Memoirs of a T.S.U.N.A.M.I Girl

We're all going on a summer holiday...

2011-09-05T17:41:00.019+10:00

Finally back in London after a massive summer of work. OK, and a little fun as well. Here are some of the places I worked this summer:

It all started with a week in beautiful, sunny Portugal

Followed closely by a month on Sea Island in Georgia

Next stop was Washington DC

Back to London in time to enjoy a glorious sunny day in Green Park with friends

Before jumping on the Eurostar for a few days in Paris

So back to routine this week. The kids are back at school (hooray!!) and there is no more travel on the horizon...until at least October!

And summer is over, the days are getting shorter and the tan built up over 6 fantastic weeks in the sunshine is beginning to fade. Autumn is here and it's time to get out the warmer clothes. Seems a crime almost...

The Hunger Games

2011-06-29T06:42:00.005+10:00

A friend tipped me off about The Hunger Games. It's been a while since I've read a book I just couldn't put down. So, taking her advice, I ordered them online. They arrived on Saturday and I've already read the first two and just about to start the third. Although aimed at the young adult reader, I would recommend them for anyone of any age, who likes a book that has you unable to say, "just one more chapter". You'll be reading it all night.

Highlights of my second year in London

2011-06-26T22:04:00.001+10:00

Sunday Snapshot

2011-06-26T04:30:00.002+10:00

Love these benches scattered all throughout parks in London.

The Proverbs 31...Nanny??

2011-06-11T22:55:00.009+10:00

If you own a bible, you may be familiar with Proverbs 31 and it's description of the "Good Wife", as it's called in my Message translation.

I know that I'm not alone in having read this chapter and thought about how so very far I am from meeting that description. Well, call it inspiration. Call it insomnia. But I was thinking about this so-called "Good Wife" and her attributes late last night and the result is my paraphrase of this chapter, changing the "Wife" for "Nanny" (and a few other things), taken from The Message.

A good nanny is hard to find
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her bosses trust her with their offspring
and annually have reason to renegotiate her contract.
Never spiteful, on the outside, the nanny treats them generously
For all the length of her working week (weekends are optional).

She shops around for the best playgroups
and infant Zumba classes,
and enjoys repairing endless holes in socks and school shorts.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
like Gymboree, bringing back a child covered in hand stamps that won't wash off.
She's up before dawn,
preparing breakfast for the family...and cleaning up the mess from the night before,emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, making school lunches...

She meets other nannies and organises playdates then,
with money from the kitty, she pays for a session at Topsy Turvy or Amanda's Action Kids.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves and prays for the weekend.
She tries to sense the value of her work, and is already wishing it was 7.30pm.
She's skilled in the crafts of playdough and threading,
diligent in her colouring.

She's quick to assist anyone who needs a plaster, reaches out to clean up the vomit.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows...they have central heating.

She buys her clothes at the supermarket,
and dresses in track pants and t-shirts that don't show up any thrown food.

Her boss is greatly respected and spends a great deal of time deliberating with the city fathers (actually, she has NO idea at all what he does for a living!)

She designs and builds all manner of farm machinery from cardboard,
bringing the creations she has made to the playroom.
Her clothes are practical, comfortable and easy to wash,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile...of irony.

When she speaks, she has something worthwhile to say,
even though no one is listening, and she always says it three times.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, but is not permitted to speak to anyone about what she sees, as per the Confidentiality Clause in her contract.

The children ignore and harass her.

Her bosses join in with the words, "Many nannies have done wonderful things, but you have outclassed them all!"...whoops, she fell asleep at the kitchen table and dreamed that last bit!

Training can mislead and fantastic experience soon fades.
The nanny to be admired and praised is the nanny who can wake up each morning and believe that one day she will hear, "Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her with praises!"

Sunday Snapshot

2011-05-23T05:45:00.002+10:00

Kookaburras in Golders Hill Park Zoo...an Aussie discovery in the middle of London

Water for Elephants

2011-05-03T04:10:00.002+10:00

Chasing the Royal Wedding

2011-05-02T04:01:00.016+10:00

The Royal Wedding. A once in a lifetime experience. And I was there!

The first sighting I had of the Royal Couple was on the balcony...OK, so the first balcony was Chiquito in Leicester Square!

And then the race was on. My plan had been to watch the ceremony on the big screen in Trafalgar Square and so, rather naively in hindsight, I aimed to get there around 10am, find a prime spot and watch the service that started at 11am. Hmm...not quite so easy. I had met my friend Lisa in Leicester Square at 10am, got tickets to see Dirty Dancing that evening, then turned all our efforts to watching the Royal Wedding. Our first hurdle was a police barricade at Trafalgar Square as it was already full and had been for several hours. OK then. On to Plan B...Hyde Park. We set off for Hyde Park, following the crowds and got as far as Marlborough House on Pall Mall, where we met another roadblock of police.

Weaving through the backstreets, we ended up on Piccadilly with the rest of the world, where we managed to see Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey on TV through the window of the Hard Rock Cafe (now there's a story for the grandkids!).

At Hyde Park, we came across some girls clearly hoping that Kate would be a no-show!

From our "prime" vantage point we saw most of the ceremony, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a lunch of Pimms and chips!

From Hyde Park, we thought we'd try to get as close as we could so we set out for Wellington Arch and Constitution Hill where we met yet another police roadblock. There was some excitement when the Horse Guards came past and Lisa and I resigned ourselves to the fact that that would be all we would see.

When the road re-opened, the crowd moved towards Constitution Hill and sure enough, more police. Just when all looked lost, the police line moved forward and we were almost running down Constitution Hill towards Buckingham Palace.

And yes, we made it in time to see the family on the balcony and the now famous double kiss! Yes, I know, we were too far away to really "see" the kiss but I was just too excited that after our epic journey across London, we had made it in time for the all important moment.

And it's fitting that my last sighting of the Royal Couple is also on a balcony...this time the right one!

After it was all over, the city had a very strange feel. Strangers had smiled at each other and bonded over a shared experience. No one seemed in a rush to leave the city and the crowds sprawled out all over St James's Park to eat their sandwiches in the sunshine. Union Jacks could be seen hanging out of almost every backpack.

Then, after Dirty Dancing, those still on the streets simply looked exhausted. Just like me.

So thank you, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. No doubt you feel the same!

Sunday Snapshot - ANZAC Day

2011-04-25T16:35:00.006+10:00

OK, so I know it's technically Monday, but this is a special ANZAC Day Sunday Snapshot post.

This morning, I headed to Hyde Park Corner for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial. It was a beautiful service and my first one since arriving in London. The ANZAC address was given by The Prime Minster of New Zealand, John Key.

For those of you not in the know, ANZAC Day commemorates the landings at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915 by Allied troops.

"Gallipoli was the first time that Australians and New Zealanders participated together in a major conflict. The name 'ANZAC' (from Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) became a universally recognised symbol for the soldiers of both nations, and those who fought and died during this conflict. Anzac Day, celebrated annually on 25th April, remains a significant occasion in both countries, at which time all of those who have served and died in the service of the nation are commemorated."
(from ANZAC Day Dawn Service official program, Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner, London, 25th April 2011)

They grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Hampstead Heath

2011-04-25T01:49:00.005+10:00

This week, I've been on holidays and London has certainly turned on the sunshine for the occasion. I thought I'd make the most of the weather and finally make a trip to "The Heath" as Hampstead Heath is known to the locals (am I a local now, after 6 months??). I walked from Hampstead Heath Overground Station to Kenwood House at the top of The Heath, famous for featuring in Notting Hill, one of my all time favourite movies.

I spent a couple of hours lazing in the sun on the grass in front of Kenwood House, followed by ice cream and a walk back through Hampstead Heath to Gospel Oak Station. A perfect day.

Sorry, Primrose Hill, but I think I've found my new favourite place in London!

Marrakech

2011-04-21T17:54:00.012+10:00

At the beginning of April, I travelled to Marrakech for 10 days for work. Here are some highlights of the trip:

Don't you love NHS?

2011-03-28T00:25:00.003+10:00

It's been a while since I have offered any advice for anyone out there planning a move to London, so I thought I would share with you the unique pleasure that is registering with a London medical centre.

As it turned out, I hadn't yet had a chance to register with my local doctor since moving to the NW, due mainly to working 12 hours a day and general procrastination on my part! So when I got sick this week and needed to see a doctor I was faced with the joy of having to register and also make an appointment to see a doctor. So on Wednesday (after having to knock on my bosses bedroom door to tell them I couldn't work that day...you see, I start work before they even wake up!), I made my way to the doctor (once again wishing I had a car!) to register. I waited in the queue for possibly 10 minutes before one of the four receptionists managed to look up from their desks and was given forms to fill in.

I returned the completed forms to the desk and was told to then complete a medical check at their Interactive Patient Pod, a DIY blood pressure / heart rate / weight check touch-screen-thingy. At this point, with my head all blocked up, struggling to breathe properly and feeling like I had been hit by a bus, I asked if someone could possibly show me how to use it, as I have never even come across one of these before. The receptionist barely looked up at me and said, "It's very easy to use" and returned to her computer (sorry to interrupt your Solitaire!).

The Interactive Patient Pod, located, helpfully, in the main waiting room in full view of every other person there, was not easy to use and took a further 15 minutes...and I still hadn't gotten anywhere near a doctor. Once all this was finally done, over an hour later, I was registered with the doctor. Hooray! Now to make my appointment...

Yeah, uh huh! Turns out you can't make an appointment until they have had a chance to check your details with your former doctor and anyway, they didn't have any appointments until at least Friday!

So, after stopping at the chemist for all the drugs they could give me, I jumped on the bus home, where I had the time to remember my previous life in a land that made sense (aka Australia!), where if you were sick you just went to the nearest doctor who would give you the drugs you needed no matter where you lived. Fair enough, you had to pay for it, but here where the NHS generously provides free medical care (well, doctors appointments at least!), they certainly make you pay in so many other ways.

So my advice to you who are planning the move to London, don't be like me and put off registering with your local doctor. But the best bit of advice I could give you is not to get sick in the first place!

Sunday Snapshot

2011-03-21T05:39:00.002+10:00

Can it be?? Could Spring finally be here?

The Great London Tube Adventure

2011-03-15T05:50:00.003+10:00

On Saturday, I met up with my friend Hannah and the kids I used to look after in the city for what L, aged 7, christened The Great London Tube Adventure. Our first destination was Tooting Bec on the Northern Line. I have wanted to visit this station that shares my name since I moved to London, and here I am:

From there, we headed to London Bridge and the Borough Markets, where you can buy THE best cookies in the world and had lunch at Southwark Cathedral.

From the Markets, it was back on the tube, this time the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf, to catch the DLR to Greenwich.

The sun was shining all day so we had a wander through the park and the kids played in the playground there. The next plan was to walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames, but time was running out so we'll have to save that for another day. Back on the DLR, this time to Bow Church, then we caught the Hammersmith & City Line from Bow Road to Tower Hill. Time for a quick play on the tiny playground that the kids love right opposite the Tower of London, then back home on the District Line.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-03-14T04:38:00.003+10:00

This is Canary Wharf. Part of Saturday's Great Tube Adventure. Stay tuned for more.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-03-07T20:52:00.004+10:00

OK, OK. I know I said I would write more often and once again, it's been another three weeks since my last post.

There is no excuse for me!

Anyway, I had an awesome weekend, actually making it out of the house on a Saturday night for dinner with friends at the O2. As a nanny, I work probably three out of four Saturday nights a month, so it's a rare treat.

Even on Sunday, after church, as the sun was shining (nowhere near warm enough though!), I spend the afternoon sipping green tea in Starbucks, followed by chinese for dinner and Matt Damon in The Adjustment Bureau in great company.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I've had a proper weekend.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-02-14T18:49:00.003+10:00

Today, I'm back in France for the week, this time, however, we flew in this tiny plane from London City airport.

All I have to say is that I am not a fan of these planes. Or a fan of flying with three young children.

Tips for walking down Oxford Street on a Sunday afternoon

2011-02-07T03:41:00.004+10:00

Tip No. 1
Don't do it!

Tip No. 2
But if you have to do it, take a deep breath before you begin. Go immediately to one of the many shops selling highly caffeinated beverages and purchase the largest size you can afford. Better yet, it helps to have a beverage of the stronger kind close to hand. After all, isn't this what hip flasks are for?

Tip No. 3
Find a couple of people, walking at the same pace as you wish to. It works better if they are holding hands or linking arms as fellow pedestrians walking towards them seem reluctant to break apart linked couples. Next, stay behind these people as long as you can. Be ready, however, to glance quickly into the nearest shop should they happen to look around. Remember, you are not a stalker. Beware of sudden detours made by your chosen couple. If they disappear into a store or down a side road, find another couple, using the same rules outlined above, as soon as possible.

Tip No. 4
Leave all unessential bags and luggage at home. Trolley cases on Oxford Street are generally only pulled by tourists and the insane.

Tip No. 5
And finally, if your visit happens to fall in the two months leading up to Christmas, please refer immediately to Tip No. 1.

Back for Good

2011-01-30T07:15:00.005+10:00

OK. I know it's been an unforgivable three weeks since my last blog, but yes, I'm still alive. Just in case anyone was wondering!

I have all the usual excuses. Problems with my internet connection. Too busy at work. Too tired at the end of the day. The flu that lasted for two whole weeks. They are all true, but still I apologise for my absence.

Not that I've really done anything blog-worthy in the entire month of January, unless you count an endless stream of music classes, mealtime tantrums, freezing cold days, nights with no central heating, playdates (including one where 6-year-olds' friend actually did a poo right on the middle of the carpet!), school runs, ballet classes (for the kids, not for me!), swimming lessons (same!), etc, etc, etc...

I think I might have forgotten something. Oh yeah. My life. Forgot for a moment that I actually have one! There are some exciting things on the horizon though. My boss has been sorting out the family travel plans for the first half of this year. In two weeks, were off to France again (and I promise to post pictures this time!). Then in April, it's a trip to Morocco. Summer holidays is Portugal, followed by a trip to Washington DC and Georgia in the US. That should give me plenty of things to blog about.

As for my life in London, it's plodding along. I really feel like I live here now. I really need to get out and do some more touristy things in my own adopted city.

I really need the cold weather to stop.

I come from a land down under

2011-01-07T07:07:00.008+10:00

My first day in Brisbane and the sun is out. The view from the deck...look at all those palm trees!

Christmas lights on Christmas Eve

Christmas Dinner...aah, seafood!

Then the rains came...

...but the sun came back, on my last day (typical!). Who knows when I'll see another blue sky like this!

I'll be home for Christmas

2010-12-21T13:49:00.003+10:00

Not just a song that's sung on the radio at this time of the year...I am truly home for Christmas!

That's right, I'm currently in Brisbane enjoying a beautiful, sunny 29 degree day. For the past year I have been planning to go home to surprise my family for Christmas and I still can't believe I pulled it off. Last Thursday, around 10.30pm, after an early morning bus ride to Paddington, a train to Heathrow, a 26 hour flight from Heathrow via Dubai and Brunei and a taxi ride from the airport, I knocked on my sister's door...SURPRISE!!

Everyone was totally shocked, including me at how much my niece had grown! Friday morning, I went to surprise my nana and then my dad, who is currently in the hospital having knee replacement surgery, and since then I've been catching up with friends, helping my mum move house, shopping and trying to get some sleep in there somewhere!

It's a whirlwind trip (just two weeks) but I plan on enjoying every minute of it. You never know, it could turn out to be longer...especially with all the snow back in London. Over the next couple of days, I'll post some pics.

You say it best...

2010-12-14T06:15:00.002+10:00

You find these seats all over London.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-12-13T07:11:00.000+10:00

Christmas lights on Regent Street. Narnia theme this year.

Sunday Snapshots

2010-12-06T03:52:00.006+10:00

On Saturday, I scored a free ticket to see Arsenal beat Fulham at Emirates Stadium. A bone-numbingly cold, but awesome day out!

Sunday, I went back to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Not quite as cold as last year, but chilly enough. Perfect afternoon topped off with a pretzel and a mulled apple cider...delicious!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-11-28T09:00:00.002+10:00

Took a day trip to Bath today with Magical Tours. An amazing trip and loads of fun! If you look closely in the background you'll see snow on them there hills!

Read this!

2010-11-24T00:22:00.001+10:00

You have got to read this book. That's all I have to say!

Harry Potter and The Sunday Snapshot

2010-11-21T00:14:00.004+10:00

This week has been all about Harry Potter for me. And I'm sure I'm not alone. I finished the last book on Thursday and last night, braved the cold and the crowds with my friend Hannah, to see Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (part one - even though I wished they had just made a monster 6 hour epic and showed us the whole thing in one go!).

What can I say? It was absolutely amazing (don't worry, I won't post any spoliers in case you have, for the last 4 years, been living in a hole and haven't even read the book!).

If you haven't seen it yet, what are you doing? Get yourself to your nearest cinema immediately!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-11-15T07:40:00.003+10:00

I'm currently re-reading all the Harry Potter books in readiness for the release of The Deathly Hallows Part 1. I'm on number 6 right now and I just flicked to the back of the book where I found the above post it my niece had made for my last birthday in Australia. Awwww!
So I thought I'd share it with you all. I miss her!

Not as smart as my phone

2010-11-13T06:11:00.004+10:00

OK. I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth...at least as far as I can remember! My main reason for not blogging has been that since my digital camera met its untimely death, I have bought a new phone. A smart phone. Smarter than its owner, obviously, since I can't figure out for the life of me how to get my pictures from my phone to my PC. So rather than disappoint my two faithful readers, I've decided to post this blog...without pictures. I hope to get them up soon but for now, you'll just need to use your imagination.

Since my last blog post, I have made my first trip overseas with a family I've worked for. The destination for this trip was to a house in Normandy, France. I was more than a little nervous before heading off on this particular trip as I had no idea what to expect and the thought of 5 hours in the car with three kids was not filling me with joy and happiness. In the end, I didn't need to feel nervous. The trip over was pretty uneventful, except for my excitement about my first trip in the Euro tunnel. The house (a HUGE understatement!) was in the beautiful village of Beauxville. The countryside was just gorgeous. Green fields, picturesque cottages and autumn colours everywhere. I even had my own room (no sharing with the children for me, praise God!) with exposed beams and a fireplace.

We made day trips out to Deauville and Trouville on the coast, ate crepes, crepes and more crepes, donned the wellies for wild raspberry picking, strolled along the sand on the coast of the English Channel, ate at delicious French restaurants, and shopped til we dropped. All in a day's work for me, really! On the last day, we all headed to Honfleur which, I'm sorry, but words cannot describe. I promise to get some pics up as soon as I can.

Since France, it's just been work, work, work. These past few weeks, I have truly appreciated the easy life I used to have when I worked part time. But even with the long hours, there's not a lot I would change. The 1-year-old boy has started to walk, give out kisses (of the slobbery, open-mouthed variety!) and tottering up to me for a cuddle when he sees me, so that makes starting and finishing in the dark worthwhile. The older two...well, it's a work in progress!

Last weekend, I actually did something I thought I'd never do again. I went back on The London Eye. The only difference was this time, I really enjoyed it! There is even photographic evidence to show the distinct lack of fear in my eyes.

I'd show it to you...if I was as smart as my phone!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-10-17T06:30:00.004+10:00

An iconic red London Routemaster bus...that you can evidently hire for weddings!

Primrose Hill...my new favourite place in all of London

2010-10-16T02:05:00.002+10:00

Where for art thou?...

2010-10-14T21:27:00.002+10:00

Sunday Snapshot

2010-10-11T01:33:00.005+10:00

Gorgeous, (but rare) sunny October day

Sunday Snapshot

2010-10-04T03:07:00.002+10:00

Fresh fish at Borough Market

Sunday Snapshot

2010-09-26T05:54:00.005+10:00

Today, my former boss got tickets to see Fulham play Everton at Craven Cottage. This was my first Premier League game and it was a brilliant day out. The game resulted in a 0-0 draw, but still with plenty of action, made even more entertaining by the likes of fellow Aussies Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) and Tim Cahill (Everton). Even though my seats were in the Director's Box (sweet!!) for Fulham, I couldn't help but secretly hope that Everton would pull off a win.

I guess part my heart still lies in the North West...

The only low point of the day was, since we were in the Director's Box jeans were not allowed, I (stupidly) decided to wear my high heeled boots...yeah, I know, dumb idea! My feet will be sore for a few days, I imagine! It felt very wrong to be so dressed up at the football.

While the Box, including its food and champagne, was quite an experience, I realised I am much more of a jeans-and-a-pint-in-the-cheap-seats kind of girl!

(Photo is courtsey of my friend Hannah, since my camera is now six feet under!)

Baby Steps

2010-09-24T20:07:00.002+10:00

I heard this from Little Girl 3 in the backseat this morning on the school run:

"Becs...I like you...a little bit, but...I still like C (former nanny) a lot".

That's fine with me. It's a step in the right direction.

My New Life

2010-09-21T05:31:00.003+10:00

I guess now is as good a time as any to update you on the first two and a half weeks in my new job. It's taken a while, I know, but it's taken me a while to get used to working 12 hours a day.

I started on a Friday, and moved out of my old job that morning, carting the rest of my not-so-light stuff by bus and train to West Hampstead. The rest of the day, I spent getting settled into my room. Saturday was my first official day of work, which included the baby's 1st birthday party in the afternoon, so I got to meet most of the extended family. And there are a lot of them!

The first week was very long and very challenging as it was the week the kids started back at school, having been overseas for most of the summer. Most nights after work, I just crashed into bed, too exhausted to even think. This nanny thing is tough! But since then, we have all sort of settled into a routine and the kids are getting to know me and even answer me when I talk to them! It's a good start.

The highlight has definitely been spending the days with the 1 year old boy. He is absolutely adorable, even though this brother has taught him to scream, which Little Boy 1 does at a very high pitch! Pushing the buggy down the street, on our way to Gymboree or music classes, is the part of nannying I always imagined. I had one particular moment this week...the sun was shining, the sky was blue, I was pushing Little Boy 1 in his buggy, choosing to forget that just that very morning, I had changed the wet sheets on Little Girl 3's bed, washed the bedding of Little Boy 1, who had thrown up in the night and cleaned up the trail of poo on the kitchen floor from Little Boy 1's leaking nappy (he had a very bad tummy bug). All that faded into a distant memory in the light of the sunny morning stroll.

I have also had to get used to driving the foreign streets of West Hampstead. As all navigationally-challenged people understand, this filled me with dread. But, my bosses car has Sat Nav. Yes, Sat Nav! I have never driven a car with this before and it has to be one of the best inventions ever. Today, the kids decided to name the Sat Nav lady Star, and we spent the journey home from school mocking her voice and giving crazy instructions.

I've done some exploring around West Hampstead and I have to say it is a whole new world. I love it though. I love having transport options too. I can pretty much get a bus to anywhere from here...if I manage to concentrate and get on the bus going in the right direction! Note to self: never catch public transport when over-tired.

So this is my new life. It's a lot busier than my last one.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-09-19T16:35:00.002+10:00

This shot was taken yesterday in Hyde Park...such a gorgeous sunny day! Unfortunately, just after this shot was taken, my camera died a tragic death on the pavement just by the Albert Memorial. This may be my last Sunday Snapshot, well, for a couple of weeks anyway. Pay day is looming, at last!

September Stocking Stuffers

2010-09-15T21:53:00.003+10:00

What?? Christmas stuff in the shops? It's only the middle of September, people !!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-09-07T17:29:00.001+10:00

Better late than never...this is the park on Fortune Green Road, West Hampstead

The Randomness of London

2010-09-02T16:08:00.010+10:00

Last night, my friend Hannah and I headed out to the Novello Theatre to see Adam Garcia in Tap Dogs before the season ended on 5th September.

It was an amazing show...however, we found the following notice in our programs:

"At this performance, the role of Foreman will be played by Douglas Mills"

What?? Who is he?? I didn't pay 40 pounds to see Douglas Mills! I mean, he is a very talented dancer, don't get me wrong, but I found it hard to get over just who he wasn't. Still, an awesome show!

After the show, we walked back to Covent Garden tube station, only to be greeted on the platform by a guy hugging and kissing everyone, as you do! He was a little drunk.

One long hug and several kisses on the cheek later, the train arrived and who should be in the same carriage? Yep, slightly-drunk-kissing-guy! He spotted Hannah and I and came back for more, creating way more attention than I ever try to draw to myself on the tube! Turns out, he was also a fellow Brisbanite from Morningside on the South Side (and declared the "relationship" over when he found out I was from the North Side!!).

His friend then came along to drag him away...strangely enough, to catch his train to West Hampstead! He could be my new neighbour...

A classic, random London moment!

The End of Chapter One

2010-08-27T02:05:00.002+10:00

Last Saturday was my last day at work. Since then, I've been packing, getting lost at Heathrow, looking after my little cousins and trying to get some quality sleep on an air mattress!

Now, as I am getting ready to start my new job tomorrow, I've been looking back on the past 16 months. It has been an amazing experience and I was truly fortunate to be welcomed into the home and lives of such a great family. I will miss the kids a lot but I will still get to see them. It was certainly one of the best decisions I made to get out of the whole Monday to Friday 9-5.

So, on the eve of the next chapter, I am excited. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of the world and also the chance to be part of a new family. It's not like I'm moving to a new country. I think I'll like living in NW London.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-08-24T05:38:00.001+10:00

Writing on the wall at Abbey Road

The Week That Was

2010-08-13T17:21:00.003+10:00

I know I haven't been around for a while but I've been a little busy. Here's some pics from what I've been up to this week:

Last week, I took the kids back to Ham House, somewhere I haven't been since I first arrived. We had a great day exploring the gardens.

On Monday, I had my little cousin who's two with us so we all headed into Kensington Gardens and The Princess Diana Memorial Playground. What an awesome place! It was packed to the rafters with kids, but the sun was out, so that made everything OK!

Wednesday, we headed to Bushy Park for a picnic, clown show and a play on the huge playground there. Bushy Park is a lovely place and I don't know why I waited so long to get there!

And yesterday, I took the kids into the city for a Great Bus Adventure (as they called it!), starting with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (which turned out to not be on that day!), then on the no. 11 bus to Trafalgar Square where we then hopped on an old Routemaster bus, the no. 15, to The Tower of London. We found a little patch of green and a playground to have lunch at and then headed home on the train.

Here I Go Again

2010-08-03T15:56:00.002+10:00

The past few days, I have been sorting through all my stuff and starting to pack up my life once more, ready for my move to the wild frontier that is West Hampstead at the end of this month.

This month will also see the arrival of the replacement for my current position, which I'm actually looking forward to as she comes in the form of my friend, Hannah. Yep, Hannah, who was here last year for our trip to Paris, is coming to take over from me. It'll be great to have her here and I know I'll still get to see the kids. I am starting to get excited about my new job...and a bit scared at the same time. But I have to remember that they chose me to come and live with them and I know this is the right move for me at this stage of my new career.

So while Hannah packs up her life in New Orleans, I'm packing up mine here. Time to move on again. One day, I'm sure I'll be done with all the moving around and be more than happy to settle down in one place. As for when that day will come, I have no idea!

Mamma Mia

2010-07-30T18:02:00.003+10:00

Last night, I went to see Mamma Mia with my friend Lisa and her sister, Mandy. It was brilliant!

I tried my hardest to not sing along to all the songs and embarrass myself, but by the end, I was on my feet, arms in the air, singing along with everyone else.

So much fun!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-07-19T00:48:00.002+10:00

At last !

(photo courtesy of www.gm.tv)

We're all in this together

2010-07-18T03:11:00.005+10:00

I love to read and at the moment, I am loving getting stuck into books by fellow expats, both fictional and real life tales of their adventures, and those who are truly living their dream.

I have a few to recommend:

The first one is by a fellow blogger, whose blog I discovered about four years ago while stuck in a boring office job in Brisbane, Australia. At the time, I was planning my return to the UK and going through the process of deciding where to base myself. I discovered Simon Varwell's blog while researching Glasgow and I can tell you, it brightened many a dull office day. Simon is based in Inverness in Scotland, but has spent a significant amount of time searching out "Mullets" across the world...as you do! He's now written a book called "Up The Creek Without a Mullet", all about his adventures, searching for mullets from Albania to Australia to Haiti. You can read more about his search here

The second book I'd like to recommend is called "Single in the City" by Michele Gorman. True, I've only read a taster of her book but it has hooked me already and I can't wait to get my hands on the whole thing! Michele is a fellow expat, hailing from the US and has lived in London for 12 years.

If you're an expat, or just love a great read, get your hands on these books!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-07-14T03:58:00.003+10:00

OK, I know it's Wednesday (blame dodgy internet connections and super-slow computers!), but this shot was taken on Sunday at West Wittering beach. I so needed to see the ocean and this beach didn't disappoint! A true sandy beach, warm water and a gorgeous sunny day. What could be better than that?

True, I am now nursing some pretty bad sunburn. You'd think I would have learnt from last time! Once again, never underestimate the strength of the English sunshine!

Sunday Snapshots

2010-07-04T07:58:00.005+10:00

Today, I took one of the kids I look after to see The Wiggles in concert at the Hammersmith Apollo. I think I loved it more than she did! So much fun!!

Graduations and Goodbyes

2010-07-02T21:05:00.002+10:00

Yesterday, the youngest boy I look after graduated from his nursery, all ready to start "big" school in September. It was such a great day. He did so well in his performance and I couldn't help but shed a few tears.

It hit me that I have just two months left with them, and even though I will see them from time to time, the close relationship we have built over the past 18 months will not be the same. They'll have a new nanny and I'll have new kids to look after and we'll move on. I really hate goodbyes. I'm no good at them and I've had too many of them. I always start to cry and never really get to say exactly how I feel.

After the performance, I took both of the kids to our favourite playground and I watched as little-boy-four balanced on the balance beam by himself. I taught him that. I watched him swing himself on the swings, stretching his legs out as he went forward, tucking them in as he swung back. I taught him that. I watched his six-year-old sister take her first one-handed swing on the monkey bars. I taught her that. I realised then that I have made a difference in their lives and even though I won't be there day to day, they'll remember me.

No one told me about this side of the job when I signed up!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-06-28T06:36:00.001+10:00

This is how I felt today...a scorching day in the city!
(photo courtesy of pixel-panther on photobucket)

Sunday Snapshots

2010-06-20T05:07:00.006+10:00

One of the things I love about London are the random things I discover. Today, I took the kids to the Kew Bridge Steam Museum (again!) and normally this place holds my interest for all of 5 seconds, but today, we discovered that they were commemorating WWII with a 1940's themed day, complete with costumed volunteers, bomb dismantling demonstrations and even air raid sirens.

There was loads to see and do. If I had wanted to, I could have even had my hair set in traditional 1940's style! There was a food demonstration on how to make the most of food rations and the windows even had black out curtains.

It has to be said that the afternoon was enjoyed by all!

Sunday Snapshot (in the grip of World Cup fever!)

2010-06-14T05:43:00.004+10:00

You can't turn the corner in London at the moment without seeing something like this in pretty much every shop window. This town is truly in the grip of World Cup fever! (What I love are the ads on TV saying if you buy a big screen TV to watch the World Cup and England win the final, then they'll give you 100% money back! The joke would be on them if England do win!!).

It has made me think back on the past few World Cup's...where I was, who I was with. In 2002, I was in Adelaide, South Australia and even though Australia didn't qualify, I still remember watching the games, especially when Uruguay were playing. My friends were house-sitting a fantastic place with a swimming pool and our friend Rudy, who was from Uruguay, got us all into the World Cup Spirit.

Fast-forward four years, Australia had qualified, I was now living in Queensland and I woke up way too early to watch the Australia v Italy (i.e. Big Fakers!) game with my niece who was 8. Even though Australia lost tragically to Italy that day, I couldn't be too sad...especially since I had drawn Italy in the office sweep and ended up pocketing $60!

Now, it's 2010, I'm living in London and forced to endure the pain of watching Australia's games with British commentary! Everywhere you look, all you see is red and white. St George flags are flying from every car (even from some peoples heads!). I wonder if Australia is decked out in the colours?

This World Cup, I'll cheer for England when they play, with every one else...unless, of course, they are playing Australia. My heart is Green and Gold.

The Next Chapter

2010-06-12T02:53:00.003+10:00

There's a reason I've been so quiet on this blog of late. For once, it hasn't been because I've done been doing nothing. Quite the opposite. There has been so much going on, I didn't know where to start and what was going on, I couldn't even tell you about.

But now I can. I have found a new job. Yes, I am still a nanny, but now I'll offically have the job title of "nanny", be working full time, travelling the world and moving from SW London to NW London, close to Hampstead Heath and full of brand new places for me to explore.

As excited as I am to start this new experience (I start in September, by the way!), it hasn't been an easy thing to think of leaving my current family. No one prepared me for this when I chose to become a nanny. It's going to break my heart to leave those two kids who have been such a huge part of my life here. My bosses have been brilliant too. I really hate goodbyes!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-06-06T19:06:00.003+10:00

On Friday, the kids and I went to the Tower of London. It is such an amazing place (although next time I go, it won't be with two kids on a hot summer's day!).

This shot is of a chapel inside one of the towers...I can't remember which one!

Bring out the cheese...Eurovision's here!

2010-05-28T05:50:00.003+10:00

Yes, it's Eurovision time again!

There is definitely a love / hate thing with Eurovision. It's just not possible to sit on the fence. I can't really explain it but I love, love, love Eurovision! I know this makes me a sad individual, but I don't care. Where else do you get to see such "class" acts from all over Europe?

Right now, I am watching the second semi-finals on BBC Three, having missed the first semi's for the simple reason that I had no idea it was on. For someone who loves Eurovision as I do, I am really lacking in true fan style! Better late than never, I say!

Highlight so far: the guy from Israel was really good - apparently the runner-up in their Pop Idol contest. The guys from Cyprus are on right now and they're also really good. Corniest moment so far: the blokes from Lithuania singing Eastern European Funk, and tearing off their trousers to reveal sparkly hot-pants! Honestly, what's not to love about Eurovision??

The finals are on Saturday (that night's viewing is sorted then!) and if you've never watched it before, you have to see it to believe it! I just hope you're not lactose-intolerant...there is so much cheese !

Sunday Snapshots

2010-05-24T02:02:00.003+10:00

Today, some of the private gardens in Petersham were open to the public. This is truly a glimpse into how the other half live!

Here are some of my favourites:

My Expat Anniversary

2010-05-17T20:18:00.007+10:00

This weekend just gone, I have been in London for one year.

My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.

My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.

People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!

Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:

Sunday Snapshot (and a little bit more!)

2010-05-09T02:42:00.004+10:00

This shot is of The Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, opposite the Royal Albert Hall. I just love the colour of the storm clouds and the way the gold of the spire stands out. The clouds do remind me a bit of Queensland summer afternoons, spent on the deck watching the storms roll in.

The reason I was at the Royal Albert Hall was for Hillsong's Colour Conference last Friday and Saturday. This was an awesome weekend, spent with thousands of women from all over the globe.

The rest of this week has been pretty normal, except we did have a power blackout on Sunday, lasting for a couple of days (due mostly to it being a bank holiday weekend and no parts available). My first here, but something that again reminded me of home.

The next few weeks are going to be busy. My boss starts his new job this week, which is awesome as he has been looking for a long time, so that means that I get to work some longer hours. It works out good all round.

Also, you'll be pleased to know (!!) that my birthday parcel finally arrived from home last Saturday after all the disruptions caused by the volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier (don't be too impressed - I copied and pasted that name from Google!!).

This present weekend marks my departure from home one year ago. Wow. Where has the time gone?

Sunday Snapshot

2010-04-25T04:22:00.005+10:00

In honour of ANZAC day, I've chosen this picture of the War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner. I love how the words "faith", "mankind" and "sacrifice" jump out.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them"

Marge...Marge...the planes are 'ere!

2010-04-24T17:50:00.004+10:00

This week saw the return of planes to the skies over London. Having just gotten used to the sounds of living under a flight path from Heathrow, it was amazing to be able to hear the birds singing again and enjoy the peace and quiet, only for the planes to be back in the skies a week later. There were a few of those moments of total silence that probably go unnoticed anywhere else, but in London can make it seem just a little bit unnatural. Don't get me wrong, that is a very good thing the planes are flying again. Unfortunately, it did not bring my birthday parcel from home in time for Thursday.

Oh, well.

On my birthday, thanks to my lovely bosses, I had the day off and decided to head into London as it was a beautiful sunny day. I walked along the Thames to the Tate Gallery, then back across Lambeth Bridge, to Southbank where I had a lovely lunch, listening to Big Ben chime and watching all the people frantically doing some last minute training for the London Marathon on Sunday.

I had that feeling again, seeing all the tourists on Westminster Bridge, that I live here and can come here whenever I want.

Here's some pics:

Sunday Snapshot

2010-04-18T23:46:00.002+10:00

Spring, Spring, Spring!

Spring flowers in the Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park

1st Contact Interview

2010-04-16T19:14:00.003+10:00

A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by 1st Contact for their new website and you can read the interview here. It's all still a little bit strange to me that not only are people reading my blog, but some of them even want to tell others about it!

You may remember, I purchased a 1st Contact package before I moved here and they arranged my bank account for me, saving me a massive headache, and also included in the package was a sim card, information on money transfers and heaps of other useful information for anyone moving to the UK.

If you are thinking of making the move, I recommend purchasing a package before you leave home. It will make your move a whole lot easier.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-04-11T19:22:00.003+10:00

Here is a video for today's Sunday Snapshot. It's of the Pig Race at Bocketts Farm on Thursday. The pig I tipped was named Grease Lightning, which turned out to be very ambitious...the little porker rolled in last!

A Day on the Farm

2010-04-10T17:49:00.005+10:00

This week has turned on some gorgeous sunshine, so on Thursday I ventured out to Bocketts Farm in Surrey with my cousin and her two kids and the kids I look after. It was such a beautiful day and we got to see all the new lambs and even had a tractor ride.

The farm has amazing children's play areas and the kids were happy to spend most of the day on the super slides and making a huge sandcastle in the sand pit.

Here are some pics:

Sunday Snapshot

2010-04-04T08:23:00.003+10:00

So that's what happened to Skippy The Bush Kangaroo! She ended up stuffed in the Natural History Museum in London.

After school TV is just not the same without you, Skip!

Dear John...The Gala Event

2010-03-31T07:40:00.003+10:00

Yes, it's true! The day after last week's failed attempt to see Dear John, I received an e-mail from LoveFilm telling me that I had won their Dear John competition...a ticket to the Gala Screening...PLUS a Q&A with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried after the movie! So not only do I get to see the movie (finally!), I get to meet the stars up close. I didn't mention it earlier, in case I couldn't get there for some reason and then that would have been a really boring post!

After I had arranged another early afternoon off work, I made the trip into the city for the second time today (I had taken the kids to The Transport Museum this morning), to the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square and arrived a whole hour early, happy to stand in the cold and the rain, until they opened the doors at 6.00pm.

I managed to get a seat four rows from the front and without giving too much away, the movie was brilliant (better than the book, especially at the end...that's all I'll say!).

As the credits were rolling, out came Channing and Amanda for the Q&A session that lasted about half an hour. Can I just be all girly and teenager-y (?) for a minute? Yes? OK. Guess what?? Channing walked right past me and in one of my photos (above) he is looking right at me!! He is just yummy!

OK. Back to acting my age now! It was a great night out and you just have to see the movie.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-03-29T05:18:00.003+10:00

I had to work this afternoon so, after church, I took the kids to Kew Bridge Steam Museum...which, to my surprise, actually turned out to be a fun day out for all!

Dear John...The Non-Event

2010-03-26T03:06:00.002+10:00

I bet you thought my next post would be about how great it was to see Dear John in the city on Tuesday night, right?

Well, I didn't get to see it at all! My whole house (both bosses and me...strangely the kids are fine) have been struck down with gastro since Monday, a fact that not only ruined my whole night out on Tuesday, but is now in it's third day and I've had enough. And, now I'll have to wait until April to see Dear John at the movies...but not for free!

The only upside of having been confined to the house, has been some quality DVD-watching time (New Moon was out on Monday!), but even all the old movies are getting a bit boring now.

I'm looking forward to the weekend and being able to get out of the house...oh, and maybe eat a meal too!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-03-22T02:58:00.004+10:00

Umm...I didn't actually go anywhere today (other than Sainsbury's), so here's an old pic from early days in London.

Spring flowers in Regents Park.

Dear John...The Movie

2010-03-20T07:55:00.006+10:00

Turns out that I don't have to wait until April to see Dear John at the movies because....

I JUST WON FREE TICKETS TO AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SCREENING NEXT TUESDAY!!

And on a facebook competition, can you believe it?

And who says I never win anything? Oh yeah...me! Because it's usually true.

Hang on. Will there be red carpet? Will I need to buy a new dress, shoes, handbag? Maybe not, but I think a box of tissues may be in order.

Sunday Snapshots

2010-03-15T03:13:00.005+10:00

Today was the St Patrick's Day Parade in London...La Fheile Padraig!

Dear John

2010-03-13T08:09:00.004+10:00

I have just finished reading the book "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks.

I should have known what to expect since he also wrote "The Notebook" (I haven't read the book but the movie left me reeling for days after and I have only ever watched it once).

The first I heard of "Dear John", the movie, was that a few of my friends on facebook had seen it, loved it, and since I discovered that it stars Channing Tatum (if you don't know who he is, check him out. You won't be sorry!), I knew this would be one to see. But, after finding out that it's not on here until April, I did something I don't usually do...I deliberately read the book first.

I don't want to give away any spoilers on purpose but in case I do, I won't be upset if you stop reading this post right now!

After working my way through almost a whole box of tissues, I got to the end of the book. I learned that I am a lover of the fairytale. If it was up to me, every story would have a happy ending...or at least the ending that I want!

So, if you're looking for a good read and you don't mind a book that will make you cry so much that you'll never be able to read it on the bus, then I can recommend this one. I just hope the movie can live up to it.

But if not, I really don't mind. Two hours spend watching Channing Tatum on the big screen will be worth every penny of the 9 pound ticket price!

Not your average day at the office

2010-03-10T08:36:00.004+10:00

OK. So I am determined to write more often, even if it's about nothing. Apologies in advance.

I have been thinking lately that all I seem to say about my new career makes it sound like a walk in the park (no pun intended!). But it's actually exhausting and sometimes draining work.

The average day might consist of a 7.30am start to help get the kids ready for school, making sure that smocks are on, sports bags contain sports gear and not a princess dress, teeth are cleaned, shoes are on (and on the right feet), kitchen is cleaned up after the breakfast chaos and coats put on and zipped up. Then it's out the door, remembering to lock up behind us and into the car, making sure that all items actually get from the front door to the car, both kids are strapped in and have sufficient reading material for the journey to school. Trust me, searching for just the right tractor book is not something I want to do at the last minute!

Next comes the actual journey to school which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on London traffic, the whole time being filled with the eternal "why ?" questions and "What does that sign say? The one with the thing? We just drove past it! What did it SAY??", while trying to concentrate on the road.

Arriving at the first school, it's out of the car for both, trying to keep an eye on 4-year-old, while his sister runs screaming around the yard with all her fellow 6 year old classmates and me chatting politely to the other mums and nannies at the gate. Then it's 8.45am, the eldest is safely in her classroom, then it's back in the car for me and 4-year-old, in the mad dash to his school...in the total opposite direction!

Ding-ding: round two, with more screaming and chatting (by the kids and nannies, respectively...although sometimes this can be the other way around!) and then both kids are in class and I have some peace until lunch time.

The first school pick up I usually do on foot, which is a good 30 minutes from home, but it's a nice walk...if it's not raining! The walk home is usually through the woods, where we can collect anything from sticks to bunches of wild chives. Back home for a hot lunch, possibly a playdate, a walk/scooter ride to the park or to feed the ducks or just trains, trains and more trains! Not forgetting to clean up the kitchen, load the dishwasher or empty the rubbish, as required.

Before I know it, it's time for School Pick Up #2, in the car this time. 4-year-old usually falls asleep straight away and I use the time waiting for the school gate to open as my lunch break and the chance to read a few pages of a book. 6-year-old collected, it's time to head home, to the library or to ballet, depending on the day (and the mood!), afternoon snack is served and then it's play until dinner time (after I've cleaned up the kitchen, loaded yet more stuff into the dishwasher, tidied away the contents of the school bags and helped with any homework).

While I'm cooking dinner, the kids usually play or might watch a bit of TV. The eating of dinner can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on what it is and the mood...again! Then it's time for bath, pyjamas to be put on, teeth cleaned, clothes for tomorrow sorted out, water for the bedside table refreshed, stories chosen and read and finally cuddles and tucking the kids into bed.

While they slip off into dreamland, I'm back down in the kitchen, loading the rest of the dishes into the dishwasher, cleaning the kitchen and emptying the rubbish, as required.

It makes me tired just reading all of that. My full appreciation goes out to all the mums and nannies who have been doing this for a lot longer than I have.

But with all the running around and constant questions, you have the moments that make it all worth while. Yesterday, 4-year-old said to me, after finishing his dinner: "I really like you. I think I'm going to keep you forever".

No one ever said that to me at the office!

Sunday Snapshot (and a little bit more!)

2010-03-08T01:41:00.004+10:00

Today was one of those gorgeous winter-sunshine days that London turns on every now and then purely, I believe, just to prove to the rest of the world that they can have blue skies here. Still bitterly cold, though!

After church this morning, I wandered down Piccadilly to Fortnum and Mason where, if I had a spare 15 pounds, I could have purchased an oven-baked tarantula direct from Cambodia (True! I wouldn't lie to you about something like that!). Choosing to pass on the cooked creepy-crawlies, the scorpion vodka (sadly, also true!) and chocolate-coated ants (true, again!) on offer in their foodhall (think I'll stick with Harrods from now on!), I headed back out to the street, made my way past The Ritz Hotel, through Green Park, past Buckingham Palace, down The Mall and back to the tube station at Embankment.

Londoners and tourists alike were out enjoying the sunshine that you could actually feel, at the same time as the Arctic winds all the way to your bones.

It was such a great day out that I am choosing to block out all memory of my journey home, consisting of two trains and one over-crowded, slow-as-a-week-of-wet-Sundays bus, filled with noisy teenagers...

Bliss.

A Piece of Home

2010-03-07T03:29:00.005+10:00

Assuming that it was going to be a wet day (I really need to stop listening to weather forecasts here!), I headed out to Westfield London on this lovely sunny day.

Which was good thing because the place was very quiet. I have missed mall shopping since being in the UK and there is a lot to be said for being able to do all your shopping under one roof. High Street shopping was a novelty for me when I first arrived and after battling Oxford Street on one-too-many manic Sunday afternoons, being back in familiar surrounds was a treat.

Although the shops are different, I could have been at any Westfield back home, and that is something I need right now. Not that I have had too much homesickness, but just little things have set me off lately. It started about 2 weeks ago when my skype connection cut out in the middle of calling home for my niece's 11th birthday, then one night this week, while cooking sausages I discovered that simple tongs are just something that the greater British public does not seem to feel a need for. See? Little things.

But that seems to have passed now and I'm sure it will hit me again later on. Just one of the "joys" of being an expat, I guess.

It was nice to be out of suburbia too. I feel like I have been stuck here the last couple of weeks, up to my elbows in baked beans on toast, school runs, birthday parties and play-dates.

I feel much refreshed after my little piece of home today (I wish I had some Tim Tams, though!) and may just head back into the city tomorrow. Must remember to check TFL for travel updates and line closures after I foolishly jumped on my usual bus today, without checking online first, and found my line closed...on a Saturday! I made it eventually, after a very long bus trip, and if that's the worst that happens to me on public transport in London, I figure I'm doing OK.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-03-01T03:20:00.003+10:00

This is where I spent my Sunday - at a disco party with 20 six-year-olds.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-02-14T19:26:00.003+10:00

Tower Bridge on a cold, grey London afternoon

Cherry Cola Splits

2010-02-13T03:45:00.006+10:00

I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet of 5.30pm...something that almost NEVER happens! And it's all thanks to a playdate. You've gotta love 'em!

I have the afternoon off and on a typical day, this is usually the noisiest time of day (a.k.a Supper Time), so I am enjoying it while it lasts.

This week did not have the best start, but that was all self-inflicted thanks to the Superbowl and my lack of sleep as a result, so I have no one to blame but myself. I can, however blame my youngest charge who this week decided to share his runny nose, cough and sore throat with me AGAIN. Such a generous little lad!

Today was probably the most eventful day. After arriving half an hour early for the school pick up, I decided to walk around to the shops down the road from the school and treat myself to a Diet Coke (woo-hoo...I am the last of the big-spenders!), something I haven't had for a while now. As I had the youngest with me, I must have been very distracted when I chose what I thought was a Diet Coke, paid for it, opened it up to take a swig...only to then discover that it was indeed Diet Coke, but with a truly horrible cherry flavour! Who makes this stuff? And more to the point, why?? Note to self: always read the labels!

Then, to cap off the day, I split my jeans getting out of the car! True, they are so old and I knew it was going to happen soon, but still, I could have done without it after the whole cherry coke fiasco.

But the good news is, it's pay day tomorrow and I can go and buy a brand new pair!

Superbowl XLIV

2010-02-09T05:29:00.006+10:00

Superbowl XLIV. This was the first year I have watched the game live, even though kick-off was at 11.30pm in the UK. That's commitment for you.

And what a game it was!

Normally a strong supporter of the underdog, this year I decided the smart money was on the Colts.

And how wrong I was!

The Saints had it sewn up in the fourth quarter thanks to a touchdown from Jeremy Shockey (former NY Giants player) that put the Saints in front, a two-point conversion from QB Drew Brees to WR Lance Moore and finally, the nail in the Colts coffin - a Manning pass intercepted by Tracy Porter at the Saints 26 yard line was returned 74 yards for a Saints touchdown.

Well done New Orleans Saints. The first time they make a Superbowl appearance in franchise history and they come away with the win.

In hindsight, the smart money would have been on The Saints...they wanted it more.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-02-08T02:30:00.005+10:00

This weeks Sunday Snapshot is from the Maslenitsa Russian Festival, that was on in Potter's Field Park today. These two girls were wearing the traditional dress of Tatarstan and kindly posed for me.

Maslenitsa is a Russian folk celebration that takes place just before Lent...sort of like a week-long version of Britain's Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day for the Aussies!).

I have a love for all things Russian and it's my dream to travel there one day. I even managed to say "Thank you" in Russian...very proud that I could remember it after 11 years! On a cold, foggy afternoon in London, surrounded by the Russian language, it was easy to imagine that I was in a city square, somewhere in St Petersburg or Moscow.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-02-01T01:26:00.004+10:00

I took this in Kensington Palace. My first thought was who would want to lean over. The floor was slanted and creaky and the banister was wobbly. But then, there would always be the people who, after seeing the sign, just had to lean anyway! I am not one of those people.

Sorry there is no photo from today. The plan was to see the Watoto Children's Choir at Hillsong church, but thanks to burst water mains on Tottenham Court Road due to the cold weather, the theatre was closed.

I really need to have a back up plan for when things like this happen...especially so close to Oxford Street. It's just too easy to spend way too much money on that street!

Winter Sunshine in Hyde Park

2010-01-31T01:50:00.021+10:00

Today, the sun was out, the skies were blue, the temperature was barely over zero, so I decided to make the most of it. I went into the city to walk through Hyde Park and visit Kensington Palace.

Getting off the tube at Hyde Park Corner, I discovered the toilets there, right near the gates, are very clean, with soap and working hand dryers...which in London deserves a mention on its own! My path through the park was alongside the Serpentine, which looked absolutely gorgeous in the winter sunshine. What I should have been doing though, was watching where I was walking. There had been a bit of snow early this morning and had quickly turned to ice on the path and yes, I slipped. Right in front of a whole crowd of people outside The Boathouse. I'd like to think it was one of my more graceful falls, feet slipping out in front and landing straight down on my bum, but embarrassing enough!

After I brushed the ice off my coat, and hurried away from the scene, I followed The Serpentine, which then became The Long Water, which I guess is called that because it is long! There were a lot of Londoners and tourists out in Hyde Park today, most of whom were immaculately dressed. However, the Best-Dressed-in-the-Park awards have to go to the Chihuahua's. I saw one in a full body, blue jumpsuit, a couple with fur-trimmed white coats and even one in a matching baby pink cardi and hat combo. Well, one does have to look one's best, even in the cold weather!

Following the path around, I ended up at Kensington Palace where, thanks to my lovely friend Hannah, I have membership to, and it didn't cost me a cent to enter. They currently have "The Last Debutantes" exhibition, featuring multi-media displays, gowns, music and even a etiquette room where you could practise your curtsy, balance a book on your head for deportment and even learn to set a table correctly. I hurried through this room so I didn't show myself up!

The tour then leads into a display of some of the gowns worn by Princess Diana, followed by The State Apartments. In this part of the Palace, you can see the Cupola Room where Queen Victoria was christened and the Queens Rooms where Queen Mary entertained her friends. I did see a King wandering around, but no one else seemed to take any notice of him. Oooh, maybe he was a ghost! King George I, perhaps??

As with most places, you leave the tour through the gift shop (no tacky Vincent Van Gogh toys here!), stocking lots of things your nana would love...lace doilies, handkerchiefs, lavender pomanders, that kind of thing. All very nice, though!

On with the coat and back out into the gorgeous London winter sunshine. A great day out, even with a two hour bus trip home. This is London, after all!

Designs of the Heart

2010-01-30T05:04:00.006+10:00

Check out this blog: www.designsoftheheart.blogspot.com

My sister, who is always a big fan of my blog, is the author and since she has given my blog some good press lately, it's high time I repaid the favour.

When the talents were given out in our family, my sister got all the artistic ones. Have a look at her page, especially her Etsy shop. She makes all sorts of things that are awesome, unique presents for those people hard to shop for or just to keep all to yourself.

Mention you heard it from me and she may even give you a discount!

Not For Tourists

2010-01-29T09:40:00.004+10:00

If you're new to London, you must grab yourself a copy of NFT (Not For Tourists).

It's a comprehensive guide, all in a very handy pocket size, to what to see (and what to avoid) in London. It's written by people who actually live here and some of the stuff in there is hilarious.

You can pick up a copy for under a tenner at most bookshops (I got mine in Foyles on Charing Cross Road - love that store!). Well worth the price!

(Obviously, you'll want one for London if that's where you're living...unlike the one for New York City in the picture, but I guess you worked that out already!)

Happy Australia Day 2010

2010-01-26T05:45:00.002+10:00

So last year, I spent Australia Day watching the NFL and thinking that it would be my last Australia Day in Australia for a while. Here I am in London, with my tiny Aussie flag on my wall, set to celebrate the day...very quietly, I guess.

It got me thinking how I have spent Australia Days Past, and the ones that stick in my mind are always the ones spent with family and friends, usually surrounding a BBQ, a swimming pool and then a trip into the city or to the beach to watch the fireworks. With a top temperature estimated to be 3 degrees here in London tomorrow, I can't see me doing the first two things. But fireworks? Surely, with the amount of Aussies that call this city home, there will be some fireworks. You can buy them in the supermarket here so what better excuse than Australia Day.

I made a pit stop at The Australia Shop in Covent Garden last weekend for supplies for the day, but since I have already eaten and drunk them (!), I will need to make do with a packet of Tim Tams...if Tesco still sell them. Please tell me they do!

But what matters most of all is not my location or my lack of all things Aussie, but the fact that I am Australian. Where I live will not change that.

Happy Australia Day, everyone!

(and if you are a fellow Aussie out there, away from home and a whole lot more organised than I am, then have a Vegemite sandwich, a lamington, a lamb chop, a cherry ripe, Anzac biscuit or whatever takes your fancy, for me!)

The National Gallery

2010-01-25T01:39:00.006+10:00

As part of my kid-free Sunday (which turned out not to be totally kid-free after all!), I decided to spend the afternoon in quiet contemplation (?) at The National Gallery.

The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square and got it's start when the House of Commons paid for 38 paintings belonging to a banker back in 1824, and used his Pall Mall home as the exhibition space. Embarrassed by having their national Gallery based in someones home, the Great British public demanded the Government build a building worthy of a national art collection. The current building was designed by architect William Wilkins and completed in 1838.

I started my self-guided tour in The Sainsbury Wing, the newest addition to The Gallery, opening in 1991. The Gallery is well laid out, with most of the displays on the same floor and you can see most of the paintings in one afternoon.

It didn't hold the same magic for me as The Louvre, but then, I imagine, few places would. It was great to discover some of my old favourites and ones I studied at school - Monet, Rembrandt, Constable, Turner and Van Gogh.

All around the Gallery are seats and benches where you can rest your weary feet and also take in some of the larger portraits from a distance. And in each of the rooms is the ever-present guard / attendant (not sure what to call them!) standing or sitting and looking entirely bored. I'm sure a day in my old office job would seem like too much excitement for them! How they manage not to fall asleep, I'll never know. I did overhear a couple of them talking about whether they preferred gas or electric cookers (I think gas was the winner!), so I guess they have ways of keeping entertained.

The National Gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is free. The usual audio tours, cloakrooms and Gallery Shop are all available. There is a restaurant, but I didn't go in as it looked really expensive.

But my favourite of the whole gallery was discovered in the Gallery Shop on my way out. Among all the prints of the famous portraits, classy stationery and art books was a stuffed Vincent Van Gogh toy, complete with detachable ear and a little tag saying, "I'm Vincent Van Gogh and my ear comes off". Nice.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-01-25T01:35:00.001+10:00

Fountain in Trafalgar Square

It's just another Manic Monday...I wish it were Sunday

2010-01-23T19:43:00.004+10:00

This has been a very long week. The only thing that has kept me going is Sunday. My one day off each week and the only kid-free day. Aahh, Sunday!

The week started off pretty ordinary, then got progressively worse. One day on the way to school pick up in the afternoon, I stopped off at the supermarket with 4-year-old in tow, and I thought I would be nice and buy him a magazine of his favourite character, Thomas the Tank Engine. He was so excited and even helped me pick one out for his sister. I had a moment of thinking I must be the nicest, most generous nanny in the world...how wrong I was.

The very next day, 4-year-old could not stop asking for another magazine and, after trying to explain that the magazine only comes out once a month and that he couldn't have a magazine every day as it was a special treat, this turned into a full-volume screaming tantrum, complete with tears (mostly of the crocodile kind!).

Meanwhile, 5-year-old girl has been demonstrating an attitude worthy of a Hollywood diva, answering back, hands on hips, "I'm right, you're wrong!" - the whole bit. I have been at the limit of my patience all week, which as you may remember is not that patient at all!

Add to that, there were copious amounts of snot, endless "Why?" questions, playdates, and trains, trains, trains!

So you can see why I may be looking forward to Sunday. It will most likely rain, so I think I'll find some nice, quiet gallery to spend the afternoon in. Sounds like heaven!

On a better note, on Thursday, I was walking back from the library, feeling sad and missing my friends and family, when I bumped into a fellow nanny I know and we had a really nice chat and then, just around the corner, I ran into a lady from the WI (Women's Institute) and she remembered me from the whole two times I had been to the meetings. It honestly made my day. It just felt so nice to see people I knew and have a conversation with someone over the age of 5!

And finally on Friday, I was without a car and had to do the school run on foot, an hour round trip, morning and afternoon, which was fine as I really enjoyed walking along in the rain. I arrived at the school, thinking how nice the rain was and how great it was to be able to be outside for work and not stuck in the office all day, when the first mum to arrive says, "Isn't this weather grim?".

I smiled to myself and thought it's all just how you look at it, I guess.

Sunday Snapshot

2010-01-18T02:18:00.004+10:00

Believe it or not, this photo was taken to today. That strange glow on people's coats is the sun. It's true! The sun came out in force today and I spent the afternoon wandering down Charing Cross Road, browsing in the bookshops and in Covent Garden.

Love this city!

And, in case you haven't had enough...

2010-01-13T21:54:00.003+10:00

...here are some more snow pictures.

I guess I will get tired of all the white stuff eventually, but not today!

2010-01-13T04:53:00.005+10:00

My blog has been chosen as Expat-blog.com's Blog of the Month for January 2010! I am truly honoured. Thank you so much, Expat-blog.com!

And here was I thinking only three people read it!

Sunday Snapshot

2010-01-10T02:27:00.003+10:00

I've been a bit slack with the Sunday Snapshots the past few weeks, but this one should make up for it. This shot was taken in the grounds of Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park.

A beautiful snow day!

...and later, the same day...

2010-01-07T07:00:00.003+10:00

First Snow of the New Year

2010-01-06T18:16:00.003+10:00

Happy New Year!

I know plenty of places have had loads more snow than here, but here is a picture of my first snow of 2010.

The Year That Was...A Year Later

2009-12-31T23:13:00.009+10:00

I first posted this list on New Years Eve last year, so here it is again for this year:

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Where do I start? Went to my best friends wedding in Sydney, worked in a call centre, moved to live in London, saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai, worked for a whole week without having to answer the phone once, went to Paris...the list is almost endless!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do New Years Resolutions as they are always doomed to failure! I did keep my resolution to save money and finally move to London. I won't be making any this year, but I do have 'plans"...they're different, aren't they?

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Chris had a little girl this year

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, United Arab Emirates, England, France

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Will-power!

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That would be May 10 - Mothers Day, my friends wedding day and my last day in Australia

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to London and starting my new career

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I have failed. Sometimes, things haven't worked out as planned or have been harder than expected, but that's not failure, that's all part of life and living your dream

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Crocs!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Hannah, who was my first guest from home. We had a blast!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...

14. Where did most of your money go?
Paris...and clothes!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hannah coming to stay, Paris, the release of New Moon and Christmas

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"Number One" by Tinchy Strider and N-Dubz (just because it was on the radio ALL THE TIME!!)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder?
Happier, mostly, but sad when I think of home

ii. thinner or fatter?
Hmm...next question!

iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer :-(

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More trips out of London to see the countryside

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up too late, reading!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
I opened presents and had breakfast with the family I work for, then spent the day with my cousins and auntie and uncle from Australia. Oh, and thanks to Skype, I opened presents with my family in Brisbane too! Great day

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No

23. How many one-night stands?
None

24. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill - all the season one oldies!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good

26. What was the best book you read this year?
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda. An old favourite, but it's set in Paris and I read it on the Eurostar on my way there

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Olly from X-Factor!

28. What did you want and get?
A new start as a nanny in London

29. What did you want and not get?
Knee high flat black boots...can't find any I like!

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would have to be New Moon (and no, I don't care what you think!), followed closely by Nativity!. So funny

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work in the boring call centre, counting down the days until my escape! And I was 36

32. What's one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Massive unexpected payout from the Australian Taxation Office!

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Layers...

34. What kept you sane?
Having my room on a seperate level to the kids I look after!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the moment?
I still love Ewan, but would love to run into Jude Law, strolling down Kings Road in Chelsea

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Huh? I don't get to see much news

37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my family and friends in Australia

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My little cousins, Arwen and Zion!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is too short - follow your dreams

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"

So that's all from me. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2010!

Christmas Day

2009-12-29T09:31:00.004+10:00

I know it's already past, but I need to tell you about my Christmas Day.

After Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, braving the freezing temperature both outside and inside the church and the dark, muddy lane leading to the church, I got to call my family on Christmas morning (12.30am, my time, 10.30am, their time) and open our presents together, thanks to the wonder that is Skype. It was absolutely amazing! So good to see everyone and even my 84 year old nana could almost hear me!

Made it to bed by about 2.00am, only to wake up at 6.30am to call them again before breakfast and present opening with the family I work for. After wading through mountains of trains and princess costumes, I headed back up to my room to get ready for Christmas with my family. They came to pick me up at lunch time and we drove through Richmond Park, which was now completely devoid of snow and ice, just in time for Christmas, to their house.

Christmas lunch was the whole deal - turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, pigs in blankets, pudding, brandy cream, custard, mince pies...and the list goes on. My cousin put on an excellent spread. Then it was time for more presents, Christmas movies and a few "nana naps".

I got home late after a great day spent with family. Good times.

Boxing Day was a day to be spent in my pyjamas (none of this rushing out to Christmas sales for me! Do I look insane? OK, don't answer that!) with a good book, which is exactly what I did. The house was nice and quiet as the family I work for left for Devon for four glorious days.

The day after Boxing Day was very similar, although I did change out of my pyjamas and today, I even got out of the house and went to do some shopping.

So that's how I spent my Christmas, and the days that followed. Only three more days left in the year...in the decade! Wow! But I'll save all that for another post..

Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T02:37:00.006+10:00

Last Christmas, I was avoiding snakes and trying to get rid of a bad case of sunburn. This year, things look a little different.

It seems that we will not have a white Christmas here in London since the rain and milder weather has washed away even the ice that, while not being snow, was at least white. This Christmas finds me thousands of miles from home, but thankfully only a few miles from family. I'll be spending Christmas Day with my cousins and auntie and uncle and calling my family in Australia on Skype at midnight tonight (Christmas Eve) so we can all open presents together.

I've found it hard to get into the spirit of Christmas this year and as weird as it sounds to those who have always had a winter Christmas, I think it's because it's just too cold! Christmas to me is a stinking hot day, usually raining, a lunch of cold cuts, salad and copious amounts of seafood. I have tried my best and I've had moments where it feels perfectly normal to be all rugged up singing about a Winter Wonderland. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

But, at the moment, I miss home. I'm sure I'm not alone.

So wherever you find yourself this Christmas, at home with your family or on the other side of the world from the ones you love, I want to wish you all a very, very Happy Christmas!

'Twas the Week Before Christmas

2009-12-20T03:30:00.005+10:00

This week there has been a lot of excitement about snow...and mostly just from me! The Brits don't seem to feel the same as I do about snow, they see it as an inconvenience, instead of looking at its beauty. Yes, I understand the travel chaos it can cause, but after all, it's snow, people! There are so many people in the world who've never even seen the stuff. Maybe after I've been here for a few years, my views on snow will change, but for now, I love it and hope there is more to come.

On Wednesday, the first snow began to fall, which coincided with the kids last day at school, so we drove to Richmond Park and had a snowball fight and a bit of a play in the snow. By Thursday, it had all washed away. Oh, well. I have not given up hope of snow for Christmas Day.

Last Sunday I went to a Carols service at church, which was fantastic. It was a very cold night and obviously, we were inside, but it did remind me of the many carols services I have been to back home, outdoors, in your shorts on a hot night, the poor bloke dressed as Santa melting in his suit! It sometimes feels like Christmas, even though it's cold and I've been playing all my corny Christmas albums at every opportunity to get into the spirit.

I am so glad that I finished all my Christmas shopping last week. I really don't want to go near any stores if I can help it! I did have to make another trip to the Post Office though, and was not surprised by the "service"...I have come to expect it. The guy behind the glass (I can't call him "the guy who served me", because there was no service involved!) spent the whole transaction on facebook on his iPhone! There are no more words...

My auntie and uncle arrive from Melbourne tomorrow and I'll be spending Christmas with them at my cousin's house. Not sure how I'll get there yet since there are NO buses or tube trains that run on Christmas Day, and just to make it fun, the taxi's are impossible to find and charge you extra...just another joy of Christmas!

On a festive note, the kids and I made a very cool snowman for the playroom, along with some pretty impressive snowflakes. I love my job!

Well, so far, that is my lead up to Christmas. Tomorrow, I am off to church again for a Christmas family service...with my family (the ones that are here at least!), then it will be a few days of "work" as normal, then Christmas 2009 will be here.

Oh, and it will be white...it will be white...please??