So this weekend has been eventful and I'm very proud of myself for surviving it haha I went hiking. I was misled about the hiking trails diffculty (sarah... haha) but I'm definitely glad I did it.
The group was so cool! It was me, sarah, scott, will and surprise guest nate. It was a really good mix of people, and all of us are some of the most chill people on the trip. We woke up early, I was actually ready first at exactly 845 am.. i'm really proud of myself not gonna lie. Right from the beginning, we were rushing and things stopped going smoothly haha Nate had decided to go, which glad he did, but he had to buy his tickets and confirm a reservation at the same hostel at the last minute. Ironically, we got to the train station and he got on the train easier than we did... go figure. It was a classic beginning to a Meredith vacation. Just like my dad used to say "Off like a herd of turtles"
I actually said that to sarah, I don't think she got it. oh well.
The first town that we started in, Eastbourne, was beautiful. Apparently it is a retirement type town and thinking back, that makes complete sense. It's a small town, with quaint little cafes and stores on the edge of a coastal area. The cliffs were incredible!!
The walk itself started off difficult. Basically, we got to the start of the trail, look up and groaned. Well, I groaned haha I was seriously not in shape for this kind of trek. Scott and Nate and Sarah handled it like champs, definitely made me and Will look bad hahaha sorry Will. I struggled so much.
Once we got over the first hill, it wasn't so tough until the Seven Sisters area.... that will come later. The cliffs were incredible. The were one of the greatest views I've ever seen, and while I took pictures, I don't think they could be recreated in pictures at all. There were little towns to stop in throughout the trail, and we really only took advantage of them for a quick 5 minute rest, or ask for directions (we definitely got lost multiple times, adding like 3 miles onto the hike!).
Eventually we got to the most difficult part of the entire trip... the seven sisters. There were like 9 really but whatever England, call it what you want.
Basically, there were seven hills in a row, growing in size with each hill. It was great. What made me feel even more like a loser was that there were children and old men and women with their walking sticks just strolling up these hills and I'm barely taking two steps in a row without wheezing for air!
After the seven sisters, I even got tired typing them in caps haha, it was a downhill pretty easy walk through a bunch of farmland. We were literally walking through people's land, just randomly. More sheep and cows than I have ever seen in my life. They were just clustered on the paths and were break apart when walked by like it was nothing.
The guys were hilarious throughout this entire trip. They were discussing the most random things. Me and Sarah would be off in front talking about the dynamic of people living in the flat, and plans for our future and our personalities and then behind us we'd here quotes from South Park and Avenue Q or debates about football.
However, they were funniest during the walks through the livestock. They consistly attmepted to pet them. Nate declared a desired to ride a sheep. They would approach them from any angle, or talk to them. I was afraid that they would get kicked by a cow or charged by that one rebel sheep. I would have laughed, no doubt, but I would've felt bad about it.
I won't lie, everyone made some comment toward the sheep. they were just so amusing to talk to haha When we were lost, their blank stares looked like they were mocking us. When they were in out way, we commanded them to move. We would say hi as we passed them by or be envious of their simple lives of standing and eating.
It was lonely out on that trail.... don't judge.
Eventually we got to Alfriston, the small good for nothing town that our hostel was in. The people were nice, and the building were pretty and apparently there was good ice cream, but it was the most boring town. I don't think i'll visit twice. The hostel itself wasn't bad at all. I actually didn't mind the tiny beds and loud roommates haha.
The next morning we got an early start just to be early enough for our train, no room for error there. We figured, well 15 miles yesterday was really hard, so this will probably be pretty simple. wrong. wrong. wrong.
The first part was like a pile of hills. It was meant as a bridleway for people riding horses, but of course, no one actually used it for that. Eventually, there was no where left to go but down and that's how we spent most of the remaining 3 miles of the last leg. Downhill with cows and sheep.
It was pretty funny how every final destination was cause for celebration. "Is this Alfriston??? HALLELUJAH!!!"
"Is this Southease?? WE SURVIVED!!!" It was great.
The train back, I slept and read a bit of my book. And enjoyed my killer sunburn on only the left side of my body. Sucks walking the same direction the whole way. Apparently being burned suits me though, many people at work complimented my new color with straight faces haha
The two days after the hiking began however, pain. Nothing but pain. Pain from my muscles, pain from my joints and pain from my sunburn. I just had to endure it all and go to work and be happy that it involved mostly sitting down.
Last night me and Brooke and Marj went and saw Grease, with free tickets that my work provided. It was so much fun! The show itself was just pure cute and fun and music. It was mostly word for word of the movie, however, the movie is definitely better and I really want to watch it now haha
Finally I woke up this morning and was still slightly achy but no real pain, so that's good. This week is my last week with the job and the program :( for the job :) for the program.
I really liked this job. I really learned a lot especially near the end. The people were incredible and I'm going to miss working with all of them. The program was not that well organized but it was definitely a learning experience as well. If not the business class being helpful, the lack of help from the program helped me learn to cope with a lot of different things on my own.
I'll write another blog after my mom gets here, in 2 days!!!!!! I'll talk about the last weeks adventures out and such.
bye!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Home Stretch
So my time in London is winding down.... I'm so sad to leave!! Although, I must admit, I'm ready to be home with my friends and family. Most of all, I'm ready to see my dogs!!!
Don't act shocked, everyone loves the dogs most.
This past week has gone by so quickly, but I must say, it definitely made me feel the most local and comfortable. I didn't have a phone or a debit card, but I felt the most relaxed and well rested. This could be because nobody was able to get in touch with me most of the time, or because I didn't spend as much money and therefore, didn't worry as much about finance. Who knows?!
Work was the most comfortable as well. We got a new intern, from the London area, this week too. Her name is Tahlia, and she is the cutest girl! She has the best clothes and so sweet, but down to business when it comes to work. There were a lot of important meetings this week as well. Most of the main publicists were constantly milling around working on press and presentation materials for a potential clients meeting. I have heard that it went extremely well with advancements in tv and film and even sports, which is a new area for the agency.
I think it's incredible that I get to be around when the company is growing, even though it's already so successful in its simplicity.
Of course, there have been significant bumps and bruises as with any company, but I think that will help me learn even more than I already have. I know how they handle success and have seen how to smoothly operate a major publicity event, but now I get to witness how to handle a small crisis and some small ethical problems.
I can't go into detail, confidentially contracts and all that jazz, but let me tell you, actors are helpless children. I'm sure I've said that before... but I feel the need to reiterate the point. Children, I say!! CHILDREN!!!
That emphasize enough??? ok moving on.
We visited Canterbury this week, as well. The cathedral in Canterbury was absolutely breathtaking. You could actually see the progress from the years passing. There were statues and dedications mounting the walls, stemming from the Tudor era. It was absolutely fascinating. The stain glass windows, some still being refurbished, were incredible. The time it must take to create something so beautiful but usually simplistic in its design, blows my mind. It seems like the details, which are intricate, are easy as can be.
I did semi break the law. In Jesus' temple no less :/. What can I say, when I want a picture, churches be damned! That sentence just seems wrong, but I can't bring myself to rewrite it. Basically, I ignored all the "don't take pictures" signs and did anyways. Usually I hid behind people or a column or sometimes a wall and positioned the camera just so to take the picture. My pal Brooke decided that my sins of defying the signs were more significant because I was in a holy place. Oh well! There were confession booths, I could've absolved my sins then and there. I didn't, but I could've.
The town of Canterbury was very small and didn't have too much to look at. There was a beautiful....
guy playing the guitar and singing. You thought I was gonna say something historical again, but no. There is always a beautiful man. I decided this one deserved mentioning. I liked him so much, I even left him a tip in his guitar case. He winked. It was magical.
There were some cute shops as well. I bought a birthday card for my bestest friend ( HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY! she's gonna kill me for that) Samantha and a present for my other best friend Brit and some fudge (yummy), so I found the day successful.
The bus ride was horrendus. I slept most of the way there, therefore I didn't notice the length. On the way back, however, our driver decided to forget how to get back to the flat. I mean he had been the 12 hours earlier, so long ago! It's understandable that he forget. It's not like it's his job or anything to remember. :) that's my aren't I cute when I'm angry emoticon.
oh no my friends, not just your average smiley face.
The rest of the week has actually been pretty uneventful. Saw Inception.
Oh.My.God.Love.
I feel that gets the emotion across enough.
I also got a few new inside jokes that I'm going to list, even though most won't understand them, to fill up space:
-I got holes in me pockets!
-Play with me!
-Gurl, Wat's ur facebook??!?! (the spelling is wrong for dialect)
I think that's all for now.
My mom is here in 6 days!!!! YAY!!!! I love her so much. Can't wait to see her, and my new debit card that will travel with her. In that order of course! Don't worry, I love her more.
I am also hiking about 20 miles this weekend with Sarah, Will and Scott. The A-team. It's gonna be an adventure. I'll write about it when I get back.
bye loves.
Don't act shocked, everyone loves the dogs most.
This past week has gone by so quickly, but I must say, it definitely made me feel the most local and comfortable. I didn't have a phone or a debit card, but I felt the most relaxed and well rested. This could be because nobody was able to get in touch with me most of the time, or because I didn't spend as much money and therefore, didn't worry as much about finance. Who knows?!
Work was the most comfortable as well. We got a new intern, from the London area, this week too. Her name is Tahlia, and she is the cutest girl! She has the best clothes and so sweet, but down to business when it comes to work. There were a lot of important meetings this week as well. Most of the main publicists were constantly milling around working on press and presentation materials for a potential clients meeting. I have heard that it went extremely well with advancements in tv and film and even sports, which is a new area for the agency.
I think it's incredible that I get to be around when the company is growing, even though it's already so successful in its simplicity.
Of course, there have been significant bumps and bruises as with any company, but I think that will help me learn even more than I already have. I know how they handle success and have seen how to smoothly operate a major publicity event, but now I get to witness how to handle a small crisis and some small ethical problems.
I can't go into detail, confidentially contracts and all that jazz, but let me tell you, actors are helpless children. I'm sure I've said that before... but I feel the need to reiterate the point. Children, I say!! CHILDREN!!!
That emphasize enough??? ok moving on.
We visited Canterbury this week, as well. The cathedral in Canterbury was absolutely breathtaking. You could actually see the progress from the years passing. There were statues and dedications mounting the walls, stemming from the Tudor era. It was absolutely fascinating. The stain glass windows, some still being refurbished, were incredible. The time it must take to create something so beautiful but usually simplistic in its design, blows my mind. It seems like the details, which are intricate, are easy as can be.
I did semi break the law. In Jesus' temple no less :/. What can I say, when I want a picture, churches be damned! That sentence just seems wrong, but I can't bring myself to rewrite it. Basically, I ignored all the "don't take pictures" signs and did anyways. Usually I hid behind people or a column or sometimes a wall and positioned the camera just so to take the picture. My pal Brooke decided that my sins of defying the signs were more significant because I was in a holy place. Oh well! There were confession booths, I could've absolved my sins then and there. I didn't, but I could've.
The town of Canterbury was very small and didn't have too much to look at. There was a beautiful....
guy playing the guitar and singing. You thought I was gonna say something historical again, but no. There is always a beautiful man. I decided this one deserved mentioning. I liked him so much, I even left him a tip in his guitar case. He winked. It was magical.
There were some cute shops as well. I bought a birthday card for my bestest friend ( HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY! she's gonna kill me for that) Samantha and a present for my other best friend Brit and some fudge (yummy), so I found the day successful.
The bus ride was horrendus. I slept most of the way there, therefore I didn't notice the length. On the way back, however, our driver decided to forget how to get back to the flat. I mean he had been the 12 hours earlier, so long ago! It's understandable that he forget. It's not like it's his job or anything to remember. :) that's my aren't I cute when I'm angry emoticon.
oh no my friends, not just your average smiley face.
The rest of the week has actually been pretty uneventful. Saw Inception.
Oh.My.God.Love.
I feel that gets the emotion across enough.
I also got a few new inside jokes that I'm going to list, even though most won't understand them, to fill up space:
-I got holes in me pockets!
-Play with me!
-Gurl, Wat's ur facebook??!?! (the spelling is wrong for dialect)
I think that's all for now.
My mom is here in 6 days!!!! YAY!!!! I love her so much. Can't wait to see her, and my new debit card that will travel with her. In that order of course! Don't worry, I love her more.
I am also hiking about 20 miles this weekend with Sarah, Will and Scott. The A-team. It's gonna be an adventure. I'll write about it when I get back.
bye loves.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Another Weekend, Another Adventure
So this weekend has been quite low key in comparison to the past few weeks. This is partly because I lost my phone and part of my cash flow, but mostly because everyone is getting burnt out. It's been 6 weeks or so of going and goING and GOING and now we just want to sleep and watch movies and blah blah boring.
It's a wonderful thing.
Thursday night I didn't absolutely nothing. This was not by choice, but ended up being the best thing to do. I was going to go out with the rest of the group, but they forgot I didn't have a phone or just forgot about me and decided not to come and get me or whatever. At first, I was upset, but then I just decided sleep and rest are fine with me!!
Friday night was a little more exciting, but probably not necessary. We went to a repeat place, ArchAngel. We had fun and learned some things about each other haha But we did not get any sleep!!
Let me take a moment to give kudos to my buddy Sean though! Found a cute little blonde Italian girl and was working some serious charm! Even when a guy tried to steal her away, and it seemed like he was succeeding, Sean pulled her back in and won her attention completely. I don't know how the night ended, because we left before him, but good for you Sean.
Saturday morning we had to get up early to go on a cultural excursion to Canterbury. Staying out late and getting up early naturally don't mix... especially when you get up 10 minutes before you have to leave, get no food, no shower and barely become presentable before leaving the flat. Oh well!
I sleep on the bus ride over there, leaving an intense crick in my neck. Once again, British buses are not meant for tall people! Just like every other British thing. After we got to Canterbury, things became more interesting.
The cathedral was incredible. It was so well preserved and, I'm sure, mostly restored to keep it that way. The walls were covered with memorials and dedications to people throughout history and the windows were mostly a beautiful stain glass design. Even the crypts, and there were SO many spread through out the church, were designed in a way that you had to admire them. Therer were no dead people that I actually knew, but I admired the way they were buried.
That sounded incredibly morbid...
There were many places that we couldn't take pictures, but I broke the law, in a church no less, and did it anyways haha Even better, I broke the law in the Jesus room. There was a Jesus room, it was awesome.
After that we ate, which was much needed, and just wandered around the town. There wasn't much to see to be honest, just a bunch of little candy and clothing stores along with a few random shops. There were buildings that looked important and historical, and later our tour guide explained their signifigance, but nothing that we couldn't see other places. I bought sam a Czech and Austrian birthday card (pretty) and got Brit something from this shop that sold all these different things from India. I saw half the things in there and thought of her. They all had elephants on them, which she loves, but I was determined not to get her an elephant thing once again haha
I also got some fudge... yum :)
The bus ride back was brutal. I read a new book for a little while, but then I couldn't stay awake so I went to sleep. I woke up when we were back in town, but the driver must have gotten lost on the way back, because the trip home was about 45 minutes longer than the trip there...
FINALLY, we made it back and everyone passed out for like an hour. Never underestimate the importance of sleep my friends, cause lack of it will come back and bite you in the ass and then knock you out. After some much needed rest, me and Brooke and Grace decided to go see Inception, great decision by the way. We met Lea and Marjorie at the Fulham Broadway tube stop, where I get off for work, and were going to get tickets but they were sold out!
So we went to a Tex-Mex place instead. Great food. Better drinks! The owner was from New York and decided to celebrate our American heritage with free chips, a free round of tequila shots and another round of 2 for 1 drinks... then me and Grace and Brooke saw Inception haha
Those drinks made it much more interesting, which is very hard to do. The movie = amazing and incredible and sensational etc. I like Leonardo Dicaprio and all, I mean he's beautiful and a great actor and everything. But Joseph-Gordon Levitt is my love. And Tom Hardy, who my agency represents, is my new love. Just saying. JGL needs to meet me right now, because i love him. And that's all. haha The movie blew my mind though, other than the actors. It was so quick paced and fluid and made me think. I had an inkling how it would end half way through but I was never 100 percent sure, about anything. That is what I like in my movies.
After that we came back, after encountering an interesting pair on the night bus. One guy continuously said "I got holes in me pockets!", it was highly entertaining. Then I passed out for about 12 hours. Thank you for sleep. Thank you for Sundays.
Now I have decided to be lazy for the rest of the day because I have work tomorrow. I will definitely enjoy the break from constant movement.
Love you all!
Meredith
It's a wonderful thing.
Thursday night I didn't absolutely nothing. This was not by choice, but ended up being the best thing to do. I was going to go out with the rest of the group, but they forgot I didn't have a phone or just forgot about me and decided not to come and get me or whatever. At first, I was upset, but then I just decided sleep and rest are fine with me!!
Friday night was a little more exciting, but probably not necessary. We went to a repeat place, ArchAngel. We had fun and learned some things about each other haha But we did not get any sleep!!
Let me take a moment to give kudos to my buddy Sean though! Found a cute little blonde Italian girl and was working some serious charm! Even when a guy tried to steal her away, and it seemed like he was succeeding, Sean pulled her back in and won her attention completely. I don't know how the night ended, because we left before him, but good for you Sean.
Saturday morning we had to get up early to go on a cultural excursion to Canterbury. Staying out late and getting up early naturally don't mix... especially when you get up 10 minutes before you have to leave, get no food, no shower and barely become presentable before leaving the flat. Oh well!
I sleep on the bus ride over there, leaving an intense crick in my neck. Once again, British buses are not meant for tall people! Just like every other British thing. After we got to Canterbury, things became more interesting.
The cathedral was incredible. It was so well preserved and, I'm sure, mostly restored to keep it that way. The walls were covered with memorials and dedications to people throughout history and the windows were mostly a beautiful stain glass design. Even the crypts, and there were SO many spread through out the church, were designed in a way that you had to admire them. Therer were no dead people that I actually knew, but I admired the way they were buried.
That sounded incredibly morbid...
There were many places that we couldn't take pictures, but I broke the law, in a church no less, and did it anyways haha Even better, I broke the law in the Jesus room. There was a Jesus room, it was awesome.
After that we ate, which was much needed, and just wandered around the town. There wasn't much to see to be honest, just a bunch of little candy and clothing stores along with a few random shops. There were buildings that looked important and historical, and later our tour guide explained their signifigance, but nothing that we couldn't see other places. I bought sam a Czech and Austrian birthday card (pretty) and got Brit something from this shop that sold all these different things from India. I saw half the things in there and thought of her. They all had elephants on them, which she loves, but I was determined not to get her an elephant thing once again haha
I also got some fudge... yum :)
The bus ride back was brutal. I read a new book for a little while, but then I couldn't stay awake so I went to sleep. I woke up when we were back in town, but the driver must have gotten lost on the way back, because the trip home was about 45 minutes longer than the trip there...
FINALLY, we made it back and everyone passed out for like an hour. Never underestimate the importance of sleep my friends, cause lack of it will come back and bite you in the ass and then knock you out. After some much needed rest, me and Brooke and Grace decided to go see Inception, great decision by the way. We met Lea and Marjorie at the Fulham Broadway tube stop, where I get off for work, and were going to get tickets but they were sold out!
So we went to a Tex-Mex place instead. Great food. Better drinks! The owner was from New York and decided to celebrate our American heritage with free chips, a free round of tequila shots and another round of 2 for 1 drinks... then me and Grace and Brooke saw Inception haha
Those drinks made it much more interesting, which is very hard to do. The movie = amazing and incredible and sensational etc. I like Leonardo Dicaprio and all, I mean he's beautiful and a great actor and everything. But Joseph-Gordon Levitt is my love. And Tom Hardy, who my agency represents, is my new love. Just saying. JGL needs to meet me right now, because i love him. And that's all. haha The movie blew my mind though, other than the actors. It was so quick paced and fluid and made me think. I had an inkling how it would end half way through but I was never 100 percent sure, about anything. That is what I like in my movies.
After that we came back, after encountering an interesting pair on the night bus. One guy continuously said "I got holes in me pockets!", it was highly entertaining. Then I passed out for about 12 hours. Thank you for sleep. Thank you for Sundays.
Now I have decided to be lazy for the rest of the day because I have work tomorrow. I will definitely enjoy the break from constant movement.
Love you all!
Meredith
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ok people, if you know me than you know I have an inability to keep important items safe. I break phones, lose cards, break computers and one time I brutally killed my car. This trend did not seem to translate into London.... UNTIL the last few days. And man, did it come back with a bang.
First, I threw away my debit card. Sadly, I didn't discover it was missing until the next day when the trash at work had already been removed. Basically, I went to work, had a normal actually productive work day, went to the store to get lunch, paid with the card than put it in the bag so I wouldn't lose it (ha), and then threw the bag away without a second thought after I ate my lunch. Good-bye debit card. I have cancelled it and ordered a new one that will be here in 14 days along with my mother.
Sidebar: YAY MY MOMMA'S HERE IN 14 DAYS!!!!
Now that is not all folks! Last night we went out to celebrate Sarah's 21st. Happy birthday!! We went to a place called the roxy. I carried my jacket with me ALL night and then placed it next to our friend Vincent because he wanted to sit. I went to dance while Vincent sat with my jacket. Sadly, Vincent was tired, or drunk, and he passed out sitting on the bench. Good-bye jacket. Lucky part: my pouch with my other two cards, ID, KUID and room card was left behind for some reason.
Unlucky part: good-bye phone and oyster card (which allows me to use public transportation).
Oyster card is cancelled and a new one is ordered. I can use a temp in the tube till then. I have NO IDEA about the phone though. I have a spare phone, but no sim card. This basically means if you want to talk to me, use facebook or skype. Which most people already do.
It's been not so lovely two days. I'm trying to keep my head up but I'm having this guilty feeling like I'm suddenly turning this trip and work experience, which my parents are so generously funding, into a screw up. I am a screw up now. It's not like the crad replacements cost anything. The phone might, but hey we'll save money until then on me not using my phone or debit card I guess...
Unless someone else uses my phone. that would suck. I tried to cancel it but Piccell, the provider, is not very helpful and I don't have phone to call them to ask them to cancel it!!!!
A the joys of irony.
Ok, back to work and done with lunch.
don't worry... my card that I paid for lunch with is safely tucked in my purse.
bye
First, I threw away my debit card. Sadly, I didn't discover it was missing until the next day when the trash at work had already been removed. Basically, I went to work, had a normal actually productive work day, went to the store to get lunch, paid with the card than put it in the bag so I wouldn't lose it (ha), and then threw the bag away without a second thought after I ate my lunch. Good-bye debit card. I have cancelled it and ordered a new one that will be here in 14 days along with my mother.
Sidebar: YAY MY MOMMA'S HERE IN 14 DAYS!!!!
Now that is not all folks! Last night we went out to celebrate Sarah's 21st. Happy birthday!! We went to a place called the roxy. I carried my jacket with me ALL night and then placed it next to our friend Vincent because he wanted to sit. I went to dance while Vincent sat with my jacket. Sadly, Vincent was tired, or drunk, and he passed out sitting on the bench. Good-bye jacket. Lucky part: my pouch with my other two cards, ID, KUID and room card was left behind for some reason.
Unlucky part: good-bye phone and oyster card (which allows me to use public transportation).
Oyster card is cancelled and a new one is ordered. I can use a temp in the tube till then. I have NO IDEA about the phone though. I have a spare phone, but no sim card. This basically means if you want to talk to me, use facebook or skype. Which most people already do.
It's been not so lovely two days. I'm trying to keep my head up but I'm having this guilty feeling like I'm suddenly turning this trip and work experience, which my parents are so generously funding, into a screw up. I am a screw up now. It's not like the crad replacements cost anything. The phone might, but hey we'll save money until then on me not using my phone or debit card I guess...
Unless someone else uses my phone. that would suck. I tried to cancel it but Piccell, the provider, is not very helpful and I don't have phone to call them to ask them to cancel it!!!!
A the joys of irony.
Ok, back to work and done with lunch.
don't worry... my card that I paid for lunch with is safely tucked in my purse.
bye
Monday, July 12, 2010
Good Weekend
After what seemed like the inevitable lull of my London adventures, I finally got my smile back this weekend :) (see, I even showed it to you... here's some teeth :D)
I think it was because I finally got some time to recharge and be completely alone. I don't care what anyone says, EVERYONE needs atleast one night to be by themselves unless they are completely dependent on the presence of other people. That's why I don't feel like I'm insulting anyone by saying it was nice to be alone a little bit.
It was also nice not to go out at all this weekend. I don't think I went to one pub, except for a couple hours on Thursday night, but I was home by midnight that night and out by 1230. Friday was another typical business seminar, this time about organisational (there are NO z's in London, my friends) leadership. Apparently, if I were a leader in a company, I would gather information and use it to gain power. Sound like me???
Don't answer that.
Then it was off to the Tate Modern. While cool, this is not my museum. I don't know if my brain can warp enough to understand the artistic meaning of some of the futuristic and surreal art that was there. There were some cool stuff and some regular old paintings that I enjoyed (Monet and Jackson Pollack) but then there were some NOT normal things. Like a whole section of art based on Freudian concepts. Interesting to look at, but don't look too long. Just don't.
Friday night I saw Jersey Boys. Another thing that wasn't quite for me. It was a good musical and the music and singers were fantastic, but I felt the play part was a little lacking. It seemed that the play just jumped forward in time so much and so quickly that it wasn't very smooth. This could have something to do with the fact that it had to cover a large span of time forthe Valli life and such, but still. It was a good way to spend the Friday night regardless.
Let me just place my rant of the blog post right here. There are two things, one a bigger annoyance than the other. Ok. Here we go.
People in London are apparently all under 5'6. NOTHING is made for a person taller than 5'6, or atleast not a woman. The dresses are incredibly too short for me to try on and the beds are way too short. In my bed, My head touches the head board while my feet are flat on the other board (foot board??). It makes it very difficult to sleep, not gonna lie. Also, people here tend to wear clothes that are too short for them, but I'll get to that later.
The second thing that is something I don't understand is the talking elevators. You don't need to tell me that the doors are closing... I have eyes, and when they start moving towards each other, I don't think "hey! I think I should get off the elevator now!" I guess at times it's nice to know what floor I'm on to know not to walk off absent mindedly, but then again, I have eyes. I can look a little LED number and know where I am. Oh well, I guess British people just always need directions. Buah hahahaha. That was just me being mean. I'm done.
Saturday was a really good day. Fantastic in fact. I woke up around 10am and went to do my laundry. I would say that that was annoying cause it took two hours, but it really wasn't to be honest. I put my laundry in, walked next door and got some starbucks and a pain of chocolat (french... grrrr) and than read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo until my clothes were washed and dried. Not only did I have great luck with getting the good machines, but I got sunstantially farther in my book! And it's actually turning into a really good book. The plot is a little information overload and such but it keeps you hooked regardless.
After laundry, I went back to the apartment and folded things and got my stuff and went to Oxford street to shop.
NEWFLASH!!! We're are sorry to interrupt your regular programming, but this is an important news bulletin. It has been discovered that Meredith Laurie, is almost like a local South Kensington girl. BEEP BEEP BEEP
That's right people, I was asked directions and I told them the RIGHT way to go. In fact, because they were going to Oxford street as well, I just led them there. Such a cute little Bulgarian family. It was interesting too, because talking to them actually taught me a little about how different the generations are. The only people in the family who spoke english well were the children.
Oxford street was insanely crowded. I feel like if you were flying above in a helicopter you would think, anthill. The shops were very eclectic and all of them had sales, so it was a good time to shop. I couldn't find the one store I was looking for though, guess I'll wait till another weekend and get google directions or something haha. Damn you Jane Norman!! I got some clothes from Urban Outfitters, which interestingly have different clothes in the US than in the UK even though it's an international chain, and then a cute dress from a hole in the wall store called Madame Butterfly. Then some sandals. I met up with Grace and Michael to eat and give opinions too. Had the BEST mac and cheese for lunch. So good.
Didn't go out Saturday night either. Just got some movies with Grace, Dead Poet's Society and Vanity Fair, and watched them in the basement before going back to my room to read and watch Smallville. It was a nice quiet night. The people at the video store, which I am now a member of btw, did not appreciate our cultural movie tastes though. We wanted the Italian Job (new one) and Ocean's Eleven (new one) and they basically yelled at us. Apparently, because the old ones are much better, which I'm sure they are, the new ones don't count as movies.
I wouldn't argue with them, but they had Dukes of Hazard, Employee of the Month and movies like that, so I don't think they were in a position to talk trash about our movie tastes. Apparently, I haven't hit the drug age, which will help me appreciate the Dukes of Hazard. hmm.
Sunday I didn't do anythign again. I slept in, went to Hyde park to read a littl, went to the store and ended up watching the World Cup final in the basement. What a disappointing game! The best part was the karate kick foul. Almost compares to the head butt of four years ago but not quite. I was kinda upset that they go all the way to the final 15 minute over time and scored. We had gone so far. We wanted penalty kicks!!! oh well. There's alway 2014 haha If I even pay attention to it in the United States, which I probably won't.
Today was a work day, nothing exciting. But I'm going to pub trivia tonight. It's a really fun and relaxing way to spend a night so I'm excited.
Talk later!
Meredith
I think it was because I finally got some time to recharge and be completely alone. I don't care what anyone says, EVERYONE needs atleast one night to be by themselves unless they are completely dependent on the presence of other people. That's why I don't feel like I'm insulting anyone by saying it was nice to be alone a little bit.
It was also nice not to go out at all this weekend. I don't think I went to one pub, except for a couple hours on Thursday night, but I was home by midnight that night and out by 1230. Friday was another typical business seminar, this time about organisational (there are NO z's in London, my friends) leadership. Apparently, if I were a leader in a company, I would gather information and use it to gain power. Sound like me???
Don't answer that.
Then it was off to the Tate Modern. While cool, this is not my museum. I don't know if my brain can warp enough to understand the artistic meaning of some of the futuristic and surreal art that was there. There were some cool stuff and some regular old paintings that I enjoyed (Monet and Jackson Pollack) but then there were some NOT normal things. Like a whole section of art based on Freudian concepts. Interesting to look at, but don't look too long. Just don't.
Friday night I saw Jersey Boys. Another thing that wasn't quite for me. It was a good musical and the music and singers were fantastic, but I felt the play part was a little lacking. It seemed that the play just jumped forward in time so much and so quickly that it wasn't very smooth. This could have something to do with the fact that it had to cover a large span of time forthe Valli life and such, but still. It was a good way to spend the Friday night regardless.
Let me just place my rant of the blog post right here. There are two things, one a bigger annoyance than the other. Ok. Here we go.
People in London are apparently all under 5'6. NOTHING is made for a person taller than 5'6, or atleast not a woman. The dresses are incredibly too short for me to try on and the beds are way too short. In my bed, My head touches the head board while my feet are flat on the other board (foot board??). It makes it very difficult to sleep, not gonna lie. Also, people here tend to wear clothes that are too short for them, but I'll get to that later.
The second thing that is something I don't understand is the talking elevators. You don't need to tell me that the doors are closing... I have eyes, and when they start moving towards each other, I don't think "hey! I think I should get off the elevator now!" I guess at times it's nice to know what floor I'm on to know not to walk off absent mindedly, but then again, I have eyes. I can look a little LED number and know where I am. Oh well, I guess British people just always need directions. Buah hahahaha. That was just me being mean. I'm done.
Saturday was a really good day. Fantastic in fact. I woke up around 10am and went to do my laundry. I would say that that was annoying cause it took two hours, but it really wasn't to be honest. I put my laundry in, walked next door and got some starbucks and a pain of chocolat (french... grrrr) and than read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo until my clothes were washed and dried. Not only did I have great luck with getting the good machines, but I got sunstantially farther in my book! And it's actually turning into a really good book. The plot is a little information overload and such but it keeps you hooked regardless.
After laundry, I went back to the apartment and folded things and got my stuff and went to Oxford street to shop.
NEWFLASH!!! We're are sorry to interrupt your regular programming, but this is an important news bulletin. It has been discovered that Meredith Laurie, is almost like a local South Kensington girl. BEEP BEEP BEEP
That's right people, I was asked directions and I told them the RIGHT way to go. In fact, because they were going to Oxford street as well, I just led them there. Such a cute little Bulgarian family. It was interesting too, because talking to them actually taught me a little about how different the generations are. The only people in the family who spoke english well were the children.
Oxford street was insanely crowded. I feel like if you were flying above in a helicopter you would think, anthill. The shops were very eclectic and all of them had sales, so it was a good time to shop. I couldn't find the one store I was looking for though, guess I'll wait till another weekend and get google directions or something haha. Damn you Jane Norman!! I got some clothes from Urban Outfitters, which interestingly have different clothes in the US than in the UK even though it's an international chain, and then a cute dress from a hole in the wall store called Madame Butterfly. Then some sandals. I met up with Grace and Michael to eat and give opinions too. Had the BEST mac and cheese for lunch. So good.
Didn't go out Saturday night either. Just got some movies with Grace, Dead Poet's Society and Vanity Fair, and watched them in the basement before going back to my room to read and watch Smallville. It was a nice quiet night. The people at the video store, which I am now a member of btw, did not appreciate our cultural movie tastes though. We wanted the Italian Job (new one) and Ocean's Eleven (new one) and they basically yelled at us. Apparently, because the old ones are much better, which I'm sure they are, the new ones don't count as movies.
I wouldn't argue with them, but they had Dukes of Hazard, Employee of the Month and movies like that, so I don't think they were in a position to talk trash about our movie tastes. Apparently, I haven't hit the drug age, which will help me appreciate the Dukes of Hazard. hmm.
Sunday I didn't do anythign again. I slept in, went to Hyde park to read a littl, went to the store and ended up watching the World Cup final in the basement. What a disappointing game! The best part was the karate kick foul. Almost compares to the head butt of four years ago but not quite. I was kinda upset that they go all the way to the final 15 minute over time and scored. We had gone so far. We wanted penalty kicks!!! oh well. There's alway 2014 haha If I even pay attention to it in the United States, which I probably won't.
Today was a work day, nothing exciting. But I'm going to pub trivia tonight. It's a really fun and relaxing way to spend a night so I'm excited.
Talk later!
Meredith
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Work Post
Ok, so my parents won't approve of this, but this is the slowest day at work and that makes me want to do an overdue blog post!
The last one was about the fourth of july, which was highly uneventful compared to 4th's past, but still fun. Since then I have simply been working. I have been so tired this week though! I'm hoping my work doesn't suffer.
I did have a slight run-in with my EUSA work supervisor at public eye. It wasn't really controversial or anything like that, just a little uncomfortable. However, she's joked around and been really nice to me since then, so I'm going to assume that everything is just fine.
Basically, when things start to get slow here, I walk around the office and ask each member of Public Eye if there is anything they would like me to do for them. I really am just looking for any kind of task whether it's a big task or a small nothing task to fill up time before I leave the office. Most of the time, there is nothing that they need, or maybe want, me to do for them and they tell me to leave. This isn't at 2 in the afternoon, usually it's around 530 or so and I only have 1/2 an hour left.
Since every person has told me they don't need me and tell me to leave the office, that's what I do. My supervisor saw a problem with this, even though she has on occasion told me to leave as well. She sent me an e-mail telling that I need to stay in the office until 6pm regardless of my lack of task. I have no problem with this, because it's my internship and I must do what they say. What I DO have a confusion problem with is that after she told me I need to stay, she still doesn't have any tasks for me to do. So around 5pm, I run out of stuff to do and just have to fill my time with whatever I want. I can watch tv or a movie or e-mail or do blog posts haha
Mostly, I just repeat some of the other tasks I've done in that past, press pack etc., for clients that don't have them. I think this is gonna bite me in the ass though haha Watch them ask for all this stuff that I have already done later and then I won't even have made-up tasks to fill my time. Just wait... it WILL happen.
There was another dramatic thing this week, but back in the apartments that we are staying in, Courtfield Gardens. I have mentioned before that the people here do not understand how to wash dishes. Well it came to a point this week when the EUSA gods sent us e-mails telling us that they were going to check our kitchens and if they weren't up to par, fine the entire floor $150. Yay dirty people!!
Well last night, I was dead tired and decided to go home from work, participate in a FABULOUSLY made taco dinner night (gracias grace (heehee that makes me laugh), and pass out. Well one of the USC men told us they were going to have a group dish cleaning. While I didn't feel the need to participate cause I haven't even used a dish for awhile, I said I would to avoid conflict. oops...
My roommate had come and gone in the room a few times so I had put on my headphones and turned my music on high and fell asleep. Apparently I slept straight through the cleaning of the dishes... Now the USC people are fuming because our room doesn't clean our dishes. Funny.
no seriously. HA HA funny.
I did hear a banging in my sleep, but I thought it was part of my dream not real life. Oh well, I cleaned whatever was left in the morning and they deserved to clean their dishes I think. Plus I only have 3 more weeks to live with them, so I really don't care what they think.
You know what else I have discovered?? I am completely comfortable in London now.
You know HOW I discovered this?? I almost broke my Ipod, stepped on a piece of class (thank god for my boots), got attacked by a paper shredder and ran into a tree all in the span of two days. You know you are more comfortable when you lose all you catiousness (word? oh well).
I'm surprised I have suffered a serious injury yet. I'll probably like break an arm or something walking up the stairs in my house when I get back to Plano. That would be something that would happen to me haha
Oh, how I enjoy these times we have together blog. but time to go back to work!
Meredith
The last one was about the fourth of july, which was highly uneventful compared to 4th's past, but still fun. Since then I have simply been working. I have been so tired this week though! I'm hoping my work doesn't suffer.
I did have a slight run-in with my EUSA work supervisor at public eye. It wasn't really controversial or anything like that, just a little uncomfortable. However, she's joked around and been really nice to me since then, so I'm going to assume that everything is just fine.
Basically, when things start to get slow here, I walk around the office and ask each member of Public Eye if there is anything they would like me to do for them. I really am just looking for any kind of task whether it's a big task or a small nothing task to fill up time before I leave the office. Most of the time, there is nothing that they need, or maybe want, me to do for them and they tell me to leave. This isn't at 2 in the afternoon, usually it's around 530 or so and I only have 1/2 an hour left.
Since every person has told me they don't need me and tell me to leave the office, that's what I do. My supervisor saw a problem with this, even though she has on occasion told me to leave as well. She sent me an e-mail telling that I need to stay in the office until 6pm regardless of my lack of task. I have no problem with this, because it's my internship and I must do what they say. What I DO have a confusion problem with is that after she told me I need to stay, she still doesn't have any tasks for me to do. So around 5pm, I run out of stuff to do and just have to fill my time with whatever I want. I can watch tv or a movie or e-mail or do blog posts haha
Mostly, I just repeat some of the other tasks I've done in that past, press pack etc., for clients that don't have them. I think this is gonna bite me in the ass though haha Watch them ask for all this stuff that I have already done later and then I won't even have made-up tasks to fill my time. Just wait... it WILL happen.
There was another dramatic thing this week, but back in the apartments that we are staying in, Courtfield Gardens. I have mentioned before that the people here do not understand how to wash dishes. Well it came to a point this week when the EUSA gods sent us e-mails telling us that they were going to check our kitchens and if they weren't up to par, fine the entire floor $150. Yay dirty people!!
Well last night, I was dead tired and decided to go home from work, participate in a FABULOUSLY made taco dinner night (gracias grace (heehee that makes me laugh), and pass out. Well one of the USC men told us they were going to have a group dish cleaning. While I didn't feel the need to participate cause I haven't even used a dish for awhile, I said I would to avoid conflict. oops...
My roommate had come and gone in the room a few times so I had put on my headphones and turned my music on high and fell asleep. Apparently I slept straight through the cleaning of the dishes... Now the USC people are fuming because our room doesn't clean our dishes. Funny.
no seriously. HA HA funny.
I did hear a banging in my sleep, but I thought it was part of my dream not real life. Oh well, I cleaned whatever was left in the morning and they deserved to clean their dishes I think. Plus I only have 3 more weeks to live with them, so I really don't care what they think.
You know what else I have discovered?? I am completely comfortable in London now.
You know HOW I discovered this?? I almost broke my Ipod, stepped on a piece of class (thank god for my boots), got attacked by a paper shredder and ran into a tree all in the span of two days. You know you are more comfortable when you lose all you catiousness (word? oh well).
I'm surprised I have suffered a serious injury yet. I'll probably like break an arm or something walking up the stairs in my house when I get back to Plano. That would be something that would happen to me haha
Oh, how I enjoy these times we have together blog. but time to go back to work!
Meredith
Sunday, July 4, 2010
hmmm
So i had a bad sleep night last night...
Every so often, I have dreams or flashbacks about my car accident. Usually they are just small flashes that cause me to wake up slowly and then sigh and go back to sleep. This time was one of those rare times where I wake up like someone grabbed me and I'm breathing really fast and can't get back to sleep for an hour or more.
The good news is, it could be worse. There have been times when I have a dream about the accident but the outcome changes. Those are the times where I wake up comepletely terrified. Glad it wasn't one of those.
The funny news. I think I scared my roommate haha She had just come into the room after talking to her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend??, i don't know the whole story. When she came in I jumped awake and she was like "It's just me!" I'm sorry she had to see that haha
It's just something that I have to deal with occasionaly, kind of like when I turn too fast or someone drive me takes a curve or turn too fast and I have to grab onto something in fear that the car will flip. I think it comes with any traumatic accident. It was WAY worse directly after, but i'm basically completely fine about it now.
I'm trying to think what reminded me of it though. I think that something subconciously reminded me of the accident, but I have no idea what it was. Oh well!!
Another thing that didn't help me sleep, but was kind of a welcome distraction, was a drunk dial from some friends back home. They are marines on leave and celebrating the 4th of july (or just reasons to get drunk) all weekend haha I basically talked to them for awhile just about what i'm doing here and whatever their drunk minds could think of. They passed the phone around and I got to say hi to quite a few people, it was really nice to talk to them, even if it was 6am here when they called haha
I went back to bed until 12 so I think I'm ok! And later today we're all going to Hyde park to eat food and hang out to celebrate the day and rub it in the faces of the British. There are so many americans here, i don't think it will be dangerous haha
Ok I'm gonna go get some lunch or something. I just needed to type out my thoughts! This blog is kind of therapeutic!
Meredith
Every so often, I have dreams or flashbacks about my car accident. Usually they are just small flashes that cause me to wake up slowly and then sigh and go back to sleep. This time was one of those rare times where I wake up like someone grabbed me and I'm breathing really fast and can't get back to sleep for an hour or more.
The good news is, it could be worse. There have been times when I have a dream about the accident but the outcome changes. Those are the times where I wake up comepletely terrified. Glad it wasn't one of those.
The funny news. I think I scared my roommate haha She had just come into the room after talking to her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend??, i don't know the whole story. When she came in I jumped awake and she was like "It's just me!" I'm sorry she had to see that haha
It's just something that I have to deal with occasionaly, kind of like when I turn too fast or someone drive me takes a curve or turn too fast and I have to grab onto something in fear that the car will flip. I think it comes with any traumatic accident. It was WAY worse directly after, but i'm basically completely fine about it now.
I'm trying to think what reminded me of it though. I think that something subconciously reminded me of the accident, but I have no idea what it was. Oh well!!
Another thing that didn't help me sleep, but was kind of a welcome distraction, was a drunk dial from some friends back home. They are marines on leave and celebrating the 4th of july (or just reasons to get drunk) all weekend haha I basically talked to them for awhile just about what i'm doing here and whatever their drunk minds could think of. They passed the phone around and I got to say hi to quite a few people, it was really nice to talk to them, even if it was 6am here when they called haha
I went back to bed until 12 so I think I'm ok! And later today we're all going to Hyde park to eat food and hang out to celebrate the day and rub it in the faces of the British. There are so many americans here, i don't think it will be dangerous haha
Ok I'm gonna go get some lunch or something. I just needed to type out my thoughts! This blog is kind of therapeutic!
Meredith
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