RIP Bhutto and the American Dollar

As many of you may now (and hopefully do), Bhutto was assassinated today in Pakistan. She was a great lady, one that showed many what democracy could be, and gave hope for the future of Pakistan as a democratic and peaceful nation. 

As an American, my country, and the lives of my country-people, are tied up in the politics of Pakistan, as well as many other countries. How this country, which the US has supported, is directly affected by any upheaval of political conflict and deals with challenges, crises and times of peace affect how people treat Americans, at home, abroad etc., our dollar value, the stock and the possible repercussions in the market, as well as feelings of well-being, and security. 

I sincerely hope that the investigation does find who is responsible for this horrible tragedy, and my thoughts go out to the people of Pakistan, and Bhutto's family and friends.

The Winter Wind that Fast Approaches...

IN OUR FLAT.

Because we DO have heat, you'd think that it wouldn't be colder inside our flat than out (and it is below freezing here people), but it is, and this is because the wonderful people at Foxton's who manage our property, have decided that radiator heat and single paned glass from the 1940's with cracks underneath and above the windows, and active vents in all the rooms (vents that connect to the outside) will be what's needed to keep the flat nice and toastly. Unfortunately for us, what this means is we have a huge heating bill, and, we're still wearing coats indoors and three blankets to bed. We've started fearing for the cats during the day, and they've taken to sleeping under the massive piles of blankets when we are away (and the heat is off, to TRY to save money). Anyhoo, that is the biggest woe of the hour, although a consistent one, since, in order to type this, Will has to constantly blow on my fingers to make sure they're still working.

A big congrats to TJ and Melissa, who got engaged last night. Will and I went out and celebrated for them beforehand, at a couple of bars, and therefore, when they told us, we were already fairly toasted (I mean, we have to be pretty drunk to come back to a flat like this). We mean it though, they are going to be really happy (and hopefully not make stupid irrational choices such as; move to England when the dollar is in the negative; move to England when they aren't hiring Americans, etc. seriously, we love it here).

For all of our readers out there (I know I've asked this before, but do we HAVE readers out there??) please give a shout out to Will this Christmas, via phone, as he will be far from the ones he loves, due to the fact that LONDON is apparently not hiring environmental scientists, and Starbucks sucking, and requiring him to be at work the day before and the day after Christmas (Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, if you will). So please give him a call, tell him you miss him and Christmas just wasn't the same without him (even if you have to lie).

Per Will's request, if someone could PLEASE tape all college bowl games, it would be greatly appreciated.

And finally, woe is me, RIP to my favorite, The Standard Indian Restaurant, that for reasons unknown to us, has closed its doors. We do not know if this is for good, but the windows are papered up, and there is no sign. Needless to say, I am in a state of mourning. Please send any contributions in the form of Saag Chicken, Chicken Madras, Raita, and Naan. Will and I will keep you posted on whether or not this is a permanent problem, and if we've found any good Indian Food to supplement.

Belated Happy Hannukah, I have no idea when Kwanza is, and I'm sure I'm missing many others, but a happy and a merry.

Ladybugs That Don't Bring Luck

Will and I have recently had an influx of ladybugs in our flat. Our cats LOVE this new 'bonus' that comes with a flat that has windows that don't quite close...we on the other hand would be fine with the new addition (our cats get additional protein!) yet they don't seem to bring the luck we thought they are known for...

Otherwise it's been a fairly slow past couple of weeks. It's rained...a lot. It's cold. We think we've figured out how to use our fireplace, I even bought wood and made a mini-fire (I was never a very good girl scout), and then it turns out that it's a gas fireplace, but doesn't work. So I almost blew up the flat apparently, but if we wanted to use it, we can't.

Will is changing his citizenship from United States to Ethiopian, since he's lost over 15 pounds...I swear he's eating!

And we've tried mince pies, which are disgusting, but are a staple British Christmastime food. They used to be made with meat, but now are just made with the FAT of meat (and some sweet stuff), they're gross.

I lost my hat crossing over the Thames to go to the Tate Modern...it was my favorite hat, and will be missed. If anyone reading this is British and has seen my hat (grey page-boy with sparkles, it was from Target).

Will would like someone to tape the entire college bowl season for him and send to him.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Hannukah!

Are You Friends With George Bush?

Was the question that was asked Will and I when we were in a store the other day, by the guy who was manning the cash register. What? We asked, more surprised than deaf. He repeated his question, and we laughed it off as best we could, saying that we weren't friends with PRESIDENT Bush. As we left said store, we started discussing how often this question, has been asked since we've moved across the pond.

While we both do understand that he is our President, and respect the position most of the time, we are not supporters, which I'm sure does not surprise any of you. Unfortunately, since, being in a foreign country, we seem to be the representatives of ALL Americans, and since most people think that the US is the size of England, everyone assumes we MUST know him (do you know Tony Blair?) and/or their cousin that lives in California, Texas, you fill in the state blank here.

But another reason why we find this question so unnerving is not so much the question as who is asking it. Hands down the people that ask if we KNOW Bush, as opposed to do we support Bush, are of Middle Eastern descent, and as Will put it, it's like asking them, "Do you have a terrorist in your family?" They are saying it to us as an insult, for simply walking into their store and being Americans. Fair? Hardly. But that seems to be a common theme since we've moved here, which I find exceptionally strange that it's changed this much, as I have lived here before, and while I would get the offhand comment every once in awhile, nothing like what we are dealing with on a day-to-day basis now. AND we live in a MUCH nicer area than I did on both occasions.

So why the change? When I ask that question to my British or other non-American friends (or American friends that have been here longer than 5 years), they all reply, why the war?

Well I have to say I didn't start the war, and I'm sure that Bush has no problem spending his money, so if Americans want to live anywhere outside of the US, they should suffer another's problems. Incredibly unfair, but there it is. Just my opinion, but it's out there.

Anyway, other than that, same old, our Thanksgiving Party was a success, the stuffing was a big hit, and we got to meet lots of the sig oths, so that was fantastic.

I have a presentation this Monday, I'm slightly freaking, but, as I have most of it written, I think it'll be okay, or, it'll be like last time where I was ripped to shreads, but, everyone gets ripped to shreads, that must be the fun part for some people about being in a PhD program. Unfortunately, that's not the fun part for me, as I like positive academic environments, oh well. Wish me luck!

It's Snowing in London!

That's right! You've read correctly! It is cold enough in this temperate country to snow! While the snow isn't sticking, it is nice, after a day of complete rain to see some of the white stuff...now, if it'll only just stick...

As many of you know (but some of you don't) this upcoming week is highlighted by Thanksgiving, which I could go into the history ( and the real history, is fairly gruesome, check it out sometime), but I'm assuming that most of you know why we are thankful for families and food, and commercializing yet another holiday.

I for one, now that I'm in a country that goes from sort of Halloween to Christmas, doubley appreciate my family's efforts of coming togetherness and an overabundance of excellent food, which I'm missing. Although Will and I are going to try to recreate the dinner, with a party of our own, including my dad's FAMOUS (well in our family at least) cajun stuffing.

While I think there may be only one or two other Americans attending said celebration, we're looking forward to a good turnout, and good times.

On another note, I have completed yet another proposal, since my topic went from relatively narrow, to a little more narrow, although I know that there are many more revisions before it'll be ready to start on the upgrade paper. I'm still crossing my fingers that the upgrade viva will be in May, so if any other people want to cross their fingers for that (and that I pass, that would be awesome).

I found out on Wednesday that UCL does indeed fail people at the upgrade stage, while rarely, I happened to meet the last fateful person, and let's just say that it scared the shit out of me, so again, cross your fingers.

We've moved our cats from Jelly food to Roasted food, which I think I may have mentioned, in an effort to keep Nemo under 20 pounds, as he ballooned when we introduced the jelly, and we were a little concerned that they wouldn't let us bring him back to the US. He has not gained any more weight, and looks like he might be leveling back off.

I'd like to ask our British readers, what exactly the purpose of the store alarm systems are, when they ring incessantly for hours on end, and yet no police or anyone is notified? Is it really an alarm that burglars adhere to? Currently I'm listening to the one go off at the Woolworth's across the street, it's been going off for about 15 minutes, and it does this about once a week. I'm thinking that one of these days, I might just go over there (as I could always use more hangers), and see what's up.

For those of you worried about the status of your Wedding Thank you Cards, they are almost complete, and once we have the funds to send your $2 stamped card, we will mail them out. For now, petition your dear president Bush, who has fucked up this administration up so much, that we our currently LOSING our HEGEMONIC status that we've had since World War I, and foreigners laugh out our currency, our policies, and us. P.S. all in all, that's why we can't afford the stamps, our dollar is worth about 45 cents to every British pound...it's awesome to be spending American money over here, and by awesome, I means I hope I never see Bush, because I'm sure I'll be arrested for the obscenities I'd be yelling, and he'd tell me something about how he was a cowboy, WHEN HE GREW UP IN CONNECTICUT. Anyway, rant over.

Starbucks, The Lord Mayor's Extravaganza, and the Drunks of Muswell Hill

Today being the end of another long week over here in London, saw many new eventful things.

First of all, Will is now employed, by Starbucks (Flashback to 2002, when Will was ALSO employed by Starbucks...as a shift supervisor...not making enough money to cover the rent...) so being in a similar situation when you're 27 as when you're 22 is...not cool. But as many people keep telling us (although I'm pretty sure none of those people understand how much it costs to LIVE in London) this is a step, it will lead to other things. Hopefully, the good people in water quality will agree with them. But since Will and I have agreed that this is probably not the case, we will both be looking for jobs the old-fashioned British way (which we didn't know,but are glad to be enlightened) we will volunteer (yes, for free) our time in the field that we desire to work in, in order to gain "real life experience". While we both thought our 5 years in the USA was "real life", apparently, we were gravely mistaken. Anyhoo, I'm remaining positive that this NEW outlook will be the thing we've been waiting for, and will grant us both the jobs we need...to live...because Starbucks, rent it does not pay.

On another note, the Lord Mayor's Show was this Saturday. I would LOVE to tell you that this was awesome, as there WERE more fireworks, but sadly, we didn't go, because, we overslept, and then decided that we'd rather go to the V&A, as they have a couple of exhibitions that are soon closing. So being the cultured Americans we are, we took 3 buses to said museum, and were able to see 3 rooms before the museum closed, but it was worth it, and we're both going back as soon as we can. The textiles and pottery and misc. other things are amazing, and well worth any amount of time you can give them.

Other than that we've had a fairly lack-luster week. I started updating my proposal for the millionth time (but this time WILL be the best), am in the process of writing another paper, this one on the history of University Museums and Public Engagement (my topic minus the history), trying to approach writing a journal article AND figuring out funding and conferences for the 2008 year. Good times.

We've had a more social week than normal as Piero is back from Italy and about to leave for his fieldwork in Chile this Thursday, so we went out a couple of nights to catch up, and hopefully that'll continue into this week. (Although last week being Reading Week was a lot less pressure :-)

The cats seems fine, they are out more as there have been less fireworks, but since you can still purchase these in off-license shops, there are still rogue fireworks every now and then scaring the crap out of them (literally, we've bought more litter the past two weeks than the entire time we've been here).

Finally, the drunks in Muswell Hill are out and about as normal (on a Sunday evening), one of which is talking to no one underneath our window. I just think that someone should tell him to take a night off, for all our sakes...

Fireworks, Idiots, and Things That Go Bump in the Night

I can't figure out if today or tomorrow is Guy Fawkes day, especially since there have been fireworks every night since Halloween (which is cool, but I haven't seen my cats since then either...)

Friday night was Natalie's Film Stars fancy dress party to celebrate her birthday. It seemed like a raving success, especially since Will FINALLY got to dress up as a ghostbuster. I went as Harry Potter. We drank a little too much, but found the right bus and after two and half hours (gotta love the night bus!) got home.

Saturday was our neighborhood's fireworks, so we went up to Alexandra Palace with Joe, in order to go to the beer and jazz festival that was promised before, during and after fireworks. I have to say, I remember NO jazz, and I only had one beer, that was warm ( I know, ales are supposed to be warm...) so I think I can safely say that there was no jazz. On the other hand, for all of you Seaside Heights lovers out there, there was an indoor AND outdoor version of the boardwalk, complete with rides and crappy games. Will, the forever 10-year-old, played a dalmation fishing game, and won a scary looking fish, that he has made both Nemo and Ramses pose with for pictures. We then went to the fireworks, which, were a lot cooler than some of the 4th of July festivals I have been to of late, walked passed the outdoor ridiculousness, and decided we should hit a pub instead. We went to O'Neil's, which is supposedly some crappy chain, but the one in Muswell Hill is in an old church, so it has really cool high ceilings and acoustics, and although crowded (in fact, I think this is the only time of year that Muswell Hill must see that many people at one time), it was fun.

The next day Will and I decided that we were beered out (I know, how can that be? In England no less?) and opted for a walk, which we found a new park in our neighborhood (they hide them in residential areas) which led to the East Finchley tube station, which, is much closer than we thought. We walked around the area, saw that they have 3 Indian restaurants, took note of their location, and walked home.

Oh yeah, our neighbors (the pizza parlor under us) shot off fireworks from the top of half the roof last night as well. While they were really cool, I sometimes can't believe who they sell fireworks too! Tonight is going to be another show according to the creepy lady who keeps trying to get me to play soccer with her (football, I know, football), I actually did yesterday, but it sort of sucked, so I think I'm not going to do that again unless I'm really bored (did I mention I'm a PhD student? Like I have extra time!)

Because of Sim Cha, Diwali and Guy Fawkes Day...

Recently Will and I have decided that in order to make the most out of London, we are going to see all it has to offer (that is free).

We went to Sim Cha in Trafalgar Square, which means happy festival, or something like that. It was fun, I LOVED the dancing, but the singing, was not so nice, and the bagels, let's just say that I'm missing New York BIG time right about now.

Then (on another sunday afternoon, this one more rainy than anything else) we went to Diwali (pronounced DEE VAL E) which is the festival of light, associated with harvest. This was awesome. I forgot how much I LOVE indian music (and food). Plus all the little dancer girls were fantastic, seriously, better than the Sim Cha girls, and that's saying something! They gave lots of love to all the different parts of London, so Will and I got to scream in support of North London (which is where we live, in case you didn't know), and as some of the only non-Indian people there, I'm sure our screams were much appreciated...avid discrimination aside (not by me, but by the guy that stood in my line of vision, on purpose, all night long) it was a good time. This is my second time attending, and if we are here next year, I'm sure we'll be back.

That same day we went to a sports cafe in Picadilly to watch the NFL in London, which we thought would be a big deal, but according to the Brits, was not. We ended up at this bar, with TONS of Americans (it's nice to hear the accent after not hearing it for so long, you forget about it, and then, you miss home, and things like Halloween and Thanksgiving...) It was a pretty bad game, but we met some pretty nice Americans-there weren't any fat Americans there, so the Brits are wrong about that one again! (That keeps getting published in the newspaper, that Americans are all fat...)

Finally Guy Fawkes day is this Tuesday, this is when all the Brits get to buy fireworks and shoot them off in the middle of the street days before the actual event (which is actually celebrating that Guy Fawkes, who planned to destroy the parliament and take down the king in 160-something was defeated). This weekend there are firework celebrations all over the city (we will be attending those at Alexandra Palace, which isn't actually a Palace, but WAS an internment camp during WWI-yes, AND and Ice Skating Rink, because as I guessed, those two DO go together...)

Halloween was today, we missed it. I saw a couple of little kids dressed up, but nothing impressive. Today is one of the days that makes me realize that I will someday have to move back to the States (when I've completed this degree of course) because I can't live without free candy and turkey, and they just don't do it over here.

On another note, Nemo has taken quite a liking to the jelly disgustingness they call cat food over here, and now has NO NECK. So Nemo and Ramses, are equally as fat, although, I'm thinking Nemo is starting to win. Next week, we will be starting our own version of Biggest Loser...stayed tuned, if we can figure out how to post pictures, the personal training sessions will be PRICELESS!

Oh, yeah, if anyone knows anyone in water sustainability/economics department, that's the latest area we are looking for Will in terms of employment, but honestly, Starbucks will do, please help, we need rent money.

A Week in the Life of...

This week was a lot more hectic (mentally) than anticipated. Well maybe not.

To say I can't remember most of what happened this week would be an extreme disappointment to all reading this (is anyone reading this?) Let alone to admit that not remembering is NOT alcohol induced.

I had a meeting with the director of the UCL Museums and Collections, who also plays a large part in the Institute for Cultural Heritage, which hopefully will also be the site of my fieldwork. The meeting seemed to go very well, she plans to review my proposal in greater detail and get back to me. Meanwhile, I was invited to the new staff party tomorrow in order for her to introduce me to everyone, so I take that as a good sign.

Will and I managed to swing by our favorite indian restaurant, which happens to now take over an hour to get to by bus (as it is in Bayswater, and we currently reside in Nappyville, I mean, Muswell Hill). It was fantastic (as always), and our decision to make it a twice monthly affair with friends is, in my opinion, and excellent idea.

I have decided not to play soccer (football) as schoolwork is taking much more time then it did when I was doing my MSc, so I'm going to have to start getting myself into the habit of running again. I'm hoping that since my fieldwork will be in London, I can play next season.

We went and visited Natalie's mom in Hitchin for a dinner party, which was fantastic as always. We met up with some friends and were surrounded by babies (2). Which for the first time in my life, I can actually say I enjoyed (playing with them, and then getting to hand them back to their mothers, but I did enjoy playing with them, and that is a step).

Meanwhile I've recently learned that my brother is "in a relationship, and it's complicated" (Facebook quotation of course). Since he has neglected to tell me what exactly that means, and who the relationship is with, I decided that I'd put this out there in the public forum...

Ramses and Nemo have moved from Jelly Pockets of food, to jelly tins of food. What this means is that the wetfood actually looks MORE disgusting than ever thought, and is easier for them to move off the plate onto the floor (which reminds me that we need a better mop).

These week seems to be filled with similar banalities, although I do have a presentation tomorrow, which I feel I should be more worried about than I am, but I'm sure the butterflies will hit me right when I start speaking.

Overall I'd like to give a big shout-out to Hilary Duff for wearing an amazing black and green short mini dress that she totally pulled off, and a shout-down to Lindsay, who, I have to say the hair is starting to grow on me, but whose outfits recently have lacked imagination (style, a washer...) And finally, to ScarJo, whom I can't figure out if I love or hate (I think I love), the new addidas line is really really weird. I know that hearts are supposed to be big this season, as are stars, but 1970's inspired running shorts over leggings is just one big trip to the gyno waiting to happen. I can't condone it, especially at over $50 a pair, you have GOT to be kidding. (I'm sure I can find that outfit somewhere in a thrift store for under $5), plus even Olivia Newton-John realized that stage of her life was her worst, fashion wise...

On The Road(Plane) Again

As most of you know...Will, Ramses, Nemo, and I have moved to London, England.



While I think I'm computer-literate, I've actually never hosted a blog, so it's taken a little bit to take time out of my day of library dusting, pub crawling, gofugyourself reading and Facebooking to sit down and create this. (Which was SUPER easy by the way).



So we've moved and we currently reside in Muswell Hill. It's a nice, relatively suburban section of London, that has no access to the tube, and is a good hour bus-ride from school. Yes folks, an hour. (Which is an unbearably long amount of time if you've had too much to drink, or if you have a migraine, both of which, I've already had the pleasure).



Our cats surprisingly made it through customs faster than we did, which was fantastic, since all the websites ensured us it would take up to four hours after we got out of customs, AND they can't guarantee that they wouldn't be quarantined anyway.



We arrived at our flat to find that it hadn't been cleaned, we had leaks in two rooms and our fridge had no shelves (thanks Foxtons, glad that 376 pound administrative fee went STRAIGHT to your Christmas party fund).



Will and I are both still searching for jobs, me as a part-time, hopefully something in museums, but writing will do position, and Will in environmental science, preferably in water quality. This, is much harder than anticipated. Both of us have sent out more CV's than I have ever sent out before, with, minimal response, so, if anyone out there wants to lend us a hand, we will gladly take it.



The cats, are for the most part ( I guess this depends on what you consider good eating) are eating better than we do, with such delicacies as Trout and Salmon in Aspic with Roasted Vegetables, and Veal and Rabbit with a hint of mint and carrots. The cat litter is something to be desired, we miss Tidy Cats and wish we could import it without a huge cost.



School has started and it's much harder than I anticpated, which, I think is good, since after this, there isn't anything else, so it better weed out the freakos. :-) I absolutely love it, and it sounds like my project is getting approved (and hopefully funded).



I have a couple of presentations coming up, so once I do those, I might put some of my stuff up here, in case anyone is interested.



It's not as rainy as I'm sure everyone thought it would be, it's actually pretty nice, albeit a little colder than I'd like October to be. We've done some minor exploring, I've taken Will to the British Museum, Chelsea, Portobello Market etc. Today we went to Simcha in Trafalgur Square which was AWESOME (and I got a bunch of propoganda for Jared!!!)



We live on the High Street, right above a Pizza Place, the owners are very nice (although very loud on Sunday mornings), and the coffee is great! (Haven't tried the food though).



Anyway, things are good, the wedding was AWESOME, although in hindsight, I wish we had time for a honeymoon, and a little time before we moved, it was too crazy the last two months or so. Hopefully my parents will get the pictures soon, so we can send them out to the select few :-)



Anyway, feel free to give us a ring when you have a chance (email us at our personal emails if you want the number, I'm not about to post it on this open space). I'm sure we will write regularly now that this is up and running!



Lots of Love, Tea, and Football,



Erin and Will (Or as my sister and Jared have famously dubbed us, EW)