World Aids Day

On this, World Aids Day, I am remembering a few of my past friends.

Michael, your words were always so eloquent. You taught me much about peace. Mark, I will always remember your music and how you moved us all. Eric, I will remember your passion and your quirks and your extraordinary humor, and Cesario.. one of the most beautiful men ...I've ever met.. and the first man to say he was going to marry me. Such a very long time ago. I miss you boys.

RIP In Memory of 6 teens who've committed suicide in recent months.

I'm wearing purple today, to honor those teens who have committed suicide because they were gay and bullied.

Over the past several months, the nation has become more and more aware of teen suicide, and specifically those who have killed themselves because they were gay and had been bullied by classmates. Six teens have killed themselves due to bullying, name calling, and being generally picked on because they were gay or perceived as being gay. If you are gay or lesbian teen out there, suffering through torment by your peers, I encourage you to talk to a counselor, a teacher, your parents if you can. You are not alone. We have all been the subject of some sort of bullying tactic or ridicule but the best advice I can give is to seek out those friends or adults who can help you.

As a kid and teen I was bullied because of my height (I'm still short), because I was perceived as being gay (I didn't come out to myself until I was 14) but others figured I was. I got shit because I didn't like sports, I wanted to read and I wanted to generally avoid everyone because I was scared to death. I made it through, and you will too. Reach out. I know it's scary and you think that no one understands you, but we've all been there and we will understand. Hang in there.

Life does get better.

Resources:
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Lifeline, 24/7: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

UK Trip, Part 2

Well, where do I begin? Maybe at the beginning.

Flight over went fine. Was able to sleep this time which was nice. Landed, took a taxi down to Brighton (95 GBP = $151.00). Company's paying for it so what do I care? Got to the office about 14.00, and immediately got to work. It was a bit of controlled chaos, not too bad, but with jet-lag and lack of food I was a bit scared of what I would have to face.

Went to lunch with a coworker and she led me to a really fun deli. got some lunch and then I immediately started answering emails and figuring out the game plan for how to close an office down, and sell the computers to the employees and donate the remaining equipment, then make sure all the utilities get shut off, the place gets cleaned and the keys handed over to the new tenants. Whew! What a laundry list of chores.

Bottom line, it worked. I was able to get it all done, a bit ahead of schedule and only minor glitches along the way. The new tenants were fine with everything, in fact we left the place far cleaner than when we took it over in February. A fact I reminded the building owner of, seeing as how I was there and I told him I had pictures of the f^&*ups we originally saw when we moved in. He agreed to let things "go" ;)

From Friday on I have been on holiday.

Now, what did I do with my time in there? I went to dinner, found some really fun places to eat saw some really fun things, took a ton of pics. To name a few of the great eateries: Nia's (amazing traditional breakfasts and their French Toast is the best). The Fishbowl has an amazing fish n chips. It's a tiny one room pub but surprised me with how good the food was.

I think I ate more bacon than one human being should. Oh yeah, and if it was wrapped in a pastry crust and cooked up… I ate it. Zizzi's is a great italian restaurant that was really fun. Gooooood garlic bread. Add to it the chili olive oil and yum.

Taylor street coffee company rocked. Just.. rocked. They know how to treat a customer, and I always got the same thing (whatever cafe I was at actually), a double espresso with a finger amount of hot water and hot milk. Perfect.

Jamie Oliver's Italian Restaurant near the hotel was amazing. Spent WAY too much money but oh well, it was so worth it. I literally ate my way through Brighton!

My hotel left so much to be desired. I would never recommend The Thistle in Brighton for more than a couple nights. I had so many problems at first, but they moved me to a bigger room. That was fine but I kept missing our apartment we had over here. I wanted to cook, wash my own clothes and relax. But, o well, the company paid for it.

I've been out n about, seeing the sights and really just enjoying my time in Brighton. Went shopping of course. Found a really nice pair of jeans that make my butt look good, and they're a European cut.. even better! Great jacket and shirt, vest too that makes a nice outfit. Yeah, I liked the shopping. ;)

I love it there, so much. I feel really at home and have made a few really good friends too. It's always got some sort of event or dance or gallery opening, and I've seen the worst of it with regards to weather and I'm not put off. As it was, the first week or so it was horrible. Full on rain, cold, and wind that blows sideways hard enough to nearly knock you on your arse. I was lucky for the last week or so it was so damn gorgeous. Warm weather, rarely a breeze, could almost get a sunburn! At night it cools right down, much like SF so you definitely need a jacket. It makes me sad to leave it but I know I'll be back, and not too far distant I think. I could really see myself living there…

But, 2nd leg of the journey:

I needed to get to London so I can make it in good time for my flight back to the states coming up. So, took the train to London, got up here with no issues. Found the right line to my hotel, and checked in. It's a very odd room. I was assured it was an upgrade as every other room was booked. But get this.. it's a tiny room, with 4 twin beds in it. Four. And they are not comfortable, I tried 'em all! :) I am not so sure I feel really "safe" here though I hope it's alright.

Least the internet isn't as expensive as the Thistle though. Only costs me 5.00GBP for the whole stay vs 10GBP for 24 hours access. Ridiculous.

Have a couple days to myself here in London, and got myself an Oyster card so I can zip around on the Tube. Want to see the Chelsea Physic garden among other things.

More later I'm sure

Letting go

I climbed the stairs
I sat in silence
I stared at the sky, with waning light
I breathed deep, inhaling the dusk
And I forgave you
And I forgave myself
I let go of needless suffering
The love is eternal, even when the karma of the thing is past
And I smiled as the stars came out
Knowing i could let go
Knowing i can still love
Love you
Love myself
Love this joyous gift the universe gave me.

Judge Rules Fed Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

http://cbs5.com/national/US.judge.in.2.1794674.html

"A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it interferes with the right of a state to define marriage. " Read on...

Provided this goes to the US Supreme Court and the ruling is upheld, then it will allow states to determine their own laws in the matter of same-sex unions.

Personally, I see this is a victory as do many of my friends. It's one more nail in the coffin of those who would seek to keep same-sex marriages from being recognized on a Federal level.

I still don't see any fall-out or backlash that was supposed to have happened should gay people be allowed to marry. What harm has been caused, I want to know? Are straight marriages falling apart at an even more alarming rate because gay people can get married (legally) in a few states? No. Those marriages are falling apart on their own and have nothing to do with others being married.

I truly hope that President Obama stands strong against DOMA (as he said he was against it in his campaign speeches). We need a leader to step out and say this is wrong, and that everyone should deserve the same rights as everyone else.

Should be an interesting next couple of years.

Things I used to know

I used to know how to breathe.
I used to know how to relax.
I used to know how to cope with stress.
I used to know how to approach people.
I used to be balanced and in tune with the energy around me in the universe.
I used to be Aware and Alive.
What happened?

Life happened to me. And I am just now seeing that. Life came at me full force (I asked it to) and now look what happened, I forgot some of my core beliefs. I stopped listening to the wind, to the energy around me. I stopped listening to me. And I don’t feel alive anymore.

Lately I've been in a funk. A major funk. I’m not sure what happened or how it all began. Maybe it was laying off 90 coworkers two weeks ago. Maybe it’s that I’ve been in SF for over two years and I’m still single (for a total of 6 years so far tyvm). Maybe it’s because I don’t put myself out there. Well, I do but maybe not in the best of situations. I try, but I might not be seeking those particular individuals that are good for me. I don’t know.

Ok, I do know.

Recently I realised that I am putting out the energy that I’m too desperate for attention. Some of this has been with men, some of this is just me in general, whatever the cause I’m putting out the wrong energy.

What’s holding me back from being alive is putting myself out there. Doing things. Making friends. Volunteering. I’m stuck in a rut. I’ve fashioned all of these rules for myself and rarely do I branch out.

Add to it that most gay-related events “require” you to be an alcoholic or drug user, or to stay up til 04.30am on a weekend. While dancing til dawn is a cute phrase, it doesn’t apply to those of us who love our morning time. To those of us who like getting a good workout or bit of yoga in and making a big pot of coffee and nice breakfast for our partners.

I’ve forgotten, too, that I love to go camping. I’ve forgotten that I love being outdoors and that I miss my garden time. Those things make me happy. I feel that while living in SF has been a challenge and sometimes altogether fun, it’s only enabled me to focus on the day-to-day activities vs the big picture things I want to accomplish in life. Things that make life special. Make your life unique.

As I said I’ve been in a funk. But, after talking with a friend and doing some serious meditation I’ve started to change my energy pattern, my signature if you will. I became aware I was acting as if my life was shit, when it wasn’t. I was saying to the universe “help” but realising that I didn’t need the help as much as I thought I did. Time to recreate the reality I want.

I’m changing how I see things, how I interact with the world around me. And, I’m imagining the world I want to be in. My world, and maybe (with luck) someone else’s too.

I remember those things now.

Saying goodbye to an old friend

It's difficult to say goodbye to someone you've known for so long. I mean, 18 years is a long time. It's even tougher when this little one is your family member, your kid. And yes, I'm talking about my cat.

Baeltaine had been with me since I was 22. My bf and I walked into the pet store to get something and I heard her yapping away in her overly-large crate she was in. Of course I picked her up and instantly fell in love. She was smaller than my hand and the cutest thing I think I ever had seen. Still is actually.

Well we brought her home and after some initial fighting with the other cat she settled into our household quite well. Over the years she established her area and amused us all with her antics (well, ok.. just me). When my other cat passed away I thought Bael would be sad to lose a friend. Not so much.

She loved being an only child, absolutely loved it. She could lay where she wanted, sleep where she wanted and got fed without worrying about the other cat muscling in on her. She was in charge and let me know it. She was a daddy's girl from that moment on. And I loved her as much as I could. We finally got to snuggle on the bed while I read. She loved being under the covers or covered up in a blanket "cave" I'd make up every morning before work.

She'd yell at me when it was time for food, or just if she thought I overslept. I'd often find her looking at me while I slept just to make sure I was there. I think she was always nervous I wouldn't come back or wouldn't be there when she woke up. Being a Tortoise shell, she was always a bit nervous. Especially around other people.

Most didn't know her very well because she was incredibly selective in whom she trusted. Only with me and a couple others would she hang out and talk with, however with most she ran n hid until she determined it was safe.

I recently came back from my trip and realised just how much weight this girl had lost. She was too skinny. I watched her but she appeared to be losing more weight. On Friday she stopped eating I could tell. I gave it a couple days, gave her a different kind of food, changed some things around hoping to stimulate her appetite. No dice.

On Monday I finally took her in to the vet and they ran some tests. Man was she pissed at me for taking her in. She had been furiously drinking water so I thought this could be another episode of renal failure (classic in cats). So they sent me home with a saline solution for her and would call me the next day with results.

Results came back as potential Feline Leukemia, Cancer or something else along with renal failure.. Both red and white blood cell counts were completely down, indicating something was wrong. Maybe was in the bone marrow? The only way to find out would be to run much more extensive tests but then what? do we put her on chemo, drugs, hospitalize her? At what cost to her nerves and to me?

I came home today and she was very groggy, very weak. I gave her some tuna, which she loved and ate some of that. I also gave her more IV solution and I kinda thought she perked up after that but no. She got very weak and all she wanted to do was to lay on the bed with me. Thats when I realised I had to take her in. It was her time to go. I couldn't bear to see her suffer like that. She wasn't the frisky happy kitteh anymore. She was upset and tired.. so very tired you could see it. Thats when I lost it and started to cry. It sank in that I was taking her in and that this was the last night for us to share together.

This little being has been amazing in my life. Truly amazing. I've enjoyed nearly every second she's been here and would change nothing. To this day I'm still totally in love with my little kitty as I was the first time I picked her up in the palm of my hand at the store.

I took her in today and she was euthanized at approximately 11.45. I will miss her so much. Her chatter, coming into my room and finding her in the chair ready to scold me for being late and of course snuggling right up against me at night. She kept me warm as much as I kept her warm.

Baeltaine, Rest in Peace my baby girl.
1 May 1992 - 17 March 2010

I love you.

UK, the final leg (this trip anyway)

28 February
Sunday -- cont.

I will finish up the UK portion of my blog, only a week late loll.

Sunday was a fabulous day, Very relaxed. I went back into London and met up with LW and we toured the city for a bit. I so love London. Easy to get around.. the tube! Makes SF's Muni train look like it was put together with Matchbox(™) cars by a 2 year old. Ugh!

Came back to GKs place and the next morning he made a huge breakfast for us. It was wonderful! Went sight seeing and spent 1/2 the day exploring some parts of London. I had a grand time. Oh, but then.. we had to go shopping. LW and I went off to the stores and found some fun things, had lunch and just generally enjoyed the day.

Monday morning was very harried. Took far longer to get to Heathrow than we planned for and I nearly missed my flight home. But, I made it. Was incredibly sad to leave London. Hell, the whole UK was a great deal of fun. It felt like home to me. I can't wait to go back.

So it's been a week since I've been back now. A lot of reflection and getting back into the "swing of normal life". I've done a great deal of thinking and pondering and planning and scheming and otherwise been very contemplative. My surroundings still don't feel that real to me. I have come back and started to purge, clean house, get rid of crap that I no longer need or find necessary. It's been good, but I feel distant. And it's not just the jetlag that has me.. thinking. It's many many things.

One of the things I have realised is that I no longer have a good work/play balance going on. SF keeps me hopping as far as work and then when I'm not working I'm running errands and doing chores. I'm eager to change that, eager to make some good changes in my life.

UK Trip, continued. Amsterdam to London

26 February
Amsterdam
Watch for Bikes!
There are so many bikes here, it's crazy. Watch out for 'em. I've found that the people here are elegant. Everyone has their stylish clothes and their fashionable (and warm) jackets. I feel kinda blocky here. I feel so.. American, it's very interesting how "we" seem to stand out in this place. I should go shopping and get a bit of clothing but .. eh, it's kinda expensive with the dollar being worth only .70% of the Euro at the moment.

Another thing I've noticed is that much of the food has an incredibly high salt content to it. I just had bacon that had to be salted and fried in salt (or so it tasted). I could barely eat a tiny bit of it.

Oh yes, and we had a bit of drama yesterday with the hotel. Seems that though the room is payed for under the corporate account, I put my card down just for "incidentals". Typical thing right? They ended up holding 530E which translates to $745.00! We quickly ran down and put the corp card on the room and had them reverse the charges. Was there a written policy as to how much they put on hold? No, there wasn't. It was at the discretion of the person who checked you in. Ugh! It did get reversed but wf? That was insane. And did I mention I saw a mouse at the hotel? I was going to mention it but I also saw they had placed rodent poison boxes behind my bed frame. blah.. not going to stay there again.

Anyway, it's my last full day in Amsterdam and I'm not really sad to see it go. It's been a ton of fun with my coworkers going out to breakfast and dinner n such. Tonight we have an event to see so that will be fun. And while the hotel is a decent place, staying at the Eden Amsterdam American, they overcharge for everything. And I mean everything. I know friends are going to ask if I went out, hit up any gay bars or tried to meet any cute Amsterdam guys but.. who has time? Between working normal daylight hours here setting up a new office and then working late at night when the states wake up who has the time or energy.

I miss the UK, I miss the apartment I stayed in while there and I miss the people. And while I miss some folks back in the states I really don't miss SF all that much. I don't know how much I will feel at home once I'm back. I was born to live in Europe.. I just didn't know it till I got here.

27 February
Back to the UK I go!
The car picked me up from the hotel at 9am sharp. We went to Schipol airport and I checked in my bags and then wandered around for a bit of time before heading through Customs. And after going inside customs there's a huge shopping mall. Whoda thunk it? Yes, bought myself a tshirt.. why not? the interesting thing at this airport is that security is at each gate itself, so the lines are typically much shorter and easier to get through.

Flight to Amsterdam was not very exciting, takes just a little over an hour.. amazing how easy it is to get to everything from London/UK. Landed and after a bit of a mixup as to where I would be my friend GK picked me up and we drove from Gatwick airport to Watford.

Watford is a cute little place. Typically English in some of the architecture, has a great train station, and some fun little shops.

Got settled in and then we decided to take the mainline train to London for dinner. Man, the amount of people there was incredible. Not sure if it was a typical Saturday night or if there was a group or what but holy cow the droves of people getting out of the train station was immense. Had to queue for 5 minutes just to exit the turn-styles, and another 5 to get up the stairs to the streets above.

Immediately felt right at home in London. the shops, the streets, the atmosphere. It is an incredible city. We had dinner at the Spaghetti House as everything else was packed to the rafters. no problem though as the food was great. I think I've fallen in love with their lasagna! After dinner was time to be off to my friends place in Finsbury. I had been invited over to my friend LW's place for a birthday party so met him outside the station and we walked to his flat. The room was crowded with people from Spain, Germany, the UK, and one other American. Hung out there for a good few hours, everyone drinking and smoking and carrying on.

Next stop was to go to a club called Coronet. LA didn't tell me this was going to be a big gay dance party! Everyone there had obviously spent weeks working out for this sorta thing and the sight was amazing to say the least.

Spent the next several hours dancing and drinking and having a great time, all of LAs friends were there and we had a blast. LW decided we're going to cab it back to his place (the trains had stopped running by the time we left at 3.30) and he bickered with the cabbie on the fare and we finally agreed to a fee but only if he would stop at a 24 hour restaurant so we could get take-away. It was hilarious as that wouldn't have been something we do in the states at all.

28 February - Sunday
Woke up this morning, headed back to Watford and thanks to GK (who had schooled me in the ways of the London Underground system) I was able to make my way from Finsbury all the way to the mainline train and back here.

Will rest up a bit then head back into London to do some shopping. Yes.. shopping. For me.
ciao!

Europe Trip...Continuing in Amsterdam

23 February
Tuesday--
Finishing up in Brighton
Last night had the most amazing dinner with coworkers and the owner of the flats we stay in. He took us to Mascara, a Moroccan restaurant with really good food. We had so much of it. He is an amazing story-teller and has so many things going on, so down-to-earth and easy to talk to. My coworkers n I had a great time and we were sharing all sorts of wonderful food with each other. One of my new favourites is called Halloumi cheese. It's Greek in origin and it's squeaky and fries up really well.

Well it's my last day in Brighton and while I'm excited to be going on to Amsterdam, I'm also pretty sad to be leaving this place. The people are friendly, and very generous. I really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers here and being part of an exciting move to a new office space. Much like SF you can get pretty much everything you need in regards to food. Such a variety of things and places to go.

If I can swing it I'll definitely be back.

24 February
Wednesday
Amsterdam
Well, we took a quick 45 min flight over to Amsterdam. got through customs and a car was waiting for us and took us right to the hotel. I checked into my room and wow was it tiny. On top of that it's an additional 17 Euros for internet access, per day! WTF? So, after sleeping on it I decided to change rooms and get a larger one (sure, I'll pay an additional 13E) and free intent with a balcony.

Had an early 10am meeting with our IT rep here at the new office, worked with him on getting things setup. He was quite the talker, and didn't quite get what I was wanting but we worked it out. He had his colleague (much more technical) help me and we have made some major progress!

Purchased a bunch of equipment for the office and called it a day. We ended up going out for a great sushi meal and later for drinks. Having a bunch of fun here in this little town. I'd love to do some shopping but not sure I can afford it.

Got back to my room and after coming in from a smoke on the balcony.. saw a mouse! Didn't freak out, just went with it and went to bed. Only to be woken up 1/2 hour later by partyers next door having a good old-fashioned smoke fest. Which wafted into my room, due to the fact we're sharing a connecting door. Had to call downstairs and the hotel stopped the noise immediately. Whew, coulda been ugly.

25 February
Thursday
We went to a fabulous breakfast this morning, fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade croissant with strawberry jam, omelette with "old cheese" bacon and tomato with a cup of fresh coffee. Can I eat like this every day? Where's the gym!!!

UK Trip, continued

Well, I've been here now for 2 full days (or more, I can't tell). I finally got a decent nights sleep! Amazing how having at least 7 hours (contiguous I might add) of sleep can make a body feel good. I think I'm finally caught up with normal time, tho sleep deprived still.

Last night went out with a few friends and coworkers after work and had a really good time. Went to this fun bar across the street called "3 Jolly Butchers". Typical Irish pub from the looks of it. Good Guinness, tight cramped atmosphere. Then walked over to a restaurant (can't quite remember the name) and that was indeed a cramped space but great food and company. By the 2nd Guinness I was nodding off and couldn't wait for bed. Had the venison chili which was so good along with a corn n polenta mash. Bit bland, but worked it into the chili. Was a really fun evening.

I wish I could say the same for this office move we've just completed. Unfortunately, it looks like our phone company, BT (British Telecom) really sucks. They've not configured our phone lines properly, nor our internet connection. So, while I wanted to nap yesterday I was dealing with all sorts of problems with them. My coworker has been fabulous and so helpful. Getting me whatever I need while she's helping the office manager. However, by Saturday afternoon we got it all working. I was totally falling asleep at dinner, but it's now all working.

Been very very cold here (30s) and even had a bit of sleet the other day. The streets are cramped n tiny and I have no idea how anyone drives over here. The town is quite cute and I can see why it's a touristy spot. I'm looking forward to spending tomorrow (Sunday) just wandering around and seeing more of it.

21 February
Sunday -- Weather is miserable! Very bitter cold and very wet out there today! Woke up rather late and met up with my coworker to run some errands and then ate a fabulous place called Nia's on 87-88 Trafalgar St here in Brighton. Great food and coffee. Ahhh the bacon. After brunch we came back to the office to do a bit more work and then decided we needed to get a manicure. Was quite a bit of fun and even got a couple of my nails painted black. Matte black, thank you very much.
We were both so wiped out that we each went to our separate apartments and made dinner for ourselves and I promptly fell asleep at 6, only to wake up starving at 8 and made myself a bite before heading off to bed.

22 February
Monday morning came around way too quickly I have to say. But, we got here in plenty of time to start getting everything finalised before the rest of the work folk showed. by the time lunch arrived at 1.00 everyone was pretty much at their desk being productive. I love that sorta day.

Back to work!

UK Trip Day 1 & 2

Day 1
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.

No.

Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.

This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?

All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.

Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!

Here's proof I finally landed in Britain!

Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.

Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain, but it's a cute town. Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!

Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.

Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.

UK Trip cont...

Day 1
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.

No.

Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.

This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?

All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.

Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!


We landed. I've finally made it to the UK.

Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.

Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain. Hopefully it'll clear up Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!

Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.

Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.

UK Trip 101

So begins my next adventure.. my very first travel to the UK. Sure, I've travelled many places, namely Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Bali.. even a fun diving adventure in Nanaimo, BC. but never been to the UK. Thats about to change.

I was thrilled when, in the middle of December, my boss asked me "Is your passport current?". We then took a good month or so to iron out the details but as of Wednesday I'm taking off to Brighton first, then Amsterdam and then some vacation time in London. Yay!

I'll blog more about it as events unfold.