May 10, 2012

Limbo.

We've done it. We've successfully moved out of London. Save the emotional outburst, remember we're embracing the change.

We're now in Limbo...

Word on the street says it could take thirteen weeks for our household goods to arrive in Colorado (they go through the Panama Canal!). So, in order to maintain some modem of comfort, the boys and I have come to Lancaster, Ohio - my hometown - on our way west.

I've obviously been back to visit, but I haven't really lived in Lancaster since I left for college - about 18 years ago. That's a long time. I didn't actually realize it was that long until I wrote that sentence and had to double check my math. I've lived away from Lancaster longer than I've lived in it. Weird. Anyway. I lived here a long time ago. Check.

So even though I've been away for awhile and, certainly, loads of things have changed, lots seem to have remained the same. It's these places that haven't changed, I find most curious...

I wonder if this place is sanctioned by the Institute.

Love the logo.

Downtown's anchor store.

Love the signage.

You had me at Hillbilly Deluxe.

May 4, 2012

A firm handshake and a meaningful look.

We're down to the wire. The movers are here and the majority of our worldly possessions are in boxes. Today is Elliot's last day of school and Noah's last day at playgroup. You'd think there would be floods of tears. There's not.


That's not to say there haven't been some shed along the way, but these final days are much more cut and dry. Well, you're leaving. Goodbye. See you in Summer 2013.

It hurts a bit - of course we would all like to think the world stops in devastation when we ourselves move on, but of course it doesn't. School runs will still happen, coffee will still get drunk, and Japanese Knotweed will still plague our streets and discarded white goods. Life moves on, kid. My head knows this but my heart still screams out for final, white-handkerchiefed waves at the airport.

And of course I, too, can't look back. I've got to make sure I'm not known to my new friends (whomever they might be!) as "Andrea: that new girl who always talks about how life in London was sooo great." No one wants to be around that person. Embrace the change.

So, while it's belittling and embarrassing to poorly and loudly choke back the sobs, that's what we're doing*. Call it British Andrea's Last Stand - all further goodbyes will be a firm handshake and a meaningful look. Anyone who doesn't follow suit will be shot down like a drunken, Scandinavian man who can't take a hint.

So, my lovely, lovely friends - lots of luck, keep in touch and I'll see you in Summer 2013.


*I recognize some readers will be left emotionally stunted and unsatisfied with this approach. In those instances, come and find me on Sunday and we can bawl our eyes out. British Andrea will turn a blind eye.

May 1, 2012

London at Night.

I'm not a big fan of Groupon. On paper, it looks like a great idea. In reality I've just been bombarded with offers for garra rufa fish pedicures. Blech. 

That said, Donal managed to separate the weed from the chaff and got me a voucher for a night time photography course. Ace.

The plan was to meet at the London Eye at 8:00 and take some snaps of the area at nighttime. Unfortunately, we got rained out about an hour into the experience so I'm left with limited skillz and results. Nevermind, I always have Google and my excellent tutor Jennifer...

Westminster

Westminster

Big Ben, Westminster Bridge

Big Ben, Westminster Bridge

Big Ben, Westminster Bridge

London Eye, County Hall

London Eye, County Hall

London Eye, County Hall