Ten on Tuesday

Lots of little things happening at the moment....

1. Last Wednesday I gave up my passport and submitted my visa application to the UK Border Agency. I am nervous and excited about the possibilities it can bring to me in the coming months. Until my application is processed, I am trapped on this island. I can't travel until I get my passport back.

2. I've been taking care of some domestic things...part of getting settled here and establishing my doctor. I hadn't seen an optician since I lived in Chicago so I started calling around and looking for one. I had my first eye exam yesterday. I don't necessarily understand their system. Although I've worn contacts since I was 12 years old, I still need a follow up exam after a trial pair of lenses, which I am also reluctant to switch...God I miss my eye doctor of 20 years!

3. In my attempt to try and run again, I went to see an Acupuncturist to help with my heel pain. Why not..I am always open to alternative treatments and medicine. It was definitely a different experience. All I could think of was the chant, "Stick a needle in my eye.". I'm not completely convinced of it's healing powers but I will stick it out for a few more sessions.

4. My best friend no longer works for the same company as me. I wish her the best but it's weird not being able to chat with her on IM.

5. I went to see the historic Oxford and Cambridge boat race. We got there early and then left for a bit to watch the England versus Wales football game. I should have known, when we came back to the river, it was super crowded and we were able to catch a small glimpse of the race. Nonetheless, it was very cool to be a part of an age old tradition.

6. For Lent, I gave up alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and candy. I'm definitely being tested lately especially when I saw the first pitchers of Pimms being offered at the boat race. I have to pat myself on the back because I was perfectly okay with ordering apple juice at the pub.

7. The time changed this Sunday. My stylist says that it marks the first official day of the British summer. Geez...this early...I've only just begun my summer workout plan. This is one thing that makes me really homesick...not having a proper Chicago summer.

8. The first official day of the British summer was lovely. I met up Geraldine and her little Louis at my local pub for Sunday roast. Then we took baby Louis for a stroll around the park. It was a gorgeous day. Looking forward to picnics in the park.

9. I am starting to plan activities for my godson Orlando and Alyssa when they visit in July. For the month of July, I will have a test run at being a mum. I am going to take some time off but they will be on their own when I have to go back to work. I purchased tickets for the IMAX cinema near the London eye along the river. I think this is something that teenagers would enjoy.

10. My friend introduced me to this cool website where I can watch the latest TV programmes. I was so hooked that I had a Grey's Anatomy marathon and now I am caught up. I am looking forward to this week's episode. I won't be able to watch it live but the next day will do.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday came from Amber who got this idea from another blogger. Instead of a full on blog, you can write little bits and bobs.

1. I am excited for my upcoming trip to Paris this weekend. This will probably be my last trip for a few months. I was meant to run the half-marathon however, I have a heel injury I am working through with my pyscio aka physical therapist. This weekend I'll be the happy cheerleader.

2. I am in the process of switching my visa. After my trip to Paris, I will be surrendering my passport while my application is submitted to the UK Border Agency. My solicitor (immigration lawyer) told me that I would probably be without my passport from April until July - worse case scenario. Guess I'll have to travel locally! I'm already making plans for travel within the UK for the April and May bank holidays.

3. I watched the pilot of the Chicago Code online. While not the best show, I was captivated by the scenes shot around Chicago. I'm looking forward to the episode that shows Mary Queen of Heaven - my family church. Kind of makes me homesick.

4. I am running low on my favorite items from back home - Q-Tips, Crystal Light, Oatmeal, Oil of Olay body wash. Surprisingly my wish list isn't as long these days. I must have adapted to what is available.....I wish someone would send me a care package. :)

5. I switched Stanley's pet food awhile back and wanted to go back to his old brand because he's very itchy and I noticed his skin is flaky. The problem is that the American manufacturer of his old food is no longer shipping it to the UK. Just another thing to let go of from the US.

6. I am excited to try a new recipe from the cookbook I received for my birthday. It is called Mexican Food Made Simple by Thomasina Miers. She is the UK's version of Rick Bayless. She fell in love with Mexico as a young adult and went on to open 3 really, really good Mexican restaurants in London called Wahaca. It's the best Mexican food I've had here yet. I like this book because it shows how to make dishes with the ingredients available here. Nothing imported from Chicago.

7. As a birthday present to myself I finally caved in and bought an iPhone 4. I committed myself to a 18-month contract. Feels weird.

8. It's amazing how useful having the internet at your fingertips can be. I've always had it on my Blackberry but I am using it way more now that I have an iPhone. While reading all the captions at the Wildlife Exhibit, if there were words that were not clear, we'd look them up. It helps with my old age...Usually by the time I get home, I'd forget and sit there scratching my head.

9. No more getting lost in London. The Google maps app on my phone is really coming in handy. When I first arrived to London I was constantly getting lost. London doesn't have a grid system compared to Chicago streets so every journey needs to be carefully charted out. Sometimes I would consult my "London A to Z" (pronounced Zed) book. Otherwise, it resulted in expensive cab rides and countless late arrivals. This weekend, I used my app quite a few times. Hasn't failed me yet.

10. The Jersey Shore is hilarious. The UK is always a season behind but I still enjoy watching the episodes. I wonder what the people here think when they sit here watching this program. Nice dose of American culture.