Every once in a while, I'll come into that twilight sleep/wake of morning to discover that at some point Grant's hand has sought mine as we lie sleeping, and our fingers are still entwined.
This is becoming a trend (I first noticed it around our 3rd anniversary) and one I treasure.
15 September 2011
13 September 2011
The delightful problem of a good book
The delightful problem of a good book is that I can't put it down. I have read 5 such books since we've been settled in our flat. Two weeks tomorrow and one MONTH in London!! Time's flying! I find I read constantly while out and about - even (and especially) at home.
Herein lies the second problem: nothing to read on the tube/ bus. I have seriously started out my day, realized I have nothing to read because I've finished my recent read, stopped into a bookshop on the way to the tube, only to repeat the process two days later.
A delightful problem indeed. However, not sure my sweet, caring, handsome hubs appreciates me buying several books every few days, what with both of us on the verge of purchasing many heavy books of the graduate degree persuasion... Perhaps these minor buys - like my lunches out - will remain a mystery to him. Yes, he reads my blog...!
Cheers!
Herein lies the second problem: nothing to read on the tube/ bus. I have seriously started out my day, realized I have nothing to read because I've finished my recent read, stopped into a bookshop on the way to the tube, only to repeat the process two days later.
A delightful problem indeed. However, not sure my sweet, caring, handsome hubs appreciates me buying several books every few days, what with both of us on the verge of purchasing many heavy books of the graduate degree persuasion... Perhaps these minor buys - like my lunches out - will remain a mystery to him. Yes, he reads my blog...!
Cheers!
12 September 2011
Lingo
Forgive me, but I must write these phrases down so I don't forget our funny and sometimes embarrassed or flustered transition into the local lingo.
British : American
Jumper : sweater
Pants : underwear
Trowsers : pants
Ice lolly : popsicle
Knickers : ladies' panties
Left luggage : baggage check (a good one to know!)
Chips : fries
Crisps : potato chips
Fag : cigarette
Frogs : French people (ha!)
Fanny : vagina
Mate : friend (boy or girl) this has replaced the old-fashioned "bloke"
Bangers and Mash : sausage and potatoes
Scottish egg : hard-boiled egg, wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried
Holiday : vacation
Let : rent
Flat : apartment
Lift : elevator
Loo : toilet
Toilet : bathroom/ powder room
Licenced : restaurant that sells alcohol (ie, all of them. And yes, Mama, that's how they spell it ;)
Off-Licence : liquor store
Afters : dessert
Snogging : making out
Rubbish bin : trash can
On offer : for sale
Torch : flashlight
Wellies : (rain) boots
Petrol : gas
Pissed : drunk
Half eight : 8:30 (not 7:30)
Cheers : hi, bye, thanks, and many other conversational uses (when in doubt, say Cheers!)
British : American
Jumper : sweater
Pants : underwear
Trowsers : pants
Ice lolly : popsicle
Knickers : ladies' panties
Left luggage : baggage check (a good one to know!)
Chips : fries
Crisps : potato chips
Fag : cigarette
Frogs : French people (ha!)
Fanny : vagina
Mate : friend (boy or girl) this has replaced the old-fashioned "bloke"
Bangers and Mash : sausage and potatoes
Scottish egg : hard-boiled egg, wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried
Holiday : vacation
Let : rent
Flat : apartment
Lift : elevator
Loo : toilet
Toilet : bathroom/ powder room
Licenced : restaurant that sells alcohol (ie, all of them. And yes, Mama, that's how they spell it ;)
Off-Licence : liquor store
Afters : dessert
Snogging : making out
Rubbish bin : trash can
On offer : for sale
Torch : flashlight
Wellies : (rain) boots
Petrol : gas
Pissed : drunk
Half eight : 8:30 (not 7:30)
Cheers : hi, bye, thanks, and many other conversational uses (when in doubt, say Cheers!)
11 September 2011
9/11 Ten Years Later: We Remember
It is strange to be over here in London and look both back and across (to America) as we remember.
A decade ago, my cousin was killed in the Pentagon, leaving his pregnant wife behind. We mourned the national tragedy and personal loss deeply. She has since happily remarried and has had other children, but she'll tell you that moving on and raising a kid as a single mom was the hardest thing she's ever had to do. She wouldn't wish that inner turmoil on anyone-- that mixture of grieving over love lost and hoping for new life; a blessing to come and heartache to bear. (I think she'd also tell you that God has redeemed what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25a) and God has brought abundant joy and family out of a situation meant to destroy her sense of family.)
I'll never forget where I was: Mrs. Gonzales's pre-cal class when someone from the front office told us about it. Mrs. G didn't believe the aide and continued teaching. Only after both Towers were hit did we make our way to the library with so many others and watch... And wait. That day is forever suspended in time, burned into memory.
In the shocking aftermath we watched our country come together. Neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, American helping American.
I have so much pride in our great nation; it is difficult to be away on days like today, when the rest of the world could not understand. But the distance doesn't change or waver our hearts. We're still as present as we can be and we still remember. We are still
One nation under God,
Indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.
Amen.
A decade ago, my cousin was killed in the Pentagon, leaving his pregnant wife behind. We mourned the national tragedy and personal loss deeply. She has since happily remarried and has had other children, but she'll tell you that moving on and raising a kid as a single mom was the hardest thing she's ever had to do. She wouldn't wish that inner turmoil on anyone-- that mixture of grieving over love lost and hoping for new life; a blessing to come and heartache to bear. (I think she'd also tell you that God has redeemed what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25a) and God has brought abundant joy and family out of a situation meant to destroy her sense of family.)
I'll never forget where I was: Mrs. Gonzales's pre-cal class when someone from the front office told us about it. Mrs. G didn't believe the aide and continued teaching. Only after both Towers were hit did we make our way to the library with so many others and watch... And wait. That day is forever suspended in time, burned into memory.
In the shocking aftermath we watched our country come together. Neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, American helping American.
I have so much pride in our great nation; it is difficult to be away on days like today, when the rest of the world could not understand. But the distance doesn't change or waver our hearts. We're still as present as we can be and we still remember. We are still
One nation under God,
Indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all.
Amen.
08 September 2011
Hillsong: Our Home away from Home
{The other 1/2 of that previous post's excerpt}
Hillsong London has been the other surprise.
We love it. I mean, we knew the reputation that precedes it: awesome worship, solid theology. What we did not know was THE PEOPLE. Oh my goodness, the people. I cannot explain to you the full extent of my gratitude for their welcoming openness.
We filled out the requisite "Welcome Card" thinking it would be weeks before either of us heard anything. Nope. People had called us and set up coffee for later that week! We have met more people and made new contacts in this otherwise overwhelmingly huge city. We've attended drinks (several times), dinner (twice), a Hillsong party (amazing. they rented out an entire bowling alley/ 2-story bar and maxed out its occupancy), a birthday party (South African braai!), and a clothes swap with tea and cakes (just the girls).
These people are completely open with their hearts, homes, experiences, contacts, and calendars. It makes me wonder why we tend to be so guarded in our relationships and friendships. It seems to me (looking back) that I would almost expect people to prove their worth--jump through a few hoops at least--then I would take the time to invest in them. Not these people. You want a look at first century church... it is here. And it is beautiful. And humbling. It will absolutely bring you to your knees when you witness giving, sharing, and generosity at someone else's expense (making cupcakes from scratch just for you; going out of his way to include you in his birthday party; journeying across town to meet you just because you're new and don't know the area; making a special trip to the store to be sure they have enough -- for you).
We find ourselves, in the still darkness of night, asking, "Why do they do it? Why do they give and give and give and then give some more? Have they never been burned? Do they not end up with crushed expectations? Is there ever a return on their investment?" {If I'm honest, I'm still trying to figure out how they do it without being constantly disappointed, constantly heart-broken over people and things that didn't turn out the way they thought.} I know why they do it. I know it's because the love of Jesus in them runs over into the lives of others.
Here's another happy surprise: knowing that His love spills over and being the recipient of that love are two entirely different things. Wow. Blown away is an understatement.
We're adjusting quite nicely and I have to admit, at least 95% of that has to be because some sweet, real, authentic, raw, un-churched church people decided to take us under their wing and share their world with a couple of strangers who, honestly, may not even be here a year from now... which makes their commitment to us all the more dear. How do they do it? I'm amazed {and am learning MUCH about myself and my motives and my heart}. London and God's grace is treating us well. Thank God for Hillsong London. Seriously.
God has done great things for us and we are filled with joy! {Ps 126:3}
Hillsong London has been the other surprise.
We love it. I mean, we knew the reputation that precedes it: awesome worship, solid theology. What we did not know was THE PEOPLE. Oh my goodness, the people. I cannot explain to you the full extent of my gratitude for their welcoming openness.
We filled out the requisite "Welcome Card" thinking it would be weeks before either of us heard anything. Nope. People had called us and set up coffee for later that week! We have met more people and made new contacts in this otherwise overwhelmingly huge city. We've attended drinks (several times), dinner (twice), a Hillsong party (amazing. they rented out an entire bowling alley/ 2-story bar and maxed out its occupancy), a birthday party (South African braai!), and a clothes swap with tea and cakes (just the girls).
These people are completely open with their hearts, homes, experiences, contacts, and calendars. It makes me wonder why we tend to be so guarded in our relationships and friendships. It seems to me (looking back) that I would almost expect people to prove their worth--jump through a few hoops at least--then I would take the time to invest in them. Not these people. You want a look at first century church... it is here. And it is beautiful. And humbling. It will absolutely bring you to your knees when you witness giving, sharing, and generosity at someone else's expense (making cupcakes from scratch just for you; going out of his way to include you in his birthday party; journeying across town to meet you just because you're new and don't know the area; making a special trip to the store to be sure they have enough -- for you).
We find ourselves, in the still darkness of night, asking, "Why do they do it? Why do they give and give and give and then give some more? Have they never been burned? Do they not end up with crushed expectations? Is there ever a return on their investment?" {If I'm honest, I'm still trying to figure out how they do it without being constantly disappointed, constantly heart-broken over people and things that didn't turn out the way they thought.} I know why they do it. I know it's because the love of Jesus in them runs over into the lives of others.
Here's another happy surprise: knowing that His love spills over and being the recipient of that love are two entirely different things. Wow. Blown away is an understatement.
We're adjusting quite nicely and I have to admit, at least 95% of that has to be because some sweet, real, authentic, raw, un-churched church people decided to take us under their wing and share their world with a couple of strangers who, honestly, may not even be here a year from now... which makes their commitment to us all the more dear. How do they do it? I'm amazed {and am learning MUCH about myself and my motives and my heart}. London and God's grace is treating us well. Thank God for Hillsong London. Seriously.
God has done great things for us and we are filled with joy! {Ps 126:3}
Daily Life Excerpt
Here's an excerpt from an email I recently sent out. I think it just about sums up daily life (at least at first).
As for daily life, things have been surprising. London, for being a world power and the seat of Europe's academic and financial business, can seem like basically a third world country when it comes to customer service (none), processing paperwork (weeks and it may have to be restarted), finding a place to live (a fanatical, fear-driven "get-what-you-can-when-you-can" supply/ demand), and standard of living (crazy expensive plus the unfavorable exchange rate).
There have been plenty of frustrations--many of which, yes, would be the case no matter where in the world we were living because moving is a huge and incredible headache; some of which are completely unique to London life.
But really and truly, that is to be expected and God has been gracious with us and the transition: we didn't lose any luggage, we found a flat and moved in within one week of landing, we have bank accounts set up with access to our money in pounds, our flat is cheery with lots of light, our flat included all kitchen accessories (cutlery, plates, glasses, and basic cookware), we ended up living less than 1/2 a mile from our friends Claude and Mary Elizabeth (KD with me at UGA!)... the list goes on and on and on.
Great is His faithfulness.
As for daily life, things have been surprising. London, for being a world power and the seat of Europe's academic and financial business, can seem like basically a third world country when it comes to customer service (none), processing paperwork (weeks and it may have to be restarted), finding a place to live (a fanatical, fear-driven "get-what-you-can-when-you-can" supply/ demand), and standard of living (crazy expensive plus the unfavorable exchange rate).
There have been plenty of frustrations--many of which, yes, would be the case no matter where in the world we were living because moving is a huge and incredible headache; some of which are completely unique to London life.
But really and truly, that is to be expected and God has been gracious with us and the transition: we didn't lose any luggage, we found a flat and moved in within one week of landing, we have bank accounts set up with access to our money in pounds, our flat is cheery with lots of light, our flat included all kitchen accessories (cutlery, plates, glasses, and basic cookware), we ended up living less than 1/2 a mile from our friends Claude and Mary Elizabeth (KD with me at UGA!)... the list goes on and on and on.
Great is His faithfulness.
Our Flat: After
Ok. So the full list of pics are here.
I was going to include a few on here, but the blogger uploader was taking FOREVER! We like it; it's a work in progress ;)
I was going to include a few on here, but the blogger uploader was taking FOREVER! We like it; it's a work in progress ;)
30 August 2011
Flat 2: First Night
So here's a quick vid of our new flat. It is a very rough cut of a very rough "before" apartment, but I just didn't want to forget what moving REALLY looks like ;) And I have no shame, so I decided to share it with you all, too. Move-in date: 24 August 2011. Tomorrow marks one week.
A few things about this video:
1. Notice the Coke--in our hearts, no, we have not left Atlanta ;)
2. Notice the music. We're an eclectic pair (Counting Crows and Brad Paisley. Impressive, I know).
3. Notice the "neutral" color palate {read: apparently, completely white-washing everything makes it "neutral"}
4. Notice the incredibly attractive tall man. I kinda love him a lot.
5. To answer your question: No, I have not yet figured out the washing machine. Nor have I attempted another load of laundry since. Pity the kind and very patient tall man.
There will be pics of the "after" coming soon. Bear with me and my slow/ spotty internet connection.
28 August 2011
London Life
Life is busy but oh so good. We just got done with church: Hillsong London. The worship is amazing and I think we may have found our church home here. At least for now.
Pics are hard to share because I've used up my allocated Internet usage for the MONTH on my phone and we won't have Internet at our flat until MID-September...! But I'll do my best to show you the before and after of our little place as soon as I can!
Life is so different here, but were taking each day and every experience as a gift from God to learn more about this curious little corner of the globe. Historically speaking, so much of the American government, mindset, and Anglican/ Episcopal church came from over here, there is MUCH to learn and observe... And were not even in school yet!
London with its 13 million people is truly a melting pot of language, culture, religion, philosophy, color, and ideas. It's all fascinating really--if you hold it up to the light and look at it from the right perspective: Choosing joy and embracing the little daily difficulties with a smile, knowing that our lives are being changed and molded by each of them in great and tiny ways that we may never know but will forever appreciate.
Life is so good and God is so faithful. What more could one ask for??
24 August 2011
Flat: Found!
Ok, so not only did we find a flat - lovely! - but because of some dear friends who are helping us into the whole situation, we are moving in TODAY! How great is that???
It's a perfectly tiny one bedroom with a washer and drier! (which is unheard of over here) with a "fully fitted kitchen" which means it has a sink, oven, stove top, and coffee/tea maker (of course!). I'm already planning out how to rearrange the living space to maximize the (almost) floor to ceiling, gorgeous bay windows (14 ft. ceilings, too!). In our bedroom, we have lots of natural light and french doors that open out to a private garden - private meaning shared by the 8 or so tenants in our building. We have a beautiful old house (lots of curb appeal) that has been turned into different flats.
It's a perfectly tiny one bedroom with a washer and drier! (which is unheard of over here) with a "fully fitted kitchen" which means it has a sink, oven, stove top, and coffee/tea maker (of course!). I'm already planning out how to rearrange the living space to maximize the (almost) floor to ceiling, gorgeous bay windows (14 ft. ceilings, too!). In our bedroom, we have lots of natural light and french doors that open out to a private garden - private meaning shared by the 8 or so tenants in our building. We have a beautiful old house (lots of curb appeal) that has been turned into different flats.
Don't get me wrong: it is Tee-Tiny! But it is really elegant-looking for some reason and it's in a wonderful location in a quiet little row of houses-turned-flats containing gardens and green-space.
We can't wait to move in!
I'll keep you posted when we get things set up and I can take some pics so you can see. Another alternative: come visit and see for yourselves!
Cheers!
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