An Insubstantial Blog

Happy New Year!

I'm sure everyone thinks I abandoned this blog but internet has returned here at the pub. I will try to post more from now on.

Things have been interesting. Very interesting tonight.

I'm not one to do anything for New Years. Somehow, I ended up on a boat on the river Thames. I feel a bit silly about paying so much for a ticket but it was the cheapest boat around and it was quite the interesting night.

We didn't get tickets until today and somehow our bosses convinced them to let us all get tickets so we were "VIP".

So I saw in the New Year with a view of Big Ben and the London Eye fireworks while managing to lose everyone I came with. I will say I had a New Years kiss. I also danced a lot, drank a fair amount, and danced some more. Oh and I was complemented on being a good dancer. Dear lord, the guy must've been wasted as well to think that. Anyways, fun was had by all and I got to experience New Years in person and not on tv. It wasn't terribly exciting but it was certainly better than watching the ball drop in New York.

Then, I managed to fall asleep for the US New Year. After all, it wasn't until 5am here. Now it's almost 8am and I've been awake for over 2 hours. I've had horrible insomnia lately, especially after a night of drinking. However, now I'm tired so now that the sun is coming up I think I will call it a night.

Internet still not working. Maybe later today? Real updates will resume when I have internet in my housing and I'm not sitting at McDonald's.

I think I fucking love this city. I think I should move here forever.

We'll see if I regret this later. But as for right now, it's edging up there on Chicago as best city ever.

Yesterday was my first day of work ie the second busiest day ALL week. Tonight is my second and it's the busiest night ALL week. And they are both 10 hour days. Oh fuck, I'm not used to this.

And then I stayed up until 3am talking with people. So yay for being social but FUCK I'm tired and my legs still feel tired.

Tonight I'll try to go to bed early but tonight is free drinks night. People don't really tip here. Last night, about 5 people made 15 pounds in tips. So instead of splitting it up, every Friday night is free drinks for all the employees after work. It's also cleaning night. They have to bribe you with something, I guess.

Okay, real update later. Right now, I have to get motivated to get to work...again.

Yesterday, I arrived in London with two way too heavy bags and managed to make my way on the pub with public transportation.

Today, I sorted out paperwork, opened a bank account, found tax forms. I should've been more social at the meeting. I mean, I was social but then failed to get contact information. I met a guy who did the same pub placement program I did and it would have been nice to have that connection. He's working in a pub on Picadilly circus and is a midwesterner from Minnesota. Oh well...

I shouldn't be too depressed. The pub accommodations here are large. In fact, it's exactly what I wanted. Too small would have been constricting. My only complaint is that the area of Holborn is a business area which means everything shuts down around here at about 6. So no cheap eats but then again, I get free food at the pub. The free food is mainly left overs but I'm not sick of it yet.

Yesterday, on a search for a cell phone, I stumbled into Trafalgar Square.

I'm unsure about my job and meeting people. I work with mainly Australians. Is it just me or are they always so damn outgoing? I always feel kind of weird around them like I'm not being crazy or social or "hey I LOVE DRINKING" enough around them. Most, however, are quitting in the next few weeks to go places for Christmas. It's an odd time of the year to come as it's a big switch over. It doesn't feel like Christmas to me.

What I am completely sure about is the city. Everyone told me it was dark, rainy, dirty, expensive, and not a place they would ever want to live again. I told them Denmark was dark, rainy, dirty, expensive, and not a place I'd ever want to live again. So far, this holds true. The first few days in Denmark I was horribly homesick. Every simple task seemed so hard to do (like finding goddamn hangers). Everything here has been so easy. It's a bit dark, a little bit rainy and for a big city, not that dirty at all. The exchange rate is better but regardless, here I can afford to eat out a bit. At $10-15 a meal, it's reasonable. At Denmark's $20-30 for the same thing, it's not.

But food aside, I love the city. I love the architecture. The street I live on features high rise cubicle filled glass window buildings and 18th and 19th century pubs. They are smooshed in together without that terrible Paris effect (like the Pompidou but more glaringly seen on the outskirts of the city). Some of it is ugly but it's a gritty city kind of ugly and I'm ok with that.

Most of all, it's alive. Copenhagen always seemed so dead. As one girl put it, suburban. And it was a culture I felt totally alienated from. The obsession on fashion, weight. The often closed off personalities. Pickled herring. Some people fell in love with it, but not me. I almost went to London but chose Copenhagen instead. At the time, there were some good reasons. Also, what the hell did I know about Copenhagen?

Here I know I'll be ok if I don't meet people right away. I won't feel isolated in a completely dead part of a not too lively city. I can walk to the river, St. Paul's, the British Museum. I can still indulge in silly American things like Subway and the English language.

I should also mention the BUNAC program was very inviting. When I first enter Copenhagen is was disconcerting with lots of confusion and only going to school with Americans. With this program, I have places to meet other Americans but I don't have to be there all the time. They also offer super cheap trips. I plan on getting my birthday off and going to see Canterbury. I had planned on going myself and spending a bit longer there but the trips are so cheap. And honestly, I'm sick of traveling alone.

So, just to be lame and put it out there. I really wish I could meet someone. It would be very nice to have a boy to travel with. Not all the time, and not overly serious. It would be fun and nice for a change.

It's less than 48 hours until I get on my plane to London. I have my backpack packed but still have to get out a piece of luggage. I just don't understand how people can only bring ONE piece of luggage for 6 months. I don't pack too much. But I am packing for most seasons/all occasions. That's quite a few pairs of shoes ie. hiking, sandals, work shoes, vans slip ons, dressy brown and dressy black shoes. OK, so I don't really need the vans but I honestly can't live without those shoes. And I may not bring the dressy black.

Many things will be tossed on the way back. My philosophy is to overpack to an extent and then, throw away. Since I am also packing for my 2 weeks in Italy in May, I have to bring sheets for hostels. These sheets are old and will simply be pitched at the end. Same goes for socks and underwear. When planning a short trip, I take enough underwear and socks for every day but I pick the crappiest ones I have. That way, you don't have to wash stuff in the sink and your pack gets roomier as you go!

Things like my slip-on vans or my towel will also be tossed at the end of the trip. However, I do think I may be overpacking on clothes. The reality is I'll be working a lot which means I need normal clothes less. Maybe I'll get everything out and then choose to cut back from there.

Also, since I'm very picky about certain things I have shampoo and conditioner for 6 months as well as toothpaste as I need a specific kind. The plus side is that none of this will come back with me either. Books will be left in England and exchanged for new books as well. My biggest real bulk is from all those electronics I can't live without. ipod, computer, digital camera, and a dvd case. I did not bring Dvds to Denmark with me and totally regretted it! I really hope I can smoosh this all into a not-too-gigantic suitcase and still have a bit of room leftover.

For now, I have to try and finish this cross-stitch. Tomorrow, I need to frame 5 of the cross-stitches and get money out of my mom for them. Pack another bag. Try to finish my London book. Get all my documents together. And call 3 different credit card companies to tell them not to shut off my card if London charges appear.

Monday I have to return library books. Deposit all my Christmas money in the bank. And, oh yeah, catch a flight!

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving.

As for me, my parents still go through heavy empty nest syndrome despite me not having lived at home until recently for the past 4 years. My mother has been horrified at the prospect of not being around for Christmas. That caused Christmas to be moved until Thanksgiving day. And in blogging tradition, this calls for a list of the booty.

-hiking backpack! This was really all I asked for. Check it out.
For anyone thinking of backpacking around Europe, I really want to recommend this backpack. You can find it for around $140. Obviously, that's not cheap but it's a sturdy well-made pack. It is also made out of recycled plastic bottles. It's designed specifically for women. It also has a detachable mini backpack. You can leave the huge pack at the hostel but still carry everything you need for the day. Annnnd it has a front open zipper. That means you don't have to repack as you can access everything! It expands to 48 liters which should be enough room unless you plan on bringing your whole closet.

-DVDs such as Juno, Kung Fu Panda, Wall-E and season 1 of Flight of the Conchords. Score! I have now made my family watch Wall-E and they approve.

-Merril hiking boots. Anyone who knows me knows I need some good shoes. I just didn't own any. Now I have one good solid pair to supplement my Birkenstocks.

-Books! The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalinist Russia because I'm still on my communist history kick. And 2001 Cross Stitch Designs which is awesome! It's 2000 small stock patterns that you can mix and match into any designs. The patterns are really great and some are even pretty! And that's hard to do as 95% of cross-stitch patterns are tacky as hell.

- Travel sized everything. My mother does not understand the concept of London not being in a 3rd world country. Therefore, I am stocked up on travel-size toothpaste, kleenex, and dryer sheets. My mom never ever lets me leave the country without kleenex. Yes, seriously.

-A tripod for my camera! I've always wanted a tripod to take cool photos but did not want one due to perceived dorkiness and general pain in the assness of carrying one around. Then, I found this thing. This tripod is even smaller than it looks and completely bendable. It's genius! I can even take it backpacking and now will be able to do fancy slow shutter time shots. Oooo.

-$55 in itunes, $25 for amazon.com, and $500 from an overly generous aunt. As my grandparents seem to think I will also be in a third world country without access to communication or mail service, I received small gifts for Christmas AND my birthday...in January. As for the $500, I'm envisioning a week in Scotland. I could put it towards student loans but that would be so boring.

-Although not technically a present, my mom also paid for 3 months of all that damn medication I take and am no longer covered for. And that's something I am ridiculously grateful for.

-And duh, I almost forgot! I got the cutest purse EVER. However, after deciding the color scheme was ridiculously cute but ridiculously impractical, I traded it in for the SECOND cutest purse EVER. Same purse, different color. Now it's gray. More matchable, more Londonish. Perfect! I may not always be into fashion but I will always be into purses. It's hereditary.

In other news, I will be finished up one more cross-stitch as well as posting some others I've fallen behind on. I also have to finish 3 mostly finished books before I leave! Oh...and that packing thing...

I'm dreading the flight as I was unable to procure any sleeping pills and I'm hoping I'm just imagining a cold coming on. Luckily, I've armed myself with 3 new cds from itunes and Twilight. Yes, I'm going to read a YA novel about vampires. Shun me if you will but suppressed teenage sexuality may just keep me interested enough to occupy me for an hour or two.

I'm kind of drunk. I just keep listening to songs that make me sad.

They are:

Something Corporate: Konstantine
I know I should be in high school for this to be true. But I listened to it then and it still reminds me of those days and I can still relate to the lyrics because of it.

Okkervil River: Red
It's self-explanatory. Just listen to it. Good and folky.

Casimir Pulaski Day: Sufjan Stevens
Sad because of pure amazing songwriting and storytelling ability by Sufjan Stevens. In my mind it's about an idyllic and innocent teenage coming of age relationship, except the girl dies of cancer.

(This is) The Dream of Evan and Chan: Dntel
If you are a Postal Service fan, this is the first real Postal Service song featured on Dntel's CD. It reminds me of first falling in love and not believing it. It's also just a damn good song.

Trouble: Cat Stevens
Folky shit. Also self-explanatory. Despite Harold and Maude not being my favorite movie, some of the scenes with Cat Stevens songs are fairly memorable.

Eulogy: Tool
This song is 8 minutes of completely dark anger. I think it's one of Tool's best songs. I think it says a lot of things that people are ever afraid to say about anyone. It's about the best stress reliever out there.

Oh thank god! The Roman Catholic Church has finally decided to forgive John Lennon for saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus. Kind of like 45 years late but whatevs. It seems like the quote may have hurt the pope's feelings but now has reconciled the fact that John Lennon wasn't an atheist but just an attention whore.

Today marks one week before I leave the country. Oh shit! I have a zillion things to do. I have to pack. I have to pray that my family acts a little bit sane about this. I have to try not to stress the fuck out. Oh wait, I'm doing that already.

Anything I should not forget to pack? I've added a few essentials that I did not bring to Denmark originally. My DVD collection is one of them. Also, any extra space in my baggage will be filled with macaroni and cheese, manwich, pancake mix, and peanut butter. I know the food won't suck as much as Denmark if it will at all. However, everyone needs an American fix every once and awhile and I'd rather it not be from McDonald's.

To anyone who has traveled, an important question. Have you ever noticed that foreign Coca-Cola tastes better? I don't really like it in the states but daaaaamn is it good in Europe. Someone told me that it's a slightly different recipe. I think it has to do with having the option to buy it in glass bottles. Or maybe I was just starved for good food in Denmark.

And for those who have been to the UK (ie the ONE person who reads this blog), what is one place out of London that I HAVE to go. I definitely won't miss Bath, Oxford, or Canterbury. I'd also like to take the ferry to France at some point but I don't know if that will work out.

To come later today, more cross-stitch. I've finished all the ones that I needed to and have just been spacing out the posts.

I hate to admit it, but I may start reading the Twilight series. Don't judge!!! Regardless, they are light kids fantasy books and I think they would make just perfect airplane reading. We shall see.

Here's my rant for the day.

While cashiering at my oh so lovely job and dreading the 8 hours and 30 minutes left to go, some woman comes up and goes "You pregnant?"

First of all, if I was...What the Fuck?

Second of all, are you just satisfying your curiosity over whether I'm just fat or if I'm actually pregnant. And since I look super young, judge me for both.

Not to mention, I'm already self-conscious about it. So thanks bitch, for ruining the rest of my shift, because it didn't already suck without you. Most people go to college and gain weight. Some people go to college, have polycystic ovarian disease and get fucked up hormones which cause all weight gain to go towards the stomach. Hell, some people have this same thing and have to deal with gross body hair and mustaches or major acne. Luckily, I'm not one of those people. I try to think I've got it good with the weight deal. Until you rub it in.

Yes, I could lose the weight. Yes, I want to lose the weight. But for all of you skinny bitches who look on and judge, it isn't always that easy. Genes are not on my side...at all. I'm still skinny for my family. Fucked up hormones are not on my side. You know how birth control can make you gain weight? Try being on birth control AND estrogen for added kicks. I can try not eating and I have. It just makes you feel more miserable, hungry, and I've never seen any real results. At this point, I've given up. Instead, I'm trying to just be healthy. Holy shit, that's craaaazy! You know, eating so you feel good, don't clog up your arteries or get adult onset diabetes. I just don't have time to conform to your body image ideals.

Also, I would like to remind the world that women with tummys used to be the shit. Check out medieval art. Sure, it was a sign of fertility but it also was fucking hott. Even the skinny chicks have a tummy. And don't even get me started on Rubens. Honestly, I don't even get Rubens totally.

But here's the deal. Unless you are talking to a girl obviously in her 8th month of pregnancy, DO NOT ask her if she's pregnant. It's rude. It's stupid. You are probably wrong. And you should probably just go fuck yourself.

On a side note: This woman was fat and ugly and had bad teeth. SO THERE!

It's squirrels! Three of them to be exact. So, three people at my mom's jobs who work together a lot call each other squirrels. It's become this...thing. I don't know why. They probably don't know why. But now they each get a squirrel plaque. And no, I didn't design the squirrel myself. Big cross-stitch patterns like that are daunting.

These took me a really damn long time to do. They were also very boring because of row after row of brown stitches. Lame! But now they are done. Plus, a Hobby Lobby store just opened in my area. I'd never been to one before. They had a 50% off frame sale. So nice! So I got these awesome frames which just so happened to come in th colors of the cross-stitch I made for about $4 each.

Rat Bastard is a wonderful phrase. Very underused in my opinion. The phrase is featured in the Subversive Cross-Stitch book. The only thing I've kept from that pattern are the little rats. The font and the flower motif were available for free online.

I really have nothing more to say about this except...everyone should say "Rat bastard" more often.

Ooo this one might be my favorite of all the ones I've made in the past month. While I abhor country music and the actual phrase depicted here, some people think differently. My mom expected me to go with a nice country theme. Maybe some farm houses and traditional...things.

Instead, I played with a gothic looking font I found. I loved it! Of course, fonts don't just translate easily into cross stitch so this one I fiddled with a lot to get it just right. I realllly like it and would love to use it again. The little butterflies come from a free cross-stitch site that had a huge sampler of them. I chose two and picked out my own colors. Then, I outlined them in the super shiny expensive thread that I bought. So it's kind of gothic, kind of girly and kind of glittery. All good things!

In other news, I really hate the name of this blog. I only picked it because I had no idea what to name it. Sooo, have any neat suggestions? Something a bit catchier and maybe a little less self-depricating? But just a little.

And I leave for London in less than 2 weeks. Major freaking out and packing to occur soon. 6 days until my crappy job here is over! Yay!

Ok...I don't really. Well, maybe sometimes. When you work in retail or food service, people fucking suck. Seriously, stop being such bitches and I would be nice. Anyways, it's been a lifetime since I've posted any cross-stitch despite the fact that all I've been doing is stitching. Yes, I have no life at the moment. However, I have caught up on all the trashy shows on TV while doing the cross stitch. I only have 3 more to complete! And two more weeks to complete them!

Not gonna lie. In 10 minutes, it will be two weeks until I leave for England. And I'm freaked out as all hell. So let's forget about all that and post some cross stitch (and drink some vodka...yeeeep).

Awww...isn't it pretty? I think so! And I framed it too! Anyways, I used a simple font in MacStitch and tweaked it a little. The girls were a design I copied from a sampler I made previously. And I improvised on the men...not that hard really. Anyways, I think this one is pretty fun especially with the line of people clasping hands and being all cutesy. At the same time, one of the most straightforward designs and one we can all relate to at some point.

I still have new cross-stitch creations to post. I also have to frame them and I still have to design at least 2 more!

Things are starting to speed up here. In a little over 2 weeks, I'll be on the plane for London! Today, I went shopping and bought 2 pairs of black pants for the pub as well as some much needed new clothing. I still need to get a good pair of hiking shoes and my backpack which my parents are getting as a Christmas present but I really would like it now.

This week, I really do have to get these grad school applications more started than they are. I met with the Special Collections/Preservation librarian at my school for an informal interview. So, there's one thing I did for the apps. He also gave me a big long reading list on rare books librarianship. If only I had money and I'd actually go and buy the books.

Well, I was going to make this longer, but it looks like I have a birthday party to attend. More later.

I was asked to update.

I'm too lazy to take pictures of my new cross-stitch creations so that will wait until tomorrow.

Last night was spent in my college town. I had to take care of some grad school application business. Due to yucky antibiotics, I was still unable to eat the 50 jello shots I originally made for the election party I never made it to. My friends were grateful. However, I had fun in other ways that did not interact with my medication.

Then, we proceeded to watch Kung Fu Panda. Granted I was drunk the first time and not all too there for the second viewing this time, but Kung Fu Panda is FUCKING AWESOME. Seriously...it may not be Wall-E but it's pretty damn good/hilarious even for adults.

Then, we watched Beowulf. Beowulf came to theaters when I was in Denmark. In Denmark, movie tickets cost $20. I was going to go but eventually backed out. Everyone in Denmark aka the origin of Beowulf told me it was pretty good. Liars...all of them! I knew they were going to change the story. Hell, half the story doesn't even make sense anyways. However, they butchered it and possibly made it more confusing. Add in bad zooms, cinematography and warped angles and badbadbad. Some of the movie looked like an RPG. Ick!

Damn, I'm falling asleep. Tomorrow, I get to turn in my two week notice! That means it's two weeks until Black Friday! I will be working Black Friday because the big box store I work at is paying me time and a half. And who would refuse $11 an hour to slack off cause I don't give a shit and am quitting anyway.

But...goodnight

Since it is already Monday morning in Australia, I have already received my pub placement! I'm really excited because it ended up not being what I asked for but exactly what I wanted. We had eventually agreed on living on the outskirts of London. I'm not only in London, but I'm a 5 minute walk from the British Museum and close to St. Paul's.

On December 2nd, I will start work at the Cittie of Yorke pub. Many sites as well as the guy who helped place me call it one of the great pubs of London. There has been a pub on the same spot since 1430, though this one was rebuilt in the 1920s. The website I've linked to has lots of pictures. It has incredible architecture with high vaulted ceilings. It also has private booth cubicles which are probably older than the restoration and are very rare in England now.

The job offer is pretty good. I make minimum wage. From that is deducted 26 pounds a week for room and board. Board consists of all meals except for on Sunday. Room will be in double or triple rooms with other workers who are mainly Australian and New Zealand-ers (?). Each room has cable tv and internet access. Also has laundry on site. I think that's a pretty good deal in all. I'll be working 5.5 days a week which is quite a bit. I guess it adds up to 40 hours and I'll make about 180 pounds. Hopefully they'll be lenient with a couple long weekends and such or I can get someone to cover my shift as I want to make it up to Scotland at some point as well as take many short trips to Canterbury, Brighton, Bath and maybe even the rest of Europe.

I'll have Sundays off and half of Saturday off. Since I'll be in Camden, I won't lose time in a long commute into London for sightseeing either! It should also make my first two days of running around a little less hectic.

On December 2nd, I plan to get to the pub using local transport from Gatwick airport. I'll have to take a train and transfer to tube with all my baggage! I'll go straight to the pub. Meet the managers. Then head out and get a cell phone. Also, try to get an appointment for a SS number. Then, to keep myself awake AND get oriented, I want to take the newLondon tour.

For anyone into travel, New tours are really awesome. They operate out of many cities. I've been on the ones in Berlin and Amsterdam. Their basic tour leaves on the same spot everyday. You just show up. The tour is free!!! They work for tips. The tours are often run by graduate students or English and Spanish speaking people who really know the city. Each tour lasts 3-4 hours with a food and bathroom break in the middle. It really is great for the budget traveller as it gives you city orientation, a huge and interesting history lesson, some neat hidden features of the city and even the food break is usually at an affordable but yummy spot. They'll also try to sell you other tours that cost money and pub crawls. In Amsterdam, we went on the Red Light District tour for about 8 euro and were really glad we did as we saw a lot of the area we would've missed otherwise. Anyways, in London, they offer 2 different free tours and I plan on taking advantage of them!

The next day will be hectic. I have to go to a meeting for BUNAC, the company that issues my student/work visa. They will give us info on insurance, bank accounts and how to find a job. It'll be boring since I already have a job but maybe I'll meet some people. It's mandatory. After that, I have to go get a bank account which I am told is no easy feat in England. At least I'll be a few tube stops away from all of these places!

Wow, our new president is just so tech savvy. Or at least he knows people who are. Regardless, who knew that photos chronicling his family during the election would be up on Flickr? The album of 82 photos can be found here.

The photographs cover the Obama family once they arrived at the hotel close to Grant Park through the speech at Grant Park. It's funny to think that Obama basically found out he was president when we did as their family gathers around the television. My favorite photos seem to have been taken during McCain's concession speech and before a bunch of people come to congratulate him. They seem to capture the sentiment of "Holy shit, I'm president. Oh shit, that's a lot of responsibility!"

Okay, it doesn't seem as if the photos will upload right now. Soooo, follow these links for my two personal favorites. Link and Link.

• Surprise, surprise. Palin's may be more stupid and more corrupt than anyone gave her credit for. And it's the McCain camp that's ratting her out. Priceless.
• Just like everyone else, I really just want to know what Obama's new puppy will look like.
• Election night celebrations and partying went on without me. I have strep throat. Apparently, my throat is strep-py enough for the doctor to make the expression "DAMN" and not even bother with a strep test.
• Which means I've called off twice at the job that doesn't give me hours to begin with. Dammit.
• Ahhh, failing world economies. The pound has now dropped from 2.05 this summer to 1.58 to every American dollar. The euro? Down to 1.28. European shopping sprees await.
• Nervous obsession over the move to London ensues. Will I like it? Will people like me? Am I forgetting something really important? Will they ban me from entering the country???
• Less nervousness knowing that with Obama just elected, there will be a little less direct hatred to overcome when meeting Europeans.
• New book to read: The Savage Detective by Roberto Bolano. 10 pages in. Do not like it so far. Too much masturbation and odd sexual situations for only 10 pages in.
  

This blog would not be complete if I didn't share my reading as it's the other thing I spend way too much time doing. Hell, look at all the books all over this webpage! Unfortunately, I've been trying to finish this monster of a book called London: A Biography. So, with 100 pages left to go in that, I said screw it and finished another book for the time being.

Jon Krakauer is perhaps best known for the book, Into the Wild, which I was unwillingly forced to read my junior year of high school. When I picked up the Banner of Heaven, I somehow didn't notice the "author of" on the cover. Which is good, as I wouldn't have picked it up.

Into the Wild was one big ego trip for Krakauer. He just couldn't stick to the damn subject. He kept getting all mushy and metaphorical and deep and autobiographical. Worst of all, he used really long words that were both unnecessary and made him look like a huge jackass. And honestly, I just didn't care about the story. Some guy was stupid, wandered into Alaska, and holy shit! He froze to death! Or something... I didn't think the guy's story was deep. I don't think his living in the wilderness alone taught me any life lessons except that you shouldn't go live in the wilderness or you'll be eaten by a bear.

BUT, I digress. Speaking of digressing, digression saved Under the Banner of Heaven. Faced with another relatively dull thesis, Krakauer refusal to actually spend time proving the thesis made it a fascinating read! He wanted to investigate the murder of Brenda and Erica Lafferty. They were killed by the Lafferty brothers. Let's sum them up. Mormon Fundamentalists, talked to God a little too much, God said I love violent killing in my name, so they did it. It's not interesting. Fundamentalist psychos thinking they are THE ONE who go off the deep end and kill some people. It's in every religion.

However, along the way, you also get a short yet fairly comprehensive understanding of the basis of Mormon religion, major historical events about the rise of it, Joseph Smith's psycho tendencies, and even the modern state of the Mormon and Fundamentalist Mormon churches. Before this, my knowledge of Mormons was consigned to the fact that they all lived in Utah and generally did not participate in any activities that I would consider amusing i.e. sex, drugs, rock n' roll, heathenism etc. In fact, despite the rampant Republicanism, they were fine upstanding individuals.

Obviously, they are still fine upstanding individuals. But I'm just going to be perfectly honest here. The basis of this religion is entirely ridiculous. As pointed out, it's easier to say that when it only happened 150 years ago because you are like, damn, that's totally not plausible. I'm sure people 50 years after Jesus' death were like...wait, you think that weird preacher dude just came back from the dead? Hilarious! Regardless, Joseph Smith...odd man.

What really surprised me, which omg TIES INTO THE THESIS that was entirely forgotten about on page 2, was that, despite their do good image today, their ancestors were some nasty people. It's quite amazing that the religion has turn out to be less like the Lafferty brother story that it centers upon. Cause Joseph Smith and his followers just loved fucking people over! Killing Americans, blaming it on the Indians, then Americans kill the Indians (cause we,um, never did that before), then the Mormons almost incite Civil War. And all this shit without the aid of drugs and alcohol! Incredible!

Anyways, enlightening book for those who think Mormons are just some weird sect of Christians that ended up in Utah, because you actually learn how and why they are there and what they actually believe in. And sure, I think it's some crazy shit to believe in but then again, I don't think Jesus was the son of God, so maybe I'm the crazy one. Although, I must say tsk tsk on the racial, homosexuality stuff. Seriously, you can't just knock the gay or the black outta people. But that's another story...

Ohio was the first red state to turn blue. Wow, what a good feeling.

And now I'm watching McCain's speech as he acknowledges that we have elected the first African American (/Hawaiian) president. As someone who respected McCain in previous campaigns, I don't really see how he changed so much in this one. Or what made him think Palin was a wise choice.

Regardless, props for manning up in this speech. It seems that McCain fans have gotten out of control. While McCain is the most composed he has been, his fans are completely rude and shows the real divide in the Republican party. McCain calls for support of the new president and they boo him?

While some would have preferred a woman elected, I also feel confident about our new first lady! An interesting segment on the daily show tonight featured a man who went to Harvard when both Michelle and Barack went there. Interestingly enough, he always thought Michelle would be the one in office. Regardless, by electing Barack, we will also have a strong first lady which we haven't had since Clinton.

In other news, I don't have to move to Canada! Yay! However, by the time Obama is sworn in I will be living in London.

Polls are currently closing across the country. Remember, if you are in line when the polls close you have to right to vote.

And, as stated by many other bloggers, STAY THE FUCK IN LINE. You only vote for president once every 4 years. This is one of the most important elections ever. Fuck apathy and do your part to participate in democracy!

While I didn't have to wait in line, I did have a 101* fever and strep throat.

In a similar situation? I don't care. STAY THE FUCK IN LINE. Or better yet, ask some people if you can cut. If you are old, sick, whatever, it's better to cut the line than to leave and NOT VOTE.

In case you didn't know, I voted for Obama. I won't be going to the election party tonight. I'm feeling super bummed. But in the end, it doesn't matter where I am as long as there are happy results. Voting for Obama made me feel all warm and fuzzy and patriotic inside...or maybe that was my fever?

Ahh, Halloween my favorite holiday. It's kind of bumming me out now that I'm so old. Since I graduated, I really can't go trick or treating or I'll just be creepy. But I don't really want to start popping out kids now. I should steal other people's kids to take out with me. I did dress up and hang with school friends. There was drunkeness and costumes and fun yet jinxed as everything was broken up or stopped the second we entered. C'est la vie.

Tomorrow I must work 8 hours AND wake up early. This hasn't been done in about a month. Then, I will be making delicious jello shots. Well, here's a useful topic for my craft blog! Jello Shots!

This is how you make them PERFECT. I can make 2 things in this world and they are one of them.

Follow the directions on the side of the box. Pour in one thing of Jello mix to the hot water. Then add 2-3 packets of the knox gelatin. Yes, I know it's a lot but TRUST ME. As these shots are week substitute some of the cold water for more cold vodka. And when you pour them, do it fast as they will set...FAST. Don't pour them into Dixie paper cups. There's other plastic cups about the same size which work much better. And are reusable if you want to wash them all out. This way, when the shot sets, stick your finger around the edged. You'll be able to pick out the jello shot whole from the cup. Best jello shots ever...sooo gelatinous.

As it is officially November, I'm minorly freaking out about many things which are all coming together right now like umm...

in 1 day the election which could change america FOREVER
in 1 day I have to have an awkward lunch encounter/interview for grad school applications. yes, i worry too much. it will be fine, but still.
I have about 5 essays to write for these applications which I would like to turn in by December 15th.
Oh, and I'm packing up, leaving the country, and ending up at some pub in England. WHAT? I am so not ready.
Annnd, I still have to finish those 14 cross stitch designs

Today has been a total waste of a day. Now, it's 1am and I am grumpy. I didn't get any cross-stitching done. I didn't get any reading done. I didn't get anything done about grad school applications. Oh and I didn't make any money. Lame.

Tomorrow, I must do better. I have spent the last two hours looking at tattoo photos. As an art history major, I love art but I love all types of art. Flipping through tattoo photos has become a late night addiction. I want another. Luckily, I have no money so I will be forced to think through it long and hard. And to spend nights surfing tattoo forums, bmezine.com, and places to get the said tattoo.

I think I'm going to go read. I am currently attempting to finish a 750 page book called London: A Biography. I've been reading that and only that for almost a month now. Considering that I was reading 1-2 books a week before, I'm a bit embarrassed to have skimped so much on reading. I don't work all that much so I should be spending more time doing productive things instead of watching TV, which I did half the day today. Normally, I don't watch TV unless I'm doing something with my hands. And today I was just a lump.

Okay, time to shut the computer down, dammit!

I know I haven't explained much about me yet. One major thing is that I like to travel. The summer before my senior year of high school, my parents saved up for me to go to Europe with some classmates (who didn't like me all that much) and some older (way older) yet more fun people. I visited France, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland all in 16 days. I saw more than I could process. My parents assumed that would be a once in a lifetime trip.

However, in my freshman year of college I fought to get into a seminar on Buddhism. Thanks to a wonderful grant, I got to spend 12 days in Kyoto, Japan with my classmates and a professor who is one of the leading scholars in Japanese forms of Buddhism. We visited well over 20 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Nara and Kyoto. Japan was so different than anything I had ever experienced. It was culture shock to the extreme. I couldn't even find my way home there I was so disoriented. Large flashing shopping streets would have a thin little passageway leading into a quiet and peaceful shrine. I never knew where I was or where I was going. I just followed and attempted to take it all in

That summer, I put my graduation money from high school to good use. I went to France to take language classes for a month in Paris. I did not learn a whole lots. I'm really awful at languages. But I visited every museum and did almost everything Paris had to offer. I made friends from Japan, China, Taiwan, and Australia though we hardly ever spoke the same language or really knew what was going on. But we laughed and took pictures and spoke bad French to each other. I lived with a host family, which was an experience I would care to forget but such is life sometimes.

Having been scarred once, I opted away from the host family experience when I studied abroad in Denmark last year. In hindsight, living with a Danish family probably would have been a good idea. Danes are reserved and often shy. They can be hard to meet especially as I was going to a school of American and some Chinese students. Denmark was dark and a tad bit depressing. I didn't hate it but 4 months was long enough. My travel break was a breath of fresh air. Actually, I take that back. I visited Russia and breathed in the most polluted air I ever have. Russia was an insane experience. One that I loved and hope to never have again. 2 days in Vienna made me fall in love and reaffirm that Austria may be the greatest country on earth. Budapest was not all it is cracked up to be. I found it beautiful on the outside but sleazy and cold on the inside. Perhaps I need to spend more time there. Ireland was beautiful, had beautiful books and was everything that Ireland is supposed to be. North Ireland was naturally beautiful while also providing an important history lesson.

The weekend I spent in Amsterdam, it poured. Continuously. It was miserable. I also came down with a cold. Everything was against me. I need to go back because somehow, I still fell in love with it. I loved the gritty feel of downtown and how you can imagine it is still the 17th century with sailors pulling into port for tattoos and hookers. I love Van Gogh. And I will admit, I loved the coffee shop culture. I spent most of the time cursing myself for not studying abroad in Amsterdam instead.

With my parents, I traveled to Berlin. It was stressful. They don't travel much. It was cold. We stayed in a hostel which wasn't their idea of a vacation. We stayed two days. Due to bad luck, the second day we seemed to miss the opening times for everything. However, my favorite part was hopping on a bus and taking it through the center to the end of the line. The end of the line were old communist apartment complexes. Berlin, for me, is a place to visit and not to stay. My first impression was negative but Berlin gets under your skin. Every inch of the capital has so much history packed in, most of which your parents or grandparents lived through. In one second, you see a memorial to the past while the next, a new modern building rises.

In Denmark, I climbed into stone age burial tombs, hung out with hippies and drunk Greenlanders in Christiania, and sat through some of the most mindnumbing classes ever. I spent a weekend on a remote island in the Baltic sea, rode the oldest operating roller coaster, and walked home 4 miles home at 4am mildly drunk and was never harrassed once. I discovered: Danes really do make the best butter, their bagels are also delicious but you can't buy them in a grocery store, just speak English because no one can pronounce Danish, as an American "nej tak" is the only Danish phrase you need and it can go with any situation, going green is easier when the government mandates it, and Carlsberg beer won't begin to taste good until you arrive back in the states and somehow miss Denmark even though you thought you were sick of it.

As of 10/23, Ohio was changed from a swing state to "leaning Obama" on Real Clear Politics!

::does a happy dance::

I would love to live in a blue state once again.

In other wtf news, Obama is gaining ground in....MONTANA! How the hell did that happen? Montana was currently leaning towards McCain (not in the least surprising) and has now become a swing state. Not that anyone is too worried about it's 3 electoral votes. Maybe there's more gay cowboys out there than we think.

I have just finished my 3rd cross-stitch for the Christmas gifts I have been working on. This one is actually a pattern from the Subversive Cross-Stitch Book. I used the Please Kill Me pattern. I wasn't big on the border so I chose a simple border from her "Too Bad, So Sad" pattern. Then, I made it more cutesy with pink and purple pastels. Ah, classy. I've always wanted to do the pattern but never had gotten around to it. I just love the teddy bear.

On the theme of "please kill me," I saw the movie, Nights in Rodanthe, last night. Luckily, I saw this movie for the low price of $2 and was able to drink a 40 during it. Do not under any circumstances go see this movie while sober. It is terrible. As a comedy though, it's decent.

SPOILER ALERT: In case you never saw the Notebook, never heard anything about Nicholas Sparks, or live under a rock, guess what happens? Yep, he dies. Poor Richard Gere. Not that they explain it well but he had to die sometime in order for this to be a romance. But don't worry, there's wild horses. Pukerrific!

Today, at my mind numbing job that is cashiering, I talked to a woman who turned out to be a professor at the local state university. She asked me if I had just graduated and what my major was. I told her it was art history.

The reactions to this major have been plentiful but break down into two categories. Dumb people who don't value education think I'm an idiot and can't believe I wasted my money on the degree. And what the hell will I ever do with my life?

The other half are very well educated and the overwhelming response is highly nostalgic. Oh, I wanted to major in that but I decide against it. And suddenly, I'm this amazing person who actually stuck by my useless degree just because, well, dammit, I really do like art history. This is exactly what happened with this woman who went on to get her PhD in Biology.

I can't help but think if more of these people went on to get art history degrees, the world may not be filled with an abundance of hipster New York brats running the art world and writing bullshitty articles that devalue the field. But that rant...is for another post.

But how come art history is the hidden desire of so many people, especially science people? Sure, the job prospects are dismal. The field is filled with the above stated hipsters. But there are genuine art critics and teachers out there, many whom I was thankful to have taught me.

I guess I don't have anything incredibly insightful to say. It's just I never thought of my silly little major as making middle aged women secretly want to live through me.

As for the professor I met today, she plans on taking a sabbatical to live in Florence and look at art all day. Ahh, the perks of being a tenured biology professor. Can't say I'm not jealous. I told her I was moving to London to work in a pub and look at art all day. I guess I'm not that worse off.

Want to support your favorite candidate AND be fashionable? Well, if you are a McCain fan, you may be out of luck. I searched both but McCain just doesn't seem to inspire the creative types.

However, if you love Obama, he has inspired many crafty people lately. I just bought three buttons on Etsy from RememberMeEmily. Her awesome buttons feature vintage photographs with quirky sayings like "Elitists for Obama" and "Middle Aged White Women for Obama." I bought the second one for my mom.

Etsy, if you have never been, is an online store where anyone can sell their handmade goods.

SquidInkCollective features an Anti-Palin Pro-Polar Bear shirt entitled "Palin shot my paw!" How cute! Poor polar bears. :-(

And finally, for all of you science nerds who are also Obama fans, there is this shirt. Ob, also known as Barack, is the "element" of change. Harhar...

Going on Etsy is a bad idea. So many things to buy and such little money. The next time I have money, I will be splurging on some Scrabble tile pendants. They seem to be all the rage right now but I especially love the ones by HomeStudio. They are also VERY affordable!!!

Ever wonder if there is any humor in the bible? Wonder no more.
The site answers some other useful things like, "Why does smoking pot cause the munchies?"

There will be no thought provoking or interesting posts today.

I just got off of an 8 hours shift of cashiering. In that 8 hours, I feel that my IQ has dropped substantially.

It's so dull. You stand in your little box. People get pissed at you for no reason. You say, Thank you for shopping here. Hello, how are you today? 50 zillion fucking times until you want to scream.

I used to do 8 hours of this all summer when I was in high school, but times have changed. I can't take it. It honestly makes me want to off myself! And then, at the end of it all, I realize I've only made about $45.

Fuck the man...dammit.

Whether you like John McCain or Barack Obama, you must watch this hilarious video. John McCain has one too, but it's not quite as funny. McCain pokes fun at people but Obama wins at life for name dropping Facebook, Yankee Stadium, and lip stick wearing pigs.

My favorite quote? As Obama reads his "facebook profile" outloud, "My greatest strength is my humility. My greatest weakness? It's possible I'm a little too awesome."

Oh Obama, you are WAY too awesome.

Anyone watch SNL tonight? Anyone think Palin just stood there awkwardly while they tried to not let her talk? Anyone still completely freaked out that her and Tina Fey look that much alike? Anyone also freaked out that Tina Fey is a better Sarah Palin than Sarah Palin?!?

But seriously, the skit is worth watching simply for all the awesome celeb cameos.

These things are all I have to entertain me between long, excruciating shifts at my minimum wage job. Feel sorry for me...now!

Here is my second piece in the series. Pretty straight forward, this person likes to say peace out all the time.



However, I'm oh so very proud of myself. See that peace sign hand? I drew it in the software program all by myself!!! After trying to import images into the program and the program repeatedly turning them into mush, I decided to free draw it while looking at another image. I know, for many people this is not hard. I should remind you I majored in art history, not studio art, and for good reason. In fact, if you look at art history professors, it's almost laughable at how bad one can draw and still have a PhD.



I even got to use my new shiny thread for the outline! In the future, I'll use two strands instead of one as it's a bit light. It's also a lot more visible in person.

Peace out!

I missed half of the debates as I was too busy at my mind-numbing job.

It's a shame. I missed the great quote "Sarah Palin is a role model for all women." Also, now that she's had a Down's Syndrome baby who is...how old? she's now apparently an expert on all special needs children. What was that autistic comment? Does she have an autistic kid? I was just confused. Regardless, she is a not a role model for me because I'm not that stupid of a woman, thank you.

Overall, it was a fairly amusing last half. Poor John McCain. I think he's really losing steam. The split screen wasn't doing much for him either. I loved watching how calm and eloquent Obama was while McCain got more and more irritated as Obama talked. He sure can't control himself very well. So much blinking! By the time he got to answer, he was so worked up that he just blurted things out to be like HA, you're wrong! GOTCHA!

Props to Obama, yet again, for actually getting me interested in politics. Oh, and props to Sarah Palin, without which I would not feel quite so invest in Obama winning. While I always supported Obama, I wasn't nearly that dead set on him until Palin came around.

So, if anyone is out there reading. If I were to have a little drinking game on election night, what would be a McCain/Palin themes cocktail? My dad suggested something expensive and snooty for the whole Republican thing but I can't imagine we are going to sit around sipping Scotch. Yuck! My friend suggested Natty Light but McCain really isn't a redneck type of Republican so I don't know if that works either.

Nothing can get cuter than this.

And if that 16 seconds isn't enough to satisfy you. There's this adorable panda video as well.

Obama Love! Show your support and carve an Obama pumpkin! You certainly wouldn't be the first to. Damn, some of those take talent!


My new favorite series on the internets...Pot Psychology brought to you by jezebel.com. Basically, they get stoned and answer advice questions. This one is a personal favorite. It features a guest appearance by someone from Top Model who seems to be the most stoned of anyone. Her views on anal sex are quite enlightening.


Now, I know some of you may be sick of all the talk of Palin. Unfortunately, I am not. Seriously, who can resist a good Palin bashing now and then? And for setting the women's right movement back to the 1800s, she does kind of deserve it. I can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I watch this clip.


In other news, I'm trying to get an election party together in the hopes that it won't involve depressing binge drinking like the last election. Last election was my first time voting. Like everyone else on my campus, I had to wait in line for 5 hours to vote. Others had to wait as long as 10 hours. When we finally voted, it made us feel awesome. For a moment, we believed in democracy and that we were helping to change America for the better. The whole small town came to a stand still as everyone was stuck in line. However, the poll results later that night caused a massive drinking binge throughout campus as our state went red. Our small town had voted 90% blue.

Hopefully, there will be celebratory drinking this year. I want to make Bahama Mamas, which I shall rename Obama Mamas. I kind of want a McCain/Palin themed drink as well. But Republicans just aren't fun and I can't think of fun drinks.

I should also mention that my favorite holiday is Halloween but I don't know if I'll be doing anything this year for it. Since I don't want to blow money on a costume, I thought I'd wear my Texans for Palin shirt and go as a Republican. My mom also claims to have Palin-like glasses which I can borrow.

If not, I will reuse my bumblebee costume and be the fat bumblebee from Blind Melon's No Rain video.

There is something about fall that makes people obsessed with making things. My mom just started up her knitting and baking. And I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and bought much more than I originally intended.

First off, I found really cool thread for cross-stitching. It's variegated rainbow thread that's metallic. Woah! It's also really expensive at $2.20 for a thing of it. But isn't it shiny and pretty?


As I said, I wouldn't be doing any jewelry making...but I looked anyway. Then, I had to buy beads. I've always liked Blue Moon beads though I rarely ever actually used them. They just didn't fit into my designs. Well, Blue Moon has a couple whole new lines which are AMAZING. Lost and Found is my fav. Enchanted Planet is another great new line they have.
They also make jewelry making super easy with beads with findings already attached. AND they have tons of chunky chains in a variety of styles. I love the chunky chain in the picture above. I plan on turning all these items into a necklace with matching earrings, hopefully by the end of the night. The best part of the Lost and Found stuff is that they use a variety of metals like copper for an antique-y look.

Oh and I bought these. They are tiny hollow circles which are perfect for some small Swarovski crystals to be run through the middle. Don't know quite what I'll do with them yet. Maybe a bracelet?Oh, meet my cat. I disturbed him while taking pictures. He sleeps on my bed most of the day.

In case you never heard. Keith Richard once snorted his own father's ashes, mixed with cocaine.

I only wish that someone, someday, will love me so much.

My best friend claims that if I die first, and his other friend bets him a dollar to do it, he will indeed snort my ashes. I don't think there will be cocaine involved.

Could I put that in my will?

Today, I finished the first of about thirteen or fourteen new cross-stitch designs. These have all been "commissioned" by my mom. She's the boss of about 14 people and wanted to give them each a small Christmas present.

The first one "Dangit!" is for one of the people who has to work near actual clients. That means, no matter how stupid or obnoxious the person is or how much the situation warrants it, she has to restrain herself from all damns, fucks, and shits. Therefore, she has taken to saying "Dangit" about 10 times a minute.

So, for all the times it's inappropriate to voice what's really on your mind, this sampler will be there to remind you to say nice words!

I designed this is MacPro using Edwardian Script (I think). The flower pattern was adapted from one on about.com which was, in turn, pulled from a sampler from the early 20th century. Isn't it just precious?

I guess they weren't joking about the new Britney Spears video being racy. She's nekkid! Like, really naked. Not just a flesh toned thingy on a la Toxic.

Because you all want to see it. Click here!

Too bad the song is kind of lame. Maybe it will grow on me?

All designs posted on this site are for sale! (Unless otherwise stated)

So how do I order?
Send me an email at purplehippodesigns@gmail.com. Each design is either available for immediate shipment or will be made to order. I will reply to your email with a price and approximate time for the order to be completed.

What about payment?
I am set up through paypal. I can accept online checks though they are really annoying and stupid. It will slow down your order. I suggest you use a credit card when using PayPal. Information on my Paypal account will be sent in an email when you show interest.

Wait...is this stuff expensive?
I make my designs for fun. They tend to accumulate so it's always nice to sell them off or have one commissioned. Plus, I like the thought of people showing off my stuff. It makes me feel cool. Most of my pieces will run in the $7-20 range + shipping. Cross-stitching is a time consuming process so I'm not really out to make a fortune on this.

Well, that design would be really cute if the colors weren't so ugly.
I can make anything to order. That means when you pick a design, just tell me to switch a few colors around.

But I like to cross-stitch, too! Can't I just have the pattern?
Of course you can! Any pattern can be emailed to you for $2. If you'd like a print-out shipped to you, just add $1 for shipping.

I present you with my first made up cross-stitch design. Tada!

Personally, I never ever read romance novels unless I am at work, bored, and have an audience to read aloud to. Call me immature but reading graphic cheesy sex scenes out loud is fucking hilarious.

However, I do realize that there are those who actually read such books for fun, for pleasure, for...eh. Sure, it's not *good* literature. But it *is* juicy and maybe even suspenseful. So the next time someone gives you a snotty look as you sit at the bookstore, on the bus, in your living room, show some pride in what you are reading. This lovely bookmark will show them that you are fully aware that you are reading smut and enjoying it, too.

I positioned the *smut* at the top so that, even when the book is closed, there's no question as to its content.

Process:
I pulled an image off of the internet of your basic blacked out stripper girl. Then, I loaded it into MacStitch. MacStitch is an awesome, yet expensive, cross-stitch design program. However, I downloaded the demo. You can't save or print from the program in demo mode, but you CAN take screenshots and avoid the whole problem.

This little bookmark took me way too long to finish. I did a lot of tweaking to the pattern and the blackwork takes a lifetime.

So now you know how I waste all my time.

Like it?
Send me an email at purplehippodesigns@gmail.com and this lovely piece of smut could be yours, today!

Why yes, I have unfortunately decided to start a new blog. I blame this mainly on a certain internet friend who goes by the name, substantial, because his blog is...supposedly...substantial.

Since my blog will not be serious, long, dense, or ridiculously Republican, I could only come to the conclusion that this blog would be very insubstantial. I am also incredibly uncreative when it comes to naming things. That being said, my blog should be infinitely more interesting to read. No long essays, no philosophy, and nothing that requires too much thinking. Actually, I like thinking. Just not when it comes to blogs.

About me you ask? I am a recent graduate of a hippie liberal vegan pot smoking school. Surprisingly, this has left me almost unemployed. Luckily, I have a lot of time on my hands while I procrastinate impending doom...um I mean, grad school applications.

While stuck at home, I do lots of crafty things. I've always loved cross-stitch and just recently got into designing my own things. If you've never been, please check out Subversive Cross-Stitch, who, without, I may have never realized that my obsession with cross-stitch could actually result in making cool things.

I also make jewelry. Except, right now I'm broke. Start up costs for cross stitch? Really low. For jewelry? Not so much, especially when you really like shiny, fun beads.

The other part of this blog will be about travel. I like to travel any chance I get. Since I'm practically unemployed and the economy is crashing around us, I decided to go work in a country that doesn't suck. So, soon I shall be flying off to London where I will be guaranteed full time work in a pub. Getting paid in pounds is so much better than dollars. Let's ignore the fact that our economy crashing is causing everyone else's to as well. At least I'm not going to Iceland, eh?

Anyways, wasn't that interesting? Now we shall see if anyone bothers to read it!

If you do, friend me. Or leave me comments. It will make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.