3.20.2015

Life is Happening


I've been here for almost a month, and I have about 18 days to go until I head home (that means I will be here for a hefty 6 weeks! How's that for a holiday?). It's been a refreshing, often contemplative, and wonderful trip. It's given me a good dose of London, sufficient enough to "calm my cravings" and allow me to head home with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

I often spend so much time worrying about the future, it's as if I'm planning on building a time machine to leave the present. This extended stay in London has redirected my thoughts to all the life going on around me. I guess it's just more practice in the art of being mindful of the present.

I do not know if I will ever live in London again; obviously, it's something I've thought about since I've been here. It's a city that I adore, and one that will always be here for me if I need it...and I can only leave it at that. What I do know is I want to continue on with this wonderful job that has let me work while abroad--HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!

I'm very excited because I have booked two trips for next week: Florence and Prague! Sometimes when I step back from my life and look at it from the outside I realize two things:

1. I am a privileged and lucky girl. My life is grand.
2. It's not all luck. I brought myself here and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a big thinker; but more than that, I am a big doer!

I may not be blogging as much these next 18 days, so forgive me for that! I will have some banging posts after I return! Until then, enjoy your surroundings today no matter where you are. Life is happening, so don't miss it! 

3.17.2015

My London Mosaic


So much running around, so many iPhone photos, and words seem arbitrary! So the mosaic above shows you most of what I've been doing, which is EVERYTHING. And lots of river walks. Yes. 

3.12.2015

Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, these have been a few of my favorite things...

1. Being in the U.K. for an Extended Period

I love extended trips. When I was younger, my family and I would always go to Turkey for 6 weeks at a time and I truly think it's the best way to travel. It gives me the chance to really soak in the every day life of a country, and even gives me a chance to miss California a little. For an extreme wanderluster as myself, this is crucial!

2. Sunbathing with Oscar


3. Fresh Basil


4. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING!


I've put this in all caps because I LOVE sticky toffee pudding. Pretty sure I'm going to gain a few pounds eating copious amounts of this, but I just don't care! Thank you Waitrose, I love you too.

***

What are some of your favorite things of the week? 

3.10.2015

Around London Town: Meeting Bloggers and Hanging with Oscar


Woo hoo! I can restart my "Around London Town" series while I am here.

I've already been in London for 12 days and I've done SO MUCH. I don't think I've taken as many pictures as I should have, but I do have a few to share with you. The guy you see above is my new love, Oscar. We've moved into together rather quickly. I cook for him all the time. It's a good match.

We take long walks in the morning AND at night! Our favorite spot is walking along the river...





I like looking at the wild daffodils, Oscar likes peeing on them. Ha.

While not hanging with Oscar, I've been catching up with friends, old and new! One such new friend is a blogger. Miranda was an absolute pleasure to meet: intelligent, kind, and funny! Thanks for coming out, Miranda, and picking quite possibly the cutest cafe in Barnes.


 We went to the cafe attached to Olympic Cinemas. I HIGHLY recommend it!

For a lightish lunch, the onion and goat cheese tart is divine! 


I'll most likely do a few more of these posts while I'm here, so watch out for more London goodness!

3.05.2015

A Thirty-Something in London

My Birthday Selfie! 
Hey guys, long time no blog. Whoops! I was settling in. And by settling in I mean going to the corner pub and having a pint.

This past Tuesday, I became a "thirty-something." This is not something I was fretting about; however, I did become rather contemplative when my friend told me 10 minutes before midnight, "Enjoy the last few minutes of your twenties!" I definitely had an existential "WHOA" moment right then and there--I thought about how fast a decade goes and how a turn into your thirties is indeed symbolic. I do still think we attach too much meaning to 30 sometimes. I don't think you have to be in any one spot or position when you turn thirty (i.e. married, perfect job, etc.), but I will confess that thirty is more than just a number.

ANYWAY, forgive my soliloquy. I did want to show you what I did on my actual 30th (which was March 3rd). I was too lazy to bring out my nice camera, so iPhone shots it is!

Started the day off with some tea (obviously). 


Went to pub quiz (where we lost). I also proceeded to spill that red wine on my white sweater (UGH!). Which really means that I had a good time. 

The morning after I spent the day trying to do work but really waging a battle with my friend's cat...

 I wanted to work, she wanted me to pet her, so she kept trying to lay in between me and the keyboard (smart little cat!). She also tried to steal my ravioli...
She ended up winning in the end, so really I didn't get much work done. 

This morning I'm quite happy because I have fresh coffee, and because blogging. Cheers, guys! 

***

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?!? Catching up on blogs, starting now!!