Showing posts with label Weird and Wonderful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weird and Wonderful. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tips for walking down Oxford Street on a Sunday afternoon
Tip No. 1
Don't do it!
Tip No. 2
But if you have to do it, take a deep breath before you begin. Go immediately to one of the many shops selling highly caffeinated beverages and purchase the largest size you can afford. Better yet, it helps to have a beverage of the stronger kind close to hand. After all, isn't this what hip flasks are for?
Tip No. 3
Find a couple of people, walking at the same pace as you wish to. It works better if they are holding hands or linking arms as fellow pedestrians walking towards them seem reluctant to break apart linked couples. Next, stay behind these people as long as you can. Be ready, however, to glance quickly into the nearest shop should they happen to look around. Remember, you are not a stalker. Beware of sudden detours made by your chosen couple. If they disappear into a store or down a side road, find another couple, using the same rules outlined above, as soon as possible.
Tip No. 4
Leave all unessential bags and luggage at home. Trolley cases on Oxford Street are generally only pulled by tourists and the insane.
Tip No. 5
And finally, if your visit happens to fall in the two months leading up to Christmas, please refer immediately to Tip No. 1.
Don't do it!
Tip No. 2
But if you have to do it, take a deep breath before you begin. Go immediately to one of the many shops selling highly caffeinated beverages and purchase the largest size you can afford. Better yet, it helps to have a beverage of the stronger kind close to hand. After all, isn't this what hip flasks are for?
Tip No. 3
Find a couple of people, walking at the same pace as you wish to. It works better if they are holding hands or linking arms as fellow pedestrians walking towards them seem reluctant to break apart linked couples. Next, stay behind these people as long as you can. Be ready, however, to glance quickly into the nearest shop should they happen to look around. Remember, you are not a stalker. Beware of sudden detours made by your chosen couple. If they disappear into a store or down a side road, find another couple, using the same rules outlined above, as soon as possible.
Tip No. 4
Leave all unessential bags and luggage at home. Trolley cases on Oxford Street are generally only pulled by tourists and the insane.
Tip No. 5
And finally, if your visit happens to fall in the two months leading up to Christmas, please refer immediately to Tip No. 1.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Not as smart as my phone
OK. I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth...at least as far as I can remember! My main reason for not blogging has been that since my digital camera met its untimely death, I have bought a new phone. A smart phone. Smarter than its owner, obviously, since I can't figure out for the life of me how to get my pictures from my phone to my PC. So rather than disappoint my two faithful readers, I've decided to post this blog...without pictures. I hope to get them up soon but for now, you'll just need to use your imagination.
Since my last blog post, I have made my first trip overseas with a family I've worked for. The destination for this trip was to a house in Normandy, France. I was more than a little nervous before heading off on this particular trip as I had no idea what to expect and the thought of 5 hours in the car with three kids was not filling me with joy and happiness. In the end, I didn't need to feel nervous. The trip over was pretty uneventful, except for my excitement about my first trip in the Euro tunnel. The house (a HUGE understatement!) was in the beautiful village of Beauxville. The countryside was just gorgeous. Green fields, picturesque cottages and autumn colours everywhere. I even had my own room (no sharing with the children for me, praise God!) with exposed beams and a fireplace.
We made day trips out to Deauville and Trouville on the coast, ate crepes, crepes and more crepes, donned the wellies for wild raspberry picking, strolled along the sand on the coast of the English Channel, ate at delicious French restaurants, and shopped til we dropped. All in a day's work for me, really! On the last day, we all headed to Honfleur which, I'm sorry, but words cannot describe. I promise to get some pics up as soon as I can.
Since France, it's just been work, work, work. These past few weeks, I have truly appreciated the easy life I used to have when I worked part time. But even with the long hours, there's not a lot I would change. The 1-year-old boy has started to walk, give out kisses (of the slobbery, open-mouthed variety!) and tottering up to me for a cuddle when he sees me, so that makes starting and finishing in the dark worthwhile. The older two...well, it's a work in progress!
Last weekend, I actually did something I thought I'd never do again. I went back on The London Eye. The only difference was this time, I really enjoyed it! There is even photographic evidence to show the distinct lack of fear in my eyes.
I'd show it to you...if I was as smart as my phone!
Since my last blog post, I have made my first trip overseas with a family I've worked for. The destination for this trip was to a house in Normandy, France. I was more than a little nervous before heading off on this particular trip as I had no idea what to expect and the thought of 5 hours in the car with three kids was not filling me with joy and happiness. In the end, I didn't need to feel nervous. The trip over was pretty uneventful, except for my excitement about my first trip in the Euro tunnel. The house (a HUGE understatement!) was in the beautiful village of Beauxville. The countryside was just gorgeous. Green fields, picturesque cottages and autumn colours everywhere. I even had my own room (no sharing with the children for me, praise God!) with exposed beams and a fireplace.
We made day trips out to Deauville and Trouville on the coast, ate crepes, crepes and more crepes, donned the wellies for wild raspberry picking, strolled along the sand on the coast of the English Channel, ate at delicious French restaurants, and shopped til we dropped. All in a day's work for me, really! On the last day, we all headed to Honfleur which, I'm sorry, but words cannot describe. I promise to get some pics up as soon as I can.
Since France, it's just been work, work, work. These past few weeks, I have truly appreciated the easy life I used to have when I worked part time. But even with the long hours, there's not a lot I would change. The 1-year-old boy has started to walk, give out kisses (of the slobbery, open-mouthed variety!) and tottering up to me for a cuddle when he sees me, so that makes starting and finishing in the dark worthwhile. The older two...well, it's a work in progress!
Last weekend, I actually did something I thought I'd never do again. I went back on The London Eye. The only difference was this time, I really enjoyed it! There is even photographic evidence to show the distinct lack of fear in my eyes.
I'd show it to you...if I was as smart as my phone!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Randomness of London
Last night, my friend Hannah and I headed out to the Novello Theatre to see Adam Garcia in Tap Dogs before the season ended on 5th September.
It was an amazing show...however, we found the following notice in our programs:
"At this performance, the role of Foreman will be played by Douglas Mills"
What?? Who is he?? I didn't pay 40 pounds to see Douglas Mills! I mean, he is a very talented dancer, don't get me wrong, but I found it hard to get over just who he wasn't. Still, an awesome show!
After the show, we walked back to Covent Garden tube station, only to be greeted on the platform by a guy hugging and kissing everyone, as you do! He was a little drunk.
One long hug and several kisses on the cheek later, the train arrived and who should be in the same carriage? Yep, slightly-drunk-kissing-guy! He spotted Hannah and I and came back for more, creating way more attention than I ever try to draw to myself on the tube! Turns out, he was also a fellow Brisbanite from Morningside on the South Side (and declared the "relationship" over when he found out I was from the North Side!!).
His friend then came along to drag him away...strangely enough, to catch his train to West Hampstead! He could be my new neighbour...
A classic, random London moment!
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Week That Was
I know I haven't been around for a while but I've been a little busy. Here's some pics from what I've been up to this week:
Last week, I took the kids back to Ham House, somewhere I haven't been since I first arrived. We had a great day exploring the gardens.
On Monday, I had my little cousin who's two with us so we all headed into Kensington Gardens and The Princess Diana Memorial Playground. What an awesome place! It was packed to the rafters with kids, but the sun was out, so that made everything OK!
Wednesday, we headed to Bushy Park for a picnic, clown show and a play on the huge playground there. Bushy Park is a lovely place and I don't know why I waited so long to get there!
And yesterday, I took the kids into the city for a Great Bus Adventure (as they called it!), starting with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (which turned out to not be on that day!), then on the no. 11 bus to Trafalgar Square where we then hopped on an old Routemaster bus, the no. 15, to The Tower of London. We found a little patch of green and a playground to have lunch at and then headed home on the train.
Last week, I took the kids back to Ham House, somewhere I haven't been since I first arrived. We had a great day exploring the gardens.
On Monday, I had my little cousin who's two with us so we all headed into Kensington Gardens and The Princess Diana Memorial Playground. What an awesome place! It was packed to the rafters with kids, but the sun was out, so that made everything OK!
Wednesday, we headed to Bushy Park for a picnic, clown show and a play on the huge playground there. Bushy Park is a lovely place and I don't know why I waited so long to get there!
And yesterday, I took the kids into the city for a Great Bus Adventure (as they called it!), starting with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (which turned out to not be on that day!), then on the no. 11 bus to Trafalgar Square where we then hopped on an old Routemaster bus, the no. 15, to The Tower of London. We found a little patch of green and a playground to have lunch at and then headed home on the train.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday Snapshot (in the grip of World Cup fever!)
You can't turn the corner in London at the moment without seeing something like this in pretty much every shop window. This town is truly in the grip of World Cup fever! (What I love are the ads on TV saying if you buy a big screen TV to watch the World Cup and England win the final, then they'll give you 100% money back! The joke would be on them if England do win!!).
It has made me think back on the past few World Cup's...where I was, who I was with. In 2002, I was in Adelaide, South Australia and even though Australia didn't qualify, I still remember watching the games, especially when Uruguay were playing. My friends were house-sitting a fantastic place with a swimming pool and our friend Rudy, who was from Uruguay, got us all into the World Cup Spirit.
Fast-forward four years, Australia had qualified, I was now living in Queensland and I woke up way too early to watch the Australia v Italy (i.e. Big Fakers!) game with my niece who was 8. Even though Australia lost tragically to Italy that day, I couldn't be too sad...especially since I had drawn Italy in the office sweep and ended up pocketing $60!
Now, it's 2010, I'm living in London and forced to endure the pain of watching Australia's games with British commentary! Everywhere you look, all you see is red and white. St George flags are flying from every car (even from some peoples heads!). I wonder if Australia is decked out in the colours?
This World Cup, I'll cheer for England when they play, with every one else...unless, of course, they are playing Australia. My heart is Green and Gold.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bring out the cheese...Eurovision's here!
Yes, it's Eurovision time again!
There is definitely a love / hate thing with Eurovision. It's just not possible to sit on the fence. I can't really explain it but I love, love, love Eurovision! I know this makes me a sad individual, but I don't care. Where else do you get to see such "class" acts from all over Europe?
Right now, I am watching the second semi-finals on BBC Three, having missed the first semi's for the simple reason that I had no idea it was on. For someone who loves Eurovision as I do, I am really lacking in true fan style! Better late than never, I say!
Highlight so far: the guy from Israel was really good - apparently the runner-up in their Pop Idol contest. The guys from Cyprus are on right now and they're also really good. Corniest moment so far: the blokes from Lithuania singing Eastern European Funk, and tearing off their trousers to reveal sparkly hot-pants! Honestly, what's not to love about Eurovision??
The finals are on Saturday (that night's viewing is sorted then!) and if you've never watched it before, you have to see it to believe it! I just hope you're not lactose-intolerant...there is so much cheese !
There is definitely a love / hate thing with Eurovision. It's just not possible to sit on the fence. I can't really explain it but I love, love, love Eurovision! I know this makes me a sad individual, but I don't care. Where else do you get to see such "class" acts from all over Europe?
Right now, I am watching the second semi-finals on BBC Three, having missed the first semi's for the simple reason that I had no idea it was on. For someone who loves Eurovision as I do, I am really lacking in true fan style! Better late than never, I say!
Highlight so far: the guy from Israel was really good - apparently the runner-up in their Pop Idol contest. The guys from Cyprus are on right now and they're also really good. Corniest moment so far: the blokes from Lithuania singing Eastern European Funk, and tearing off their trousers to reveal sparkly hot-pants! Honestly, what's not to love about Eurovision??
The finals are on Saturday (that night's viewing is sorted then!) and if you've never watched it before, you have to see it to believe it! I just hope you're not lactose-intolerant...there is so much cheese !
Monday, May 17, 2010
My Expat Anniversary
This weekend just gone, I have been in London for one year.
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Marge...Marge...the planes are 'ere!
This week saw the return of planes to the skies over London. Having just gotten used to the sounds of living under a flight path from Heathrow, it was amazing to be able to hear the birds singing again and enjoy the peace and quiet, only for the planes to be back in the skies a week later. There were a few of those moments of total silence that probably go unnoticed anywhere else, but in London can make it seem just a little bit unnatural. Don't get me wrong, that is a very good thing the planes are flying again. Unfortunately, it did not bring my birthday parcel from home in time for Thursday.
Oh, well.
On my birthday, thanks to my lovely bosses, I had the day off and decided to head into London as it was a beautiful sunny day. I walked along the Thames to the Tate Gallery, then back across Lambeth Bridge, to Southbank where I had a lovely lunch, listening to Big Ben chime and watching all the people frantically doing some last minute training for the London Marathon on Sunday.
I had that feeling again, seeing all the tourists on Westminster Bridge, that I live here and can come here whenever I want.
Here's some pics:
Oh, well.
On my birthday, thanks to my lovely bosses, I had the day off and decided to head into London as it was a beautiful sunny day. I walked along the Thames to the Tate Gallery, then back across Lambeth Bridge, to Southbank where I had a lovely lunch, listening to Big Ben chime and watching all the people frantically doing some last minute training for the London Marathon on Sunday.
I had that feeling again, seeing all the tourists on Westminster Bridge, that I live here and can come here whenever I want.
Here's some pics:
Friday, April 16, 2010
1st Contact Interview
A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by 1st Contact for their new website and you can read the interview here. It's all still a little bit strange to me that not only are people reading my blog, but some of them even want to tell others about it!
You may remember, I purchased a 1st Contact package before I moved here and they arranged my bank account for me, saving me a massive headache, and also included in the package was a sim card, information on money transfers and heaps of other useful information for anyone moving to the UK.
If you are thinking of making the move, I recommend purchasing a package before you leave home. It will make your move a whole lot easier.
You may remember, I purchased a 1st Contact package before I moved here and they arranged my bank account for me, saving me a massive headache, and also included in the package was a sim card, information on money transfers and heaps of other useful information for anyone moving to the UK.
If you are thinking of making the move, I recommend purchasing a package before you leave home. It will make your move a whole lot easier.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dear John...The Gala Event
Yes, it's true! The day after last week's failed attempt to see Dear John, I received an e-mail from LoveFilm telling me that I had won their Dear John competition...a ticket to the Gala Screening...PLUS a Q&A with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried after the movie! So not only do I get to see the movie (finally!), I get to meet the stars up close. I didn't mention it earlier, in case I couldn't get there for some reason and then that would have been a really boring post!
After I had arranged another early afternoon off work, I made the trip into the city for the second time today (I had taken the kids to The Transport Museum this morning), to the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square and arrived a whole hour early, happy to stand in the cold and the rain, until they opened the doors at 6.00pm.
I managed to get a seat four rows from the front and without giving too much away, the movie was brilliant (better than the book, especially at the end...that's all I'll say!).
As the credits were rolling, out came Channing and Amanda for the Q&A session that lasted about half an hour. Can I just be all girly and teenager-y (?) for a minute? Yes? OK. Guess what?? Channing walked right past me and in one of my photos (above) he is looking right at me!! He is just yummy!
OK. Back to acting my age now! It was a great night out and you just have to see the movie.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Dear John...The Movie
Turns out that I don't have to wait until April to see Dear John at the movies because....
I JUST WON FREE TICKETS TO AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SCREENING NEXT TUESDAY!!
And on a facebook competition, can you believe it?
And who says I never win anything? Oh yeah...me! Because it's usually true.
Hang on. Will there be red carpet? Will I need to buy a new dress, shoes, handbag? Maybe not, but I think a box of tissues may be in order.
I JUST WON FREE TICKETS TO AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SCREENING NEXT TUESDAY!!
And on a facebook competition, can you believe it?
And who says I never win anything? Oh yeah...me! Because it's usually true.
Hang on. Will there be red carpet? Will I need to buy a new dress, shoes, handbag? Maybe not, but I think a box of tissues may be in order.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sunday Snapshot
I took this in Kensington Palace. My first thought was who would want to lean over. The floor was slanted and creaky and the banister was wobbly. But then, there would always be the people who, after seeing the sign, just had to lean anyway! I am not one of those people.
Sorry there is no photo from today. The plan was to see the Watoto Children's Choir at Hillsong church, but thanks to burst water mains on Tottenham Court Road due to the cold weather, the theatre was closed.
I really need to have a back up plan for when things like this happen...especially so close to Oxford Street. It's just too easy to spend way too much money on that street!
Monday, January 25, 2010
The National Gallery
As part of my kid-free Sunday (which turned out not to be totally kid-free after all!), I decided to spend the afternoon in quiet contemplation (?) at The National Gallery.
The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square and got it's start when the House of Commons paid for 38 paintings belonging to a banker back in 1824, and used his Pall Mall home as the exhibition space. Embarrassed by having their national Gallery based in someones home, the Great British public demanded the Government build a building worthy of a national art collection. The current building was designed by architect William Wilkins and completed in 1838.
I started my self-guided tour in The Sainsbury Wing, the newest addition to The Gallery, opening in 1991. The Gallery is well laid out, with most of the displays on the same floor and you can see most of the paintings in one afternoon.
It didn't hold the same magic for me as The Louvre, but then, I imagine, few places would. It was great to discover some of my old favourites and ones I studied at school - Monet, Rembrandt, Constable, Turner and Van Gogh.
All around the Gallery are seats and benches where you can rest your weary feet and also take in some of the larger portraits from a distance. And in each of the rooms is the ever-present guard / attendant (not sure what to call them!) standing or sitting and looking entirely bored. I'm sure a day in my old office job would seem like too much excitement for them! How they manage not to fall asleep, I'll never know. I did overhear a couple of them talking about whether they preferred gas or electric cookers (I think gas was the winner!), so I guess they have ways of keeping entertained.
The National Gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is free. The usual audio tours, cloakrooms and Gallery Shop are all available. There is a restaurant, but I didn't go in as it looked really expensive.
But my favourite of the whole gallery was discovered in the Gallery Shop on my way out. Among all the prints of the famous portraits, classy stationery and art books was a stuffed Vincent Van Gogh toy, complete with detachable ear and a little tag saying, "I'm Vincent Van Gogh and my ear comes off". Nice.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Year That Was...A Year Later
I first posted this list on New Years Eve last year, so here it is again for this year:
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Where do I start? Went to my best friends wedding in Sydney, worked in a call centre, moved to live in London, saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai, worked for a whole week without having to answer the phone once, went to Paris...the list is almost endless!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do New Years Resolutions as they are always doomed to failure! I did keep my resolution to save money and finally move to London. I won't be making any this year, but I do have 'plans"...they're different, aren't they?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Chris had a little girl this year
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, United Arab Emirates, England, France
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Will-power!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That would be May 10 - Mothers Day, my friends wedding day and my last day in Australia
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to London and starting my new career
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I have failed. Sometimes, things haven't worked out as planned or have been harder than expected, but that's not failure, that's all part of life and living your dream
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Crocs!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Hannah, who was my first guest from home. We had a blast!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paris...and clothes!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hannah coming to stay, Paris, the release of New Moon and Christmas
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"Number One" by Tinchy Strider and N-Dubz (just because it was on the radio ALL THE TIME!!)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, mostly, but sad when I think of home
ii. thinner or fatter?
Hmm...next question!
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer :-(
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More trips out of London to see the countryside
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up too late, reading!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I opened presents and had breakfast with the family I work for, then spent the day with my cousins and auntie and uncle from Australia. Oh, and thanks to Skype, I opened presents with my family in Brisbane too! Great day
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No
23. How many one-night stands?
None
24. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill - all the season one oldies!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda. An old favourite, but it's set in Paris and I read it on the Eurostar on my way there
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Olly from X-Factor!
28. What did you want and get?
A new start as a nanny in London
29. What did you want and not get?
Knee high flat black boots...can't find any I like!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would have to be New Moon (and no, I don't care what you think!), followed closely by Nativity!. So funny
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work in the boring call centre, counting down the days until my escape! And I was 36
32. What's one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Massive unexpected payout from the Australian Taxation Office!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Layers...
34. What kept you sane?
Having my room on a seperate level to the kids I look after!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the moment?
I still love Ewan, but would love to run into Jude Law, strolling down Kings Road in Chelsea
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Huh? I don't get to see much news
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my family and friends in Australia
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My little cousins, Arwen and Zion!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
So that's all from me. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2010!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Where do I start? Went to my best friends wedding in Sydney, worked in a call centre, moved to live in London, saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai, worked for a whole week without having to answer the phone once, went to Paris...the list is almost endless!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do New Years Resolutions as they are always doomed to failure! I did keep my resolution to save money and finally move to London. I won't be making any this year, but I do have 'plans"...they're different, aren't they?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Chris had a little girl this year
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, United Arab Emirates, England, France
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Will-power!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That would be May 10 - Mothers Day, my friends wedding day and my last day in Australia
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to London and starting my new career
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I have failed. Sometimes, things haven't worked out as planned or have been harder than expected, but that's not failure, that's all part of life and living your dream
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Crocs!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Hannah, who was my first guest from home. We had a blast!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paris...and clothes!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hannah coming to stay, Paris, the release of New Moon and Christmas
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"Number One" by Tinchy Strider and N-Dubz (just because it was on the radio ALL THE TIME!!)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, mostly, but sad when I think of home
ii. thinner or fatter?
Hmm...next question!
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer :-(
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More trips out of London to see the countryside
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up too late, reading!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I opened presents and had breakfast with the family I work for, then spent the day with my cousins and auntie and uncle from Australia. Oh, and thanks to Skype, I opened presents with my family in Brisbane too! Great day
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No
23. How many one-night stands?
None
24. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill - all the season one oldies!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda. An old favourite, but it's set in Paris and I read it on the Eurostar on my way there
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Olly from X-Factor!
28. What did you want and get?
A new start as a nanny in London
29. What did you want and not get?
Knee high flat black boots...can't find any I like!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would have to be New Moon (and no, I don't care what you think!), followed closely by Nativity!. So funny
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work in the boring call centre, counting down the days until my escape! And I was 36
32. What's one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Massive unexpected payout from the Australian Taxation Office!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Layers...
34. What kept you sane?
Having my room on a seperate level to the kids I look after!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the moment?
I still love Ewan, but would love to run into Jude Law, strolling down Kings Road in Chelsea
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Huh? I don't get to see much news
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my family and friends in Australia
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My little cousins, Arwen and Zion!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
So that's all from me. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2010!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Hottest Day of the Year...so far!
OK. I've been here three months now, so I feel British enough to indulge in a truly British past time...discussing the weather.
Today is 30 degrees, and according to Capital FM, the hottest day of the year so far. Since I have been in London, there have been about 6 days that have been the hottest day so far. I am still Australian enough to realise that 30 degrees is not hot. It's just a nice, summer's day.
But it feels hot here. This country is very good at keeping us all warm in winter, but when it comes to keeping us cool in summer...well, not so great. A hot day in Australia sends people into the airconditioned shops to escape the heat. Here, it's often cooler outside. Today, I had to resort to some Aussie summer survival skills. I closed all the curtains early to keep the house cool, opened the windows for the breeze and made sure to drink plenty of water.
While I am talking of the weather, mention needs to be made of that truly scary British male. You know the one. The one who feels the need to wander around shirtless, pale and hairy-backed in the middle of the city at the first glimpse of the sun. Seriously, what is the deal with THAT?
OK, I understand that the sun is not out often here and you have to enjoy it while you can, but please men, put your shirts back on! If you're on the beach, by all means, take that shirt off. In the city, leave it on. Your skin, and most of the people who see you, will thank you for it!
Today is 30 degrees, and according to Capital FM, the hottest day of the year so far. Since I have been in London, there have been about 6 days that have been the hottest day so far. I am still Australian enough to realise that 30 degrees is not hot. It's just a nice, summer's day.
But it feels hot here. This country is very good at keeping us all warm in winter, but when it comes to keeping us cool in summer...well, not so great. A hot day in Australia sends people into the airconditioned shops to escape the heat. Here, it's often cooler outside. Today, I had to resort to some Aussie summer survival skills. I closed all the curtains early to keep the house cool, opened the windows for the breeze and made sure to drink plenty of water.
While I am talking of the weather, mention needs to be made of that truly scary British male. You know the one. The one who feels the need to wander around shirtless, pale and hairy-backed in the middle of the city at the first glimpse of the sun. Seriously, what is the deal with THAT?
OK, I understand that the sun is not out often here and you have to enjoy it while you can, but please men, put your shirts back on! If you're on the beach, by all means, take that shirt off. In the city, leave it on. Your skin, and most of the people who see you, will thank you for it!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
I Heart London
I. Love. London.
There. I said it. I always knew I would like London, but today, well, I fell in love.
It wasn't just one thing, but a lot of little things. Like finding Leicester Square peaceful and quiet on a Saturday morning. Maybe it was queueing (that great British past time!) for matinee tickets for Hairspray (Wicked was sold out) or discovering that Charing Cross Road is the place to go for bookstores.
Perhaps it was killing a couple of hours on Oxford Road (which can be a dangerous and expensive thing to do!) or even the crazy lady on the tube ride home, holding a glow in the dark crucifix up to everone near her and muttering to herself about how she was going to save the world!
Yes, all these things, but truthfully, the one point I just knew that this city had stolen a piece of my heart was when I was on my feet with the rest of the audience in The Shaftesbury Theatre, clapping in time to You Can't Stop The Beat, crying and laughing at the same time, knowing that if I wanted to see a show, I could just go see one. No waiting for one to come to your town. They are all right here, waiting for me.
Yes. I love London.
There. I said it. I always knew I would like London, but today, well, I fell in love.
It wasn't just one thing, but a lot of little things. Like finding Leicester Square peaceful and quiet on a Saturday morning. Maybe it was queueing (that great British past time!) for matinee tickets for Hairspray (Wicked was sold out) or discovering that Charing Cross Road is the place to go for bookstores.
Perhaps it was killing a couple of hours on Oxford Road (which can be a dangerous and expensive thing to do!) or even the crazy lady on the tube ride home, holding a glow in the dark crucifix up to everone near her and muttering to herself about how she was going to save the world!
Yes, all these things, but truthfully, the one point I just knew that this city had stolen a piece of my heart was when I was on my feet with the rest of the audience in The Shaftesbury Theatre, clapping in time to You Can't Stop The Beat, crying and laughing at the same time, knowing that if I wanted to see a show, I could just go see one. No waiting for one to come to your town. They are all right here, waiting for me.
Yes. I love London.
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