Coming to these Shores

On my way home today from work (yes, I know!!!!), I had the most stupid smile on my face. Because standing in a crowded tube, watching the stops roll by on my way to the NorthWest of London, and thinking about the exhausting day I had had, I could not have been happier. I was just smiling - thinking how exactly one year ago, this is not what I imagined for myself. I knew I wanted to be in London, I knew what I wanted - and now I have it. And I am genuinely, supremely happy. I feel so happy, so at home and yet thrilled with the newness and sheer oddity of it all. It is such a blast and so hard to describe but it really is the most wonderful thing in the world! And I so want to share it with all my friends.......

Without you guys, who knows where I would be but I am definitely thankful that I have you, super sad that I am not sure when next I'll be in the States but keeping my fingers crossed for Christmas time. Anyways, let me tell you about the new job. It is wonderful and I love that even though it is almost exactly like what I was doing before, I get to go home at 5:30 and stop thinking about it (they have this thing where the day actually starts around 9:30-tenish)! The people are fantastic and so friendly - plus, it is nice to argue about some academic question or the other, and the next be talking about plans for an afterwork drink or birthday celebration. Plus, with so many people from all over and so many disciplines, it really is challenging without being too overwhelming. I am loving it so much and I definitely made a good choice - the way everyone's been treating me like part of the family already, I am almost willing to believe it! smile....

Since my aunt has been away, I have also been camped out at my cousin's - doing the odd babysitting job or else helping them to organise the new house. But they leave for a bit of a holiday this week, so I am looking to fill my weekends with a little bit more fun with folks my own age. Which is perfect timing since the best bud comes into town next week and I get to have her smuggle in all the American things I can't find here (like Reese's peanut butter cups and pancake mix - seriously, they sell ready made pancakes in the supermarket bakery aisle but no pancake mix! It really is a bit odd). Plus, with the fantastic exchange rate, I may just keep all of my shopping for when I am over in America or when I can have someone bring in a couple things.

I am also loving the weather - don't think there has been one day in the eighties since I got here which makes for a really pleasant summer in my books - just pop open the window and chill, which is fabulous. I also have not really seen too much rain though I am sure I am bound to at some point or another, but that can hold off for now. I am quite happy with London, even when it is a bit windy, chilly for a summer day, and grey. It still feels like home to me, somewhere I am going to be for a very long time.

Settling In

So, I have been spending the last week before I am off to work (I know, a nine to five - scary, right?) hanging out with my cousins and helping them move from Brighton to Brixton. So, on Friday evening, I went down to Brighton via the National Rail (love it) and we had dinner right on the seaside at this great little restaurant. Hung out with them for the rest of the weekend - we went and strolled through Brighton on Saturday afternoon and then had a picnic on the beach on Sunday with some of their friends (which was fun but windy and I was not prepared for that type of weather - though it was great fun trying to fly a ginormous kite!). Went home via National Rail Sunday afternoon which was what everyone was doing it seems and got home to relax for a bit.

Monday I finally heard from the HR with a firm offer or at least, more details about the salary and I am quite happy with the proposed amount. It is enough to go looking for a place in a nice area of London and still have a little something for bills, savings, and going out. And travelling - looking forward to exploring the rest of the country and Europe. So, they asked me to come in and start next Monday (i.e. the 10th of September) and I had to wrangle some things - like a National Insurance number (think social security). Luckily, I got an appointment for nine o'clock the next morning. Not so luckily: the tube workers decided to strike that day for about three days. So, I had to find my way to the south-west of London (way way SW) by two different buses and then two seperate DRL trains. Did it but I left my house at six-thirty in the morning and still could not make it there for nine a.m. appointment. Got there, had an hour long interview, and then was free to while the time away.

Decided to go help the cousins again as they had moved into the London house but luckily, my cousin Rea was able to grab me from Heathrow (closest point we could both get to easily) and then I helped with the unpacking etc. Not surprisingly, since the tube strike was raging strong, got stuck in London with out planning to be stuck there but it was fine to "rough" it. Went home Wednesday evening, spent the night there, and then came back to the cousin's house to help some more - where I have been for the last two days putting my organizational skills to use and bumming some wireless webbing (yes, this is how you finally hear from me!).

I am excited about starting Monday and I think that I will be able to rock the job - I love the job and where it is located and I really think the group seems made up of good people - always a plus to have good colleagues surrounding you. Plus, I am going to be in London! So weird to think that just a year ago things were so different. Yes, I knew even then that I was planning to be living here at this time, but I really did it despite all the setbacks and all the things that have happened in the last year or so. And I am still looking ahead - I want my own apartment in the city by early November; I really would like to go back to Miami with the family in December and I really want my doggie to be here. I miss her so much - I miss also having a reason to be out morning, noon, and night. Much love and more later.

Part II (the sequel)

I have been missing everyone like crazy but at the same time, settling in and just walking around central london to get a feel and figure out where I want to live when I am looking for my own place. I have seen some great apartments online in Marylebone and St. John's Woods which would not be too far from work, but holding out for something in Camden itself. Yes, I want to be able to walk when ever possible and bus it when it's not. I love the tube - seems bizarre since I had that thing about trains in Chicago but go figure. Right now, it takes me about forty minutes to get from home in the NorthWest to where I will be working at University College London, so it is not too bad. And I live far enough away that there are seats!

Okay, you probably noticed I have been talking about work. Well, I had the job interview on Wednesday afternoon. Went in and just talked with the committee for a bit - was asked lots of stats and methodology questions, had some moments of maybe I am not quite sure what I am talking about, but got a good feeling. Left the interview a little after three-thirty to head home, and on my way home, was dissecting the interview with a friend. As I walk in the door (around four o'clock), my aunt meets me to say that the head of the committee just called and they want to offer me the job! I was blown away! Really makes you feel like it was worth it, you know? So, I have called them back to informally accept but waiting on the formal paperwork to know exactly how much they are offering and all that good stuff. It is a really nice group I would be working with, and I am psyched about the benefits: 30 days off a year, a london allowence per annum, and time off around christmas, easter, and august.

As for the other good stuff, I am living a bit away from the sway and swing of things as I am in the suburbs but I do get the flat all to myself in a week and will be living on my own for about a month and a half. I have already explored the surrounding environs and I have made it down to the city to explore St. Pancras/King's Cross area and where UCL is located as well as walked all along Oxford Street, looking at all the high street shops and what not. So, my goal is to just to get to know the city, walking around and having fun with it. Hope to hear from you all soon and whenever you're up, give me a ring so we can get together. It is always good to see some familiar faces...

On the Move

Hi all, just to catch you up after my month or so hiatus from the whole blogging thing - left Chicago in late July and ended up moving around a bit: first it was to Atlanta to drop off the doggie and spend some time with my family. A quiet time except for Cam trying to eat my borther's cat in the first night we were there but it was good to see my nephew and hang out with my brother and brother-in-law. By the by, I really do miss my Cam and more than anything, I am wanting to get a place on my own soon just so I know that at the earliest moment, she can be hanging out with me in London (picking up all the yummy Brit boys).

After Atlanta, it was off to Miami, which was a little less quiet. I stocked up on lots of stuff in America since it can get outrageously expensive for things and just generally had a great time seeing my best friend everyday she was in town. I had nothing else to do and definitely wanted to catch up before the daily conversations were not possible. I also got a chance to see a friend I have not seen in ages and catch up with him - made me remember why he and I were such good friends in the first place.

And then I hopped the ten hour flight to London a little over a week ago and got here Thursday morning last. Could not sleep on the plane, despite having the row to myself (I am really bad at that) but on the plus side, I saw Hot Fuzz; was freaking hilarious! And listened to a couple of albums I have been dying to hear. Even played some Tetris when I got really bored of just sitting there. Got to London Heathrow with no problems, got my luggage, and headed to my aunt's where I have been since then. I have been orienting myself to her neighbourhood (which is in the NW of Greater London) as well as getting a tour via vehicle of the city. Actually went into the city with my cousin and his wife on Saturday night for his mates' birthday party and stayed over since they have a house in the SW of London (in Clapham). Took a London cab and even tried the double decker on for size (I am in love with the city already). Managed to get to the Globe to see Merchant and stroll along the South bank a bit, went to lunch, and generally am getting used to British programming and adverts (some are so really really weird).

As for the job hunt, still ongoing though I have some interviews lined up. I am getting antsy to have some schedule (imagine me saying it, but now no one corrects me! HA!) to my life and I am really getting excited about the position I interview for next week - over 30 paid days (vacation days) and every other Friday off. That would be fantastic for roaming about when I move closer to London and just generally feeling a lot less stressed. Off for now. Love you all and you can always email when you want. Also have a great mobile plan where I can call the US for 5p a minute! I know! Only trouble is that whole time gap - I awake at indecent hours to call America and by the time I can call, I am fast asleep........

Fruition

If you know me, then you know that I have been thinking about moving to England for a while - ever since I started my graduate work, my aunt has been telling me all about the commonwealth schemes to get me to the UK to live and work for a while. And as I moved on with my studies, I kept seeing postings for positions over in the UK - from Scotland to Wales - and I thought, why not? And over the past two years, the idea became a definite probability. I started to talk about things more concretely - when instead of if - and had a time in mind (the Summer of 2007), but for all the talking, to me it still seemed this far away deal and something that was there for the taking, but maybe not mine to take.

But last week, it became a reality. It was a definite. I am moving - I am going to live in England and I am going to work in Britain and I don't think I will be back. Sure, I want to visit since I still have family and friends here, but to live? Not if I can help it (and by god, there are so many options for me to stay in the UK). So I have had these moments through out my day where I suddenly stop and think "I'll be in Britain soon!". Lying awake thinking about all the things I have yet to do or all the timelines (I am hopping all over the US before making it to London, which is fantastic but stressful - three flights in as many weeks!) that are coming up. Add to that the end of semester stresses (you know, grading and finals and wrapping up the overall course grade) and I am not anxious yet, but I do feel like I need every moment and then some to deal with it all (yes, I know, I am blogging but again, blog as therapy - it's my anxiolytic).

And of course, all the applying for jobs. Before, applying for jobs was just a laissez-faire deal - kind of testing the waters to make sure that it truly was as warm as it looked. And now, I am really putting myself out there: I know when I want to start working, I know where (though I have seriously been considering moving to Edinburgh so I can pick up a Scottish accent and see men in skirts - smile! Oh, and there is no Scottish version of Madge), and I know what I would like to be doing. So, I am applying to fun things and keeping the fingers crossed, knowing that Cel can hook me up with the temping aspect for a bit if I don't find what is right for me. More later.......

Packing Up

Okay, so it's official! I am moving to England on August 9th (I get there in the morning after an overnight flight) but of course, I am leaving Chicago much earlier than that - in about two weeks, to be exact, and I have been really busy trying to consolidate my life and get everything organized to get out of here. And I have also been looking into how to ship things over there at a really affordable price (because posting things is way too, too expensive on top of all the things I already have to pay for!)

So, one thing I have noticed, is that while I am packing boxes with my winter wear and books and assorted things, the only reason I am truly shipping anything over there is because - even after winnowing down my shoe collection - I have over forty pairs of shoes that I am not willing to part with, including the Westwood Boots and the Cole Haan Penny Loafers (yes, I am a label whore.....I know, I know). I am not willing to part with any of my beautiful shoes, though I have been warned that the majority are impractical for walking in London (more reason to make sure I look for an apartment that is as central as possible) and I have yet to wear over half of them (yes, the Puma slip-ons are taking a beating, but the Studio 9s are slipped on to be admired and then nestled back into their box), but they have to go.

Why? Because every single one of those shoes represents the person I am. Shoes have always been my friend - no matter what, I can always slip into a store and find a shoe that fits me. Wish I could say the same about clothing stores. And I can find the latest style and the more fabulous finds in a shoe store for myself - not the same with clothing for my size. So, yes, my shoes reflect the person I am and they reflect the personas I can take one - the sexy nine-to-fiver in the platform open toed slingbacks with the sexy crocodile accents or the grownup punkster with the tartan-plaid and leather strapped boots. Every single aspect of my personality you can figure out by looking down - the fact that I often feel short (sure, at 170 cms, I am not short for a girl but in my family, where siblings and dad are over six feet, I am a shrimp), the fact that I groove on forties and fifties styles (I am a peep-toed fanatic!), that I love colour and I love ornamentation (buckles and brocade and baubles, oh my!).

So, because of all that is wrapped up in my shoe collection, I am willing to spend a little under two thousand to ship a couple of boxes and a trunk over to England. Because without the collection, I would probably spend more than that trying to reclaim everything that I had to give up. Hope the Brits can love the fabulousness of it all!

Independence Day

I'm absolutely jazzed today - I got a chance to talk to my brother who had tons of good news to share with me, as well as some pointed jabs about me and my future travels (there is a reason that I am a younger sibling) but at least I still love him! And I talked with my absolutely adorable nephew who told me all about the bad dog that tried to bite him and how she had to go into time out (it was the house pet, Brandy, and she did not actually try to bite him - she was just super excited and jumped up!!!! Guess when you're a shortie even little things can seem that threatening! Smile.....)

After that, it was out into the eighty degree and rising weather with the chance of thunderstorms (no, not practicing for a job as a weather announcer but want to point out that it was slighlty humid and moist) to walk cam and go get some passport pictures taken. But of course, the hair that took me about an hour to style into a straight, glossy mass of beautiful turned into a voluminous, curly sort-of-fro in about five minutes outside. So, my hair in the pictures is slightly puffy and all wonky (my fav word of the week - some of my students even used it in their stats homework! sucking up to teach, no doubt!) but it should look better than the usual pulled back, un-face framing look I normally sport. After all, if I have to keep travelling, the pictures should at least be semi-decent. You want to have an idea of the possibility, right? Smile.

And now I get to hang out with a friend, find out what has been going on since last I saw him, and catch "Transformers" on the big screen!!!!! I am excited about catching up with my good friend, but I'm not going to lie.....I have been salivating over this movie opening and the only reason I did not go on opening night (yesterday) was because I spent all of my day meeting with students and teaching and running errands and I was so wiped out by five, that I just wanted to crash and watch very very bad telly (or maybe an apt description is "train-wreck telly" - I was watching America's got Talent and as fun as it is to see the good acts, it's the ones that are just too horrible that really make my day!). So now I am off to see it this afternoon and completely psyched. I know it will be good. I, in fact, don't doubt that it will be awesome from all the trailers I have seen and I can't help being completely geeked out about seeing my toys (okay, not mine but my brother's but again, younger child syndrome) brought to life. Long live the eighties, right? If the fashion can come back into style, why not the fun?

White Gurl World

Hi all, well things have been getting crazy as I get closer and closer to my departure date - with all the parcing down and the packing up into boxes, I am tired and hadn't realized how much crap I had collected while living here (the stuff going into boxes is not all crap - it's all the shoes I can't bear to part with!!!!). While I am doing all of this, I am also trying to hang out with all the people I won't be seeing for a while and just catching up in general with all the people I love and know I'll miss

To that end, a friend of mine had extra concert tickets to "Weird" Al and I have to admit, I totally wanted to go. I believe my exact words were "No Way! I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go" as I jumped up and down when he told me about it (you get the idea). So, last weekend, we drove to Indiana to see the show. After encountering some horrible weekend traffic (courtesy of the Dan Ryan reconstruction and Saturday afternoon driver laissez-faire), we finally hit the open road and had a pretty decent drive to the venue. When we got there, we had some time to grab a quick dinner (or in my case, breakfast - yummy!!!!) and then went to the theater to park and grab our seats.

As you guys could probably have guessed by now, I was about the only ethnic face I could see looking around and I mentioned it to my friend as we were walking in. Hmm, what is new, right? We went in, sat down, and as my friend scanned the crowd for the next ten minutes, he still could not spot anyone else who was ethnic and said as much. It was a decent sized crowd with about a thousand people there and then the show started.....

First off, you could tell it was not a rock concert because it started promptly at eight o'clock. Then there was the fact that there was no opening band and the fact that as much as there was lots of clapping and hooting and various cat-calling between (and even during) songs, everyone pretty much sat down and jammed out. But for all that, it was still a whole lot of fun. I think any concert like that is all about the spectacle and it certainly lived up to that. Between the numerous costume changes to the running video commentary on the giant screens behind the performance, it was fun and funny and all-around feel happy.

And it certainly did its job. There were songs I knew, songs I did not know - parodies and original jingles and a most marvelous extended compliation of slices of some of his most famous songs. It was too much fun and I am not ashamed to mention that a couple of times I was singing every single lyric (especially to my all time favorite song - "Bedrock Anthem"). The show ended after ten (which is quite great considering there was only one band) and as we headed home, I definitely felt more relaxed and high on a happy vibe!!! I believe the ride back was me being a little bit slap happy and may have included a little ditty about a chicken in a car that could not go and how that all related to Chicago (just ask and I'll explain)........

Well, hope I can write more sooon but since things are getting crazy, I can't make any promises

Countdown

Well, the countdown is definitely on and it's so hard to believe that in a short while I won't be around the familiar. Should be scary but I am way past that point - but I am not in the overly excited phase yet either. Trust me, you'll know when I get there.

But while I am here, I am trying to kill time by doing everything in Chicago that is strictly a must-do or must-see while enjoying the company of my friends. I am also trying to catch up on movies and restaurants since there are so many things to do in the city and not enough time. So far, my friends have introduced me to two new restaurants in the last two weeks: a great dinner place with a very innovative menu called Deeleece and a wonderful brunch place in the south loop with a Spanish flair to it. Granted, I think that the company helped to make the places that much better but I still loved the food and hoped to head back there soon.

This weekend, it was all about the new experiences. Friday night was WhirlyBall with my friends for a birthday celebration which seems like something teenagers would do, but really, probably gets better when you are a little sloppy and drunk. I did not play WhirlyBall since I was dressed to bar hop and bumper cars and I have a bad history (i'm the person who gets stuck in the corner for the entire time!) but it was great to see everyone again, since I have not seen some of these kids since New Year's. Took some great video, got to catch up with my friends, and then we header over to the birthday boy's place for some brews and more hanging out. We were trying to decided where to go from there to keep the party rolling, but I was happy to keep it low key.

Saturday, I slept in and woke up to a friend of mine asking me if I still wanted to head down to Printer's Row book fair - an annual event where lots of bookstores and printing presses show up and you can see almost every book imaginable. Since I had never been, I was game for anything, so made plans and met up with my friend. It was great to be outside as it was a perfect day and I had to stop myself from salivating at points. Thankfully, I restrained myself because I am trying to cut down the clutter at this point and did not stop at the bank to get more cash (which after my night out, meant somewhat limited cash in the wallet). I bought one book that caught my interest and was by an author I know but I wanted to pick up some first edition Andrew Lang fairytale books I saw because I do want to collect all 12 and would love to have the originals. Maybe when I move........

But as I said, it was good to be outside, and my friend and I just walked around, looking at the stalls and talking and just having a good time. Then we decided to retreat to a bar to sit and have a drink, and we just kept talking and drinking. I think after a while, we both realized it was time to get moving since we both had doggies to take out before getting other things done that day. But at least I made some more plans for this week to see a movie and also stopped at a neighbour's to make plans to see him and his significant other this week as well for dinner or brunch on the weekend. Guess I am realizing the value of reconnecting with the people I love. Wow, less than two months........seems crazy when I think of it sometimes but I am getting a little giddy.

Speed Trap

I have three more months left here, yet somehow today was the day that I started feeling like things were truly coming to an end. Maybe because everything has been in the process of getting wrapped up, that now is the time where it just feels like an ending. My mom flys in tomorrow for my graduation and I am cleaning top to bottom, which also involves throwing away alot of the things I held on to. Now more than ever is the time to let them go. But it's funny, because there are other things that are harder to let go of. It's bittersweet. I wish I could say that I was flat out excited about my upcoming move and that I am looking forward with anticipation, and a part of me is. But a part of me always looks backwards to figure out how far I have come and where I am going and that part of me is a bit sad.

A year ago, this is not where I thought I would end up. A year ago, I was moving to London to be with the person I was in love with. A year ago, I was planning on being on the verge of proposing my dissertation and leaving things going while I was gone. A year ago, I was taking huge leaps of faith and just learning to trust others wholeheartedly and not be so reserved. A year ago, things were fine and the world seemed fair.

A year later, I am moving to London but I am going there to leave behind everything I knew. Yes, that makes me sad to realize but I need something drastic and this is it. I am tired of being reminded of a year ago. A year later, and I am on the verge of tendering my resignation letter to my department and my programme. I have known for a long time that this was not for me, but I gave in to what others wanted and a year ago, I listened to everyone else and said I could stick it out. I could not, nor did I want to. A year later, and I am more reserved than I have ever been. Ask the people I know; I have no faith in others and little faith in such a thing as a fair, just world. I have lately come to see why karma can work to one's favour, but I still see no reason to give up my reservations. They have gotten me this far and I know they can take me even further. Few people can surmount them and I know fewer ever will.

At times, I regret that this is the person I have become. At times, I feel so alien to myself. I keep thinking "this is not me; this is not what I would do or say or be like" but it is me. I am coming to accept that; hell, even embrace it. Because I have gone this far and there really is not a way back. I thought there was; I thought explanations and figuring things out would help me, but they won't. What I need is to just reach for the next big thing and let no one else spoil that for me. So, I am moving - to a place where I don't know any peers, where I will be trying to make a new name and reputation for myself. I am moving - and leaving the past behind; one of my friends refers to it as being more streamlined. Perhaps, but the thing about streamlining is that nothing stays attached for long. Nothing slows you down.

Old Man Winter

So, after waxing poetic about how Spring had sprung in early March, I was left wondering where it had gone after St. Patty's day - maybe the patron saint had not just driven out the snakes rom Chicago with our celebrations (still have yet to see one though I have seen a coyote in the park!), but also the good weather. While I was thinking of packing up all my sweaters and booties and thermals, all of a sudden the heat was back on, the temps were in the 30s, and to top it all off, it was snowing. Yes, snowing in late March/ Early April. In fact, around my birthday, there was enough snow for a bit of accmulation on the ground and Cam to have her last great hurrah, rolling around like a pig in mud!

And all this time, I kept cursing the cold, wondering why my plans for a roof top celebration (another one of the last great hurrahs) had been postponed, and thinking alot about Global Warming (possibly because Al Gore was suddenly my new hero; I loved his documentary!). See the funny thing about the weather pattern was that we would have these suddenly hot days that were in the seventies and then the next day, back down to the thirties. Not only does that kind of bum you out (like highs and lows tied to the weather's goodness) but it also makes it kind of hard to want to plan anything too far ahead. Plus, after a while, you just get used to hanging out at home, waiting for it to be nice enough to crawl to a bar or pub and hang out with friend you have not seen since the cold began. Not because you're home bound (since most of my friends I am running into are in the building or the doggie park) but because we're all bundled up so tighly against the cold.

But finally, we had a couple of really beautiful weekends - which presents its own problems since I am used to the park being filled with dogs and their owners; nothing else. Suddenly, you have to contend with sun-bathers and volleyball players and tree climbers! Smile! Though I can't complain; spring and summer are also the season of the topless guys and in Lincoln Park, they do tend to be very very good looking. So I am hoping this weather pattern holds and that finally, Chicago's spring has sprung. I am ready for outdoor bars and short skirts and not having to wear a coat and a hat and gloves everytime I want to run errands or walk Cam. So here's to the good weather and the good times; may there always be warmth! And here's to a final rooftop hurrah, hopefully soon.

Luck of the Irish

Alright, so I am working my way up to the present but let's start with the big St. Patty's day plans. Well, it had gotten a bit colder by the saturday, but I was psyched about seeing the river dyed green and even convinced a couple of friends to join in for old times sake. Well, that morning I woke up - a bit later than I had hoped - but still had time to make it down to see the river and the parade. I should mention I was feeling a bit out of it, but counted it as being a bit tired and laissez-faire. Got dressed, went out with Cam, and as the cold air hit me, realized I was more than just tired.

We probably walked about two blocks when I decided it was time to turn around and head back home. Came home and crashed into bed and that is all I remember for the next six hours. I knew I was feverish, knew I was defintely not feeling well, and in that sixth hour, realized I had to get one of my friends to take the Camster out. So I called best Chi-town bud and she came over, took Cam out, confirmed the general "Yep, you've got a fever" and then got me drugs and lots and lots of juice. She also brought over this wonderful thing called Thera-Flu which I drank (probably the first thing I had that day if I remember correctly) and offered to have me stay with them (me and the Camster).

I should pause and say that if you know me at all, you know the one thing I hate most is to be dependent on others and sick. So, I was greatful but decided to tough it out on my own. Thankfully, my fever broke that night (thanks to the Thera-Flu gods!) but I was still a bit under the weather for days (and stayed the course by drinking Thera-Flu every day; I love that stuff! I am bringing it with me where ever I go from here on out!).

I chalk being sick up to a late season flu, the amount of stress I had been under a couple of days before (imagine that suddenly your life plans jump forward by about three months unexpectedly - it is quite a bit of time, especially when we are talking about the life plans I am making), and the wonderful up-and-down of Chicago temperatures/weather.

So, sadly, I did not see green for my last year in Chicago but that just means that my ass will be back here one fine St. Patty's weekend to relive the fun and say "Finally! After all my years of being a Chi-towner!". And then board a plane back to the real Ireland so I can see and experience the real deal.......If anyone wants to plan it (maybe for the year of my thirtieth), I am up for making it a friend adventure.

Though I missed out on St. Patty's, at least I got my proof this year that global warming is real and has definitely landed in Chicago. Next time: Why it always rains in Spain, mostly on the plains........

Making the Curve

Well, if you have been wondering what I have been up to, wonder no more. The last few weeks I have been swamped grading papers for the teaching assistantship that I have (you know, the way I pay my bills!!!! smile) but now I am all done. Hopefully this year there won't be too many people requesting that their paper get looked at again to be regraded but then again, you never know who is going to be unhappy with the grade they get. I have had people ask to have a low A paper regraded just because they are certain that they deserve all the points possible. Were we like this as undergrads? I know I was concerned about my grades, but I don't think I ever pestered a TA to regrade something. I normally sucked it up and thought "Alright, maybe I should start my paper earlier than the day it is due!". Funny story about that: I never did get around to starting my paper until it was the day before (guess that is a little better than the day of....)

How did I spend the rest of my day after grading the final papers and then handing them off to the professor? Sent something off by the post to my favourite friend, came home, watched the series finale of "Xena" (yeah, you saw right. It is the way I got through all those papers - I watched all the seasons of Xena available at the video store), and then caught up on some trashy magazine reading (reading always feels trashy to me unless there is a spine to the material and some sort of synopsis on the back and/or inside covers). Now I am sitting here, blogging, and planning the other blogs I plan to post. There are a couple of things I would love to just put out there, like how I spent my birthday this year (quite a change from last year) or the crazy weather that we've had in Chicago (maybe there is something to this whole global warming concept). Random thoughts and updates. Post more later. Ta-ta for now

Starry Night

Well, now that someone won the prize (though she did not name him, so maybe she should not win....smile), I can tell you how I got a chance to meet Kuno Becker, bonafide movie star (albeit it little known; still, movie star).

Now that I have so much free time on my hands, I can actually do things that are enjoyable. So, when the chance came up to go to a movie premiere for free with a good friend here, I thought "sure, why not? Chance to get all spiffed up!" I had no idea what the movie was initially or much else, but I just wanted to hang out with my friend and have a good time. After the invite, I found out that it was going to be a movie called "Goal 2" (part of a trilogy; "Goal" being the first one) and this was the world premiere (i.e. no other audiences had seen this - very cool!).

Got dressed, got picked up, and went down to the theater. The mood was a little more somber because of a couple of recent events, but my friend and I were up to just having a little fun that night. We got there and people watched, waiting for the movie to start. Since it was part of the Latino film fest, there were lots of heads of consulates and some such peoples - which was kind of cool - and then there was me, professional student! Not the kind of company I am used to, but you know me - chameleon......

Before the movie started, we got to hear a little spiel from the director, one of the producers, and - gasp, the star (with the long hair! Which he does not have in the movie and looks a little worse for it). Watched the movie (which was fantastic and Beckham is in it!) and then headed off to a cocktail reception they had afterwards. We just sat down, talking and enjoying the freebies - drinks, food, people watching. And then - dum dum dah - the table next to us got taken over by the movie people, including Kuno. I'm no star struck little girl, but I suddenly felt like I had to get a picture with Kuno. Just because it is time to start chronicling my adventures, especially the Chicago ones.

I eventually convinced my friend to take the picture; we waited until we were about to leave and then I went up to Kuno's table, introduced myself and asked to take a picture. He is so cute - he readily agreed (maybe it's good to get them before they are big stars! smile) - and we snapped the shot. He also is a bit shorter than I thought (see picture for proof) but still an absolutely nice guy and so congenial. I would absolutely recommend seeing "Goal 2" when it comes out - it is exciting and during the football scenes, people were on the edge of the seat. And if you have not, see "Goal". It's a nice little achieving-the-dream kind of story

Laconia

Just another update on the crazy warm day we had yesterday, here in Chicago:

After posting my last entry, I got all excited about the weather and definitely was not up for staying in on such a great day/night. So I texted a couple of neighbourhood friends saying that I wanted to go out and play on such a great day to see if any one was up for a little afterwork fun. While waiting for people to get back to me, my friend, Patricia, called to say she was on her way over with Manny, her dog, so that we could head out to the park and let the doggies play together. While waiting for them to get to my place, I run into Nick (or as some of you may know him, Tony's Doppelganger) and he mentioned alredy having plans but that he was on his way to the park to go climb a tree (yeah, ok, the warm weather does bring out the crazy - just maybe). So, he waited with me for Patricia to show, we all headed to the park, walked and talked, and picked trees for Nick to climb. Which he is surprisingly good at and I have some photos of Tarzan Boy (oh oh oh oh oho oh oh) in some trees, but they're on my cel phone so not sure how to get them up here.

After a while, Nick headed back to go grab dinner with friends and Patricia and I decided to head out, grab a drink, and grab some dinner as well with her husband, Todd. Headed to the local Mexican restaurant which had a tuesday night special of 45oz. margaritas for about ten dollars. So we proceeded to drink, sit at a table, talk nonsense, and just have a good time. It was a great night, and the conversation ranged from the difference between racism and bigotry to the joy of being the third person being out with a couple (wonder who brought that top to the table? Smile). The best part was everytime Patricia referred to Nick she called him Tony, which was hilarious to me, and kinda confusing for Todd.

The amazing part of the night is that I actually finished said 45oz margarita (just imagine a fish bowl on a glass stem and you'll know how much margarita I had!) but combined with the weather, it made me super happy and incredibly friendly. Which was fun for me when I got home and Matt (friend in the building) was hanging outside, smoking his pipe (I think it is cool that someone my age smokes a pipe - kinda rebellious in an old-fashioned way) or when I ran into some hottie with a cute puppy as I came back from the last walk with Cam. Tonight (March 14th), I am off to bowl, drink, and scarf appetizers for free at a frou-frou bowling lounge with other pruppies (think preppy-yuppies). Can't wait......and I will post more updates along the way!!!!!!

Scotland Yard

Hey all, just wanted to post a little entry about two very hot topics for me - completely unrelated but all within a matter of days....

First off, it is just a beautiful - no scratch that GORGEOUS - day in Chicago. It is slated to jump to a record breaking temperature of 73 degrees and I am loving it. It is a bit hard to believe that a week ago there was snow and ice still on the ground and flurries were expected to fall but now, here we are in a late spring/summer kind of mood. It is so nice to leave my house in flip-flops and a t-shirt (with the requisite jeans - sorry, no skirt as this is the windy city! - falling in between those two) and not worry about layers or undergarments (i.e. long johns; very dowdy but oh so necessary to survive).

The other great thing about a warm up in Chicago is the exponential rise in friendliness that goes along with the temperature increase. Chicago is known for its Midwestern hospitality, which means any increase is friendliness borders on flirtations (possibly another reason to get all hot under the collar). I love this weather - people are happy, they smile as you pass them by, and at any moment, you could make a new friend or two. It feels so full of possibility. It's days like these that make me sad to be leaving Chicago but while I am here, I am working it to the fullest. On tap for the weekend (which is not supposed to be as pleasant or mild, but who cares? I'll be sloshed!) is watching the river get dyed green (because after all, is not there a little bit of Irish in us all?).....

My next heated conversation has to do with me being a rat, a stool pigeon, a mole, a leak, a tipster. You see, I was watching the news on Saturday night and I happened to see the lead story about a fire that had taken place, killing four. The police were looking for a "person of interest", asked anyone having seen said person to call nine-one-one, and then posted a description. Needless to say, I got flushed with dread/indecision. You see, I had seen the person. Granted, it was hours ago but I was not sure what to do. So I got some legal counsel, called three-one-one, and got transfered from department to department to department until I ended up repeating my story for the umpteenth time to someone from Bomb and Arson. Who also took my name and number, just in case (had it been any hotter, it may have qualified for flirting! Smile)....

Well, they have the person of interest (who was the person I had identified/seen which reassures me since I know how unreliable eyewitness identifications can be) in custody and she is charged. And my legal counsel makes me feel like I was a responsible citizen instead of just passing the buck. Plus, I get to call myself a stoolie and pretend that I am back (albeit briefly) in the roaring twenties when Chicago was full of molls and moles and bullet holes. The only sad part to the story is that I was so looking forward to being contacted by the police, maybe even some cops showing up at my door for further information. Because Chicago has some mighty fine cops. And I would not mind being protected and served by such handsome law enforcement. Oh, well, guess this girl has about four months to work on that. And if things don't fare well here, I can always try Scotland Yard once I am in the UK. Oh, wait...been there....smile.

Job Hunt

Alright, so I have been looking at and for jobs but at the same time, still just trying to enjoy the freedom that comes from finally not being tied down to school work. I never knew how good it could feel to spend my days (and nights) working on things I love, even if it is something as simple as a crossword with my best friend ( I mention here that it is harder than a regular crossword because I can't see the clues or the actual puzzle - all I can do is try to guess what could be possibly meant by the information provided vocally. Definitely challenging, not for the feint of heart, and absolutely not for times when you are about to crash! smile).......

Okay, so I finally sat down tonight - as I resisted the temptation to fritter my night away by watching the Oscars - and finished my resume. May not seem like much but I have been resisting this one mainly because I do not quite feel like I have enough experience to make something of myself (yes, I have been having some serious self-doubts). I realize that (not to sound all inflated ego or anything) I have the skills, but I actually have not really held a job outside of the university setting, mainly because of my immigration status and my continuing educational goals over the past ten years. So, this step - this moving to London and getting a job - is a big one. I am leaving behind what I know in a big way - not just the people and places I love and know well, but also the familiarity of academia and being judged by brains instead of other things (ok, so maybe I have been judged by other things but not in some aspect of work that has counted to me so much).

So, the resume is done; I am trying to hold back form posting it on monster.co.uk and careerbuilder.co.uk (yeah, some things stay the same no matter where you go) until my friends get back to me and offer comments, feedback, corrections. Trying to look as professional as possible. Trying....ha! But I am getting myself started by at least sending my resume off to my cousin to a) take a look at and b)maybe start getting the word out for me.

So, there is my update. Have fun no matter what you are doing and hopefully I will see you all soon. Sooner than you may expect

Bienvenido a Miami

Well, I roll into MIA (can you just hear the gansta??? HA!) tomorrow evening and I am so looking forward to it...In particular order, my reasons that I am happy to be heading home:

1. I can actually wear shorts. And tank tops. And people can see my face. My whole face - not just a wisp of eye or something. For those who I have not told or don't know, it has been terribly cold here in the windy city, with temperatures in the single digits or hovering around zero. Which would not be so bad except that is the air temperature. Factor in the bloody wind and the temperatures have been down in the negative twenties to thirties. So, going outside is an ordeal. Walking Cam is an ordeal (I am getting to the point where I want to hold her outside of the window and let her pee). Waiting for public trans-p to go anywhere is an ordeal. So yea to sunshine and humidity and 90 degree weather.

2. I get to see my friends, the assorted nuts as I said earlier. It's been almost a year and so many things have changed with me and with them. More importantly, I have now gotten to the point of feeling like I have to hoard every experience so I can look back fondly when I am far away half a year from now. Which makes me more willingly to jump out of bed and head out to do things (never thought I would say that, did you?).....

3. I feel somewhat more popular. I already have two engagements, for the same night, and feel so wanted! Okay, truthfully, I recognize this glint of popularity is only because I orbit in the stunningly brilliant sphere of Cel but still, a girl can dream, can't she?

4. I get to see my mom and nephew and brother and his partner and my dad and....I could go on, but basically, I get to see my family. Which actually should be at the top of the list since it is the whole reason I booked to fly when I did but since the cold is the most pressing thing on my mind (and anywhere else that I chance to leave exposed), it got pushed down a bit as I write this.

5. I get to annoy Cel with my wannabe british accent. Which I have not really been working on but suddenly, I realize that old habits really do die hard. And that I probably should not be watching so many damn BBC dramas that it influences my accent. But it makes the boys pay attention in Chicago because to them I am exotic sounding (and looking)! And I bet you then, when I am finally in the UK, the American accent will be at its strongest because I can then sound exotic to the Brits!

I could list many more reasons but for now, just glad to be going home should suffice.

The Break-Up

Hi All,

well, when last we met, I was still going on ad nauseum about my break up and how broken up (sic!) I was but thanks to the wonder twin power (Cel, shape of shoulder to cry on) and lots of time with lots of perspective, I am happy to say I am no longer broken. I am thoughtful, hopeful, relieved, still wondering and so much more - bit nostalgic but very determined - but I am not broken!

I am absolutely thrilled that I will be in Miami soon (February 6th). It has been almost a year since I laid eyes on Cel, Michy, Cecie, Zonia, and the rest of the assorted nuts I call friends and I have yet to see Lucky, who I am dying to meet. Maybe I can even get him to stop chewing on Cel whenever we speak on the phone...if he sees me, perhaps he will know my voice is not a signal to nibble on his mummy. Smile....

Oh, yes, and as you may all know, I am gearing up for getting a real job! Yes, I am leaving grad school at the end of summer, packing up my bags, and heading to London. Yea, still moving forward with that despite that fact that I will know hardly anyone and I will be miles and miles from the people I love. The other thing is that I have realized that if I make this move, I am not going to be coming back to America to live. Visits yes; extended stays a possibility but my life from here on out is in the UK. Which scares me quite a bit, especially knowing that all the plans I had held dear for so long are gone, but I also know that it means Cel will be coming to visit more often. So I will make sure there is an extra sleeper and I send out an open invite to anyone who wants to make the trek