The Pub Quiz

Pubs are a central feature in British culture.  Everyone has their "local", the nearby pub that they most often frequent, and pubs always have their groups of regulars who all become friends.  It is common for pubs to host a weekly Pub Quiz.

My local, The Ancient Mariner, holds their pub quiz every Monday at 8pm.  My housemates and I, along with a couple of other friends, were regulars at this quiz throughout the Autumn.  We started off doing all right at the quiz, but then the difficulty increased and we began to rank near the bottom.  We haven't got back in the habit of attending the quiz since I've been back after Christmas.  I think part of the reason is that a night at the pub on a Monday can make the working week more difficult, even when you don't drink. 

Last night I returned to this pub quiz with a few people from Pure360.  Abi, the marketing manager, recently moved into the neighbourhood and she arranged the evening.  I enjoyed being back at the quiz, but I must admit I am horrible at quizzes!  I blame the fact that I am not British on my lack of quiz skills.  A lot of the questions are based on history or pop culture that I missed out on as I grew up in America.  That's my story anyway and I'm sticking to it.  I think I answered a couple of questions last night which helped our team come second to last.  It might sound like we did badly; however, there is a cash prize for second to last and it is usually worth more than 3rd place.  We even had to battle to win this cash.  Our team tied for second to last so the true winner was decided by rock, paper, scissors.  Scissors never fails. We won a grand total of £8!  A successful night.

Love

Point-to-point

 

 I awoke Friday morning to a text from Tom's Mum asking if we wanted tickets to the point-to-point on Sunday.   I didn't really know much about point-to-point races, but I knew they are a type of horse event and figured it would be a fun new experience.

Around noon on Sunday Tom and I drove up to Brook Farm (actually I drove to get practice as soon I'll have to drive his manual, aka stick shift, to work) to pick up our tickets and my Hunter wellies.  The point-to-point was only a few minuets drive from his home, and I had a wonderful time at the event. 

As soon as we started walking around I couldn't help but laughing, everyone looked SO stereotypically English!  Seriously; flat caps, barber jackets, wellies, people with mulitiple dogs on leads (aka leashes in American), it was just like out of the movies.  Luckily I had my camera along, and like an out of place tourist couldn't resist snapping pics.  I even tried taking some of random people to capture the countryside couture, but often felt too awkward halfway through and ruined the picture.  Tom didn't find it so exciting, he doesn't like all of the flat caps and claims real country people do not dress like that.  He says it is just all the rich Oxted people who really have city jobs and are commuters who put on the clothes to look like they fit in.  I'm not too sure seeing as the majority of people were dressed that way and we were in the country.  I like to think its really like the films.

The races were exciting to watch.  Point-to-point is a type of hunting race.  I loved that they had the huntsmen there.  Three men in red tailcoats sat proudly on their horses, just like in all of the old British pictures.  I even saw someone with three bugles on leads.

It was just like this old piece of art:

When a jockey fell going over a jump I was so scared.  Other horses continued jumping over the fence as he lay there on the ground.  I know its a risk of the job, but it terrified me! Betting on the horses also made the day exiting.  I bet either on the name I liked best, or the horse I most liked the look of.  Tom placed a last minute bet in the final race, and that horse won, which meant we won!  We won just enough to come out even for the day.  The money spent on bets and doughnuts came back to us right at the end. 

We were there for the last three of seven races, but it was the perfect amount of time.  Despite having on tights, socks, ski socks and my wellies I still could not feel my toes by the end.  It took a while for them to warm up at Brook Farm as I sat hugging a cup of tea.

The day was topped off perfectly with Tom surprising me by taking me for a meal at the Ginger Dog.  The Gingerman Group consists of four to die for pub/restaurants around Brighton.  Our food was incredible.  I had the Sweet Potato and Poppy Seed Somosa on a bed of Red Lentils and Spinach.  Tom had the Pork with Celeriac Mash in Apple.  For pudding we shared the Apple Fritter with Vanilla Ice Cream and Toffee Drizzle.  Once finished we didn't want to leave, we wanted to order more.  We even discussed if it was too awkward to order starters at the end, we decided it might be.  The quality of food at these restaurants is clearly a step above most places.  I felt very special being surprised with being taken out for such a lovely meal.  Tom did well, he did very well!

Love

Brighton Rock

Brighton Rock is a novel by Graham Greene published in 1938.  In 1947 a film was made based on this novel, and today a remake is in theatres. 

My house mate Roo and I decided to go to the cinema on Saturday, and as we browsed through the listings we both agreed Brighton Rock was the perfect choice.  Being set in Brighton familiar scenes were sure to make the film interesting.  Additionally, it was playing at the Duke of York cinema which I have always wanted to go to.  It is a small old theatre with a lot of character.  Much more inviting and cosy than the large cinemas.

This version of Brighton Rock is set in 1964 and is about the mobsters of the time.  There is a quite a lot of violence, starting with a murder in the opening scene, which continues throughout the film.  But there is also a romance of sorts which added to my enjoyment of the film.  It's hard to say much more about it because I recommend you see this.  It's quite cultural and has great scenes of Brighton beach.   I was surprised that the beach chairs and wind shields are identical to those used today.

Discussing the film afterwards Roo and I both agreed that it's a good film, but it could have built up the characters and gone more in depth to make it a great film.  There was a lot going on, with the action at the end happening very quickly, and neither of us became emotionally attached to the characters.  If it would have gone more in depth it would be easier to choose a side and feel for the characters.  Our thinking this might in part due to the fact that neither of us are British.  British people probably know a lot more about the Mods and Rockers that used to rule Brighton, and also probably know about student riots of that time.  Or perhaps its just part of the reserved British culture to not expose more and not make the audience emotionally attached?  I'd love to hear a British person's point of view.

Also, I found the ending a bit annoying.  It is a happily ever after ending, and the girl, Rose, is a victim so I probably should be satisfied that she gets to remain in love and happy.  However, she was deluded in her love as he didn't really care for her.  The rest of the film was tragic enough I think I would have preferred pure tragedy.  Let her know the truth.  I makes Rose a silly girl.

As I said at the beginning of this post, I would recommend the film.  Even though it wasn't completely fulfilling it is interesting and there are good shots of Brighton.  I'm not sure if it's out in the States or if it will make it there, but if it does check it out!  And if you are British and reading this... what do you think of the film?

Love

V+1

Just over four years ago I excitedly arrived in England for the first time.  I quickly became friends with two fun girls Ramsie and Lauren.  We experienced this new foreign land together going on day trips with the uni, tried to stay fit at the gym on campus and went out to pubs/clubs at night.  Thanks to these two girls one night at the end of January at one of those clubs I met Tom.  It's history from there, and yes every now and then picking up a guy from a club on the £1 tequila night can equal true love. 

It was Lauren's idea sometime in January that the three of us girls go out on Valentines.  We had only been in the country a short while so surely we would all be without dates.  No one imagined I would find the man of my dreams so quickly.  When Tom asked me out to be his valentine I politely turned him down.  I already had plans.  I think this was a good move as my hard to get tactics really worked.  He was infatuated with me of course and invited me out the next night instead.  He invited me out for V+1. 

That date four years ago was smashing, I was truly spoilt! Embarrasingly so.  This year I didn't receive flowers and loads of gifts but I did have a wonderful evening.  Seriously it was so much fun!  Tom took me out to The Hove Kitchen.  We enjoyed a three course meal; in effort to save money we had the £10 2 course set menu and shared the bleeding chocolate fondant for pudding.  Our meal was accompanied by plenty of drinks; a French Martini for me to start followed by sharing wine.  We sat chatting and eating for a couple of hours.  I really enjoyed our time.  It is rare to get such quality one on one time together as we are so often with friends.  And you know what, Tom is a lot of fun to hang out with! 

We didn't exchange gifts, but in the cards we gave each other we wrote each other poems to express our love.  I was quite proud of mine.  I'm not a poet by any means, but I spent some time on it and I think his poem was the best I've ever written. It was sentimental with some humour and really sweet.  He forgot/"didn't have time" to write in my card so he wrote his poem for me at the restaurant.  It began, "Roses are red, Violets are blue, I'm writing this whilst you're in the loo."  Precious.  It did make me laugh.

What was the highlight of your V day?

Love

Rugby 6 Nations

The time has come again this year when six European countries send bulked up men with toned legs running up and down various pitches (pitch= field) whilst tossing a ball about and bashing into each other.  They do it wearing short shorts and at times make things more interesting by forming semi-circles of bodies which crash into each other (known as a scrum) or by lifting men into the air much like a ballet move (also known as a line out) .  Yes, 6 Nations rugby is here.  *If you want to know more about the competition check wikipedia.

England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales are in the midst of this competition, and to be honest I'm not really sure how long it goes on for.  All I know is that when there are attractive men on the pitch the game is a lot more interesting.  The first game of the day this Saturday was England v Italy and I went up to London with Tom where he planned to watch the game with friends.  I was going to meet Siobhan and have girly drinks elsewhere.   We stopped at the bookies (gross I know) briefly before the game, and I did place a small bet.  I bet £1.50 to make it more interesting: £1 on Flood to score the first try because I think he is the fittest man starting in the game, and £0.50 for Italy to win at the half and England to win in the end.  I lost both bets.  Flood assisted the first try rather than scoring it and England dominated the entire game destroying Italy with an end score of 59 - 13.  Siobhan and I watched the first half before going for a couple glasses of bubbly at a bar around the corner from the pub were the boys were.  We had a lovely catch up.

There was more rugby we didn't watch that night and again on Sunday and there will be more next weekend and the weekend after that for sure.  Luckily I do kind of enjoy the game. I'd say it is one of my favourites to watch, behind baseball of course.  Who will the 6 Nations champion be this year?  I don't know who to predict, must watch and see.

Love

Jennifer Kreger: Marketing Executive

I've been offered a new job! After sending in application after application, being told I was the 2nd choice a couple of times and going through a number of interviews I have finally been offered an exciting position.  Starting 1 March I will be a Marketing Executive for Changefirst.  How cool is that!!!

 

I've wanted to be in marketing,  and I've finally done it.  I've got the job I desire, one that will grow into a successful career.

Changefirst "help(s) people and organisations implement change successfully".  Check out the Changefirst website.

I am incredibly excited to start this job.  It's in Haywards Heath a little outside of Brighton in a country cottage.  It is lovely.  I'm sure I'll have loads more to tell you once I start... watch this space!

Love

Bee Family Bear Facts: Intriguing Trivia

In my stocking at Christmas, yes I know this was aaaages ago now, I received a few packs of Bear Nibbles.  Yummy nutritious snacks that amazingly I haven't completely devoured yet.

I'm sitting here at my desk this morning and I've started feeling a little hungry.  So out come a pack of Strawberry yoyo's, a Bear treat I haven't tried yet. Yum, yum, yum they don't last long.

 

As I opened the pack a Bee Family card fell out. 

On the back are some amazing facts...

"Bear Fact 58:  The 'titan arum' is a large flowering plant which stinks of rotting meat."  Nice.

"Bear Fact 92:  The venom of the king cobra is so deadly that 1 gram of it can kill 150 people."  Wow.

Interesting trivia, isn't it?


Love

Socialite Chic

Last night I felt like a socialite.  A new bar opens in Brighton tonight, and last night I was on the guest list for their pre-opening event.  Free cocktails and canapes, it was bliss. 

All Bar One is a chain in England, but up until now they didn't have a venue in Brighton.  Quite shocking I think considering Brighton is called "London by the sea". 

The bar was full when I sauntered in.  I slid through the crowd straight to the Martini table, then waited for the others in my group to arrive.  Whilst waiting I navigated my way to the back of the room in hopes of securing a table, but only the lucky few found seats for the night. Food soon began to float past; mini burgers, bruchetta with sautéed red onions, calamari and quesedillas were devoured last night.  I was only the random girl wandering about on her own for a short while as my friends arrived after not too long.  The event continued for a couple of hours, which was plenty of time to sip the variety of drinks on offer. 

It was a fabulous night chatting to strangers and friends whilst drinking lovely cocktails and nibbling yummy treats.  The best bit is it didn't cost a penny. 

Love

A Sunday in the country

It's not often I up before 8am on a Sunday, but this weekend with go karting on the schedule I was up with the birds.

Flo arranged the outing for Tom's birthday/Christmas as last time we went he absolutely loved it.  Our group of eight arrived to the track at 9:15 ready to race.  I'd been to this karting place twice before, but had no idea they have two different tracks.  It was a completely new experience for me as we were on the track I didn't know about.  We competed in two races that were each fifteen minutes long.  I'm sad to say I was in the bottom half both times.  Tom did well though, he came first and then third.  Everyone had a great time, even the girls who were hesitant at first are eager to go again.

We finished by 11am, a time most of us would be barely out of bed.  You can get so much done in a day when you get up early.   Our group then went to Brook Farm for a cup of tea and cake, a very British thing to do.  As we sat sipping our tea Tom suggested a walk through the fields to see more of the farm.  What a great idea everyone agreed.  It was then decided we would walk to the Barley Mow, a pub about a ten to fifteen minutes away.

All bundled up we happily made our way to the pub.   When we got there a few people were getting very hungry, it was after 1pm at this point, so we decided to have some food.  The pub was busy as going out for a Sunday roast is a very popular activity, but luckily we were able to find a table.  Tom and I decided to share a Rabbit Pie and mushroom soup.  Rabbit has become very fashionable lately due to celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson and Nigel Slater cooking with them on TV.   And it was delicious!

It was a superb Sunday, loads of fun and relaxation with friends.

Love