One of those weekends..

Ah yes. Sunday. Known to be the loneliest night of a bachelor's life. Well, that's what CVC and I claim at least. Probably the reason why you've seen a trend where its probably the day of the greatest likelihood that I'll enter a blog entry.

I get all introspective on Sundays for some reason. Perhaps its the time where most of the day I'm at peace and its probably the least hectic day of the week.

Two main things come to mind.

1. I feel like I'm still behind the curve with my social circle. You would think after a year and a half I would have constant plans with different people. But still have the coworker crowd. Which is ironic because I never hung out with coworkers in the States! But I'm working on it. Still in yoga, and with this new improv thing, hopefully the network grows a little. Not to take anything away from the coworker crowd of course! I just need some quality bonding time. Quality laughs and productive story sharing.. I miss that.

2. Other interests. I tend to immerse myself with work. I mean, really immerse. Perhaps that's my thing? I got to get a "new thing." I find it sad that during the weekends I think about "work" and even bring work home! I have to find another thing to be passionate about. Maybe this Improv thing will work out. Was also looking into Salsa as well.. being the geek I am, I downloaded Salsa Podcasts.. HA! I think the big thing for me is to just get out there. Time to be proactive.

I feel part of me hasn't adapted yet to this country. I've adapted in a sense of adjusting to the style of living. But I'm still in this weird social "mindset" that I'm here temporarily and am keeping myself from making lifelong friends. Its hard to explain. I guess I just haven't "bonded" with anyone here.. well, for the unique exception of the wonderful city of Roma... If I can only find that here..

Superbowl Shuffle!

All week I was reading the media's take on how the Cinderella team, the New Orleans Saints were going to win with their electrifying offence. I even took part in that ESPN poll where you vote on who you thought was going to win.. I picked the Bears. The rest of the country besides Illinois? New Orleans. "Experts" picks had New Orleans straight across the board. I was thinking the whole time... the Bears defense will be back.. and sure enough they were... I really don't think Urlacher appreciated being pointed at by Reggie Bush. Frankly, I think it fired him up. Granted it was an awesome play, but luckily that's the only celebrating Reggie did the whole game.

So Go Bears!! We're in the Superbowl!

Instead of watching the game all pixelated on my small laptop, I made my way to the west end to watch the big game in the Sports Cafe near Piccadilly Circus. There was a long queue outside and I had to pay 5 quid cover to get in! But alas, it was nice being surrounded by other American Football fans. And as you could imagine, most of them were Americans.

There were was a good number of Bears fans, but out of all the places I decided to stand, (it was really packed) it was around people that were either waiting for the Pats/Colts game or were Saints fans! Oh well, but as the game went on, I struck up conversation with those around me. The few people that I did talk to were students, so I felt real old! And surprisingly, there were a lot of women, but most of them looked really young!

But in any case, its always fun to be surrounded by other fans and even other Americans. Go Bears!

Free Association

I have to admit.. its been a long time since a really good blog post. I've been in a weird blog funk lately... so I'm hoping that some free association will start to get me out of the funk.. So alas, some free association... some stream of consciousness action...

...I walked all over the place yesterday trying to find a Pub that was broadcasting the Bears playoff game... couldn't find anything..This popular "Football" pub was broadcasting a Dart Competition.. URGH.. After some research I did find Sports Cafe in Piccadilly Circus.. I may have to hit that next weekend and make some Expat friends!
Luckily, thanks to the internet, I was able to catch it streaming live online for free!

...The news in the UK are much more informative than in the States. Every time I turn on the TV there is ALWAYS something on that is educational or informative.. There is a special on Antarctica right now!...

...Circle of friends - Went out this weekend, a week later from the bday bash.. and it was really different. I was surrounded by a lot of friends and family just the week before... and I went out again this weekend with my "1" coworker/friend... its so strange not to be surrounded by so many friends and family.. makes you really appreciate friends and family...

...These dating sites - I still think its weird. Its so unnatural. But you know what.. I'm still sticking with it...

...Lots of alone time here in London - whereas if I were in the States, I'd be sure to phone up someone for dinner or hang out with someone at some point during the weekdays.. social calendar is much more busier.. gotta do something about it..

...I really need to sign up for another extracurricular activity - I've been here for almost a year and a half and I'm still not meeting as many people as I want. I'm having fun.. but need a bigger circle...

...Have to plan another trip outside of London.. I'm behind the "Travel pace" I was on last year! ...

...Snogging in London you say??? Yes. Finally... =)

Perhaps a "What to accomplish in London in 2007" blog entry is in order...

Happy New Year! Back in London...

Wow, I got to blow off the dust on this thing. First apologies for the lack of updates. Since I was on holiday, apparently so was my blog. =)

But I’m back in London to start off the new year!

As I could only assume, it is yet another dreary, cloudy day here in London. The sun was quite shy today only showing itself for a mere 5 minutes.

The plane ride was a bit rough. I tried to overdose myself with Benadryl so I can fall asleep, but to no avail. You know why? Because the person next to me “elbowed” me like 500 times!

I mean seriously, I’m not big on personal space, but if you are going to sit next to me on a plane, please keep your body parts to yourself and stay in your seating “area.”

The flight was about 7 hours, and for some odd reason, I had the unfortunate luck in sitting next to an old lady that wouldn’t stop elbowing me.

She would move around in her seat, and poke me with her right elbow every single time. If it wasn’t her elbow it was her feet. She would try and get into a comfortable position in her seat without any respect for my personal space. Her legs would literally cross over my sitting area and I would have to kick her legs out of the way!

The worst part would be when I’m right at that point of falling asleep when her elbow picks an opportune time to poke me and lose any hope of getting some rest.

This happened way to many times and believe me, if it wasn’t for the fact that she could pass for my grandma, I would have yelled at her.

Not only that, I was wearing headphones to block out any noise, but for some reason, she would try and talk to me! God bless her soul, but lady, if I have headphones on, and have my eyes closed, you can assume that I don’t want to be bothered!

Anyway, sorry if I sound so cranky, but taking a red eye flight for about 7 hours and going straight to work isn’t very pleasant!

In any case, it was fun again visiting Chicago, and Vegas for that matter. Thanks to all that made it out to TenPin on Saturday. The next morning was really rough thanks to all the shots. But really, thanks for all the love, I dearly appreciate it. Nothing is more special than being surrounded by good friends and family on my birthday. Thanks for coming and thanks to Big and Kristine for setting it up! I miss everyone already.

All the pictures I have taken throughout my whole stay are up on my fotki site. Check it out when you get the chance!