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!