for to get their idea started, give them a connection, give them part of the money, etc… Essentially it is entreprenuers helping entreprenuers. (Anu, I think you would really like this one!!) I’m not much of a TV person, but it seemed intriguing enough.
4. I still haven’t a clue what is going on… pounds instead of dollars, Celsius instead of fairenheight, and nutrition facts in kj… hello?!?!?
Question:
Does anyone know how I can get my blog page back to it’s original format? I don’t care for this new format at all and all of the ones offered on the customize page appear to have the same narrow blog format.
From my flat to your home,
Carina
To start, my hair LOVES the water here. (And it has to be the water because my blowdryer does not work here and the one in Ingrid’s house would barley dry a bald man’s head. Can I get a little power, please?!?!) I am having some wonderful hair days!!! No frizz at all! ☺ (Ok, you can stop laughing… just keep in mind the theme of this entry is being thankful for the little things!) In addition to my good hair days I am still incredibly thankful for my new pillow. Where I would normally wake-up several times throughout the night with a stiff neck, I have slept soundly and not had any neck pain since using it!! Now that is a BIG thing!! A few more BIG praises… my spots, while still itchy, appear to be getting better!!!! And, each day I am experiencing less and less spondolytis realted pain! I truly forget that I have it until night time and morning (at which times it is normally much worse). I am so thankful for both the big and small blessings.
As for my day (well, the half that I was awake for), my stoll this afternoon was just lovely. The canal, which was filled with boats named everything from Lucy R. to Poacher (hmmm)… was ravishingly beautiful. It was in what is known as Little Venice. Nice area, offering everything from cafes to theatres on boats on the water. I successfully navigated myself amongst the beautiful buildings and found my way back to a shopping area near my flat where I located an organic store (not that they don’t have them everywhere). I must say, the recycling bins on every corner and organic food on every store shelf are quite wonderful!!! I’m truly enjoying it. However, it was a bit of a shock to run into the American Dry Cleaning Company: the greener way to dry clean. I had a quick chuckle to myself as I hardly view anything American to be more green than what I have experienced thus far here.
Speakng of healthy living, my new staple, the organic granola that I purchased from the pound store, has impressed me even more. The Granola, which is called muesli here, had the following on their packaging - FAIR: to all our suppliers, WILDLIFE FRIENDLY: ingredients grown in harmony with nature, BRITISH: high quality wholegrain cereals grown on British farms, HEALTHY LIVING: only natural ingredients for great tasting food that’s good for you, ROOTS: a British family owned company, experts in organic food for over 30 years, ENVIRONMENT: the packaging is biodegradable. Jordans Organic Muesli: organic wholegrain cereal with vine fruits, coconut chips, roasted hazelnuts and sunflower seeds. It’s like bettering the planet and your health for only a pound. (I won’t mention the fact that I got it at the Pound store in Bromley and that in order to get more I would have to spend a fortune on tube fairs and practically kill the environment with pollutants from the tube.) Oh well…
My love of children and crazy nature to make googly faces at any that I see proved to work in my favor today. After making whooo-ing noises at the chunkiest 8 ½ month old, Sabastian, for about five mintues, I ended up engaging in a rather lengthy conversation with his mother, Michelle. Her and her husband are from New York and have been living in London for about 2 ½ years now. She works for the London School of Business and he works for Goodle. We talked about everything from Vonage being the cheapest way to call internationally (aside from Skype) to churches. Her and her husband attend a Catholic church and she wasn’t terribly familiar with any other churches in the area. However, we exchanged contact information and she told me to let her know if I ever needed anything. SO nice!! After Michelle and Sabastian left I moved to a chair closer to an outlet plug as my computer was dying. In doing so, I sat across from a lady. I would soon learn that her name was Ross. Not a moment after sitting down she said, "I couldn't help but over hear your conversation. I go to a wonderful church called Hillsong London. I wasn't going to say anything and then I thought, well... if she moves in the chair across from me I will." SO glad I moved!!! God is good. I am sure many of you are familiar with Hillsong’s famous worship music and their youth band, United. Ross even said that her sister is part of a cell group that meets in this area. SO great!! This is even more amazing as a gentleman from the church I attend reccommended this very church. I am very excited to check it out on Sunday! An even cooler part of the story though is that I was at Starbucks (I prefer local cafes and coffee shops both here and in the states) because I discovered that, while they do not offer free wireless, I am able to pick up someone else’s wireless network in the store, which means that I do not have to pay to go to an internet café. Additionally, the store is big enough that I can sit in the back corner and don’t feel obligated to buy something (not that I have managed to walk through the doors without at least buying a cup of tea yet).
Having mentioned both Vonage and wireless previously, I was also incredibly excited to find out that the flat I will be moving to on Thursday is rumored to have both wireless and a land line that I am able to use free of charge. This is great as my parents have recently purchased vonage, which can only be used to call a land line. Speaking of calling… I got in touch with my agent today and she kindly, again in a think and proper British accent said, “Where have you disappeared to these last days? We have been calling and calling and your phone has been off.“ I nicely explained that my phone has in fact been on and that I have not received any missed calls. Turns out they had been calling the wrong number. Lovely. Anyways, God’s provision again, good thing I called as she has an interview set up for me tomorrow in Havering, a little more than an hour away. I am quite excited about this position and find the area to be more fitting. I didn’t care for Bromley and if I live in Surrey (Yes, the very place where the movie The Holiday was filmed) I will be required to have a car. (I am still confused about this driving on the other side of the road business and am not sure I am ready to endanger the entire country by getting behind the wheel. Not to mention that pedestrians always have the right away and if you are getting ready to cross the road a car will stop for you. What if I see my green light and don’t stop and hit someone?!?! Ahhhhh!) Should I get the job tomorrow I will start as soon as this Friday, be close to Westminster, which I love so much, and not be required to have a car. Additonally, Havering has one of the lowerest crime rates around. Sounds perfect. Again, trusting that the Lord will either open or close this door according to His will, but very excited about the possibility!
One more small blessing… I was able to go by the grocery store on my way home and picked up: Organic potato and leek soup, hommous and melba crackers and a Crunchie Bar (crunchie: milk chocolate with golden honey combed centre – unique & different, not sure that it is my favorite but it was nice to try something new and it was a welcomed sweet treat), all for 4 pounds and 19 pence. That’s like food for a week, or a least a few days!! My day concluded around 7:30 when I walked home (in the dark, the night sky again lit by the simple glow of street lights), had a lovely conversaton with Ingrid regarding foods that naturally cause inflammation versus those that naturally decrease inflammation, and then listened intently as she taught me all about the benefits of mixing honey, cinnamon powder, and turmeric (for good measure) and drinking it with some hot warer. I even got a two page handout regarding the concoxion… apparently, this simple concuction prevents heart attacks and cures: arthritis, hair loss, bladder infections, toothaches, choloesterol problems, upset stomaches, gas, barren woman (I laughed at that one), pimples, skin infections, indigestion, cancer, bad breath, and hearing loss. It also boosts the immune system, arrests the ravages of old age, helps degcrease fatigue and increase alertness and flexibility, and promotes weight loss. Bring on the honey and cinnamon. Ingrid swears by it (and we know what a gem of health she has been lately)! Ha ha
Little tid-bits…
1. When asking for walking directions to places I am often given the location of the nearest bus. I am finding that the British scoff at the idea of walking more than a few blocks. Places that are considered unwalkable end up being less than a mile away. So silly!
2. The day after Christmas is known as, Boxing Day, and it a large shopping day, the equivilant of the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. (Apparently, Boxing Day is also celebrated in Canada and is the biggst shoping day of the year there.)
3. Dragon’s Den is an incredibly popular TV show all over the world, yet has failed to make its way to America. On the show tonight they even made mention of the fact that American’s are usually quick to jump on the train, but have failed to do so, and are actually the last to do so in this case. I only caught a few minutes of the show, but Ingrid was explaing to me that the Dragons are four self made millioners who at as the council and persons with ideas/inventions/etc… come to them proposing their idea and the Dragons can either give them the money they are asking for to get their idea started, give them a connection, give them part of the money, etc… Essentially it is entreprenuers helping entreprenuers. (Anu, I think you would really like this one!!) I’m not much of a TV person, but it seemed intriguing enough.
4. I still haven’t a clue what is going on… pounds instead of dollars, Celsius instead of fairenheight, and nutrition facts in kj… hello?!?!?
Question:
Does anyone know how I can get my blog page back to it’s original format? I don’t care for this new format at all and all of the ones offered on the customize page appear to have the same narrow blog format.
From my flat to your home,
Carina
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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