happy birthday siobhan

My good friend Siobhan turned 24 this weekend. To celebrate her boyfriend Tom planned a surprise party starting at a pub on the river Thames in Greenwich. However, because Tom and I were staying with them for the night, we started the party a bit early. We me at their flat a little before five and Siobhan was so happy to see us. She really wanted to spend her special day with friends, but thought it was just her and her Tom going for a few quiet drinks. Little did she know even more people would join in later.



We had pink bubbly as we got ready, then into a cab and on our way to Greenwich we went. As soon as we walked into the pub Siobhan was shocked to see so many others there for her birthday. It was a pleasant evening so we sat out on the river chatting over drinks. Canary Wharf and the O2 dome set the background with many boats floating past throughout the night. When it started to get chilly we moved on to a pub more in the center of Greenwich before making the last stop of our night where we danced, danced, danced. The night was brilliantly successful!

The next day, Siobhan's actual birthday, my Tom was supposed to play cricket. Both of us were pleased when he was told the other team was unable to secure enough players so the match was canceled. It meant our day was free from obligations and we were able to continue birthday celebrations with lunch at a lovely pub in Kent. The sun was shining and the pub sat on a little river where kids were splashing about with little nets trying to catch whatever they could find. It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon before driving back down to Brighton.

Love

I want to ride my bicycle

I am officially a cycling commuter. Yes, Monday to Friday I have swapped my train pass for that beautiful pair of wheels above.

I'm fortunate to work for a company that takes part in the government's ride-to-work scheme. Through this I got a voucher for a bicycle from Evan's Cycles (different companies work with other stores). This voucher allowed me to pay for 60 percent of the bike and the purchase was exempt from taxes. Not only that, but the cost is taken out of my paycheck evenly over a year. Participating in this scheme is a very affordable way to purchase a bike. And what a bike I got! Through recommendation at Evan's I purchased the BMC road racer. It is an absolutely amazing bike, when I'm riding it at times I seriously feel as though I'm floating.

I'm starting to feel like a proper cyclist as well. In addition to my daily commute, which is lovely along the seafront, I am starting to go for longer rides. Yesterday I rode through beautiful country lanes nearly 30 miles round trip with my friend Nick up to Bolney Village to watch Tom play cricket. It was wonderful. For those of you who don't understand cricket, one team bats and scores all of their runs, then the other team bats and tries to get more runs. Luckily Tom's team was fielding first which is a bit boring to watch and by the time Nick and I got there it was nearly time for the teams to switch and for Tom's team to start batting. Tom was the first batter and did amazing. He scored 78 runs! After the game Tom was talking to his dad who said his top score ever in cricket was 60 runs. It was exciting to watch Tom do so well, and of course his team won. Then Nick and I got back on our bikes and cycled back down to Brighton. Today I can definitely feel I had a good workout.

I do love it though. I used to run because it was free and a good workout, but never really enjoyed it. When I'm cycling it is a vastly different story. I become so happy when on my bike and constantly think how much fun it is.

Luckily Amex also participates in the ride-to-work scheme and just this week Tom got a road bike as well. I predict a lot more cycling in my future.

Love

Heavenly Heatwave

Right now Great Britain is experiencing a great heat wave. By heat wave here they mean its around 90 to 100 degrees F every day. There have been many news articles and alerts advising people on how to survive these increased temperatures. It's a serious issue. I don't understand the fuss, to me this isn't a heat wave, its just summer. And what an incredible summer weekend I've just had!

Friday night was the annual Oxted Pram Race. Tom (N), Tom (W), and Shaun dressed up as Team Glee grabbed a wheelbarrow and raced up through Oxted stopping outside each pub to consume the mandatory drinks and getting soaked by kids with water guns on the way. They placed 14th overall out of 66 teams, not to shabby. Siobhan and I luckily were just spectators taking pictures and laughing at the people racing by.




Rather than staying in the overly crowded village fighting our way to the bar all night, the five of us went back to Brook Farm where we shared a very civilized curry by candlelight.

We awoke bright and early Saturday morning already starting to break a sweat in the heat. Lucky for us Tom's family is one of the few in England to have a pool. It wasn't long before we were jumping in with music on, BBQ food prepared and ciders chilling. The lazy day was spent soaking up the rays. We had a delicious BBQ cooked thanks to Tom, played a bit of rounders in the back garden and even made it down to the county fete for the egg toss (which resulted in me covered in raw egg as they are impossible to not break when launched from ages away). After all day in the sun we made our way back down to Brighton where I tried and failed to keep my eyes open during a film. Overall it was a perfect summer day.






Sunday's weather was brilliant once again. A few chores had to be done first thing (laundry and sweeping how fun), but then it was off to the beach where Tom and I met up with Shaun and his friend Paul. And... I WENT SWIMMING IN THE SEA!! For the first time in my life I went into the sea here. Usually its too cold for me, but not yesterday, even the sea was warm! I swam about trying to ride the waves. It was so much fun. It was like being on holiday. That is one of the best things about Brighton, when it comes to summer the beach makes you feel like you are away on holiday. The beach, music, bars, loads of people, the sea, the sun, flea markets, etc. its so much fun. Only a short walk and I can be there every weekend. Its these times that make the winter bearable. After my swim we walked to Hove lawns for a little football, which I'm horrible at, then went the the best ice cream place around, Marrocco's. I had a delicious double scoop of lemon sorbet and pistachio. From there we carried on home for yet another bbq before the big game. It was the last match in the World Cup - Spain v Holland. Spain won for the first time ever with a goal right at the end of extra time. They will be the reigning champions for the next four years.

Once again I was exhausted from all of the sun and fun and soon after the game was fast asleep resting up before have to face reality and go back to work.

Love

Holiday at Home

I know its been ages since my last post, over a month, shame on me! But I have been one busy little girl. I started writing this post in Calgary whilst waiting for the flight that will fly me back to England. I spent two weeks at home, and what a busy and wonderful two weeks they were! Tom was with me as well and we definitely enjoyed our summer holiday and being spoiled. (the other weeks I haven’t written I don’t really have an excuse for, I suppose just work and getting ready to go home, i'll be better).

Rather than a long detailed account of my time in the States which might put some of you to sleep as there is so much to write about, I will show you with my pics, much more entertaining!

Saturday 12 June:
Cousin Alessandra’s Graduation from Rodgers High School in Puyallup
Followed by celebratory crab dinner at Grami and Papa’s




Sunday evening 13 June – Tuesday morning 15 June
Brinnon. Clamming, oyster picking, beach adventuring and loads of fresh seafood eating at my Grandpa & Grandma’s






Wednesday 16 June
Bowling with Dad, Tom and one of the best girls I know, Brianna (notice Dad's score, straight X's!)





Thursday 17 June
BBQ at Brianna’s. Now I will write a little here because I was silly and forgot to take pictures, guess I was having too much fun. Brianna and I have been best friends since age 10 when we met in the third grade. We also met Amanda that year and these two girls are the best friends a girl could hope for. Amanda married Derek last summer and of course the two of them joined in our feast this night along with my parents and Brianna’s mom Mary. We goerged on burgers of course, along with fruit, veggies, ceasar salad, delicious kebab skewers thanks to Tom, and all of this topped off with chocolate chip cookies and mojitos. The evening past quickly and all too soon we realised it was 11:30 and a few of people’s bedtime as it was a work night.

Friday 18 June - afternoon
Lunch at Golden Creek with Mom and Tom.
Despite being up in the mountains, this restaurant is home to the best fish & chips around.





Friday 18 June - evening
Laura & Chris’ rehersal dinner
After a quick rehearsal at the church the wedding party and a few others involved in the big day help the bride and groom spend their last unmarried night with a fiesta at Chris’. Plenty of yummy Mexican food, an eye watering slideshow created by Laura and getting to see many old friends, amazing.



Saturday 19 June
Laura & Chris’ Wedding.
A beautiful day, nine years in the making. So happy for these two lovely friends of mine.






Sunday 20 June
Father’s Day! Golfing at Apple Tree. Love you Dad.




Monday 21 June
Bob’s burgers. Once again silly me didn’t get my camera out. The party was made of the same group as the BBQ plus Brianna’s dad Randy who just returned from a week at their cabin in Canada. Bob’s burgers is new in Yakima, and quite possibly the best burger I have ever had. Sorry King’s Row. Seriously though, it was huge and I forced myself to eat every last bite, I didn’t have to convince myself too much. I had the Chipolte green chilli burger with grilled onions and onion rings on the side. Yes, usually I would complian about how unhealthy this meal was, but it was my last night in America for a little while and I happily porked every last bit!

Tuesday 22 June
Morning brunch with Grami and Papa, yummy eggs benny, then to the airport.

And that is it, nearly two weeks at home. Never enough. So thankful for the time I had, and that I got to see so many family and friends. Love all of you very much!