Thoughts

Bear with me, this post is going to be a bit candid. Random thoughts I've been having lately and feelings that are surfacing after our almost two months here...

I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity to live abroad as an adult. I've always dreamed of something adventurous and unconventional for Jason and I to do together, but never ever thought an opportunity like this would land in our laps. We are living in one of the most beautiful cities in England and have managed to find a house that fits the dogs' needs almost perfectly. We also have some amazing trips booked that I am very excited about. England is an ideal home base to explore other places from and the Brits sure are a well-traveled bunch.

I've discovered that tasks that would be simple and straight forward back home are inevitably more complicated and expensive to complete here. Buying and owning a television, organizing and storing clothing, heating a home, renting a home, applying for jobs, driving, etc. Yes, I know these are first world problems.

I left a really amazing job and I'm terrified I'm never going to find something as satisfying - an environment that challenges me, appreciates me, and utilizes my skills in the same way.

Some days I leave our house and I feel like a complete outsider. Like there is no way I will ever belong here. Other days I feel like I was meant to live here.

We are fortunate to have wonderful renters in our home in North Tacoma. They are expecting a baby this summer and will be bringing it home to our house, into the "nursery" they've decorated that used to be my craft room (the room I was saving for our future little one).  I have to admit this stings just a little. And I know I'm being selfish. I can't have my cake and eat it too. But it still stings. 

Thanks for listening.

Grantchester Meadows

Last Saturday, we woke up to blue skies and sunshine. They say that when the sun comes out in England, every British person heads outside to enjoy it. Today was no exception. So we joined the crowds and took advantage of a gorgeous spring-like day (although still wearing our winter coats and gloves). Fira and Dexter were excited about the sunshine too.

If you follow the River Cam past the University of Cambridge colleges and head south about 3 miles, there is an adorable village called Grantchester. We had read about Grantchester's beautiful meadows along the river and couldn't wait to take the dogs there.

Fira was in all her glory, with what seemed like miles and miles of space to run after her ball in.

Dexter appeared less enthused, but still seemed to have an enjoyable time. He preferred to guard us and patrol the land while using his hawk-eye vision to spot small moving objects in the distance to bark at, such as a leaf. Cheeky boy, isn't he?

 Daddy, I'm sitting so nicely. Pretty please will you throw the ball?

Along the edge of the meadow, there was a gravel path that sparked our curiosity.

Turns out 'The Orchard' is a delightful little cafe with an outdoor seating area right next to the meadows.

We stopped in for a light lunch to eat outside. Some could argue it was even lemonade weather!

 Afterwards, Fira had round #2 at the meadows. She had so much fun, she even split her ball in half!

If this is any indication of what's to come with spring and summer, we are in for a real treat. Although I've heard the summers are rather short-lived, so we will wait and see...nothing this Seattle girl can't handle.

Sunday was back to cloudy skies with wind and on and off drizzles all day. We stayed in to relax, unpack more boxes, and watch the BBC Amanda Knox coverage on our new TV. 

Special Delivery

A very special box arrived yesterday...

I've never seen these two so ecstatic, especially Fira. She's been busy playing with her newly arrived toys all day long! 

More Scenes from London

 A few more snapshots of our quick trip to London, where we spent most of our time in the West End.

London calling

The pups had their first overnight at the doggy hotel (more on that to come). In short, it was a very positive experience for them and we think they will be excited to return soon. Word on the street is Dexter had relatively good behavior, thanks to loads of sausage treats from the staff (resulting in a total itch-fest when we brought him home due to skin allergies, but could be worse, right?).

Anyways, with the "kids" gone for the night, we caught the train down to London for a quick 48-hour city break. It was Jason's first time to London and it's been almost ten years since I've been. What a treat it is visiting as an adult, with your husband, and getting to stay in a real hotel! Don't get me wrong, my previous visits to London as a free-spirited college student studying abroad were unforgettable, but I don't want to sleep with my belongings (literally) in a co-ed hostel room ever again.

Here are some scenes from our quick weekend trip:

Speakeasy to me

Jason and I had our first official London date night. After a much needed rest from the day's sights, we bundled up and left our hotel near Hyde Park to catch the tube to Tottenham Court Road.

Following a yummy dinner in Soho, we took a short walk over to Phoenix Theater to see the much anticipated musical Once.

Jason and I actually watched this movie together years ago and were incredibly moved by it. So it was an easy choice to see it as our first London show. If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it. You definitely have to be in the mood for something romantic, raw, and deep-thinking, but the music is fabulous. 

The show certainly didn't disappoint. Although they changed the story a bit, they stuck to the same premise and the actors had incredible musical talent. Before the show began, they invited audience members onstage to drink and dance, in order set the tone as a real Irish pub.

We enjoyed the ambiance from our seats, sipping on our Whiskey Gingers! 

After the show, we snuck over to Chinatown to see if we could get into a speakeasy in the basement of a sticky bun shop that I had heard about.

To stick with the speakeasy theme, I won't disclose the exact location, but I will say the gentlemen discreetly standing at the door were holding children's books - apparently a cover for the guest list.

We did finally get in, and it was definitely worth it. The drinks were unique and refreshing, but too pricey for me to stay for more than one. It brought back fond memories of my favorite speakeasy behind the phone booth in a certain hot dog shop in NYC :) 

Lovely