Canada Day - London

Every year in London there is a Canada Day celebration in Trafalgar square that includes all things "Canadian" and all the Canadian's in London congregate together and show our national pride.

Things Canadian include Mounties, Tim Hortons, Canadian beer (Sleeman's and Moosehead), Canadian wine, the Canada shop sells their Canadian goodies (dill pickle chips, and various chocolate bars and candies), and Bison Burgers?! (must be a western Canada thing!).

There is a floor hockey tournament, a stage with various singers from Canada, and of course the grand finale, my favourite part, singing O'Canada.

Kim and I, Kim was living in London in 2008.

Darts, a Christmas Tradition

During my first year at Sky Sports one of the girls (who is a darts fan) organized a table at the World Darts Championship at Alexandria Palace after work. I was convinced to go as there was a Canadian who had won in the past, and he would be playing. Ever since have made it a regular tradition of my Christmas season here in England.

Part of the fun is watching the crowd (many of whom are in costume) who are very enthusiastic, hoping to get some air time when the camera pans the fans. Of course the game can be exciting, and watching the players when they do their walk on with the walk on girls, and their chosen theme song on is interesting too. The Canadian, nicknamed Darth Maple, uses the Star Wars theme music for his walk on.  I have been in the VIP section, the regular tables, and the cheap seats in the bleachers, all in all it is good fun with singing, dancing, and lots of beer.

View from the cheap seats.

View from the table seats.

Dartswear.

Doing the darts dance. Serious stuff.

Random shots of Camden

Camden Town, my neighbourhood of over 2 years, here are some random photos of the area.

The cat that lives in the Market, I named him Camden. Such a handsome cat.

I thought the 2 cars looked cute together, loving the Fiat 500.

Looks like it belongs in a village somewhere in the country side.

A lit up at night.

Before the market crowds hit on a Sunday morning.

Dating in London - some thoughts and theory's

Being a single girl in London for 3 years I learned a few things, ended up in some interesting situations, and met lots of people. My observations on dating are from a London perspective. I believe in London things are a bit different that the rest of England due to the anonomity of a big city, but for the most part I think things are similar across the UK.

I have been open to trying most anything.... and it has been interesting to say the least!

Here is what I learned in my years as a single girl:

They don't get dating in England. They tend to get drunk, sleep together, then ask the girl out for dinner.... or not. Things are a bit backwards.

For guys last call at the pub means last chance to talk to a girl before you get chucked out and have to go home alone.

Unless it is last call (and/or 8 pints later) British guys are not likely to approach you.

However they will surround a group of girls on the dance floor and before you know it some guy you don't know, hasn't even said hi, is rubbing up against you. Awful!

Speed dating is exhausting, but an interesting experience and good for a laugh. Group support recommended (bring friends).  I met a presenter at an event, he was mortified to meet someone from work, and that I might tell people I saw him there.

On-line dating, is not for me, you can't tell if their is chemistry via email (or a 5 year old profile photo), and I'm not looking for a pen pal.

Singles parties, are as awful as they sound.

Work - tread with caution, and if they work in TV or sport don't bother. I suspect banking and finance is the same.

Approching randoms in bars, this can work, just think of it as a way of meeting new people and making a night more interesting, no pressure.

After seeing someone for 2.5 months if they stop calling, texting and emailing you, as a way let you know they don't want to see you any more don't be surprised. (For the record this one of the most cowardly ways to behave I can think of).

My tips for the single girl:

If he likes you enough he will talk about future plans, in fact he will want to know before you leave when he will see you next.

Also if he really likes you he will not make you wonder what is going on, he will make sure you know where you stand, mostly this can be seen in how he behaves. Talk is cheap.  He won't want to risk some other guy nabbing you.

If he really likes you he won't text you at inappropriate times saying inappropriate things, this boy is looking for a booty call, stop hoping more will come of it.

If he has just broken up with someone in the past 30 days wait, you don't want to be the rebound girl.

Some of you may find this offensive as modern independent girls, but I think it is true. If he likes you he will want to spoil you and look after you. This means he will go out of his way to meet you (not the other way around), and he will pick up the bill when he asks you out for dinner. He won't be keeping track of how much things cost, he will be concerned with making sure you are enjoying yourself. However this doesn't apply to drinks at a bar, if he keeps those flowing like water from a tap he is most likely trying to get you drunk and in bed.

Go on dates even if you aren't sure, you may get to know them better and like what you learn about them, or if they don't work out as boyfriend material they could become a new friend.

Keep first dates causal, and short, meeting for a coffee is so popular in North America because we know how to date.  If it is going really well there is no reason not to continue on to get something to eat or go for a walk etc. If it's not then off you go after your coffee is done.  Also it is easier to judge someone after some drinks in a well lit Costa Coffee than a few Martinis in a dark bar.

Make sure to have a friend or 2 who are also single for support. It is amazing how fast those who are coupled up forget the reality of being single.  It is fun and exciting but it can be lonely and frustrating too.

Enjoy yourself, and be safe!

Summertime

Summer seems a long way off now, but here are some summery London photos. When summer does arrive, and for however long it is, a day or a week, London comes alive, parks are full, people are smiling, and as long as you don't have to take the underground, where it is 1000 degrees, life is good.

In our back garden.

mmmm Pims

Movies under the stars at Somerset House.

Day trip to Windsor.

Day trip to the beach, Broadstairs in Kent

Skyfest, summer doesn't always go as planned.

Another road trip. Alton Towers, scariest roller-coaster ever!

A trip down the Thames.

Regent's park, early spring picnic (in London you make the most of summer when it shows). 

An afternoon at the Rugby.

Sky ladies lunching in Chiswick (Colin Firth walked by and I missed it!)

Dartmoor in Devon.

Dartmouth in Devon

A light meal by the sea side in Devon.

Trafalgar square usually has something going on during the summer. This is a shot from Canada Day, more to follow on that.

Working in Television

My job as Studio Travel Coordinator at Sky Sports brought it's challenges.  I knew nothing about football other than the general rules of the game, and my UK geography on a local level was lacking.  So it was a stressful start with lots to learn.

This meant working about 10 to13 hours of overtimes a week. After football season ended and I had a break in the summer with lots of time off. I get 27 days off a year in England and not being used to having so much time off I didn't take many days off when it was busy so had about 4 weeks still left at the end of the year (end of June here) to use up. When in the office I used the quiet time during the summer to get myself organized for another crazy season.  It was about 3/4 months into the football season I knew it was not me or my lack of football/geography knowledge that was the problem, the workload was just to much for one person.

The job as Studio Travel Co-ordinator entails calling guests finding out what they need to get to the studio for the shows I worked on (mostly football) as well as travel arrangements for shoots and travel for Sports News reporters. It required a lot of prioritizing due to the work load, and careful timing to make sure they were here on time and there were no empty chairs on air.  It also requires keeping finance and producers happy about what I spend and keeping the guests and others happy with their travel I've arranged.

Over the next year my boss listened to my concerns about my workload, acknowledged them and over time I got help and my work reduced. At the moment things are at a good balance and I can go home most days on time.  A nice result, and much appreciated.

I would like to send a huge thank you out to google maps, saved me hours of work figuring out where things are and how far apart the are! Also thank you to my co-workers who despite stupid questions like "what is netball?", and "Does the name Ross Kemp mean anything to anyone?", still put up with me and helped me out loads.

Flatmates

When I first moved to London flatmates were an adjustment. I went from having my own house, with lots of space to sharing small London flats (some very small) with others that I didn't know. I've learned a lot over the past 4 years and come to appreciated my flatmates who make up my family here in London. It is nice to come home to a house full of people.

All in all I've shared space with 12 other people over the years. Some were dossers, those that stay temporarily on your coach while looking for their own place. All of whom I have stayed in touch with (minus the crazies). 

One thing learned is it isn't always easy to vet out the crazies in meeting someone for 20 minutes, about the length of a flatmate interview.  Another is, it can be a harder to flatshare with someone who owns the flat, you never feel on equal footing or that you have a say in how the flat is set up.  Over all it is best to stay flexible when it comes to common areas, be respectful of your flatmates, pay your bills on time, buy your share of toilet roll, and do your share of the cleaning.

Tweasel, it doesn't feel like home without my kitty around.

Camden Flat "Family Night Out"

Part of the fun is learning about another contries culture, and traditions, and sharing your own Olympic Hockey - Go Canada!

Girls night out

Some flatmates are temporary, aka dossers. 

Current and past flatmates.

My current flatmate and lovely boyfriend.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone. I shall be blogging again shortly. At the moment things are a bit hectic flat-hunting which is always a challenge and all consuming in London. This time I am looking for a whole flat to share with my boyfriend (and my kitty) which is exciting.  Fingers crossed something perfect will come up fast so I can get back to doing other things.

It has been interesting deciding on the location because we work on opposite sides of London from each other and nowhere near central London we have been out for walks in areas to see what they are like, so I've been able to see some new parts of London which I always like.

While I knew rentals are pretty crazy in London right now with more people looking than places available because of people not being able to afford to buy.  Still I was put in a bit of a tail spin yesterday after viewing a flat that was advertised as a 1 double bedroom (to be a double bedroom you must be able to fit a double bed in it).  The ad for this flat as it turns out used a photo of the upstairs living room, which as it turns out is double the size of the one in the apartment available.  The "bedroom" was an alcove in the hall that lead to the bathroom with a double bed in it, a hall my boyfriend had to turn to fit through the doorway no less, and no window! This is not a room in my world.  It was quite shocking!

St Paddy's Day

In London there are big St. Patrick Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square, in 2008 I went with some coworkers and their friends, it was a great crowd that was out and good fun.

Pints of Cava

Irish dance lessons.

Extra Curricular Activities

So when I'm not spending my free time working over time I have lots of options in London for fun and entertainment.

I have taken dance class (mostly ballet) at Pineapple Dance studios who have a drop in set up which is great for me as I never know when I am going to leave work one day to the next. There have been stints in the Gym, we have quite a nice one at work and when my work load allows it makes a good break for lunch.

I spend time when it is nice going on walks exploring different parts of London getting to know it better. As well in the summer there are lots of picnics in the fantastic parks around London.  Anything to get out when the sun is shinning.

Most of the museums and galleries are free in London, so I stop by and explore bits of them at a time, it's nice not to have the pressure of seeing the whole thing at once as some of them like the British Museum are huge.

There are lots of friends birthdays and nights out, going for dinner, dancing, or just a few pints in a pub are all a big part of life in London. There is always a great restaurant and yummy food just around the corner!

I have taken in lots of musicals, plays, and even an opera. If you keep your eyes open you can get tickets for very reasonable. I've been to many concerts, some at small bars, up to the big venues for some big names.  My first ballet was an event to remember, the dancers are amazing and Swan Lake is such a beautiful ballet. Of course there are sporting events (being that I work for Sky Sports) to go to, darts, football, rugby and the London Marathon to name a few. I'm hoping to go to some horse races this coming summer.

I also do reviews for a web site called Qype, they have events which might include going to sample a menu and or drinks at a restaurant/bar, going on tour, move screenings, afternoon tea, or just about anything.  Since it is a great way to get out and try new things, meet new people and see new places I take advantage and put my name down for events whenever I can.  All they expect in return is that I write a review, easy!  Through Qype I have eaten my first jellied ox tongue, scallops with truffles, Springbok, salmon row and much more. I've learned about vodka, explored St. Paul's Cathedral, and met lots of interesting people along the way too.

Lots of time is spent shopping but over the years I started to do what I can on-line and avoid going out in the crowds if possible and save my energy for other things.

Of course I still enjoy the more relaxing activities that I have always enjoyed, reading, knitting, organizing my photos, and watching the occasional chick flick at home. Currently I have rediscovered the joy of baking, but miss the lovely bright kitchen my Dad and Grandfather built in Canada that I learned to bake in.

And of course there are all the things a single girl does, dating and going out to meet new men, but more on that in another post!

Tis the Season - 2008

So my second holiday season arrived quickly with all the excitement of Tweasel arriving, moving and the normal busyness of London life. This year as the year before there were many parties, all during the week, ouch. 

Then there is NYE which I normally avoid going out if possible and the year before I took on call duty for work and managed to stay in quite happily. This year was convinced by Nat that for NYE it would be a good idea to book tickets on a boat, better view of the fireworks etc.  Being that I was living in London I thought I should give going out ago. Below are pictures as proof, I did venture out. It did not convince me that in London going out is any better idea than in Halifax, just a bit warmer. House/cottage parties are definitely the way forward.

My Departments xmas party.

Having a laugh at the Football department's xmas party.

The Football Department party was on a boat, that is Big Ben and Parliament going by in the background.

New Years Eve party, on the boat.  It was chilly out that night.

I did take my coat off for a bit after warming up with some dancing.