California Christmas & Baltimore Bonanza

Happy 2014 y'all! I hope you had a lovely holiday season and a very festive New Year--I sure did! Apologies for the lack of blogging, but, I was busy enjoying friends, family and my time with my guy, so, interneting took a backseat for sure.

I was lucky enough to ditch rainy London for two weeks and head back to the States. All I really wanted was In N Out, so, that happened as soon as I got off the plane at LAX!

Get in my belly!!!

But, seriously, I had some great days at home, which was beautiful because the weather was insane and I spent Christmas Day camped by the pool trying to get some sun since who knows when the hell I'll ever see it again in London. Probably in July.

I ain't even mad

I spent almost a week in California, which was probably the longest stretch I've had there in several years, but, it was great. I got to have a few catch ups with my big sister, I went to Target multiple times (!), got some sun, ate good food, had a good old fashioned slumber party with two of my oldest friends, and got to watch a lot of TV, so, all in all, no complaints!

Surprised the sis at work on Christmas Eve 

It seemed really funny at the time.... 

Me and mini sis after all the presents were unwrapped 

Dinner at Luna Red with my oldest friends where we ate and chatted for nearly 4 hours!

I've loved these girls for 28 years 

Got to see one of my mom's very dearest friends

Oysters in CA with my best gals 

After a week of sun, I jetted off to freezing Baltimore for a week with my guy! Boy howdy, the last month has been hard, y'all. School has been kicking my ass, work has been exhausting, and all I've wanted to do is hug my boyfriend and have him tell me it's going to be ok. But, you can't really do that when you live 3,600 freaking miles apart.

So, we made up for it by a week of catching up, lazy snow days and running around DC like fools. It was perfect. The only thing better would have been if I didn't have to leave. But, let's not talk about that!

I got in on Sunday afternoon and arrived to our own Christmas celebration. He even made sure we'd have a tree.

After dinner we exchanged presents and settled in for a night of movies and hot chocolate in our jammies. Maybe a little boring, but, absolutely perfect.

Sooooo, we met paddle boarding. He had this Christmas ornament made for me. I know, I died. 

Monday we headed to DC so this little expat could go all I LOVE AMERICA, which, of course, I did. He's only been to DC once and I've been more times than I can count, so, I played museum tour guide as best I could. Mind you, it was cold. I was not pleasant, but, he was perfect.

(I actually really need this fool to edit and upload all the pictures he took with his fancy camera, but, whatever, apparently, asking for them 20 times a day is not attractive)

PISMO BEACH!! Where I'm from, duhhhhh. 

We found a cannon. Well, I found a cannon.

MAN ALL THE CANNONS!!

I drug him around the American History Museum and through the Star Spangled Banner exhibit. Then we trekked down the mall to the capitol where we got distracted by ice skating--which, was hilarious because I suck at ice skating, and he plays ice hockey. I'm wholly convinced this was just an excuse for him to get me to hang onto him, but, whatever. Yes, we were that disgusting couple all holding hands on the ice. In my defense, I hurt my back a few weeks ago and really, really didn't feel like falling on the ice.

After the detour, we headed back towards the capitol, where I then got distracted when walking past the national art gallery. They are refurbishing something so the random wooden walls were up with posters and advertisements, etc, and one I noticed as we were walking was for a piece of art called The Dying Gaul. Which, is a piece I studied at King's and never thought I'd see in person because it's in Rome.

Nope. It's in DC for a few months on loan.

I have never run so fast in my life--and I run marathons! The museum was closing in five minutes and I was not going to miss this opportunity. We sprinted up the stairs and into the entryway where he was so kind to ask the security guards (as to not waste time) where it was. I literally pushed children out of my way and made it to the piece with seconds to spare before they started kicking people out.

I may have cried. I mean, we studied this. This was a huge thing! I never thought I'd actually see it for real. I couldn't believe that I was standing there in front of The Dying Gaul and seeing all the things we discussed in class. It was surreal.

He may have laughed at me.

Then I pulled myself together and we went and took pictures at the capitol. Because we're that couple.

WHY IS HE SO CUTE?!

The following day was a lazy day of late breakfasts, TV shows (neither of us have cable) and getting fancy for our New Years Eve dinner. He's never had a date for NYE so I wanted to make sure it was special. We went to B&O and had literally the most amazing meal, enjoyed each others company and talked about our plans for 2014. We rang in the new year together and cheers-ed to a beautiful year together. (are you gagging yet?)

In all our fanciness 

Starting 2014 with the best of 2013--each other (oh my god, I want to gag myself)

The next day was brunch with my gall duchessbelle and her guy, house hunting (don't worry, I found my dream house), and eating all the oysters in Maryland. I'm very good at this.

He had to go back to work on Thursday, so, I spent the day working, playing house by cleaning and laundry-ing (I really missed American things like dishwashers and a separate dryer!) and then we headed to our favorite restaurant, Woodberry Kitchen, in the snow.

Yes, it snowed. So, naturally, these two beach bums had to play in it!

I love this picture--it seems very "New York" to me

Two beach bums in the snow--we looked like fools. 

This picture makes me deliriously happy. Mostly because he took it and goddamn don't we look happy?! He's also decided this is his Christmas card. Excuse me while I melt. 

Friday was my last day, and a snow day for him, which I was so thankful for, so, we slept in, went to lunch and ran around Baltimore in the snow, taking pictures, laughing and freezing before he had to take me to the airport. There was a ton of traffic and I was not so secretly hoping I'd miss my flight. I didn't. The one time I want a flight to be cancelled, it can't be bothered and actually leaves on time. RUDE.

Enjoying our last few moments together... 

So, I arrived back to London to my pups and my job and missing my heart oh so very much. And because we are insane, in less than 48 hours of being back, I booked my tickets to see him in February.

And thanked my lucky stars for the job I hated that had me on the road three weeks out of the month--because without that, I'd have no miles and no way to fly back to my love so often. As he told me, "everything happens for a reason"....

Happy New Year, y'all!

A Viennese Christmas

Sure, I whine about living in London, but, I know how lucky I am. I  love London and it's so amazing because hi, continental Europe is RIGHT THERE.

To celebrate finishing our first term (kill me now, I'm still so exhausted and to punish myself I've been going to work at 5am every.single.day), the roomie and I hopped a flight to Vienna to see the Christmas markets, be festive, and rest.

We did 2 out of 3. (we did not sleep, like, at all)

Molls's has several friends from Cambridge who are studying in Germany this year and as luck would have it, they were in Vienna the same weekend as us! Which was amazing on several levels: 1) They speak German 2) It's so nice to catch up with friends 3) Ruth LIVES in Vienna so we had our own tour guide!! 4) I have new friends!!! It was a win all around.

I have really bad flight juju and our flight was delayed an hour, so, we landed in Vienna late late late and hungry and grumpy so instead of fancy dinner, we did champagne bar and sandwiches. Lesbihonest, it was amazing.

With Rosie and Liam, celebrating end of term

The following morning we met up for a wander and breakfast at a local little shop.

I was obsessed with this building! 

Austrian breakfast of champions 

The girls had apferstrudel and einspanner, which translates to heaven, and Liam had an omelet, because he is boring.

We then did a tour of several churches real quick, which was amazing because it was Sunday services!!

Ruth took us to all the Christmas markets

You know my thoughts on carousels 

My people. This was one of the happiest days of my life!

Rosie and Liam modeling their Christmas hats 

Where we had all the food, and all the punsch.

Rosie and Liam had to catch flights home, so, Molly and I had a little snack break at the hotel (MOAR FOOD) and then went out to see the city at night.

Gorgeous.

As it was a mild night, and we had no plans, we decided to take a horse drawn carriage ride. As one does at Christmas. Now, remember that we don't speak German. So when we booked, we were told we'd have an English speaking guy. Notsomuch.

But, it all worked out.

After about 20 minutes of our ride, we were going through a park when the driver starts speaking to a man walking beside us. Before we know it, he's in the cab of the carriage and translating for us, because he, the attractive random stranger, speaks German, and English.

See, I'm not lying!!

Blurry markets 

He's actually French. And took us for coffee afterwards. I'm trying to arrange a marriage between he and Molly, because, I mean, COME ON.

Everyone say hiiiii to Augustin. Our new bestie. 

Then we had dinner and drinks with he and his roommates the following night and we're all (hopefully) going to one of the famous wintertime balls in Vienna. Which is basically an excuse for me to get all dressed up and pretend to be Maria dancing with Captain Von Trapp. Duh.

Augustin is too cool for pictures 

I mean, what the heck?!

We had Turkish coffee to warm up.

I laughed at basically everything, because I am a child.

Wiener. Heehee. 

We saw Klimt's The Kiss.

Yeah, so, it's not a picture of The Kiss because that's 17 different kinds of wrong, but, this is the Belvedere, where the painting is. 

more Belvedere 

We ate Greek food in Vienna.

We learned how to kind of get around on the subway.

We laughed a lot.

We had, basically, the best Christmas ever.

I love Vienna.

Oh. And, in case you were wondering, I did run around singing The Sound of Music. I know it takes place in Salzburg, NOT. THE. POINT.

I hate the Atlantic Ocean: my whining on long distance relationships

So, I miss this guy.

Like, a lot. A lot, a lot.

Great, now I want hug him. But, I can't because I live in effing stupid London. 

We basically rock at this whole super major long distance relationship thing, but, after a very rough month and a rather exhausting last week of term, I'm really missing being near my boyfriend. Damn it. (felt like it needed some emphasis). 

He means so much, and we have a really kick ass relationship which I am so grateful for, but, sometimes, sometimes, I really hate long distance. 

I miss being able to do what normal couples do!

I miss not being able to get home from work, give him a call and say "hey, want to come over for dinner tonight?". I hate not being able to show up at his house when he's had a bad day and cook dinner and watch movies and chat. I hate not being there.

This was my happy birthday text. He wins. 

I hate not knowing when we'll be in the same city again. I hate that our chats are dependent on a five hour time difference.

I hate the Atlantic Ocean.

But, I know it's worth it. I know that this experience is only making us stronger, and better. And I know that in two weeks when I get off the plane and see him, it will all be ok.

FaceTime dates are my favorite thing right now. (that is so sad) 

Because he'll hug me and kiss me and all will be right in the world. (I know, I can't even believe I just wrote that, it's so gag inducing)

And, I know that in 2014, I get to introduce my favorite guy (him) to my favorite city (London). Oh, and we're also going to Italy, so, HECK YES, ROMANTIC VACATION WHAT! And that my friends, that is because I live in effing stupid London. +1 for London.

Ugh, hurry up, time!

An American Thanksgiving in London

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and are happily recovering from food comas and too much shopping!

I won't lie, it was actually a lot harder than I thought to be away from my family on actual Thanksgiving. I took pies to my lectures as requested since I am the token American, but, then I just came home, drank Diet Coke and watched movies. And cried. It was really hard to see everyone on social media with their families, happily sharing memories, eating food and being festive. I really struggled with not being around those that I love and having that experience. Yes, we all complain when we're together, but, being away makes you really appreciate it all!

But, I was lucky enough to get an unexpected and unplanned FaceTime from my best guy for a few minutes which made a huge difference. He's a good one, oh yes he is.

He was in Queens and I was in West Hampstead--gotta love technology!

And I taught my parents to FaceTime so I could watch a few minutes of the parade. My priorities are in check, obviously.

On Saturday, Molly and I hosted our own American Thanksgiving holiday dinner at our home and that was really, really great. Having our UK family here to celebrate and share was wonderful.

These guys have my heart. Living here wouldn't be the same without them. Happy happy girl!

It could have only been better if our families could have met them and if T had been here--but, he was! He called us so he could "meet" everyone (I know, I die). (it was very rushed as I was welcoming guests, but, he got to wave to my best friends and I got to "meet" his cousin which was pretty dang special)

27 days, have I mentioned we get to see each other in 27 days?

I made a kick ass turkey. 17 pounds of citrus and rosemary infused goodness. Basically, I win at Thanksgiving-ing.

Here's the before....

Frenchie included for size comparison 

I was so excited my friend Lauren could join us. She's a southern gal too and we've bonded over missing the humidity, Sonic and dear God where is the sun?! She's a great friend and I'm so lucky our paths have crossed here in London.

She understood why I had to make mac & cheese for Thanksgiving. 

Moneypenny was quite the belle of the ball and had a heyday tormenting everyone and slept like a little baby all night. We ate too much, we laughed too much--it was a great, great holiday.

MP is obsessed with Moses and Tom. Our Brits who wore their Christmas finery--because why not. 

 I don't have an electric knife here and I've never carved a turkey with a regular blade, so, I handed the duties over to Tom.

The girls were thrilled!

It was a such a fun day! I'm still eating ALL THE PIE and bread (thank you my love LovelyJubblyLondon for bringing me all the bread that Whole Foods has, you are seriously the best and I love you!) (why don't I have a picture of us? This is dumb) and trying to find ways to look like I didn't eat a massive meal when I have to fit into lulu for work. But? That said--worth it!

And now, it can officially be Christmas! (for us Americans, Thanksgiving is the official start of Christmas).

As evidenced by my and Lady Relocated's adventures to the St. John's Wood Christmas Fayre on Sunday.

It's Christmas!!!

I got to see reindeer, my life is officially complete.