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!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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...
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...
Monday, November 5, 2007
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!)
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!)
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