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........