Stacey always has something good to say.....

OXFORD AND WIMBELDON!!

2006-06-28T21:54:00.000+02:00

Tuesday...........

Well, after a great night sleep at the Travel Lodge, we decided to go see what all the fuss was about in Oxford. Apparently all the smart kids go to school ther. Whatever.....i are smart, i ain't no dumbe. I are smart two ain't no one tellin me different!!!

Ok, so Oxford is freakin sweet! The town is absolutely amazing. So many different buildings that are beautiful. Dad suggested that we go on the city tour and it was so great. We got to see all the main sights in Oxford and hear all about the history. We all decided that we could of easily spent an entire day there looking around. However, with the two hours we gave our selves, i think that we did quite well.

OXFORD...

ME AND MOM ON OUR TOUR BUS

MORE PRETTY IN OXFORD

LOOK, WE GOT HEAD PHONES TO HELP UP HEAR ALL THE HISTORY......

Oxford was awesome and it made me seriously re-think my theory that all academics are boring and no fun. I'm not saying that I'm going to start dating an Oxford man any time soon..........it just means that maybe I'll not poke quite as much fun at the super smarty pants anymore. I'll give em a break.

Wednesday...........
I just have to say that this morning I woke up at 5am without an alarm to assist me. What in the world? My folks are definetly wearing off on me. I mean for cryin out loud.......i was back in my own room, with my blinds shut and I still woke up early. AAAGGGHHHH!!!!

However, this morning we decided to test our fate and go and stand in line for Wimbeldon tickets. I left my place at 6am to go and meet my folks (i mean when you wake up at 5am......6am is no problem......which is riduculous) so that we could make it to wimbeldon before the crowds. We figured that if there were any a day for the Proctor's habit of being on time would pay off........then this would be the day. Well, let me tell you..........we waited in line for 3 hours before we got to the ticket office. But, we got in and it was awesome!!!! There were 19 courts where tennis matches were being played and we just hoped around from court to court to watch the matches. It was great. The only problem was that it was freakin hot and I now have sunglass face. But, we had a great time and I think that I wished I were better at tennis.........but, i super suck at it.

OUR SEATS WERE GREAT

(LOOK FOR MORE WIMBELDON PHOTOS WHEN I GET MY FOLKS CAMERA TOMORROW MORNING)

INTERNET CONNECTION FINALLY!!!

2006-06-26T23:40:00.000+02:00

So, it's been a while since I could find an internet connection, which has been very frustrating, but i finally found one........yea. I told Erin that I would blog every night so that she could keep up with what we were doing on our trip.......but i didn't think that I would have such a problem finding internet access. But, like a good sister, i've been keeping my word, so here is a play by play of our trip thus far.......

Monday June 19, 2006

Started out freakin early this morn to make sure we got to our rental car and out of the city before rush hour………good plan eh? However, we got lost about 3 minutes into our trip, so our early start ended up being pointless. Today we drove for about 5 hours to get to Windemere…..which is a small city in the lake district. It is beautiful.

Our rental car is a ford focus diesel, which pretty much rocks! My dad was mad at first because apparently I had rented a tiny compact car which wouldn’t have even fit our suitcases…….so he upgraded it to the focus. Picky, picky! Mom couldn’t stop talking about how great the rental guy was and now wants me to marry him and produce little enterprise rental kids………she thought he was cute. I will admit that he wasn’t all that bad looking and his teeth were even straight…….i mean as much as an English guys teeth can be straight. Also, my dad and I have had to talk mom out of purchasing a go England flag for our rental car. The world cup fever has hit everyone.

DAD DRIVING

DINNER AT WINDEMERE

We did walk down to the lake this evening and scoped out tomorrows boat ride and shopping spree that we are going to go on. Windemere is definitely a beautiful place…stay tuned for more pictures of our adventures.

ME AND MOM ON THE WAY DOWN TO BOWNESS

Tuesday June 20, 2006

Started today by the sun peeking through the window at around 4:30am…….this is because my folks don’t shut the curtains in the room so as soon as the sun comes up so do we.

THIS IS OUR BED AND BREAKFAST WHERE WE STAYED IN WINDEMERE.

We headed down to the dock this morning to get on the first boat down the lake. Lake Windemere is the largest lake in England, apparently, and is some 200 feet deep. We took a boat named the Swan towards Ambleside (another cute little city in the lake district)….we then took a smaller boat to Wray Castle where we hiked for 4 miles along the lake. It was beautiful. Don’t worry, we took plenty of snack breaks to keep up our energy. Once we hiked 4 miles…….we then took the ferry back across the lake to Bowness (the city) and desperately searched for food! We had worked up quite an appetite and were in need of nourishment before a hard afternoon of shopping.

US ON THE BOAT RIDE ON LAKE WINDEMERE

DAD GETTING OUT OF THE BOAT BEFORE OUR HIKE.

HIKED UP TO THIS CASTLE.......WRAY CASTLE.

ME AND MOM HIKING THE TRAIL.

MOM WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT NEEDING A HIKING STICK........LOOK WHAT I FOUND HER!!

HOW CUTE WAS THIS? COULDN'T PASS UP THIS PHOTO SPOT

THESE ARE THE TYPES OF SCENES THAT WE HIKED BY......SO PRETTY

DAD HIKING.......HE WAS HOLDING ALL OUR MUCH NEEDED SNACKS.

MY MOM WANTED ME TO LEAVE THIS PHOTO OUT....I SAY IT'S PRETTY ENOUGH TO MAKE IT ON THE BLOG....WHAT DO YOU THINK?

After all this, we came back to the hotel and took a much needed nap. (FYI….it use to be my dad that snored, but now my mom does).

The Queen pub was our dinner destination where we watched the England vs. Sweden game along side all the Brits. It was roudy and crowded and was a fun way to watch the game. However, my mom was wishing she had an England flag to wave around (she wasn’t kidding), so my dad and I were glad that we put our foot down and wouldn’t let her purchase one.

Wednesday June 21, 2006
Happy Birthday Sean!!!

It is interesting to me that men have such a bad reputation about stopping and asking for directions………….my dad fits a whole new category. As we were getting gas this morning before our journey my dad was asking the clerk for directions. I was across the store and all I heard was this really nice guy giving specific directions and my dad agreeing and nodding and saying….oh that sounds easy…….thanks. As I approach him and ask where we were headed, he tells me that he has no idea what the kid was saying and is not sure where to go. I was like……what in the world dad? You made it sound like you knew exactly what he was saying………..anyways, I had to re-ask the directions and then we were off. (I tell you what……I have no idea how he gets anywhere!!!)

As we drove through the lake district today, it was absolutely georgous. Now, I know that there are some pretty places around the world, but heading through the lake district and then driving through the highlands of Scotland was fantastic. I even saw a cow with long hair. I will try and get a photo tomorrow…..we will just pretend that we are at Yellowstone National Park and pull the car over and snap the pictures that we want.

The stop that we made today was in Stirling to see the Wallace monument. It was really raining and windy, but we braved the storm and made our way up. And, when I say up….I’m not kidding. My mom was starting to re-think letting my dad and I come up with ideas, because we had made her go on a 3 ½ hour hike the day before and now we were scaling up a mountain to get to the Wallace Monument, where we had to climb 264 stairs to the top. The funny thing was that when we got to the top of the mountain…which was the base of the monument (we still had to climb the stairs), a free shuttle bus passed us that brought everyone from the bottom of the hill to the top. Me and my dad just looked at each other and started laughing really hard………….it was weird, my mom didn’t seem to find it quite as funny as we did. But, trust me, it was funny. Braveheart will be the first video that I rent when I get home because I’ve never seen it and the monument was great. FREEDOM!!! Apparently, that’s a big saying during the movie.

WALLACE MONUMENT.

TIRED MOM AFTER 264 + STAIRS.

Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe that I almost forgot the funniest part of the day. My dad drove all day (because he won’t let me drive even though we are paying 5 pounds a day to have me on the car as a driver….whatever) and I will admit that the roads that we were driving on were very narrow and curvy and did require a lot of skill to manauver around. However, there are some locals that drive a bit crazy and we were on a dual highway where cars were on a single track and this one little car passed very dangerously and dad didn’t curse….didn’t scream….but calmly flipped him the bird. It was so funny. I was like….dad. did you seriously just flip the bird? …..he was like…..well, what in the hell did he think he was doing?..........anyways…..super funny.

We stopped for the night in this town…..not city mom keeps telling me…..called Killin. The B&B that we are in is so nice. I even have my own room. It’s great. Well, I’m off to bed because my mom and dad get up at the butt crack of dawn and I’m trying to keep up with them……..we’ll see how it goes.

A MUCH NEEDED DINNER BREAK IN KILLIN

OUR ROOMS WERE SOOOOOOO NICE AND COZY.

Thursday June 22nd 2006
Left Killin this morning to continue our drive through the Highlands of Scotland. Let me tell you…..it is one of the most beautiful places that I’ve seen. I loved driving through the winding roads of N. Scotland seeing all the beautiful green mountains.

We stopped in Glencoe where apparently there was this huge battle years ago………of course, my mom told me the story, but I can’t really remember it now, but some British men ended up killing some Scots…..or something like that.

BEN NEVIS......A MOUNTAIN IN GLENCOE

Oh, guess what I learned today when we went to the Whiskey distillery?......that the word whiskey actually means “the water of life” in Gaelic. It was interesting to read how whiskey is actually made………..don’t worry, I didn’t try any, I just smelt it. P----U!!

Spotted a long haired cow………for some reason I can’t seem to get enough of them. They are everywhere up here in Northern Scotland and I think they are awesome. We got a good shot of them in the fields close to the whiskey distillery. I was Mooooo---ved. (he he he)

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!

From here we went to a place called Fort Augustis and watched the ships move down the lake by the locks. I don’t know about any of you, but I’d never seen this work before, but it’s pretty interesting.

LOCKS ON THE LAKE...

We then went on the Royal Scot (that’s what our boat was called) to see the loch ness monster. Did you know that he/she really exists? Here I thought it was a big myth……no it is not. And…….i have the pictures to prove it.

LOOKS CLOSE.........IT THE LOCH NESS MONSTER.

Friday June 23rd, 2006
My mom and dad let me sleep in this morning until 7:30….now usually this would not seem like sleeping in, however, when traveling with my folks I take what I can get.

We left Inverness this morning to drive across Scotland to Arbroath, where we are booked for 3 days. So, our plan was to stop along the road at anything that looked interesting. Our first stop was this beautiful stone bridge called Sluggin Bridge in a town called Carr Bridge. It was at this point that my dad actually handed the keys over to me to drive……..i couldn’t believe it. I think it was hard for him because it was so obvious that I was the superior driver.

SLUGGIN BRIDGE

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT HE LET MET DRIVE?

WE SAW THIS CASTLE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS CALLED, SO MY DAD NAMED IT THE BEAT TO SH&% CASTLE AND IT SORT OF STUCK.

Blair castle was our next detour and it was fantastic. It was a castle that had every room filled with actual artifacts from the different eras of royalities that once lived in the castle. It was interesting and I enjoyed it very much.

BLAIR CASTLE

We then stopped in a little town called Pilarchy to eat lunch. We ended up eating in the park because it was so nice.

LUNCH IN THE PARK

Now, we are in Arbroath at our bed and breakfast and it is overlooking the Arbroath golf course and it is right on the north sea. It’s pretty breath taking. My dad also made a new BFF….the guy who runs our B & B. He is actually a really nice guy and his family has been really nice.

THIS IS OUR B&B IN ARBROATH.......GOOD CHOICE DAD!!

Oh, good news………my dad didn’t flip anyone off today, so we all thought it was a great success.

Saturday June 24th, 2006
So, I woke up at 4:30am this morning because my mom and dad would not let me shut the blinds in our room because dad used the window sill as a fridge so that his diet coke would be cold in the morning. Well,……….if you ever wondered what time the sun shines through when your right on the North Sea…………it’s 4:30am. So, needless to say it was an extremely early morning for me. Yawn!

We started out this morning by going to the library where we finally found some internet access. It has been amazing how no one has any sort of internet access anywhere that we’ve been. It’s a good thing everything has been so damn beautiful cause that makes it kind of hard to complain about the lack of the world wide web. However, it was very nice to once again be connected…….even if only for an hour.

The Arbroath abbey was our historical edujamacation for the day. This abbey was in ruins, which I loved, and was absolutely beautiful. In fact, did you know that the word monk (who is mainly lived in this abbey long ago) is a greek word that means alone? Interesting huh? I thought so. Anyways, we strolled around the grounds for a bit and took lots and lots and lots of photos. See below.

ARBROATH ABBEY

CAN YOU FIND MY DAD IN THIS PICTURE?

NOW....TRY AND FIND ME......I'M THERE I PROMISE.

Ok, now for the main event of the day……..my dad and I went golfing at the Arbroath Golf Club. This golf course is situated on the shores of the North Sea….it is absolutely beautiful. It was, however, a very difficult course that ate 7 of my balls and coincidentally it ate 7 of my dads as well. We had a great time however and are ready to take on any Scottish course that comes our way.

DAD GOLFING

IT WAS A SWEEEEEET SHOT!!

Sunday June 25th, 2006

We decided to drive to Aberdeen today to check it out. On our way we stopped at Donnettar Castle in this little town called Stonehaven. It was overlooking a cliff and it was one of those castles that was in ruins…….it was so great!! It has been by far the favorite castle for us all. In fact me and my dad wore out our little fingers because we took so many pictures. My mom was a little apprehensive because there were a lot of steps to climb and she’s getting pretty tired of climbing the stairs. Anywho, once inside the castle there were some pretty impressive views of the ocean…..i loved it.
Then, we made our way to Aberdeen, where we did a little shopping and ate lunch. Then, I got behind the wheel again and we drove up the costal route back to Arbroath. However, my dad suggested that we stop in Carnoustie, which is a famous golf town, to look around. Well, it was awesome. We ended up watching a world cup game in their lounge and then of course we shopped some more and got some pretty sweet Carnoustie souvenirs. Lets just say that Stacey now has a brand new golf hat…….watch out!!!

ONE OF THE VIEWS FROM DONNATAR CASTLE

PART OF DONNATAR CASTLE

US THREE AT DONNATAR CASTLE......IT WAS OUR FAVORITE.

DAD AT CARNOUSTIE

I’m exhausted this evening, my folks are really wearing me out, but we are sure having a fantastic time. We are driving all day tomorrow because we need to try and get back to London here soon, so none of us are really looking forward to it.

MONDAY June 26th, 2006

Drove all day...........9 hours...........yuke!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2006-06-18T21:23:00.000+02:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY-O

Another great day with the folks. Man, are they ever wearing me out. I tell you what........We started our journeys today at Portobello Market. It wasn't quite at its full swing on Sundays like it is on Saturdays, however, my mom and I somehow still found things to purchase. It was quite hot and humid while strolling the streets o Portobello, but definetely worth it. And, dad found his favorite restaurant thus far on the trip........Subway (yea, that's right). He was soooooo happy that he could put ice in his cup, so he went back for like 4 refills. Since it was father's day and all, mom and I didn't give him a hard time.

PORTOBELLO MARKET

If you look closely......you will see me sporting my new ring (ok, you can't see it very well, but trust me it is FANTASTIC)!! And, mom is wearing her new necklace, which was a great purchase!

From the market, we went to Canary's Warf not really knowing what to expect, but it turned out great. Apparently, Canary's Warf is the financial district and it showed let me tell you. We found ourselves surrounded by big, beautiful and expensive buildings. It all looked new, which i'm not use to in London because everything is ususally so old and historic. It was quite posh.

SITTING TO DRINK OUR 6 POUND SODA'S AT CANARAY WARF........NO WONDER WHY EVERYTHING WAS SO BRAND NEW!!! JEEZ!

After taking our time with our expensive drink break, we took the train to Greenwich. There, we saw the Cutty Sark and ate at this delicious Itailan restaurant. MMMMMMM. Then, we took the boat back towards central london. Me and Dad kept napping, but i believe that mom made it the whole way.

Then, we saw the Parliment buildings.....you know the ones that got blown up on V is for Vendetta. ( i know that reviews were bad, but I actually liked the show). We strolled past Big Ben and then took the tube to St. Pauls to walk across the Millieium bridge.

DAD AT THE CUTTY SARK

US ON THE BOAT.........BEFORE WE FELL ASLEEP.

MILLENIEL BRIDGE

Tomorrow i have to be up freakin early...........so tonight i'm hitting the sack early.

THE FOLKS ARE HERE!!

2006-06-17T23:27:00.000+02:00

I picked up my folks today at the airport. It was really good to see them. They are troopers, that's for sure. After being up for over 24 hours I was thinking that they would want to take a little nap before we went exploring (I mean, when the Smedleys' visited they took a 2 hour nap once they checked into their hotel). Not my folks. They threw their bags in their room and we were off. The adventure begins......

1) FOOD!! First things first, we had to eat. We found this little pizzeria where we could sit out and enjoy the sun. (it was a beautiful day..........there was one point during the day that I actually thought I was going to melt, that's how hot it was, but I'm not going to complain about seeing the sun!!

2) We then strolled around Holland Park and my dad was already complaining about the warm coke that he was forced to drink because of the lack of ice in the country. (I've adapted since I've been over here so long, but my dad was having troubles with it).
Holland park was beautiful today. We walked through the japanese gardens and saw a peacock actually spread its feathers. (FYI...did you all know that it's actually the male that has the beautiful feathers?.....yea, it's true, apparently they spread their feathers to attract the female.......who isn't really left with beauty since the male peacocks sort of have that market cornered).

JAPANESE GARDENS AT HOLLAND PARK

YEA......THIS IS A MALE!!! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'M ATTRACTED! (WINK, WINK)

Picadilly Circus................shopping at lillywhites (i bought a bag....it's cute)..........strolling through Leister Square, and then finding a place to eat in Covent Garden. All in all it was a great day. We called it an early night because...........well the folks had been up for a long time. I will admit that I was impressed at their get up and go after landing. Stay tuned for more journeys tomorrow.........it will be a good time, that you can count on.

DINNER IN COVENT GARDEN

AMERICAN GUYS ARE HOT!!

2006-06-09T23:51:00.000+02:00

So, instead of working on my dissertation, i found myself in Leister Square shopping. I bought these awesome purple shoes, I can't wait to wear them. I also went and saw X-Men 3.....it was good. Then, I ran into a group of American fellas. It was like a dream......a good one. I had forgotten. You see I'm not really all that attracted to the British and I still haven't figured out why no one over here will wear a baseball cap and for crying out loud let your scruffys grow a little bit. Well, I'm not sure where these guys were from, but all I do know is that I suddenly turned into a 14 year old school girl and stood staring for about 10 minutes. Luckily my mom called at the same time, so I had an excuse to stand there.

A BUNCH OF US WENT OUT FOR DINNER AND THEN ICE CREAM!!!

DINNER AT STRADA

I FINALLY HAD FUN ON THE BUS....USUALLY I'M A TUBE SNOB!

I'M BACK!!!!!

2006-06-05T21:22:00.000+02:00

I THINK THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL

Ok, i know that I've taken somewhat of a break in my blogging and I sincerely appoligise.

I just went on vacation with the Smedleys. They came into town on May 24th and we have been traveling around for the past two weeks. It was sooooooooo much fun. I saw them off to the airport this morning and was very sad to see them go.

WE VISITED THE COTSWALDS AND THIS TOWN WAS CASTLE COMBE

We were in Bath, England and took a day trip out to the cotswalds and found this little village and it was great. I had thought that this place sounded great and I will admit that I thought it was a castle.......silly me, but it turned out to be my favorite place of all.

THIS IS ME BEING SEXY, JUST LIKE THIS LITTLE TOWN

ME AND LINDI IN CASTLE COMBE

A construction guy gave me and lindi some popicicles and told us how a up coming movie with Sienna Miller called "Stardust" was filmed right across the street from where this picture was taken. Look for it next summer at a theater near you.

WE ARE NOW IN LLINRINDOD, WALES (THIS IS ME AND LINDI)

We had a great time in this town. First of all, the way you pronounce the LL is like the CL in "cluck". We had quite a good time with that alone, but we also went on a 5 hour hike which took us literally through 20 or so sheep pastures. It was fantastic. The picture above is right outside a church that we hiked up to.........i was resting.......i was tired. It did rain on us pretty much the whole time, but no worries cause I had my umbrella! Raise your hand if you've ever been on a hike with an umbrella?......Yea, it was a first for me too.

LINDI, ME, AND KAREN IN ONE OF THE MANY EXPENSIVE TAXIS THAT WE TOOK!

We are now in Preston, England......the Smedleys had ancestors there they wanted to look up.

ME AND KARI AT A PARK IN PRESTON......I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THE NAME OF IT WAS

This park was huge and there was this boys soccer team and I swear the boys were no older than 10 years old and the coach was running them to DEATH. I was worried the 4th boy that I saw throwing up. I thought it was a little riduculous to push such young boys. I guess they are super serious about their soccer over here.

SCOTLAND!

Ok, yes, there were many impressive things in Scotland, but we came across this cow and couldn't pass the opportunity by to ride her! If you look closely, the Scott Monument is behind her and it's a very impressive monument! It did however take me 4 tries to jump on Bessie here. Ouch!

SEAN

The cow might of jumped over the moon, but Sean totally cleared the cow! It was mightly impressive.

KARI, ME, AND LINDI

Sterling castle was one of my favorites that i've seen. (Besides Edinburgh mom) This is where William Wallace (Braveheart) won that famous battle. I haven't seen Braveheart so the historical events of the battle are fuzzy, and yes they did tell us at the castle, but that was now like 3 days ago and I have short term memory bad! So, Braveheart is on my list of must see movies.

ME TAKING THE AUDIO TOUR AT STERLING CASTLE

I had a fantastic time with the Smedleys these past two weeks. Now, I guess that I better work on my dissertation until my folks get here on the 17th for another two week adventure. Live is tough!

STINKIN BANK HOLIDAYS

2006-05-01T23:54:00.000+02:00

Did anyone know that today is a bank holiday?........Yea, I didn't either. What's so special about today? I know that it's the 1st day of May (May Day), big whup. I only sound negative because I walked and walked and walked and walked all the way to the library only to find it closed because of the bank holiday. Rats!

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY IN LONDON!!!

2006-04-30T19:42:00.000+02:00

I woke up this morning because the bright sun was literally shining through my curtains. Now, i realize this might not seem like an out of the ordinary situation to go through on the last day of April.......you know....because of it being spring and all. Well, here in London the sun shines (sometimes) but not for long. However, this morning was absolutely one of the most beautiful days i've seen since living here. So pretty. So sunny. Not so warm, but two out of three isn't bad.

After going out and enjoying the sunshine, I came back to me casa to get down and dirty (with my homework, perv) with the current weeks presentations that I have. Two big time presentations is what I'm looking forward to this week. I'm sure that I'll survive them, but at this stage in the game, I'm dreading them......you know what I mean?

I did take a study break and successfully popped an entire bag of microwave popcorn without burning any kernals!!! To non microwave popcorn eaters this might seem like a simple task..........but nay, it is not. To be skilled in the art of successful microwave popping it takes many a years of practice. Why do you think they give you three bags in each box? Because it usually takes you until the third bag to come out with a victory: which means the number of kernals popped out weigh the number that are burnt. It's a tricky game we micro poppers play. Here are some successful stacey micro popping tips:

1) you must bend and crease the bag of potential corn before you even place it in the microwave for cooking. (very important)

2) you MUST stay by the microwave throughout the ENTIRE cooking process (no detouring to the fridge to obtain a soda....the bag of kernals needs your immediate and full attention until complete)

and finally.....

3) it is essential to stop the microwave once you no longer hear new kernals popping whether or not time is up (this is the most difficult part to become skilled at....because it's different every time....the whole one one thousand two one thousand three one thousand trick is NOT a good way to judge whether the popping has stopped)

Don't worry if you don't succeed at first.....practice makes perfect. Oh, and don't ever throw away a burnt bag.....make yourself eat it. Trust me......after a couple of burnt bags of popcorn you will be surprised at how successful you become at popping the precise bag o microwave popcorn.

Happy eating.

WHO LOVES PINK?

2006-04-25T20:32:00.000+02:00

Raise your hand if you think Pink is THE best artist/singer around? Don't be ashamed....come on. Well, today I was at Borders catching up on all my celebrity gossip.....like did Katie make any noise while delivering her baby?......Who is Nick Lachey dating?.....How the Lost actresses stay in such peek condition......anyways, while "researching" these important issues, I came across Pink's new CD. Which, I had not purchased as of yet from iTunes. Which is where I purchase every new song or artist I want, like the rest of the world, but when I saw Pink's new CD just sitting there in the store......it sort of spoke to me. So, what did I do?

A. Shell out 12 pounds for her new CD, which is like $20.
B. Buy three new books
C. After reading the People magazine.....I also looked through the US just to make sure I didn't miss anything.
or
D. All of the above

The answer is D!!! Ok, I've got to have a better study break then to go to Borders. From now on I am banning myself from any and all Border stores. (I do however, LOVE my new Cd and am now recruiting friends to attend her upcoming tour that starts in September).......Who wants to be the lucky ones to go scream like little girls at Pink's concert? I'm taking applications.

THIS WAS ME AT THE KELLY CLARKSON CONCERT.....CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE ME AT PINK'S?

FRIENDS R FUNNY!!

2006-04-24T23:37:00.001+02:00

I was chatting with Sara (one of my nearest and dearest friends from home......who now lives in TexAS!) this evening and she had me rolling. Usually when friends go off on these long stories about what their kids did here or what their kids did there and oh they are so cute blah blah blah is what goes through my mind sometimes. Not because I don't like kids....(cause I do).....but i think because I can feel that old internal clock of mine a tickin and hate to be reminded that when my friends children will be gratuating, mine will still be in diapers. Anyways, Sar had me laughing so hard because her youngest Hazel likes to take off all her cloths and poo in the back yard. Sar doesn't know what to do......she can't seem to stop her. And, during our phone conversation....apparently hazel had gone outside, stipped naked, and sat in the sand box and pee--ed (like a cat) and then came in the house. HILARIOUS!!! As a visual thinker.....i find this really really really funny. I can always count on Sar for a good laugh.

HAZEL........THE YARD POO---ER

Walking through the tube this afternoon on my way to church it was soooooo crowded. I can tell that all the tourists are coming out plus I think that there was a big marathon today or something like that. Anyways, picture me with my ipod cranked up and trying to squeeze through tons of people on my way to the South Kennington exit. Well, all the sudden, I feel someone totally grab my butt. I was thinking....ok i know that its crowded, so maybe it was an accident. (I couldn't really look behind me because it was like a truck full of cattle being pushed to the front....so I couldn't mess up or stop the flow by looking behind me) I contined my journey and low and behold my butt got grabbed again. What in the world? I finally turn to look behind me and give the perv a piece of my mind....when I notice that my friend was laughing very hard. Please remember that you never see people that you know on the tube (i think it's happened to me twice in the 8 months i've lived here) so I was a bit shocked and was afraid to tell this friend what I was thinking about the scum sucker who I thought was grabbing my butt. We got a good laugh out of it.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!!

2006-04-20T23:15:00.000+02:00

It's funny how one's comes to the knowledge of EXACTLY what their soul purpose in this life is.....well, today i found my purpose....... I just got home from watching Take The Lead with Antonio Banderias (it's this movie where Antonio plays a ballroom dance teacher and he goes into this inner city school and teaches the dentention class how to ballroom dance) and I think that I'm suppose to be a ballroom dance teacher and help inspire the kids from the inner city. Now, I realize there are a couple of obstacles that stand in my way....such as: I don't know how to ball room dance, my degree is way off this subject matter, I was never able to master darin's dance grooves, and i don't think there is actually an inner city in the P.O.C. Other than that, I'm totally on my way to inspire, inspire and bring the twirling desire to those less fortunate!!

WORST MOVIE EVER!!

2006-04-15T01:20:00.000+02:00

I know, I know, I, the movie lover, hated a movie! Let me specify.......i not only hated it, but despised it! The New World, with Colin Ferrell and Christian Bale. With as hot as looking actors as these, it's hard to imagine that the movie could possibly be that bad, but boy oh boy it was horrible. I knew I was in trouble when 20 minutes into the movie not one word had been spoken. And it only got worse. Trust me, don't waste what felt like 4 hours of your life. You're welcome!

I went to get a cute little coffee shop with Bendji today and we got into a discussion about London transit and all the strange, sometimes gross things one can see while being transported. I was telling Ben about a couple that were practically all over each other and happened to be right next to me and almost in my lap. It was late and they were drunk, but I felt as though I was in their bedroom with them, it was pretty nasty.......or was I jealous? Either way, not appropriate for public viewing. Ben, then one uped me by telling me about this super drunk girl who yes pulled down her pants while on the tube and peed on the floor. (Wow, that story totally wins) I was grossed out, then Ben continued to tell me about this old, gross man who was riding on the bus with him and decided that it was a good time to floss his teeth. No big deal right? But Ben said that there were literally pieces of food flying out of his mouth while the floss was doing its job. (Totally gross, but Ben assured me that he had to dodged a piece of something or other until it was his stop..............I threw up in my mouth a little)

I AM CHAINED TO MY DESK!!!

2006-04-11T23:56:00.000+02:00

It's officially Easter break for everyone at my uni.........fantastic you think, but I'm sort of sad about this for a couple of reasons. First, I'm not heading off to Egypt, Greece, or Spain......like some of my classmates, and second, instead I've decided to get a lot of my coursework done. Yuke! So, today's project has me researching and writing a paper on the company Levi Strauss. At least it's an interesting project right? It's not all that bad, I'll admit, but I think that I would still rather be walking like an egyptian you know what i mean?

I WISH I WAS IN ITALY EATING GELATO.

THE SUN IS SHINING!

2006-04-06T00:10:00.000+02:00

IT WAS WEIRD WE ALL ENDED UP AT THE SAME MOVIE

The sun was shining all day today. I think Spring is officially here. I was wanting my scooter today so badly. I was dreaming of riding it through the streets of the P.O.C. listening to Avril.....that's right, when I ride my scooter I listen to Avril.....whatever, it's good scooter ridin music.

THIS IS WHAT MY SCOOTER LOOKS LIKE.....EXCEPT BABY BLUE INSTEAD OF MUSTARD YELLOW.

I hope Griff is keeping her safe and sound and riding her through the streets of Pocatello.

THE DAY HAS COME!!

2006-04-04T22:32:00.000+02:00

I never thought I'd see the day but alas it's here........i have run out of funny things to say. I know. I can't believe it either. Normally, I witness or experience a normal, everyday occurence, but am able to chat relentlessly about if for pages and pages. What's going on? Is this just a phase i'm going through, or will i now start to see the world like everyone else? I blame this recent occurrence on school. That's right, I think I'm getting way too academic. I'm really concerned. Maybe I should skip class tomorrow.

MODERN ART IS NOT FOR ME.

2006-03-27T01:26:00.000+02:00

Went to the Tate Modern art gallery/museum on Friday and didn't like it. Now, keep in mind that I was trying very hard not to judge and was really trying to appreciate and understand the art in it's modern form. But, the more that I stood in the immense open space of a HUGE room that had only 3 paintings on the wall the more i only saw a big canvas painted pink! I couldn't draw anything more from it. And, I swear that I tried sooooooo hard.

I have been to the National Gallery and really loved it. Of course, there are pictures that I like more than others, but for the most part I really enjoy it. I just don't get the modern expression of art apparently. Now, i hope that no artists take this next statement of mine out of context, but I think that people only like Modern Art because it's suppose to be THE popular thing to like now days. This is a bit of a stretch i realize, but this is what I think. I don't think that the artist painted the canvas pink with the red stripe to symbolize the current strained relationship that came forth during the dark time in his life whilst attending a theater spectacular, or something like that. I think that he had a lot of pink paint and then added a red stripe when he got done because his wife bought the red towels that were on sale at the store and he needed his painting to match. That's where I think his inspriation came from. But, what do I know?

Anywho, I'm going to ask my artist friend Trish to explain it to me, because I can be open minded about this modern art era. I just need a little help, that's all.

MUGGER ON THE STREET!!!

2006-03-22T22:03:00.000+01:00

Picture this.......it's about 6:00pm and I'm standing on the corner of the street talking to my friend Hamza (we go to school together) and we hear these strange sounds coming directly towards us. What could it be? Well, there was this guy running as fast as he could with a bag in his arms and right behind him was this police officer shouting to anyone and everyone to "stop that man" "stop that man" (it was just like in the movies). I found myself frozen in place with my mouth dropped open. I watched him run right by me and then through the traffic and around the street and back right in the direction of me and Hamza. (my mouth still open and my feet still frozen) Well, Hamza dropped his bag and ran after him.......but the police officer (or bobby that's what the Brits call them....i think) had just tackled him before Hamza could help out. Crazy!!

So, if anyone is wondering how posh the neighborhood is that I live in.........it's not. You won't find it on many tourist maps. that's right ..........i'm a local!

What lesson did i choose to learn from this eye witness experience? Not to hold on to my wallet a little tighter or to never stop on the corner of a busy street talking...........But it proved to me that even though I've been a faithful Alias watcher all these past years, I might have to retire my dreams of working undercover with the CIA. You would think that with someone who tivo-ed all the episodes of 24 I would be able to help catch a man that apparantly robbed an older woman. But, no, when worse comes to worse good old stacey freezes. Maybe I should of told you all that it was actually me who tackled the perp. Dang, next time, next time........he'll be mine.

HAPPY FIRST DAY O SPRING!

2006-03-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

First day of spring, my aching arse! It's freezing here in London. Okay, so it's not freezing, but it's cold. Not like the spring like conditions I expect during the spring time.

This past weekend I went to the natural history museum to see an exhibit of National Geographic Photos of the year.......it was fantastic.

THIS WAS MY FAVORITE PHOTO......SOMEWHERE IN OREGON.

PENGUINS.........SURFING........I THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY!!

What's funny to me though is that I totally got drawn into the dinosaur exhibit afterwards and I couldn't stop taking pictures. It was awesome. But, I have to say that I felt a little ripped off my whole dinosaur learning years because there were dinosaurs exhibited that I had never heard of. What's that all about? I guess in the P.O.C. (Pocatello) we weren't quite up to speed on all the species. I kept saying how much my nephews would love it, but found that it was actually me pushing a kid out of the way so that I could have a front row view of TRex!! It was sweet! And kind of scary.

DON'T BE SCARED...........IT'S JUST PRETENDS........BUT IT'S TREX!!!

SPELLING ISN'T MY BEST SUBJECT!!

2006-03-14T11:34:00.000+01:00

My sister is constantly pointing out my spelling mistakes that i apparently make on my blog, so I've decided to let you all know that just because i can't spell very good, doesn't mean that I don't have important things to say. Besides, if I can't spell something, I think that I do a good job of sounding it out with the best of them. So sorry! Jeez!.........Speaking of spelling, today I was reading a case study for my Marketing Communications test on Thursday and guess how they spelled tire?.....tyre! At least I can get the easy words right! Maybe we should lend our Webster's dictionary to the Brits and let them throw that darned Oxford one away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

2006-03-13T23:22:00.000+01:00

Today is my mom's birthday........so today's blog is a tribute to her.......

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

(she's old....59......wow!!)

Seriously though mom.......i hope you have a great day!!

FRENCH PEOPLE AREN'T DEAF

2006-03-11T01:34:00.000+01:00

Why is it that when we can't understand someone we think that if we just raise the volume of our voice, then maybe they will be able to understand us? I don't know. Today, i was sitting in the tube station reading my Brand Equity book while waiting for my tube to come and this very nice lady tapped me on the shoulder.........she had a tube map in her hand and was wondering how to get to her stop. (Since i'm now a local i tend to get people asking me for directions.....i'm kind of use to it.......what can I say, when you know what you're doing, it just radiates off your body) Anyways, it took me a second to realize that she only spoke French. Which proved to be a problem cause I only speak English. I don't think Voola Voola Shai Aventwa......Shiswa would have been appropriate for directions. But, instead of smiling and shaking my head and saying something like .......oh sorry I only speak English..........I raised the volume of my voice up a couple of octaves and tried to yell to her how to get to East Finchley from where we were at. Why did I do that? It's like I knew whilst I was in the middle of yelling that I was being absolutely riduculous but I couldn't stop myself. Needless to say, I was heading in her direction, so I made sure she got on the right tube and tried to stay silent for the remainder of the ride. Luckily, my stop was before hers, so I gave an embarrassed wave and bid adiou.

LOOK AT WHAT MY MOM SENT ME.....IT CAME TODAY!!!

WHAT COULD IT BE?

JUST SO YOU KNOW......BREAKING INTO THE PENTAGON WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER.

OH, BUT WAS IT EVER WORTH IT......RAMEN AND MICROWAVE POPCORN AND A MUG FULL OF MY FAVORITE EASTER CANDY!

I CAN'T STOP EATING THE DELICIOUS MINI EGGS.........THANKS MOM.......THANKS DAD U THE GREATEST!!!!

CLASS EVALUATION

2006-03-09T23:58:00.000+01:00

ANYONE THAT WANTS CAN COME AND VISIT ME IN LONDON-TOWN.....

I have marketing communications on Thursdays, and I like the material, but i don't really like the class. Today, we had a mock test..........i know, kind of weird, but actually will be helpful come the actual test next week. The two professors that team teach the class were asking for volunteers....about 4 of us.... to stay after class and help answer some questions for them regarding how we think the module is going so far.....any reccommedations we might have etc. Ben, one of my fellow classmates, was asking me if I was going to volunteer. Now, keep in mind that I had just discussed how I really didn't like the class that much (which he already knew) so I didn't think my feedback would be appropriate. Well, guess who showed up at my side and personally asked me if I would join the group at the front for the feedback needed. GREAT!! If any of you know me that well, you know that I can't lie worth a darn, GREAT!!

IT'S HARD WORK BRINGING YOU THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES THAT I DO

STRIKE!!

2006-03-07T11:15:00.000+01:00

Yesterday i got a letter in the mail regarding the status of a strike that was taking place at my University starting today and ending today. (huh?-one day strike) Apparently, some of the University professors were going on strike today to .......well, i'm not actually sure what the strike was about.......but I guess that not every professor is a member of the Union that was striking, so we, the students, were told to attend class like normal and if our professor didn't show up, then we could sure go to the library for personal study.

I got to class and waited with my fellow classmates kind of hoping that the professor wouldn't show up. (Not like it's hard attending this class once a week, but still the hope was there) After a good solid 1/2 and hour we figured we were safe and after chit chatting for a bit we left. I went to the library, but instead of heading to the desks to get some good studying in, I decided that maybe I would go on strike for the day and headed to the media area to see if I could find a movie. Well, after about 2 minutes of searching I found Shakespeare In Love and made the decision that I would support the professors in their day o strike the best way that I could.........I wouldn't study and would instead watch a movie. I know, I know, I'm such a giver.

But, seriously, what good is striking for one day? Will it really produce results? I'm sure they want higher pay and what not.....so why not strike until they get the word that their pay will actually increase? I just don't understand it. Maybe it works different over here. And, no I'm not just saying this so I can have a movie marathon. Just curious.

SOCCER OR FOOTBALL?

2006-03-07T00:04:00.000+01:00

I just sat through an entire soccer (football) game................WOW! Ok, now I realize that I once (way back when) use to play soccer and really liked to. But, as far as watching it goes.......BOR----ING! I feel as though I should appoligze to everyone who had to come and watch me play all those years. Guys over here go crazy for the game. I don't understand it. People are screaming at the TV after every missed goal or opportunity. Nuts! It's really the only explanation that I can come up with. Anyways, give me good old American football anyday.

DORM LIFE RULES!!!

2006-03-05T00:06:00.000+01:00

THE LAST PICTURES OF ITALY

THE SYMBOL OF TORINO.....IT'S A CINEMA MUSEUM.

Let me pose a question to all this evening...........Do you think it's difficult to close a bathroom stall door? MMMMMMM, yea, I don't think it's hard either. But, apparently the fellow whose bare bottom I just saw thinks its a difficult thing to do. I mean, yea, some might say that sharing a bathroom with others sucks...........I mean, it's not the greatest, but it's not that bad. Really. But, I will have to admit that I was having a hard time stifling the laughter early today. For cryin out loud, what I am suppose to do? Just pretend that I didn't see him? All I could think to do was to walk on by and get into a clear stall as quickly as possible. Then, of course, I had to physically cover my mouth because I thought it was really funny........ Moral of story= shut the door when you're going to the bathroom!!!

WE THOUGHT KELLY CLARKSON ROCKED!!!!! (CAUSE SHE DOES)

THIS WAS THE GANG....SOKPHAL, NORA, RUS, BRIAN, ME, AND RACHEL

Ok, I will stop putting up pictures of italy........from now on its pictures from the present only...........i'll get over the fact that I loved my trip to Italy and want very much to go back.

DON'T JUDGE ME!!

2006-02-27T23:20:00.000+01:00

You are never in a million years going to believe what I did today....I'm a little ashamed and embarassed to admit because I've talked about it so much in a negative way.........i totally bought eggs today at the store. I know, I know, but i'm tired of eating micro meals, i even made two long laps around the isle trying to talk myself out of it, but hunger and the longing to say goodbye to micro meals (for this week at least) made me stop and make the purchase. I'll let you know how it goes. (I'm sorry Ben.....i had to discuss it because it is such a milestone) .......(Ben thinks I talk too much about the eggs....whatever, what does he know?).

THIS WAS LIKE MY 6TH TASTE OF ITALIAN PIZZA....IT'S WEIRD, I NEVER GOT SICK OF IT!!

Some friends and I went to this Hindu temple in London today. It was really cool. It's London't first traditional Hindu temple. Did you know that the number zero was created in India? I sure didn't. (I'm finally going to stump my brother on some trivia....no one tell him the answer)

WE PASSED THIS ON THE WAY TO THE TEMPLE.

Oh, speaking of on the way to the temple.....I think that we saw two maybe three drug deals occur right in front of us. No kidding. Now, I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but I think I can spot a cap yo ass, punk, i like to wear a hood just for the fun of it, it's cool that my pants don't fit, druggie, hoodlam!! I will admit that I was a little scared. I was excited to see the Hindu temple poking up there in the distance. I can definetely say that I felt peace when I got there. (don't worry, I wasn't converted or anything) just happy to have the drug lords on the other side of the gate.

THE SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE

And, another picture of Italy....i hope no one is getting tired of them because there are more to come....

CRAP.......I THINK THAT I'VE ALREADY POSTED THIS ONE BEFORE....SORRY....ENJOY IT AGAIN.

I FOUND IT!!

2006-02-22T23:30:00.000+01:00

MORE PHOTOS OF ITALY!!!

Spent a good deal of time this afternoon and this evening in the library........studying..........yea, i know, it shocked me too. But, today i found my new favorite place to nestle myself in while studying. I mean, it's THE perfect spot for me to get some real studying done. I like to feel sort of boxed in while studying. The same when I'm sleeping. Which is weird because I can't stand to be in the middle of a large crowd. (due to a unfortunate incident at a Saliva concert). But, when studying, I need to feel very boxed and secure. I know, strange, but i found that place today. It was awesome. I got a lot of studying done. Yea for me.

IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!

Also, my blockbuster rentals are not going to waste!! I don't know if you there back home are aware of the different regions the DVD makers put on the DVD's over here. Well, i wasn't aware of this until i got here. Now, my mac laptop is able to change regions 3 times and that's it. Well, me being the avid movie watcher, have ofcourse already changed my region three times. Well, a friend of mine sent me the free download that would take the block off my machine so that I could play DVD's from other regions.......but, it didn't work on my up-to-date mac laptop. (the first time I've ever been disappointed in Apple) But, I had already rented the DVD's from blockbuster thinking that the free download would work. I was really upset because i spent 5 pounds on the rental and hated seeing them go to waste. However, when finishing up at the library this evening, i walked past the TV/VCR section in the library...........and thought.......do I dare? What else is this area used for? Plus, I happened to have my DVD's in my bag because I was going to return them on my way home. So, i totally watched one of my DVD's in the library on their TV!! SWA----Weet!!

STUDENT LIFE IS THE LIFE!!!

2006-02-21T23:33:00.000+01:00

I've decided that i like the life of a student. I enjoy getting up early (9am) and throwing my hair up in a pony and barely making it to class. Having a hour lecture before we take a tea brake for a half an hour, then more lecture. Then, back home for a afternoon nap, then to the library for some serious studying for 4 hours. I don't even mind the studying, believe it or not. Then, a microwavable meal (okay, this isn't the best part of being a student) then more studying and relations with my computer (which seems weird, but I can't live without it now a days). How am I ever going to have a real job again? ......wait.....I guess that making money is a pretty good motivator...........yea, i guess that I'll be able to give up my afternoon naps, but for now, I'm going to seriously enjoy it!!!

I am a little worried that I'm going to come back to the states not being able to spell real well. And, let's face it, those of you who know me, already know that I'm the worlds worst speller. I remember spelling balloon correct in the 2nd grade during a spelling bee, but since then it's pretty much been all down hill for me in that category. Well, over here in London they don't believe in the letter z. I don't know why this is the case or when this prejudice started, but it's driving me crazy. Words like organisation, globalisation, specialisation and centralisation. This sucks because these are all words that I once knew how to spell in english (american english at least). Just because the poor little letter is at the end of the alphabet doesn't mean that it doesn't count for anything. What ever happened to the phrase "Save the best for last?" Huh? Anyways, this is just the tip of the ice-berg, don't even get me started on all the extra u's that are put into words out here. I'm going to look like an idiot when next year instead of napping I'm at my desk in my office (corner office of course) spelling all my words wrong.

Oh, on a positive note, today I found a shortcut to my shortcut. I don't know if you all remember that it took me like two weeks to figure out that i could cut through the park during the day and save myself ten minutes in walking time. I was both pissed and excited when I figured this out. Well, today i was taking my now normal stroll through the park when I noticed some gals sneaking through a fence that would cut like atleast 3 minutes off my already cut short walk. I was stoked!! I mean 3 minutes doesn't sound like a lot, but when you are hungry and have to pee like a Russian race horse, you'll take the 3 minutes saved. Which i did today. Hooray!!

HOME SWEET HOME!! PEBBLE CREEK.....IT'S CALLING ME.

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

2006-02-20T23:33:00.000+01:00

Okay........just wondering why someone can't tell that they smell bad...... Just curious, I mean I'm standing in the grocery store line today and come across this woman who smells sooooooo bad. She smells a bit like old lady, cats, and b.o. all mixed together. We're talking that she smells so bad that there is no time for me to feel sorry for her. I'm actually a bit pissed off, to tell you the truth. I mean come on, you have to know that you smell THAT bad. You know, occasionaly I'll go through a day without showering, but if that's the case, I'll put on a bit more deoderant that day and make sure no horrible odors are seeping through. You know? I know that everyone's done it, so don't turn your nose up at me. Anyways, back to this lady..........she smelt real bad!! I had to put my sleeve up to my nose so that I could stand up right. I realize this could of been taken for being really rude, but it was either that or else I would of collapsed in a pile right there in line to pay for my groceries. Now, how would that have looked? Anyways, please make notice of your own smells coming from your body each and every day. You never know what life you could save.

SORRY TO KEEP RUBBING IT IN YOUR FACE THAT I WAS AT THE OLYMPICS IN BEAUTIFUL ITALY ONLY ONE WEEK AGO!!!

RAINY DAY!!!

2006-02-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

Rain, rain go away don't come back till another day............the typical London weather is back!!! It rained today for the first time since I've been back from Christmas. (and this isn't the "should I put my umbrella up or not" rain, it was the "down pour.... your shirt is now soaking wet" rain). So, it's no surprise that I was in a dreary mood today. What's that all about anyways? Crazy.

I really didn't do anything exciting today at all..........oh, except talk to my sista. That's right, we call each other sista.

ERIN AND ME..........SHOUT OUT ERN!!!

TO PICK UP OR NOT???!!!

2006-02-18T01:12:00.000+01:00

Pizza pockets........an invention that was pure genius in my book. They are so tasty and simple and really the best ready in 2 minute meal I can think of. (Besides Ramen, but that takes at least 6 minutes for perfection) Well, this week I struck gold because I found pizza pockets at the grocery store. (FYI--they were totally where they were suppose to be in the freezer section, unlike the eggs) Of course the brits don't actually call them pizza pockets.......they called them like chicago styled pizza pie, or something like that. However, to the well trained American eye, it's totally a pizza pocket in disguise. I was elated and quickly added them to my basket.

I had eaten one of the pizza pockets (two come in a pack) on Wednesday unsure of what to expect. You never know if the british pizza pocket is going to live up to the deliciousness of the good ole American ones.............but it did. It was delicious and I instantly patted myself on the back for making such a brillant purchase.

Fast forward to earlier today...........after a long hard day of laundry and sleeping in i was in desperate need of a tasty lunch time snack. It was going to be a whole five hours until I was meeting up with the group to go to Brick Lane and eat Indian food, so I really needed something to tide me over. Well, keep in mind that I had already tasted my first pizza pocket and LOVED it, so I knew how delicious it was........so after the longest 2 minutes of my life in front of the microwave I reached my bare hand in to grab my pizza pocket (i had forgotten my usual snow mitten that I use as an oven mit) and my pizza pocket fell to the ground. OH NO.........(bad word, bad word)..............split second decision..........what am I to do?

What can I say...........it was still a tasty bit of heaven!!

THAT'S RIGHT I'M HERE TO STUDY!!

2006-02-15T23:45:00.000+01:00

So, it was hard for me to finally get back into the swing of things. Yesterday, i was pretty much too tired to do anything. I know that it was Valentines day, but the most i did was to wear the valentines day socks that my mom sent me. I went to bed very early. So, today was really my first day being back to normal. I had to go to class and listen and take notes and even participate. What is that all about? I want Gilato and I want it now!! (Jeff-Gilato is delicious Italian ice cream)

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU THINK THIS IS A SEXY PICTURE OF ME!!!! (WHATEVER, WHO CARES THAT MY EYE BALLS ARE BIGGER THEN THE SURFACE AREA OF MY FACE.......NO BIG DEAL)

So, my favorite gal pal Sara sent me a card, which i received in the mail today. I can't explain how great it is to receive a personalized letter via post now a days. It was fantastic! No one out there feel guilty or that you should send me one as well, but it was soooooo great to get it. It was full of pictures, fun, funny, and treats!! I absolutely loved it. Sar.....you rock!! Seriously, don't anyone feel like they have to follow in Sar's steps, but here is my address just in case you want to:

Tufnell Park Hall
Huddleston Road G27
London N70EG
England

NORA AND I BOBSLEDDING OUR HEARTS OUT!!

BACK FROM ITALY!!!!

2006-02-14T22:41:00.000+01:00

WE ARE A COMING!!

Italy freakin' rocks!!! I had such a great time. I will try and give a run down of my trip, but expect to see pictures trickle in for about the next week or so. Rachel, Sokphal, Nora and I are going to be getting together on Friday to exchange pictures......so stay tuned for that.

ITALY!!!

Wednesday:
We started out our journey by having real Italians make us dinner before we left for their country. We went over to Vito's and Jonos and they made us an authentic Italian dinner. It was amazing. They made us rizotto and I loved it. They had like 5 courses, which was hard for me to sit that long, but apparently the Italians LOVE their long dinners. Jono was very offended that I wouldn't eat the cheese or shrimp.............but what can I do? I don't like cheese or shrimp. Jeez!

Thursday:
We landed in Torino very sleepy and tired for we hadn't slept at all the previous night. But, who needs sleep when you are dropped in the middle of the Olympics? Hot olympians, hot Italians, enough Americans so I can hear english everywhere i go (yea), gilato around every corner, and no school or worries for 5 days! That sounds like a successful time for me.......sleep deprived and all.

We ate lunch in a small cafe right in the middle of Torino. I soon found out that every little cafe in Torino is adorable and delicious. However, i got my first expense slap in the face when my soda costs me 3.50!!!! What in the world? I could of had 2 beers for cheaper than a delicious cola. I had to re-arrange my budget a little, cause there is no way that I'm going to be on vacation and not have a few sodas now and then. But, no worries, i soon got use to the expensive coke selling Italian ways.

I ate my first of many gilato's, walked around Torino and took in all the Olympic fun. We then ate dinner at a little cafe called Crazy Coconut---My first pizza!!!!

Friday:
Now, this day was a huge bummer............i HAD to go skiing in the Alpes, it was rough! Whatever, it was so great! I mean, skiing in itself is great on its own, but to do it during the Olympics, in the Alpes was even better. We skiied all day long. I purchased another 3 euro soda! Yikes. The hill was huge and we pretty much made our way around the entire thing. As much as we could anyways.

BRIAN, ME (ALL BUNDLED) AND RACHEL

We then missed the train back to Torino, but while waiting for the next one we ate gilato---always a good idea whenever you need to kill some time. It's actually funny becasue it's the winter and we ate at least 2 gilatos per day. Crazy Americans are we. Once we got back to Torino, we met up with some friends of Sokphals and ate dinner in a pub while watching the opening ceremonies. All in all....a good day.

ME, RACHEL, NORA, AND SOKPHAL

AOSTA---THE TOWN LOOKING UP TO THE HILL/ALPS

Saturday:
Went to the ladies freestyle Mogals today up in the mountains of Torino. All I have to say about the mogals is that is was by far the best part of the va-ca for me. I absolutely loved it! These gals went down the mogals crazy fast and then flipped, turned, twisted, and then landed in the most unbeliable ways possible. I was definetely in awe. It was awesome! It was cold....very cold, but instead of a 3 euro coke purchase I made a 3 euro hand warmer purchase and put them in my shoes.....so I survived the frigid temperatures like a champion. A gold medal should of definetely been given out to me.

THIS WAS THE GOLD MEDAL WINNER

Back in Torino for the night we all went out a dancing. It was great fun. However, myself and Russel (a fellow that we were sharing accomodations with) pooped out at about 3:30am. Sokphal, Nora, Rachel, and Brian (another couch mate) stayed out dancing the night away until 6:00am. Wow, yea, I'm way too old for that. However, they had a fantastic time. Wink, wink---apparently they couldn't keep the Italians off of them.

Sunday:
Ok. so if you are going to get the hook up with a FREE place to stay, it definetely helps to end up staying with THE guy that just happens to be in charge of all the ticketing for the entire Olympics. So, today we just had to go to the USA v Germany ladies hockey game. (AWESOME!!!) Sokphal and Brian went to speed skating and then we all met up at the Kelly Clarkson concert----yes, that's right. jaming the night away with kelly and her band was not a bad way to go! Rus, Rachel, Nora and I got there a little late, so we had to watch from the outside..........but if you think that stopped us from jamming, you'd be wrong.

Dinner was at a place that looked like it said Lullaby---not sure the Italian pronouncation.....i only know english. More gilato and then bed. Great day.

Oh, yea, we also went to the Olympic store and saw the flame from the Olympic stadium. The front of the hockey arena, which the entire arena was a brand new one that was really cool i thought, but the front looked like a cheese grater to me. Those Italians trying to have their influences in everything they do. I did have pasta that day,.......mmmmmm i think i might of been influenced...............mmmmmm. Usually I ate pizza for every meal. Interesting.

DO YOU THINK THEY NEED AN ALTERNATE?

Monday:
We had to catch katie and matt and al from the Today show, so we went into the Pizzata de something or other and tried to get on the today show. Did anyone see me? I was wearing an orange scarf? I was right behind Matt and Katie's desk? Let me know. I am waiting for the calls to start pouring in, I have a feeling that I'm totally right on the brim of being discovered, so I wouldn't be surprised if this was going to be my big break.

We met up with more of Sokphal's friends (she lived in Torino during the summer, so this is why she is so popular.....we all are trying to be like her) and they gave us a tour of Torino. It was great. Who can complain about hot Italians trying their hardest to speak English (i find it sexy i guess to have hot men not really able to communicate, but to try to) and show us the sites. It was great.

I had my favorite piece of fochatta bread. It was delicious. We all seemed to purchase a lot of chocolate today. Apparently Torino is known for it. Hey, they didn't have to talk me into it. Then, it was time to depart to the airport and make our way home to London.

The trip was awesome. Definetly a memorable one that I enjoyed!

There are always a few things that you wish would be different or that you didn't like....I thought I would list them for you. It will be a short list because I had just the best time ever, but none the less a few things didn't go my way:

soda's were damned expensive
the hot speed skater never even glanced at me when being interviewed by Matt no matter how loud I screamed
I totally wanted to purchase a sweater......but it cost 80 freakin 6 euros (boo)
I had to take the night bus when we got back into London because the tube closes at 12:30am and a man stole this ladies wallet right in front of me.......and I didn't know what to do.
I had turned off my heater in my room to save on energy (that i don't even have to pay for) so it was freezing when I got back into my room

Well, i tell you what, if that's all I can think of to put on my cons list then sign me up for the next Olympics for sure!!!

LOST PASSPORT!!

2006-02-06T21:16:00.000+01:00

So, earlier today I thought that I lost my passport. I was freaking out for about 6 hours. Last night we were all talking about how much fun Italy was going to be and all the stuff we were going to do and then Rachel reminded us all to not forget our passports. It got my mind a wondering about my passport and how I hadn't seen it since I got back to London on January 11th. Then, I remember.....oh wait, I put it in the super sweet secret spot between my books on my book shelf. Totally not noticable to the naked eye.....a perfect spot!! Well, then, this morning I went to that perfect spot and couldn't find my passport anywhere.

I was freaking out!! I tore my room apart looking for it. And, my room isn't that big at all. Of course I was thinking that I was going to miss out on Italy and I was pissed off. Plus, I couldn't think about anything else. My day was useless. I started thinking that there was no way I could of lost it and so someone must of broke into my room and stole it. How riduculous is that? Well, it's totally what I was thinking.

I decided that I would search every square inch of my room once again and guess what? I totally found my passport squished in between pages of one of my books. Sweet hiding spot, I wish I would of thought of that one.......oh, I probably did, but then forgot that I had hid it there. I'm such an idiot. Well, no worries, it looks like I'm going to make it to Italy after all. Whew!

I have since discovered a whole new super secret hiding spot. This one is really good, my best spot yet!! For sure.

SUPER BOWL BLUES!!!

2006-02-06T00:23:00.000+01:00

Most of you all are watching the big game.....the Super Bowl awaiting the Rolling Stones halftime performance. (hoping that it's not as boring as last years performance, but not as revealing as the year before). Well, I am about ready to call it a night because I can't find a place to watch the game.(i guess i could of gone and found an American pub playing the game, but I didn't) What is wrong with this country? I thought that everyone wanted to be like Americans. Is that not right? We are THE superpower country and we watch the superbowl on superbowl sunday. Jeez! I'm not really that interested in the game this year, it's just a tradition to watch it you know? It's the only day that I can drink 5 Pepsi's in a row and not feel bad.
Oh well, I'm sure I'll live.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!

We celebrated Rachel's birthday this evening with the traditional Indian feast at a fantastic restaurant by Brick Lane. Good evening with good food, good folks (except our pervert table neighbors) and good fun!! Successful evening for sure.

PREPARING TO GO TO ITALY!!!

2006-02-04T21:22:00.000+01:00

MY ARM HAD TO BE TWISTED FAR TO GET ME TO GO (WINK, WINK)

So, Sokphal decided that the best way for us gals to prepare ourselves for going to Italy this upcoming week was to go out to an Italian place with some real Italian guys. Who's going to argue with that? Not me. (Sokphal is a genius) Anyways, we went to this place called Strada, and it was fantastic! Of course I ordered pizza, I thought it was only necessary. And I learned all about the Italian stereotypes from these two guys that were with us. I had them teach me a few phrases that might come in handy whilst in Turin............because there will be plenty of me "practicing" my Italian next week!

I THINK NORA AND I WERE JUST SWOONED BY SOME PURE ITALIAN TALENT...........OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.....

Okay, well I know that I feel very prepared to now go into Italy and use this knowledge that has been given to me (don't worry I will only use my powers for good) to make my way around the city. It's going to be tons of fun and I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep you informed on what's going on, no worries.

CURRY THURSDAY!!!

2006-02-02T22:45:00.000+01:00

CRAZY FOR CURRY!!

Most Thursdays a group of us meet up for some tasty Indian food that is really cheap and really delicious!! Good times had by all.

ST. PAULS!!!

2006-02-01T21:35:00.000+01:00

ST PAULS CATHEDRAL

So, i'm not catholic or anything, but I got to tell you that when I went to go inside this beautiful church. I was very upset to see that if you actually wanted to look around a CHURCH it would cost you 9 pounds!! Oh, excuse me, since I'm a student, it would only cost me 8 pounds........that's like almost $16!! Okay, does anyone else find that a tad re-damn-diculous? I mean for crying out loud, it's a church. Well, suffice it to say that I only walked into the main part of the church and tried to sneak a peek past the guard when he wasn't looking. Who do you complain to about something like that? The Pope? Just wondering.

Sokphal and I also took the 311 stairs to the top of the Monument. No oxygen tanks or carrying devices were even used!!!!This is a "monument" that was built to celebrate the re-building of the city of London after the Great Fire destroyed a lot of the city. The fire began in a bakers house and this monument was built close to where the fire actually began. One of the only things that did not burn in the fire was St. Paul's Cathedral----Weird, maybe this explains why they can charge an arm and a leg for peeps to walk through it, they know that it can with stand anything, even a little critisim. Who knows, it's just a theory.

VIEW OF TOWER BRIDGE FROM TOP OF THE MONUMENT

I HAVE FOOD!!!

2006-01-30T21:50:00.000+01:00

I went grocery shopping today, which was a needed activity. The one thing that still baffles me is how busy that darned grocery store is no matter what time I seem to go into it. Today, a Monday no less, I went at like 11am and it was PACKED!!! The loud speaker at Sainbury's did keep announcing that they were sorry that we had to que (that's what the brits say for standing in line). For some reason this announcement calmed my inpatient nerves and it was like I didn't mind that the line was all the way back to the eggs that are NOT in the fridge, but next to the cereal.

Good news though (sit down first everyone) I, Stacey Ann Proctor, bought a pan!!!! Hooray, hooray, high fives all round. I will be able to cook a few things now. Though, tonight I had this chicken curry in gravy microwave mess that tasted like a million bucks!! Should I consider that a good thing in my life or a bad? I can't decide.

RELAXING DAY!!!

2006-01-29T23:57:00.000+01:00

I have this week off and I'm really excited about that. I plan on doing some site seeing around London, getting ready for the next semester, and continue in my relaxing ways.

2006-01-28T22:15:00.000+01:00

PORTOBELLO MARKET

Went to Portobello Market today with Sokphal. There is so much junk, trinkets, and food that it's simply overwhelming. I bought some oranges and carmel cookies for very cheap!! That really is the best part of Portobello Road and it's market. Sokphal bought some potatoes from a man with maybe 2 teeth for one pound..........i think for 50 more pence the man said that she could take him home with her. The funny thing about teeth that I learned is that they are not just for making your mug look pretty, but you actually need them to form recognizable syllables when trying to say words. I really couldn't understand this man but did the whole head shaking, laughing bit that made it look like I understood. He was a really nice man.............and Sokphal got a ton of potatoes for cheap!!! I count it as a success.

(FYI--I have updated my blog so that anyone who wants can comment..........so feel free.........or don't........it doesn't really matter to me. I mean today I was talking to my dad and wanted him to admit that I was sooooooo funny.........well, he just wouldn't do it, so I thought that maybe this would be a good way for him to admit that his daughter is now funnier than he. He really should be proud because it was he who raised me to have this extremely funny personality.........SNL watch out!!)

Food or Fun??!!

2006-01-27T22:35:00.000+01:00

So, yesterday Eva, Hamza and I went ice skating to celebrate the completion of all our coursework for school!!! I had to make a split decision.........should I eat for the rest of the week, or should I go ice skating with my homies?.............Well, as my stomach growls today, I am re-thinking that decision. Shoot! Yesterday, food was totally over-rated to me, but today, it seems like an important objective in all our lives. Whatever, I just have to make it until Sunday, that is when I allow myself to start spending next weeks money. (i'm such a good budgeter)

ME, HAMZA AND EVA (IT'S FUZZY CAUSE WE'RE MOVING SOOOOO FAST!!)

I went and saw the movie crash today......yes, that's right, I took the money from my grocery pot not my movie pot, do you think I'm crazy?........Anyways, it was only 1 pound, so I'm sure that I'll live. Anyways, it was a really great movie. Everyone should see it. I'm sure that you can rent it at a Blockbuster near you.

I am currently working on my resume and cover letter so that I can send it out to hopeful employers!! I realize that this might seem soon to start doing this, but you know sometimes it can take months to find a good job. If anyone hears of anything good, you be sure to let me know. Anyways, I was really struggling with my cover letter, for some reason that is the worst part of it for me. Here's what I have so far, let me know what you think...........

Dear future boss o mine,

Hi, I'm Stacey Ann Proctor and I need a job so that I can pay back all my school loans. I am interested in applying for any position that you have that pays more than minimum wage. I have attached my resume for you to pretend to look at to find potential employees, cause you and I both know that the job will actually go to Mark in accountings niece or newphew who you use to buy chocolate bars from way back when. But, if you could find an opening for me, I would appreciate it.

I am fun and funny and actually work hard, most days. Except for Mondays cause.....well, cause it's Monday. Oh, and I don't work well on Fridays, because I just really think that everyone should get that day off, and should I tell you now that I refuse to work on my birthday, or should I wait until my 90 day eval to spring that one on you? But, seriously, other then that, I will work so hard.

So, I look forward to interviewing with you and feel free to call me with any questions you have. Preferably I would like to interview during the next home game of the Knicks because I know that your company has a box, we could chat at halftime or something. Anywho, I going to change the name on the top of this letter and send it to about 50 other firms, so be sure to snag me before they do!!!

Sincerely,
Stacey Ann Proctor

What do you think? Is it good? I've been working on it for a long time. I'm hoping that I'll get a couple of job offers by the end of the month. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Oh, I'm going to enclose this picture of me to really seal the deal!!!

SERIOUSLY, WHO WOULDN'T WANT THIS FACE IN THEIR COMPANY DIRECTORY?

Breathing a sigh of relief!!!

2006-01-25T23:00:00.000+01:00

WE ALL LOOK A BIT HAGARED BUT ARE FINALLY DONE WITH ALL OUR PROJECTS!!!!

I can now take a breather until February 6th when my next semester starts up again. Then, from the 9th to the 13th I HAVE to go to Italy........jeez, what a bummer!!! The Olympics will be a nice little break from my one week old semester.

TANK DIED!!

2006-01-22T21:00:00.000+01:00

Tank is the name we, (Rachel, Sokphal, and I) gave to the whale that was stranded in the Thames....... I guess Willy was already taken...... Apparently, they (the vets that "knew" what they were doing) tried to move Tank from the Thames out to the ocean, but in transport, he died. I think this is a sad thing, but I guess that he was sick to begin with because otherwise he wouldn't of gotten disoriented and swam away from his pod. Anywho........ sad, Whale-tale this evening.

ME AND SOKPHAL OUT ON THE TOWN!! RACHEL........WHERE ARE YOU? OH YEA, YOU'RE TAKING THE PICTURE!!

I did, however, conquer the huge task of baking, cutting, and eating a pizza without any proper utensils. I decided earlier this week to purchase one of those pre-made pizza's, you know, they have them at the grocery store. Well, this one was one of those expensive ones, that's right, I splurged. Anyways, after witnessing a women on the tube today eating what looked like a delicious piece of pizza, I knew that I had to cook mine for dinner tonight. However, when I got out the pizza from the box and put it into the awaiting oven, I realized that I didn't have a pan, for which to put it on, I didn't have anything to cut it with, and more importantly, how was I going to transport it all the way back to my room for my eating enjoyment? Well, I ended up using the plastic box that it came in as my plate and used my own hand for an oven mit (I know, not the smartest thing I've ever done). Well, after a successful transport (maybe I should of given Tank's rescuer's a tip) I had to cut the entire pizza with a plastic knife. CRAZY!!...............That's right, I live my life on the edge.

WHALE OF A GOOD TIME!!

2006-01-21T01:00:00.000+01:00

So, there was a whale that accidently swam into the Thames River, and it's the first whale that has ever been "caught" in the Thames before. I was at the grocery store today and the man in front of me had a newspaper with the Thames whale on the cover. I was kind of turning my head to read it because I wasn't sure if I had read correctly or not. Anyways, this man was like "did you hear about that?" and I was like "there's a whale stuck in the Thames river?" Apparently, he (or she, it's hard to tell the sex of a whale from a picture) accidently swam into the Thames, which is weird because it's a deep sea whale. Anywho, kind of interesting.

Being outside is good for you.

2006-01-19T00:20:00.000+01:00

I made it out and about today and it was rainy and muddy, or so I thought. It was the rain that you can't actually tell if it's still raining so you look around to make sure that other people have their umbrella's out just like you, cause you don't want to feel stupid.

I found myself doing this today. I mean, it was pouring of rain as I got out of the shower and got ready, it was even dripping onto my window sill, this is how much it was pouring, so I made sure that I grabbed my umbrella on the way out the door.

I was happily strolling through the park and thinking of everything that I needed to study for the day. You know kind of in my own little world making sure that I was listening to the brand spanking new Hanson song that Karrie Jo downloaded onto my ipod right before I left (it kind of scares me how much I LOVE this one song of theirs----don't worry I know they're so over, but whatever, i love it, i'm not afraid to admit it)

Anywho, I have my purple unbrella out shielding me from the falling drops not really thinking about it. But then I make a right and am now on the busy street where all the peoples are at. I notice that people are looking at me (i mean, I did look cute today--is that why they're looking) or is it really not raining and I have my umbrella up? NO I totally see an old lady across the street with hers up. Or are people not looking at me at all and I'm just a paranoid--only want to use my umbrella when it's actually raining person? I don't know. Needless to say I took my umbrella down and it wasn't raining at all. Shoot!

Noodles are good!

2006-01-17T19:45:00.000+01:00

Is it bad to eat Ramen noodles for dinner 5 days in a row? Just wondering.

So, I've been pretty intensely studying for the past 4 days and I wish that I felt smarter, but I don't. Everyone is cramming right now I can tell.

I went to the library today and the study desks were packed. Here's what interesting to me. There are about 50 or 60 people all in the library studying hard right? Well, it's suppose to be "quiet" while everyone is studying and it's actually not bad. However, every once in a while you can hear someone sneaking open a soda or a bag of chips. I understand all of these noises, cause chips and soda are totally studying food. The one thing that I can not and will not understand is when someone decides that study time in the library is the perfect time to clip their nails. WHAT!! Yea, pretty riduculous. Chips, soda, even the occasional fruit roll up I can understand, but please groom yourself in the morning after your shower. Just what I need a flying clipped nail landing in my hair, or better yet on to my study guide. Jeez!

Finals R Fun!

2006-01-15T00:35:00.000+01:00

Here's the funny thing about me and finals.........I think that around this time (the time where I'm cramming my brain with the information that I "learned" throughout the semester) I usually vow to myself with everything that I hold dear that next semester I'm going to promise to keep on top of all the reading. So that when it comes time to study for tests and write papers that all seem to be due the same day, I'm not going out of my mind. But, whatever, I procrastinate worst then anyone I know and I always will. It usually works out in the end, it's just somewhere there in the middle that I sort of go crazy. I guess that's where I'm at right now.

I did venture out in the actual world today for a little bit. I went to the grocery store and saw one of my Spanish friends there. I can't remember her name (probably something Spanish) but it was like I was back in the P.O.C running into my groupies at the Winco. But, I was at Morrisons and I usually never see anyone I know. Unless I walk into the store with them. I'm back on my budget, so bread, turkey, and ceral were my main items of choice. It's totally fun eating for necessity rather than enjoyment!! I swear.

I'M BACK IN LONDON!!

2006-01-11T23:25:00.000+01:00

ME AND MOM!

Wow! I sure don't keep up on anything when I'm at home sitting on my couch for three weeks, do I? My Christmas break was fantastic. Food-----good food---family, friends, movies, and even one day of skiing, what could be better?

I admit, it will be nice to get back to being productive Stacey once again. My flight went okay. I slept most of it. Not good sleep, but sleep none the less. Karrie Jo had downloaded a couple of playlists from her ipod, so it saved me from having to listen to the BYU grads behind me brag about their accomplishments. Annoying!

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS ARE DONE AT OUR HOUSE!!

ME, BROOKE AND MICHAEL AT CRAFT NIGHT!!

Well, it's back to school and the next two weeks are going to be filled with lots and lots of studying. Here's to a bunch of new experiences this year!! Stay tuned.

Home Sweet Home!

2005-12-19T06:17:00.000+01:00

I totally made it home to Idaho!! It sure is great to be home. I love the U.S. of A. It really is a great country to live in. I think it's pretty safe to say that my flights home were quite possibly the longest of my life. On the first flight from London to Atlanta (9 1/2 hours) there was this loud, disruptive, english guy who couldn't seem to calm down. He was a nervous flyer and kept shouting about needing a smoke, needing to get off the plane, etc. Only, he would shout and everyone around him was so annoyed. I know this because I was one of the ones around him. The flight attendant had to cut his alcohol intake. Anyways, then when we arrived in Atlanta the custom patrol met our plane and took him into custody. I actually thought it was exciting.

Then, the second leg of my journey from Atlanta to Boise (4 hours) was equally as awful. I was seated in the nursery. And, I'm not even kidding. Every seat around me had kids screaming in them. And, to top it off, the lady I was seated next to, well, lets just say that she probably should of bought two tickets. She was totally half way on my seat the entire 4 hours! Needless to say I have never been so happy to land.

However, being home is so great!

KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED!!

2005-12-11T19:01:00.000+01:00

So, I'm hoping that my Eagles can pull themselves out of the crapper that they've been in the last couple of weeks. I don't think they can handle my being out of the country during the season. Well, they need to buck up and win a game, I know they can!!

I feel like I've become too comfortable with certain things. Today, while riding the tube home from church, I totally fell asleep. I'm not talking a little head nod and I'm awake again, I'm talking mouth open, drool spilling, restful slumber sleep! I woke up two stops before mine, whew! What's the deal with that? It's not like its a restful place, but after my nap on the tube, I dare say that I kind of felt re-juvanated! I know, crazy.

Since I'm on the subject of comfort, the Pizza guy on the corner refered to me the other night like this: "the usual?" I nodded and thought to myself, do I come here a lot? I must because before he asked if I was having my usual, I totally noticed his new haircut. Maybe this is a sign that I need to broaden my horizons even here in London.

Here's reminding everyone about over-eating this Christmas season!!

I heart Paris in the Winter-time!

2005-12-05T22:05:00.000+01:00

Paris was FAN-TAS-TiC!!!

I had left out, on purpose, exactly where we were going to be staying once in Paris maninly for my moms sake, cause she would of killed me! Apparently there is this thing called couchsurfing.com where you go and look up any city in the world and there are these people that allow you to sleep at their house in that particular city for FREE! (Mom, sit down and take a deep breath) I realize that this sounds really weird, I thought it was crazy. But the price was right and it wasn't like I was going to be by myself. Plus, these so-called couchsurfers have to get reccommendations, kind of like ebay, so of course you only choose to surf the cushions of those with high ratings........Fredric turned out to be very nice, live in a good part of downtown Paris, and was hardly ever home, so we had free range of the place!! FOR FREE!!! I reccommend couchsurfing.com to anyone. And if anyone needs to sleep on my couch, just ask.

The first night while in Paris, we started our four day journey walking miles and miles of Paris streets. My first view of Paris was of the Champs Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe, it was beautiful. One thing I learned very quickly was that the French use a whole bunch of letters in their words which aren't ever pronounced. That was the only annoying thing to me. The French people were extremely nice to us--it could be because we had a native French speaking gal (Rachel) with us---but every Frenchy that we needed help from seemed more than willing to give it too us. There went that stereotype right out the window.

We continued our pursuit on the streets of London for the remaining days in Paris. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, which I just could not get enough of. It was awesome. Unlike the Statue of Liberty where I was a bit dissappointed when first viewing it, the Eiffel Tower, I loved from first sight. We caught a glimpse of her each and every day. We shopped at the, dare I say thousands of shops in Paris. There is so much great shopping to choose where to go into debt at! We did a bit of shopping. There was this Galeries Lafayette which was the HUGE shopping mecca for the city. Since it's Christmas time, they had those puppet things like in the Sound of Music in 7 or 8 different holiday displays. It was great. The favorite among us seemed to be a Britney Spears scene.

It's hard to explain everything that I saw and did in Paris, but I loved everything from the croisants I ate every morning, to the nutella crepe I had from the street vendor at night. I also got my fill of Kabaubs, still delicious. And, culture was abounding. We saw the Notre Dame, the Sacre Coeur, and the street where all the "painters" have their stands lined up and are selling their freshly done masterpieces. It was so picturesque. Cobble stone streets in the Latin Quarter, which was a very fun place full of food and night life. And, of course, the Louvre (no, not the Lover) the louvre. It's HUGE!! There is no way to see everything inside, so we hit the hightlights, like the Mona Lisa. I like the Mona Lisa a lot, but let's face it, it is just a picture of a lady, right? I'm one of the only people in the world who hasn't read the DaVinnci Code, but I have a copy downloaded into my ipod, so I'll be interested to see what he has to say about her. The things I loved the most inside the Louvre was the statues. They were georgous. Plus, we were there on the 1st Sunday of the month...........which is FREE (do you see a theme?)

Apparently Paris is famous for its sewer system, anyone whose seen Les Miserables knows what I'm talking about. Well, we did the Paris Sewer Tour. It was actually really interesting and I enjoyed it. The smell was rank at certain places, but what can you expect?

And, to end our Paris experience, we went ice skating outside of city hall. it's been a while since I've been, but I soon felt like I was at Delta (popular skating rink back home) once again waiting for the boys to come and ask me to skate. (I didn't have to wait long.........wink, wink). The weather was a little brisk the whole weekend, but the weather Gods were definetely with us for our last night.

Paris!

2005-11-30T22:27:00.000+01:00

In case anyone was wondering why I hadn't updated---It's because I'm in Paris

I will eat crepes, take pictures, shop, shop, and.....oh yea, shop!

2005-11-30T07:15:00.000+01:00

Christmas is coming!

Tonight was the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Yea, so Norway always gives the British a Christmas tree from their Norweign forset to represent the peace that these two countries share........or something like that. It was beautiful. A choir sang, trumpets blarred, and then there was singing. No, not "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" but beautiful choral music! It was a lot of fun. A bit chilly, but it is the end of November so what can you expect.

Alright, I've now been in London for about 2 months or so and the food situation has been riduculous right? I mean, I knew coming over that I didn't enjoy the British food--I mean beans and tomatoes for breakfast, pl-lease. Anyways, I've been surviving on their version of ramen(far from it, but whatever), turkey sandwiches, and cheerios. Oh yea and the bread is delicious! But, yesterday I tasted a kabaub for the first time while here in London............it was awesome! I did try one once while I was in Switzerland, but the guy couldn't understand no condiments(and everyone knows how I feel about condiments) because he didn't speak English, so it wasn't the best. But, yesterday the english speaking Brit made me the most delicious kabaub. Were talking so delicious that i didn't think about Wendy's or Taco Bell or Little Caesars for an entire day! That's big. I think this could be the start of a beautiful relationship. I went back today and had another. YUM!

2005-11-28T04:43:00.000+01:00

So, I'm having a hard time with the weather. What exactly am I talking about..........well, take today for example. I got up at 10am not because I'm lazy, but becasue we were partying with a flat full of Greeks(wink, wink) last night so I missed the last tube ride home, so I had to take the bus, which takes for freakin ever. So, I was very tired and ready for bed when I got home. Anyways, back to 10 am this morning. I got ready and headed to church. Approximately 15 minutes of happy sunlight. (It takes me about 6 minutes to walk to the tube stop from my place and then the other 9 minutes to walk to church from the tube stop) Anyways, while I'm dutyfully attending church(which went into church overtime by 10 minutes I might add) the sun was quickly setting. As I jetted out of the church building to try and catch a few more, although frigid, rays. It's 4:10pm and it's TOTALLY dark outside. I'm not kidding. I'm not talking about it being a little dusk here, I'm talking cars had to have their headlights on and bikers had to have their orange vests a glowing! I can't take it! What am I to do?

see it can be sunny!

I working so hard to accept all the cultural differences that are thrown at me so I'm feeling like a little bit of a failure. For example, right now I'm sipping a luke warm pepsi without ice and not complaining at all. (Maybe because it's now so dark I can barely see my pepsi let alone notice the lack of ice, but whatever). Seriously though, it's pretty crazy. So, today my skin continues its decent into pastey white-ness while my heart now yearns for more sunlight. I haven't fallen into seasonal depression or anything yet, just annoyed, I'll never get to use my new sun glasses, darkness is not cool, phase. I'm sure I'll get over it, well I don't know if I'll get over it or I'll just survive it. Apparently in the summer it stays light until 11pm, so that will rock, but for now, darkness prevails.

it looks like we're studying, but we're talking about Paris.

my classmate groupies!

2005-11-25T21:45:00.000+01:00

How was the biggest shopping day of the year for me? I didn't even spend any money....oh wait.....I had to spend 1 pound so that I could make some copies while at the computer lab today. That's right, instead of Christmas shopping, I studied today. Then I went to the glorious, fantabulous, posh Travel Lodge to check in cold, aggressive tourists for 8 hours. Oh, it was a fun day!(I hope you caught onto the sarcasim there)

So, usually, guests at the TL recognize my accent but can't place it for American or Canadian. But, last week, someone asked me if I was from Austraila. Now, this happening once can be linked simply to a stupid tourist that doesn't know his accents at all. I mean, I'm as American as you can get. Confuse me with a Canadian, I can at least understand that, but with an Austrailan, come on. Well, it happened again today. Someone thought I was from Australia. Is that the craziest thing you've ever heard? I guess that I need to study up on my down under traits that I apparantly possess. I do like boomerangs.

Okay, I need to inform all about the horrible management style that the London Farringdon Travel Lodge possess. They are horrible!! They, the GM and AGM have the entire staff (expect me, bring it on!) scared that they are going to get fired. So, they totally boss them, I mean us, around and everyone jumps when they say, expect me. I can't believe how into their titles they are. They definetely LOVE to have manager on their name tags. And it drives me crazy! I want so badly to say something, but I have to remind myself that I only work two shifts a week and what do I care? But, today, apparently a CEO or something or other was there(I didn't care I still wore my blue converse shoes instead of the uniform black ones we are suppose to) anyways, the GM was barking orders at one of the other receptionist in front of the CEO whoever to prove that she was all powerful and such. Oh my word, I thought it was horrible! I almost thought then and there that I would get a job OVER ms fancy pants GM at the TL just so that I could boss her around!! Then I remember that I am aiming for something a little higher than the TL, but if i weren't, she should watch out. It's simply riduculos how title happy people can get. I hate it and vow to never be like that. Anyways, I'm sort of worried that I might tell her what I think when I have my one on one with her, which is suppose to be next week sometime, because she doesn't scare me at all, I don't even take her serious.Okay, enough complaining about the TL, I am grateful to have a job here in London...........even if it's with title happy, power hungry, managers who I'm sure have no friends!! (okay, that might be a little harsh, but come on!)

My friend got her wallet stolen today while at the book store. I feel real bad for her. So this is a poem to make Sokphal feel better about losing her wallet while reading the People magazine at borders while some creepy guy went through her bag....

I'm sorry that your wallet was taken.....
now you have no money to buy some bacon........
But your up to snuff on your hollywood trash......
that stupid jerk that took your wallet and all your cash.......
will have to pay for all the bookstores that he hit........
But most of all i'm so sorry for Jessica and Nick's big split!!

This poem that I've so creatively woven out of my third grade-ness is dedicated to help make Sokphal smile this evening!Money is totally overrated anyways.

It will all be okay Sokphal.

2005-11-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I hope that everyone had a fantastic Turkey Day!! I had to go to school, total bummer, but no worries, I met up with friends later on to have a little dinner of our own. Now, it wasn't mom's home cooking or anything like that, but it was delicious. I enjoyed it very much.

What I'm thankful for:
the culture that London possesses, shows that I've been to while here, my mini ipod that allows me to walk the many miles everyday while stepping to a phat beat, my north face fleece, my blue hoodie, my christmas sweater that everyone that knows me wishes I would throw away, steak, movie theaters, sunflower seeds, my new skiis that are waiting patiently for me to use them, my golf clubs, my purple tevas, pepsi(with ice), ramen noodles, Little Caesars pizza, my house, my patio outside my house, movie rentals, books, school(even though stressful at times), my scooter, my Darthmouth sweats that I accidently left at home, my nephews that I super miss, Changs(my favorite restaurant back home), my bed, my car, a washer and dryer that aren't two blocks away, and mostly my good friends and my family, who I miss and love, and all of whom I'm really excited to see at Christmas!

Just an example of how I'm feeling right now about my coursework!!

Now, I know that I need to make sure that I'm enjoying London and all it had to offer, but I'm sort of forgetting about all the coursework that I have that is due in a couple of weeks! I know that procrastinating usually brings out the creative bs-ing ability that I happened to be born with, but this is getting a little riduculous. I maybe shouldn't of gone to a play last night, although it was great and I would reccommend "The Lady In White" to anyone. Also, maybe on my day off on Tuesday, I should of done a bit more research for my dissertation proposal, which is due BEFORE I get home for Christmas. Whatever! Maybe I should just embrace my slacker-hood and take hold of what that has to offer. Being stressed out all the time is fun. Or, I could be like some of the really "nice" book nerds in my class and have all my projects almost done! I hate book smart people! They annoy me. I am, however, really jealous of their ability to stay on task so well and get done with all their projects before the deadlines. Jerks!

2005-11-23T09:06:00.000+01:00

okay, this is the Jane Austin museum I ran into when I was in Bath. My thoughts were snooze-a-roni. But I took this photo for Niccole.

However, tonight I gave Jane one last try to win me over. I went to see Pride & Prejudice. I tried to read the book earlier this year because our "book" club thought it would be a good idea to read some classics. Thanks Karrie Jo! Anyways, I HATED it. All 16 pages of it that I made myself read. It was way to wordy and flowery wordy besides that. Anyways, I hate to say anything too bad because it's Niccole's favorite book(yes, I also questioned our friendship after learning this). But, I have to admit that I thourghly enjoyed the movie. It was funny and romantic(I was waiting for a passionate kiss that never came, but that was my only complaint) and clever and I liked it a lot. Not enough to try and read the book again, but I will most definetly reccommend it to everyone! So, Stacey gives Pride and Prejudice the book two thumbs and a finger down, but the movie gets a thumbs up!

2005-11-23T08:50:00.000+01:00

this is my favorite photo that I've taken in london- It's the Tower of London

2005-11-22T17:40:00.000+01:00

I JUST SAID SOMETHING FUNNY!

2005-11-22T17:25:00.000+01:00

Okay, my internet was down all of last night and you would of thought it was the end of the world for me. I had no idea what to do. I was like a deer in the headlights staring at the screen waiting for those words..... you are being connected. I called Marc, the support guy, every hour, he was getting sick of hearing from me. I think I'm ready to admit that I have a problem.

There is one thing I'm still trying to accept here in London that I'm having a hard time with. While grocery shopping earlier, only for the bare neccessities, becasuse I have to pack around my groceries: which means I now never purchase anything unnecessarily heavy! Anyways, while I'm walking towards the bread isle the eggs are on the shelf (that's right) next to the bread. Now, even though I'm not a huge egg fan, I can hardly walk by these eggs without feeling a little bit of throw up in my mouth because eggs should be in the fridge section! Being here in London I've been learning to accept a lot different cultural differences, but this is one that I can not and will not accept! Put your damn eggs in the fridge!!!

2005-11-21T07:50:00.000+01:00

London!!!!

2005-11-21T07:11:00.000+01:00

Today seemed like it was going to be a great day. First off, I had church at 10 am instead of that horrible afternoon shift from 1-4. So, you would think, like I did, that nothing could go wrong today. It started off great-- walking to church in a beautiful yet crisp sunny morning. Then, I came home and decided to try the newly discovered neighborhood laundry mat to eliminate that growing pile of clothes that needed a good washing. I really loved (seems way to attached of a word to describe a laundrymat, but this is what I felt) this new laundry place. The lady was really nice, unlike the heavy, smoke-filled, man-speaking woman that I've had to deal with for the past three to four weeks. Now, why did I not seek out a new laundry mat place as soon as the man speaking woman lit up her cig right as I was pulling my freshly laundered cloths out of the dryer, well, I'm a creature of habit, I don't know. Anywho, along with the new smoke free laundry room, I also had a new laundry bag, it's great! It only cost a pound and looks a lot better then taking my dirty clothes in 5 grocery bags. Now, since I got a few things accomplished, I could sit in front of my laptop and read the play by play of the eagles game to root my team on to victory. What could go wrong? It's been such a glorious day.............well, yes, we lost again. I will not lose hope, however. The eagles will prevail sooner or later........of course, I hope sooner, rather than later.

2005-11-19T12:10:00.000+01:00

Okay, tonight all the M.A. Marketing students came to the hall for a party! It is Eva's birthday today, so we had a little shin dig. It was great fun. I had to work at the glorious Travel Lodge, so I was late to the party, but what party begins until I'm there? It was tons of fun. As you can see it's 3 am and I'm still up and at em. One funny thing that occurred this evening is that I was trying to understand Corola, a cool chick from Spain, and she was saying something about being thirsty and I thought she was talking about eggs. She was speaking in Spanish and I've got to tell you that the word for eggs and apparently the word for thirsty sounds the same. Well, she got a good laugh out of that, as did I.

Just now I've decided to put off my ever growing laundry pile one more day. It's going to cost a fortune and will be so heavy to carry the couple of blocks to the laundry mat, but I will probably need to sleep in since tonight Stacey the party animal was alive and kicking. Plus, I have to work again at the TL (all the greats call the Travel Lodge the TL) tomorrow night.