Tuesday, January 20, 2004

20 January, Tuesday: Up at 6:30 as usual. Walked in the rain to Starbucks as usual. But what was unusual this morning was that some painters are working inside the apartment building today and needed access to the front doors of the four flats on my floor. Simon was picking me up at 8:45, so at 8:15 I said to a painter that I’d be here for another ½ hour and they could have access to both sides of my front door for ½ hour. He said, “Srrrrr?” I said, “Pardon?” He said, “Srrrr?” I said, “Excuse me?” He said, “Sorry?” I said, “Oh, SORRY!” Then I repeated my original statement. He said, “Sure, kalmva;;;eahovhoidonvn.”

I laughed and held up my palms in the universal sign of “I don’t get it.”

Upshot was that I left for work with my door open and unlocked. The painters said they’d be there until 4 and I hoped to be home by 5:30, so I figured my place would only be unguarded for 1 ½ hours. I love the UK.

Simon and I went to breakfast where we had a nice chat about the office. We went to a fabulous restaurant –Tesco’s. Made me laugh that we went to one of my hangouts.

Got to the office and we reviewed resumes for people to interview for the Ireland position. Did a few phone interviews and set up formal interviews for Dublin for the 28th. I’ll fly to Dublin on the 28th and I’ll take the car ferry back with Simon. I was so excited to find out we’d take the ferry from Ireland to Wales and then drive through Wales to get back to Altrincham. Then I found out it would be at night. Well, I’m still taking my camera. Maybe it will be a full moon.

After work we bought a coffee pot for the office. Hooray. I’m so glad Simon loves coffee. I can benefit from that.

He dropped me off at home and I called Jill and the kids. It brought tears to my eyes to hear my grandkids voices. That has nothing to do with being in the UK. I cry every time I talk to them anyway. They are so beautiful and love talking to their Grandma. It was fun talking to Jill too. She’s been reading my blog and keeping up with my activities.

I then walked to the bus/train station to see about the bus tomorrow. Office was closed. Then I walked to Pizza Hut and ordered a small pizza which will be good for a few meals. I made sure I got a lot of change so I’ll have exact change for the bus tomorrow—whatever the cost is. ‘Cause I don’t know.

Now I’ve been watching “Celebrity Fit Club” on ITV. How funny is this? Eight overweight (really fat) celebrities go to fit camp, do activities, and weigh in every week. Bet that this will be on in the US next year. We always copy the wildest of British TV.

I’m still laughing, and don’t feel quite so bad about my own weight predicament.

posted by Jerilyn Dufresne, author @ 14:53