Happy New Year!!

I don't have time to post much right now. I just wanted to say that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth and that I will write about my new job soon.

Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and you all will have a great New Year's Eve tonight.

Miss ya!
A

Wanderlust

Seriously. My drive home on Sunday was great: beautiful day, good tunes, etc. And when I reached the TN foothills I so badly wanted to just keep driving. I am suffering from some serious wanderlust. Anyone up for a road trip???

Long lost friend

That's how I've been feeling lately. Unsure of myself. Unsure of my life. A little bit lost. Who knows how things will work out, but there's still time for all of that.

I've been home for a little over two months now and I haven't posted a thing. Mainly because dial-up sucks and it takes too long. but also, there hasn't been a whole lot to write. My life has been pretty dull. Well, not really, but there hasn't been anything significant to write about, so I keep putting it off for another day until two months have passed and I hear complaints, "You haven't posted." And all I can think about is that there's really nothing to say.

I have decided to stay in Tenessee for a while. I've been working part-time for a temp agency. I've decided to take a break from teaching, at least until I can get a full-time job and not get stuck substituiting. You know how bad kids can be to subs...

This is my third trip to Charlotte. I love seeing all of my friends, but I am not ready to commit to moving back. There is something stopping me and I can't seem to put my finger on it.

I am rambling. I seem to do a lot of that lately, just not online. Dial-up sucks.

I miss old friends. I miss old crushes. I miss my old life. But two years later, will things ever be the same?

Goodbye England

My last day...

Feeling a little sad, but excited to see family and talk to friends tomorrow.

The trip around the SW was cool. Best bit was Glastonbury, where Jess met me and we quickly made friends. We sang karoke with a crazy Israeli cutie one night and got our names on the 'Banned For Life' list of another pub. Of course, it was a seperate sheet of paper that we wrote our names on and we used chewing gum to secure it. :) Good times, good times...

Wish me luck that I will make it to Atlanta with all of my luggage tomorrow evening and I can't wait to see/talk to you all soon!!

Big Hugs!
A

Quick Post from the Internet Cafe

I am rested and ready to leave for Penzance tomorrow. Although, my bank account is not as excited about my trip as I am. We spent a lot of time in bars around Eastern Europe and all of that alcohol adds up. I'm not complaining, though, more glad that anything that I could experience Budapest/Prague/Berlin/Krakow/Warsaw night life.

The birthday night was fabulous. It was the last night on tour so 46 of us had dinner together, then 3 bars before hitting a night club. It was great!! I tried to stay until closing, but caught a cab at 5:00am when it was apparent that they weren't going to close. I even got to watch the sun come up, so all-in-all a good night out and a wonderful birthday!! I'll post pictures when I get home.

Only 9 days left!!

Stick A Fork In Me

Space bar issues are keeping me from posting more about my trip. I'll just say that it's been fantastic!!!! Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. It was a fabulous night where I crawled into bed when the sun was coming up.

I head back to London today and am anticipating some SERIOUS airport delays. Until then, I think I will head back to bed... I guess I'm starting to show my age - can't party like I used to.

My last night in the squeaky bed

So, this is my last post from my flat. The phone guy will be here Monday to turn off my phone (and therefore broadband). Tomorrow I leave for Central Europe and the next time I return, I will be sleeping on the couch. I've got three weeks of living out of a suitcase before I head home.

Looking at the pile of suitcases, boxes, etc in the corner, I've got some serious work cut out before I fly home. I still have too much stuff (this sounds vaguely familiar) and need to get that sorted. I keep thinking back to my last day in Charlotte when I had my car filled to the brim and I got a flat tire near Gastonia. I was so worried that the weight of the car had caused the flat. Now, I am worried that the zippers holding my suitcases together will bust. If my past has taught me anything, I should really think about reducing the amount of junk I am trying to bring back with me. We'll see...

I am really excited about this trip! I've done the tour-thing a lot since I've been here and each time the people dynamic has been very different. I'm excited to see how things will be with this group. I'm also psyched about the cities we are visiting. This is a part of Europe that I wasn't sure I'd get to see. It's also a huge part of history (my family's history, too) so I can't wait! Plus, I will be celebrating my birthday while I am away, so that will be cool too. Of course, nothing will beat Birthday Week, but I'm curious to see what Berlin nightlife has to offer a girl on her 30th birthday. Fingers crossed that things could get interesting.

I should really clear off my bed and try to get some sleep. It's an early morning for me. Hope everyone has a wonderful few weeks and I can't wait to see you all soon!!!

Dziekuje

I've spent the last six hours trying to learn Polish. I suck. My new flatmate, the one I will have for a week that is taking my place in the flat, and her boyfriend are trying to teach me all about Poland. We've been drinking Polish Vodka since 6:30 pm and I am beyond happy, on the verge of drunk-ness really. They are both so nice and wonderful!! And, polish vodka is wonderful too - so not clear but oh so tasty!

I know I am not making too much sense, but between the email I got from Krissie about last night's show and this evening, I am in heaven. K, you are the BEST and if I could give you a drunk Big A hug right now I would. I loved the Sprint videos/pictures, but the story behind them really made my day!! Am I always going to be known as the 'toxicity girl'? :)

I am getting more and more excited about my tour of Central Europe. And with Gregary and Dottie pointing out the highlights tonight, I am even more psyched! I've got pencil marks galore in my brand new guide book and I am ready to see some of the amazing sites I've been hearing about all night. Between the food and beer recommendations, I think I am set to see the country of my grandmother's birth... Let alone everything else.

Who knew that brown vodka could be so tasty?

The Lost Boys

I LOVE this film!!

The times, they are a changin'

The room is starting to look a little different. Not much, at this point, but just enough... Pictures have been packed away. The bookshelf is empty. There are bags of stuff near the door to take to the charity shops. Suitcases line one wall.

I'm a bit sad about leaving. The people at school have been wonderful and I am really going to miss them. They gave me a book of photos from the last two years and on the inside cover it says, "A Little Reminder of your British family."

I'm also a little panicked about all that I have to do before I go. Of course, I'm not actually leaving until mid-August, but I have just a week to get packed and moved out. I don't think it is going to be as easy as it sounds.

The good news is I will be back to drinking [good] coffee on the porch every morning, driving where ever I'd like to go, watching HGTV whenever I feel like it and giving family and friends big hugs in just one month!

Update

Sorry it's been so long. There were a few times that I tried to post and ran into Blogger problems. I could also say that my life just hasn't been very exciting, but in truth, things are just finally starting to pick up.

Last Monday the department had our 'end of year Do' at the dog track. It was great!! I won a couple of races and lost a few, but had a wonderful time with the gang. I'm really going to miss those guys! We even got to go down to the track and present a dog with its trophy. I'm not exactly sure how that came about but I have been promised a copy of the picture for proof.

Last weekend I met Jennifer in London and had a blast!! She was here on business and stayed through the weekend. We had dinner together Friday night. Then Saturday we saw Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Camden Market and ran around the city. Sunday, she left for the airport and I went to the Tower of London. My favorite had to be Harrods. We spent all of our time in the food section: eating lunch, picking up danishes for next morning's breakfast, eating ice cream and shopping. I had such a good time with Jennifer - she's wonderful!!

The last week of school was not bad. The kids were sweet when I told them I was leaving, even the ones I expected to be rude weren't too bad. I still have a little more to do, so I am going in on Tuesday...

Next week I will be homeless. Well, sort of... I will spend 17 days (of the 21 I have left in Europe) traveling. My flatmate has been kind enough to let me store my stuff here while I am away and will let me crash on the couch between trips before I fly to Atlanta. Which means I won't have regular internet access, or international phone access for that matter. I will try to check-in whenever possible, though, and will try to post while away.

A Message From Drunk Me...

There's an update saved in draft, but it is too difficult to type right now, so it'll have to stay there until I have the energy to edit and post. Until then, you just have to read my drunken attempt to communicate that everything is going well. There are just three days left in the school year and lots of staff parties to attend. Last week the science dept went to the Dog Races - good time!! Tonight the year 11 form tutors went out - another fun night!! Thursday the staff is having their 'do' - more fun!!

Not so easy to leave when things are this peachy - of course alcohol is involved - but can't wait for Friday, our last day!!

Too difficult to type at the moment - lots of delete and backspacing...

Miss ya'll. Will update soon.

Granada, Spain

Twenty-four hours in Spain, but well-worth the trip! The Alhambra is fantastic!!

The fortress, Alcazaba (11th to 13th century) on a beautiful day.

Inside the Palace, Palacios Nazaries (13th to 15th century). Each room was decorated with SO much detail - it was fabulous!!

Patio de los Leones

Auto Play

I can't leave the house without the following albums:

1. Inside In Inside Out - The Kooks
2. Tired Of Hanging Around - The Zutons
3. How We Operate - Gomez
4. Eyes Open - Snow Patrol

Ahhhh...

This is the first time in a long time that I have come home from school and actually wanted to work. Things are finally starting to settle at school. My year 11s are gone and I am actually enjoying teaching again (for now). Not that I blame my year 11s for turning me off, but now I have a bit more free time and things seem less stressed in the department. This hasn't been the easiest year, but I am glad that these last few weeks are taking a positive turn...

Today I cut open a heart for my year 10s. [It's times like these that my Leo-ness really shows] There's just something about having 30 kids crowded attentively around me squealing and 'eww'-ing that makes me love my job. I doubt any of them will forget what a heart valve looks like. :)

Do you know how long it has been...

since I bought a dress???

Check out the purchase I made today:

Now I just have to find the shoes. And, an excuse to wear it.

Happy Friday ya'll.

Big Shrug

I just wasted two hours sitting in front of the tele for HBO's "Big Love." I tried to like it, but it's just NOT for me... There is really nothing in the program that I can relate to at all. I spent the whole time getting annoyed at the little churchy girl who works at the fast food place. I don't know how it's doing back home, but unless the series gets a bit more interesting, I can't see myself waiting anxiously for the next installment.

My holiday in France...

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I booked a week in France all on my own. You see, for as much as I have traveled, I've always joined a tour or met friends/family that were in Europe. So, this was a real adventure: all on my own for seven days, with a backpack and a book to keep me company.

Paris

My first three days, I was in Paris, and it had to be the BEST part of the trip! My hostel was this fabulous ancient aristrocratic townhouse in the Marais quarter, near Ile St Louis. I saw the Museum of Modern Art, located inside the Pompidou, and ate dinner near Notre Dame on the first night. The second day, I took a train to Versailles, then wandered along the Seine stopping to sunbathe in a grassy area outside the National Assembly. My last day I visited the Mona Lisa and other fine works of art at the Louvre, then walked around the Pere-Lachaise cemetery before drinking four bottles of wine with my roommates.

Paris was built for wandering. There are countless parks and benches, all filled with the perfect number of people. Just enough that you feel safe, but not too many that it feels cramped or crowded. I spent a lot of time reading and writing in these parks near my hostel. It was relaxing and just comfortable sitting there, something I will never forget.

A view of Paris from the top of the Pompidou.

The gardens at Versailles.

Saint Malo

I spent the next two days in Brittany, a couple of hours (by train) southwest of Paris. I stayed at a small hotel within the city walls of Saint Malo and spent my first afternoon exploring the quaint town. Unfortunately, that only took about an hour, so I spent the rest of my time shopping, walking along the beach and fighting seagulls for my lunch. Saint Malo is a pretty touristy place, so the shopping is great! I was good, though, only because European clothes are cut so weird that I had difficulty finding something that fit properly. I walked along the beach and wandered out to the Ile du Grande Be, an island that can only be reached at low tide.

The next morning I took a bus to Mont St Michel. I can't even begin to explain just how excited I was to see this place that my high school French teacher ranted and raved about, but when I entered the city walls, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. The lower streets are crawling with tacky shops and tourists hog the narrow street to discuss what pre-made crepe they want while they are waiting for mom and aunt Martha to finish buying plastic Eiffel Towers. The higher you climbed, though, the better it got. And, the Abbey at the top, alone, was worth all of the crowded hassle.

Mont Saint Michel Abbey.

Bayeux

I didn't actually spend much time in Bayeux. I would have liked to have seen the Tapistery. My purpose for visiting this region was to see the Normandy D-Day beaches, so I had just enough time to join an afternoon tour that focused on the American invasion and saw Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Aramanches and the US Cemetery. The battle-scarred landscape of Pointe du Hoc was haunting, but the image that stands out most in my mind is the US Cemetery. There are nine thousand some-odd people buried there, but strangely enough, there was such a feeling of peace when you stood among the rows and rows of white headstones, overlooking the water...

The Normandie American Cemetery.

So, I made it around western France in seven days and still made it home in one piece without any real problems. Next trip, though, I am going to spend more time in hostels instead of hotels. Hotels are great if you have someone to travel with, but if you are on your own and get bored with yourself easily, then hostels are the way to go (especially if you find some real gems like the Fauconnier in Paris or the Gran Kaffee de Passage in Brugges)!! I finished two books in my time in France and had to buy English magazines for the train-ride home from Paris. Definitely one of my more relaxing trips in Europe!!

You know you've been in this country too long if...

You overhear a conversation about 'football' and are momentarily confused when you hear the terms, "down" and "yard-line."

- Normandy American Cemetery

Hooray for Half Term!!

Happy day, happy day. I taught all of one lesson today (and facilitated year 11 science revision for two, but I can't really call that work...). We had a kids' birthday party* for one of the women in the department - she's turning 50, so we had birthday hats and jam sandwiches - it was great!! Then I got my hair cut and styled (see pic below). Now, I should be packing because I leave for Paris tomorrow morning, but it seems a waste to spend the evening in when I have cute hair, so Tiina and I are headed to the local pub for a drink. I can pack when I get home... :)



The hair could be interesting when it's curly, but it's cute now and it will always grow...

* The party was "very British," We had 'jelly and ice cream' (orange jello with vanilla ice cream on top - it was lovely!) which I had never tried before and 'rhubarb and custard' flavored hard candies (they were nice, too). It was a lot of fun! *

Anyway, I leave for Paris tomorrow on the train. Then, it's off to Mont St Michel and the D-day Beaches before I catch a train home next week. Hope you all have a lovely Memorial Day weekend! :)

Update: It is now 11:30 and I haven't packed the first thing for my trip. It has been the BEST day in a very long time, though, so I am optimistic about my journey tomorrow. The pub was great - reminded me of good times in Charlotte after a stressful week! I'll have to do that more often, especially when there is a way-too-young-but-very-cute bartender pouring the ales... Thanks EJ and Ashley for the nice comments about the hair. Happy Weekend!

EWWW!!!

Why does my blog show up in a Yahoo! search for "pictures of grandpas jerking off?!?!"

Can't get this song out of my head:

Please don't go crazy, if I tell you the truth
No you don't know what happened
And you never will if
You don't listen to me while I talk to the wall
This blanket is freezing, it's been out in the hall
Where you've had me for hours
Till I'm sure what I want
But darling I want the same thing that I wanted before
So sweetheart tell me what's up I won't stop no way

Please keep your hands down
And stop raising your voice
It's hardly what I'd be doing if you gave me a choice
It's a simple suggestion can you give me some time
So just say yes or no
Why can't you shoulder the blame
Coz both my shoulders are heavy From the weight of us both
You're a big boy now so let's not talk about growth
You've not heard a single word I have said...Oh, my God

Please take it easy It can't all be my fault
I haven't made half the mistakes
That you've listed so far
Oh baby let me explain something It's all down to drugs
At least I remember taking them and not a lot else
It seems I've stepped over lines
You've drawn again and again
But if the ecstacy's in the wit is definitely out
Dr. Jekyll is wrestling Hyde for my pride

How To Be Dead - Snow Patrol

Ha Ha

Me + hotel receptionist in France = two confused parties

It's so much easier when you can book online. Unfortunately, two of the places I want to stay in France don't have online booking. So, Saturday was a hoot trying to get things arranged for my trip at the end of the month...

I had it all written-out, what I would say in French. And, despite my terrible pronunciation, I was ready to call. But as soon as someone answered the phone, I panicked and the English just flowed. With each phone call, my confidence improved and I tried using more and more French words and I think I have my accommodations squared away for the trip. Well, mostly squared away... There's a hotel in Saint Malo that may (or may not) be expecting me - And there was a comment made about "confirming via email" that left me confused, considering we never exchanged email addresses. (I think I need to make another phone call this weekend...)

So, I am looking forward to a few days in Paris, Brittany and Normandy. But, before I go I REALLY need to brush-up on my language skills...

Just finished reading...

This is the fourth Jodi Picoult book I have read this year. She really is a remarkable writer. I love the way she tackles difficult/controversial subjects and gives you the individual perspectives of each character. My Sister's Keeper is still my favorite but Vanishing Acts is a close second. As with all of her books, you start to think, "What would I do if I were in the same situation?" Nothing is ever black and white and that is what I love... I've always felt that life is much to complicated to be just right or wrong.

http://www.jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html

http://www.jodipicoult.com/vanishing-acts.html

http://www.jodipicoult.com/the-pact.html

http://www.jodipicoult.com/salem-falls.html

"How do you feel about Health Care here?"

This is what the doctor asked me this afternoon.

I was in a great mood yesterday, enjoying life, but by the time I went to bed I felt like I had a temperature. This morning I was up and rushing to school (as usual), but when I sat down in the staff room, the world started to spin. It hasn't stopped and they put me on the next train home.

I got off the train and walked straight to the doctor's office, concerned about this dizzy, drunk-like feeling I am experiencing. The doctor took my blood pressure. Normal. He checked my ears and throat, then determined that I had a viral infection. I tried to ask questions, "Do you think it is related to sinuses? Can it be something else?" But he was determined that it is viral.

I don't think he liked my questions. Because it was at this moment that he decided to ask, "How do you feel about our Health Care system here?" I muddled through a polite answer, but the look of horror I tried to hide earlier, I know was somewhere still on my face... You see my friends, when the doctor checked my ears and throat he used his special little light - we all know the one - that usually has the disposable heads. After he had shoved it in both ears and declared them both "clean" he rinsed the tool off in the sink and set it on the side for its next use.

My flatmate works in a nursing home and has voiced her many concerns with how behind-the-times UK health care seems to be. Like the fact that when I was meeting with the nurse for my initial visit in February and she asked me to give her a sample, she sent me to a bathroom that looked no different than mine at home. Not that it was bad, just different. I am used to instructions posted, a special cabinet to set my warm vial of wee (without carrying it out into the waiting room and holding it until I am called) and sanitary wipes to use both before and after... Basically, a much more sterile environment.

So, how do I feel about health care here? I am still deciding, really, but £160 comes out of my paycheck every month so that I can walk in and out of a doctor's office without touching my checkbook. In the year and a half that I have been here, I have been in a doctor's office 4 times (5 if you count the flu shot last year). Each time, I have been diagnosed with the flu or a viral infection and told to get some rest. Back home, I paid around $100/month for Blue Cross Blue Shield, plus a $20 co-pay when I saw a doctor. I saw the doctor (maybe) 2 times in that same amount of time. Is one really better than the other? I can't really say based on my limited experience. I can see the benefits of a national system and access to everyone. However, if a co-pay meant that I wouldn't have to make a completely separate appointment just to have some bloodwork done or that the doctor would use the disposable tips before he placed the thingy in my mouth or ears, then I am happy to carry my checkbook with me...

"It'll be late evening, most likely around 6 o'clock..."

What does that mean to you? As far as I can tell, I should expect the estate agent sometime close to 6, right? Is this one of those cultural differences that I just haven't been exposed to yet? Am I naive to the etiquette of being a tenant in a flat that is for sale? I just don't get it...

At 5 o'clock this evening, as I was finishing my shower the apartment door opened to this fucker trying to show the flat. Luckily, I was behind a closed door, but still...

I just don't get it.

Fucker.

Okay, phooey on me for saving it for the last minute, but AN HOUR EARLY!?!? Couldn't he have called to say, "We're on our way now?"

And now that it is almost 6 o'clock, I am going to go run my errands that I had planned to do while he showed the flat...

Two last things, though: 1) He's still a fucker and 2) I learned my lesson.

Funniest thing I've seen in a long time...

She was a hip hop granny. I swear, I saw her with my own eyes on the 17:37 train. She wore a denim vest and a patchwork hat with squares of tan leather and denim. I had to do a double-take, then keep reminding myself that it is rude to stare. I almost lost it when her mobile rang with Naughty By Nature.

You down with OPP?

Who writes this crap?

What are you looking at, there in the mirror? Oh, you? You're looking at you? What, you say? That should be obvious, what else would you be looking at in the mirror? Okay, right. So, what do you see? Do you see somebody who's grown up recently? Who has a better understanding of themselves and the world around them? It could very well be that that good looker looking back at you holds all that (and more) in their eyes.

- my horoscope for today (Yahoo! Horoscopes)...

Under A Tuscan Sun

I have finally put my suitcase away and I guess I am ready to start talking about my trip (if I talk about it then that means that it is over, and I wasn't really ready for that to happen...)

I had a wonderful time and met some really great people (I know I say this every time, but that's just the way it happens). This tour was a little more laid-back. We had more time in each city and the overall mood of the group was a bit more relaxed. There were 39 of us, of which 24 were married/serious couples. In the beginning I was a bit disappointed with the stats, but in the end I had more fun with some of the couples than with certain single people (we had a couple of real bitches in the group!). I won't bore you with a 12 day play-by-play... Here are the highlights:

ROME
Favorite: Big hugs from Kristin as she opened the hotel room door.
Tasted: I am not a huge fan of 'weird' meat, especially if it has tentacles, but I ate THE BEST squid dish at a restaurant around the corner from the hotel!! And the octopus wasn't too bad either.
Funny: I was twice forgotten. My car service 'forgot' to pick me up for Gatwick at 4:00am. The car never showed and no one answered when I called (repeatedly). Luckily I was able to find another service and made it with plenty of time to spare. In Rome, the same thing happened... I wasn't really in a rush and was really enjoying the beautiful weather, but after an hour or so I started to get worried. The first time I was a little panicked, but by the second time I just had to laugh.

SORRENTO
Favorite: The Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri. We took a motor boat to the Blue Grotto, then had to climb into a small rowboat. The opening was so small that we had to duck down so we wouldn't hit our heads, but inside (once your eyes adjusted to the darkness) it was beautiful!
Tasted: 1)Mozzarella/Tomato/Basil sandwich that was amazing! Mozzarella is made from buffalo's milk (rather than cow's milk) and there is such a difference in the taste!! Mmm! 2) This area is known for its lemons. They are the size of a child's football - seriously. So when they put this icy shot glass in front of me and said it was a liquor called Lemmoncello made from lemons, I thought I would love it. Can you say fire water!?! The creamy version is supposed to be nice, though.
Funny: We missed the ferry from the Isle of Capri back to Sorrento (We had beer to finish and thought we were closer to the dock than we were - there were about 10 of us). Whoops! We ran for it, but it was pulling away from the dock. It was easy enough to catch the next one and Kristin and I made friends with the over-50 tour group from England...

FLORENCE
Favorite: The Uffizi Gallery. I broke away from the group since I had seen Florence before and headed straight for the Uffizi and all of its Renaissance artMichelangelo Michealangelo exhibit that was fabulous. They had many of his machines and other inventions, not to mention his artwork. I was totally blown away!!
Tasted: Chianti from a winery in the region. Mmm!! tasty!
Funny: Our BIG night out. Three drunk American girls on the town. Oh - and Matt. Kristin and Jenny got kisses from Italian boys... I tried, but the guy's friend was drunk (I think the only english word he knew was 'tits') so he left. Oh well.

CINQUE TERRE
Favorite: Manarola, a beautiful little town in this national park. (See pictures below, even though they don't do it justice) We stayed the night in a town farther inland called LaSpezia where we went for a walk that evening to the pier. It was a nice night and we kept running into other tour members - it was a great night!
Tasted: Waiting for our boat, we grabbed a bite to eat in Porteverre. This area is known for its pesto so I ordered a pesto pizza for lunch - it was the BEST pizza I have ever tasted!!
Funny: Public toilets that are just holes infoot restsnd with footrests on either side. I couldn't bring myself to give it a try. Maybe... If it was clean... I didn't have to go THAT bad.

MILAN
Favorite: There wasn't a whole lot in Milan that caught my eye, but that night we played a card game that one of the Kiwi couples taught - it was fabulous!!
Tasted: My first taste of Nutella Gellato. Mmm!!
Funny: I have a ton of pictures from the roof of the huge cathedral, but Kristin and I got distracted and didn't actually make it insidesupposedurch (which was suposed to be amazing). Whoops!

VENICE
Favorite: This city is just fantastic!! There's nothing more I can say about it.
Tasted: My first espresso. I had to add sugar, but it was nice.
Funny: Anna was so excited about seeing Venice that as soon as we stepped outside of the train station, she had perma-grin.

ROME
Favorite: Seeing the Sistein Chapel. Pictures just can't do it justice... It was breathtaking!
Tasted: Zucchini pizza is quite tasty.
Funny: What were we thinking, trying to visit the Jewish Quarter on Passover (everything was closed)!?!

Already we've heard from a couple of people from LA (Thanks Jenny, Alfred & Andrea), so it looks like Kristin and I may have to make our way to the west coast... Damn. I guess there's more travelling in our future... :)

I Just Can't Help Myself

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"So, you're a cannibal."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

Snapshots of Italy

A courtyard of the Vatican Museum with St. Peter's in the background. (sculpture of the world in the foreground) 

The ruins of Pompeii, a city covered in 30 feet of ash when Mt. Vesivus errupted in 79 AD. 

A gondola ride in Venice 

The leaning tower of Pisa 

Manarola - A small town in the National Park, Cinque Terre. I fell in love with this area the moment I saw it...  

Online Quiz Fun

It's a bank holiday, so what better way to spend (or waste) your time than silly online quizzes... Here's what I've learnt about myself today...

You Belong in Barcelona

When it comes to Europe, you don't want to decide between culture and fun. You want art by day and a big party by night. Barcelona is ideal for you. You can check out some Picasso, eat some tapas, take a siesta, and then dance all night!

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Are a Traveler Soul

You're a thrill seeker who loves to be active and on the move You love to wander: between places, ideas, and people. A good communicator, you're a nonconformist and interested in the world. You are an explorer, a good storyteller, and a true dreamer. Because you're always on the move, you can be a bit fickle. It's difficult for you to make personal commitments. Don't be so quick to ignore emotional issues and problems. You're much more intuitive and psychic than you think. Souls you are most compatible with: Retrospective Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Your Lucky Underwear is Yellow

You're an extremely happy, laid back, fun soul. And your lucky yellow underwear can help you get even more out of life. In life, you rather play than work. You're apt to quit any task that doesn't nourish your creativity and inner child. Sometimes your drive for freedom hinders your quality of life. You find it impossible to do anything unpleasant. If you want to have responsibilities and still have fun, put on your yellow underpants. They'll help you make a party out of the most mundane tasks.

What Color Is Your Lucky Underwear?

You Are 27 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Ciao

Well, it's hard to believe but in 6 hours I will be boarding a plane for Rome. I am so excited that I can't sleep. Considering I have to get up in 3 hours, this is not good. I will try and post while I am in Italy, but no promises... Have a wonderful two weeks!!

Amsterdam

Who knew that GMT changed a week earlier than the US?!? Well, I am sure someone knew, but I didn't. So, when I woke up Sunday morning at (what I thought was) 6:45, stretched and smiled that we would have plenty of time, I was in for a rude awakening. Thank goodness my computer changes time automatically, otherwise we would have missed our flight entirely. I guess this is why I should have a British calendar hanging on my wall rather than an American one.

Anyway, with a start like that, you can expect the journey to the airport to be a bit hectic. Actually, it wasn't too bad. Laura is one of the most easy-going people I know, so between the two of us it was a "don't sweat it" "it'll work itself out" kind of morning. Once we were on the train, all we could do was sit, or crossword puzzles in our case. Things were a bit hairy when we reached the airport station. We pushed our way onto the shuttle with only 5 minutes before the check in counter closed, hopped off and ran inside. I was ready to start a Plan B, but Laura saw some people on the shuttle with us that were arguing with the ticket counter attendant (with a camera crew recording). The attendant let them jump to the front of the check in line, so we followed suite. The woman checked our passports and said, "Run!" So that's just what we did. "I feel like we're on The Amazing Race," Laura said at one point in the airport and that became our theme for the trip.

It was not a very smooth flight from London to Amsterdam. I kept expecting to see the plane go up on one side, like a Dukes of Hazzard-esque landing. But, we had made it to Amsterdam and that was all that really mattered.

We got our passports stamped and bought tickets for the train into the town. We bought first class tickets, thinking "why not live a little?" Who knew there was no first class on those trains!?! Finally, we made our way to the hostel which was right in the centre of the Red Light District. The room was not bad, two single beds and our own shower en suite. It was now around 3 o'clock and we wanted to explore and see the Van Gogh Museum. We found Dam Square and picked up some falafel for lunch. Then we just started to walk. At first it was really nice, neither of us were in a hurry and it was a lovely day. After a while we got a bit turned around. Let's just say that after an hour or two of walking (in the wrong direction) we would have definitely lost The Amazing Race! By this time the Van Gogh Museum was closed and we were both tired of walking, so we hopped a tram headed for Centraal Station (at least we knew where to go from there). Of course the tram system was a bit confusing, especially in a different language. I'm sure we should have paid somewhere along the way, but neither of us knew where. Whoops.

On our way back to familiar territory we passed a crowd of people around what looked like a sculpture garden. It turned out that this was a 3-D version of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." In the background of this picture is a statue of Rembrandt.

Eventually we made it back to the hostel, showered and hit the streets again, this time in search of food. Every guide book we read suggested that Amsterdam is a great place for Indonesian food, so who were we to argue? Of course, it took a little while to find a restaurant, but in the end it was well worth the wait.

Now, I won't go into much detail about the rest of the night. I had an absolute blast, despite the rain and creepy men wandering the streets. All I'll say is that it was definitely memorable - and yes, I remember ever detail.

We woke at 8:00 the next morning, made our way back to the train station and eventually made it back to the airport. This time we did not have any problems checking in and were back in England by 3:00. We had a few hours to relax before we were due in London at the Fortune Theatre to see "The Woman In Black."

If there is time to return to Amsterdam before I fly home, I'd definitely like to go. Next time I'd like to stay for a weekend, rather than just 24 hours. And I'd also invest in a better Tram Map so that I'd have a better chance of winning The Amazing Race...

Good Surprises

Bo sent a stack of Perpetual Groove CDs with Laura, including the show at The Visulite where we first saw them (October 2003). That is a night that I will never forget. We went because Laura had heard that they were good, but I don't think any of us had expected what we saw. I, for one, was completely blown away!! When Laura was here, we listened to the album, All This Everything. Since she's left, I have now made my way through two of the shows Bo sent (Visulite & Neighborhood Theatre) and am starting the Ziggy's show today. Bo is the king of good surprises (and Laura too)!

Whew!!

The last two weeks have been a blur. I haven't had much time to think, let alone type, but I will try and recap.

• The Ofsted inspection did not go very well. They observed 20 lessons that day and there were 4 unsatisfactory ones (that's 20% when more than 8% is unacceptable). I ended up with an Inspector in with my year 8s - I swear I have never seen them so good!!
• That Wednesday I got my hair cut, then went back Friday to get it colored. I am still adjusting to the shorter cut (I now have some fringe - bangs), but I like it lots!
• Laura arrived on Saturday. It was SO great to see her and spend time catching up. I always have such a good time with her!! We wandered around the city, did the pub-thing, went to the theatre, ate Indian and Sushi and fit in a trip to Amsterdam. It was a blast!!
• This Tuesday I had a county advisor in my classroom for another observation, this is a pilot program our department is developing and while exciting to be a part of, it was also a tough week to have more observations.
• I have been trying to get things together for my trip on Monday, so I have spent time last week and this one shopping, etc. I have a couple of things to return tomorrow, but otherwise I think I am ready to start putting it all in the suitcase.
• The kids have been NUTS this last half of the week!

So, that's been my last two weeks. It doesn't look like much here, but boy has it been busy!! I'll post more about Laura's visit and (hopefully) some pictures later this weekend.

Update

I've had the flat to myself these last two weeks. It's been quiet. It's been lonely. But I can't really say that it hasn't been interesting...

For Sale
The landlords have decided to sell the flat. There was a little drama in the beginning because they had listed the wrong dates for our lease and I panicked that I was going to be homeless for an extra month, but that was corrected and now we've had quite a bit of traffic through the place. We've had landlords and surveyors, they even had an Open House on Saturday. Everything seems to be happening so quickly. I'm sure it will slow down soon, the landlord just seems anxious to get things started. I am just happy that I can stick to my original plan and that I don't have to worry about a place to live for the month of July...

Firefly
I watched Serenity last weekend. One of the girls at work is into Buffy/Angel and has the Firefly series on DVD, so I have spent this weekend glued to the series. How did I miss this show when it was on a couple of years back??? I remember seeing one episode, but what about the rest? Was it on tv Tuesday nights, is that why I missed it - trivia? Anyway, watch the film (if you haven't already) and check out the series. Interesting and very creative.

A Saturday of Firsts
Well, maybe not 'firsts,' but 'in a long time' just doesn't have the same ring. I went into London for the first time in months. There was something I wanted to pick up and I wanted to be out of the flat for the Open House. It felt so good to be out and about again. I ended up just wandering the streets, eventually making my way to Oxford Street and window-shopped until the stores closed at 8. There is just such an energy that cities have - I've missed it.

Crushes are fun
That's all I am going to say about this one... For now, at least.

Countdowns
6 days until Laura arrives!! 12 days until the end of term!! 15 days until I leave to meet Kristin in Rome!! 144 days until my birthday!! And, 156 days until I come home!!

On that note... Night all... I am finally feeling tired enough to go to bed.

Too Much Energy...

Not the best thing to have at 11:00 on a Sunday night, especially with the week I have ahead of me... We have an Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education - the big inspection we had this time last year) visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not a full visit, just a mini one to check on our progress since last year. They want to see how we have improved our behaviour management throughout the school... Ha!! This week could be a very interesting one.

I haven't really said much about school this year, probably because I am struggling (and I don't often like to admit that). I can't really say it's just me, though. People all over the school are hanging by a thread, old and new alike... The kids are getting more and more daring with the stunts they pull and no matter how bad, punishment seems obsolete. There is very little consistency when it comes to managing behaviour and the kids are just as aware of this problem as the teachers - scary! It is bad enough that the unions are getting involved. And now HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectorate) wants to know what improvements we've made!?!

This is not the kind of week you want to have just two weeks before the end of term.

A book I can't seem to put down...

Years ago I used to love to watch Lonely Planet on the travel channel. I SO wanted to be that girl... The one that went to all of these amazing places and got to tell everyone about the cool things she saw and did there. She was relaxed and funny and truly looked like she loved her job.

As it turns out, that girl is Jennifer Cox and she has written a book: Around the World in 80 Dates. I have found myself laughing out loud on the train as I read about her adventure and I can't seem to put the book down, too curious if and when she will meet her soul mate...

Pancake Day 2006

This year I made my own... Well, sort of, I bought the ready-made batter, but I flipped them all by myself (and didn't end up with pancake on the ceiling, so that's good news).






Pancakes here are very thin (very crepe-like) and the Brits like to sprinkle them with lemon juice and sugar before rolling them up and munching away.

They taster really nice that way...

Happy Pancake Day!!

My kids crack me up... Did you know that the reason that we do not celebrate Pancake Day in America is because we eat pancakes every day? :)

Song of the Day

I can't seem to get The Shins' "Gone For Good" out of my head today. Of course, "Fighting In A Sack" is a catchy tune, too.

What song keeps playing over and over in your head today?

Moon River

One of my all-time favorite songs. Ever since I saw 'The In Crowd' * on HBO one day after school (middle school, that is), I have LOVED this song. 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' only made me LOVE the song even more. I can't explain, it just leaves me with a wonderful feeling inside. So, I did a search for the song in iTunes and found some real gems. There are at least 150 different versions of this wonderful song including artists such as REM, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Louis Armstrong.

* You know the film is 'class' when IMDB can't be bothered to include a poster.

On a side note, it's not as fun when you try "What A Wonderful World" or "Over The Rainbow." Each have at least 150 versions, but many are quite scary! "Over The Rainbow" has a Kathy Lee Gifford version, as well as a Kylie Minogue one. I'm just waiting for the David Hasselhoff version before I download... Ha!



I've been feeling a bit nostalgic this evening. This week's downloads: "Moon River," "What A Wonderful World," a few Eva Cassidy songs, Rickie Lee Jones's 'Traffic From Paradise' and "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. They've been playing Corinne's song a lot lately. It's catchy - a bit young, but I can't seem to keep it out of my head. Check it out for yourself.

I SO Want This Job!

Top Gear, this BBC show, amazes me every time I catch it! Now, I am not a gearhead, but you don't have to be in order to enjoy the mischief these guys get up to... I would love to have their job. Every week they get to do crazy things in beautiful cars...

This week's episode had an Olympics theme, so the boys raced a Jaguar and an Olympic speed skater on the ice rink... The Jaguar has only two-wheel-drive, so it was all over the ice and it gave little competition for the speed skater. Next, they took the Jaguar on a frozen lake in Norway. They made a huge track, full of twists and turns, and raced the Jaguar with a four-wheel-drive Range Rover. While the Jag was a much prettier car, it still could not handle the ice. Then they raced a Rally Car and a Bobsled. Finally, they used the Lillihammer ski jump and sent a Mini down the jump. They attached rockets to the rear for power, attached skis to the tires, created a huge snow drift at the bottom to stop the car... And launched the baby. It was definitely something to see.

And this is what the show is like on a regular basis. It's like an expensive version of Jackass, with grown men and without the pain. I'm hooked!! Check it out for yourself...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/downloads/ They have a couple of clips at the bottom of the page.

My favorite part of this week's show was the "hockey" match. They filled a snow-covered rink with Suzuki Swifts and had a huge inflatable puck. It was like watching bumper cars with a hockey puck in the middle!! Fabulous!!

Just A Matter Of Days

34 days until Laura arrives on British soil. So, yes, Laura is coming to visit. This is why I love Laura so much: I got an email Thursday titled, "I'm coming," and three days later the wheels are in motion. There's talk of catching a show and a quick trip to Amsterdam. I can't wait!!

43 days until I meet Kristin in Rome. The big Italian trip we've been planning for months. I'm so excited!! We'll see Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pompeii, Isle of Capri and Rome. I just purchased my plane tickets last night. :) Somehow it just seems more concrete when you have a plane ticket...

172 days until I turn 30 years old! I am hoping to be somewhere in eastern Europe for the actual day... Right now it looks like Budapest. This will be my last big trip in Europe before I head home, but it should be a good one.

184 days until I arrive on US soil. This is both good and bad news. I have really had a tough year at work and am ready to come home to a middle school environment. It is what I studied at school. I chose middle school for a reason and I am reminded daily that high school is not for me... On the other hand, I have really enjoyed my time here and there's a part of me that doesn't want to see it end.

My Life is Complete

I just watched, "On the Line," the movie Lance Bass made in 2001. I am the queen of cheese and even that was just a little too much for me. WOW!! Words don't do it justice. I guess I expected more of the BBC, even if it is late-night tele.

The United States of Leland

I watched this movie the other night. It has been so long since I have watched a film and thought, "wow" when the credits rolled. I guess I am a bit behind the times, considering it was released in 2003, but still... Better late than never, eh? There have been a lot of mixed reviews on the flick, at least on my ScreenSelect (like Netflix) website. Watch it and make up your own mind.

New Toy

Why is it, when you get a new piece of electronic equipment, you spend an entire day trying to make it work... Or is it just me?

I just bought a new MP3 player. The one I had died - it wouldn't take any new music and I got tired of listening to the same songs over and over again. Besides, it could only hold 60-some odd songs. I have held-out on the iPod bandwagon. Although, the new Nanos are very tempting. [I am always admiring the kids' when I confiscate them in lessons.] So, I broke down and bought a Creative Zen Plus. Nothing too fancy, really, but the FM radio on it sold me. Plus it holds approx. 500 songs. So, of course, I spent all day yesterday downloading software, organizing my music folders and trying to set up my new little toy. Oh well. I have the time and it's well worth it!

Its tough to admit to myself...

that something's gotta give. I had some high hopes for this school year, but I am struggling more than I ever did last year. Well, not really, just struggling in different ways. Things at the school are not going very well - at an administrative level - and it has affected us all. I have been ill this year more than I ever have before and I am stuck in this terrible cycle - the stress making me sick and then being sick making me stressed. I am having a very difficult time with the four high school level classes that I am teaching, and things are inevitably going to get worse after half term when I have to teach them chemistry and physics (Unfortunately, it's four different topics I have to freakin' teach myself before I can teach the kids).

So, I have decided to cancel my trip to France next week. It sucks, but if I can spend my holiday preparing for next term, then maybe I can keep my head above water. I'll have some time in June and July to travel, so all is not lost...

Its the sensible thing to do.

Damn I hate being sensible...

The Perfect Penis

This is the program I watched Monday night. Boy-o-boy, the Brits are not afraid to clog the airwaves with things that make this American blush. But with a title like that, how could I NOT watch... Of course, most of the people they interviewed were Americans, but I doubt the show will ever make US channels - too much frontal nudity. They showed some poor chap that went through extension surgery (looked painful for an inch and a half). Then they showed some guy who used the ancient Arabic art of jelqing to lengthen his member (A lot of pulling and twisting - I didn't know that could make a difference to the size?). And, the creme de la creme, they showed a man that chose injections to gain length and girth. Holy Bologna!! He said that he kept going back trying to see just how big he could make it... A scrotum the size of a freakin' football (the soccer kind) later, it was just scary!! Worthless for anything other than show, it was something I hope I never see again. The image is still on my mind three days later. I don't know how the man walks...

This is the station's theme for the week, so Tuesday night they aired a documentary about John Wayne Bobbitt (where is he now kinda programme) and tonight it is "The World's Biggest Penis." I'm not sure I can sit through another hour of schlong-city, so it may just be an early night for me.

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw...

Can you make a mistake and miss your fate?

Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate? Without them, what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course we wouldn't fall in love or have babies or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into our life and people go. But, it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart.

And, if you are very lucky, a plane ride away.

(I Heart NY, Sex and the City, Season 4)

Sex and the City Junkie

I've been on a kick lately. I can't say whether it is the fact that there is crap on tele between 7 and 9 or that I am getting ready for the big 3-0, but I have found myself reaching for the DVDs every evening as of late. Even the flattie (UK version of roomie?) is hooked.

Krissie used to say that she knew when I was watching Carrie and friends because she could always hear me giggling in my bedroom. I laugh, I cry, but no one can say it better than those four... Everyone has their favorite episodes, and this post, dear friends, is devoted to my Top 10 Sex and the City moments:

10. Carrie: "As I contemplated the fact that my relationship had gone to pot, literally, I realized no high or low would make this day any other day than the day I got broken up with by a post-it."
(The Post-it Always Sticks Twice Season six)

9. "Maybe there are no right moments, right guys, right answers. Maybe you just have to say what's in your heart."
Aidan's proposal.
(Just Say Yes Season 4)

8. "What was the allure of the 20's? On one hand there is great skin tone, the thrill of fresh experience and the sense of a consequence-free life full of seemingly endless possibilities. While on the other, there are horrible apartments, sexually inexperienced men and embarrassing errors in fashion judgment."
(Twenty-something Girls vs. Thirty-something Women Season two)

7. "Oh my god. She's fashion road kill!"
Carrie: "I had a choice, I could slink off the runway and let my inner model die of shame, or I could pick myself up, flaws and all, and finish. And that's just what I did. Because when real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep walking."
(The Real Me Season four)

6. Explaining a Booty Boy to Charlotte...
Samantha: "He's not a slave, honey, he does have a life."
Miranda: "But you don't have to know about it."
Carrie: "And you're generally guaranteed delivery in six hours or less."
(The F*** Buddy Season two)

5. Samantha: "I'm dating a guy with the funkiest tasting spunk."
Charlotte stands and walks out of the cafe.
(Easy Come, Easy Go Season three)

4. Big & Natasha's engagement party. "I have one question for you... Why wasn't it me?"
Big: "I don't know. It just got so hard, and she's..."
Carrie: "Your girl is lovely, Hubble." ("The Way We Were" reference)
Big: "I don't get it."
Carrie: "You never did." And walks away...
"Then I had a thought, maybe I didn't break Big. Maybe the problem was that he couldn't break me. Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with..."
(Ex and the City Season two finale)

3. Miranda always has the best lines: "He only has one ball and I have a lazy ovary. In what twisted world does that create a baby? It's like the Special Olympics of conception."
(Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Season four)

2. "You can't leave New York. You're the Chrystler building. The Chrystler building would be all wrong in Napa." And Big and Carrie dancing to "Moon River" (one of my all-time favorite songs).
(I Heart NY Season four)

1. I have never laughed so hard: The Up the Bum Conversation... All four girls are in a taxi discussing Charlotte's boyfriend's request.
Miranda: "The question is, if he goes up your butt, will he respect you more or respect you less. That's the issue." Carrie lights a cigarette and the Cabbie says, "No Smoking."
Carrie: "Sir, we're talking up the butt. A cigarette is in order."
(Valley of the Twenty-Somethings Season one)

A whale in the Thames?

Read more from BBC News...

TV is my life!!

*hangs head and sighs loudly at this realization*

Watched a new series tonight called Life On Mars, about a British police officer that was investigating a crime, his girlfriend was kidnapped, then he got hit by a car and woke up in 1973. It's quite good. He's a police officer in London in the 70's where cops beat their suspects to get confessions and where women were nothing more than eye candy - or treated that way. Life On Mars, the name, came from the Bowie song that was playing on his iPod/Car Stereo when he was hit. I think I am really going to like the show.

ER started tonight too... Alex ran away and Luca and Sam drove to CO to find him. (Is that this season or are we one behind?)

They showed a trailer for Desperate Housewives in between ER drama, it starts next week. So I am out of the loop, but will hopefully catch up by summer. :)

Other shows that have caught my attention:

My Name Is Earl... Started Friday night. I liked the first one, reminds me of home (heeheehee). (Of course, I luv Jason Lee so it makes sense.) Only downside is that it airs on Friday nights - not that I have much of a social life, anyway, but still...

Invasion started Sunday, but I missed it. It looks good, though.

Sprinkle this mix with a few CSIs, The Simpsons and Without A Traces and you have my tele line up for the next few months.

So, I guess there is a lot to catch up writing to do...

Christmas was great. I had a blast on the tour and met some really cool people, most of whom were Aussies. (That's where I want to go next, Australia... Just give me a couple of years to save $$$). I danced the night away at a disco in York, attended a midnight church service in Edinburgh (slightly inebriated), played a twisted version of 'never-ever' with a drunk group of Aussies and Kiwis on Christmas Day, stayed in the hotel where the Titanic passengers stayed before they started their journey and watched married men hide their wedding bands at a club in Liverpool. Oh and I have lots of pictures of building and landscapes (because that's what always seems to end up on my digital camera). Good times, good times.

Greet Street (aka Green Street hooligans). I watched this film last weekend and was completely blown away. Mind you, after the warning we received in Liverpool it gave light to how much the English love their football. (Two local teams were playing each other and we were told to be very careful going out that night because of all of the potential fighting.) Side Note: I am now hooked on this idea of firms and football hooligans. I've rented a few DVDs to research the topic a little more. I just can't quite seem to get my head around it - but if you ask me about gangs, I'd say the same thing.

New Years' Eve was a quiet night for me. Tiina and I took the train into London around 10ish and headed for Trafalgar Square. The crowd was massive, but great fun to watch. Just before midnight, it started to rain, but we stuck it out and watched the fireworks. Then we headed home and I made a few "Happy New Year" phone calls. Like I said, a quiet night.

Valentine's Day in Paris (again). I booked my ticket to France for the February half-term. I'd like to spend a few days in Paris checking out the art museums. Then a few days southish. EJ - wanna meet up for a drink?

Harry Potter I finally saw the new one on Saturday. You know you have waited too long when they send you to the tiny theater in the corner of the movie house that only holds (maybe) fifty people. It's so hard to sit through Harry Potter when you've read ahead two whole stories and keep waiting for something familiar to show up. I sat through the entire movie and instead of enjoying the story on screen, I kept waiting for the battle in the Ministry of Magic and the secret Defense Against the Dark Arts meetings. It was a great film, but I can't wait for the next one.

Does anyone else find this amusing?

Christmas Day my parents drove to Huntsville with my grandparents to visit my aunt and uncle. When I called that day they had stopped for coffee at a Waffle House as it was the only thing open that morning along I-75.

I am afraid that the joke was lost on my Aussie friends in Scotland. I mean, how southern can you get!? [insert Redneck accent here] Momma and Daddy were at the Waffle House when I called to wish them a Happy Christmas. Ha!!