Oxford Circus and Friends

Today I took my first ever SOLO MISSION into the big WEST END of London (and I didn't get lost once)!

I caught the Tube by myself this morning and headed towards Oxford Circus. Of course the Tube was interesting there was a guy and two girls who were in what looked like a friendly threesome, it was hard for me not to observe (i was trying to figure it out lol). Anyways, before leaving Sara recommended a store TOPSHOP because it is very fashionable and relatively cheap. Well I was excited because it was the first store i saw when I walked out of the station however it was way to overwhelming for me. I felt like such an outcase, everyone was wearing all these mix and match outfits that they made look amazing however if I ever tried these random combo outfits on it would be a different story. Nevertheless I left that store and countinued on my adventure from Oxford Circus to finding Picadilly's Circus. Ironically enough most of my purchase were from stores we have back home (i.e. H & M). I still find it amazing how all of these average stores are located at the bottoms of such beautiful buildings.

The weather out today is the hottest it has been which was nice at first and then a little wind would have been appricated. However, I made my was to Picadilly's Circus and it was the busiest spot of the day... people EVERYWHERE. From there I went to Leicester Square which is a square of theatres and cinemas and in the middle today they had buskers performing which was nice so I took a break and sat on the grass to watch.

From there I headed into SoHo unaware that I would come across China Town (i dont know if thats what they call it). I didnt spend much of my day here seeing that SoHo was the dirtiest place so far. It is here where I found a homeless man sleeping with his hands down his pant :)... to each their own.

I ended my day on Carnaby Street, which was my favourite spot of the day even though I didnt buy anything from the shops. It was a little square with many different off roads and all sorts of different shops. The roads were only for pedestrians and there were large welcoming gate signs.
I was in town for 4 - 5 hrs exploring it was very nice (once I got familiar with the atmosphere).

PS -> I meet Olivia finally Thrusday and she is tons of fun... we are going to have some good time together, she is a girl who would rather have adult friends than her own age I think. However she always fights for what she wants but im a hard ass and lay down my ground rules (something you must do in the first couple of weeks to aviod being walked on!) All you Nipissing people would be happy to learn I am using a positive reinforcement chart system with her :)

Cheers to All.

A Potential Friend

Today has been a good day so far, mainly because I meet a potential friend :) I know it seems kinda sad when a potential anything is the highlight of my day but after spending 5 days and your only outsource of company is a 2 year old a friendly face is always nice to see.

This potential friend is named Aaron... he was my banker at Barclays today. I had an appointment to set up an account and it was nice to see that my appointment was with someone who was roughly the same age as me. The entire banking process took about an hour... so we had a good time chatting. Through out the entire processes he found out my birthday was coming up and when he left to fill out some paper work he had come back with a birthday card! Inside he said happy birthday oviously and gave me his number. During our convo I asked him whats good to do in London and explained I was going Saturday... and when I was leaving he said if I ever want to know more about London to just stop by, or give him a call.

(NOTE: I LOVE YOU BABY)

Although to some this may seem minimal but to me it was the first person my age that I have had a conversation with since I've been here! Now all I have to do is think of a good way to take him up on his offer without looking desprite or interested in him. (if you have ideas let a sister know!)

Now its 4:11 here and Olivia and Jane (Saras Mom) still haven't arrived, Sara said they could come anytime between 3 - 6:00.

The other day Sara told me she noticed Izy was catching on to "North America" terms...
I guess Izy has been saying "um uh" instead of yes, something I would have never noticed seeing I say it all the time... but it was interesting that shes already catching on to words I use.

After my adventures here I am going to be the best house wife ever... even though I dont plan on being a house wife. I cook, clean, and iron! Actually I find it quite odd... Sara wants me to iron Izy clothes, I understand ironning Olivias seeing that she wears a uniform... but ironning a 2 year old clothes seems strange to me. Oh well because they are so little I dont mind... and if occupies my time. They also iron bedding... I dont find this as weird, but since I come from a house that rarely irons ANYTHING unless its a special occassion its all a little odd.

I miss everyone,
and Thank you all for being there when I have bad days!
Your love is appricated :)

Westminster

Today I got to experience my first real London Trip. Seeing that it was a Bank Holiday here Sara, Maureen and I took Izy to Westmister. We caught the Tube at around 1:15 and were in Westminster by 1:45.

The moment we were out of the underground I was standing right infront of the Parliment building (top picture)! Honestly the picture can do nothing ... it was just amazing. We then proceeded to walk past the Horse Gaurds exactly when they were changing places! We made our way threw St. James Park all the way to Buckingham Palace! It was a busy day playing the the sand pit, and chasing piegons, and admirering the colours of the flowers. Izy seems to adore me... she learnt my name within moments of meeting her and has been attached ever since. I was very pleased with this and when I meet Olivia on Thrusday I hope to have the same affect.
Tomorrow Sara is back to work and its is just Maureen and I, I enjoy having them around at the begining as I learn the tricks of the trade.

The hardest part I think with be Tea (The childrens Dinner)... Since they have always been here I havent had to make it yet on my own! But the time will come and oh my it will be interesting to see!

I bought my own Oyster Pass (its what they call the electronic card for the Tube) today so I plan if all is well to go into the core of London this weekend to explore... I must spread my wings!
Sara has taught me enough about the Tube and directs that I think I will be ok.

Miss everyone... looking at facebook pics has given me my first emo experiences here!

But when im busy I am having a great time!

Kisses and Hugs!

You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello

NEW NOTE: the flowers Maureen had in my room when I arrived!

Hello All!

Can you believe it ... I never thought it would actually happen and now I write to you all from ENGLAND! I am safe and all is well... just getting a custom to my new temporary life.

Its crazy how everything here is the same but slightly different... i'm still intriged by thier slang for sertain things. I think so far my favourite thing that I want to pick up on is Chap (Guy). They also call umbrellas something wierd but I always forget what it is lol.

So far I spend yesterday with David (the Dad) and Maureen his mother who is down until wednesday. Sara (the Mom) and the youngest girl who is 2 Isabella (Bell) are coming home today. Then Olivia (Livy) who is 6 the and Sara's mother are coming wednesday as well, they are also bringing Chivers the dog.

Woodford Green, Essex reminds me some what like a small town back home kinda like Stratford or something. Many little shops and everyone walks everwhere. Yesterday Maureen and I went for a walk and she showed me where I can catch the Tube into "The West End" (thats the popular London stop), as well as she showed me Olivias school.

I'm trying to keep busy with my time but setting up camp and going for walks until I get into a routine of things and meet people.

I miss you all,
and hope you are doin well in Canada.

Hugs and Love