prevailing

many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
proverbs 19:21

stressed

i love when i tell superiors that i'm stressed and overwhelmed with my workload, that they give me more work to do...makes sense, right?


counting down the days until i get to go home, and forget about work for a whole month.
i also get to thaw out a bit in the florida sun :) i can already feel it seeping through my pores :D

path

i see my path, but i don't know where it leads. not knowing where i'm going is what inspires me to travel it.
rosalia de castro

18 july 1923 to 18 october 2009

gramps' funeral was about a month ago now, but i just wanted to share the song that my family and i sang at the grave site on the day of. it was a beautifully sweet, sorrowful, and joyous moment for us. it was mixed with tears, sniffling, and smiles. we had been allowed the wonderful opportunity to have know this great, loving, sneaky, smart, God-fearing man. so we will miss him dearly, but we rest assured that he is in a far better place. a place he has been longing to go to for so long, to be home with his most precious lord and saviour.

And can it be that i should gain

an interest in the saviour's blood?
died he for me, who cause his pain?
for me, who him to death pursued?
amazing love! how can it be
that thou, my god, shouldst die for me?

'tis mystery all: the immortal dies!
who can explore his strange design?
in vain the first-born seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
'tis mercy all! let earth adore,
let angel minds enquire no more.

he left his father's throne above -
so free, so infinite his grace -
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for adam's helpless race.
'tis mercy all, immense and free;
for, o my god, it found out me!

long my imprisoned spirit lay
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray 0
i woke, the dungeon flamed with light,
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
i rose, went forth, and followed thee.

no condemnation now i dread;
jesus, and all in him, is mine!
alive in him, my living head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold i approach the eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through christ, my own.
-charles wesley

photo exploration

i tried uploading this picture last week, but it wouldn't work. sadness at the failed attempt.
however, patience has paid off.
there was a little photo exploration last week through my gran's photo albums in preparation for my grandpa's celebration of life service, as he has recently passed away. gran used to sit and go through an album or two with me on most my visits as i've gotten older and before gramps got ill. i seriously could be content sitting looking through all those albums over and over again. so much photographic history.
when i'm not so sleepy, maybe i'll post a few more of my favourites that have been scanned in.

until then, i'm not exactly certain what it is about this picture that brings me so much joy, but it does.
for world, these are my parents a la 1974.

dirt caked eyes and rat's nest hair

melissa and i went on an impromptu hike yesterday out at the white cliffs of dover.

i've realized that when i am out in nature, this is when i feel closest to God. when i am surrounded by what my Creator has created. this obviously extends out to really good get-togethers with people as well. there is just something about a good gathering of folks and hearing the stories and the laughter everywhere; however, that's another bloggy topic.

back to the cliffs.
it was an INCREDIBLY windy, and as a result we had difficulty walking in straight lines the whole time....
dust and dirt were blown everywhere, and this morning "rat's nest" doesn't even begin to cover what my hair was like.
but it was worth it. to be able to see sights like this.

we didn't complete the entire national trust trail just because we wanted to make it back to the high street in dover priory before it got too dark. it is definitely a trail i want to finish in the future though.

sick

my rubbish bin overflows with used tissues.
i need to find where the off switch is for my nose
because that overflowth as well.

goodbye sunshine

it's official, in my book at least, that summer is no more.

the weather is being a bit schizophrenic though. on the very same day it would be unbearable to go outside without a coat and then piping hot to wear same said coat. oh won't it make up it's mind?

i should enjoy whatever lingering warmth there is about.

soon i may end up freezing in the forthcoming winter. it is a very good thing that i will be going to florida for a month over christmas. already dreaming about my favourite time of year weather-wise in south florida :)

i just realized that i wrote an entire post about "the weather." did i just turn 80?

"soul"journing

my aunt convinced me to purchase rail tickets and get out of london.
so, i'm heading up to lovely scarborough this afternoon. afterall, it's a bank holiday weekend.
get in some family time. celebrate birthdays galore. have lots of laughter. seriously, lots of laughter.
this will be good for my soul i think.
it will be cold for my body though.

i mean, it's getting cool in london. i can only imagine what the temps are in north yorkshire. the leg warmers might get to make a reappearance ;)
(i'm such a florida wimp)

well my lovelies, enjoy the last few moments of summer. autumn is drawing near.

mental sanity

i need to maintain mine.

i've tried not to write about work on here much (helpful that i don't write on here much in general these days then - lol), but for the 2-3 that read this (and aren't my family) i figured i would do a vague work update.

things aren't going so great. i'll be honest in that i live for the weekends at the moment.
it's no way to live. it's not good for the soul. i feel my passion and excitement slipping away slowly. it's just not fostered and encouraged. there is only so much fight a person has in them.

there are good moments with the children that i try and hold onto, to keep moving me forward. But do you ever have it where the bad just seems to outweigh the good at times?

with that being said, i know there is some soul searching to be done. the thing is actually making myself sit down and actually face what this layered issue is and what it is doing to me. sometimes it's just easier to avoid doing that and busy myself with other things.

so yeah, not so much of an upbeat, here's how awesome and fun and amazing it is to live in London post. unfortunately, i'm not just here on holiday. i work.

good news though, i think i've settled on a church. it seems quite good, young, socially active in London, etc. oh, and they love jesus.

note to self:

If I never ever want to even think about going on a date again in my entire life, then buy one of these.


Since I still want to be open to the possibility, I think I shall refrain for the time being.

06 july 09 evensong - westminster abbey

o gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive thee,
diligence to seek thee,
patience to wait for thee,
eyes to behold thee,
a heart to meditate on thee,
and a life to proclaim thee,
through the power of the spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

-st. benedict
c. 480-547

aubrey = mommy

i'd like to point out that one of my dear friends, aubs, is gonna to be a momma like super soon. it should be this weekend (if not already!). july 4th is D day.

who would have thought, that back in 2005, when this beautiful girl entered my life she would be a momma in just under 4 years times? she certainly wouldn't have ever ;) i always deep down was just waiting for the when though.

it makes me so excited to remember that this little bundle of joy is going to be in the world soon, separate from her. bj and aubs are going to great parents to silas. he'll be spoiled for love :)
come quickly baby silas - the world is ready to meet you!

tribute

My fans* have been asking for an update. That was last week though. They could have decided it is no longer necessary since I'm so slow on the uptake...

Today is Father's Day, and I'm a horrible daughter. I didn't send anything. Not even a card. It's fair treatment though. I forgot to send something over for Mother's Day as well... Just evening it out, right?

Well, I figured I could at least do a little something. Even though it is completely cheating by doing it on the blog-o-sphere.

So here is a little tribute to my daddy dearest.


My dad, in the simplest of terms, is quite literally amazing. He is one of the main reasons that I am the way that I am. (Not that I'm claiming to be amazing.) He is also one of the main reasons why I have such stinkin' high expectations out of the opposite sex (but that's a completely different topic!).


He was the peace keeper in a household of three females; which I know for a fact was no simple task! He is a protector through and through. He is intelligent, hilarious, and calming.

My dad is consistent. He is a rock. I have never once questioned his love for my mum, sister, me, or my nephew. Never. My dad is subtle. You have to pay attention to him; otherwise, people around you are going to start laughing and you're going to have no clue why. Just know it is because of something witty he said.

He was the person who packed my lunches for school; yes, up to senior year of high school. He was the one who woke me up in the mornings by ever-so-gently shaking my foot or arm; which would irritate me to the nth degree at the time. He brought me to majority of my piano lessons, band practices, competitions, etc for over 10 years. He was my personal GPS throughout university round one and two; despite us being on opposite ends of the state. He's the one that I email at all hours with silly and ridiculous questions to get answered; like which is the Cornish way of doing scones. He's the one who would take me to all my doctor's appointments growing up and bribed me to actually not thrash about when people tried to take my blood. He's the one who crushed up all my meds and mixed it into the only foods I could eat after jaw surgery, apple sauce and pudding. He has faithfully edited all my papers throughout school, that includes graduate school. He is a packing guru. He has always supported and encouraged me to be me, and has been a voice of reason when I might be doing something stupid. He's put up with my sister, myself, and Nate and our craziness ;)

My dad is a God-fearing man. I have never once questioned his love for his Lord and Saviour. Never. When times get tough, I know he just prays all the harder. His is the kind of faith that has been fine tuned for many a year. It's beautiful.

So folks, like I said, my dad is amazing.
Happy Father's Day daddy dearest :)

*my mum, dad, and sister

public transport

love to hate it, hate to love it.

it's actually not that bad....i'm starting to get a collection of people that i love to see on a daily basis now. we get on the same route around the same time in the morning, and i kind of get excited to see them get on. no, i'm not creepy. it's just the simple things in life that make me happy.

okay, so there is this mum and her son who get on our bus. He can't be more than 4 years old, and he is the cutest little boy. he asks SOOOOO many questions throughout the trip, and i just absolutely admire this mum for her wellspring of patience. one of our stops is "Beulah Family Church."
in his adorable little British accent, he asked his mum one morning, "mummy, what's a family church?"
Mum: it's just like any other church.
Little boy: But what does the man say at the family church?
Mum: paused probably stuff like the man says at our church.
Little boy: ohhhhh....mummy, what's that over there?
it always makes my morning to hear and watch this little boy and his mum. maybe i should tell her one day that i think she's doing a really good job because obviously in my line of work i don't see that much. maybe that's why it makes me all happy inside...

there's also a guy that Melissa and i refer to as "angry man." now, he's probably not an angry man in reality, but he always just looks super upset. we didn't see him for like two weeks, and we started to wonder where he disappeared to. no worries, he's back now.

everyday i come home from work and am greeted by this view as i walk towards my flat. it reminds me that i actually am living in london. mostly because i actually overlook london's skyline. pretty legit :)

police chases and busted dolls

The other day Melissa and I were walking from work to our bus stop through some neighbourhoods and not the high street way. We just had a couple of blocks left to go; when all of a sudden we hear this thudding hitting the pavement and it was getting louder. Melissa got off of the sidewalk and got onto the pavement on the other side of a car parked there. I then realized that there was some 17 year old booking it, and was on a path that would have sent him colliding into me. So, I sidestepped onto the pavement and literally just waited for him to get past.

A few yards behind him was a cop on foot, running after this guy. He was saying into his radio something like he was chasing the suspect into whatever the neighbourhood is called. Melissa and I stayed in our spots, her on the other side of the car and me waiting right behind the car. As he ran past, the cop kind of looked at us like, "why didn't you do anything?"

Now, if I weighed about 50-100 pounds more I might have. Being that I don't, I think that guy would have ran straight into me and knocked me down. Self-preservation folks. Melissa said she considered trying to trip the kid, but then was afraid that it would potentially break a bone. Again, self-preservation.

After they passed, we got back on the sidewalk, continued walking, and obviously talked about that randomness. I heard across the street some chuckling, and when I looked over there was a lady getting some things out of her car and she caught my eye. She could hear what Melissa and I were saying. She yelled out at us, "That boy wasn't even running that fast! " We laughed, and carried on. Further up the road, there was a lady cop who had detained about 4-5 of this kids' friends. I guess they figured there was no point.

We finally got on the bus, and suddenly it dawned on us that we just experienced our first Thornton Heath police foot chase. Good ol' Thornton Heath. I'm sure there will be more to come.

Now, this isn't the greatest quality picture in the world, but I was trying to take it on the sly. I had to go to this training today since I'm a new employee...it was an induction to Croydon. I could have been doing other things. Oh well! As part of this training we had some out of the room activities. Thus, I got paid to go to the Croydon museum as part of the day. Amazingly enough, this was one of the displays. Naked, busted, broke down dolls...

slightly long, but there are pictures!

Bank Holiday weekends are the best. Really, I don't understand why the States don't invest in having some of their own. It would do a world of good for the entire workforce!

This weekend I went to Scarborough to visit with the fam, and it was glorious; as it always is.

Auntie Mary getting ready to keep pushing her bike across the beach.

Uncle Paul, Auntie Mary, and I went on a 23 mile bike ride/push on Saturday. Yes, you read that correctly, 23 miles. I haven't ever gone that far on a bicycle in one try. There were points where I'm surprised I didn't need to have an oxygen tank wheeling alongside me on the path to make certain I didn't pass out. Now, when I say we pushed our bikes, there literally was no other way to get the bikes to where they needed to be at times since some of the hills were SO steep.

Okay, seriously, only in England would this happen at first sighting of the sun!

We were mighty chuffed with ourselves though (despite not being able to walk properly that night). It was a beautiful day in the English countryside :D

Oh pretty bike ride path!

Also saw my grandparents and the rest of the fam there as well. Honestly, there are times when I just don't understand how I'm so blessed with the family that I landed in. The constant talking, the quick wit, the perpetual laughter, the insane knowledge, the love of God, and the love for each other all just amaze me.

Moving on from sappy things though...Who wants to hear more adventures of riding public transport with Em? That's what I thought...I've got three little golden nuggets for you today. All from this weekend.

• Okay, I took the train up to Scarborough from Gipsy Hill. The long stretch of it I had an assigned seat at a table; meaning there were three other people seated at the table with me. My table had two young girls and their mum, and part of me was slightly dreading this because I just wanted a quiet train ride.
  
  The mum at some point had asked me if I had an American accent after I had asked if I could put my bag under the table; to which I obviously said yes. The girls were amazed and wanted to know where I was from, and they were even more amazed when I said Florida. They both exclaimed, "WE'RE FROM THERE TOO!" Excited doesn't even cover their reaction. Turns out they're from Tampa and living in London for a year.
  
  Through the course of conversation the mum had asked me where I went to uni. When I told them Florida State, the little girl next to me just stopped what she was drawing and stared at me and her sister just gasped. I looked from them to their mum, and she laughed and said, "I work for Florida State's study abroad program in London for the year." One thing led to another, and she was giving me her phone number, email address, etc. and telling me to get in touch with her so that she could take me out for coffee and that she would love to show me around when I get back. Both her girls were so insistent that I get in touch so we can hang out again. It was an absolutely pleasant train ride, and infinitely better than the "quiet" ride I had envisioned. My Auntie Miriam and Uncle Paul told me that it's whole lot better getting that than Nigerian molesters ;)

• I was on the escalators leaving the Underground at London Bridge today to get to the railway bit when from behind me I heard, "Are you from Australia?"
  
  All he would have seen from the back would have been this...No, that is not a prayer mat. It's a floor runner that my aunt sent me home with.
  
  
  Next thing I know there is this guy walking up the steps next to me who then stopped in front of me and turned around. I told him I wasn't, but that I have visited there. He proceeded to talk to me about where I was from, if I was looking for a hostel like he was, etc. He told me all about his time on the Continent (because I had asked in order to keep the flow of convo going as he was going nowhere fast). He walked me to the part in the train station where it shows when all the next trains are leaving, and told me that it was great meeting me. He shook my hand, winked, and left. Now I must say, I didn't mind this at all because he was not a complete creeper at all and he didn't hassle me for my number!

• Today there were obscene amounts of rail works going on, and I had to go completely out of my way in order to get home. It should have been a 20 minute straight shot from London Bridge. Instead, I had to connect two more times. On my last connection, the stop is not sign posted very well. I went into the information area to find out which platform I needed to be on. The guy in there immediately started to pretend that he was asleep, and so I laughed and then asked him which platform I needed. He told me, but also said that I just missed it and the next one wasn't for another half hour. I went outside and grabbed a seat.
  
  I knew I forgot something...my life-size dragon head.
  
  Ten minutes later, I notice out of the corner of my eye this guy with a dust bin and broom sweeping up some rubbish and then he came over near me and swept near my feet. He then proceeded to ask me where I was from, telling me how much he loves my accent, and that he just had to come and find out where it was from. Blahblahblah...It wasn't a real nuance, and I figured I'd never see him again so I'd be nice. His tactic was he wanted me to teach him how to sound like me; which I told him I can't teach anybody how to sound like me. Convo constantly had how much he loved the way I spoke, how friendly I was, and "your smile, you just don't get that around here, your smile is amazing." Awkward for me as I never know what to do in these types of situations as I'm completely not used to them still.
  
  Turns out he's originally from Cameroon. He asked if I've ever been to Africa, and I told him "No, but it's on my list of places to go." He told me, "Ohhhh....if only I had enough money, I would take you to Cameroon myself, we would have a free place to stay, and I could show you around." Let's just say I choose to ignore parts of the conversation, namely that part.
  
  Eventually the train came. He shook my hand, and introduced himself. I can't remember his name anymore though...It was something like Jacob, Jordie, Jacobie, etc. He walked me to the train and carried out his job in letting the conductor know when it was safe to leave. As it started to move away from the platform, he knocked on the window to wave goodbye to me.

Now, please don't get the wrong impression. It's not always men. I've gotten several women who seem to find me an inconvenience when they sit on the aisle seat of the bus next to me, and I have to leave before they do. They like to roll their eyes at me, and it makes me giggle when I finally convince them to swivel around in order to let me squeeze my way past.

I'm still alive

I just haven't had internet access outside of work. Not sure about you, but I figured it would not be appropriate to update my "blog" at work....Besides, those computers are slower than molasses.

Anyways....So much has happened in the past month. Angry Polish men run-ins, Somali delivery men, more weird people just randomly striking up conversation with me. Those will all deserve their own bullet-like post. That is, when I get internet access at my flat.

Where am I at the moment? At the pub up the street from my flat. They have free wi-fi, and Melissa and I have carted our laptops up the hill and have set-up shop. We're currently experiencing internet highs - much like junkies do. Our tolerance levels aren't quite as high as they once were. So this fix should last for a couple of days...I hope. Don't judge us.

I've met someone since we've last talked though. His name is Lucas. Lucas Eggling. He's a pretty good listener. Not very talkative, but has a very calming presence. Melissa sometimes worries that I might be getting too attached. That he doesn't talk too much back to me. I think she may be secretly jealous....

Don't worry about the lack of hair though. He'll be growing some lavender soon (hopefully I've got a green thumb).

Until next week, at the latest, my dear friends and family.
lovelovelove
ems

quick like a bunny

This weekend I shall be saying goodbye to the house with the red door. It has been BEYOND fabulous living with this family. I really could not have asked for anything more amazing :)

Nevertheless, it is time to find a place of my own to settle down in. You know, simple things like being able to NOT live out suitcases will be excellent, and not having a hour commute into work.

All I've been hearing is how fast this has all happened. I fully agree though. It was only a week and half ago that Melissa and I even saw the flat, but it's more than we could have ever imagined. Location is amazing! It's right in-between the bus stop we'll need to get to work and the train station to get into the city; grocery store a few minutes walk up the hill; cafes and cute little bread of many nations restaurants close by; a HUGE park about 10-15 minute walk away; nearby a police station and a post office. Most importantly, we aren't in an area where we will likely run into clients!

Oh, and the rent is not too shabby either. For future guests, the reception room (aka living room) has a door; which means you can sleep-in and not feel like you're in every body's way :)

This is what the new place will look like.

We're going to have the top floor. This means we won't have to deal with anybody stomping around overhead!

Come see us soon!!!!

P.S. I would be remiss if I did not send out my love to my favourite newly engaged couple.

Celebrating the excitement of this awesomeness all the way over here in London-town.
I love you guys dearly!!!!

misadventures of me

Work was done for the day, Melissa and I had just finished getting some sodas at Tescos, and she dropped me off at the train station on her way back to her "home". I continued walking into the sketchy station that is nearby where my office is and heard this slightly rotund middle-aged man say behind me, "Hey, sister"

Obviously, I didn't respond; I mean, the only person who could legitimately say that to me lives in South Florida.

And is a female.

There happened to be a train load of people getting off at the platform that I needed. Since it's a smaller station, there was no way that I was going to be making my way down the stairs with them all flowing up towards me like salmon on their yearly migration upstream. Waiting at the top of the stairs took a couple of minutes, and during this time the man that I previously mentioned had made his way in front of me.

He turned and looked at me and said, "Are you in a haste?"
I was confused. Did he really just say "haste" to me? "Pardon?" I replied.
"Are you in a haste?"
"Oh...? no"

We made our way down the stairs, eventually.

He didn't leave me alone, as I was grabbing for my mp3 player in my bag.
I'll be honest, I can't even remember how he even segued into the next part of the conversation. Perhaps there was no segue. Maybe he is beyond forward.

He stood there and then proceed to ask me, "So, are you married?"
"Huh?"
"Are you married?"
HOLY CRAP! What is this man getting at?
"Not yet"
"Why not?"
"Oh, I'm not ready yet."
Please, just leave me alone!!!
"So, what do I have to do to marry you?"
Seriously, what is going on here?
"What?"
"What do I have to do to marry you?"
He wants my hand in marriage!!!! Why do weird, older, foreign men always do this to me?
"Oh...I'm really not ready to get married right now."
Isn't he getting the hint?
"Well, I can be your friend. Everybody needs friends."
"Pardon?"
"I'll be your friend."
"Oh...right..."
::brain explodes::

Silence

"Was that your sister out there?"
"Who?"
"The girl who left before you entered the train station."
"Oh, no. She's a co-worker."
Because he wasn't creepy enough already...Doesn't he notice I'm NOT giving him much to go on?

He then asked me about what I do in the area, where I've come from (since he could tell I didn't sound like the Brits), etc. Which were all answered with the bare minimum answers...During this point I found out he's originally from Nigeria and is "self-employed," but I'm not convinced by the latter part of this.

"So, do you have your mobile with you?"
"Yeeeeaaaahhhhhh???"
"Oh good! Here get it out. I'll give you my number."
SHIT (yes, that was the first thing that came to mind...)
"Oh...well...the battery is actually on it's last leg and I'm really trying to conserve it at the moment."
Is that really the best you could come up with?
"Well, how am I going to get your number?"
How about not?
"Ummm...why don't I write yours down? ::as I grab some pen and paper::"
Please work, please work. Why isn't anybody saving me and pretending like they know me?!?
"Well, how am I going to get yours?"
I should just run over to one of the random young guys sitting on the benches and act like I was supposed to meet them....
"I'll just write yours down. What's your number?"
"It's ::insert lots of numbers:: and my name is Ekema."
"Awesome, great, thanks. ::puts notepad away::"
Oh, please let it die. My brain is made out of mush after legal proceedings all day long...No good escapes come to mind...
"Well, why don't you put it into your phone now and text me so I can get yours?"
Crap, this man does not give up easily...and where the heck is his train?!?
"Ohhhhhhkay....::as I reluctantly pull out my phone and text him::"
I should ask him for the 10p he just wasted me ;)
"Great, so what are you doing this weekend? Saturday? Sunday?"
"My family already has plans for me. It's really good to be able to spend time with them now that I'm back in the country."
He looks sceptical... but that is mostly the truth. Better than the stupid battery lie...
"What about during the week?"
Oh good his train is pulling up!!!!!
"I can't make any promises."
"I'll text you."
Doesn't mean I'll reply! Excellent, he's leaving!

You can't make that kind of stuff up! How does that sort of crazy always find me? I told my rental mum about it once I got home, and she just laughed and said that things are never dull with me. She then put in a request for me to get a random proposal from a man in Italy who happens to own some property. That way she could finally get her Italian summer holiday set ;)

Oh! Don't worry dad, I've already saved that number in my phone as "Don't Answer Nigerian Marriage"

P.S. Sorry for the lack of photo, but nothing I've got could do justice to craziness of the story. Today's was a word picture hopefully!

secret admirer?

Flowers arrived for me early this morning, while I was still sleeping.

The family that I am staying with was desperately trying to figure out the mystery of who was sending me a HUGE bouquet of flowers. The consensus was a secret admirer; despite the fact that I've only been in the country two weeks.


When I emerged after getting ready, the dad was the only one home and asked me who was sending me flowers and telling me about the secret admirer theory they all had. He left, and their son popped in quickly between a hockey game and a rugby game. He questioned me concerning the sender of the flowers as he was searching the kitchen for food. The secret admirer theory was also discussed. He left quickly thereafter to make it to the next game. Then, the mum got home and asked me about the flowers. She was saying how they all were rather impressed, thinking that someone spotted me rather quickly, etc.

The truth is, that it was NOT a secret admirer who was sending me flowers. It was my lovely Auntie Mary and Uncle Paul who sent me the flowers to congratulate me for completing my first week of work! So kind and sweet.

We all had a good laugh at the secret admirer theory though. The mum said it's probably a good thing that one of the Croydon boys hasn't taken notice of me yet. That I could do better ;)

TCP

They do not sell rubbing alcohol in this country. Store clerks have looked at me like I've had five heads whenever I've asked if they have it in the store. I even asked for "Isopropyl" and explaining that it is a disinfectant that is ethanol based. Still, I'm the strange one asking if they sell crack cocaine on aisle one.

Instead, the lady in Boots told me to get something called "TCP." That it serves the same basic purpose. She forgot to mention that it smells like butt. Well, not literally. You get the point, it smells nasty and it lingers. (Yes, I'm aware that rubbing alcohol does not smell like roses either; however, the smell doesn't linger in my nasal passages.)

Word Fest

London's Word Fest started this past Saturday. My cousin's brother-in-law, Jon Bilbrough, was playing on Sat. night, and him and his wife had invited me to join in the fun with them. Let's just say that I'm rather glad that I did. He had a pretty legit set.

Jon's last piece was in collaboration of some friends of his who own a printing press, Henningham Family Press. It really was one of those "You had to be there moments," but maybe some visuals will help you slightly understand the ingenuity of this piece. (Must apologize for the fuzzy quality of them!)

So, you've got him up in the front, strumming along, singing his song.

While the Henninghams' are starting to do some screen printing, on top of the story/lyrics of the song, in the back.

It became a hive of activity then. They put the posters on a clothes line with directions printed on, telling Jon what to do next.

They then move the posters down the line.

When it came to a light, that was strategically placed in the middle of the clothesline, Jon did what the poster told.

Things moved along in this fashion for the course of the song. It was quite interactive, to say the least.

Obviously, they sold them. I mean, seriously, why would anyone NOT want to buy one?

Whenever you come to visit, it's your job to spot where I've displayed mine ;)

In other news, had my first day of work today. We were shown around all the council buildings that we'll need to know, and introduced to heaps of people that I don't remember their names. All in due time though. Training/Intro stuff seems to be planned for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

That's all.

p.s. check out Jon Bilbrough on itunes.