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!)