west coast girl in london town

Christmas Cocoon in Camden

2011-07-24T22:26:00.007+01:00

Christmas 2010 was my first spent away with family. And even though I missed them, I had a good time with my surrogate family here in London. A mixture of Americans, Canadians, Aussies and a Brit too :)

We had some spiritual stuff (chats, carols), some silly stuff (truth or dare, email of death) and some typically awesome holiday stuff (eating TONS of great food, sitting in pajamas and not leaving the house for 3 days...literally).

All these pictures are thanks to Zinta and Morgan. Thanks for documenting this weekend guys!

Zinta made a Gingerbread house.

And we destroyed and ate it. When all was said a done, there was maybe one tiny piece of rock hard frosting left. Yummy!

We lit some candles.

We had a fantastic feast. Everyone made 2-3 dishes, and there were 7 of us = lots of gooood food.

Our dinner table on Christmas Eve.

Erika spiked our punch with beer. Ginger beer.

Me and Mo.

The beginning of our photo session. Don't ask me what I was doing, because I have nooo idea. It was that Ginger Beer.*

Toothless smile picture. Classic.

Front row: Erika Mitchell, Monica Hubrich, Me

Back row: Joff King, Karen Campbell, Zinta Jaunitis, Morgan Habedank

Group goofy shot

Girls photo. Check out Monica's face ;)

Joff made a joke right before this picture. Even though it was unplanned, it's my fav shot of the night.

*Please note Ginger Beer is actually not an alcoholic beverage.

Bothie: Unique experience with an upper case "U"

2011-07-24T00:05:00.008+01:00

I really worked on my Halloween costume last year. I was going for the "no shower in 2 days, weary camper" look. And let me tell you, I NAILed it. It did take a couples days of camping to perfect, but I got it down.

Way back when (October 29 - 31, 2010) I went up to Scotland with a few friends and hiked to a Bothie. In case you don't know what a bothie is - I didn't either - it's a shelter made of stone. It may or may not have a fireplace, and maybe a counter for cooking and possibly some benches. And that's about it.

Let me tell you: hiking 3 hours to a remote Bothie in the POURing rain making the trail a river, in the pitch black to be greeted by a freezing cold stone home to sleep in was awesome. No, it really was. It was absolutely beautiful up there and I had an amazing experience!!! Thanks to Dave for organizing it all and doing all that driving :) And thanks the whole gang who went for the fun time!

The "Grand Hotel" in the town just before we went really remote. Yes, very grand indeed. With all those boarded up windows and doors. So welcoming.

View on the drive. Difficult, nay, impossible to capture well in a picture.

View from the Bothie. Besides the first night hiking in, it didn't rain the rest of our trip!

The Bothie. Stunning backdrop. Night 1 it was just us 5, second night there were about 30 people sharing the bothie.

The boys found and chopped the wood. Sunsets were beautiful!!
Group shot. L to R: Erika Mitchell, Me, Mike Robinson, Dave Robinson, Anders Aabo
Erika and I. yes, the hair was windswept. Like on magazine covers! Ok...looks a little different than a magazine cover.
Drive home. One way was like 12 hours, so a lot of our Friday afternoon to Sunday night trip was spent in the car. But it was gorgeous.

Dave drove the whole way there and back. What a trooper!

What else would you expect to see on the side of a remote rode in Scotland?

Erika doing a jig. We were trying to raise funds for all the petrol for the car. (Yes, bag piper was taking a break and we used his step).

Pet Spa

2011-07-23T23:28:00.008+01:00

Have I mentioned I live in a bit of a rich area? Ok. It's a very rich area. With lots of Ex-pats since there's an American school nearby.

Anyway. I wish I was kidding when I say I got a Pet Spa pamphlet from Harrods in the mail the other week. The proof is below. If I ever hear of anyone I know actually using this place, I will personally write them a letter listing the 99,463,235 more useful and beneficial ways that money could have been spent.

In case you can't read it well, here are some of the highlights with my commentary in blue:

"...this unique 3,000-square-foot pet-pampering haven offers the world's most exclusive selection of bespoke pet-grooming services and indulgent spa treatments..." Seriously? 3,000 sq feet? That's worth like $40 million in London (note - yes, I completely made that amount up)
"...specially designed to to provide a calm, relaxing and safe retreat in which pets can be groomed, preened and indulged and revitalised." I'm pretty sure that a dog can relax just fine on a carpet at home.
"Treatments offered include: physiotherapy, luxury canine massage, animal communication & reiki healing, behavioural support consultation, one-to-one puppy or kitten consultation" How much do you think those "animal communication & reiki healing" consultants get paid? 'Cause I'm pretty sure if I were them, I'd tell the pet - 'Don't tell your owner, but let's both just have a nap. Wink wink. Oh wait, you can't talk. I'm taking a nap now.' Then I'd laugh my way to the bank.
Spa treatments include "blueberry & vanilla facial, thalassotherapy mud bath, John Paul pet full body groom" Blueberry & vanilla facial? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be able to tell that from a 'stinky sock' facial. And knowing my old dog, she'd prefer the stinky socks. Also, a mud bath. You could get that for free going to a park in the rain.
A nutrition and fitness suite including "personal fitness training session, the old age pensioner Club" I wonder if the pensioner club plays bingo. Oh wait, it's poker. That's where that ghetto portrait of dogs playing poker and smoking comes from. The Harrod's Pet Spa Pensioners Club.

The Harrod's Pet Spa Pensioners Club.
Pamphlet Front
Pamphlet Inside
Pamphlet Back

Creative ways to deal with the cold

2011-05-04T23:40:00.005+01:00

Even though it's warming up here in London (finally), I've nearly forgotten how chilly it could get in the sometimes dreary months of November - February.

So I don't forget, and so all you Americans out there remember to appreciate your effective central heating systems and double paned windows, here's a picture of my home-made attempt to keep the freezing air from our drafty window outside our room. Yes. That is my flimsy summer duvet draped over our curtain rod.

Note: Just in case you think I'm some pansy, whiney ex-Californian, I will say that a temperature gauge in my room would read 55 degrees; that was when the heat in the house was ON. That's chilly folks.

The Little Ones in My Family

2011-05-04T23:23:00.004+01:00

In case you forgot that my niece/nephews are adorable (post here and here), these pictures below from my trip to California in February will give you more reminders.

The whole little crew.

Brothers Bobby and Billy.

Cambry

Brothers Dallin and Thad

Bienvenido a Miami

2011-05-04T23:00:00.005+01:00

I went to Miami for work a couple months ago - it's a pretty nice place. Especially when you're coming from a dreary mid-winter London to shorts, sun, flip-flops, and an ocean side hotel where there are literally dolphins playing in the water below.

Thanks to the jet lag, I got to enjoy the sunrises on the water and they were be-a-u-ti-ful. (Maybe sunrises are always pretty. I'm not too sure - I really only see them when I'm jet lagged...)

My overall impressions can be summed up in a few phrases: Spanish language spoken by everyone, colors you'd only see in Disney movies, SUN and warmth.

Thankfully, I brought my camera. Here's a picture of me during one of our lunch breaks.

It's about another time for a graph

2011-05-04T22:41:00.006+01:00

This doesn't have to do with the big, important things in life. But I do get a lot of awesome (at least I'd consider them to be awesome) ideas of ways to entertain myself / my friends in my spare time.

Unfortunately, most don't come to fruition because of the curse of "diminishing motivation" related to awesome ideas.

As per usual, a graph represents my thoughts sufficiently. You can click to enlarge if needed.

Any ideas on how to improve this curve?

Disneyland

2011-03-13T21:21:00.003Z

I was back in California in February, this time for a real period of time to soak up some sun...and see the family too I suppose.

One day a few of us hit up Disneyland. We did all the fun kiddy rides, met the princesses and rode the tea cups a few times.

I swear we had fun, though you probably can't tell from our faces here...

A Sunny Weekend

2011-03-13T20:54:00.003Z

So I never blogged about this trip because I didn't have a photo. Thanks to Dave for posting this one up on the book face.

Way back when, July 9-10th, 2010 to be exact, the four of us drove out to Walton on the Naze for a quick day trip. Wanting a weekend in the sun, we checked the weather and randomly selected this little beach town. What a find! We left Friday night, hit up a carvery for dinner, basked in the warm evening sun, and set up camp on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Other highlights included:
-Convincing the parking attendant that we were not staying overnight as we held our pillows, blankets and small tent in his car's headlights
-Late night chat under the stars, including some probing "true or dare" questions
-Waking to the sunrise over the ocean
-Spending the day on a white sandy beach in the sun
-Taking a dip in the sea; the water was actually warm enough to swim in. Who'd have thought?
-Finding a book about improving your memory for Dave at the little shop above the beach
-Walking down to the seaside town for a dinner of fish and chips on the pier
-Lots more chatting, relaxing, card playing and bonding

A shot before we embarked. Dave, Emma, me and Erika.

Iceland: Home of the Bell

2011-03-13T20:27:00.005Z

Judge if you must, but I'll be honest and let you know that this was a big highlight in the trip to Iceland - Taco Bell.

This is how it went down.

Me: "Haha, guys I thought that sign ahead was for Taco Bell and I got really excited! That would be funny. A Taco Bell in Iceland......WAAAAAIT A MINUTE! It IS a sign for Taco Bell!!! We HAVE to EAT THERE!!! REMEMBER WHERE WE ARE FOLKS!"

A day later, we were at the Bell. I've documented the meal for posterity. Yes kids: your mom loved the Bell. Not that that will be a surprise, you kids will be definitely be exposed to this food if I'm in charge of feeding you...

Oh the excitement. Fake cheeeeese nachos and cinnamon twists....they can't be beat!

Feed the beast!
The sauce packet reads "Ahhh...we meet again." Well said sauce packet. Well said.

We scarfed this stuff down in nearly 3 minutes flat.Booyah! It was the cheapest and - dare I say it - the best meal of the trip. Ok not really. But it did beat our homemade sandwiches which consisted of some sort of flavored cheese spread, cheese slices and some form of sandwich meat.

Iceland. Aka Land of Ice.

2011-01-30T22:09:00.015Z

It's finally here folks: my blog about ICELAND. I went back in November 2010 (4th - 7th) with my buddies Justin and Monica.

We had a fab time and Iceland is a really beautiful place. Key adjective: vast. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking. Warning - there are a lot of pictures to follow...

This was the sunrise: at about 10am (it'd set around 4pm)

This is what I'd probably look like if I were ever to get drunk

Monica = seductress

This seemed like an appropriate place to practice Yoga. You know...being all close to nature and stuff.

Couldn't resist the temptation to reenact this sculpture. We weren't really sure what it was, but later found out it's ancient wrestling form...

At the Geyser. The original one. The one that gives all other Geyser's their generic name.

Iceland's favorite holiday drink!!! Those suckers probably cost like $5 each. Did I mention yet that Iceland is EXPENSIVE

Frozen ginormous waterfalls = cool. Literally.

Sunset around 4pm. It always felt like late afternoon when there was any light in the sky.

The lonesome road. Did I mention Iceland is vast? Yeah...it's super vast. And super empty. We saw very very few people around.

We hiked to these hot springs, and took a dip. It was cold outside, and moderately warm in the little stream.

Engagement shot!

We thought this was the famous Blue Lagoon. It was not. It's the power plant right next to it.

This is a portion of the Blue Lagoon. It was really blue. It was also very cold outside and moderately warm in the water.

All in all, a gorgeous place for a fun weekend. Check that country off my list :)

Christmas Eve London Style

2011-01-25T00:44:00.005Z

Christmas Eve 2010, I headed off from work and took a bus down Oxford Street. It was pretty calm (things actually close down around here - no such thing as midnight shopping), and gorgeous with the lights all down the street.

I couldn't help but stare out the bus window, beaming while desperately trying to savor the ride and the soak up the moment.

And then I arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for a festive Christmas Eve concert. Our tickets were perfect, in the chorus seats so we could see the stage and the entire audience. We listened to lots of Christmas music, and sang lots of carols, rounding out the evening with a powerful rendition of Hark the Harold Angels Sing.

'Twas the night before Christmas. A night to remember.

It snowed in London

2011-01-25T00:31:00.002Z

And the timing was impeccable: the day my bosom buddy Monica moved out (Dec 18), the sky was shedding tears. More like dandruff flakes.

And while it did cause some chaos, it was absolutely beautiful. Got to her new place down south and it was really coming down hard (yet soft...) It's strange seeing a place you're so familiar with transformed by being covered in a blanket of snow. Absolutely magical. The city felt quiet and peaceful. And I loved it.

This shot is of my street a couple days later. Yes, a but slushier, and dirtier, but still lovely in its own way.

Thanks for the treat mother nature!

When I grow up and have teenagers

2011-01-25T00:22:00.005Z

They will drive this van to school as punishment.

Driver's side:
Passenger's side. There is no hiding from this embarrassment.
Although I will secretly think it is awesome and drive them everywhere in it anyway.

Cambridge: 5 Stars

2011-01-24T23:04:00.012Z

December 11, 2010. A day to remember. It was a celebration for my day of birth twenty something years ago.

We went to Cambridge. While it was chilly, it was sunny and beautiful. We walked around the town, went into King's college chapel, had a lovely pub lunch (with delicious sticky toffee pudding for dessert), then walked about some more and stumbled across a lovely family Christmas service in one of the other chapels where we lit candles and sang carols.

Overall, a lovely day. Sorry in advance for the many many photos, but I liked too many :)

King's college chapel

Emma and Morgan

Monica and Erika

Me and Monica making our "happy" faces

This is the definition of a quaint pub: one with historic and relevant pictures like this on the wall.

Monica. This picture would have been complete if she'd been wearing a wedding dress. Alas, that may have been weird as well.

Erika. This little lady is such a gem!

Engagement photo #1 of the day

Dave's iphone photo, just lovely

I love this hallway. I love the lighting.

Of course, we took jumping pictures.

Monica's awkward hand #1

Monica's awkward hand #2

The carols by candlelight

Blissful Weekend

2011-01-24T22:13:00.008Z

I went back to my friend's parents house in Lyon, France. Remember this place? Yea, it's pretty sweet.

There was a nice group of us, and Morgan (photographer extraordinaire) was there thankfully to capture some amazing shots from the weekend. I feel like we belonged in some sort of amazing magazine shoot. I heart this place.

The pictures below are all from my camera. But you should REALLY take a minute to enjoy Morgan's. He's got some mad skills. Check out his flicker site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lost_boy/sets/72157625856129924

A view of the valley

Karen, she's from Canada.

Karen also speaks French. She didn't let that fact be known but enjoyed listening to people (aka Dave) trying to order our late night dinner from a drive-thru.

Dave and Erika. Having fun playing tag. Or else they were trying to reenact a blender in our kitchen appliance game.

Me. Strutting my stuff.

Senior Dave.

Mike. Two guesses what he was doing up there on the hill top...

Erika and Morgan. Morgan chopped wood and Morgan liked it.

Dave playing tag

The hill side at dusk.

The moon.

I moved

2011-01-24T21:29:00.005Z

And in case you're wondering, I did not hire a man with a van.

I left my joyous flat in Finsbury and moved up in the world to Abbey Road in the St John's Wood neighborhood. This might look familiar:

And this is what I see everyday.

Loving Live Concerts

2011-01-23T22:29:00.004Z

On December 9, 2010 my good friends Monica, Dave, Erika and I went to see Angus & Julia Stone perform at the Southbank Centre.

They're a very talented, folk, brother-sister duo. Between the two of them, they played at least 10 instruments and are both great singers. Somehow they transformed a large performance hall into an intimate, living-room gig. Julia even gave their dad in Australia a call on stage we all joined in to sing him Happy Birthday.

My favorite song: Big Jet Plane. The official music video is absolutely lovely. Please follow the link and enjoy :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTvbcNhEgc

Kicking off the Christmas Season

2011-01-23T22:22:00.003Z

On December 5, my dear friends down in Vauxhall (Ness, Rosie and Jen-e), hosted a lovely dinner to start off the Christmas season.

We had great food, fun company and a white elephant gift exchange of sorts.

My gift was a game called the "Shannon Question Game". I took my talent of asking probing and sometimes entertaining questions, and wrote them on a deck of cards. Yep, that's right. 52 questions perfect for a road trip, game night in or perhaps awkward first date where you can't think of anything to chat about.

I'm currently in the copyrighting phase, so I won't list the questions here. Let me know if you'd like your own deck though, I'd be happy to oblige :)

Thanks for the lovely evening girls!

The Baths in Bath

2011-01-23T22:11:00.003Z

Back in November last year(19th-20th), a crew of us went off to Bath to celebrate our friend Annie's birthday.

Highlights of the weekend:

Jazz Cafe for a late breakfast
Quaint shops and streets
Outdoor exhibition of landscape photography around England
Sally Lunn buns at the oldest house in Bath
Going to a bath (aka spa) in Bath, with a rooftop pool where you can see the stars, roof line of the city, and the Abbey - see below

All in all, I recommend the place. It was a fabulous quick weekend getaway! Thanks for organizing it Annie :)

More Advertisements

2010-12-21T02:50:00.002Z

One way you can tell it's Christmas time - the insane amount of advertisements for perfumes and cologne. And they're all the same. Attractive looking people doing nothing but looking attractive. If it's a TV spot, add some nice visual scenery and some dramatic music.

I don't really get why there are so many visual based ads because remember, it's a smell they're trying to sell. Whatever.

This round of pictures makes me chuckle a bit everyday on my way to work. I picture the internal dialogue of Ryan Reynolds in this series going a lot like this

Wow. I'm attractive, but let me just get this tie right...

It's not quite there yet, I can't be looking sloppy for this photo shoot....

Aw, now my left cuff link needs adjusting, maintain the sexy pout and crinkled forehead.

Oooo wait. Now the right cuff link. Shoot...I'm starting to run out of things to do with my hands.

Uuuuuugggghh.........don't know what to do....with hands.......ok ok.........go back to adjusting the left cuff link. Phew. I hope all these poses make me pull off the "I'm a stud" look. Because, you know. Studs go around just adjusting their ties and cuff links and stuff. Yeah, I got it down.

'Tis the Season

2010-12-21T00:58:00.005Z

George Frideric Handel wrote the "Messiah" in London, so how better to usher in this Christmas season by hearing a performance in the amazing St Paul's Cathedral?

December 6, a group of us enjoyed a lovely evening. Imagine these pictures + candle light + a wonderful choir. Result: a night to remember!

Jonsi: from the Land of Fire and Ice

2010-12-21T00:30:00.007Z

The other week (November 26 to be exact), a group of us went and saw Jonsi perform.

It was...an experience. Jonsi's from Iceland. If you don't know who he is, think of Bjork. A fellow Icelander. Also a bit...odd.

Not to say I didn't enjoy the concert. The performance was actually really entertaining and interesting.

This was my favorite song from the night, Kolniður. Thankfully, this video is amazing scenes from Iceland where I was just a couple weekends before the concert. And no, my pictures aren't this good. Enjoy!

A Simple Haiku

2010-12-21T00:08:00.005Z

I do not like feet.
I was next to this on plane.
I do not like feet.

A Wale of a Time

2010-12-12T21:19:00.014Z

Back in October (23-24), our crew headed up to Wales for an annual trip in honor of our dear friend's birthday, Emma Baker.

Again, I didn't bring my camera so these pictures are thanks to Morgan Habedank and Katie Rushforth.

On day 1, we headed out and did a little hike to some waterfalls. They were magical.

And more falls:

Emma Baker and I

Waterfall #3: you could walk behind this one.

Dinner at the local pub; they have a mean sticky toffee pudding

Our hostel: aka the attic where snow white and the 7 dwarfs sleep

Day two, we did a bigger hike which was straight up hill. It was tough, and I felt pretty awesome doing it without taking a break. Then on the way down, we saw a girl running up the same path. Yes, running. I didn't feel so proud any more...

The view after reaching the top was amazing. The next several pictures will give you an idea of the beauty.

Check out the mist in the valley

The crew (sans Morgan - he took the pic)

Nan Shack

2010-12-12T20:56:00.003Z

Another weekend in September (the 25-26), a group of us went to Mike's Nan's shack. By shack, I mean shack. It's a similar to a large storage unit converted into a cozy 1 bedroom shack, right on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Amazing location down in Cornwall.

While the drive there a back was a bit long, it was full of entertainment. I drove down with Justin Carmichael, Loren Jones, Morgan Habedank and Zinta Jaunitis. When we got there, we met up with Mike Barnett, Jen-e Jones and Joff King.

Like most of my adventures: awesome place, awesome food and awesome company. Hope to do it again soon!

As I can often do, I did not bring my camera. Thus, I stole these pics from my friend Morgan. These were actually taken on a different trip to the Nan shack earlier this year I wasn't at, but you get the idea.

Fine Dining Abroad: Weekend in Lyon

2010-12-12T20:26:00.005Z

Back September (17-19), Mike, Dave, Monica and I went to Lyon, France.

We stayed in a gorgeous rustic cabin in the beautiful hills (thanks Dave's parents!), we slept in, we had delicious food, we had an amazing game of tag in a beautiful field on a hill, we played games and drank hot chocolate by a gorgeous fireplace and soaked up the sun on the and oddly warm, lazy Sunday afternoon. It was a weekend to remember.

Unfortunately, I didn't have any room in my bag to bring my camera, but here are some pics from Dave's iphone.

Thanks to the crew for such a wonderful weekend!

After our exhausting game of tag. We lazed about, and checked out the gorgeous dark clouds rolling in.

PS After re-reading this, I still don't think I used the adjectives "gorgeous", and "beautiful" enough.

Scotch Beef is Back

2010-11-29T21:58:00.002Z

Remember this poster? Well, here's round 2.

Stylist: "Ok. The hair gel last time was a bit too much. Let's put him in a hat. And we have to do a vest again. Vest screams farmer. Yeah...in earthy tones."

Photographer: "Don't even think of taking away the shovel. That MADE the last shoot. Where is it? I need the shovel. That's what farmers do. They shovel. Good...we've got the shovel. Let's pretend he's shoveling more stuff."

A UK Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-29T21:19:00.003Z

Last Thursday, while Americans were off already nibbling on leftovers, napping, watching football (the American kind), or just plain enjoying their holiday, I headed off to the Old Dairy Pub after work.

The place is just down the road from my flat, but I hadn't visited before. And boy, do I wish I'd discovered this place earlier! The atmosphere was great and the food was even better.

Even though I was pretty homesick that day, I did remember some things I was thankful for. Like...

My awesome friend/roomie: Monica Hubrich

Ah-mazing pub food

De-LICIOUS sticky toffee pudding

Keat's House

2010-11-29T20:58:00.004Z

Now that it's winter, I'm dreaming of the fun warm summer days I spent wandering about the city with joy.

For example: the day I went to John Keat's house (July 17, 2010) and watched an outdoor
performance about Keat's life by a couple actors. It was all perfect timing since just the week before I saw a movie about the poet (for all those period drama lovers out there, check out the movie Bright Star).

Lounging out in the sun, where the poet actually lived near Hampstead Heath followed by a nice lunch in Camden market with two of my best-ies (Dave and Erika) and it was a pretty lush day.

Erika and I messing about outside the house.

California Love

2010-11-29T01:20:00.008Z

I went to LA for the last week in October. It was a quick trip for work, but I was able to fit in a few nights out to see friends / family in LA and Huntington Beach.

I knew I had arrived in the states, and particularly California when the airport announcements were in English and Spanish, the 'single room' I was staying at in a hotel was about the same size as my flat in London for 4 people, and I saw the plethera of fast food joints and restaurants I yearn for when I'm in the UK.

Anyhoo, the pictures below aren't in any particular order, nor do they best represent the trip (I have only one picture with a person - shout out to Jason), but here are some highlights. And yes, I know. I'm obsessed with American food....

A view from the window of my 9th floor suite. Yes, I did see the sunrise. And yes, the only reason I was up early enough to see the sunrise was because of my jet lag :)

Check out that pool. Ah-maz-ing. Unfortunately I always got home too late to really test that sucker out.

The bathroom. Yes, a roomy room with a bath. We should rename these things in London to be called "Small area with a toilet" or perhaps the "smoilet" for short. Thoughts?

Check out this room; I was rolling around the floor in joy of the amazing amount of space.

The bed. You might be able to tell from the looks of it, but in case you still don't get it: I was in heaven sleeping in this thing. Remember, I have a huge thing for comfortable beds. This one gets 5 stars.

Good ol' U-S of A. Land of the free, and home of the: toilet seat cover. it's the little things you miss.

Had a burger, sweet potato fries and root beer from "The Office". It was taaaasty!!!

Driving at 70+ MPH! Never averaging more than 10 mph when traveling around London, this was amazing. (And no...this picture was definitely not taken while I was driving. Definitely not).

Aaaaand to balance that, here's me driving at 5mph in traffic in LA. Ok, so there are drawbacks to cars...

Pork Salad from Cafe Rio. 'Nough said.

Classic run with Jason Ramin to Pinkberry. New coconut flavor gained my approval.

Sour patch kids. You've expanded your product line since I left. And I love you all the more for it. But the originals are still my favorite.

Target. What can I say other than your logo exactly corresponds to what you offer: it's on the bulls eye my friend. Love, love loved the one-stop-shopping here.

All in all, a fun trip and probably a bit too short. But I'll be back again, America! Don't you worry.

I like doughnuts

2010-11-29T00:59:00.004Z

Lately I've become obsessed with the doughnut. Its sweet pastry qualities mixed with frosting and even topped with sprinkles (the good kind), makes these things pretty tasty in my book.

Saw these at the grocery store a while back and could resist a picture. How genius is this marketing? Maybe it's a bad sign, but I figure if these things get the nod from the old Homer Simpson, then I'm definitely bound to like it as well.

Unfortunately, I think Homer and I have similar food preferences...yes, he is an overweight cartoon man, mocked for his stupidity and eating habits. That's sad. I know. So...maybe this marketing doesn't appeal to a broad audience afterall. But it works for me!

An Insider Tip: Tower of London

2010-11-29T00:19:00.006Z

To visit this awesome landmark in London (the Tower of London)...

You could (A) wait in line, and pay a chunk of change or (B) skip the whole paying too much and waiting in line part, by going to the church service in the chapel inside for free!

This is was a few friends and I did way back on Sunday, July 11, 2010. We rocked up in our church clothes, walked past the line, and went right on inside for the service. It's got an amazing choir, filled with world renowned singers. Awesome experience and a great way to spend a Sunday morning, before our own church services!

And in case you're wondering, there are a bunch of notable persons buried in the chapel, like Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard (both wives of Henry VIII) and Lady Jane Grey. Nothing like aspiring to God in a former prison / execution site!

*Note: if you don't have a paid ticket, you won't get access to everything inside, like seeing the Crown Jewels. But, if you're coming to London on a budget, this is definitely a cheap option to seeing the most important parts of the Tower.
**Note 2: We also saw a famous actor here worshipping: David Suchet. (I know him as Hercule Poirot. Poirot mom, not Parrot).

Bad Customer Service #2

2010-11-23T00:38:00.002Z

I know I've already blogged on customer service, but I needed to do it again.

I was really annoyed with my cell phone service, but instead of getting irate, I decided to be cheeky with the customer service rep. I have to admit, it made me giggle. Which was better than make me fuming...Alan, bless his heart, when he did eventually show up, wasn't able to help me.

Here are some screen shots of our conversation.

At the top of my wish list

2010-11-23T00:15:00.004Z

I saw this little gem on the tube the other day: an armadillo purse. And yes...I believe the owner was an American woman from the south. Was that even a question?

I was on a boat!

2010-11-22T22:49:00.010Z

Way back in August, during a bank holiday weekend, a few of us took a cruise to Esbjerg, Denmark. We hadn't booked anything else for that weekend, so why not, right?

Well, the "cruise" was really a freight ship with some rooms, the journey was 12 hours there and 12 hours back (after spending 4 hours on shore), and let's just say the boat was a rockin' ALL night long. I think we all got seasick and I know I didn't get a wink of sleep for fear of falling off the bunk the whole night, but it makes for a good story :)

Along the way, we did do some fun things. Like...

We enjoyed our amazing view from our room. Yes, the deck which overlooks some awesome freight boxes.
We had a dance party

We watched a balloon artist make animal balloons for the 5 kids on board. I don't know of a worse job: child entertainer for an overnight ferry.

We copied weird street signs. You got that right people. No "parkering" here.
We saw the one thing to see in Esbjerg. 4 giant status. Here's the view from the back.

Here's the 3/4 profile

And here's the front view.

I discovered the only situation where I will willingly touch a bare foot that's not my own.

We learned modeling techniques from Monica

We walked the very quiet streets of Esbjerg. Note: if you ever happen to visit this tiny industrial port in Denmark, don't come on a Sunday like us. It's really, really....no seriously really creepily quiet.

We tried to learn Danish in Danskeland. We did not succeed.

We saw some nasty looking posters for the hot dogs. Even with a genuine recommendation that these were good, we opted for other food.

We took random pictures in a pub. I like this picture of Monica. I also liked that fizzy drink.

We say rays of light. As Lou says, God must be blessing those fish.

We had fun! The crew: Monica Hubrich, Lou Hough, me and Jeff Lark

Booze Cruise Through Croatia

2010-09-09T00:19:00.010+01:00

First week in August, after my trip back to Seattle, I headed off to Croatia for a 7 day cruise. It was a booze cruise with 19 Australians, my two companions and me (who didn't drink any booze).

I read a couple books. Slept a lot. Ate a lot. Laid around in the sun a lot. It sounds like I did a lot, but I actually didn't really do much at all :)

Here are some shots of the trip. I've already forgotten the names of pretty much everywhere we went. Oh well.

Split

Picture on the boat #1

Picture on the boat #2

You guessed it, another picture from the boat

Another picture from the boat
Check out this water!!!

This was pretty much what I wore all week

Leanne and Jacqui, my companions on the trip

This is a boat

This is a harbor

Check out this water #2! This will be my summer holiday spot when I grow up

The island of Mljet and the National park on there. We biked around. Perhaps my favorite day.

Check out that water #3 (National park on the island of Mljet)

Shot from the boat #4

Favorite activity: jumping off the boat

Dubrovnik. It was hot (90 degrees F, that's 32 C by 9 am...). Here I am drinking a far too expensive fruit smoothie thingie.

Trip Back Home

2010-09-08T23:33:00.009+01:00

After my many travels around Europe, I took a trip back home. It was such a different life than the one I lead in London! Combine 5 kids under 5, a few colds, and throw in some jet lag, and I had some adjusting to do. All in all, it was great to see everyone and visit my gorgeous hometown, Seattle. Here are a few shots from the week.

This is baby Thad. He's a photogenic fellow.

Thad and his mommy, Carrie (my sister)

Billy and his ice cream. Attempting to eat a ice cream cone + toddler + spoon = splattering of sticky white Dairy Queen goodness everywhere

Spontaneous hug between the cousins

Dallin as Indian

Cambry Claire as Rabbit.

Here's Bobby. We were napping. That's one thing I had in common with these kids: our love of sleep and food. We're so alike!

Cambry and her mommy, Marissa

Billy

Seattle skyline from the ferry. Love this city!

Thanks Mom and Dad for hosting the week!

I like Formulas & Flowcharts

2010-09-01T22:34:00.007+01:00

I know I've already given the formula for romantic comedies here (probably my favorite genre of movie, I know. I'm lame), but here's a flowchart for EPIC DANCE movies (my second favorite genre of movie. I know. Again, I'm lame). You're sure to make some dough if you follow this logic--click on the picture to enlarge:

PS This blog was inspired by the movie Step Up 3D, which was seen by a little group of us last week. It was quite pricey, very cheesy, but worth every cent or pence. My favorite quote was said in complete seriousness by the main character, "He used to be a Pirate."

The PROMS

2010-08-31T23:53:00.007+01:00

I saw Jamie Cullum at the BCC Proms last Thursday (August 26th). While I did have to queue--in American English that means line up--in the rain for a couple hours for the cheap, 5 pound standing tickets (available only on the day of) that was all SO worth it. I'd say one of the top live performances I've ever seen. This guy has talent!

I only had my crappy camera phone on me, so here's the best shot I could get.

And here's a little audio sample. This one is called "If I Ruled the World". (Unfortunately I couldn't find a good video from the Proms night)

For those of you who don't know him, get to know him. You won't be disappointed. For those of you who know him and like him, congrats. For those of you who know him and don't like him, you are no longer my friend.

PS Take note: if you are a boy and you would like me to fall in love with you, take me to a Jamie Cullum concert.

Sting doesn't know anything about real fields

2010-08-30T23:06:00.003+01:00

If he did, he definitely would not have written about walking in "Fields of Gold". Let me tell, you. It hurts!

Just before we went to Paris for the Tour de France finals, we spent the Saturday walking around near the South Downs path. During our nice stroll on the edge of the fields, it seemed like a romantic / fun idea to run through one of the fields of wheat. I came out slightly scratched, and slightly disappointed. But it was still fun :)

Here's Monica Hubrich, Erika Mitchell and I. (Thanks to Freja Cross for the great picture)

The day was an absolute joy. Fabulous weather, scenery, and company. We even met an amazing character as we set off. This 90 year old shepherd loved to dance (boasted he'd swung around 50 women just the night before) and he played a mean harmonica. Here he was, showing us his herding stick, and a special magazine article that featured him and his dogs.
Note: Yes, that is my hand suspiciously reaching for Jen-e's pocket. I'm 99% sure I was giving her her car key back.

Tour de France

2010-08-30T21:29:00.013+01:00

Living in London offers some pretty cool opportunities, like heading off to Paris for the weekend. Why not, right? Especially when that weekend includes the final leg of the Tour de France down le Avenue des Champs-Elysees as it did this July 25th. Thanks to Mike for organizing the event. It was a day to remember.

(Apologies beforehand for the mass of pictures. I took a few, but got so many other great ones from other folks there. I've noted the photographer if it wasn't me so credit is due where it should be.)

Lunching at a nearby cafe. Did you know everything is in black & white or sepia in real life in Paris? (Picture by Caroline McNiven)

I wish this was a super cool self-portrait in a mirror, but it's not. Sir Dave Robinson's work.

Dave and I shared a chocolate crepe. Dave saw the art in the chocolate leftovers and took this lovely photo. I think this print should end up in my kitchen.

This photo was originally Monica and Trent. It looked a bit engagement picture-esque, so I jumped in to ruin the photo of course. (Photo by Dave Robinson)

Group shot in front of the Palais de Justice (photo by passerby)

Le metro

The challenge of the weekend: do something you haven't done before. Even though I have probably jumped over a pole before, I haven't done so in Paris and accidentally kick a Parisian in the process. You do something new everyday. And no, I didn't really kick anyone, but came mighty close. (Photo by Caroline McNiven)

Loren's famous confused french-man face. (Photo by unknown)

Le tour

Random legs. We waited. And waited. And then we waited some more. I spend this time taking random photos.

After all that waiting, they RACED by. Thankfully the bikers make a few trips up and down the Champs-Elysees, so we saw them wiz by a few times. (Photo by Dave Robinson)

The group. Did I mention we all wore stripes to look French? Oh, I didn't. Well, we wore stripes and it was awesome. (Photo by Zinta JuanitisFront row (left to right): Bridie Hellings, Trent Weaver, Erika Mitchell
Middle row: Ian Faribairn, Freja Cross, Loren Jones, Jen-e Jones, Caroline McNevin, Michael Barnett, Niall Connolly
Back row: Justing Carmichael, Dave Robinson, me, Louise Hough, Monica Hubrich, Sian Nolan, Aaron Goodlet, Katja Goodlet

During the waiting, I took some shots of folks in our group.

First, Katja Goodlet (foreground Zinta Jaunitis)

Aaron Goodlet

Mike Barnett

Morgan Habedank

David Robinson

Justin Carmichael

Monica Hubrich and Jen-e Jones (Photo by Dave Robinson)

First Class

2010-08-18T22:32:00.003+01:00

Remember my post about the the caste system in the US? It's all about the money, coated in things like "first class", "gold standard" blah blah blah. If not check it out here.

Anyway, I got a taste of the high life on a trip to Seattle. I really was sitting sweet. It's called "Club World" on British Airways. And let me tell you, once you go Club World, you do NOT want to go back.

They called me "Miss Marquardson" once they saw my ticket. They offered me champagne and fresh squeezed orange juice (I took them up on the juice. It was in fact delicious). I had a hot towel before we took off and a cold one at the end. They gave me a menu for lunch, and came around with hot rolls during said meal. My seat reclined to a horizontal position. I had a little goodie baggie with lotions and an eye mask and comfortable socks.

I felt out of place and awkward. But that didn't stop me from taking pictures with my camera phone. Too bad my phone makes a loud camera-like noise when I take pictures. Couldn't figure out how to shut that off...

The magazine holder is my footrest which tilts down once you take off.

Check out the space. Downstairs in the economy section, this would fit 20 passengers.

This is my neighbor. Notice how he is lying completely horizontally. At this point I was watching my third movie of the trip.

My niece is cuter than yours

2010-08-18T00:06:00.006+01:00

Seriously.

I spent a week in Seattle with my parentals, my three sisters/sister-in-law and all five nephews/niece.

Apparently I was able to solidify my favorite aunt status among my niece Cambry. I'm pretty sure I'm good to go on the other kids. There are two that are too young to verbalize their choice but I can tell they'd choose me too.

Here's official proof Cambry loves me, a letter. (Her mother says she "just wrote what [Cambry] said")

Dear Aunt Shannon,

Today I made cookies. I wish you could watch the movie Nemo with me. It is about a fish. You could come to my house and make cookies. I will put them on a plate for you. They will be pink. Thanks for playing with me at Grandpas house. I like pink. I am a princess. You are not a princess I am only a princess. I love you. You love me.

Love,
Cambry

I dare you to find a cuter little girl. I triple dog dare you.

Here's Cambry in the bunny outfit. Which is of course what you wear on a hot Tuesday in late July, and not just Halloween. Duh.

Unintentionally Funny Advertisements

2010-08-17T23:29:00.006+01:00

One thing I like to laugh at is the ads around here. I mostly laugh at them and rarely with them since they're really not that funny.

The one below made me bust up laughing. I don't know if the set up could look more contrived. This is what must have gone through the minds of those who put together this ad.

Stylist: "How can we make this guy look like a manly man. Rugged, all about beef 'cause he's a beefcake himself and we're trying to sell beef. Hum....how to dress him. I KNOW! Let's gel his hair, and put him in a sweater vest. That screams English farmer."

Photographer: "I need more props people. The cow in the background isn't giving me enough dimension. Someone get me a shovel! Let's pretend he's shoveling something."

Graphic designer: "Ok, I've got a lot of shots of this guy, but not too many of beef. How can we sell this......Let's just make 90% of the ad about this guy in a farm. That'll make sense, and it definitely will not look like a catalogue for sweater vests or shovels."

Heard of the Lake District?

2010-08-17T01:00:00.004+01:00

William Wordsworth was a fan. So am I. A little crew of us went up there just for the weekend back in June (5th - 6th). One of my favorite trips.

Our campsite was a lovely little spot right next to the lake

Another view of the surroundings

Part of our crew. From left to right: Sian Nolan, Monica Hubrich, Mike Barnett, Joff King, James Freeman, Jen-e Jones

Our two friends did a triathalon that Saturday. Go Mike and Joff!

This boisterous family was splashing all over us and interrupted our calm afternoon on the pier. Alas, they should have the right of way.

Me and Mon

Jumping joyously into the lake just before we headed off. (I, the pansy one that hates cold water, was the one taking the picture here).

And then the rains came. This was perhaps my favorite part of the weekend: swimming in the downpour (I think this was Monica and Dave doing flips over the edge).

I was born to be Italian

2010-08-16T22:03:00.022+01:00

Except for the fact that I have reddish hair, freckles, and pasty white skin, I fit in wonderfully in Italy.

Back in May (27 - 31 to be exact), Colby Parish, Monica Hubrich, Aubrey Bloom and I went along the Amalfi coast. The food was AMAZING, the company fantastic, and the trip overall a complete joy.

The weekend was full of planes, trains and automobiles (and boats); I came from London through Milan, through Rome through Naples to Sorrento, then to Solerno, then to Paestum, then to Amalfi, then to Capri then to Naples then back to London through Milan again. Spent literally over 30 hours travelling in the four days but again, Italy was great.

It all started with very little sleep the night before, and traveling in my pajamas. Needless to say, I felt a bit out of place moving from fashion capitals of the world (London and Milan), all while wearing my comfy pajama pants. But the first real stop: Sorrento.

Overlooking Sorrento

Night #1 in Sorrento, overlooking the city and sea at sunset, we had an amazing dinner to start off the trip.

View #2 of dinner in Sorrento

View #3 of Sorrento

Aubrey on our bus ride down the coast. I bow to the abilities of those drivers--narrow streets on a cliff + big buses = freaky.

View from the bus.

Paestum, some ancient ruins or something. They are real old. Like, fo real.

Egyptian pose

Check out those lips. Yum.

Most of the sites were beautiful. However, this one made me cringe. Gives the term 'shorts' a whole new meaning.
Paestum
Our second night in Solerno was higlighted by a live fashion show just outside our pizzeria. Unfortunately, no pictures....so here's a drawing to help you get the idea.

Third night we spent in Amalfi. Saw a renaissance parade, I tried to take part. Turns out the Italian women weren't so accepting of that idea. I felt like the step-sister in the crew.

The girls with Amalfi in the background

We thought our first dining night in Sorrento couldn't get better, but then we found Donnastella in Amalfi. Words can't describe the charm, but I'll try. There was fresia surrounding the big patio, lemon trees growing over the courtyard, amazing food, and a band with an accordion.

Our last day we spent in Capri--it was toasty and the sea beckoned to us. That water was ah-maz-ing.

Capri

Capri beach

Our last night, we made our way to Naples. Ah Naples, how shall I describe thee. One word will to the trick: SKETCHY. Never felt so out of place / weary of another city in Europe (so far). I didn't have any pictures of this one either, but you're not missing much. Good pizza though. Drooooolll...

Falling in Love with the Cotswolds

2010-07-31T06:27:00.009+01:00

The parentals visited me in London way back in the last week in April. A fabulous time was had by all. They even scored some nice weather (it was touch and go there, but the sun was generally shining).

During their 10-day visit, we spent a weekend in the Cotswolds and then the town of Woodstock to visit Blenheim Palace. For those of you unfamiliar with the Cotswolds, I'll break it down: a series of quaint English towns, surrounded by beautiful hills and countryside.

Here are some shots from the trip.

I love this house. I will live there one day. This, and several of the following, are from the town of Chipping Camden.

I felt like we were walking through the scene in a book. A scene in a Jane Austen book to be exact. I wondered why I didn't rent a period outfit and sit around waiting to be swept up off my feet. I guess that would have been a touch too dramatic. Just a touch.

A thatched roof.

It was a bit cold, but we meandered around and stumbled upon this lovely scenic view.

What kind of place has streets like "Sheep Street"? I'll tell you what kind of place: Chipping Camden.

This house was in the town of Woodstock. We were there for the 900th anniversary of the town, or something. Whatever. Everything is so old here, 900 years probably isn't that big a deal. Ok, it sorta was...Oh. And funny story of the week: we show up to the town late at night, without the hotel's correct name, its address, directions or phone number. Hummm....that was a little tricky. Thanks to some local folks we did eventually find our B&B.

Blenheim Palace. Thankfully we were there for a special medieval weekend event: jousting. Don't worry that everyone else watching had children under the age of 3...

The lovely lake/pond area. I'm gonna make me one of these on my gigantic property when I have a house.

More scenes from the lovely grounds around Blenheim Palace.

All in all, a lovely weekend. More photos from the remainder of their visit to come!

I Live in London, Not in a Movie

2010-07-08T23:54:00.003+01:00

In case you were wondering, here are two ways my life is not like a movie....

Public transportation. I'd say 'nough said, but it's not enough said if you don't know what it entails. Think crowds and crowds of people. Nasty brake dust in the tube and never averaging more than 10 miles an hour. Seriously. It takes me 45 minutes to get to my nearest friends' house. In the states, it'd take me less than 4.5 minutes.

Lack of modern conveniences: aka a clothes dryer. Our tiny flat constantly looks like a laundromat with clothes strewn about everywhere. You have to time the washing of "intimates" to make sure people won't be over at your place before they can dry. We also don't have a dishwasher, nor insulated walls, nor double paned windows, nor proper heating, nor AC.

Trip to the Land of Ire

2010-07-08T22:34:00.008+01:00

So over the Easter holiday, the first weekend in April of this year, I headed off to Ireland with a few people. It was totally worth it.

Here's the math: 55 hours of work in the 4 days leading to the trip, 20 hours of driving over the weekend, 5 people in a tiny tiny car, 3.5 hours of sleep the night before the flight, 2 rainbows and 1 head cold, 0 leprachans/boxes of Lucky Charms/four leaf clovers = 1 awesome trip.

Blarney castle grounds. Yes, I did kiss the Blarney stone.

Blarney castle grounds #2

The windows weren't so big back in the day.

Some awesome fort.

Some cool random street.

Another random street

I loved the old Irish men.

This dude was just drivin' down the street on his electric wheelchair, and I was jealous. It'd take an electric scooter over a Harley any day. Ok, not really.

Look familiar? Think the cliffs of insanity from The Princess Bride

Some stone slabs

What's sadder than...

2010-06-12T23:17:00.003+01:00

going shopping and realizing that the shirt you're wearing (which you bought a few weeks ago) is still on the racks, meaning you pass by the shirt in the store, while wearing it?

I'll tell you what's sadder than that: about 30 minutes after that embarrassing situation a lady sits next to you with her lunch and she's also wearing the same shirt as you (and the one in the store), only she looks better in it than you....and she's about 50 years older than you. Yea. That's sadder.

By the way. This was totally hypothetical...........

What's better than...

2010-06-12T23:11:00.004+01:00

a street performer? Well, I'll tell you: a street performer that has literally no experience in what they're performing.

Case in point: a saw/heard a street performer playing the trumpet on Thursday evening. It would have been kind of nice, except that it seemed as if the guy had never played the trumpet before. Maybe he was just warming up....but I literally laughed out loud when I realised what was going on. Regardless of his lack of talent, he carried on like a super star.

While I didn't have any type of recording device on me, youtube has helped me out and this is sort of what it sounded like:

Windsor Castle

2010-06-07T23:37:00.007+01:00

Back in March, I went with a little group of folks and toured Windsor castle (my official residence once Prince William pops the question. Which of course he will since I have a bank account in the UK).

Enjoy the pictures

The Queen was there, hence the flag flying.

Cutest kid with an afro (I add the afro in so none of my siblings can protest the term "cutest" being applied since none of my nieces/nephews have afros).

He marched around and around. It was way more entertaining than the guard himself.

Check out this place. They didn't use levels back in the day to test the right angles.

Ancient Well, self-explanatory:

Farewell Dinner

2010-05-09T23:15:00.006+01:00

The same day we rode the circle line, March 21, our friends threw a lovely dinner in honor of our friend who headed back to the Motherland (aka Utah), even though he's from New Zealand: Dan Jones.

Great weather, great location, great meal and best of all, great crew in attendence.

The man of the hour, Dan Jones.

As I may not see him for years to come, I thought it'd be a cool idea to do some age progression estimates.

A fellow artist hard at work

View from the window. Your typical London residential street which is always atypically gorgeous to me.

With about 12 hours left in London, what do you want to do...learn how to french braid of course!!! I was Dan's test subject.

His first ever attempt which was really quite good.

Prepping for our photo session. With my mind-reading abilities, I decided to help you the viewer out and interpret everyone's thoughts (click to enlarge)

The crew

We miss you Dan!

Ridin' the Circle Line

2010-05-09T22:13:00.008+01:00

For those of you familiar with London transportation, you've probably heard of the circle line. It's a tube line that goes...in a circle! So if you wanted, you could go in circles around and around and around the city. Well...sort of. It used to anyway.

Even though you now have to get off and change at Edgware Road, what better way to spend a late Sunday morning than riding the circle line! And eat lunch....with a fully spread out table of course.

It made for quite a good time. Mike joined Monica and I, we got a round of applause from the car when we first boarded, and later some other tourists even posed for pictures with us. We were a big deal. All in all, a fun event. Next time, we're going even bigger and better....stay tuned.

Here are some photos from the day:

Our pensive "it's tea time" look.

The Mon and the Mike

Our first unwilling participant. We initially sat next to her and slowly the rest of the car emptied until it was literally the four of us at one end. It was a bit awkward for a few stops until she left. She wasn't really amused.

Our second friend. He was happy to play along.

Problem: jerky stops, starts and bumps on the way.

Solution: grab the table so nothing falls off.

A Ukrainian tourist. She thought we were hot stuff.

We even brought napkins. We are so proper.

A view from the other end of the carriage.

Our "look natural, like you're having fun" pose:

Our "we've got British [missing] teeth" pose:

After lunch, card games and palm reading by Mike.

Photographic Inspiration

2010-05-09T21:55:00.007+01:00

On March 26th, I met up with a few friends and saw the exhibition at the Natural History Museum of the Veolia Environmental Wildlife Photographer of the Year for 2009.

Let's just say, it was really amazing and definitely was a great reminder of the inspiring beauty in our world.

They presented probably around 50 large prints. It got me a bit motivated to really try to learn some photography skills, but I was definitely humbled: these folks were really talented. They even had a young kids section with winners photos: there was some crazy talent as young at 8 years old!

If you're interested in the pics (which I highly recommend) you can browse what was on display here: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/onlineGallery.do

This was my favorite photo, which of course they didn't have in their shop for sale. It's called Magical Morning:

Scotland: An Awesome Trip

2010-05-08T21:57:00.013+01:00

I went up to Ballater, Scotland the last week in February with an amazing group of people. Here are my favorite shots of the winter wonderland that I was able to enjoy.

All these pictures were pre-snow storm which snowed us in for a few days. [Un]luckily we were able to leave when we'd planned.

The Queen's residence, Balmoral Castle, up close and personal. We stayed just a couple miles down the road.

Mike and I hopped the "fence" and frolicked in the field leading to the castle (which you can see in the background). I'm just making my permanent mark: a snow angel.

Mike is in the background; he was hit by the sniper protecting the Queen's land. I impressed the sniper with my dance moves so much he spared me.

The snowflakes were awesome, and the frost was covering everything.

View from a bridge over the gorgeous river in the area.

A tree

Perhaps my favorite shot; the back roads in the Queen's estate. It was a true winter wonderland.

Monica and I eagerly looking forward to the 9 hour drive home in a jam-packed car.

"Family Portrait" Fun

2010-05-08T21:33:00.007+01:00

After a fabulous week in Scotland filled with lots of: relaxing, sleeping (at least for me), snow, hot tubbing, food and fun, we had a photo session with those who'd stayed to the end.

I'm so glad we took these shots of the crew as these are a few of my closest friends here in London.

Cronologically these go from serious -> awesome.

Our version of American Gothic. I am shamed to point out that yes, I was the only one who couldn't maintain a straight face. Ugh!

For posterity sake, here's who we've got. Left to right. Back row: Joff Smith, Justin Carmichael, Jen-e Jones, Sarah Baugh, Emma Baker. Front row: Monica Hubrich, me, Dan Jones, Zinta Jaunitis

This is our "we're such a happy family" pose. I promise the hand gestures/facial tilt/smile Dan and I both made were spontaneous and unplanned, yet somehow perfectly synchronized.

This was our "go crazy" pose. Zinta did a WWF-style slam down on those on the couch.

Just a word of advice

2010-05-08T19:50:00.004+01:00

If you're ever planning on taking a week off and heading somewhere with a lot of snow, it might be smart to bring waterproof clothing. If you don't have any yet, you should probably get some. I know from experience.

Let's just say even living in Provo Utah for 4 winter seasons, I'd still never accumulated much waterproof clothing (and the one item I do own, I didn't bring to London. Don't ask....because I don't have an answer why I made that bright decision).

Thus, although my week in Scotland with a ton of friends back in February was absolutely awesome, it could have been a bit better if I was more prepared.

Once again, my thoughts can be summed up in a graphic display:

Class System

2010-05-06T22:03:00.004+01:00

Anyone else think it's annoying the not-so-hidden class system that's involved in nearly any product or service? We've got premier, platinum, diamond, bronze, gold, business, coach in everything--airlines, credit cards, cell phone plans.

I think things should be sorted more clearly.

AKA:

Rich:

Poor:

What you see when you leave work in London at midnight...

2010-04-21T01:06:00.003+01:00

and I would know.

Eerily empty streets in the busiest shopping area in the city.
The now familiar cashier (who also recognizes you) at the only open place to grab a late dinner: McDonald's.
Homeless folks settling in for the night.
Drunk guys peeing in the tube stations.

Trying to Avoid Cliches

2010-03-27T17:54:00.005Z

You might be interested in my thoughts on where I've traveled and what I'd recommend. Welp, you've probably heard and seen enough from this blog on the matter so far, but what about an overall ranking?

Instead of being cliche and giving stars or thumbs up when considering things like the people, culture, food, sites, history or scenery, I've decided to rank places on something much more useful: the toilets.

I have a more granular level of detail for cities I've visited, if you may be interested, but here are my thoughts on some major regions. I'm pretty sure that even if I make it around the world, North America will be the best. (Though at country level, I am guessing Japan would top them all by a long shot based on what I've heard).

Please don't glorify nationalized health care

2010-03-27T17:10:00.005Z

I don't really want to turn this into a political blog, but having lived in London for about a year, I can tell you one thing: health care sucks here, and if you want to actually be treated, you buy supplimental insurance anyway.

Example:
Me: "I've been sick for three weeks. Coughing up flem, sinus pressure/headaches, stuffy nose, sore throat...I'm pretty sure it's a sinus infection."

NHS doctor: [After testing for fluid in my lungs] "Well, you don't have fluid in your lungs. You should get some Vapo rub and put that on your chest at night."

Me: "This has been going on for 3 weeks. This isn't just a cold."

NHS doctor: "But you don't have fluid in your lungs."

Me thinking: Since when does no fluid in your lungs means no sinus infection? I'm not a doctor, but my sinuses are NOT in my lungs!!!

Me: "Can I please just get some antibiotics?

NHS doctor: [Bitterly and skeptically writing prescription]: "Okaaay."

PS I have an even better example of the crap care you get here (which no one in the states would receive if they walked into an ER as I had done), but that requires a video reenactment which I have yet to do.

I am not a tour guide.

2010-03-27T17:02:00.003Z

Nor do I run a hostel, hotel or restaurant. If I do not know you, I will not be taking off work to tour you around London, house you while you're here and/or feed you.

That is why there are tour guides, hostels, hotels and restaurants: to take care of people who don't have immediate family they can automatically mooch off of where they are traveling.

Can you tell my patience has really run thin? I have gotten far too many requests to do such for complete strangers.

That is all.

I saw Don Giovanni for $5

2010-03-27T15:19:00.005Z

at the National Opera House in Vienna (THE place in the city with over 300 performance a year, and hosts world famous international guest performers frequently. Can you tell the tour we took that afternoon sold me on the prestigious-ness of it?) We were standing, and we only stayed for the first half, but it was really cool. The little screen with translated the opera really helped since I'd forgotten to brush up on my German before we left.

Backing up a bit, I went to Vienna and Prague with my dear friend Dre Filio when she was here back in January. It was cold, and I was sick, thus I made for one annoying companion. Sorry Dre. But looking back, it was lots of fun!

We hit a lot of sites in Vienna, though I don't have too many pictures.

One major highlight in Vienna was touring the Hofburg Palace, including the Royal apartments and their kitchen stuff.

How much would it suck to polish all this stuff? Me thinks it would suck a lot.

They had tons of china on display. This one's for you mom, thought you' like the pattern. I considered buying a piece for you, but then the guards gawked at the idea. Mentioned something in broken English about "priceless collection." Whatever.

The royals would have on average 35 courses per supper (back in their hay-day in the 1700s-1800s) and it looks like 20 glasses of wines/drinks per meal. Here's my interpretation of the use of said glasses today for the average Mormon:

A shot outside the steps of the National University. Yep, someone had lined the steps with wine bottles. Clearly, lots of studying going on there.

Nutella + banana + crepe = deliciousness

This was the old beauty salon used by the famous Queen Elizabeth (aka "Sisi"). She had hair to her knees which her maids groomed for 2-3 hours a day. First part isn't true....second part is!!!

Another building

Overall, highly recommend the place!

Prague

2010-03-27T14:00:00.008Z

After Vienna, we took a train over to Prague. It was cold, but beautiful.

The old clock in the middle of the square. There was a Starbucks about 50 feet from this, which we frequented a few times to stand in and thaw ourselves out.

Streets in Prague. I love the colors!

The cathedral in the middle of the old fort area. It's super old, and super cool.

Other side of the cathedral, I kept my scarf wrapped like this most of the time. Burrrr!

Inside of the cathedral. The colors were amazing.

Inside of the cathedral 2:

View from the top

All in all, if you haven't been to Europe, you should go. And while you're here, definitely visit Prague.

You Missed Out

2010-03-08T22:14:00.005Z

What's better than a Gold track-suit wearing, break dancing 7-year old girl, who you might confuse from a distance as a "little person" (PC term for midget)? Not much.

I'm talking about "Into the Hoods" folks. It was a street dancing show, which tried to have a plot tying in several fairy tales. Including that of Spinderella and her Godmother, Fairy Gee (the aforementioned Gold track-suit wearing little girl).

It was a delight. Show closed in January (we saw it one of the last nights), so sorry to all who missed the fun.

Here are pics of me and my crew (Monica Hubrich and Melanie Bean) outside the venue, showing off our stuff.

At first glance, we might seem like conservative white girls from the suburbs, but we're not. We're hard core, from the hood yo.

Monica and Bean showin' off their Ah-MAZ-ing breakdancing skills

It'll make you want to scream

2010-03-07T23:33:00.005Z

I hate small spaces, especially small spaces that are crowded to the brim with people and/or merchandise.

You might ask why I would choose to go shopping on Oxford street in London on Saturday. Apparently, it's because I like sales. However, after this past Saturday, I think I may be done with shopping. That's right shopping. You have to accept it: our relationship is over forever (at least for the next couple months).

This is a view of Oxford Street. Seriously.

I won a bet.

2010-03-02T23:37:00.003Z

Not going to mention what is was (I promise it wasn't that interesting), but my co-worker Jaideep was the solid loser.

Thus, I got to make him this t-shirt, and he got to buy me dinner at BJs when my work crew went there for a night out. Booooyah!

I like peaches

2010-03-02T02:03:00.002Z

and I bruise like one. I know, I've already shown off my battered feet from the Muse concert, but these photos must be shared as they are proof I'm super hard core...or I'm very pale skinned.

This are both completely separate wounds, both from volleyball. Hey, I'm too cool to wear knee pads but still love diving around the floor. I especially like wearing skirts so show these suckers off, throughout their entire colorful life from grey to purple to blue to brown to yellow and back to pasty white.

Merry Belated Christmas

2010-03-02T01:41:00.005Z

and a happy belated New Year. We threw a little shindig at our flat December 11th. Why do I remember the date? Because it was also my 25th birthday. A birthday full of self-discovery. Mostly, I realized how ridiculous one can look at an ugly jumper (British for sweater) party, taking some classic awkward family portrait Christmas photos. Oh yeah.

Monica's thought "Wait, you figured out that my vest is really a table runner??? Oh no..."

My thought "Hold up, I'm not 24 anymore?!? Crap. I don't like odd numbers." True thought.

HO HO HO! We're full of joy.

I have yet to look at this picture and NOT laugh. And trust me, I've looked at it a LOT. These are the roommates. Left to right, me, Kim, Leanne and Monica. I'm pushing to frame this sucker and put it as the crowning jewel on the wall in our family room.

A gem of a city

2010-03-02T00:40:00.006Z

Monica and I spent a weekend back in November last year (the 28-29th to be exact) in Porto, Portugal. Why did we chose that city? 'Cause RyanAir had a cheap flight. And I will say, it's a gem! Recommended to all.

Highlights of the trip:

A little girl singing the whole ride into the city from the airport. No particular song, tune or words, but it was particularly sweet.
Our hotel, which supposedly had a hot tub, in fact just had a deal with the Virgin American gym down the street. Unfortunately said hot tub closed before 6 pm. Boooooo.
The desolate streets. Even though we were in a city, it felt like a ghost town. Apparently, there were some important soccer games happening that weekend.
Our trip to the coast. Found a lovely little cafe right on the sand, with a fabulous view of the ocean/waves/water/rainbows and other said picturesque things.
A trip down a funicular (aka really slow roller coaster).
A trip in an ancient tram, like the ones you see at Old Spaghetti Factory (and the old man in his 80s listening to rock 'n roll on his tape player while sitting next to his wife).
A HUGE bridge that made me dizzy and nervous just walking across it.
Shoe stores right and left.
Pastry shops right and left.
Colored/decorated tiles on buildings right and left.
A steak lunch that cost <$10.
A journey home that took us about 6 hours...arriving home at 3:30am. What a difference arriving 30 minutes late makes!

Here are some photos from the weekend.

Atop some tower we climbed. Totally worth the 2 Euros.

The old tram:

Some square next to a cathedral

Striking a pose next to some building

The funicular, with a view of the bridge

The city, view from the fabulous bridge

Walking across said scary bridge.

I had a fling. It may or may not have been with a bronze statue. The secret will die with me.

Another view of the gorgeous streets.

My personal favorite. Might have something to do with the weather, but the city looked great in black and white.

My Personal Motto

2010-02-28T01:19:00.003Z

Speaking of public service signs, I've found my new personal motto.

You can see these babies all over the motorway in the UK, but I definitely think the saying applies to more than just driving.

Public Awareness

2010-02-28T00:59:00.006Z

The city of London uses scare tactics to get people to pay attention.

I mean, I know it's important stuff...but is this kind of drama really necessary for everything? Seems to me it just makes people even more desensitized and thus doesn't make an impact. Anyone else agree?

This sign is to make sure you and your friends look both ways before you cross the street, otherwise you will die.

This is so you don't take a fake taxi, but call and book ahead or else take a black cab taxi. Yikes!

Apparently, the Mayor of London doesn't agree with the cheesy NBC "the more you know" format for public service announcements. Awww, isn't this one inspiring?

Christmas '09

2010-01-30T01:39:00.004Z

I went back to southern California for Christmas and it was amazing. I felt right at home walking off the plane, seeing signs for "exit" instead of "way out" hearing American accents, and most importantly driving 80 mph on the freeway in my rental car. I'd forgotten you could move that fast!!!

The trip was filled with sun, warmth, fun and family. Couldn't have been better. The niece and nephews were such a joy. Honestly, I was sad to come back to London after 3 weeks of hanging out with old co-workers, friends and especially the family. Especially considering that since my flight was delayed out of Chicago, I arrived at Heathrow airport after the last train had left so I continued my glorious traveling by sitting in the airport for another 4 hours until the tube started running again and bearing the below freezing temperatures outside with the atypical ridiculously cold weather London was going through when I got back.....aaaanyway.

Here are some pics. Aren't they cute???

Dallin, contemplating the deep things in life I'm sure. Check out those eyelashes...

Jim W, Kate and Billy.

Carrie and my nephew Thad (hadn't gotten to see him in person before this trip!)

Carrie, Evan, Dallin, Thad

Mom, Dad, me, Billy, Cambry

Dallin "Storm Trooper" Gilstrap. I love it.

Cambry. This was snapped during one of her dancing sessions.

Billy. I got to spend the most time with him. I'm pretty sure I secured my position as favorite aunt by the time my trip was over. I loved that he called helicopters "be-bopters" and my favorite was hearing him say my name, "THANNON!!!"

I didn't have too many pictures of the adults in the family, but the kids are cuter anyway.

I follow instructions

2010-01-30T01:33:00.004Z

Well, if you look closely, you can see it's suitable for spooning.

Passive Aggressive?

2010-01-27T23:34:00.002Z

Do you ever wonder if this is what people are really thinking when they say stuff? I have. Here's my thoughts on people's real thoughts sometimes.

What they say: "Don't worry. Everything will work out."
What they're thinking: "Man I'm glad I'm not in her shoes right now."

What they say: "Just do your best and you'll be fine."
What they're thinking: "Only a real idiot could screw this up."

What a they says: "This might hurt just a little."
What they're thinking: "[Evil cackle]"

What they say: "Oh really? Tell me more!"
What they're thinking: "This idiot can't read body language. I'm bored out of my mind."

What they say: "That color looks great on you!"
What they're thinking: "I hope I make this sale; I'll hit my commission goal."

What they say: "There are several closures on the underground this weekend."
What they're thinking: "Good luck chumps on getting anywhere you want to go on Saturday or Sunday."

Bad Movie + Comedians = Awesome Night

2010-01-27T23:26:00.003Z

I think I've found my new calling in life. Be a comedian for the Bad Movie Club here in London where people join to watch a ridiculously outdated, corny, and terrible movie and mock it the whole time.

Like the movie "Meteor" from 1979. Sean Connery, I didn't know you could be in such a bad movie.

Needless to say, it was a good time by all.

World Record Breaking City

2010-01-10T10:15:00.023Z

It's Geneva, Switzerland folks. It breaks some records.

I went there with my partner in crime, Monica Hubrich the weekend of December 4-5, 2009. Here are all the records we saw. (Warning: TONS of pictures to follow. We saw too much!)

World's Most Inspiring Museum: Red-Cross Museum

Largest Collection of World Flags: UN Headquarters

World's Biggest Chair--I'm sitting against the left leg

World's Longest Second Hand (True!!!)

World's Funnest Fun-Run (Hundreds of folks, all dressed up in clever costumes. This guy was Pack Man and was surrounded by Ghosts)

World's Cutest Kid Dancing to a Street Band

World's Neatest In-Park Art Display. This picture doesn't do it justice, but these glowing colored spheres were very beautiful.

World's Coolest Mirror; this gem was a giant cube with mirrored panels around the outside

World's Most Dangerous Electric Fence

World's Quirkiest Swiss Waiter. Unfortunately, this restaurant is where I discovered I don't enjoy cheese fondue :(

World's Most Expensive Hot Chocolate (the exchange rate with 1:1, so this little cup cost us over $5)

World's Longest Bench (really!)

World's Quaintest Fountain and Christmas Tree in a City that Starts with "G" and Ends with "eva"

World's Coolest Tourists

Reenactment of World's Crappiest Street Bands. We were there the weekend of a series of races in the city, and there were tons of folks running, spectators cheering along, and several crappy bands that were part of the festivities. We timed our visit just right! Sorry I can't figure out how to rotate this sucker.

Posh Restaurant

2010-01-10T09:59:00.002Z

There's some special going on where really posh restaurants in the city are opening their doors to us cheaper folks. If you book ahead, you can get a limited menu for a pretty reasonable fare considering where you're eating (it's still the price of about 5 McDonald's meals...)

Anyway, a group of us went to Quaglino's: http://www.quaglinos.co.uk

Even though I'm not a big seafood fan, I ordered the fish pie. Yea, not really sure why I did that. I think I was just too nervous to try the liver.

The night was a smashing success, topped off with a transvestite magician who stopped by our table and did some really neat tricks. Yep, you read that right. Transvestite magician at a posh restaurant. I didn't expect it either.

"It gives new meaning...

2010-01-10T09:25:00.006Z

to 'commercial airline.'"-Monica Hubrich regarding Ryan Air (a leading low cost airline here in Europe). She is so right and here's why:

Instead of trays of free snacks and/or drinks, the flight attendants roam up and down, up and down, up and down throughout the flight touting their duty free merchandise. If you do want a drink, a can of soda will cost you about $5.
The in-flight entertainment isn't a movie or TV show, it is the announcements made in broken-English over the speaker system about their special today: smokeless cigarettes that are for purchase on the flight. "Your friends and people will like you because these don't smell like smoke and you will be happy..."

As a side note, here's how the airline stays so cheap:

They charge you sometimes hefty "taxes and fees" hidden in the original ticket price.

They fly to airports waaaay out from the cities you want to be in--the cost of getting to/from respective airports is typically equal to or more than the price of the flight.

They charge you to check any baggage: you get ONE and I mean ONE carry-on for free.

I'm 99% sure they use the remaining cargo area to ship mail or business cargo.

They charge you to check in at the airport: if you don't print your boarding pass from home you'll pay another 15 pounds or so for them to print one for you at the airport.

There's a really steep charge if you want to be in "priority boarding" to fight for the optimal exit-row seats.

The seats don't recline, and there are no magazine holders so I'm sure they've fit an extra row of seats somehow on the plane.

They saved a lot of dough by hiring a color-blind graphics designer to choose their color scheme of highlighter yellow and blue which glares at you in places all over the plane.

Where some airplanes might have a personal TV, or even a tray table, Ryan Air has their emergency information glued. Nothing like a constant reminder of the possibility of a crash during a flight:

*Note: In the lower left hand corner, they tell you to take off your glasses and take out your dentures for an emergency landing. Yes folks, you may not know this, but dentures are a serious safety hazard. Oh, and good luck to those with glasses trying to find their way out of the plane after a crash landing.

Photogenic

2009-12-01T00:48:00.005Z

Watch out ANTM (America's Next Top Model) prospective contestants because after the recruiters see this collage of face shots, your chances of beating me in the next season are OVER.

Ok, maybe not. So maybe this post is dedicated to the fact that I think I'm completely unphotogenic. There's the random shot where I'm like, yeah, I like alright. For the most part, I loathe having my picture taken.

My solution: always make a stupid face when someone takes a picture of you.

I realized this might be a bit of a problem since I was asked by a co-worker a couple weeks ago to give her a head shot for my bio in a proposal. Hum. An appropriate head shot for a business context. Is it weird that it took me quite a while to find one, and even then it was a picture that was 5 years old?

Whatever. At least I've got one. But for those of you who also hate pictures, below is a collage of inspirational poses so you can purposely look like an idiot (instead of trying to look nice and hating the result).

Face shot examples:

Inspiration behind each shot:

If you have more ideas, please add them in the comments! I can already tell I'm missing the quizzical brow scrunch with puckered lip look and the lower-lip-bite-nose-scrunch-hard-core-rocker face.

What do you do when you have no friends???

2009-11-30T23:43:00.008Z

You do things by yourself!

Not that I would know...I mean, I'm kind of a big deal. People know me. I have many leather-bound books.

But, there is the occasional situation where you don't have a partner in crime (aka my first 3 months in London). Solution: get comfortable doing things on your own, like:

Going to Saturday markets. While others might mingle, taste things, buy stuff and chat with their buddies you can meander about, then leave awkwardly after about 5 minutes.
Go to the movies. Nothing hides your solo status better than a dark theater, right? Actually, you'd be wrong. I went to see Star Wars, and some dude literally called me out as I was looking for my seat, "Hey! Are you all alone?" Turns out he was trying to be nice and invited me to join with his friends. Yea....thanks for that.
Hop on a bus, take a day trip to Oxford (pictures below), and go to a concert by yourself. Why not? I did. I saw Temper Trap on September 19th in a little venue: pretty fun. I even sold a spare ticket to a couple of guys and hung out with them at a pub before the show while they got a little drunk. Bet that sounds like an ideal evening for a Mormon :)

I LOVE this red ivy:

Just outside of the scope of this picture on the left, there was a couple cuddling, along with a lone man who was clearly not with them sitting very strangely close to the pair. I may be a loner, but I take solace in the fact I'm not that socially weird. I tried to snap an inconspicuous shot, but it was in vain.

MUSE

2009-11-30T23:04:00.006Z

Things I highly recommend:

Seeing Muse Live
Seeing Muse Live in London
Seeing Muse Live in London with General Admission seats
Seeing Muse Live in London with General Admission seats, and being 4 people away from the stage center (see pic below)

Things I don't highly recommend:

Seeing Muse Live in London with General Admission seats if you are (a) claustrophobic (b) mind getting pummeled by fellow fans (c) don't like the idea of being drenched head to toe in sweat (yours and especially other folk's sweat)
Standing behind a large guy who jumps on top of your feet all night
Getting your uninsured iPhone stolen from your front pocket at the Muse concert which will cost you about $500 to replace

Pic from iPhone (about an hour before it was stolen):

Picture of my bruised feet a full WEEK after the concert (lots and lots of jumping up there in the front):

A long clip from their set that night; if you look close I bet you can see the butt head who was stole a bunch of people's phones...

PS Anyone interested in seeing them in Wembley stadium September 2010? My friend and I together have a dozen tickets :)

Virtual Slap in the Face

2009-11-30T22:44:00.006Z

Sometimes technology helps us communicate. A lot of times it helps us avoid each other. And most the time, even the best forms of communication lead to miscommunication or problems...Like when you send an email or text to the wrong person. Yeah, we've all been there.

Anyway, I know you won't believe me when I say this, because it's a "my friend" story which usually means it happened to the person telling the story, but really, I have a friend which encountered the following: several flirtatious texts back and forth to a person of interest were sent. Said female friend sent one implying a date...and the responder didn't respond. For a full day.

If that's not a virtual slap in the face, I'm not sure what is. As is usual, I find a graph best describes ones feelings in said situation:Note: Thankfully said conversation has been smoothed over and a lunch date has been promised. But man, that kind of stuff shouldn't be part of the game 'cause that's just emotional torture.

When in Rome...

2009-11-27T01:35:00.002Z

I went to Rome, and it was fabulous. I ate a lot of gelato, saw a lot of attractive men.

I also had to pay about $10 for a TINY, single-use tube of sunscreen since the airport security confiscated mine. I wish there was a way I could stick it back to the man [the man being all those tourist "friendly" places who rip you off with riiidiculous prices], but alas, I have no power. I hate being at their mercy...

All in all, I’d recommend the place :D

Since I am way to lazy to upload the massive amount of pictures again, check out the album here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2303272&id=17806915&l=a634213265

Halloween. Boom.

2009-11-27T00:40:00.006Z

Green shirt, green tights, little boys "Boom" briefs + cardboard covered in foil + several hours of shopping and construction = Priceless Halloween costume

I [proudly] present my [amazing] Halloween costume for 2009. Continuing my [impressive] tradition of homemade outfits, my friend Monica and I [creatively] constructed Mrs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfits. I went as Mrs. Rafael. Kowabunga dude!

Yes, Monica and I did get dressed at my office an take the tube to the partay:

[Note: subliminal messaging may have been used to impress the reader even more with the hilarity of my costume]

Wales. Booyah.

2009-11-06T14:21:00.007Z

I went hiking in Snowdonia in Wales. It’s a mountain range. We hiked across Grib Coch. We named it the cradle of death.

I’m afraid of heights. It was scary.

At the top of the ridge, after rock climbing to get there (literally rock climbing up--I don't have pics of this part but I swear it was straight up), this is how I was moving (except even slower):

You’d be holding onto dear life too. I was too pansy to carry a camera, so here are some pictures the others took. Fortunately you couldn’t see the 3,000 foot drop on either side at the top since it was foggy. Bless you, fog.

The crew:

The view:
Another view:

View #3

Kate climbing up towards the ridge:

A bum shot of me climbing up to the ridge:
Beginning of the ridge:

I'm not prejudice against the disabled, but com'on....

2009-11-05T14:18:00.003Z

I’m pretty settled in my place now, but realized I never blogged about my move along with my “differently-abled” moving man I hired.

I’d bought some furniture from a classified ad, and also hired a “man with a van” service to transport said furniture. When I met my mover at the house to pick up the stuff, the aforementioned “man with a van” stepped out of the van, along with his one leg and set of crutches. Yes, he was a one-legged mover. I’m not kidding.

Thanks the kind stranger walking by my flat later on who helped me unload my furniture.

Welcome to the city that never sleeps

2009-10-15T01:09:00.005+01:00

I think I've realized why people never sleep in large cities: because they are infested with mice thus creating frightening nightmares when one does attempt to get some shut eye.

I speak from experience. My flat isn't ghetto, but yet still there is a mouse (or mice) who had found its way into our kitchen. Ok, could be worse...and it fact it is.

This has happened 3 or 4 times where I wake up to a scratching noise from inside the ceiling above my bed. Mind you, the vaulted ceiling is very low here in my room, so this mouse is literally separated by 1" of drywall from landing on my sleeping face. Shudder. As usual, find a graph best describes my situation.

I'm too scared to plant mouse traps, and have no real idea how I could catch one inside a wall anyway (our food is secure, so it's coming in from outside).

Completely irrelevant side note: anyone interested in visiting me and staying at my humble abode :)

Romantic Comedies

2009-10-15T00:17:00.008+01:00

I saw a preview for a romantic comedy the other day. Looked formulaic, cheesy and only slightly funny. But...of course I immediately wanted to see it!

I knew the plot after about 10 seconds of the preview which made me ponder and eventually realize that romantic comedies really come down to one simple equation (click on image to read):

Now, I just need to get some funding from a studio, hire a few well known Hollywood faces, and make my fortune...

PS Yes, I did think of and make this chart myself. It took a long, long time to realize and articulate the complexities that are woven into this genre of motion pictures [sarcasm].

Ode to Sour Patch Kids

2009-10-14T23:21:00.004+01:00

I follow a lot of blogs, and several of them are of my married friends, some who even have babies now days. Strange how time flies by.

Anyway, I've noticed how these folks get to post about about their wedding anniversary, birthdays or "firsts" for their babies and the like, and they share their happiness and love for them. It's touching, endearing and makes me think of my first love: sour patch kids.

Sour patch kids, I love you because

you have a sour exterior, but really your sweet on the inside
your so colorful and multi-faceted
you're "a fat free food" which helps dispel any guilt in eating you
you set a great example by always smiling even when if you're missing a limb or two
you're like the giving tree: when people think you've given everything you can, there's still that pile of sour sugar at the bottom of the bag that brings enjoyment
you never interrupt a movie we're watching together by talking, or even making that loud crunching sound like popcorn
you're patriotic: as a loyal American, it's tough to find you outside of your homeland
you've made me tough inside and out: through our years of being together I can now eat a whole bag and my tongue won't be raw, nor will I feel sick to my stomach

I love you sour patch kids! Thanks for being you.

Customer Service

2009-09-29T21:33:00.005+01:00

When I call a phone help center

I pressed one to speak in English

I pressed 4 because I’m a current customer

I entered by 10 –digit account number

I entered the last 4 digits of my social security number

I pressed 7 because this was a billing issue

Entered the zip code on my billing address

Entered my 10 digit phone number

I pressed 0 about 15 times to try to skip the menu options and just talk to someone to no avail

I pressed 3 because the bill was overcharged

I pressed 2 because I had already paid the bill when I found the mistake

I pressed 1 because I wanted a refund of my overcharged bill

Waited on hold with a 60 second clip of elevator music looping for 8 minutes, only to be interrupted every 30 seconds with “Thank you for calling. We appreciate your patience. All of our customer service representatives are busy at the moment, please remain on the line and our first available representative will be with you shortly.”
Have the following conversation:

Brijesh: “Hi my name is Brijesh. Can I have your first and last name please?”
Me: “Shannon Marquardson”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson, are you a current customer with us?”
Me: “Yes.”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson, what can I help you with today?”
Me: “You overcharged me on my bill and I want a refund.”
Brijesh: “Ok Ms Marquardson. Let me pull up your details. Can you give me your 10 digit account number?”
Me: “Sure, it’s XXXXX-XXXXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. Now please give me the last 4-digits of your social security number?”
Me: “Ok, it’s XXXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. Now please give me your current mailing address.”
Me: “It’s XXXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. And what is your current billing address including the zip code?”
Me: “It’s XXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. And what’s your contact phone number on file?”
Me: “It’s XXXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. Just a few more security questions. What’s your mother’s maiden name?”
Me: “It’s XXXX”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream, your childhood best friend’s middle name, the name of your first pet and the model of your first car?”
Me: “[Sigh] it’s XXXX, XXXX, XXXX and XXXX. That’s right Brijesh, my favorite ice cream flavor is not chocolate.”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. Now please tell me, the amount of your last bill, the payment date of your last bill?”
Me: “It was XXX dollars, paid on XX.”
Brijesh: “Thanks Ms Marquardson. Let me finish pulling up your account details....[pause for 2 mintues]...Ms Marquardson, I'm sorry to say but it looks like our system is down so I can't adjust your bill. You'll have to call us back later. Thank you for calling."

*Note: OK, so this wasn't an actual conversation/situation. Just a compilation of many I've had.

Random Thoughts...Seriously

2009-09-18T00:33:00.008+01:00

I read a really funny email the other day pointing out some funny things in life. I might forward it and go against my carnal rule of never forwarding email forwards...let me know if you want it.

Anyway, it got me thinking and here's my latest list of random life insights (written by me):

When I hear my ringtone in a car of people, I think “ah, someone else has my ringtone! They have good taste.” Then I realize it’s my phone.

When I have a bag of candy and someone asks for some, when I say “Sure, take as much as you’d like” I really mean "If you take more than three pieces, or a red one…I will be bitter.”

Whenever I walk confidently across the street, there’s always a stealthy cab that zips around the corner that promptly honks at me. Whenever I hesitate, the only thing coming around the corner is a street sweeper, but since I hesitated I feel the need to wait, as grannys in walkers pass me by and walk across.

I can’t understand people who put the toilet roll paper on backwards. It goes over the top people….com’on!

I’m always too impatient to use the hand blow dryer, so I wipe my wet hands on my jeans. Unfortunately that makes me look like an idiot with wet hand prints on my thighs. Apparently I haven’t learned my lesson that 30 seconds is worth it.

Why was the soap in school growing up the dry, gritty pink stuff. Was is really that much cheaper than liquid soap? It was probably just pink-dyed sand that scraped off your skin, and the germs with it. Anyone else have that stuff at school growing up?

Fact: bacon in the UK is always served raw. Seriously...raw. It makes me shudder to think of biting into a BLT sandwich and finding pure, raw gristle instead of crispy goodness.
I will never shake your hand if I see you picking at your feet in public. Yes, there are those who whip off their shoes at the earliest opportunity and play with/pick at their feet. [shudder]

Bugs fly in through an open window with so little effort yet it takes them hours of buzzing on the window to find the opening again.

Ipod headphones magically are in knots every time I get them out as if I had spent hours tangling them up when I took them off 20 seconds ago.

Scissors in packaging you need scissors to open. Seriously.

Internet phone help lines that tell you to go on their website.

Signs for blind people without braille on them. I've seen them.

When I grab a paper towel from the dispenser and ten automatically fall out, I put the extra ones the wet counter. Look at me trying to stop wasting and help the environment, as if someone will use wet towels from the counter...

A bad night's rest

2009-09-18T00:20:00.006+01:00

What do you call daydreaming when it's at night? Night dreaming? Because last Thursday night I spend a solid 5 hour night dreaming about sleeping in a real bed instead of a bench at the airport. I shouldn't complain though since I got to spend the next four days in Rome :)

I promise pictures are to come. Let me say one thing though: if you haven't been, you should go.

Tip: Check out this link for the ins and outs to sleeping in airports! It's pretty neat. http://www.sleepinginairports.net/

Ok, so obviously this picture isn't of me. My situation was slightly better. I didn't have the anti-sleeping arm rests, but I was in a circular bench with half my body on the bench and the other on a few folding chairs. Ghetto.

Watch out...

2009-08-16T23:30:00.004+01:00

Operation: RHB (Rock Hard Body) starts tomorrow. In one month, I'll be beach ready...for the beach on the Thames.

Oh, and on another note, Operation: Stop Procrastinating starts next week.

Animal Party = Wild

2009-08-16T23:16:00.004+01:00

Birthday party this weekend for Hayley Smith was animal themed. Clearly, I felt the desire to dress up as my favorite animal: the Liger, bred for its skills in magic.

All you need is some hairspray, brown eye-liner and 2 pound leopard leg-warmers from Primark.

I don't talk to people when I'm walking up stairs

2009-07-31T14:40:00.004+01:00

...and this is why.

It's been established, by a reputable source (me), that my shortness of breath increases at a higher rate then the average person. Thus, leading to my hitting the "embarrassment" threshold much faster than the average person. For the visual learners, here's a graph to show you what I mean:

Unfortunately this leads to awkwardness. There are a lot of stairs here in London. I thought I was done with the fake-coughing or ask-the-other-person-a-question-so-you-don't-have-to-talk stage when I left Brigham Young University and it's campus that is on a hill (dear Tanner building...you with all your stairs). Ah, those were the days: trying to flirt with that cute guy from Bio on your walk to class whilst stifling your huffing and puffing.

PS Yes, I did say whilst. It sounds so proper.

Whiteness

2009-07-31T14:17:00.003+01:00

I was once told my skin color is a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10: 1 being Albino, 10 being an olive-toned caucasian. Obviously this was from a fellow market researcher, hence the numbered scale, and no there wasn’t bias since said person didn’t know I could hear him :)

I’ve lived with white skin all my life that no amount of sun will change (unless it means to red). Trust me people, I just don’t get tan. No, seriously. Trust me. And yes, I know it. Thankfully the comments of “wow, you’re white” subsided in childhood. Apparently adults don’t feel the need to point out the obvious. Adults know that a) I have looked in the mirror once or twice in my life, b) I have looked at the color of my arms before even without a mirror once or twice in my life and c) I’m not colorblind and even if I was I would still be able to tell that I am white, so I don’t need a reminder of the degree of my paleness.

Anyway, the good news about all this is that I went to a pool party the other Saturday and of the caucasians in the group, I was average! That’s right folks, I’m normal here and I didn’t need a slathering of fake tan to feel comfortable wearing shorts.

While I might sound bitter or overly focused on the color of my skin, I’m really not. I’ve accepted it and while I may venture to do the mystic fake tan booth once in a blue moon, I’m saving myself the hassle of fake-tan-stained sheets and possible orange tinted skin while I’m here in London, home of the English Rose. Furthermore, I find comfort that in the 1200s in China, I would be deemed as Nobility for my shade of skin.

I’ve always thought China in the 1200s would suit me well. Especially if "fatter" was in back then. Ugh. Why was I born in 1984? Maybe because I couldn't live without modern appliances like toilets...

Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars with the bad fake tan blues.

4th of July London Style

2009-07-05T02:35:00.014+01:00

I'm pretty proud. Not just of America (I love you!), but also of my sign of mockery I had the guts to make and take pictures with at Buckingham Palace.

Poster board = 3 pounds; Markers = 5 pounds, Making the sign = 1 hr. Amazing photo op on the 4th = priceless.

Side 1:

Side 2:

Also, on another note, I've finally gotten around to downloading some of my pics. With the amazingly hot weather here (which becomes oppressive/unbearable heat in the tubes), I've had a chance to roam around the city every day after work this past week. The parks are crowded, there was a free opera broadcast in Trafalgar Square. Needless to say, I'm enjoying the long days with great weather. If only there was air-conditioning (coming to tubes summer 2010!)

Tower Bridge (NOT London Bridge)

Oxford Circus all lit up at night:

St Paul's:

Door the salon where the Queen herself has her hair done. Just kidding...this is just a very red door.

The Houses of Parliament after a really beautiful sunset. Unfortunately, this pic doesn't do it justice. Sorry, I just don't have the skills yet. I do have other skills, like bow-hunting skills, computer hacking skills...

Southbank

London Eye

Hyde Park