I hope everyone is doing very well. Sorry I have not posted as of late, I have thought about it, and actually written a couple posts, but have not had the chance to get them online. I guess in this post I will provide a quick recap of the rest of 2011, as well as the beginning of 2012!
2011
The year wrapped up very well for me. I was extremely busy with work toward the
end of 2011, but it was worth it because I was promoted, as of Jan 1, 2012! London is still a very exciting place, and I did not do that much travel toward the end of the year. I tend to do a lot of travelling early in the year, so toward the end of the year I was pretty chill. I had my good friend Leanne Eberle visit for Thanksgiving, which was a lot of fun!
It was actually perfect timing, because she was able to attend our friends 2nd Annual ‘Straysgiving’ dinner, which is her version of Thanksgiving for all the strays who cannot be with their families over this holiday. It was a great time, and she cooked a huge turkey and transformed her living room into an epic dinner for 12! I am really thankful to have found a great group of friends in London.
Christmas
Since I missed Christmas in Houston with my family last year, I was extremely excited to see my folks this Christmas! When I arrived in Houston on the 21st of December, it was pretty interesting how I experienced ‘reverse’ culture shock. I was amazed at how much space was around, and the fact that so many people were driving. You see, Houston is one of those cities where driving is the norm, and walking (or taking the tube) just does not happen that much.
Top 10 differences I noted when I was at home:
1. When you go to a store/shopping, you drive around the parking lot for 10 minutes looking for a spot that will save you a 5 minute walk...
2. When you do choose to walk somewhere, the sidewalk just ends when you come to a major intersection... What to do?
3. We went to a restaurant, I ordered a meal, and the server commented in his highest voice, “that is a FANTASTIC choice sir”. I was like, uhh, thanks. What customer service.
4. The fact my water glass was filled at all times when in a restaurant.
5. The fact that I did not have to ask for my bill once when we ate out.
6. The fact that you cannot get one meal that does not contain cheese!
7. How fruits and veggies last almost two weeks (they last less than a week here in London). What do they put in the food?
8. When you go to an outdoor shopping centre, you go to one store, get in the car, then drive across the parking lot to the next.
9. That you spend about $50 on gas every couple of days.
And the biggest culture shock I experienced...
10. Driving on the 16 lane freeway, and having to get over 7 lanes to the exit ramp.
I do have to say, it was funny how I started to ‘miss’ London toward the end of my visit. I missed my new friends (aka. Badgers). I also missed working out at my gym, being able to take the tube anywhere, and not having to spend hours in the car every day just running normal errands. I truly like to walk around when going places, it is not only healthier, but it is a great experience going place to place just enjoying your surroundings.
New years was also great this year. Since I am rarely in Houston over New Years, I really wanted to spend it this year with my big sis. In addition to her job, she is a pretty cool DJ. As such, we decided to go to her club for a fun night of dancing! It was such a great time, from the free entry, to the surprise complimentary bottles they provided, she definitely showed me a great time, thanks sis!
Mom, Dad – Thanks for showing me yet a wonderful time at home again. Avita, it was really great to see you and talk to see how things have been with you. I wish you much happiness and health in 2012. I love you all and will see you soon!
2012
So far, 2012 has started out with a bang! Work is going great. I am really happy to have found a job that I am actually excited to go to most days. I have plenty of trips planned for 2012 (Barcelona, Iceland, LA, Chicago, Milwaukee, Brighton and hopefully some others).
I also am starting to feel like London is my home. I have good friends, and have recently met someone who is making me really happy. Life just seems to be going great right now, and I hope it continues into this year. 2012 will be my year.
Thanks again for reading, and let me know if you want me to blog about something in particular.
