Travel For FOUR

I’ve survived my first two days in the office after nearly 11 months job-free! I’ve now conducted 4 of the 6-8 total internal interviews for my BRP (business research project). Now, I have only a bit more secondary research to do on the topic, a few more internal interviews and 6-8 client interviews…granted I will actually have to develop my own thoughts following all the interview and research, but that’s the easy bit! The good news is that I adjusted to the 10:30 to 5/6 schedule. Granted, I realize this is quite an easy schedule compared to my typical 8:30 to 7 (if not 8:30 to 10), but it is a good sign that I survived it for two days in a row after 11 months of “unemployment”, right?

Fingers crossed that my optimism will continue. Thank goodness I’m only committed for 2 days a week…that’s one way to ease back in to the working world, right?  :O The people at the office are being extraordinarily nice to me, the new girl…thank goodness.

Upon moving to a place like London…or New York City…or Paris, you recognize and accept that, unfortunately, there will be drama now and again as leaders and cultures clash on the world’s stage.

When we first moved here, I was very sensitive. I very carefully monitored who was on the Tube, suspect bags and dangerous situations. But with time, sensitivity fades and you learn to be less consumed by the endless possibilities. There’s no way to know when the next incident will come.
As most of you now know, a few incidents in the London over the weekend and this week have made the news. Fortunately, we were in Ireland and missed out on most of the drama. We suffered only minor inconveniences as we made our way back through Stansted last night.

Having read more about the weekend’s incidents, I am again sensitive to the possibilities. Obviously, terrorists aim to terrorize. Therefore, their acts are random–they can’t be predicted. But, we’re comfortable and believe we’re safe.

Thank you for your e-mails, concern and well wishes!

Yesterday, I finished up my Change Management paper (due Friday) while Toni & Chris ventured to a few sights in London and then joined G and Toni & Chris for dinner at Wagamama, a rooftop drink at Punch & Judy’s and to see “The Complete Abridged Works of Shakespeare”. Fun show, good dinner, and great company.Toni & Chris left this morning, finishing nearly one week of visitors from home. It’s a bit quieter and there’s less excitement…thank goodness we’re heading to Ireland this weekend and will see Andy & Chiaki again there. Fun! I can delay my looming homesickness for a bit longer 🙂 Why homesick? THIS WEATHER! It’s like March in NC…bizarre. And it rains at least twice daily.

Tonight, we’ll be in good company with fellow Hokies. Dr. Tom Tillar and others from VT are hosting a reception downtown in memorial of the horrific events this spring and as a thank you for international support for the school and its students.

One footnote. Toni & Chris flew Iceland Air and took advantage of the no cost lay-over (except hotels, excursions, etc.). They recommend it if you have a day to spare. Apparently, the thermal springs at Blue Lagoon have healing powers…and are worthwhile. So, yet another reason to visit us in London…healthy skin via Iceland! 🙂

Today, I went along with a few friends from Cass to the Royal Ascot. The Queen attends the races (Windsor Castle is very nearby) and I saw she and Prince Phillip ambling in within a horse-drawn carriage. Wow! I was even able to snap a photo of them, albeit quite cropped and zoomed so that you can make them out…

Otherwise, the day was a bit overcast with a cool, intermitent drizzle. But the weather didn’t put a damper on our cultural experience. Called Ladies’ Day, I was expecting a crowd of very refined, elegant and graceful individuals. While this did hold true for my classmates, the stereotype didn’t transfer to the rest of the crowd. Just goes to show that you can dress folks up, but…Regardless, we enjoyed the day and I SAW THE QUEEN!