Worrying days

I am very glad to know that my grandmother is doing much better. Hopefully she will come out of ICU soon. That was a bit of a scare this morning. I hate early morning phone calls. To be so far away from home does not make it any easier.
I am also wishing Ben's dad a speedy recovery and hopefully the cancer has not spread and can be removed.

Christmas time and Season's Greeting's

Hmm it's that time of year again. Not one that I am really that big on but I am glad that Christmas Day has finally come and gone. All the madness and chaos is finally slowing down. Now we just have to look forward to the new week to come ending with New Year's Day 2010. Fingers crossed the New Year will be a good one for me and my friends and family.
I have another eight months left in the UK so still planning how I will spend it.
Another trip to Istanbul to see my lovely Benjamin, spring time in Paris, maybe if money permits, a trip to the Algarve and down to Cornwall.
I must start the new year off right and stick to my plans. No resolutions just priorities and plans that I have to stick to or else you are doomed Estelle-Ruby.

It's been some months since I last wrote

Wow it's been a few months since I have posted anything to this blog. I think I will get back to it more once I have returned to the UK. There's so much to blog about.
I am really looking forward to going back in a few days. I will miss my family a little.
Looking forward to seeing Ben nextweek. Being able to chat with him online has gotten my through the summer. It's gonna be so exciting. We have so much to catch up on.
I am looking forward also to a new year. This will be my last year in the UK so I am hoping it will be very exciting and promising. There is so much I want to do before returning to the United States and preparing for things.
There's studying for the Foreign Service Officer exam, some other personal disasters to deal with and hopefully resolved the sooner the better and getting to know Ben better.

Dreading the next few days

I have one more day in the UK before I fly home to that boring ass place in Texas. Not only will I have to deal with the headache of being some place I really don't want to be but now I see I will be a whole 6300 miles away from my boyfriend for four months. Arrgghhh this is not good. There is so much I will need to work on this summer and I do mean work too.

Feeling crappy

Today I am feeling a bit blue. Right now I am not so sure about some things and I hope they will seriously turn out for the better. In the mean time I have or will probably loose a good friend because of a decision I have made but I seriously hope they are wrong. I want this thing to go well.

My last few weeks

These are my last few weeks in the UK and boy is it going to be a mad rush up until the end. Well that is what it feels like right now. I have a lot to do this week. Lunch with a friend tomorrow, a memorial for my friends mum on Tuesday, two days in Brighton (whoo hoo)and a hair appointment. Then I have to sort all the stuff that I am leaving behind and pack what I will need for my return trip to Istanbul nextweek and that single bag that I will be taking back to the United States. One bag only Estelle--one bag!

The Michael Jackson service

That was a really nice service. So many people and fans. Watched it on CNN/Facebook. It's how so many people loved this man. He will be terribly missed. MJ contributed a lot of positive to the world in spite of some of the weird goings on and all the shit that hit the press. He has left a great impact on this world.

I can finally buy that silver spoon

I'm excited! I learned today I'm going to be an aunt. For many years I have waited to buy the sterling silver spoon and since it won't be for my own child it will be for the next thing.
I have chosen a very beautiful sterling silver feeding spoon from Tiffany & Co. by Elsa Peretti

The 4th of July in Merry Old England

Most of the day I have been forgetting about it being a holiday back home. Well except for that American themed breakfast Ade and I had this morning.
Now there are fireworks in the quintessential Hampshire. Wow. A spectacular light show.
The Wimbledon Finals have been great. Serena won the match against big sis Venus but of course to me if one wins then so does the other. They even won the women's doubles match! Yes! Tomorrow however I am aiming for a win from Roger Federer.

An afternoon in the countryside

Adrian and I just returned from an afternoon in Petersfield. It's quite an interesting little town. Lots of shops and restaurants in the city centre. It's great to get out and see some of the English countryside from time to time. It's very fresh and green, classic and quaint. Too bad I did not remember to bring my camera. :-(

Booked another holiday

Okay the Paris holiday had to be cancelled but we will just go later. Thank goodness we did not loose too much money. The Eurostar tickets could not be saved, the hotel was cancelled with no problems, wish I had waited on those Versailles tickets (I won't be doing that again).
Now I am going back to Istanbul. This time I am just going to have a relaxed chill out time and be with Daniel. I will have to wait for December to do any shopping or real sightseeing I think. Maybe I'll do one or two attractions.
Now I gotta figure I out how I'm gonna get to Heathrow or what to say on where I am going. ;- ). I'll get it.

Michael and Janet

The BET Awards Show was on in America lastnight. I hope they are showing it until August.
This is such a sweet photo of young Michael and Janet. They are too cute.

Wouldn't it be lovely.............

Never been to Wimbledon but would love to get tickets to the event. It is a must see I have been told if you have a summer in London. The Williams sisters are winning the matches as usual. I ain't mad at'em. I love watching these two play.
I am watching a match between V Wms and Suarez Navarro from Spain. Venus appears to be giving away some of the games. I'm really hoping she doesn't loose this one. What's going on? Yesterday she and Serena did such a great job in the doubles.
It is really hot out today and the umbrellas are up in the stands. Question is, could I stand the heat? Anyway I must do this sometime. Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, now that's a Great British Summer!

Gone too soon..........Michael Joseph Jackson

Yes our worst fears have been truly confirmed. The King of Pop Michael Jackson has died. In the 80s I was big fan of MJ and I just loved him in the Billie Jean video; especially that part towards the end when he's standing over the girls bed. Ahhh so dreamy.........
Yes MJ was accused of a lot of crazy stuff and weird behaviour but do we really know?

My all time MJ favourites

The Way you make me feel
Another Part of Me
Dirty Diana
Leave me Alone
Man in the Mirror
In the Closet
Say Say Say
Human Nature
P.Y.T.
Rock with You
Don’t Stop til you get Enough
Workin Day and Night
Billie Jean
Remember the Time
Somebody’s Watching Me
Tom Stanton

The beautiful Farrah Fawcett passed away today after three hectic years of stomach cancer. I loved watching her and the other angels when I was a little girl. I also enjoyed her talent in other films like Poor Little Rich Girl.
Now there is news that the King of Pop Michael Jackson has died. I am finding this rather hard to believe. Not that he could not die but this is MJ and he is only 50 about to turn 51 in August.
In happier news I am glad that Venus Wms won the match today at Wimbledon. You go girl!

Today in London

Met up this afternoon with one of the guys for blacks in Britain, Isiah. We had a cool time just chatting and talking about travelling and being black Americans in Britain.
Neither of us will be making the dinner event this weekend so we decided to meet up before hand. One day I will try to make it to one of the other American events in London.
I have only a short time left in the UK so I have been taking several trips to Central London and around the South. In a few weeks we are off to Brighton. That should be a thrill--London by the Sea.

An evening at BBC Proms

I'm really wanting to go to BBC Proms and hear the London Symphony Orchestra play from Royal Albert Hall. This would be very exciting. The tickets I am looking for are pretty much nose bleed but the acoustics should be quite well in a hall that size. Well I will have to see if that is in my budget.

The day in Bournemouth

Today Adrian and I went down to Bournemouth. Had a pretty nice time except for that crappy lunch. Their SNL is horrible.
Anyways I had a good time sightseeing, going to the beach, taking some photos and soaking it all in. We're off to Paris nextweek and then to sunny Brighton (or at least I hope it sunny that day).

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

London Dungeon, Sloan Square and breakdowns

Had a day out in Central London where Adrian and I went to the London Dungeon. It was cool fun. At first I thought it was just going to be walking around looking at wild, scary crazy exhibits but it's not. The little shows and presentations on London and its horrid history are interesting.
I even went to Sloan Square for the first time. Okay this is gonna be one of my new hang-outs. It's a very upmarket area. I have been in London forever and never went to this end of Chelsea. Did some shopping at Aftershock, went to the huge Peter Jones store near the station and did more window shopping. Even found a Kew. The neighbourhood is really nice with rows of large red brick townhomes. I love this hood!
The only downside of the day was the breakdown on the way home. Thank goodness we were not there too too long.

The Chorister Concert in Winchester

Finally did something Winchester wise. I have been here two years and we have not done a lot of stuff in the city of course not that there is much to do here. On Sunday evening Ade and I went to the Chorister concert at Winchester Cathedral. It was really beautiful and the singing great. Too bad we were too far back. It was not as easy to see but hearing it was just as good.

Two days til Istanbul

Two days until my Istanbul holiday. I am packed but with the few things extra to go in tomorrow night. I'm excited and a little nervous at teh same time. This will be my first trip alone and someplace different. Really different. I'm wanting it to go by both fast and slow. Hope everything goes well--my camera, reservations and finding the various sites. I hope I find my gold filigree earrings too at the market.
Obama is in the Middle East now and things seem to be going fine but you know there are some assholes out there just waiting to strike up a problem.

This evenings wine-tasting

Adrian and I went to the annual winetasting this evening with a few of his friends. We had a good evening out. The wines were really good and we settle on four. My favourites of course are always the German wines. They do such nice not too sweet wines. I love Gerwuztraminer and Rieslings but I fancy several varieties of whites and roses. I'm not too big on reds unless they are with a great juicy steak.

Counting down

The past fews days have been a little busy. I have been working with holiday planning to Turkey, France, hopefully down to Cornwall and Brighton before the end of July.
I have several trips to Central London this month. So that's always fun.
Going on holiday and travelling around other parts of Europe or the UK is always such fun. Can't wait til take off.
Now I'm sitting here watching, Loose Women and they are trying to find a new presenter. Yesterday it was the lady who voice is quite famous to all of us, the next in line voice at the shops, bank and post office. I liked her and thought she's be poerfect for teh show. Now today there's a new lady the LWs are speaking with and she's black and I always thought this show needed some colour. The View has Sherry, Whoopi and had Lisa some years ago now this lot could do with a woman of colour.
Now I can't decide who I want to vote for on Friday.

Bargains of the day

Ooooh today was a bit tiring. Went into work this afternoon. Everyhting was fine. Shopping I came across a really nice handbag from David Jones; looks expensive but I think we sold that at Beale's and they weren't too dear. I found mine at Oxfam and it is new. Cost me £5.99--yippee! I also found a great pleated olive green skirt from M&S. Then I came across another great colourful scarf for my holiday nextweek. It had a lot of blakc fringe on the edges but I cut all of it off.
Some other great finds included The Body Shops Strawbeery Body butter and Cassis Rose EDT--all for a donation of £1!
Had a good day out but damn it was hot. Earlier on I did some mock testing for the exam and boy yes, I need to brush up on a shitload of stuff.

What to do with this day.........

Today I have designated a study day and tomorrow and the next day. No more bullshitting around with studying for this exam because you are scared of it. Face it or leave it.
One more week until Istanbul so now I need to start packing and sorting out last minute things like buying currency, camera cards and that sort of stuff.
It's a bit too warm outside so I think I will have to stay in for now. Go for a waqlk later.

Chelsea--another edge of the seat match

Watched the Chelsea v-Everton match today. Can't believe that first 30 secs of the game with Everton scoring. But in the end Chelsea took home the trophy 2 to 1. Great at least one of my favourite football clubs have won this week!
Now it's time for some Italian dinner. I really love Italian food. I just didn't fancy what Florence had to offer. But more of that on another page ;-)

Bright sunny day and bad food........

Okay the sun has finally come out for what the third time this week? I am hoping we get more sun before I leave. I could do with a little nice weather before going into 100+ daily stuff.
Today Ade and I went to lunch at ASK in Winchester. Must say it was my first and last time. Slow service and lack of character foodwise. We would have been better off going back to Pitcher & Piano or the usual Slug and Lettuce. Now I have learned I will not be going back to that place. It's funny, the places you are always wanting to go to don't turn out to be what you expect once you're there. That's just the way it is.

What a way to spend a rainy day

The weather was a bit icky and nasty the whole day so I stayed inside. Most of the day was spent sorting out my closet. Believe me, I have way too much. I have a bag to give away to charity, some to take home in August and then there's a very large duffle full of jumpers and coats.
I even decided to pack a little for my Istanbul holiday week after next. It's getting closer. I am so excited and really looking forward to it.
Now I am hoping that I win some money on the lotto tonight. Fingers crossed LOL.
I am a bit disappointed that Man United lost the championship to Barcelona. Well at least I got to see that cutie Rio.

It was a bit too hot today

People here often complain about bad weather. Actually I happen to love the weather over here. Never too hot but cold enough. But today was a bit of an exception it was a little too hot. Still I enjoyed. Adrian and I had a good weekend out. Lunch at the Pitcher and Piano not too bad, a bit of shopping and sitting outside watching the world go by. So I will have a great British Spring bank-Memorial Day holiday.

The Queen snubs TK Maxx

I read this article a few weeks ago. Quite surprising that the Queen snubbed TK Maxx--you'd think this shop would go well in Picadilly as they do sell loads of designer digs but then again it could be just the layout and style of the store. They sell designer goods that are sometimes faulty and it's not quite one of those poshy little snotty shops like Harvey Nics or Harrod's. However TK and TJ are one of my favourite shops. Of course the better bargains are stateside.

Read on: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/TK-Maxx-Queen-Turns-Nose-Up-At-Discount-Chains-Move-To-Piccadilly-Circus-London/Article/200904415268974?lpos=Business_News_Your_Way_Region_5&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15268974_TK_Maxx%3A_Queen_Turns_Nose_Up_At_Discount_Chains_Move_To_Piccadilly_Circus%2C_London

Another birthday gone by

I love this cute little birthday card Ade got me. Of course we had a lovely Indian dinner that I could barely finish as there was so much but I had a pretty good day. My original plan was to go to Brighton for the day but I put that one off. Maybe in a few weeks. : ))

May 20

Uggh this damn day has finally come. I am officially 3* as of 15:34 Central Mountain Time. Yes I make every minute count on this day. Well the day was not as dreadful as I thought it would be. I went shopping, bought a few things and had a great Italian lunch. Then I came home and Ade awaited with a lovely Indian dinner. That's a lot of a calories in one day. But I had a good one. Would be even better if I won the lottery tonight.

The day B4 the day

Went into town today. Went into a lot of the charity shops. Saw I few things I liked but nothing worth bringing back. Seems the prices have gone up a bit in some of these places. With the economy you'd think things would still be a lot cheaper considering it's free to them anyways. I came across this cool Save the Queen top but it was extremely over-priced at £35! Ahhh I was so excited to find it and looking at the tag had sticker shock! I love Save the Queen and Legatte but come on-- 35 quid for something someone donated.
Ran into Marie in town--great b/c I have been meaning to call her for the longest. I hope she can find a job too in this situation we are all in.
Off to Soton in the morning. Not to do much but just to do some buying and/or looking around for trends.

Sitting here doing nothing

Today has been so dead boring. I had some things to do but never got around to it. Will definitely make up for that tomorrow. Things get pretty slow and boring around here. The weather been a bit grey so it's not like ya wanna hang out in it too long and especially with the wind.
Of course I need to return to my studies. There's so much to catch up on the FSO text, maths, geography. I think I'll go and cook something--tea time is near.

Another weekend gone by

Watched the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 lastnight. I look forward to seeing this show. Some of the acts are really good and some you will never miss. Honestly I was not very gung ho on the UK act but she was okay--maybe I just didn't like the song. I preferred Sweden and Croatia. I never vote so guess it doesn't matter. Seeing world talent is interesting.
I have stayed in most of the last two days except for that pop out to Sainsbury's. It has been so icky and rainy most of today. I have volunteer work to do tomorrow afternoon so I am hoping everything is clear. On Wednesday I am off to a birthday dinner so yeah I guess that should go well. Why must I turn 3*?!

20 May cometh

It's a week before my birthday and believe me I am not feeling the shit. I get really anxious at this time every year. Another shitty year has passed me by. Aging, menopause and crows feet here ya come.
Ade will be busy nextweek so I decided I would have my birthday celebrations and dinner today. Of course I still my do something on my own or with friends.

Another visit to the V&A

Today Ade and I took another visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington. This is one of the few museums in London that is free and actually holds an interesting exhibit. The place is massive and holds an amazing collection of work from the various continents. My favourite exhibitions are the Middle East, Britain and France. Honestly I don't recall much in the way of an American collection. Guess I have missed that one once again. Don't recall a lot on Africa either.
The courtyard of the building is a wonderful work of art in itself. I love the red brick and arches.

Week ending

The past few days have been somewhat busy with lots of reading, in and out of the house. Trying to come to terms with the fact that I have only three more months over here and then back to that other place some would like to refer to as home. Now I need to make new arrangements to return in autumn.
These weeks are going by too fuckin fast. Talk about raining on your parade.
Anyways I have just started reading this old edition copy of Cultural Literacy and What Every American needs to know. Seems an interesting book so far even though some of the stuff is a bit dated information. I think it will be great as preparation for the exam.
Preparing for a trip down to Brighton in a few weeks--that should be fun. It will only be a day trip but at least it will be some place different. I'm really excited about seeing the Royal Pavilion. Looks really spectacular in photos. Can't wait ; )

Starting nextweek I will do a weekly post titled, "Something New". It will detailed new things that I learned the week.

The car boot sale

Ade and I did the car boot sale today. It was okay but as usual you have people who want you to give it to them for free. Just make up your mind and buy it! I didn't make the amount of money I had hoped to but I did far better than what I have in the past. There's so much shit I need to get rid of and if I can sell it all the better.
It's ridiculous how much shit you can accumulate over such a short amount of time. Hopefully it's all gone by the end of July. I need some holiday money too.
Well maybe we will do it again in a few weeks or so.
Other than that my day went well. Had my Mexican lunch, tacos e lovely cranberry Margaritas.
Let's see... finished planning my Turkish holiday wooooh wee I'm excited. Now I am trying to find the perfect Parisian hotel that will live up to the last hotel, The Castille.

Mayday and Cinco de Mayo

Now that I have just about fully recovered from a horrible bought of food poisoning and being frightened scared out of my mind that it was Swine flu I can finally get around to planning the next few weeks.
This weekend we are planning a car boot sale in Winchester. I have loads of stuff that I really need to get rid of and it's not gonna do much good to put it on Ebay or Amartab. They're just little things that would be easier sold at a CBS I think.
It's Mayday weekend so I am hoping the skies will be clear. Too far away to go to the beach so I will stay home and do a little Cinco de Mayo dinner with loads of good Mexican food.

Just a reminder Cinco de Mayo does not celebrate Mexico's Independence but actually the Battle of Puebla with the occupation of Mexico by the French and traitor Mexican armies. It also celebrates the last invasion of another continental foreign armies invasion of the Americas.

While greatly celebrated in the United States so that other people have a reason to get drunk Cinco de Mayo is hardly acknowledged outside Puebla, Mexico.