Thursday, 20 August 2009
I just heard this the other day and remembered how good it was. Enjoy and listen!
Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of . . .
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You are NOT as fat as you imagine.
Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you.
Sing . .
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss . .
Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch . . .
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..
Dance…
even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don’t expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen…
Friday, 19 June 2009
Ah summer . . .
I love English weather. I know, stereotypical English conversation, but really, it is pretty cool around here. One or two days of blazing hot heat, the next we have thunder and lightening, then the next it is freezing and windy. I love the variety. But it does mean I have to carry a 'brolly' wherever I go just in case. That is slang for umbrella by the way.
Most of you know by now that my mother and stepfather surprised me for my birthday. How amazing was that? Being the oldest kid I kinda, not intentionally, get left by the wayside a lot. AND I never get quality time with my parents alone. So it was really heart warming when I realised that two of the people I love most in the world would set up this whole surprise months in advance and flew over just to see me. It was incredible. I blubbered like a baby and lost all self control when I realised it was my mother and Jimmie walking into the Tapas Bar where my friends, John and I were sat. Then John turns to me and says, 'Baby, I'm so sorry I lied to you about your mother coming to visit, but it was for a good cause.' Yep, that is my man.
Then I had an amazing time with them, having them meet John, having John meet them, having them meet our friends. I think all groups approved of each other. Jimmie, everyone is still talking about your sense of humour over here. Mom, everyone is impressed with your intellect and your wit. When are you coming back?
This week has been extremely hectic. I had to get my certificate of work sponsorship from my employer taken care of and then get my visa application posted out all in the same week. Getting the person who is suppose to do my paperwork, you know, actually look at it for my sponsorship, has been close to impossible, I have been trying since the beginning of May. AND of course she tells me on Tuesday when I meet her it can take up to six weeks for the Border Agency to process my Visa once the sponsorship is done. AND of course that day was exactly six weeks almost to when I leave for Montana to visit my father. Did I mention that I had to post my passport, my license, my work permit, my current visa, my birth certificate to these people. Yeah, I have no identity right now. So yeah, it has been a mad dash of reading the 48 pages of guidance for the 52 page application for my visa and make sure that I don't make one single little insy binsy mistake. They will just reject it if I do. Then I had to compile all my paperwork, put it in the correct order, etc. and mail that out with the application as well. All while doing end of the year reports, getting work ready for those that aren't going on the school trip and oh, packing for the school trip to Wales.
Ah, Wales, now I am off to Wales. Not sure how I feel about this. I had a great time last year but this year the schedule is different. We came back on a Friday last year and I had all weekend to pretty much recover before I went to work the next Monday. This year we are leaving on a Friday, coming back on a Tuesday and I have to get to work the next day all the way through Friday. Is my headmaster nuts?????????
Anywho, will let you know how it goes. Like I said, I enjoyed it last year and this year hopefully won't be as nailbiting (caving and going into a mine) as last year. Um . . . hopefully . . . .
Most of you know by now that my mother and stepfather surprised me for my birthday. How amazing was that? Being the oldest kid I kinda, not intentionally, get left by the wayside a lot. AND I never get quality time with my parents alone. So it was really heart warming when I realised that two of the people I love most in the world would set up this whole surprise months in advance and flew over just to see me. It was incredible. I blubbered like a baby and lost all self control when I realised it was my mother and Jimmie walking into the Tapas Bar where my friends, John and I were sat. Then John turns to me and says, 'Baby, I'm so sorry I lied to you about your mother coming to visit, but it was for a good cause.' Yep, that is my man.
Then I had an amazing time with them, having them meet John, having John meet them, having them meet our friends. I think all groups approved of each other. Jimmie, everyone is still talking about your sense of humour over here. Mom, everyone is impressed with your intellect and your wit. When are you coming back?
This week has been extremely hectic. I had to get my certificate of work sponsorship from my employer taken care of and then get my visa application posted out all in the same week. Getting the person who is suppose to do my paperwork, you know, actually look at it for my sponsorship, has been close to impossible, I have been trying since the beginning of May. AND of course she tells me on Tuesday when I meet her it can take up to six weeks for the Border Agency to process my Visa once the sponsorship is done. AND of course that day was exactly six weeks almost to when I leave for Montana to visit my father. Did I mention that I had to post my passport, my license, my work permit, my current visa, my birth certificate to these people. Yeah, I have no identity right now. So yeah, it has been a mad dash of reading the 48 pages of guidance for the 52 page application for my visa and make sure that I don't make one single little insy binsy mistake. They will just reject it if I do. Then I had to compile all my paperwork, put it in the correct order, etc. and mail that out with the application as well. All while doing end of the year reports, getting work ready for those that aren't going on the school trip and oh, packing for the school trip to Wales.
Ah, Wales, now I am off to Wales. Not sure how I feel about this. I had a great time last year but this year the schedule is different. We came back on a Friday last year and I had all weekend to pretty much recover before I went to work the next Monday. This year we are leaving on a Friday, coming back on a Tuesday and I have to get to work the next day all the way through Friday. Is my headmaster nuts?????????
Anywho, will let you know how it goes. Like I said, I enjoyed it last year and this year hopefully won't be as nailbiting (caving and going into a mine) as last year. Um . . . hopefully . . . .
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Swearing of the Horns
I am now a Freeman of Highgate people!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swearing_on_the_Horns
Last night John and I participated in the ceremony at the Wrestlers in Highgate.
It is a great old pub located right next door to Charles Dickens' house. In signing up we donated five pounds to Children with Leukemia. We had to stand in the centre of the pub with a group of people also taking the oath. Two men came out dressed as judges with full on white hair wigs, one holding a scroll with the oath and the other holding the horns. As the judge with the scroll read out the oath in parts, we had to answer as instructed by the horn judge when to respond with 'I do Father' It is quite a humorous oath and received many laughs and hoots from participants and witnesses throughout the ceremony. It was good fun. Once done we were called forth by name to receive our official Freeman of Highgate certificate and to kiss the horns as a sign of our oath.
My only complaint would be that only the men got to drink out of metal tankards for the occasion. I took the oath too people!!!!!
Now our names will be down on the 400 year old list for posterity and our money has gone to a good cause. We are part of a long and fun tradition. Woo hoo!!!!
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Springtime in England
Hello everyone,
One thing I am really beginning to enjoy is the change in seasons. Growing up in California I always said that we had two seasons, rainy and hot. Here you have autumn with its rainbow of leaves and chill in the air, winter with its snow that stops everything in London and springtime. I would have to say spring is my favourite time. Right around the beginning of March, shoots of daffodils start sprouting up everywhere . . . and I do mean EVERYWHERE! They are around every tree, smack dab in the middle of every lawn, on hillsides as my train passes by . . . . everywhere. They are pretty much like weeds when it comes to growing. But people don't think of them as weeds . . . . they are the first sign of spring. After that the trees begin to bloom. They bloom in a wide variety of pinks, yellows, whites and they bloom in little, medium and full on flowers that you could hold only in both hands . . . . it is a pastel rainbow. So imagine this . . . . green grass, bright yellow daffodils growing out of the grass around trees that are blooming in bright colours all over. Yep, it is beautiful, VERY beautiful. Now the leaves are starting to sprout as well so you have that lovely new leaf shade of green coming in behind the blossoms too. For the most part the weather has turned around and been very warm. When Joe was here it didn't rain or cloud over all week.
Not only that but events start to take a turn here as people come out of their warm winter houses for annual traditions such as The Boat Race and The Grand National. The boat race was last weekend and has been going on for over 155 years. It is a rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge on the Thames but all you need to say to someone is, "Yeah, the boat race is today!" and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Since Cambridge couldn't be bothered to admit John for university, yes he got that close, we support Oxford. Yes, all future little Rivers children will be Oxford supporters and hopefully . . . . alumni. Anywho, not to spoil your fun, but in the last two years we have seen Oxford slaughter Cambridge by whole boat lengths! Go Oxford!
Today is the Grand National . . . . think National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor. All the newspapers cover it, news tv, radio . . . everything. Everyone talks about it all week before as well. It is a HUGE deal. Today we are heading up to a pub to meet friends and make a few friendly bets. You have to be really sure of what horse you are betting on here because horses die in this race. It is that cutthroat and dangerous.
Other than that I have my QTS assessment my first day back from term break . . . YES I am on holiday! Yeah!!!! John is waiting to hear back from Random House after his second interview. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. He was pretty much fed up with Harper Collins before he was made redundant anyway and is being very positive and proactive about his situation. Again, we really appreciate your support.
Now I am off to eat my breakfast and drink my coffee. Hope my description of springtime in England sends a beautiful pastel picture into your minds that will bring a smile to your face. Love you all.
One thing I am really beginning to enjoy is the change in seasons. Growing up in California I always said that we had two seasons, rainy and hot. Here you have autumn with its rainbow of leaves and chill in the air, winter with its snow that stops everything in London and springtime. I would have to say spring is my favourite time. Right around the beginning of March, shoots of daffodils start sprouting up everywhere . . . and I do mean EVERYWHERE! They are around every tree, smack dab in the middle of every lawn, on hillsides as my train passes by . . . . everywhere. They are pretty much like weeds when it comes to growing. But people don't think of them as weeds . . . . they are the first sign of spring. After that the trees begin to bloom. They bloom in a wide variety of pinks, yellows, whites and they bloom in little, medium and full on flowers that you could hold only in both hands . . . . it is a pastel rainbow. So imagine this . . . . green grass, bright yellow daffodils growing out of the grass around trees that are blooming in bright colours all over. Yep, it is beautiful, VERY beautiful. Now the leaves are starting to sprout as well so you have that lovely new leaf shade of green coming in behind the blossoms too. For the most part the weather has turned around and been very warm. When Joe was here it didn't rain or cloud over all week.
Not only that but events start to take a turn here as people come out of their warm winter houses for annual traditions such as The Boat Race and The Grand National. The boat race was last weekend and has been going on for over 155 years. It is a rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge on the Thames but all you need to say to someone is, "Yeah, the boat race is today!" and they will know exactly what you are talking about. Since Cambridge couldn't be bothered to admit John for university, yes he got that close, we support Oxford. Yes, all future little Rivers children will be Oxford supporters and hopefully . . . . alumni. Anywho, not to spoil your fun, but in the last two years we have seen Oxford slaughter Cambridge by whole boat lengths! Go Oxford!
Today is the Grand National . . . . think National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor. All the newspapers cover it, news tv, radio . . . everything. Everyone talks about it all week before as well. It is a HUGE deal. Today we are heading up to a pub to meet friends and make a few friendly bets. You have to be really sure of what horse you are betting on here because horses die in this race. It is that cutthroat and dangerous.
Other than that I have my QTS assessment my first day back from term break . . . YES I am on holiday! Yeah!!!! John is waiting to hear back from Random House after his second interview. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. He was pretty much fed up with Harper Collins before he was made redundant anyway and is being very positive and proactive about his situation. Again, we really appreciate your support.
Now I am off to eat my breakfast and drink my coffee. Hope my description of springtime in England sends a beautiful pastel picture into your minds that will bring a smile to your face. Love you all.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
John's 30th Birthday
First of all, thanks to all of those who sent John emails, cards, etc. He is the most important person in my life and it really makes me feel good that those I care about support him. I love you guys.
John and I decided after all the 30th birthday parties we had been to, to keep it low key. We had it at one of our favourite locals, the Winchester. Hopefully, when we move to Highgate later this year we will consider it our definite local pub. Everyone came from all over to celebrate John's birthday bash and it was a good celebration, but I am getting ahead of myself.
I have been trying to get my QTS, qualified teacher status in this country, as quickly as possible. Because I have been working so hard I have been offered a contract, starting February 1st, to stay with the school I am currenlty at. They are going to keep me as long as they can so I am secure in staying here forever! Isn't that great? I enjoy it, don't mind the distance so much, and can see me working there a long time, or at least until John and I have kids, then we both agree we need to get out of the big city!!!!
Anywho, I had two lesson observations the week before John's birthday so I didn't really get to his decorations or etc, until the Friday that school got out, his birthday being the next day, the 17th. Fortunately, I had my wonderful friend Kyla, a Canadian teacher I met over here, who came over Friday night with her boyfriend Dan (an Englishman friend of John's I set her up with a year ago! Woo hoo!) and between the two of them they created great posters of an assortment of John's life in pictures courtesy of his mother. She steathily handed them to me when we left after Christmas and I grouped them into what I thought were appropriate themes.
They spent the night with us, Dan is currently in the middle of the renovation from hell, and Kyla and I took off running after serving John his favourite breakfast, breakfast burritos. We got balloons, decorations, baked a cake, Kyla (who worked ten years in a bakery) decorated the cake. Finally we got all the decorations up, the cake done, and we were ready to go. All the while, typical Engish boy, John was with his friends, who one by one joined him, including Dan who deserted us. .. in the pub. ;-)
Finally the party began, the posters, streamers, and balloons were up, John was there and so was everyone else from all aspects of his life. Kyla bought him a flashing light pin that said 30 on it. He, (somewhat grudgingly) wore it with pride. The pub played all of his favourite music, turned down the music for his cake and it was magnificent. When asked to make a speech John turned immediately to me and said to everyone that I was the light of his life and the most amazing person he has every known, hands down.
I didn't even feel that I had done that much!, But I am happy that he had a good time. Wish you all could have been there. When I have my 33rd birthday party in May, John's family and friends intend to come out and help me celebrate. They have really taken me in with open arms, I have never felt alone or purposely left out. If you can make it, you are all invited! It is a bank holiday weekend so Monday will be off for us all!
John and I decided after all the 30th birthday parties we had been to, to keep it low key. We had it at one of our favourite locals, the Winchester. Hopefully, when we move to Highgate later this year we will consider it our definite local pub. Everyone came from all over to celebrate John's birthday bash and it was a good celebration, but I am getting ahead of myself.
I have been trying to get my QTS, qualified teacher status in this country, as quickly as possible. Because I have been working so hard I have been offered a contract, starting February 1st, to stay with the school I am currenlty at. They are going to keep me as long as they can so I am secure in staying here forever! Isn't that great? I enjoy it, don't mind the distance so much, and can see me working there a long time, or at least until John and I have kids, then we both agree we need to get out of the big city!!!!
Anywho, I had two lesson observations the week before John's birthday so I didn't really get to his decorations or etc, until the Friday that school got out, his birthday being the next day, the 17th. Fortunately, I had my wonderful friend Kyla, a Canadian teacher I met over here, who came over Friday night with her boyfriend Dan (an Englishman friend of John's I set her up with a year ago! Woo hoo!) and between the two of them they created great posters of an assortment of John's life in pictures courtesy of his mother. She steathily handed them to me when we left after Christmas and I grouped them into what I thought were appropriate themes.
They spent the night with us, Dan is currently in the middle of the renovation from hell, and Kyla and I took off running after serving John his favourite breakfast, breakfast burritos. We got balloons, decorations, baked a cake, Kyla (who worked ten years in a bakery) decorated the cake. Finally we got all the decorations up, the cake done, and we were ready to go. All the while, typical Engish boy, John was with his friends, who one by one joined him, including Dan who deserted us. .. in the pub. ;-)
Finally the party began, the posters, streamers, and balloons were up, John was there and so was everyone else from all aspects of his life. Kyla bought him a flashing light pin that said 30 on it. He, (somewhat grudgingly) wore it with pride. The pub played all of his favourite music, turned down the music for his cake and it was magnificent. When asked to make a speech John turned immediately to me and said to everyone that I was the light of his life and the most amazing person he has every known, hands down.
I didn't even feel that I had done that much!, But I am happy that he had a good time. Wish you all could have been there. When I have my 33rd birthday party in May, John's family and friends intend to come out and help me celebrate. They have really taken me in with open arms, I have never felt alone or purposely left out. If you can make it, you are all invited! It is a bank holiday weekend so Monday will be off for us all!
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