Natalie and I have now been in London for eight months.
I think the time has gone by reasonably quickly, though the winter has been the worst of it. Now that the days are warming up and there is plenty of sunshine, London isn't so bad. That said, I don't believe that London will ever be home for us.
Natalie's exams begin this week and I should have a job sorted out by the end of this week, all going well. Yes, I think I have said it before. it has been slow progress. Unfortunately, it has been in other people's good time, not mine.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Warm and Sunny
Summer has come to London... briefly.
Today's forecast suggests 28 degrees celcius, though our little thermometer outside has recorded higher than that today.
It has been a nice day to get outside and I intend to make use of the great conditions by sitting in the garden this afternoon.
Last night Natalie and I caught up with some of my former colleagues at Sunrise for drinks. It was nice to sit around and chat. We did so at a bar called 'The Fine Line' in Clapham, SW london.
Things look promising on the work front and I hope to have some good news by the end of next week. It seems to be dragging out but at least it is giving me some time to enjoy the nicer weather of late.
Today's forecast suggests 28 degrees celcius, though our little thermometer outside has recorded higher than that today.
It has been a nice day to get outside and I intend to make use of the great conditions by sitting in the garden this afternoon.
Last night Natalie and I caught up with some of my former colleagues at Sunrise for drinks. It was nice to sit around and chat. We did so at a bar called 'The Fine Line' in Clapham, SW london.
Things look promising on the work front and I hope to have some good news by the end of next week. It seems to be dragging out but at least it is giving me some time to enjoy the nicer weather of late.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Eurovision
Last night Natalie and I hosted a modest Eurovision Song Contest party.
Natalie had never seen the event before, while I have watched a few of the contests in recent years.
Amongst our five guests, a couple had seen it and we had a Eurovision expert in our midst.
After watching two hours of performers strutting their often questionable talent on stage it was our chance to vote. And vote I did, as did a few of our guests. But sadly my favourite, a troupe from Bosnia-Herzegovina doing their best to revive the style and substance of Abba, did not get up.
Instead, the winner was a lass from Greece of questionable merit. Sure, she could hold a tune, you just couldn't tell what key it was in!
But it was all fun. We joked and cheered our way through an hour and a quarter of vote counting and during the performances discussed the varied styles of the outfits (who knew the Norwegians could combine 70s glam rock with 80s and 90s styles!).
But now Eurovision is over for another year and our hopes are that the popularity of drums seen in this year's event wont be repeated next year.
Will I be buying the official double CD album? Ummm, no.
Eurovision Official site
Natalie had never seen the event before, while I have watched a few of the contests in recent years.
Amongst our five guests, a couple had seen it and we had a Eurovision expert in our midst.
After watching two hours of performers strutting their often questionable talent on stage it was our chance to vote. And vote I did, as did a few of our guests. But sadly my favourite, a troupe from Bosnia-Herzegovina doing their best to revive the style and substance of Abba, did not get up.
Instead, the winner was a lass from Greece of questionable merit. Sure, she could hold a tune, you just couldn't tell what key it was in!
But it was all fun. We joked and cheered our way through an hour and a quarter of vote counting and during the performances discussed the varied styles of the outfits (who knew the Norwegians could combine 70s glam rock with 80s and 90s styles!).
But now Eurovision is over for another year and our hopes are that the popularity of drums seen in this year's event wont be repeated next year.
Will I be buying the official double CD album? Ummm, no.
Eurovision Official site
On the Run
I am back into running for the first time in many months.
With my recent illness I haven't been game to try but the nice weather lately and my feeling better I have decided that now is the time to shake off the cobwebs from my running shoes (bought new in January) and get back into it.
At this stage I am starting slowly as I am still a little run down from my sickness but I am completing 4-4.5 kms twice a week. The course that I take is fairly flat but it is good just to get out there and enjoy the spring air and not feel miserable.
My plan is to run the same distance for another couple of weeks and then build up to longer distances after that. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with Natalie soon! :)
With my recent illness I haven't been game to try but the nice weather lately and my feeling better I have decided that now is the time to shake off the cobwebs from my running shoes (bought new in January) and get back into it.
At this stage I am starting slowly as I am still a little run down from my sickness but I am completing 4-4.5 kms twice a week. The course that I take is fairly flat but it is good just to get out there and enjoy the spring air and not feel miserable.
My plan is to run the same distance for another couple of weeks and then build up to longer distances after that. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with Natalie soon! :)
Saturday, May 21, 2005
My ongoing job search
Things continue to move slowly in my search for a job.
My interviews this week went well and hopefully some good news will come out from them early next week.
In the meantime to make myself useful I have been back at Sunrise for a few days. It has been good to see how things have progressed from the trade show at the end of April. THere are some good things happening at the company. I finish up on Monday afternoon.
My hope now with finding a job is that things will be sorted out by early June. I think that is the best I can reasonably aim for now. But that is good because it does give me an opportunity to do a few things around here.
My interviews this week went well and hopefully some good news will come out from them early next week.
In the meantime to make myself useful I have been back at Sunrise for a few days. It has been good to see how things have progressed from the trade show at the end of April. THere are some good things happening at the company. I finish up on Monday afternoon.
My hope now with finding a job is that things will be sorted out by early June. I think that is the best I can reasonably aim for now. But that is good because it does give me an opportunity to do a few things around here.
FA Cup
Today is the final of the FA Cup.
While I am not a genuine Arsenal supporter, I definitely will be cheering them on more than Manchester United. Man U. are the Manly of English football - disliked by everyone but their own supporters. Though, the same may be able to be said about Arsenal, I'm not sure.
So I will be watching the game with interest. It should be a cracker, given that Man U. have beaten Arsenal every time the two teams have met this season, but Arsenal finished further up the ladder (1 place but at least 5 points more).
While I am not a genuine Arsenal supporter, I definitely will be cheering them on more than Manchester United. Man U. are the Manly of English football - disliked by everyone but their own supporters. Though, the same may be able to be said about Arsenal, I'm not sure.
So I will be watching the game with interest. It should be a cracker, given that Man U. have beaten Arsenal every time the two teams have met this season, but Arsenal finished further up the ladder (1 place but at least 5 points more).
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Evenings Out
Our two evenings out last week were great fun. The first was the Business Faculty Dinner hosted by Goodenough College (where we live). We dressed up for the evening (see photo), which began with pre-dinner drinks in London House, before a sumptuous dinner of salad, duck breast with noodles and profiteroles. My supervisor attended the dinner, which meant that I had someone to talk to over dinner (spouses were seated separately). We also met some interesting people, Goodenough members as well as visitors. A lovely evening, and the food was much better than the usual dining-in night standard.
Our second evening out was to see Vanessa Mae in concert. I really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere. While Peter was less impressed, we enjoyed being at the Royal Albert Hall once again.
Our second evening out was to see Vanessa Mae in concert. I really enjoyed the music and the atmosphere. While Peter was less impressed, we enjoyed being at the Royal Albert Hall once again.
Friends Leaving... *sniff*
Our good friends Mat and Jenn are leaving London this evening after a 5-week stint in London. Originally, they had planned to stay here for two months, but due to some changes at Mat's work their trip was shortened to only 5 weeks. We have thorougly enjoyed having Mat and Jenn in London, and they will be sorely missed. I've put some photos up of our fun times together over the past few weeks.
Friday, May 13, 2005
People Want to Listen to Me Talk!
It's amazing, I know. I can't quite believe it myself.
After a week and a half of developing a blog on marketing, which also includes a podcast, I am getting a growing subscriber base. What started as an experiment to see how I could create a podcast and learn a few things about properly marketing a blog and podcast is beginning to grow into its own life.
Numbers are small at the moment but there is definite growth going on. I thought I might keep the blog for a month or so, have no visitors and then pack it in, but if it keeps up I will have to invest some more time and really make something of it.
So by now you are probably wanting to know what it is called and how can you find it. Well, the blog is original in its title: Vasey on Marketing. And the podcast entries can be found on the site. Feedback good or bad is welcome.
After a week and a half of developing a blog on marketing, which also includes a podcast, I am getting a growing subscriber base. What started as an experiment to see how I could create a podcast and learn a few things about properly marketing a blog and podcast is beginning to grow into its own life.
Numbers are small at the moment but there is definite growth going on. I thought I might keep the blog for a month or so, have no visitors and then pack it in, but if it keeps up I will have to invest some more time and really make something of it.
So by now you are probably wanting to know what it is called and how can you find it. Well, the blog is original in its title: Vasey on Marketing. And the podcast entries can be found on the site. Feedback good or bad is welcome.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
A big week ahead
We have a big week ahead of us. On Wednesday night, we are going to a formal dinner hosted by the college for all Business faculty members and their spouses, together with a number of students' supervisors (including mine). Dress is formal, so it will be exciting for me to get dressed up as much of this past year I have spent looking like a daggy uni student :) We will post some photos of us dressed up.
We've also been lucky enough to get tickets to see Vanessa Mae at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night this week. Since it's our third visit to the Royal Albert Hall, we are well versed in how to get there and how to order wine at interval (:)). It should be a fun concert- more will follow.
We've also been lucky enough to get tickets to see Vanessa Mae at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night this week. Since it's our third visit to the Royal Albert Hall, we are well versed in how to get there and how to order wine at interval (:)). It should be a fun concert- more will follow.
Congratulations to the H&M Man Contest Winner!
Exciting news for those who like to enter competitions that require some actual input from their entrants! Peter has done it! He has been declared one of the H&M Man Contest Winners! (H&M is a clothing shop, kind of like Gap but a bit cheaper).
Peter entered the competition he doesn't know when, but received an email today to let him know that he will shortly be the owner of a brand new suit, shirt and tie from H&M. He won it based on his explanantion of why he should win a new suit (but can't remember what he said, d'oh!)
Well done, Peter, and we look forward to seeing you all dressed up in your new suit!
Peter entered the competition he doesn't know when, but received an email today to let him know that he will shortly be the owner of a brand new suit, shirt and tie from H&M. He won it based on his explanantion of why he should win a new suit (but can't remember what he said, d'oh!)
Well done, Peter, and we look forward to seeing you all dressed up in your new suit!
Trip back home
Well, we have now booked our flights back home. Yes, we are still planning on staying in the UK, but we do have to come home first in order to change our visas.
So we're booked in to leave London shortly after our friends Rachael and Stuart leave us, on the 17th July. We will be in Australia for just under two and a half weeks, visiting both Sydney and the Gold Coast. More news on what we will be getting up to will follow.
Once we get back to London, I will be starting work at RBB Economics, an Economic Consulting firm located near Holborn tube station (it's pretty close to where we are living right now). We will be staying in the college here until early September, before heading off to the private rental market. We have a few ideas about where we'd like to live, but it partly depends on where Peter finds a job and on how much space we want.
So we're booked in to leave London shortly after our friends Rachael and Stuart leave us, on the 17th July. We will be in Australia for just under two and a half weeks, visiting both Sydney and the Gold Coast. More news on what we will be getting up to will follow.
Once we get back to London, I will be starting work at RBB Economics, an Economic Consulting firm located near Holborn tube station (it's pretty close to where we are living right now). We will be staying in the college here until early September, before heading off to the private rental market. We have a few ideas about where we'd like to live, but it partly depends on where Peter finds a job and on how much space we want.
Jobless in London
As I mentioned last week, I am in the process of finding a new job.
I am pleased to say there are plenty out there that I can do and have applied for but I am amazed at how slowly the cogs turn here. Jobs which I should have heard about a week or more ago are still dragging on. But I have an interview mid-week, so that should be good.
While I would prefer to be working the time off has given me the chance to chill out for a few days and to catch up on reading and do some fiddling around on the web. I have been experimenting with podcasting and another blog. We will see if anything comes of it. So I have plenty to do, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to pay.
I am pleased to say there are plenty out there that I can do and have applied for but I am amazed at how slowly the cogs turn here. Jobs which I should have heard about a week or more ago are still dragging on. But I have an interview mid-week, so that should be good.
While I would prefer to be working the time off has given me the chance to chill out for a few days and to catch up on reading and do some fiddling around on the web. I have been experimenting with podcasting and another blog. We will see if anything comes of it. So I have plenty to do, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to pay.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Look at Moi!
For all that we might be on the other side of the world to our home country, here in London you can find Australian culture on show in many places. Now, the BBC is adding to it.
Hot on the heels of 'Home and Away', 'Neighbours', and 'the Crocodile Hunter Diaries' come 'Kath and Kim'. But we're not sure how the Brits are going to take it.
Discussing amongst a bunch of Aussies and one Brit (who has seen Kath and Kim on a visit to Australia) yesterday we believe the Beeb has gone out on a limb here. Will the same people who laugh at the class struggles of Hyacinth in 'Keeping up Appearances' find Kath and Kim amusing or simply not know what to make of it?
Still, for ex-pats such as ourselves it will be a welcome break from the mostly (or should I say, almost entirely) bland (and ridiculous) programming over here: Where else would you find TV channels who, with 30 mins left in their evening film cut to a 30 minute newsbreak before returning to the film?
Anyway, Kath and KIm will be required viewing for Natalie and I as we prepare for a brief return home, thus masking any feux British accents we may have developed.
On a side note, one interesting place where Natalie and I came across Australian culture was on German radio while we were visiting Bremen in March. While travelling in a car we heard the Seekers and their hit 'Georgey Girl'. Who knew they were big in Germany?
Hot on the heels of 'Home and Away', 'Neighbours', and 'the Crocodile Hunter Diaries' come 'Kath and Kim'. But we're not sure how the Brits are going to take it.
Discussing amongst a bunch of Aussies and one Brit (who has seen Kath and Kim on a visit to Australia) yesterday we believe the Beeb has gone out on a limb here. Will the same people who laugh at the class struggles of Hyacinth in 'Keeping up Appearances' find Kath and Kim amusing or simply not know what to make of it?
Still, for ex-pats such as ourselves it will be a welcome break from the mostly (or should I say, almost entirely) bland (and ridiculous) programming over here: Where else would you find TV channels who, with 30 mins left in their evening film cut to a 30 minute newsbreak before returning to the film?
Anyway, Kath and KIm will be required viewing for Natalie and I as we prepare for a brief return home, thus masking any feux British accents we may have developed.
On a side note, one interesting place where Natalie and I came across Australian culture was on German radio while we were visiting Bremen in March. While travelling in a car we heard the Seekers and their hit 'Georgey Girl'. Who knew they were big in Germany?
Gupi meets Nic
As you may have read in a previous post, our good friends Mat and Jenn are currently in London, as Mat does a 2-month secondment in his company's London office. Accompanying Mat and Jenn has been Nic, their 8-month-old baby. This last Saturday, we had the three of them over for lunch. While we had hoped it would be warm enough for an outdoor BBQ in the Mecklenburgh Square garden, alas, it was a bit too cold and we transferred it to inside.
While they were over, we introduced them to Schnoozle, my Gupi. Nic was very taken by Schnoozle, though intrigued. Finally, though, Nic gave Gupi a kiss. I've posted a few photos of the adventures Nic had with Gupi above:)
While they were over, we introduced them to Schnoozle, my Gupi. Nic was very taken by Schnoozle, though intrigued. Finally, though, Nic gave Gupi a kiss. I've posted a few photos of the adventures Nic had with Gupi above:)
Saturday, May 07, 2005
We Return You to Your Regular Programming
The British election is over.
Now we can get on with life. But according to the story-hungry media, the 'bloodshed' is not over. Will Tony Blair survive in the role of Prime Minister until he is ready to step down? Apparently Gordon Brown's supporters are already circling.
The BBC's coverage of the election night was fun to watch. Computer generated Blair, Howard and Kennedy walking down Dowing street as they won seats, with the finish line outside the doorstep of number 10.
In our constituency, Labour suffered a 14 per cent swing against it and the LibDems getting 10.8 per cent more votes.
Natalie and I did both get out and vote. It is a bit different to Australia, where we are used to numbering all boxes, if we want. In Britain you simply put an 'X' beside the candidate you wish to vote for.
Now we can get on with our lives and hopefully I will start a new job soon.
Now we can get on with life. But according to the story-hungry media, the 'bloodshed' is not over. Will Tony Blair survive in the role of Prime Minister until he is ready to step down? Apparently Gordon Brown's supporters are already circling.
The BBC's coverage of the election night was fun to watch. Computer generated Blair, Howard and Kennedy walking down Dowing street as they won seats, with the finish line outside the doorstep of number 10.
In our constituency, Labour suffered a 14 per cent swing against it and the LibDems getting 10.8 per cent more votes.
Natalie and I did both get out and vote. It is a bit different to Australia, where we are used to numbering all boxes, if we want. In Britain you simply put an 'X' beside the candidate you wish to vote for.
Now we can get on with our lives and hopefully I will start a new job soon.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
It's Poll Day!
Today is election day for Britain.
Natalie and I have been lucky enough to be registered as voters so if we choose to, we may vote.
Unlike in Australia voting here in Britain is not compulsary, and so the ruling Labour party, wary of the likely loss in support from swinging voters is urging all die-hard Labour supporters to get out and vote. Their slogan is "If you value it, vote for it" which seems to encourage those valuing unnessary death to by sending troops to die in an illegal war to get out there and vote. Of course, there are so many supporters of that kind of thing in the UK that Labour should win in a landslide... NOT!
Oh well, the other parties aren't much better. The (Don't call us Tories) Conservatives have been asking "Are you thinking what we're thinking?" Do I really want know what is in the mind of a politician??? I think not!
And the Liberal Democrats have been suggesting that they are "the REAL alternative". So does that suggest that they don't think they can win, just be the bridesmaid? I guess so. At least they're realistic.
Natalie and I have been lucky enough to be registered as voters so if we choose to, we may vote.
Unlike in Australia voting here in Britain is not compulsary, and so the ruling Labour party, wary of the likely loss in support from swinging voters is urging all die-hard Labour supporters to get out and vote. Their slogan is "If you value it, vote for it" which seems to encourage those valuing unnessary death to by sending troops to die in an illegal war to get out there and vote. Of course, there are so many supporters of that kind of thing in the UK that Labour should win in a landslide... NOT!
Oh well, the other parties aren't much better. The (Don't call us Tories) Conservatives have been asking "Are you thinking what we're thinking?" Do I really want know what is in the mind of a politician??? I think not!
And the Liberal Democrats have been suggesting that they are "the REAL alternative". So does that suggest that they don't think they can win, just be the bridesmaid? I guess so. At least they're realistic.
Monday, May 02, 2005
What a week!
Natalie and I have made our way through a very busy week and are now enjoying our long weekend.
I am pleased to say that work went very well for me last week with our trade show efforts a great success. Also very pleasing was the send off I received from Sunrise.
Now I am on the hunt for a new job. Hopefully things will fall into place this week.
Natalie's exams went better than she had hoped last week, though she is now just waiting on the results. While I am busy looking for a job this week, Natalie has the last of her classes.
Apart from looking for a job, I hope to spend some time on catch up reading this week and enjoying the wonderful warmer weather coming into England.
Yesterdat (Sunday) saw Natalie and I enjoy a BBQ in the Mecklenburgh Square garden with some friends. It was nice to spend a few hours sitting around talking to people in a quiet environment. I miss the wide-open spaces of greenery in Sydney but at least we have the garden here.
On Saturday Natalie and I visited our good friend Jo. We travelled to Windsor and saw the castle (the Queen was in), saw Eton College and took a boat ride on the river Thames. I am sure Natalie will post more on our trip soon.
I am pleased to say that work went very well for me last week with our trade show efforts a great success. Also very pleasing was the send off I received from Sunrise.
Now I am on the hunt for a new job. Hopefully things will fall into place this week.
Natalie's exams went better than she had hoped last week, though she is now just waiting on the results. While I am busy looking for a job this week, Natalie has the last of her classes.
Apart from looking for a job, I hope to spend some time on catch up reading this week and enjoying the wonderful warmer weather coming into England.
Yesterdat (Sunday) saw Natalie and I enjoy a BBQ in the Mecklenburgh Square garden with some friends. It was nice to spend a few hours sitting around talking to people in a quiet environment. I miss the wide-open spaces of greenery in Sydney but at least we have the garden here.
On Saturday Natalie and I visited our good friend Jo. We travelled to Windsor and saw the castle (the Queen was in), saw Eton College and took a boat ride on the river Thames. I am sure Natalie will post more on our trip soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)