My Personal Motto

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

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

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

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

Passive Aggressive?

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

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

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.