Monday, December 29, 2003
What do you mean, it's time to go?
I'm about half way through packing but I'm off to bed shortly, as I know I'll have to be up early in the morning to begin to straighten out my banking issues. I've got about four packages I'll be sending myself through the mail, as Santa was very good to me this Chirstmas and I still have a pile of stuff that I hadn't taken with me when I moved in May. I think Dad is considering charging me for the storage space.
Christmas at the Boivins was great fun, as usual. It was nice to hang out and relax and stuff myself silly and chat and exchange gifts. My Dad got to play with his new camera some more so photos may be forthcoming shortly. Leo made a valiant, successful attempt to socialize in spite of his Grade 10 Killer Cold, and as no one had to work in the morning Dad and I were there much later than we realized.
Friday Beth kindly picked me up and we braved Potomac Mills as I had two gift cards I wanted to exchange for even more consumer goods. We also saw Mona Lisa Smile, which was much better than I thought it was going to be from having seen the previews and the Oprah show which featured members of the cast. The young girls were very good, and Julia Roberts also had a great part. Afterwards we had a nice long dinner at a new Italian place, Carrabbas, which is owned by the same company as Outback.
On Saturday (yesterday) I started packing and then Rob K came by as he wanted to buy a new Mac laptop & wanted my help. He'd been in an auto accident around Thanksgiving and had just rec'd an insurance check and was in a generous mood, so after a trip to the Apple Store he treated us to dinner and took me on a mini-shopping spree at Barnes & Nobles and Target of Route 1. Overall one of the least annoying evenings I've spent with him.
Today I slept in very late & then did some packing and sorting. Tonight I joined Linda and her husband and some other friends from the Bank at Potowmack Landing in Alexandria for dinner. The skyline view on the river was fantastic, as was the food but I am looking forward to a few nights of baked beans on toast and sausage & mash!
4:53:00 AM
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Glad Jule
Dad worked yesterday and I slept in but decided after my banking frustrations to make a nice pork roast dinner. I couldn't find one that wasn't already seasoned but I made some roast potatoes and corn & applesauce so that was our square for the day.
We watched some holiday TV and then opened gifts. It's a good thing I brought along the second suitcase, but even so I'll be making a trip to the Post Office before I leave.
We're off to the Boivins' as usual in a few. Happy Christmas.
5:08:00 PM
Echo Echo Echo!
Dad had some unexpected time off so we went to see the new Air & Space Museum annex out by Dulles Airport on Tuesday. It was a weekday morning but even so was very crowded -- there was a queue of about 20 minutes to pay to get into the parking lot. The annex isn't complete but there's enough there to make for a very interesting day out, including the Enola Gay, an Air France Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
There were hundreds if not thousands of people there, but the space is large enough that it only felt crowded on some narrow walkways (and families pushing strollers should have their own path to themselves.)
We caught an Imax film: Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure, which was beautifully filmed, and had a boxed Subway lunch. A nice day out.
5:02:00 PM
It was bad news
I decided to call my bank in England yesterday after there was no sign online of my salary being paid in to my new account. In fact, they seem to have made a mistake and closed my old account without transferring my direct debits and paying in information, but can't do anything about it now because they're closed until Monday for the holidays. In fact, depending on whom I spoke with, it was up to me to inform everyone I deal with about my new banking details. Grrrr. Guess what I'll be doing Tuesday after my long flight?
4:56:00 PM
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Good news, or bad news
You may recall I had an appointment with an account manager at my bank the Thursday before I left, to see if I could open a current (checking) account. I filled out the paperwork to apply for a World Wide Service account, which is available to foreigners who make a minimum amount each year but who (technically) aren't planning to remain in the country indefinitely.
I discovered, when I signed in to online banking a few minutes ago, that my application was approved & my old Cash account has been converted. I had been told that all my direct debits and my salary deposit would be moved over to the new account and wouldn't require any intervention by me. However, the list of Direct Debits on the new account is empty, and I'm wondering whether my paycheck will actually be paid in this week? It's not something I relish having to fix from 3000 miles away.
3:56:00 AM
Zoom Zoom Zoomzoomzoom
I had a low key weekend at home. Wrapped some presents, wrote out some cards, made a few calls.
Saturday a.m. I met Steve F and his roommate Frank at 9:30 to see The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King which I have only just read had the biggest global opening of all time at around $250 million. It was as well crafted as the first two in the series, and a fitting ending (though I agree that it could have been edited down from its 3 1/2 hours). So what's there to look forward to next Christmas?
I got up very early this a.m. to ride the commuter bus into DC. I had breakfast and then Metro'd out to Virginia Square to return something I'd bought at the Apple Store last week, then popped in to see some former colleagues at D A R P A. After a quick run to Hechts, where I couldn't use my coupons, I zipped back in to DC to have lunch with Margrete S. and Ginette M. We had a very nice lunch and a great chance to catch up & discuss sibling relationships.
3:13:00 AM
Embarrassing moment #372
On my way in to the Bank to meet some old friends for lunch today, I ran into one of my colleagues on the street.
"It's been so long --How nice to see you! And it seems congratulations are in order!" I said.
"For what?" she asks.
"I heard that you had remarried recently."
"Oh, Tim," she said, grabbing my elbow, "I lost my husband last month, after a long illness."
3:09:00 AM
Friday, December 19, 2003
7 Days, Counting
I need another week. I've still got a few card left to write and post, and I have about half my gifts left to wrap. I've sent out all the packages to relatives so I'm ahead there, but I could use another couple of days.
You'd think I'd been lounging around all week at the Boivins, but it's actually been quite busy. I've met with old friends just about ever day:
Monday: chinese w/Nicky chez elle
Tuesday: lebanese w/Boivins and their friend Desi
Wednesday lunch: mexican at Chevy's in Ballston w/the D A R P A crowd
Wednesday dinner: italian at Macaroni Grille in Ballston w/Steve
Thursday: Legal Seafood Tysons II w/Dave S
(Thanks, Leo, for the use of your Subaru while you've been away.) I've also caught up on some reading. It's been a great vacation so far. The weather has improved, too. Today is my last day house sitting for the Boivins, so I'll be at my dad's for the rest of the break.
6:21:00 PM
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
9 Days, Counting
One of the first tasks I was assigned upon entering the country was to assist Beth in putting up the outdoor decorations at the Boivins' new house on Saturday. In fact it wasn't a task at all as I like to help out and the Boivins' is home away from home. We were in a rush to get them up before the foul weather arrived that night, and had a few mishaps with malfunctioning strings of lights, but we "finished."
Four inches of snow were on the ground Sunday, which melted and then froze. My dad dropped me off early in the afternoon again so I could start house-sitting while Boivins have contractors work on their basement. Yesterday I wrapped presents, baked some banana bread, watched a little TV, read some magazines, and generally "faired en vacances."
Last night I got to meet my sweetie darling friend Nicky at her house, where we had take-away Chinese.* The kids were a riot and weren't the docile, shy angels they've been when I've seen them in the past. It was great to hang out and chat about moving overseas.
I've got a lunch tomorrow with some old friends, then dinner & perhaps a movie, then dinner with someone else on Thursday & another tentatively scheduled for Sunday. Non-stop fun.
*Yes, I had the usual.
7:40:00 PM
Friday, December 12, 2003
Surprise!
I had to stay late on Wednesday to finish the last remaining tasks at work. I was pretty tired from the late night the night before, but still had my packing waiting for me. I decided to pack only a few changes of clothes & was able to pack one suitcase inside another which helped. I was up at 5:30 in order to make the 7a.m. bus from Oxford to Heathrow. About $24 round trip.
The flight over was uneventful. The plane wasn't empty but it wasn't packed and there weren't any screaming wee ones for a change. Eight hours later I was at Dulles and after a short wait went through customs. By then I was drooping but Dad and I were able to stop for a meal at Fair Oaks & Giant for some groceries before I crashed.
Dad had the radio on during the drive home and every fifteen minutes or so the traffic reporter came on. I don't know why he didn't just bother to tell us where there wasn't heavy traffic; it would have been easier.
I was up at 5 this a.m. and rode the commuter bus in to downtown DC to surprise my sweetie darling Nicky. We had lunch at Cosi and I got a $22 haircut and now I'm in the internet cafe. Any questions?
7:46:00 PM
And I thought England was expensive
I'm sitting in an internet cafe in Dupont Circle. It's one of those places that sells coffee and muffins and offers free wireless internet access to those who bring their own laptops, but I've had to pay $7 for 30 minutes of access. Sheesh. I wouldn't have bothered if I had another way to check the bus schedules for getting home.
I wanted to finish talking about my trip up to Birmingham on Tuesday. I was super busy at work trying to take care of loose ends, but I'd put in for the afternoon off several months ago as I wanted to take my time on the train up there & perhaps do a bit of wandering around and shopping. As it was, it was dark by the time I got up there and the christmas decorations and lights were in full force. The city centre is an interesting mix between new and old, and it works well.
The city council had a special arrangement with some vendors from Germany to host a Frankfurt Christmas Market, and there were stalls up and down the High Street with wood christmas decorations, candles, nutcrackers, etc., just as I remembered from living there in the early 80s. There were a couple of food stalls and I had a bratwurst and a pretzel but passed on the gluwein. I definitely want to get back up to Birmingham again soon to play tourist.
The Eddie Izzard concert was fun -- I had the best seats on the floor of the arena in row L, and was actually able to see Eddie instead of just being able to see the jumbotron display. Unfortunately he started the show late and I had to leave early in order to make the last train back to Oxford, but what I did see was very good. I'm looking forward to the DVD of the show.
7:36:00 PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Sometimes I just have too much on my mind
I'm about to go to bed, but I've got a list of things I have to remember to throw into my suitcase when I get up at 5:30 in the morning. Other than that I'm ready for the big trip.
I tried to make a post earlier today to let you know how the Eddie Izzard concert was, but I (apparently) kept typing in the wrong user name/password. Seems to work now.
But now I don't have the time to tell you all about it, so it will have to wait until the weekend. Suffice to say I really enjoyed the evening in Birmingham and would like to go up again on a weekend soon. The shops there are great, and the place was decked out with lights and illuminations. The new Bull Ring shopping centre which opened this fall is very well designed.
Eddie wasn't bad, but I'd like to see the DVD when I get back.
See you on the other side....
11:02:00 PM
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Yes, finally
I got up "early" and bought a ticket for the first showing of Love Actually at the George Street Odeon.
I'm glad I had a chance to see it, and enjoyed the ensemble, but I left the cinema feeling a little as if it hadn't ended properly. Still, its a nice holiday film, so go see, or rent when it comes out on DVD.
10:01:00 PM
I'm hoping he won't spend the day down at the infirmary, but it is my dad's 60th today.
Happy B-day, Dad.
11:25:00 AM
Friday, December 05, 2003
The Christmas Pudding wasn't half bad, but I wouldn't have it every night
I'm just back from my office holiday party at the Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel. I almost didn't go, as I had a rough day at work and my back has been bothering me still. But I had paid my �20 already and thought I should at least make an appearance.
There were about 200 of us in one dining room; about half were from my company and the other half were from other companies that were celebrating. The room was festively decorated in red and green, and each plate had a Christmas Cracker. I managed to seat myself with some people I knew and actually had a nice time chatting with them & their spouses. The dinner (turkey) was suprisingly quite good and I had a bite of someone's Christmas pudding that wasn't half bad. Once the DJ started I made my exit, but I'm glad I went.
The best part of the evening was walking home with a chill in the air and a clear sky, past Christ Church College, turning onto my street, seeing the light on in the window and thinking that's my home.
11:20:00 PM
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
First Class, indeed
Another thing I like about England:
The country's so small, the travel insurance policy I ordered over the web yesterday around 4p.m. was posted & waiting in my vestibule when I got home this evening.
And another:
I've been checking with various branches of Lloyds to see if I can get an answer about qualifying for a current (checking) account. I finally called the national customer service number to see if there is a nation-wide policy or a UK law that prevents non-long-term residents from qualifying, and it seems as if there isn't. The woman I spoke to was very helpful and offered to make an appointment for me to talk to a local Branch Manager. I agreed, and yesterday I got a letter in the post confirming my appointment for tomorrow. When's the last time you got a letter like that from your bank?
6:09:00 PM
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Ick.
I've got a scratchy throat and I threw my back out yesterday while reaching across a desk to lift a laser printer.
10:51:00 PM
Not-so-universal coverage
Yet another hard-to-plan-for expense: Nicky's already heard this, but I ticked another item off my "to do before my trip" list today. For the first time, I've had to consider travel insurance, which is a big industry here. Not only does it cover contingencies such as cancelled flights and lost baggage, but it pays for medical expenses you may incur while traveling (if you injure yourself or others). The "universal" part of the NHS's universal health coverage pertains to the population, and not the location; the NHS won't pay if I break my leg while in the States.
So, I did a bit of shopping around on the internet this afternoon and managed to locate a quote from Travel Direct that was about half what I'd initially found -- only �51 instead of the �80-90 or so that the Royal Mail or my bank or Thomas Cook wanted to charge me. It covers any trips I make outside the UK during the next 12 months, and I'm pretty happy with it. I just hope I never have to use it.
10:42:00 PM
Monday, December 01, 2003
Yes, TIVO, I obey
TIVO told me I'd be interested, so I've watched an episode or two of "Life Guru" on the Discovery Health channel. Each episode shows how therapist Alistair Horscroft--who describes himself as a personal development consultant--helps someone work through a particular phobia or anxiety or self-esteem issue. It may all be psychobabble, but he has an interesting, and apparently effective technique.
I certainly couldn't afford the �90/hr he charges, but there are certainly some issues I need to work through in the new year. Vacation first.
10:23:00 PM
bizy
I finally had my three weeks' leave signed off and approved for my trip next week, and will have another half day off next Tuesday afternoon as I have to head up to Birmingham. I bought tix for Eddie Izzard's Sexieconcert this past summer when I was living in Banbury and didn't know where in the UK I'd wind up permanently, and Birmingham is relatively central (also, the London dates are around Christmas and I thought there'd be a slight chance I'd be in the US). So I'll be taking the train up there and back Tuesday night (an hour and a quarter each way), for the first time in reserved seats. He's already released a DVD of the concert, in case anyone's scrambling for a gift idea for me ;-)
The office holiday party/dinner is this weekend and I've already paid my �20 so I might as well go, if I can find a way to get to and fro. It's going to be a fairly low-key affair.
I tried going to see Love Actually last Friday after work; the same woman who organized the bowling outing last week asked some of us to join her. Unfortunately, by the time we met at the cinema the show had been sold out for an hour. What is it about this film?!
10:01:00 PM
On Saturday (yesterday) I started packing and then Rob K came by as he wanted to buy a new Mac laptop & wanted my help. He'd been in an auto accident around Thanksgiving and had just rec'd an insurance check and was in a generous mood, so after a trip to the Apple Store he treated us to dinner and took me on a mini-shopping spree at Barnes & Nobles and Target of Route 1. Overall one of the least annoying evenings I've spent with him.
Today I slept in very late & then did some packing and sorting. Tonight I joined Linda and her husband and some other friends from the Bank at 
I got up very early this a.m. to ride the commuter bus into DC. I had breakfast and then Metro'd out to Virginia Square to return something I'd bought at the Apple Store last week, then popped in to see some former colleagues at D A R P A. After a quick run to Hechts, where I couldn't use my coupons, I zipped back in to DC to have lunch with Margrete S. and Ginette M. We had a very nice lunch and a great chance to catch up & discuss sibling relationships.
One of the first tasks I was assigned upon entering the country was to assist Beth in putting up the outdoor decorations at the Boivins' new house on Saturday. In fact it wasn't a task at all as I like to help out and the Boivins' is home away from home. We were in a rush to get them up before the foul weather arrived that night, and had a few mishaps with malfunctioning strings of lights, but we "finished."
Four inches of snow were on the ground Sunday, which melted and then froze. My dad dropped me off early in the afternoon again so I could start house-sitting while Boivins have contractors work on their basement. Yesterday I wrapped presents, baked some banana bread, watched a little TV, read some magazines, and generally "faired en vacances."
Last night I got to meet my sweetie darling friend Nicky at her house, where we had take-away Chinese.* The kids were a riot and weren't the docile, shy angels they've been when I've seen them in the past. It was great to hang out and chat about moving overseas.
I've got a lunch tomorrow with some old friends, then dinner & perhaps a movie, then dinner with someone else on Thursday & another tentatively scheduled for Sunday. Non-stop fun.
*Yes, I had the usual.
I'm glad I had a chance to see it, and enjoyed the ensemble, but I left the cinema feeling a little as if it hadn't ended properly. Still, its a nice holiday film, so go see, or rent when it comes out on DVD.
