I had someone interview me for a magazine article in the US. They had a lot of questions that people love to ask me, so I figured I would share my responses with you...
1. How long have you been with Best Buy?
I have been with BBY for 10 years.
2. What positions have you held throughout your employment?
I began as a part time video sales person at Store 7 in Roseville. I became FT sales and Video Sr. before I left that store. I moved out to New York and held the role of supervisor in multiple departments, was a sales manager for several years, and then became a General Manager in multiple stores, most recently Store 599, Brooklyn NY.
3. How long have you been working internationally?
Coming up on a year now, about ten months.
4. What is your current title and what city/country are you located?
My official title is General Manager Global Asignee (otherwise known as Expat GM). I am based in London, England.
5. Are you working in a corporate or retail setting?
For the last eight months I have been working in a corporate setting. Though my job is absolutely retail based, we are in the business creation/development stage of our work right now. We are creating what the stores will look and feel like; once that work is done, out in the stores I will be!
6. Describe your language skills (Are you fluent? Or have you picked up some key phrases?)
I thought I was pretty fluent in English......but turns out Queen's English has some substantial differences! I guess you can say I have picked up some key phrases (football is not the football we know; the lew, not the bathroom; the carpark, not the parking lot; etc).
7. Give an example of a “cultural learning” that surprised or delighted you.
I guess the most suprising things culturally have been around employment practices. I had no idea how very different their work culture is than ours. All employees are on contract here. If I employee you as a part time employee on a 20 hour a week contract, you get paid for 20 hours, even if I only have you work eight. There are also a lot of other things that we have to manage differently, whether it is the amount of holiday (vacation) employees get, the machinery employees can use (Big Joe is not really a possibility), and even the store hours (six hours of sales on Sunday is all the government allows). That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how different the employment practices are here.
8. Name some key differences between U.S. customers and the customers in the country where you’re working.
I truly believe the customers here are very similar to our US customers. The expect the same thing (though it seems they are often underserved). They have different habits of how they shop and when they shop, but as we have seen in many countries, the customer just want to get the service they need to buy the right product and get all that they can out of it. That is where we can thrive!
9. How about differences in employees across various countries?
They have a different accent and they dress a little more proper. Besides that, they are as smart, unique, and passionate as my US colleagues I have spent so much time with. From an operators perspective, the level of pure talent and business savvy of the employees here is both inspiring and exciting!
10. How is Best Buy perceived in the country where you’re working?
Though many Brits do travel to the US, there is surpisingly little knowledge of Best Buy. Of course, there are people who do know of us, and thankfully, I have yet to hear a bad thing. Those people are all really excited about our entrance into the market. For the people who don't know us, they are in for a pleasant surprise!
11. Name some things that you think Best Buy must do to be successful as an international retailer.
First and foremost, we have to stick to our roots. Our culture and values can not sway. Those are things that have made us the retailer we are, and those are also the things that our competitors really struggle to replicate. On top of that, we need to take what we can from our US experience. 85% of what we do in every country is the same. We need to go into the store and execute the fundamentals. That other 15% is also really important. The other 15% is country specific, dependant on culture and customs. We have to keep it fresh you know! On top of all of that, we have our mantra......never settle on talent....ever.
12. What one piece of advice would you give to an employee who wanted to work in another country?
In order to accel in the international work, you have to be a good teacher. Focus on being a master in your role. When it comes to developing your values and how you deliver the customer and employee experience, focus your energy on growing from "living" to "teaching". Go onto EGO and print up the anchors for values and experience develompent. Focus on those behaviors that can make you the best teacher you can be. That is the majority of our role internationally.
13. What are a few things you miss the most when you are working internationally?
The hardest part is missing your family and friends. I miss my dog the most. Beyond that, there are little things - my Sunday Ticket on DirecTV - summer weather - the beach - my car - those kind of things. Technology has really impacted international travel positively though. Things like Skype and Slingbox help us through a lot of the tough parts!
14. When you are traveling, what are a couple things you absolutely need to have stashed in your travel bag? Explain why.
Good headphones - this is the key to happiness - whether you are watching a movie on the plane or listening to music on the IPOD, you have to have good headphones. Have you ever tried using the plane or Apple issued headphones for more than two hours? You might as well punch yourself in the ear.....it would feel the same. I alternate between Bose and Shure....depending on my mood!
Your boredom buster (mine is Word Search books) -Find something that you can lose yourself in for hours at a time. For some reason, I can do word searches for hours. Some people have crosswords, some people sudoku, some people read. Find whatever allows you to time travel.
Work permit/visa - Don't just assume because your passport has a whole page dedicated to a visa that their government gave you that you are all set. They still expect you to show more at immigration! When you are just arriving after a red-eye, somewhat incoherant, and don't have the particular paperwork they are looking for, they love to have a good time with you!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Golfed.....finally!
I write this blog in an attempt to take my focus away from the golf going on on TV right now. I don't watch a lot on TV, but I love to watch golf, so it is nice that I get all of the PGA tournaments live! For those of you who do not know, I am a die hard Tiger Woods fan. Tiger is leading right now and I needed something to do to take the edge off. So, why not write?
Last weekend, Liz and I got out and about. Our big event of the weekend was a beautiful Sunday at Hyde Park in central London. We woke up on Sunday and it was perfect outside.....
TIGER!!! Why do you do this to me? 16th hole? With the lead.....bogey?? Anyways...
It was about 80 degrees outside that day and we decided we better take advantage of the weather. We jumped on the tube and spent the entire afternoon walking around the park. It is a monster park, complete with a castle, a lake, a river, and a partridge in a pear tree. It was a really nice day.
On Friday of this last week, I took my first attempt at golfing in the UK. A group of us went up to Wales early Friday morning for a round at a course called St. Pierre.
St. Pierre has two courses, one of which is the Championship course. It held some big European events back in it's heyday. Guys like Seve and Norman have won there in the past. We played that course in the morning, all 7000 yards of it. It was a bit rough, but it was a great time! The signature hole is the 240 yard par 3 18th hole. Real nice to deal with that junk at the end of a round! I didn't win our little tournament, but I wasn't the worst either. I'll take it!
A few of us stayed the afternoon and played the other course. It was shorter, so I fared quite a bit better for me. Unfortunately, the Welsh weather took over and it started pouring. We gave up after waiting for a half an hour. Of course, an hour later the weather all changed, so we went back out and finished. I stayed overnight that night to play again in the morning. But, when I woke up, it was quite obvious the weather definitely wasn't having it. Back to London it was, not more golf for me.
The weather has been rough the rest of the weekend, so nothing else very important to report.
We did head out and see the Star Trek movie today. I am no Star Trek fan.....not even much of a sci-fi fan, but the movie was awesome!
Talk soon!
Last weekend, Liz and I got out and about. Our big event of the weekend was a beautiful Sunday at Hyde Park in central London. We woke up on Sunday and it was perfect outside.....
TIGER!!! Why do you do this to me? 16th hole? With the lead.....bogey?? Anyways...
It was about 80 degrees outside that day and we decided we better take advantage of the weather. We jumped on the tube and spent the entire afternoon walking around the park. It is a monster park, complete with a castle, a lake, a river, and a partridge in a pear tree. It was a really nice day.
On Friday of this last week, I took my first attempt at golfing in the UK. A group of us went up to Wales early Friday morning for a round at a course called St. Pierre.
St. Pierre has two courses, one of which is the Championship course. It held some big European events back in it's heyday. Guys like Seve and Norman have won there in the past. We played that course in the morning, all 7000 yards of it. It was a bit rough, but it was a great time! The signature hole is the 240 yard par 3 18th hole. Real nice to deal with that junk at the end of a round! I didn't win our little tournament, but I wasn't the worst either. I'll take it!
A few of us stayed the afternoon and played the other course. It was shorter, so I fared quite a bit better for me. Unfortunately, the Welsh weather took over and it started pouring. We gave up after waiting for a half an hour. Of course, an hour later the weather all changed, so we went back out and finished. I stayed overnight that night to play again in the morning. But, when I woke up, it was quite obvious the weather definitely wasn't having it. Back to London it was, not more golf for me.
The weather has been rough the rest of the weekend, so nothing else very important to report.
We did head out and see the Star Trek movie today. I am no Star Trek fan.....not even much of a sci-fi fan, but the movie was awesome!
Talk soon!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Hello.......again........
I have no excuses. It has been far too long since I updated this blog, I am well aware. The fact of the matter is: it is really hard to find motivation to write about stuff that already happened to you! I suppose if I was getting paid, it would be a bit easier. Even then, I struggle to understand how people do it!
Anyways, during my last trip home to the US (beginning of June), there were several people who made clear their dis-satisfaction with my blog writing frequency. I guess it is easy for me to forget that there are actually people who enjoy reading about my happenings. For that reason, I am back! I will not promise to write every day or every week, but I will promise that when we do something worth writing about, you will be the first to know.
So, what has happened in the last two months you ask?
I will not go into much about work. We have been deep in the business creation process and will continue to be for the next few months. We are still on schedule to open sometime early next year. When we do, I will tell you all about it.
Liz and I did go back to NY in the end of April. She went back a couple weeks before me to take care of some things. There were not really many points of the trip. The main reason for the trip originally was to bring Nigel to the UK. Add that to a little time to relax and a little time to play golf, sounds like a recipe for success!
We did have some time in NY to relax, which was great. It was Liz's birthday while we were there, so we got to go to one of our old favorite restaurants for that. For those of you who live in NY, Prime in Huntington is worth every penny every time!
The golf was a bit of a challenge. I have heard my entire life how bad the weather is in London. Everybody thinks that it rains all of the time. Frankly, I have been here for the last five months and the weather has been, at most times, great. Anyway, I fly to NY right at the beginning of May, usually one of the nicest times of year, to play golf. What happens when I get there? The weather is cold and rainy for the better part of my trip - of course. The last couple days I was there were nice, so of course I made the best of it. I also got a chance to make a trip up to Boston one night and see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Being a lifelong fan of baseball, that was a real treat. It was as great as I expected it would be. The Red Sox lost - I was really sad about that.....oh yeah.
The Nigel situation also got a bit more complicated. Like I said before, our initial reason for going home was to bring Nigel back to the UK. So, got an apartment that is dog friendly, got a dog who has passed the six month UK pet process, and we have a flight. All sounds good until the vet puts the big ka-bash on the situation. Nigel is working through some medical issues and the doctor did not recommend the long, stressful flight. No major problems - have no fear, the Nigel Christmas card will be back with a fury for years to come! We just had to realize that he wasn't a young man anymore. That combined with the caution from the vet, we decided it would be best for him to stay in NY....at least for now. It is unfortunate, but it is for the best. Before we left, we hooked him up with a new fence at his Grandma's house. Now, at least he can be let out and roam around on his own. In the past, he has had to be on a leash outside every time. I have heard he has been having fun chasing rabbits, so he sounds happy with the situation.
That was about it for the trip back to the US. Well, it was all good until the day before I had to leave. I tried to check into my flight and soon realized that due to a misunderstanding on my part, my entire flight had been cancelled. I will spare you the story, but let's just say, it was a really expensive lesson!
We have been back for a couple of weeks. Last weekend was actually a government holiday weekend here, just like Memorial Day in the US. So, being that I am working in the office, I had a three day weekend. We decided we would make use out of the long weekend and we took off to explore one of the sites that the UK has to offer. We went to a place called Bath.
The trip to Bath was great. We took off early on Saturday morning on the train (about 1.5 hours away) and stayed through Monday afternoon. Bath is a gem in the middle of the country. It is touristy, but it is worth it. It is called Bath because there is a 2000 year old Roman Bathhouse there. There are hotsprings that the Roman's built the bath around and it is all still there. The whole complex was quite amazing.....real history. There is also a huge church there called Bath Abbey which was really cool too. Liz had fun taking pictures. I will update the slideshow soon. Along with the history, bath is a place full of great shops and restaurants. Bath also happened to be a short hour away from Stonehenge. We took an afternoon and saw that too. It was actually pretty amazing, especially since it was to basic. It was cool! It was really a great way to spend the weekend!
That is what has been happening here. I will be in Philadelphia at the end of June for a week for work, for those who are tracking my travels!
Look forward to keeping you all in the loop again!
Scott
Anyways, during my last trip home to the US (beginning of June), there were several people who made clear their dis-satisfaction with my blog writing frequency. I guess it is easy for me to forget that there are actually people who enjoy reading about my happenings. For that reason, I am back! I will not promise to write every day or every week, but I will promise that when we do something worth writing about, you will be the first to know.
So, what has happened in the last two months you ask?
I will not go into much about work. We have been deep in the business creation process and will continue to be for the next few months. We are still on schedule to open sometime early next year. When we do, I will tell you all about it.
Liz and I did go back to NY in the end of April. She went back a couple weeks before me to take care of some things. There were not really many points of the trip. The main reason for the trip originally was to bring Nigel to the UK. Add that to a little time to relax and a little time to play golf, sounds like a recipe for success!
We did have some time in NY to relax, which was great. It was Liz's birthday while we were there, so we got to go to one of our old favorite restaurants for that. For those of you who live in NY, Prime in Huntington is worth every penny every time!
The golf was a bit of a challenge. I have heard my entire life how bad the weather is in London. Everybody thinks that it rains all of the time. Frankly, I have been here for the last five months and the weather has been, at most times, great. Anyway, I fly to NY right at the beginning of May, usually one of the nicest times of year, to play golf. What happens when I get there? The weather is cold and rainy for the better part of my trip - of course. The last couple days I was there were nice, so of course I made the best of it. I also got a chance to make a trip up to Boston one night and see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Being a lifelong fan of baseball, that was a real treat. It was as great as I expected it would be. The Red Sox lost - I was really sad about that.....oh yeah.
The Nigel situation also got a bit more complicated. Like I said before, our initial reason for going home was to bring Nigel back to the UK. So, got an apartment that is dog friendly, got a dog who has passed the six month UK pet process, and we have a flight. All sounds good until the vet puts the big ka-bash on the situation. Nigel is working through some medical issues and the doctor did not recommend the long, stressful flight. No major problems - have no fear, the Nigel Christmas card will be back with a fury for years to come! We just had to realize that he wasn't a young man anymore. That combined with the caution from the vet, we decided it would be best for him to stay in NY....at least for now. It is unfortunate, but it is for the best. Before we left, we hooked him up with a new fence at his Grandma's house. Now, at least he can be let out and roam around on his own. In the past, he has had to be on a leash outside every time. I have heard he has been having fun chasing rabbits, so he sounds happy with the situation.
That was about it for the trip back to the US. Well, it was all good until the day before I had to leave. I tried to check into my flight and soon realized that due to a misunderstanding on my part, my entire flight had been cancelled. I will spare you the story, but let's just say, it was a really expensive lesson!
We have been back for a couple of weeks. Last weekend was actually a government holiday weekend here, just like Memorial Day in the US. So, being that I am working in the office, I had a three day weekend. We decided we would make use out of the long weekend and we took off to explore one of the sites that the UK has to offer. We went to a place called Bath.
The trip to Bath was great. We took off early on Saturday morning on the train (about 1.5 hours away) and stayed through Monday afternoon. Bath is a gem in the middle of the country. It is touristy, but it is worth it. It is called Bath because there is a 2000 year old Roman Bathhouse there. There are hotsprings that the Roman's built the bath around and it is all still there. The whole complex was quite amazing.....real history. There is also a huge church there called Bath Abbey which was really cool too. Liz had fun taking pictures. I will update the slideshow soon. Along with the history, bath is a place full of great shops and restaurants. Bath also happened to be a short hour away from Stonehenge. We took an afternoon and saw that too. It was actually pretty amazing, especially since it was to basic. It was cool! It was really a great way to spend the weekend!
That is what has been happening here. I will be in Philadelphia at the end of June for a week for work, for those who are tracking my travels!
Look forward to keeping you all in the loop again!
Scott
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Has It Been Two Weeks??
I guess it has been a while again.
Not a lot has been going on over the last couple of weeks. Work has been really busy and time has been flying by. It is amazing that I have been here for over three months already! Before we know it, a year will have gone by at this rate.
The job has been going well. I am learning a whole new side of the business that will help me immensely in the future. I am still trying to cope with the Monday through Friday deal and waking up early every morning. It is quite interesting trying to be functional at eight in the morning. I know that sounds pretty bad, but remember, I have spent the last 1o years working late into the night! I have managed to get into it though. Soon enough I will be back on the road working the late nights!
As for home, Liz and I have been settling in really well! Her initial time here has passed now so there is a bit of normalcy setting in, which is good for the both of us.
We had a blast last Saturday when we went and saw Metallica live at the O2 Arena. For those who don't know, Liz and I are both huge and long standing Metallica fans (it's a classic rock band for those of you sadly out of touch!). Getting the opportunity to see them in Europe was definitely a memorable moment! The venue is awesome, truly world class! I look forward to seeing some more bands there in the future. Our next big scheduled concert to see is in August - U2 live at Wembley Stadium - yet another world class act at a world class venue! Should be great!
This weekend was another solid one.
We went out with some friends last night to a rock club. It was one of those cool clubs that are half bar, half live music; full of wanna-be rock bands. You just have to remember that this is where all bands start. So, when the first band you see has the youngest member clocking in at about 55, you have to move on swiftly. Then, when the second band comes in and they lead singer starts by reading lines off of a piece of paper, you hope for the best. Once you make it through those painful moments, there should be some quality music, which we ultimately did see last night.
Today we went to the final English shopping haven, Selfridges and Company. It is just like Herrods.....but less touristy.....where people actually shop for this expensive stuff. It was quite impressive! You can buy a bulletproof car there (if that's what your into). We also walked past a $15000 cell phone; excess is the best. It was all good though. It was a hell of a store!
That is about it for now. Easter weekend is coming next weekend. Government says we get four days off, so we shall see what that brings. Maybe we will go out about somewhere....then you will get some fresh reading!
Take care!
Oh yeah....
How could I forget....Tiger taking care of business last weekend was outstanding! He is the man, the myth, the legend! I am STOKED to watch the Masters this weekend! There would be nothing better than a Tiger victory!
What happened to UConn Lou?
Not a lot has been going on over the last couple of weeks. Work has been really busy and time has been flying by. It is amazing that I have been here for over three months already! Before we know it, a year will have gone by at this rate.
The job has been going well. I am learning a whole new side of the business that will help me immensely in the future. I am still trying to cope with the Monday through Friday deal and waking up early every morning. It is quite interesting trying to be functional at eight in the morning. I know that sounds pretty bad, but remember, I have spent the last 1o years working late into the night! I have managed to get into it though. Soon enough I will be back on the road working the late nights!
As for home, Liz and I have been settling in really well! Her initial time here has passed now so there is a bit of normalcy setting in, which is good for the both of us.
We had a blast last Saturday when we went and saw Metallica live at the O2 Arena. For those who don't know, Liz and I are both huge and long standing Metallica fans (it's a classic rock band for those of you sadly out of touch!). Getting the opportunity to see them in Europe was definitely a memorable moment! The venue is awesome, truly world class! I look forward to seeing some more bands there in the future. Our next big scheduled concert to see is in August - U2 live at Wembley Stadium - yet another world class act at a world class venue! Should be great!
This weekend was another solid one.
We went out with some friends last night to a rock club. It was one of those cool clubs that are half bar, half live music; full of wanna-be rock bands. You just have to remember that this is where all bands start. So, when the first band you see has the youngest member clocking in at about 55, you have to move on swiftly. Then, when the second band comes in and they lead singer starts by reading lines off of a piece of paper, you hope for the best. Once you make it through those painful moments, there should be some quality music, which we ultimately did see last night.
Today we went to the final English shopping haven, Selfridges and Company. It is just like Herrods.....but less touristy.....where people actually shop for this expensive stuff. It was quite impressive! You can buy a bulletproof car there (if that's what your into). We also walked past a $15000 cell phone; excess is the best. It was all good though. It was a hell of a store!
That is about it for now. Easter weekend is coming next weekend. Government says we get four days off, so we shall see what that brings. Maybe we will go out about somewhere....then you will get some fresh reading!
Take care!
Oh yeah....
How could I forget....Tiger taking care of business last weekend was outstanding! He is the man, the myth, the legend! I am STOKED to watch the Masters this weekend! There would be nothing better than a Tiger victory!
What happened to UConn Lou?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
I know that I said I would be writing in the blog more often! Blame Liz (for no particular reason, just don't blame me). Really, I was just quite busy at work this week. I had no motivation to come home and write; and, there was really not that much interesting going on!
Things are settling in here. Liz and I have managed to transition nicely into the London way of life. Convenience has really enabled us to live the way we want to. Three minutes walking from our front door is mostly everything we need, specifically a full grocery store and a full gym. Because of the convenience, Liz and I have been able to switch from our New Yorkish way of life (having to drive everywhere and eating out four nights a week) to a new chapter. We have both been going to the gym regularly and last week we ate at home every night! It is amazing what you can do when you have a nice new full kitchen and a grocery store around the corner! I know what you are all thinking: I didn't realize Liz was a master chef? Well, she is not, and never claimed to be! But, she did take it upon herself to cook alone one night which came out great. The other nights we are making it a team effort. It's a good way to spend some time!
Beyond that, life has been pretty normal here. I know, you all expect my London experience to be outrageous every day. Well, the fact of the matter is that I am here to work, and that takes up most of my time. The work and the people were all new and different a couple of months ago. Now, I have settled and am used to the work and the accents. Now it is about spending my time working hard, getting ready to open this beast of a company!
One big point of note should be that I have officially chosen my English Football team to support. After two months of understanding, researching, and lobbying from current team supporters, I have chosen to stick with the team that I have been loyal to for the last ten years. The winner, Arsenal. That is going to be all I say about that for now. There were many deciding factors that went into this decision that I will go into at length if requested, but not right now. If I do, I will get a bunch of crazy American ranters about how soccer is not a sport and this and that. I can fight that battle one on one! HAHA!
I also wanted to congratulate Ireland on winning the Grand Slam in the Six Nations Rugby Tournament! Not that I care, I just find it my duty to inform all of my readers. It is a big deal here - and absolutely no deal in the US. If anything, I thought I would give my "Irish-American" readers something to celebrate (Irish celebration = getting excessively drunk and starting fist fights with their siblings and/or parents). So, enjoy.
That is about all for now. It is about 9:00 on Sunday AM and Liz and I are off to explore this old city. It is the seventh straight day of sun and mid 50's and we are going to take advantage of it! We are off to hit one on London's famous street markets and then we shall see. Maybe the Thames, maybe a museum. I am going to get all the culture I can handle! An maybe, just maybe, there may be some fresh pictures for all of you to peruse......
Take care!
Things are settling in here. Liz and I have managed to transition nicely into the London way of life. Convenience has really enabled us to live the way we want to. Three minutes walking from our front door is mostly everything we need, specifically a full grocery store and a full gym. Because of the convenience, Liz and I have been able to switch from our New Yorkish way of life (having to drive everywhere and eating out four nights a week) to a new chapter. We have both been going to the gym regularly and last week we ate at home every night! It is amazing what you can do when you have a nice new full kitchen and a grocery store around the corner! I know what you are all thinking: I didn't realize Liz was a master chef? Well, she is not, and never claimed to be! But, she did take it upon herself to cook alone one night which came out great. The other nights we are making it a team effort. It's a good way to spend some time!
Beyond that, life has been pretty normal here. I know, you all expect my London experience to be outrageous every day. Well, the fact of the matter is that I am here to work, and that takes up most of my time. The work and the people were all new and different a couple of months ago. Now, I have settled and am used to the work and the accents. Now it is about spending my time working hard, getting ready to open this beast of a company!
One big point of note should be that I have officially chosen my English Football team to support. After two months of understanding, researching, and lobbying from current team supporters, I have chosen to stick with the team that I have been loyal to for the last ten years. The winner, Arsenal. That is going to be all I say about that for now. There were many deciding factors that went into this decision that I will go into at length if requested, but not right now. If I do, I will get a bunch of crazy American ranters about how soccer is not a sport and this and that. I can fight that battle one on one! HAHA!
I also wanted to congratulate Ireland on winning the Grand Slam in the Six Nations Rugby Tournament! Not that I care, I just find it my duty to inform all of my readers. It is a big deal here - and absolutely no deal in the US. If anything, I thought I would give my "Irish-American" readers something to celebrate (Irish celebration = getting excessively drunk and starting fist fights with their siblings and/or parents). So, enjoy.
That is about all for now. It is about 9:00 on Sunday AM and Liz and I are off to explore this old city. It is the seventh straight day of sun and mid 50's and we are going to take advantage of it! We are off to hit one on London's famous street markets and then we shall see. Maybe the Thames, maybe a museum. I am going to get all the culture I can handle! An maybe, just maybe, there may be some fresh pictures for all of you to peruse......
Take care!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Harrods is the Name
Today was the day.
Liz got her opportunity to go to shopping heaven, the one and only Harrods.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is the world's most famous store in the heart of Central London. It is the biggest, most ridiculous store I have ever been to (it takes up an entire city block). Though it was a bit ridiculous, I must admit that it was quite impressive.
You can apparently buy anything at this place. Of course, the highest of high fashion is there. What I did not realize is that Harrods carries excessive amounts of everything from chandeliers to huge rugs to paintings. There is something to be said of walking past a little glass statue that has a price tag of 12,000 pounds; or a stack of massive rugs each of which has a 20,000 pound price tag. The final straw for me was the "pet kingdom". It is an entire section of the store dedicated to excessively priced pet goods and accessories. I did see the cutest miniature couch and chaise lounge though!
Being that I get paid like a normal human, we did not but anything on this trip. But, if you know anyone who is looking for a Swarovski Crystal Foosball table, I know a place.....just 20,000 pounds - including tax.
Beyond that, not much new going on here.
I did go bowling last week with some people from work. Remarkably, bowling is the same here as it is anywhere else! The thing that stood out for me most was the excessivness of the warnings pasted all over the bowling alley. For some reason, there was a sign above every other lane saying "caution, slippery floor". That was strange enough. Then I realized that there was a sticker next to the foul line of each lane offering more caution. Until bowling in the UK, I had no idea how dangerous bowling could be! Being from Wisconsin, where drunk people and bowling are two state past-times, I have never seen a bowling injury due to "slippage". I think that is why it is so unusual!
I know you are all wondering - did you represent the good old USA? Of course I did. I did bowl quite well while beating everyone else. I should note that British people don't bowl well!
That is all for now. Got some good stuff happening tomorrow. Not sure what yet but I will let you know.
In closing, it is important to give a shout-out to the Holecz/Luciani/Cerniglia tribe for adding a healthy set of twins! Welcome to Emma and Grace! Congrats all!
SG
Liz got her opportunity to go to shopping heaven, the one and only Harrods.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is the world's most famous store in the heart of Central London. It is the biggest, most ridiculous store I have ever been to (it takes up an entire city block). Though it was a bit ridiculous, I must admit that it was quite impressive.
You can apparently buy anything at this place. Of course, the highest of high fashion is there. What I did not realize is that Harrods carries excessive amounts of everything from chandeliers to huge rugs to paintings. There is something to be said of walking past a little glass statue that has a price tag of 12,000 pounds; or a stack of massive rugs each of which has a 20,000 pound price tag. The final straw for me was the "pet kingdom". It is an entire section of the store dedicated to excessively priced pet goods and accessories. I did see the cutest miniature couch and chaise lounge though!
Being that I get paid like a normal human, we did not but anything on this trip. But, if you know anyone who is looking for a Swarovski Crystal Foosball table, I know a place.....just 20,000 pounds - including tax.
Beyond that, not much new going on here.
I did go bowling last week with some people from work. Remarkably, bowling is the same here as it is anywhere else! The thing that stood out for me most was the excessivness of the warnings pasted all over the bowling alley. For some reason, there was a sign above every other lane saying "caution, slippery floor". That was strange enough. Then I realized that there was a sticker next to the foul line of each lane offering more caution. Until bowling in the UK, I had no idea how dangerous bowling could be! Being from Wisconsin, where drunk people and bowling are two state past-times, I have never seen a bowling injury due to "slippage". I think that is why it is so unusual!
I know you are all wondering - did you represent the good old USA? Of course I did. I did bowl quite well while beating everyone else. I should note that British people don't bowl well!
That is all for now. Got some good stuff happening tomorrow. Not sure what yet but I will let you know.
In closing, it is important to give a shout-out to the Holecz/Luciani/Cerniglia tribe for adding a healthy set of twins! Welcome to Emma and Grace! Congrats all!
SG
Sunday, March 8, 2009
WELCOME TO THE UK LIZ!!!
Sorry I have not written for so long. Apparently time moves much faster in the UK because it feels like I just wrote last week! But, I must admit that my mind has been elsewhere. My mind has been focused on my lovely wife finally arriving in the UK....and now she has!
I picked Liz up at the airport on Thursday night. Her flight was all good, and even on time. She has an interesting story about a crazy man on her flight who was checking out all of the exit doors and being overly mysterious, but that is a story for her to tell!
Once we got home we celebrated her arrival (finally) with some champagne and a trip to the proper pub down the road. I mean, what would you expect? I am some kind of hopeless romantic.....hahahahahaha!~
We spent a the last couple of days settling in together.
Friday was all about showing Liz around Ealing (our town). I had to give her the lay of the land and show her what was what. I showed her around and we ended up at another local proper pub for lunch....a great place! I assure any of you who end up visiting, you will end up here. Great atmosphere, great beer, great food (excellent foie gras for all you liver enthusiasts)!
On Saturday, we had a combination tour of London. We started in Central London trying to find a particular store that carries all kinds of stuff for the house. We were unsuccessful, but of course I had a backup plan....
We ended up at the biggest, newest, nicest mall in London (which just happens to be five tube stops from our house). I think I satisfied all of Liz's mall demands....being that it as an absolute world class mall! Frankly, I don't think that I have ever been to a nicer mall. We stopped and enjoyed one of the mall's finer offerings, a champagne bar in the middle of the mall. It was a really unique offering that was packed. Based on the prices they charged, that business is doing just fine! Either way, it was a great stop - especially Liz who loves champagne. We ended the day off with some quality Greek food!
Today's plan was to hit Oxford Circus in the heart of Central London. For those of you who do not know, this is the absolute shopping and fashion capital of the UK. Not much my cup of tea, but there is someone in my family who likes it....
We made it but unfortunately half-way through our day, it started pouring. Hmmm. London, rain, what??? Yeah, it was supposed to be nice all day, but is stormed, and we were in the middle of it. We ended up getting soaked and ended up ending our day early. It was all good though because it gave me a chance to get home and cook a nice dinner.
Life is all good now. For the first time in five months, Liz and I are together in a somewhat usual situation! It might be unusual right now, but eventually, this will be normal. I am a very happy man!
I promise more regular updates going forward! If you don't get them, it is Liz's fault!
I picked Liz up at the airport on Thursday night. Her flight was all good, and even on time. She has an interesting story about a crazy man on her flight who was checking out all of the exit doors and being overly mysterious, but that is a story for her to tell!
Once we got home we celebrated her arrival (finally) with some champagne and a trip to the proper pub down the road. I mean, what would you expect? I am some kind of hopeless romantic.....hahahahahaha!~
We spent a the last couple of days settling in together.
Friday was all about showing Liz around Ealing (our town). I had to give her the lay of the land and show her what was what. I showed her around and we ended up at another local proper pub for lunch....a great place! I assure any of you who end up visiting, you will end up here. Great atmosphere, great beer, great food (excellent foie gras for all you liver enthusiasts)!
On Saturday, we had a combination tour of London. We started in Central London trying to find a particular store that carries all kinds of stuff for the house. We were unsuccessful, but of course I had a backup plan....
We ended up at the biggest, newest, nicest mall in London (which just happens to be five tube stops from our house). I think I satisfied all of Liz's mall demands....being that it as an absolute world class mall! Frankly, I don't think that I have ever been to a nicer mall. We stopped and enjoyed one of the mall's finer offerings, a champagne bar in the middle of the mall. It was a really unique offering that was packed. Based on the prices they charged, that business is doing just fine! Either way, it was a great stop - especially Liz who loves champagne. We ended the day off with some quality Greek food!
Today's plan was to hit Oxford Circus in the heart of Central London. For those of you who do not know, this is the absolute shopping and fashion capital of the UK. Not much my cup of tea, but there is someone in my family who likes it....
We made it but unfortunately half-way through our day, it started pouring. Hmmm. London, rain, what??? Yeah, it was supposed to be nice all day, but is stormed, and we were in the middle of it. We ended up getting soaked and ended up ending our day early. It was all good though because it gave me a chance to get home and cook a nice dinner.
Life is all good now. For the first time in five months, Liz and I are together in a somewhat usual situation! It might be unusual right now, but eventually, this will be normal. I am a very happy man!
I promise more regular updates going forward! If you don't get them, it is Liz's fault!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Beer Bust
I had another one of those welcome to Europe moments today....
I got an email inviting me to a beer bust in the cafeteria at the office I work at for 6pm tonight. This is not something that seemed normal to me. Prude American offices would have nothing to do with beer in the workplace. So, as far as I was concerned, I was obviously mis-reading the email.
6pm comes around and I figured that I might as well check it out.
I walk to the cafe with a couple of my co-workers and sure enough, there are a bunch of people drinking beer and eating pizza!
I walk into the cafe itself and walk up to one of the stations and there are about 200 open bottles of good old Budweiser (yeah Lou!)just sitting there for the taking. I take a couple and move onto the next station with a bunch of different pizza. I chose a slice of corn and mushroom pizza (they put corn on everything here). I went and sat down with my mates.....this was really happening!
So, turns out that drinking beer at work is perfectly ok.....free beer at that!
I just got home and now I am watching rugby.
The six nations tournament has been going on the last couple of weeks: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy have some sort of round robin situation.
Of course, rugby is one of those beautiful European sports that Americans know nothing about. Rugby, football (soccer), cricket, snooker, and darts are the European standards.
I have been watching the tournament regularly just because it is cool! I have learned two things watching these rugby matches:
1. This sport is brutal - if you get hurt, the medic comes out and your team just keeps playing while you nearly die.
2. Italy has no business competing in this tournament. The suck.....bad.
France just beat Wales. Poor Welsh.
Oh well. Liz comes soon....only one more lonely weekend to get through!!
Cheers!
I got an email inviting me to a beer bust in the cafeteria at the office I work at for 6pm tonight. This is not something that seemed normal to me. Prude American offices would have nothing to do with beer in the workplace. So, as far as I was concerned, I was obviously mis-reading the email.
6pm comes around and I figured that I might as well check it out.
I walk to the cafe with a couple of my co-workers and sure enough, there are a bunch of people drinking beer and eating pizza!
I walk into the cafe itself and walk up to one of the stations and there are about 200 open bottles of good old Budweiser (yeah Lou!)just sitting there for the taking. I take a couple and move onto the next station with a bunch of different pizza. I chose a slice of corn and mushroom pizza (they put corn on everything here). I went and sat down with my mates.....this was really happening!
So, turns out that drinking beer at work is perfectly ok.....free beer at that!
I just got home and now I am watching rugby.
The six nations tournament has been going on the last couple of weeks: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy have some sort of round robin situation.
Of course, rugby is one of those beautiful European sports that Americans know nothing about. Rugby, football (soccer), cricket, snooker, and darts are the European standards.
I have been watching the tournament regularly just because it is cool! I have learned two things watching these rugby matches:
1. This sport is brutal - if you get hurt, the medic comes out and your team just keeps playing while you nearly die.
2. Italy has no business competing in this tournament. The suck.....bad.
France just beat Wales. Poor Welsh.
Oh well. Liz comes soon....only one more lonely weekend to get through!!
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fun Facts
Hello all,
Not much new going on across the pond. It was a very busy, very important week at work last week. I had one of my first major responsibilities to present and I must say, I don't think it could have gone much better!
I had the weekend off again. As nice as it is to have those days off, I still can't get used to it. I stick with my original claim: I would rather have one weekend day and one week day off; then I don't have to deal with all of the people that are off too!
I went on a couple of field trips over the weekend, mainly taking the tube around my new area to find the local stores. The only major victory I had this weekend was finding a nice 300Watt step down power converter. What is that for you ask? With this brilliant piece, I can now use my US XBOX 360 on the power system here. Oh, what good fun! Now, all I need is my broadband to get hooked up this coming weekend to get online and start destroying people in Tiger Woods Golf yet again. Good times.
You also may be surprised that I have cooked two nice meals this week. I made myself a nice steak and baked potato on Sunday and baked some cod yesterday. I do dabble a bit in the art of cooking, but living in such a small apartment, I have had no ambition to work in a small kitchen. Now, I have a nice new kitchen and a grocery store next door. All is good. And, when you have nothing but time to kill, you have to do something!
My other major victory this week was setting up a UK bank account. I had heard so many horror stories about it, but it was easy. I think it is easier and quicker to get a mortgage in the US that a foreigner to get a bank account here. But, Barclays took me in with open arms. No more BS currency exchange rates on my US cards....yeehaw!
Back to work as usual this week. On Thursday we are going out as a team for a curry and to the casino. I shall let you know how that goes!
Let me leave you with some random facts about my new home:
-There are casinos everywhere. Think of going to a bar in the US and jamming it full of casino games. That is how it is here, randomly located everywhere. I will give you more details after Thursday.
-Baked beans on toast in the morning is the breakfast the English are most proud of. Every morning in the cafeteria at work, there they are, all hot and steamy. I have yet to give it a shot. One of these days!
-Mushy peas. What more do I have to say? Look it up. Peas themselves are not very glamorous, little green balls, mediocre at best. Imagine them with the skin ripped off and half soupy. If you get fish and chips, you will have the option for mushy peas. I am not a hater, I like them.
-British humor is not as dry as you would think in real life, but it is AWFUL on tv.
-Most shows are not censored at all on tv. That means I get to enjoy my hero, Gordon Ramsey, in all of his beautifully excessive profanity.
-They love their potato chips here (crisps as they call them - chips are french fries). Though I must admit, they might have gone a little over the edge with their flavors. Their normal selection is strange enough: prawn cocktail, bbq rib flavor, Worcester sauce, etc. They are advertising a new competition for their best new flavor and the have outdone themselves! Chili and chocolate? Cajun Squirrel? Fish and Chips? I can't make this stuff up: http://www.walkers-crisps.co.uk/flavours/default.aspx?ver=low#/flavours/
-If you go into the egg aisle at the grocery store, all of the eggs are in a normal aisle, not a refrigerated section, strange.
-When you are on an escalator, if you are standing and waiting, stand on the right. Walkers get the left side. They get pissed if you are standing on the left!
-Almost every car is a stick shift. Not only do they drive down the wrong side of the road, they do it while driving manually!
I can't give everything away at once!
Take care!
Not much new going on across the pond. It was a very busy, very important week at work last week. I had one of my first major responsibilities to present and I must say, I don't think it could have gone much better!
I had the weekend off again. As nice as it is to have those days off, I still can't get used to it. I stick with my original claim: I would rather have one weekend day and one week day off; then I don't have to deal with all of the people that are off too!
I went on a couple of field trips over the weekend, mainly taking the tube around my new area to find the local stores. The only major victory I had this weekend was finding a nice 300Watt step down power converter. What is that for you ask? With this brilliant piece, I can now use my US XBOX 360 on the power system here. Oh, what good fun! Now, all I need is my broadband to get hooked up this coming weekend to get online and start destroying people in Tiger Woods Golf yet again. Good times.
You also may be surprised that I have cooked two nice meals this week. I made myself a nice steak and baked potato on Sunday and baked some cod yesterday. I do dabble a bit in the art of cooking, but living in such a small apartment, I have had no ambition to work in a small kitchen. Now, I have a nice new kitchen and a grocery store next door. All is good. And, when you have nothing but time to kill, you have to do something!
My other major victory this week was setting up a UK bank account. I had heard so many horror stories about it, but it was easy. I think it is easier and quicker to get a mortgage in the US that a foreigner to get a bank account here. But, Barclays took me in with open arms. No more BS currency exchange rates on my US cards....yeehaw!
Back to work as usual this week. On Thursday we are going out as a team for a curry and to the casino. I shall let you know how that goes!
Let me leave you with some random facts about my new home:
-There are casinos everywhere. Think of going to a bar in the US and jamming it full of casino games. That is how it is here, randomly located everywhere. I will give you more details after Thursday.
-Baked beans on toast in the morning is the breakfast the English are most proud of. Every morning in the cafeteria at work, there they are, all hot and steamy. I have yet to give it a shot. One of these days!
-Mushy peas. What more do I have to say? Look it up. Peas themselves are not very glamorous, little green balls, mediocre at best. Imagine them with the skin ripped off and half soupy. If you get fish and chips, you will have the option for mushy peas. I am not a hater, I like them.
-British humor is not as dry as you would think in real life, but it is AWFUL on tv.
-Most shows are not censored at all on tv. That means I get to enjoy my hero, Gordon Ramsey, in all of his beautifully excessive profanity.
-They love their potato chips here (crisps as they call them - chips are french fries). Though I must admit, they might have gone a little over the edge with their flavors. Their normal selection is strange enough: prawn cocktail, bbq rib flavor, Worcester sauce, etc. They are advertising a new competition for their best new flavor and the have outdone themselves! Chili and chocolate? Cajun Squirrel? Fish and Chips? I can't make this stuff up: http://www.walkers-crisps.co.uk/flavours/default.aspx?ver=low#/flavours/
-If you go into the egg aisle at the grocery store, all of the eggs are in a normal aisle, not a refrigerated section, strange.
-When you are on an escalator, if you are standing and waiting, stand on the right. Walkers get the left side. They get pissed if you are standing on the left!
-Almost every car is a stick shift. Not only do they drive down the wrong side of the road, they do it while driving manually!
I can't give everything away at once!
Take care!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Roids - Completely Non UK Related
I need to air my opinion about Alex Rodriguez for all who care!
It is sad that people are still getting called out for performance enhancer use that happened more than five years ago. I am so sick and tired of this stupid subject!
Don't get me wrong, I feel that the people should have the right to know about current players who intentionally break the rules today. If you are that stupid or arrogant to think that you won't get caught, you deserve it. Now, it is against the rules.
My problem is people making a big deal about people taking these enhancers when they were not against the rules. Who cares? Do you? I don't? If it was legal, it was legal.
Yes, I am a Yankee fan, but that has nothing to do with this point. For that matter, I appreciate A Rod as a player but I am not a fan. So, don't think that I am just another dumb ass Yankee fan preaching about poor A Rod - or any other random negative point brought up against the Yankees. A Rod specifically has nothing to do with this rant, he just brought it on.
Do I feel bad for A Rod?
Not at all.
He knew what he did and that he got caught doing it. Remember, it was legal then. Either way, he swept it under the rug and waited for it to come out this way. For that, he has to bear the burden.
Am I glad he admitted to it?
He had no choice, if he would have denied, he would have been like every other random sack of crap who denied reality (McGuire, Sosa, Bonds, and all those other stained girls).
I guess this brings me to the root of my frustration. I still have a hard time understanding why all of these idiots denied using these drugs in the first place. They know what they did. Most of them have been caught doing it! Is it really that hard to remember Mark McGuire using Androstenedione openly during those glory years? I seem to remember it vividly!
How hard would it have been for any one of these guys to say, "Yeah, I used them; there was no rule saying not to"? That is all it would have took. If one would have done it, they all would have done it. It may have caused a storm, but that storm would be gone in six months, unlike our current six year storm.
Mark McGuire crys like a girl, Sammy Sosa corks his bat and denies it (hopeless), and Barry Bonds has a huge roid head (except for on his 1986 Tops rookie card when he was on the Pirates for some reason). I hate all of these players. But, if they would have admitted using, I would have still respected their records - with no asterisk (that brings on another rant about 61* - for another time)!
How sad is it that we look back and the only big players to admit were thong wearing Jason Giambi and my hero Jose Canseco?
They are both pieces of work, but no one holds them accountable to using anymore. People hold Giambi accountable to getting overpaid and playing like crap. People hold Canseco accountable to being in it for the money. Who isn't?
A Rod will get what he gets. He, like almost everyone else missed his opportunity to admit when it wouldn't have mattered. So no, I don't feel for him. That, and he is worth like a billion dollars.
This isn't about feeling bad for one person or another. It is frankly about not giving a rat's ass anymore. Stop bitching about it. If you cheat now, take your suspension. Stop spending the government's fake money on this. No one cares. That goes for your opinion too Mr. Obama. Why don't we just shut the book on it. Everyone probably did it; and just like the coke and amphetamines of the 70's and 80's, players will do something else next year!
There is only one flea ridden scumbag to stick with in this whole thing, my boy, Jose Canseco. The one guy who really doesn't care what anyone thinks. I hate him for bringing this whole waste of time up, but you got to make a living somehow! Can't hate for that!
Remember, Bo knows baseball. He is the one man who never took enhancers. He is the only monster who never had to. Maybe he should have and injuries may not have cut his career so short!
It is sad that people are still getting called out for performance enhancer use that happened more than five years ago. I am so sick and tired of this stupid subject!
Don't get me wrong, I feel that the people should have the right to know about current players who intentionally break the rules today. If you are that stupid or arrogant to think that you won't get caught, you deserve it. Now, it is against the rules.
My problem is people making a big deal about people taking these enhancers when they were not against the rules. Who cares? Do you? I don't? If it was legal, it was legal.
Yes, I am a Yankee fan, but that has nothing to do with this point. For that matter, I appreciate A Rod as a player but I am not a fan. So, don't think that I am just another dumb ass Yankee fan preaching about poor A Rod - or any other random negative point brought up against the Yankees. A Rod specifically has nothing to do with this rant, he just brought it on.
Do I feel bad for A Rod?
Not at all.
He knew what he did and that he got caught doing it. Remember, it was legal then. Either way, he swept it under the rug and waited for it to come out this way. For that, he has to bear the burden.
Am I glad he admitted to it?
He had no choice, if he would have denied, he would have been like every other random sack of crap who denied reality (McGuire, Sosa, Bonds, and all those other stained girls).
I guess this brings me to the root of my frustration. I still have a hard time understanding why all of these idiots denied using these drugs in the first place. They know what they did. Most of them have been caught doing it! Is it really that hard to remember Mark McGuire using Androstenedione openly during those glory years? I seem to remember it vividly!
How hard would it have been for any one of these guys to say, "Yeah, I used them; there was no rule saying not to"? That is all it would have took. If one would have done it, they all would have done it. It may have caused a storm, but that storm would be gone in six months, unlike our current six year storm.
Mark McGuire crys like a girl, Sammy Sosa corks his bat and denies it (hopeless), and Barry Bonds has a huge roid head (except for on his 1986 Tops rookie card when he was on the Pirates for some reason). I hate all of these players. But, if they would have admitted using, I would have still respected their records - with no asterisk (that brings on another rant about 61* - for another time)!
How sad is it that we look back and the only big players to admit were thong wearing Jason Giambi and my hero Jose Canseco?
They are both pieces of work, but no one holds them accountable to using anymore. People hold Giambi accountable to getting overpaid and playing like crap. People hold Canseco accountable to being in it for the money. Who isn't?
A Rod will get what he gets. He, like almost everyone else missed his opportunity to admit when it wouldn't have mattered. So no, I don't feel for him. That, and he is worth like a billion dollars.
This isn't about feeling bad for one person or another. It is frankly about not giving a rat's ass anymore. Stop bitching about it. If you cheat now, take your suspension. Stop spending the government's fake money on this. No one cares. That goes for your opinion too Mr. Obama. Why don't we just shut the book on it. Everyone probably did it; and just like the coke and amphetamines of the 70's and 80's, players will do something else next year!
There is only one flea ridden scumbag to stick with in this whole thing, my boy, Jose Canseco. The one guy who really doesn't care what anyone thinks. I hate him for bringing this whole waste of time up, but you got to make a living somehow! Can't hate for that!
Remember, Bo knows baseball. He is the one man who never took enhancers. He is the only monster who never had to. Maybe he should have and injuries may not have cut his career so short!
All Work and No Play
I arrived in London late on Saturday night.
Let me note that I was once again pleased with my British Airways experience. I think the trick is to fly during the day; each day flight I have been on has been half empty. I do much prefer to have the seat next to me empty, it is just more comfortable. My red-eye experiences were not nearly as nice...apparently Brits love to fly at night because the plane was packed!
I took a cab home from the airport. Like every other country, the cab driver asked me how to get where I was going; like every other country, I told him that I had no idea! I should not complain - at least we spoke the same language. The difference here was that once I told him I did not know how to get to my flat (apartment), he pulled out his sat/nav (GPS) and typed my address it. Apparently, he was resisting technology at all costs!
I got home on Saturday and spent my first night in my new flat. I wasn't up for much that first night, so I unsuccessfully tried to make myself sleep. There is nothing like taking prescription sleeping pills and laying it bed awake for three hours!
Sunday was officially "move in day". I woke up at 12:30 pm (after unsuccessfully trying to work through my jet lag) and it was game time! I began unpacking all my goods, shortly realizing that I had no hangars. I took a walk over to the mall and scored the goods: hangars, some basic food supplies, some tp, and some cleaning stuff. I spent the rest of the day unpacking, cleaning, washing all the new dishes (not manually of course), and washing some clothes and towels. The appliances are great, but like most UK homes, I have no dryer. So, I have to hang dry my clothes in a drying rack in my third bedroom. I thought it may be annoying, but I have to admit, it was actually somewhat satisfying (don't ask for explanation, I have none).
The flat is great. There are pics in my slideshow. My landlord had it all hooked up and furnished by the time I got here. Unfortunately, he was not able to get the cleaners in before I moved it (have no fear, they are coming on Saturday). Being it was all redone, there is that construction-type dust all over the place. I also haven't gotten my tv/broadband/phone installed yet either. That is happening next week. Until then, I get to enjoy my local aerial tv broadcast and enjoy some internet from one of my neighbors (thanks much). Beyond that, all is great! Oh yeah, I still don't have the codes to my alarm system, so come and rob me now.
Monday came and it was back to the office. This is a very long, important week of work, so I have my hands full there!
There is something special about coming home and living my bachelor/China life again. Not in general - don't judge me - I miss my wife and my son horribly! The special part is coming home and eating like a starving college student! Not that I have to, I am just tired and it is so easy! Soup and toast Sunday night....mmmm! A tuna and corn (yep...and good) sandwich last night. Tomato soup and crackerbread (some cardboard tasting stuff that is great with soup) again tonight! It's quite funny. I figured after all of the eating I have done the last couple weeks, it couldn't hurt. I suppose one of these days I should get some real food and use my fantastic kitchen - beyond the microwave. I have to practice for Liz you know!
Beyond that, everything is calm. I have actually been pretty bored at home since I got back. English local TV is horribly dry and the internet is only fun for about five minutes. It has give me some time to get some extra work done which is nice. Remember, for the last three months, I have been living with a roommate. I got used to chilling out with someone else, having a drink and conversing is not so bad. Now I am alone....until March 5 - I can't wait!!!
For all of you concerned, Nigel will be coming out sometime in May once he has completed his six month waiting period!
That is all for now. Hope all is well.
Let me note that I was once again pleased with my British Airways experience. I think the trick is to fly during the day; each day flight I have been on has been half empty. I do much prefer to have the seat next to me empty, it is just more comfortable. My red-eye experiences were not nearly as nice...apparently Brits love to fly at night because the plane was packed!
I took a cab home from the airport. Like every other country, the cab driver asked me how to get where I was going; like every other country, I told him that I had no idea! I should not complain - at least we spoke the same language. The difference here was that once I told him I did not know how to get to my flat (apartment), he pulled out his sat/nav (GPS) and typed my address it. Apparently, he was resisting technology at all costs!
I got home on Saturday and spent my first night in my new flat. I wasn't up for much that first night, so I unsuccessfully tried to make myself sleep. There is nothing like taking prescription sleeping pills and laying it bed awake for three hours!
Sunday was officially "move in day". I woke up at 12:30 pm (after unsuccessfully trying to work through my jet lag) and it was game time! I began unpacking all my goods, shortly realizing that I had no hangars. I took a walk over to the mall and scored the goods: hangars, some basic food supplies, some tp, and some cleaning stuff. I spent the rest of the day unpacking, cleaning, washing all the new dishes (not manually of course), and washing some clothes and towels. The appliances are great, but like most UK homes, I have no dryer. So, I have to hang dry my clothes in a drying rack in my third bedroom. I thought it may be annoying, but I have to admit, it was actually somewhat satisfying (don't ask for explanation, I have none).
The flat is great. There are pics in my slideshow. My landlord had it all hooked up and furnished by the time I got here. Unfortunately, he was not able to get the cleaners in before I moved it (have no fear, they are coming on Saturday). Being it was all redone, there is that construction-type dust all over the place. I also haven't gotten my tv/broadband/phone installed yet either. That is happening next week. Until then, I get to enjoy my local aerial tv broadcast and enjoy some internet from one of my neighbors (thanks much). Beyond that, all is great! Oh yeah, I still don't have the codes to my alarm system, so come and rob me now.
Monday came and it was back to the office. This is a very long, important week of work, so I have my hands full there!
There is something special about coming home and living my bachelor/China life again. Not in general - don't judge me - I miss my wife and my son horribly! The special part is coming home and eating like a starving college student! Not that I have to, I am just tired and it is so easy! Soup and toast Sunday night....mmmm! A tuna and corn (yep...and good) sandwich last night. Tomato soup and crackerbread (some cardboard tasting stuff that is great with soup) again tonight! It's quite funny. I figured after all of the eating I have done the last couple weeks, it couldn't hurt. I suppose one of these days I should get some real food and use my fantastic kitchen - beyond the microwave. I have to practice for Liz you know!
Beyond that, everything is calm. I have actually been pretty bored at home since I got back. English local TV is horribly dry and the internet is only fun for about five minutes. It has give me some time to get some extra work done which is nice. Remember, for the last three months, I have been living with a roommate. I got used to chilling out with someone else, having a drink and conversing is not so bad. Now I am alone....until March 5 - I can't wait!!!
For all of you concerned, Nigel will be coming out sometime in May once he has completed his six month waiting period!
That is all for now. Hope all is well.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
And I Return.....
Have no fear all of my loyal readers!
I have been getting a lot of hassle about my lack of recent blogs....
So you all understand, I had no intention of leaving anyone in the cold. I have been in the US for the last week, so I decided to spend time with the family instead of blogging. I know you will understand.
But, have no fear, I am sitting at JFK airport right now about to board my flight back.
The blogs will be coming shortly.....
Scott
I have been getting a lot of hassle about my lack of recent blogs....
So you all understand, I had no intention of leaving anyone in the cold. I have been in the US for the last week, so I decided to spend time with the family instead of blogging. I know you will understand.
But, have no fear, I am sitting at JFK airport right now about to board my flight back.
The blogs will be coming shortly.....
Scott
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Josh Boone for President
Boone in 2012!
Never heard of him??
A true living legend!
Just think of what he could do for our country....
Just compare it to what he has already done in his illustrious NBA career: 6ppg/5rpg/55%shooting/47%FT = Individual Excellence!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Dry Cleaning
Well, every once in a while you have a moment in which you remember that you are in Central London. I had one of those moments today; let me explain:
It was time to do my dry cleaning. Being that I am pretty much strictly corporate right now, I work in an office (with a cubical of course) and wear nice clothes. I figured that I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I was all excited today when I realized that there was a dry cleaner right around the corner from my house. My searching on Google failed to mention this one, so obviously I was overexcited when I found it.
I packed up my items: six slacks, seven shirts, and one sweater. I was on my way.
I walked over and it seemed like a pretty standard place. The guy was counting up all my clothes and then asked me if I wanted shirts on a hangar or in a box, a little strange. Anyway, he handed me my receipt and I was about on my way. Then I heard a guy next to me ask how much it was to dry clean his jeans; she responded 8 pounds ($12). I thought to myself, that seems excessive.
I walked out the door and headed home. On the way I took a look at my receipt. They charged me 90 pounds ($135) for six pants, seven shirts, and one sweater!
I guess you have to learn some lessons the hard way!
Anyways, just wanted to vent a bit. I will update you all further either tonight or tomorrow.
It was time to do my dry cleaning. Being that I am pretty much strictly corporate right now, I work in an office (with a cubical of course) and wear nice clothes. I figured that I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I was all excited today when I realized that there was a dry cleaner right around the corner from my house. My searching on Google failed to mention this one, so obviously I was overexcited when I found it.
I packed up my items: six slacks, seven shirts, and one sweater. I was on my way.
I walked over and it seemed like a pretty standard place. The guy was counting up all my clothes and then asked me if I wanted shirts on a hangar or in a box, a little strange. Anyway, he handed me my receipt and I was about on my way. Then I heard a guy next to me ask how much it was to dry clean his jeans; she responded 8 pounds ($12). I thought to myself, that seems excessive.
I walked out the door and headed home. On the way I took a look at my receipt. They charged me 90 pounds ($135) for six pants, seven shirts, and one sweater!
I guess you have to learn some lessons the hard way!
Anyways, just wanted to vent a bit. I will update you all further either tonight or tomorrow.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday, Bloody Sunday!
Had the day off today, so I thought I would take a nice "touristy" walk about London.
Jumped on to the tube on Gloucester Road (my local stop) and took a ride down to the River Thames. It was only about seven tube stops away on the same line which took no more that 15 minutes.
I walked out of the station and BOOM, there was the river, there was the London Eye, and there was Big Ben. Being that I was just taking a stab at the stop to get off at, I guess it was pretty good luck.
Next to the London Eye was tourist central! There was an art museum, an aquarium, a haunted house, and even bumper cars!
What else would a tourist need?
Apparently, tourists also need mimes. There was one strip of sidewalk that was "Mime City" (as I like to call it). There were more mimes in that 100 foot stretch than all of the continental states combined (I can't vouch for Hawaii and Alaska). Some of the mimes were the classic Frenchies, some were the silver and gold folk, and then there were the headless ones. New concept for me, guess I am not up on my mimes. One thing I do know is that if I were a child, they all would have scared the hell out of me!
Wandered around there for a bit and took some more pictures (check out the slideshow - just click on and and you can see all of my pictures). Eventually it was time to move on, and I got back on the tube.
Got back on the tube and took it to a station called "Monument". Sounded interesting, so I got off the train. I exited the station and there it was, a big monument. I don't know what "The Monument" as it was marked was monumenting (my own word, like it?) but it was definately a monument. That held my interest for....about ten seconds. I wandered down the road and turned the corner. At that point, Liz texted me and asked if I had seen the bridge yet. I nievely replied "we are close" but realistically had no clue how close we were. The only thing I knew is that we were somewhere near the river. At that point I looked at a sign and it said London Bridge, convenient.
It was a good day to view the bridge today. Sun, some nice clouds, it all worked out to give me some nice pictures.
You will see in some of the pictures, there is a warship docked next to the bridge. It was the HMS Belfast. Note to self, go back and take a tour.
I stopped at a pub at the base of the bridge and grabbed a pint of London's Pride for good measure, then it was time to head home.
I am now home. Believe it or not, there is a football (European) game on while I am typing this that looks pretty good. I am more excited for the American football coming on tonight. I am ready for some football! Thankfully, they play it live on TV over here, so that works out well!
For the record, I will take Philly and Pittsburg with the points (remember, there is a reason I don't really gamble!).
Take care all!
Scott
Jumped on to the tube on Gloucester Road (my local stop) and took a ride down to the River Thames. It was only about seven tube stops away on the same line which took no more that 15 minutes.
I walked out of the station and BOOM, there was the river, there was the London Eye, and there was Big Ben. Being that I was just taking a stab at the stop to get off at, I guess it was pretty good luck.
Next to the London Eye was tourist central! There was an art museum, an aquarium, a haunted house, and even bumper cars!
What else would a tourist need?
Apparently, tourists also need mimes. There was one strip of sidewalk that was "Mime City" (as I like to call it). There were more mimes in that 100 foot stretch than all of the continental states combined (I can't vouch for Hawaii and Alaska). Some of the mimes were the classic Frenchies, some were the silver and gold folk, and then there were the headless ones. New concept for me, guess I am not up on my mimes. One thing I do know is that if I were a child, they all would have scared the hell out of me!Wandered around there for a bit and took some more pictures (check out the slideshow - just click on and and you can see all of my pictures). Eventually it was time to move on, and I got back on the tube.
Got back on the tube and took it to a station called "Monument". Sounded interesting, so I got off the train. I exited the station and there it was, a big monument. I don't know what "The Monument" as it was marked was monumenting (my own word, like it?) but it was definately a monument. That held my interest for....about ten seconds. I wandered down the road and turned the corner. At that point, Liz texted me and asked if I had seen the bridge yet. I nievely replied "we are close" but realistically had no clue how close we were. The only thing I knew is that we were somewhere near the river. At that point I looked at a sign and it said London Bridge, convenient.
It was a good day to view the bridge today. Sun, some nice clouds, it all worked out to give me some nice pictures.You will see in some of the pictures, there is a warship docked next to the bridge. It was the HMS Belfast. Note to self, go back and take a tour.
I stopped at a pub at the base of the bridge and grabbed a pint of London's Pride for good measure, then it was time to head home.
I am now home. Believe it or not, there is a football (European) game on while I am typing this that looks pretty good. I am more excited for the American football coming on tonight. I am ready for some football! Thankfully, they play it live on TV over here, so that works out well!
For the record, I will take Philly and Pittsburg with the points (remember, there is a reason I don't really gamble!).
Take care all!
Scott
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The First 2 Weeks
Let me preface the update of my first two weeks in London by giving an update of my time back in the good old USA!
I had the chance to see a bunch of you over the holidays, which was great. My time in China was great, but it was truly amazing to be home, and OFF OF WORK, for the holidays. My China jet lag did not hurt too bad, only a day or two.
Then it was game on.
First, Liz and I flew to Wisconsin. Had the chance to see almost all of my side of the family. Allow me to use this time to truly thank from the bottom of Liz's and my heart my mom and dad for going above and beyond to celebrate Liz and my marriage. Completely over-exceeded expectations, both of you....THANK YOU!! Although the weather was about as bad as it gets (snowy, cold, windy, and anything else), we still made the most of the trip. My company giving me the opportunity to spend a Christmas with my family is truly outstanding!
We came back to New York and spent the next week "touring". We tried our best to see everyone in that week and we did a pretty good job. There were a few of you - you know who you are - that we did not have a chance to see that get first priority on my next trip home, which happens to be in about two weeks!
On 1/4, I was leaving on a jetplane yet once again, off to London. British Airways delivered me via the red eye to Heathrow International.
I got picked up from the airport and proceeded to be driven down the wrong side of the road. It is going to take a bit to get used to that. I was dropped off at my residence for this month: Frasier Suites South Kensington. It is a great serviced apartment in the center of London. The area is beautiful and the building in older than the USA. It is great. Check out pictures on my Flickr site.
I came in and began work the next day. Right now, my partner in crime Bob and I are stationed out of the Carphone Warehouse Headquarters in North Acton, London. We have been working hard ever since.
Beyond work, I have done little with my time here. We hit up one of the local pubs every day or two. The beer selections are top notch. My recent favorite is London Pride which is delivered in a kask that is placed in the basement of the pub. No kegs for this beer! Less fizz, more beer. It is a bit warm, but it is outstanding!
I am saving all the cool touristy stuff for when Liz arrives. As I decided today, that should occur the first week of March. I can't wait. Hopefully Nigel will follow shortly after!
The only downside of my trip so far is that I came down with the flu this last Tuesday. I felt it coming and drugged up the best I could. When I woke up Wednesday, I felt like death! I slept the entire day. It got me good. I was back to work Thursday and feel much better now.
That is about all for now. Feel free to ask any questions you have! I will do my best to update regularly.
Until then, here are some answers:
When are you coming home? January 29-February 6
When is Liz moving over? In the first couple days of March depending on flights
What abount Nigel? Hopefully May
Where are you going to be living permanantly? Depends, found a nice place in Ealing
When and where are you opening a store? Confidential....it will happen ;)
Are you coming home this summer? Most likely
What happened to Circuit City? Sorry about that!
Take care all!!!
I had the chance to see a bunch of you over the holidays, which was great. My time in China was great, but it was truly amazing to be home, and OFF OF WORK, for the holidays. My China jet lag did not hurt too bad, only a day or two.
Then it was game on.
First, Liz and I flew to Wisconsin. Had the chance to see almost all of my side of the family. Allow me to use this time to truly thank from the bottom of Liz's and my heart my mom and dad for going above and beyond to celebrate Liz and my marriage. Completely over-exceeded expectations, both of you....THANK YOU!! Although the weather was about as bad as it gets (snowy, cold, windy, and anything else), we still made the most of the trip. My company giving me the opportunity to spend a Christmas with my family is truly outstanding!
We came back to New York and spent the next week "touring". We tried our best to see everyone in that week and we did a pretty good job. There were a few of you - you know who you are - that we did not have a chance to see that get first priority on my next trip home, which happens to be in about two weeks!
On 1/4, I was leaving on a jetplane yet once again, off to London. British Airways delivered me via the red eye to Heathrow International.
I got picked up from the airport and proceeded to be driven down the wrong side of the road. It is going to take a bit to get used to that. I was dropped off at my residence for this month: Frasier Suites South Kensington. It is a great serviced apartment in the center of London. The area is beautiful and the building in older than the USA. It is great. Check out pictures on my Flickr site.
I came in and began work the next day. Right now, my partner in crime Bob and I are stationed out of the Carphone Warehouse Headquarters in North Acton, London. We have been working hard ever since.
Beyond work, I have done little with my time here. We hit up one of the local pubs every day or two. The beer selections are top notch. My recent favorite is London Pride which is delivered in a kask that is placed in the basement of the pub. No kegs for this beer! Less fizz, more beer. It is a bit warm, but it is outstanding!
I am saving all the cool touristy stuff for when Liz arrives. As I decided today, that should occur the first week of March. I can't wait. Hopefully Nigel will follow shortly after!
The only downside of my trip so far is that I came down with the flu this last Tuesday. I felt it coming and drugged up the best I could. When I woke up Wednesday, I felt like death! I slept the entire day. It got me good. I was back to work Thursday and feel much better now.
That is about all for now. Feel free to ask any questions you have! I will do my best to update regularly.
Until then, here are some answers:
When are you coming home? January 29-February 6
When is Liz moving over? In the first couple days of March depending on flights
What abount Nigel? Hopefully May
Where are you going to be living permanantly? Depends, found a nice place in Ealing
When and where are you opening a store? Confidential....it will happen ;)
Are you coming home this summer? Most likely
What happened to Circuit City? Sorry about that!
Take care all!!!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Due to increased demand, the blog is back!
New name, new look, new country, new stories!!!
Welcome to all!
Tell your friends; maybe if I get enough viewers, I can charge for advertising!
Cheers!
New name, new look, new country, new stories!!!
Welcome to all!
Tell your friends; maybe if I get enough viewers, I can charge for advertising!
Cheers!
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