Electing A President

John McCain took Flordia as the most popular candidate for the Republicans. He is 71 years old, a Vietnam vetern and called an "American hero" by New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianai and is also endorsed by California Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger.

Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are also plodding along in the race - both winning different states for different reasons. The candidates have said their popularity among voters has nothing to do with race or gender but I disagree. Several 'man on the street' quotes from voters were recorded as: "I plan to vote for Obama because I would never vote for a woman." And even though some people would never say it to a reporter there are others who will vote for Hillary because they will not vote for a black candidate.

So where does that leave the race for Commander in Chief? I am surprised that McCain has gained popularity. I respect his record and service in the war but is he too old to be the President of the United States? Most male Americans begin to battle health issues in their 70s and must take time to rest and gather energy for world travel and changes in time zones. On the other hand, perhaps the other candidates are too young or lack exeperience with America at war?

McCain strikes me as the candidate that is closest to President Bush in background, style, manner and vision. (I will gladly be corrected here if you have another opinion.) Is that what Americans want? We are a conservative country and we might be ready for a change but not that much of a change(?). Maybe the democratic party has turned the race into a bit of a circus (in one ring Clinton in the other ring Obama) too early so voters have thrown up their hands and look to McCain for something else?

I registered yesterday for absentee voting but I still haven't decided who I'll be voting for. How many people are still undecided? My visit to the states was brief but even after 5 days I was baffled listening to the candidates and the politics behind the race for office. The contest right now seems to be more about the candidates and not what they stand for or how they will lead the US to better times.

A Collection

I did something that was very hard for me to do a couple of weeks ago. I donated all of the books I had accumulated in London over the past year and a few months to a charity shop. It was 2 extra large suitcases full of glorious books. Volumes that had meant something to me. I try to pass my favorite books on to someone else but you can only give away so many used books.

I sniffle to think of the wonderful library I could have if I had kept all of those books. I decided to donate them because I didn't want to have to eventually transport them. Plus, I just don't do well with clutter and since I don't have proper bookshelves the urge to give away and clear out takes over. Perhaps one day they could have met my collection of books left behind at my parent's home in Columbus, Ohio.


To placate myself I commit to boycott the donation of books. Joining the everlasting book collection this month: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. My dear friend Alicia sent this to me. I just finished Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall (wonderful old satire which delves into the funny side of the essential breeding and manners of the British) given to me as a gift for the wonderful family I used to nanny for. I am also getting into Pete McCarthy's travel book McCarthy's Bar which chronicles his travels through Ireland.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs

I've seen some interesting signs in London but this one tops all. Strolling through South London near The Strand after lunch with my pal Maureen, I walked past this notice. "Please do not leave your rubbish on this wall." The maker of the sign felt compelled to specify teabags as one of the items that should not be left on the wall. Does this happen often? Londoners on their way to work often stop off here to drop their teabag? I hung around to see if I could observe anything that might serve as an explanation. Nothing. In fact, no one was even smoking a fag in the vicinity. I guess the sign is deterrent enough...

Hurricane Survival

We survived the storm!

While in Orlando, my mother and I went to the Tommy Bahama Tropical Cafe. Before our late lunch we ordered the famous Hurricane drinks. They came out with little umbrellas stuck into juicy lime wedges. The waiter explained that mine (pink umbrella) was a category 5 hurricane and mom's (blue umbrella) was a category 3. Cheesy - but cute.



For lunch, I tried the special which was a salad on field greens and rocket, red peppers and mango with seared medium rare tuna. The side was wasabi and hot sauce yum.



Mom went with the Chicken Salad Junkaroo which was chicken salad tossed with celery, corn, mayo, scallions, monteray jack cheese, grapes and lime juice. It was served with delicious seasonal fruit.

Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista includes high rises of nice suites in a resort setting. It is positioned on Nick Faldo's golf institute. Golfers can try 9 holes and learn from the pros by booking a weekend of lessons. I don't play golf but I enjoyed watching the wildlife and seeing a bit of sunshine. After seeing the DANGER notice about feeding the Alligators I kept an eye out for the sneaky creatures but didn't see any.

Good Times in FL

My parents and I took advantage of some of the lovely places in Orlando. We went to the restaurant Citron on Friday evening and even ordered dessert (chocolate mouse with mango filling). We enjoyed every minute of it and toured the Ritz which is joined to JW Marriott. Even the arrangements on the tables are gorgeous with orchids and bird of paradise.


The drive up to JW Marriott includes huge live flower arrangements with roses and orchids.

Direct Injection

I tend to be a bit forgetful. I wish I could remember to do a 'walk through' before hotel check-out to make sure I have packed everything. When I stayed at the La Quinta Airport (budget prices) the other night I left behind my GHD beloved flat iron.
(Girl's best friend hair appliance.) Thank goodness my mom asked to borrow the item the other day and I noticed it was gone. I called the hotel and was saved by housekeeping. The flat irons have a UK plug so they really can't be stolen and used in the US without a converter -bonus!

Mom and I set out today to retrieve what I left behind. We shuffled into the red Caddy which my mother had rented. The car is a stark contrast to the Kia Picanto I drove on Monday with the endearing manual roll down windows. The CTS does not require a key for the ignition. Instead, you must be in range with the key fob and the car turns over using the lever in the gear shift. Very cool.


The car also boasts 'Direct Injection' with a fuel-injected engine that purrs. We found La Quinta after I gave wrong directions and suggested a route that put us 10 miles away from our destination. I would never boast to be good with a map but we got the GHD back. In fact, I turned up at the housekeeping office myself and after collecting the goods ran down the stairs, along the corridor to the parking lot. One of the maintenance workers shouted to me to "Slow down!" Felt like I was sprinting down the halls at school. Such a rebel...

Primo Orlando

Orlando is gorgeous. The weather is warm and we have seen the sun peek in and out of the clouds all day. Last night my parents and I went to a lovely dinner at Primo an Italian-inspired restaurant by chef Melissa Kelly. The place is swank because it is dedicated to organic menu items and everything is made with products from the vegetable and herb gardens on-site.


We tried: Roasted Baby Beets salad - local organic tangerines, toasted pistachios, turtle creek goat cheese and oil cured olives with hammock hollow lettuces

Pansoti & Maine Lobster with pumpkin and butternut squash stuffed ravioli, toasted pumpkin seeds and buttery lobster sauce.

The signature dish which was Sauteed Scaloppine of Pork Saltimbocca in a sage infused mushroom madeira jus with prosciutto, spinach and roast garlic mash.

Daddio had the Porcini Rubbed and dry aged new york strip with truffled risotto cake, wilted greens, black trumpet mushrooms, crosnes and scallion butter

The chef sent out a tiny bit of dessert (compliments) after the plates were cleared away. We tried lavender infused short bread and dark chocolate pieces made with cinnamon and chili. Wow. The after taste was hot but sweet.

In The Bin

I cannot believe how I can get myself into such a pickle. Yesterday while trying to find a hotel in Orlando (my travel plans had changed), I lost my wallet.

I had it when I walked into the first hotel to ask about vacancies. Nope. I proceeded to the next spot. When I got to the front desk, they had a room so I went for my wallet and it wasn’t there. (!) I frantically went out and searched the car, drove back to the first hotel, looked in the parking lot and gave my cell phone number to the poor woman behind the desk in case someone turned it in.

I had no money, no cards and no way to get a place to stay or something to eat. Luckily, in times like these, family agrees to help out. I got a CC number from my mother and set about driving the rental car around until I could find free WiFi. I booked a room online just before the battery on my computer died.

After checking into the hotel I called and cancelled all of my cards - which is such a process and a real pain in the neck. Then, I sat in my hotel room feeling very sorry for myself but overall wishing I wasn’t such an idiot. Did my wallet vanish into thin air? I applied for more jobs online, wrote a bit for the book I’m trying to organize and kept thinking. (Wallet – where?)

Even when I laid my head on my pillow around 10pm I couldn’t sleep for thinking about my wallet. It contained my social security card, my driver’s license and other important business cards and insurance cards. I really needed it back. I retraced my steps in my mind. What else did I do between the time when I had my wallet and lost it? ...

I sat up with a surge of adrenaline. I remembered throwing away some trash at the first hotel I tried to check into. I jumped out of bed, threw on some shoes and in my PJs, sped back to the other hotel. Screeching to a halt in the front drive I stumbled out of the driver’s seat and ran to the trash can. I peered inside. Internal dialog: Okay, you can do it. Start digging. You might be able to find your wallet. What if it isn’t in there or they’ve dumped the trash? Well, if they’ve dumped the trash I’ll have to go through the dumpsters. This looks really gross. I can’t do it…yes you can.

I ripped the lid off of the can and started shoveling trash around. Disgusting and embarrassing. I’m sure I looked like a homeless heroin addict digging for a treat. (Orlando is not a city where you would normally someone trifling through the trash in front of a nice hotel.) After pushing cups and used napkins and bags around, lo behold – my dumb wallet. Everything was in it and I felt as if I’d won the lottery. Not making eye contact with anyone in the vicinity, I jumped back into my rental Kia Picanto and raced off. (Imagine a scooter engine sound…reeeeeeeeeeeee.) What a moron. I tossed my wallet into the bin with my other trash early that afternoon. I don’t know what stroke of genius made me think of it but thank goodness.

Here’s to a world traveler who has managed to protect her wallet always while surfing foreign countries but throws it away in Orlando. I blame jet lag.

Behind The Wheel

I miss driving the roads of the US.

Today I picked up my economy-sized Budget rental car and sat behind the wheel for a minute. I had to re-aquaint myself with the left side of the car. Driving in London has confused me slightly but as soon as I backed out of the parking space it was on. I felt such freedom driving down the interstate with the music on. No matter that I was driving a KIA Picanto, I felt like I was behind the wheel of a luxury machine.

Too bad the radio stations were a bit iffy. Plenty of Christian Joy and Country music but nothing 'spot-on' for a nice drive.

Sunny Florida

A few things about being on this side of the pond:

1. The customs officer said "Welcome Back!" when he stamped my passport. That feels nice.
2. I saw the sunset tonight and the colors were gorgeous.
3. I sneezed in the shuttle to the hotel and 2 men said loudly and with no reservation: "God Bless You!"
4. House Hunters is on HGTV right now and I couldn't be happier.
5. It is warm outside. Ahhhh.

Guest Blog: Exes and Ohhhs

My dear friend sent a guest blog entry today. She has her own online space but would rather keep a personal post a bit less out in the open. Enjoy:

Ever seen that movie, Groundhog Day? The one where Bill Murray basically lives the same day over and over until he gets things right?

Some days I wish I had the chance to re-live a day from my past, if only for the opportunity to make things right with someone.

My past is filled with a short but memorable list of ex-boyfriends. These men encompass a wide range of personalities and interests, and yet somehow I am still astonished I was interested in each of them in the first place. Looking back on it, one ex had far too much testosterone and aggression for my taste. I fell in love with another man who in hindsight was just too pretty - the perfect body, the perfect tan, the perfect highlights - he had the same grooming habits as any good Kentucky sorority girl.

I think about these boys all the time. Sometimes it's a Red Hot Chili Peppers tune that pulls the trigger on a memory-inducing chemical in my brain. Other times its something less specific - I can't always put a finger on what made me think of one of my exes Is it my subconscious? but I can always count on the daily, spontaneous thought of a man from my past.

It's funny - I realize now I was too good for some of these men. Just the other day one of my exes called to say he had moved to my area. We chit chatted and he asked me to stop by the store where he is a salesman. This particular ex didn't leave me with too much heartache so I suggested we meet up for a beer instead. That's when he told me he might not be allowed out - because he has a girlfriend.

Seriously. Does he think I'm going to bite on that one?

I thought about it and settled in to the idea that I was glad we didn't make it. Glad because he has too much baggage (a little boy, a baby mama, no college education) and I continue to evolve into a better, more complex person with higher expectations.

My expectations have forced me to be quite selective, and ergo quite single over time. I think these days I would pass on most of the men from my past - all save for one.

I would do anything to get a do-over with him. When my days are numbered and I crank out my memoirs, I am certain he will go down in the books as the one that got away. The man with whom I made a couple careless mistakes and scared off.

Yeah, he's my Groundhog Day guy. I'd love a chance to re-live those days - or any one of those days - for a chance to get things right. A year and a half later and still I think about him every day, and the few fleeting moments we had together, and long for another chance.

The crazy thing is - I know he thinks about me almost every day, too.

We don't talk. We don't email. Instead we keep in touch through that nebulous, modern-day reality of Internet Stalking. His IP address shows up on my blog stat counter almost every day. Religiously, he checks in with my deepest, darkest thoughts and my silly contemplations and he knows - he can read the subtlety to surmise I am thinking of him, too. And I keep tabs on him - I visit his MySpace page only after he's visited my blog four or five times.
And every time I wonder why I'm looking - is it because I'm wistful? Is it because I'm regretful? Is it because I am masochistic?

Overheard On The Bus...

With my nanny job (which has now ended) I used to ride the bus. I rode the bus to Camden Town the other night after work to meet up with my dear friend Thabang. While riding the 168 previously, I've noticed a regular rider who is young British teen. She can talk faster than anyone I've heard and she speaks the Chav slang perfectly. I was able to whip out my pad and pen the other night and jot some of it down. Imagine a British accent, mock speed (the "yeahs" are inserted into every pause):

That's the difference. I'm feeling a bit sensitive, yeah?
I said - yeah - whatever - yeah. It's just the fact that it just - in'it?
Cause you know what I'm saying. I just don't need them - yeah - you know whatever - in'it? I'm feeling sensitive though and she's like - yeah - whatever - yeah - in'it?
I spoke to my mom now and she's like - yeah - in'it? I don't think nuthin' of it - yeah? Everyone was like whatever - yeah - in'it?

On the same bus a young man was having this conversation on his cell phone:

Well who is it? I know its a surprise but is it a man or a woman? Well, how are they dressed? So they come out of a box? Just tell me...is it Steve? Is it Mary? Is it Deann? Do they have long hair or short hair?

Wild, hey? You gotta love riding public transport in this city. You get tiny snippets into the private lives of others. Hilarious.

Can 'Big Brother' Help Solve Crime?

I am astonished at how many cameras there are in London watching what people do. My friends complain daily about receiving traffic fines in the mail. They are usually caught on camera turning down a no-traffic road or driving in a bus lane. If you are snapped in the offense, the London traffic department sends a nice £60 ticket to your address complete with close up shots of whatever you did wrong. This means Police officers are not out searching for traffic offenders they are busy doing other things (without issued hand guns mind you).

My first instinct is to complain about the way London's traffic cameras govern the city. But on closer look into London's CCTV (Closed Circuit Cameras) I've found redeeming qualities that might outweigh the bad.

London's many cameras (deemed Big Brother by locals) may help solve crimes. A Suffolk man is now on trial for the murder of 5 prostitutes in the UK. He had an alibi of driving his wife to work and going home on the evening of one of the killings. Now footage from CCTV cameras show he was actually cruising the Red Light district around the time when and where the victim went missing. His story was a lie and Big Brother proved him wrong.

In METRO today (London's free morning newspaper) I read today about a camera that caught clues to a man's murder. Seems a gang of youth are being questioned about the beating death of a guy in a local neighborhood. The camera doesn't show the crime but the sound from the beating and the voices of the teens were caught on tape. The evidence may be used to convict the criminals.

It's exciting times when a digital camera has the ability to support a guilty verdict in the courts. But at what cost? London's cameras catch the good and the bad on tape but how often is the material used to fine traffic offenders and how often does it solve crime? The Telegraph published a report in October of this year saying that London's extensive network of CCTV is only 80% effective "and that the cameras are mostly used to trap motorists rather than catch criminals."

I don't have to worry much about the cameras for traffic offenders since I don't have a car but they are on every train and Tube watching my journey home. Should Londoners feel creeped out or protected?

Sunny Florida

I cannot contain my excitement. I'm headed to Orlando, Florida in just a couple of days. I will be back across the pond for a week of sunshine, job interviews, a Visa extension and time with my parents (who I miss very much).

The weather report seems okay with mid 70s expected. Yahoo.

Guest Blogger - Anonymous

One of my best friends who shall remain ANON sent a hilarious post. She is getting ready to move temporarily for work and is a bit stressed. Enjoy.

My vote for your blogger's block is the QUARTER LIFE CRISIS.

I like to keep revisiting it. Of course, if I'm in the quarter life crisis, I'm going to live to 124, so we'll call this my 1/3 life crisis...that only puts me at 93. Since you were there for my official 1/4 life breakdown, you have a DV invitation this one. Whatever.

We women are always looking for some sort of an excuse, you know? You're born, get cranky and it's just she's teething or sleepy or hungry or needs her diaper changed. Then it's because she's a teenager...then the glories of PMS, pregnancy, "the change" or whatever the hell they're calling it these days and then when you're old as dirt you can say whatever you want and no one cares because you're old and they're afraid to piss you off because you might keel over at any second. Today we'll just say I'm teething. Why not. That's a great excuse I've not used in a while. And it beats the hell out of I need my diaper changed.

My house is dirty, still not quite recovered from the remodeling, hubby is asleep for an early show. I have approx 5 pages of crap to get done before we go. And I've been hungry for 5 straight days. They know me by name at the local gas station, because I show up in the am for coffee and in the pm for my Skor bar. Because I'm too lazy to buy groceries. And I've decided to eat everything I love in my city before I'm reduced to cafeteria food for six straight months. Maybe it'll be the diet I've longed for. Better than diarrhea. But I'll probably get that, too, because it's a foreign country and I'm a human petri dish. Speaking of petri dish, my arm is also about to rot off from a shot. And good Lord the itch! There's a whole pack of sandpaper in the garage I want to just rip across my upper left arm.

And acquaintances are going to be living in our house ...symbiotic relationship -- they need a place to live and Lance and George need roommates because they don't have opposing thumbs to let themselves out to pee. And I'm so grateful for them, but the controlling side is rising up in me wondering if they're going to take care of our house and our kids, I mean dogs, just like we do.

So in the midst of that, I decided to watch about 5 episodes of Law and Order: SVU...because that's happy thoughts. Rapes and murders. Way to cheer yourself up. I'm not really down, just floating for lack of a better word. I'm stressed, anxious, already sad about missing home and the dogs and winter (did you ever think I'd say that. I'm taking a riveting grad class this semester about middle east politics (how appropriate). But after the first week, I'm already getting the vibe there's really not a lot of love in there for my profession. I don't want to launch into the politics BS...but academia has a gift for living in the ivory tower and Monday morning quarterbacking. This is not to say that the US does everything right and that we've not brought any of this stuff on ourselves...but it's cool to bash the US and Israel right now. And I, as always, want to play Devil's advocate. My professor is a really young attractive lady who has a strong habit of being ridiculously demeaning. It seems she's had a lot of experience traveling in the region and studying (finishing up her PhD from Boston Univ), but she, too, seems to do that hypocritical academic thing of snubbing every idea but her own while saying out the other side of her mouth she's all about academic freedom. Sometimes in life/society one must make a decision and go with it. Academia never really has to do that, so they just don't get it sometimes. Don't worry, I'm playing nice. I swear.

And, you're right, I'm totally excited. I want to go hop on that plane right now and say to hell with all that I have to do around here. I've found cool little sheets on sale to put on my tiny twin bed and a comfy microfleece blanket (you know, for when it's 117 at night). And some cozy house shoes. And pictures to make it home and more books than the library over there probably has.

Guest Blogger - Chris

Chris sent a write up about his Most Memorable Vacation:

I've been to just about every state in the southeastexcept Louisiana and Mississippi, Philadelphia,Cincinnati, Washington D.C. and my last real vacationwas to Indianapolis in 2001. Oddly enough, I've neverbeen further west than Nashville.

As for my most memorable vacation, it was my sophomore year in high school way back in October of 1991. My family had previously planned to take a trip to the Bahamas during the summer, but the AC didn't work. So the heat was absolutely unbearable. One girl even passed out and I understand she had a heart condition. We sailed from Cape Canaveral to Freeport. I will never forget the awful sea sickness. We spent about a week on the island of Grand Bahama. We did the basic sightseeing of the place and it was thrilling to see the clear blue water. I also had the opportunity to taste real coconut milk.

I eventually want to make a return trip to the Bahamas as well as visiting the Caymans, Barbados and manyother islands there.

Chris

Blogger's Block

I have been trying to think of a good post. Nothing comes to mind. I'm afraid I am suffering from blogger's block.

Everything is just fine across the pond except that the rain has to stop. We're now under flood warnings all over the UK.

So...this is an all call for a little help. Email me a few paragraphs. Speak your mind. You can choose the topic (although I'd rather not post anything to do with the Presidential election) and I'll publish it. Think of it as your chance to "guest blog." If you prefer to remain ANON just let me know.

Thanks. dldarcy@yahoo.com

Heaven on Earth

Yesterday my friends Emma and Mandy and I went into a great place for dessert (pudding) after lunch. The Cake Boy at Battersea Reach is adorable. The pastery chef Eric Lanlard is from France and is well known for his gorgeous creations. I had cheesecake on a chocolate base with marshmallows on top. Emma tried the pecan pie and Mandy had the strawberry tart. Yum yum!

Going 'Green' Brings in The Green

'Green Living' has become a marketing ploy for many companies in the UK. The Body Shop (fancy soap store) in Waterloo station is wall-papered with signs that say things like : Support Community Trade! Defend Human Rights! Protect Our Planet! Waitrose (expensive grocery store) offers only organic and free range products at high prices.

That's okay. Most shoppers now respond to this type of marketing becasue we feel guilty buying products that are not organically grown or free range. I'm just not sure that all companies that support green life are true to their motives. Companies who are jumping on the green band wagon use the message to boost profits.

It has become very popular to discuss Carbon footprints and brag about the minute changes we make to support the environment. Like a fad diet or religion, people feel the need to join forces and have passion for something. This is fine, in fact, being globally aware is going to benefit all of us forever. I just don't like to see corporations winning sales from consumers because they post a nice sign that supports Greenism (a term I just made up).

The Body Shop's products are piled into the store and plastic containers line the shelves. I cannot find on their global initiative sight where any of the containers are recycled. They also claim they products are not tested on animals when in fact the ingredients in the products are tested on animals by other companies.

I found an interesting article that says The Body Shop is not a caring, green company but a mammoth consumerism touting train. http://www.mcspotlight.org/beyond/companies/bs_ref.html What do you think? Is is okay for companies to use political messages in marketing - even if the messages aren't genuine?

London Today

It rained with sideways drops all day. The wind blew so hard my umbrella went inside out.

That happened to me once while I was doing a live report for WKRC in front of a museum. There was nothing I could do but finish the report, grin and throw it back to the anchors. It was hilarious. No worries.

The guy behind me started clipping his nails on the bus this morning and I couldn't believe it. I asked my dear grandmother to call me back last night because I didn't want to be rude to the other passengers on the train. Never mind. This guy could care less. I think some of the clippings flew onto my handbag. What can I do?

Thankfully the family I work for has a fantastic library and tonight I borrowed William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. I feel sorry for people who don't like to read or can't find the time. It is a glorious escape. If you are deep into a book, you might not even notice someone else's nail clippings stuck to your lapel.

Have a great weekend. :)

News of the Weird

For people who don't live in the same country as their family, there's a new way for everyone to see the grandkids. Seems that an 'innovative' rice shop in Japan has created rice bags that weigh the same as (and resemble) new babies. Customers are beating down the doors of the business and orders have been coming in waves.

London's METRO ran the story the other day and I did a quick Google to see if there are any other articles about the rice babies called Dakigokochi. Nope.

The owner of the shop gave an interview pointing out that the gift of rice is traditional in Japan and people can chow on the rice and keep the bag which is printed with the new kid's name and picture.

Glamour Getting Out of Control?

The writers strike in America has gone on for 9 weeks and now (gasp!) the Golden Globe awards have been cancelled.

The writers are striking to get money from DVD kick-back and use of material for new media (online marketing, blogs, websites and so on). But come on. The corporations and actors give their words a voice so let's all try to move forward. I once belonged to a union AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) that worked pretty fairly but labor disputes can be nasty things that often times do not benefit anyone in the end.

An aside: Maybe all writers should go freelance because then you have to work dang hard for each and every article/script you sell and you sell all rights for each product.

People have to strike at times to stand up for what they feel is right but I'm just asking for a bit of perspective. World perspective would be nice. At least you have a job, can make money and provide food for your family. Sheesh. And can't Tom Cruise's company give a little on his end too and help to compromise corporate greed?

People in Kenya cannot participate in democracy because if they vote for the wrong candidate, their shanty village is burned down and food supplies are held for weeks without getting to those who are starving.

Pakistan's people are also in a grid lock with unfair government practices and a former Prime Minister was recently shot to death in the street for her political views.

I don't know. I guess the issues are important to people who miss their shows but watching it unfold from London makes my think it is a bit silly compared to other world news.

Yes, This Really Happened

I was eating with Kingsley on Friday night at Chakalaka a fabulous South African restaurant in Putney. He was chowing on Broerewors (a meaty beef sausage) served on a bed of mealy pup (corn-base almost mashed-potato-like food) coated in a rich tomato sauce which is known as Chakalaka (like the restaurant). (Can I possibly add any more parenthesis? How annoying.)

Anyway, Kings had a slip and dropped food on his button-up. It left a red spot. A few minutes later the manager zipped by our table and asked how the food was. Kingsley said, pointing to his spill, "Fine except I am keeping a bit on my shirt for later." The guy smiled and said, "Oh well mate, no worries, I'm sure the young lady will sort it out." Translation: "That's okay friend, she can get the spot out when she does your laundry this weekend."

??

Now I'll admit I was quite excited that he referred to me as "young lady" but my pride couldn't let this dear man assume that I belonged at home making sure that the stains in my partner's shirts lift nicely. With a smile I mentioned: "HE DOES HIS OWN LAUNDRY." Kingsley just looked at him and grinned. He wanted to speak up but thankfully did not. I'm sure the guy meant no harm but that was the first thing that came out of his mouth. Certainly showed his idea of gender roles.

Would you be offended? Do most men still think this way?

Exploring the City

I met up with a friend yesterday at Wahaca near the Strand. Maureen found the place - one of the only Mexican restaraunts in town. We chowed on Chorizo, thyme and potato quesadillas, Espinaca tacos made with spinach, corn and feta cheese with chipotle sauce, Chicken Tinga (shredded chicken tacos) and a side of Esquitas - yellow corn cooked in lime and chili broth. Delicioso! I was expecting a London sort of version of Don Pablos but this place was designed to mirror a Mexican market experience. Very cool.

Later in the afternoon I met up with my flatmate Paul who works in the Citi Bank building in Canary Wharf. (This is the financial district where all of the high rises are located.) I scored a visitor's pass and we went to the 40th floor to check the view. The Thames appears to snake through the city and you can see Greenwich and the Millenium Dome easily from that height.

I hung around checking out the massive January sales in the Canada Square shopping mall and then when everyone finished work, we tried a few local spots. Davy's is an interesting mix of sophistication and sawdust on the floor. It's located on the water and has its own label of wine which can be ordered online.

BT Blues

I have been on hold with BT (a phone company/broad band service provider) for 51 minutes and 40 seconds. I have been transferred to 11 different people and the game continues.

I am simply trying to change our Broad Band package from Option 3 to Option 2.

The website gives customers a handy option to email in requests for changes. I did this on September 13, 2007. I received a confirmation email back with a case number saying the change has been made. Brilliant! The changes have never showed up on our bills. I emailed in and a representative sent me an email back saying there is no record on my account of me asking for a change. I replied with the case number and have heard nothing back. I am in the good fight now. (55 minutes 32 seconds now). This is appalling customer service.

If you live in London, do yourself a favor and GO WITH SKY BROADBAND!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make Life Easier in 2008...

...and buy a Duvet.

In Europe, the trend is to use a down comforter as a bed cover and you use that over a fitted sheet. No top sheet, no bedspread. You simply put a clean cover around the duvet which typically snaps or buttons up at the bottom and new fitted sheet when you are ready to change bedding. This also saves tons of time each day when you make your bed. Pull the duvet up and fluff the pillows, that's it. This option is also luxurious because the duvet is soft and if you can afford down, you've got it made.

Pottery Barn has a few expensive examples of duvet covers: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/6131312/index.cfm?clg=17&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=FRU&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Datafeed&cm_ite=All%20Products

Bringing In The New Year

We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends. We had an intimate gathering on New Year's Eve with good music and champagne for a midnight toast.

Welcome to a New Year

Resolution: a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner (Webster's online dictionary)

I really enjoy New Year's because to me it signifies a new beginning. Even though I have to suffer the consequences of mistakes made in 2007, I can mark the day with a positive decision for 2008.

Before starting this post, I planned to jot down some thoughts on the silliness of New Year's Resolutions. After looking up the definition, I've changed my mind. There's nothing wrong with making choices to improve life. But in order to be successful - the 'resolution' needs to be practical.

My goal is to make smart financial choices in 2008. This includes saving money and working towards owning property. Thank goodness I now appreciate the value of money. A city like London teaches this lesson with vengence. I eeked through 2007 on student's salary in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Along the way I've picked up tricks on how to cut costs. I plan to use a few of these techniques this year when I have a full time gig.

I also plan to visit my grandparents and family in Missouri this year.

Please share your goal for the New Year.