How to Sue a British Landlord 101

If you've been an avid reader of this blog, you'll have learned that we live in a flat, that is considered by British standards to be habital...and it is. We can LIVE here, although the frigid weather causes us to have to wear more outer-wear whilst we are inside than out (I know you all love how I just slipped in a British-ism), this is WHEN we have our heat on. So not only are we not getting the heat that we are so dearly paying for (and I mean it, our heating bill is 3 times what our friends are paying, in larger flats, and they actually feel WARM when they go to bed at night...) but we still have the mold problem that we started with. When we moved in, we thought it was just a little water damage, they told us they fixed it, we thought it was taken care of. We have since learned (with the return of the water, AND the mold) that the front structure of our entire flat is unstable, but it's too expensive for the landlord to be consulted to fix it (our property is being managed by a third party), so basically, our windows are coming away from the wall, which allows water to come into the house when the rain is bad (and we LIVE in London, when is the rain NOT bad) and water to be trapped in the walls, which is promoting mold growth, that the builders seem to think will just go away if they paint over it. According to our local health authority, this means that we are giving our bodies unhealthy doses of all sorts of lovely things on a day to day basis, possibly aiding in the development of bronchial problems (although, thanks to my mom, I am very wary of anyone that seems to be medicating me in any form, therefore, I'm taking this 'diagnosis' with a grain of salt, although, I will use it in a legal battle to be sure.

This aside, we went to Rights and Advice, the council that talks to students who need representation to tell them if they have a case. Which we do. Unfortunately, the third party that is managing our flat (Foxtons) is notorious for this behavior, espeically with overseas people, whose visas require they have housing and have to sign leases abroad (which we did). Therefore, we have to categorically list every problem we've ever had with the flat (which are numerous and frequent), publish pictures, then threaten that we will be suing our landlord, overstepping the management firm, which makes them look bad. If we go to court, which we are assured we will, it will cost us money...of course.

Our only other option, that we recently taken by another American who had the very same problem with Foxtons...is that we find someone to take over our lease (I don't know how we would do this with MOLD growing on our walls) we pay a change of lease fee (another fee for Foxtons to throw a party with since God knows they don't help the tenant with that money) and then it gets turned over to the new tenant. We hope this leads to a full deposit return, since it was a huge amount, and of course, we need the money, but we would be at their mercy.

While we are still pursuing taking Foxtons to court, we are starting to think the above might be the easiest course of action, provided we can find a way to make all the cracks and mold disappear while people are looking at the flat, and we can find someone to take the price of this flat, which is embarrassingly high. The thing that makes this nerve-racking, is again, the possibility of Foxtons taking money out of our deposit, when they have clearly breached their contract (which we are obviously trying to prove in court). We also realized, that we never received a copy (because one was never made) of the tenancy agreement where the landlord and ourselves signed. We have one we signed, one he signed, but not one that has both signatures. So I wonder, if our tenancy agreement even valid to the courts?

Anyway, this is a long one, so sorry for that, but this is just another example of the crap we are dealing with outside our 'everyday' lives. More on those later.

I'm Back in the Saddle (UK) Again

So I've been out of the UK for the past 3 weeks now, while Will has been enjoying the loverly weather that was happening here. I spent a nice 3 weeks with my parents, watching over our newest cat member of the Mell-Taylor household, Willow White Toes, who fell deathly (literally) ill, and only just recovered after my sister Tasha flew back to San Fran (coincidence?). Actually, we think he got his butt in recovery gear when our family started talking about the possiblility of putting him to sleep. But he officially was diagnosed with pancrititis (have no idea how to spell that) which will reoccur throughout his life, but hopefully now that we know what to look for we will be able to treat it better.

Anyhoo, other than that, it was nice to be home with the fam, although not as nice to be away from Will, but it sounds like he took over my social life, so it wasn't all bad for him.

I would like to get into the American political debate a bit, but after spending three weeks with the fam doing little OTHER than talking about it, I'm just going to say, I'm team Hillary, I think she's a great candidate, and I understand what she stands for, and where I (as in my generation) fits into her platform. I thought that I would be for Obama, since he is SO charismatic, but after listening to him, I realized that this is the only thing he really has going for him, he's for change, and he's charismatic about it, unfortunately, I'm never really clear on WHAT his platform is, and a little fearful as to what his past politics and religious views are, and how that and other people will potentially influence his politics.

Otherwise that's about it for us for now, school has started back up, and drafts and funding applications are fast approaching, wish me luck in that, and Will in finding a better job!

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.