Our Big Day…

Posted on 17 January 2009 by k

…was SO long ago. But luckily enough our love is still green 🙂 If only our photos were as ripe for the picking…

Our British friends are mostly single (people here get married much later). So, as they begin to make the foray down the aisle, the conversation turns to our wedding day. Some are curious and at times it would be nice to have a couple photos of the day to share.

2227

But our wedding lives in the Storage unit… 🙁

Money was tight at the ages of 23 and 24. We paid for the wedding and couldn’t afford tons of photos. So we concentrated on filling a wedding album for us and bought photos of our parents for frames.

21231

Those photos of our parents are the ones that now grace our London flat (hint…we need new professional photos of you all–we’ve been married 8 years!) We were married before digital photography took hold –How nice it would be to have some key photos from the day transferred to our digital collection.

So, I’ve contacted our photographer to check the options. At the time of our wedding we couldn’t afford to purchase the negatives outright. Has anyone else had success in negotiating for their negatives so long after the day? And has anyone had experience in getting their film photos transferred to digital? Jim, perhaps? I know it’s possible–we used to do it all the time at the agency. But I remember it being expensive…any negotiating tips (for use with the photographer) would be greatly appreciated 🙂

[Note: photos above are from our honeymoon]

Late breaking news…G found a couple old scans from our wedding annoucements! YAY!

21241
21251
MORE LATE BREAKING NEWS: Our photographer has agreed to sell us the negatives for an incredibly reasonable price since our wedding was so long ago. Hmmm…now for finding the negatives a home.
Posted in Life in London | 3 Comments

The Wall

Posted on 11 January 2009 by k

We’re blessed with a great life. And we enjoy it.

But in 2008, we found ourselves fresh out of dreams. In 2003 and 2005 we did an exercise to figure out what we as a couple wanted to do next–and made it happen thanks to the immediate action plans a popular financial planning book [Smart Couples Finish Rich (‘rich’ ala in life experience as opposed to the traditional sense). What were our goals? Let’s see:

  • Take 1-2 International trips per year
  • K to start MBA programme by Fall 2006
  • G to finish his Masters programme by Spring 2006
  • Reduce daily expenses in order to maximize retirement and general savings in advance of 2006 enabling us to…
  • Move abroad

In 2008 all these things had come to fruition. We needed a new plan. We tried a couple different ‘tools’ and still came back around to the one that started us off on this journey in 2003! It’s an oldie, but a goodie. 🙂

So, if you’re hankering for some inspiration or have a bit of a lingering ambition for something ‘new’–or if perhaps your dreams seem too big and you need help making them more manageable, we recommend one of the ‘Smart…Finish Rich’ books…they have versions for Couples, Women, Singles and even those who are more advanced in years.

It’s certainly helped us. So…for anyone wondering what our new ‘dream list’ includes…Stay tuned. With any luck we’ll have lots to write about this year. 🙂

Posted in Life in London | Tagged , | Comments Off on The Wall

The Problem With Running in London

Posted on 6 January 2009 by g

I don’t like running in the rain. I don’t like running in the cold. And I don’t like running in the dark. This makes it difficult to run in London.

Yesterday was the first day of my official 16 week marathon training schedule. When I left the flat this morning, the sidewalk was covered with ice and snow. It was dark well before I got home from work. And it was -2 degrees C. This puts a bit of a cramp in my running style. But I knew this was London and I’d have to face the elements on top of great distances on my feet. I’ve got the kit to meet the challenge (over here they say kit instead of gear). With the running pants, thermal shirt, wooly hat, and water proof shell (which also happens to be reflective yellow) I should avoid both freezing and getting hit by a bus.

I put in my three miles yesterday and am off to a good start. I get to rest today and then run four miles tomorrow. Then we’ll have to see how it goes. Four miles is a long way from 26.

Posted in Life in London, Novice Fitness | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Happy New Year!

Posted on 2 January 2009 by k
21220
21226

We’re back home in London now after a marathon visit to see our families in the States last week. It was lovely to see you all!

After 3 days back in the office, we treated ourselves to Lebanese on New Years’ Eve. Then, off to fireworks by the river, listening to a live impromptu brass band concert after the ‘show’ and we finished the night by enjoying the rest of our Magnum of Champagne (thanks, Lottie!) on the steps of St. Paul’s as we waited for the congestion to subside.

We also had poppers (little exploding things that release confetti) and sparklers. Fun!

Yesterday, New Year’s Day, was a relaxing one. We lounged about all day and then ventured out for an off-westend show called ‘A Little Night Music‘. It’s hosted at the ‘Menier Chocolate Factory‘ and we were lucky to secure the LAST two tickets for the show. It’s entirely sold out until March–and for good reason. It’s EXCELLENT. Definitely one of the best shows we’ve seen since we arrived here. Truly excellent.

Though, it is a VERY small theatre. And to sell as many tickets as possible, the assigned bench seats allowances are quite small for some individuals–not necessarily the most accommodating of today’s super-size rears. Luckily, G & I haven’t torn through our massive stash of Reese cups and chocolate treats too wildly after the holidays so we sat comfortably–only minorly squashed. A couple more days of chocolates at home and I can’t promise we would have been so lucky 🙂

Posted in Life in London | Tagged , | 1 Comment

And a Merry Christmas to All!

Posted on 22 December 2008 by k

Goodness…we’ve certainly learned to budget our holiday a bit more wisely in the new year (a hint for anyone making bets on our resolutions :)). With so many fun travels at the start of 2008, our year was front loaded and the last few months have been a bit, shall we say, normal?

21195

We’ve enjoyed London and slowed down a bit, took a fun wine course with friends, had our own personal shopping sprees, got together with our London friends for festive holiday dinners and such and generally had a great fall. But, thankfully, our next travel is upon us–and perhaps this is the one we’re most excited about.

We’re coming home for Christmas.

21210

This is a first since 2005. We haven’t been home for Christmas since we left for London. Having blown through most of our holiday [make that all of it plus some :)] in the first three quarters, it will be shortish jaunt, but long enough to have a couple days with both families before heading back to the grind next Monday. We can’t wait to see you all..we’ll be there soon!

21215

And though G spent most of the weekend resting up and fully recovering from the flu (thankfully it’s gone now!), we did find the time to go out for a bit of Christmas cheer at Leadenhall Market in the City (the one that’s all decked out with festive trimmings to the right), yummy holiday treats at Borough Market (a gourmet food market by London Bridge) and for a Candlelight Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral (by Borough Market at London Bridge, where K’s graduation from Cass was held). And last night, we finished the weekend with a riverside dinner with a festive view of Tower Bridge at Hays Mews (between London Bridge and Tower Bridge along the Southbank).

Tomorrow morning, we’re off to Virginia…fingers crossed all travel runs to plan…

Posted in Life in London | Comments Off on And a Merry Christmas to All!

Can I Run a Marathon?

Posted on 8 December 2008 by g

I was recently selected to run in the London Marathon in 2009. How did I get myself into this mess?

It started last Spring. Our CEO ran the Marathon de Sables — an Ultra Marathon in Morocco. That is 6 marathons in 7 days… in the desert… carrying all your own food and water. It was grueling — so he says. I believe him.

Not long after he returned, we watched the London Marathon here in town. Down at the pub after work one evening I was discussing with my colleagues how easy the London Marathon must be compared to the ultra marathon. One thing led to another and we all decided to enter the ballot for next year. Demand is high for the 35,000 slots and the chances of being selected for the general ballot are about 20%. Not likely.

Though not impossible. I was selected along with one of my colleagues. As mentioned in the post about Mount Makarot, I have not done much in the exercise department since moving to London. And even in NC I wasn’t in shape for a marathon. I ran cross country in school which should help with the training. But that was a long time ago and there is a big difference between 3 miles and 26 miles.

I’ve started my preparation. I have good shoes, warm running gear and have collected tips from friends that ran the marathon last year. I have a formal 16 week training plan that starts in January. Until that starts, I am just trying to run a bit without stopping.

Do you think I can do it? The big day is April 26, so you have until then to place your bets.

Posted in Life in London, Novice Fitness | Tagged | 1 Comment

Turkeys and Street Markets

Posted on 7 December 2008 by k

Last weekend, we had our first proper Thanksgiving since we moved to London. Our friend Marca and her husband Allan hosted us at their lovely flat in Shepherd’s Bush (west London). We had turkey, stuffing, squash tart (YUM!), parsnips, green beans, incredible gravy, waldorf salad (with lettuce?), pumpkin pie, my mom’s pumpkin roll, pecan pie. It was so nice to have such a grand meal again!

21124

On Sunday, we put up our Christmas tree and we immediately felt festive. Our first year in London, we bought a tree. And went to IKEA to buy inexpensive ornaments. I think the lights and the ornaments together cost £10–calling the tree fancy is a stretch. But thanks to IKEA and the Chinese, at least it’s full 🙂

21099

And we have gathered a few fun ornaments during our travels since we arrived in London. One of Santa on a Flying Goose from Brugges (Belgium), 3 Wise Men Smokers from Nurnberg Christmas Market (the largest in Germany), Fluffy Sheep (Dingle, Ireland), a fragile Glass Nutcraker (Rothenburg, Germany), a Mary & Jesus Egg (Moscow) and a View of Home (thank you, Lewis!). And we’ve recently added a handmade Christmas Star ornament made by the Massai in Tanzania. To see photos of our ‘special’ ornaments (not those from Ikea :)), click here.

21084

And this weekend, we ventured out for a little festive cheer at the German-style Christmas Market at Hyde Park. They had little chalet style bungalows (just like German markets!) with chocolate covered fruit sticks, magical felt hats in bright colours, mulled wine, bratwurst stands, wooden christmas crafts, and carnival rides (Oktoberfest style)…all the usuals!

21068

Over the last couple days, we’ve written our Christmas cards! Coming soon to mailboxes near you…and we’ve slept A LOT! G’s feeling a bit under the weather and I’ve had long hours at work this week (my boss is out on holiday…7 people from our team of 18 were out on Tuesday…it’s been mad!)–I guess both our bodies needed a little beauty sleep. 🙂

Posted in Life in London | Tagged | 1 Comment