30 March, Tuesday: Today Ros said, “Jeri, my name is pronounced Rose.” I said I knew that—Rose. She said, No it’s Rose. I said, that’s what I said—Rose. Back and forth, back and forth. Finally she said said NO, ROSE. I replied, “Do you mean it’s pronounced Roz?” She said, “That’s what I’ve been saying---Rose!”
I told her I was going nuts with this language thing.
On the way to the airport I asked the taxi driver some questions. The Trossons (I think that’s what he said) are the mountains that surround Glasgow. Make a lovely sight.
The building that looks like a miniature Sydney Opera House on the River Clyde is actually the Armadillo. Not the formal name of course, but the nickname because that’s what it looks like. And it is indeed a concert hall.
He recommended I go to Loch Lomond for my holiday. Oh, so many choices.
When I told him I was thinking about the Loch at St. Fillen, he said I should go to St. Fillen Cave on the east coast. There’s a keeper of the key who will give the key to you and you go to the cave and unlock the padlock. On the inside is an altar honouring St. Fillen. He said it was very cool. Sounds tempting. I’d love something like that.
Tomorrow to work, and then to Chorley for CSz.
29 March, Monday: Didn’t sleep well at all. Lots of folks in the street, either drowning their sorrows that Rangers lost or celebrating that Celtic won. Either way it added up to lots of noise.
Had a nice breakfast of cereal, toast, and coffee in the hotel. Then went to the training room for more coffee.
The group is nice but I don’t understand a third of what some of the Scots are saying. Ros (Rose) talked to me about managing conflict and I burst out laughing because I thought she said managing cornflakes. Another said that he lived in Stalling. I spoke about it. Turns out it’s Sterling.
Kev’s teaching in his Liverpool accent, Tam is making comments in his thick b rogue, Rob is from America and Ben (and Rob) flew in from Beijing. Lots of different pronunciations. My lazy American ears are working overtime.
One neat thing—at each table in the training room are four bottles, each one litre. Abbey Well Still Water, Abbey Well Sparkling Water, Britvic Orange Cordial, and Britvic Lime Juice Cordial. For the uninitiated (like I was), you put a bit of the orange or lime cordial in a glass and then add your choice of water. Delicious and very cool—but not cold because there’s no ice.
During break I walked and found a computer supply store and bought a telephone cord. Then over lunch I was able to check my email (at 28K---aaarrrgghhhh!).
Someone here recommended another place for my quiet Easter weekend—St. Fillens Scotland at the Achrey House Hotel. It overlooks a loch and it’s very quiet and peaceful. Seems reasonable too.
Kev and I went out to dinner at a Bier Halle and I had a super vegetable goulash. I’m still smiling because I also had an Arran Blonde. Nah, not a guy—a great Scottish beer.
Also got some coasters that say:
“Discover the Original
Budweiser
Budvar
Only ever brewed in Budweis, Czech Republic.”
The most interesting thing is that the name has a Registration mark and a Trademark. Wonder what Anheuser-Busch thinks about that.
28 March, Sunday: Time changed to British Summer Time (one week before US DST). Forgot to change my clocks. Went to Starbucks for a coffee and low-fat muffin and discovered my error.
Cab driver (to airport) was nice. I’ve been asking everyone where I should go for my four-day Easter break. Decided that instead of sightseeing, I want somewhere quiet to write and read. He recommended the Lake District about 70 miles northeast of Manchester. Sounds good. I’ll need to do more research. He said there’s a train from Manchester.
While sitting at the airport I marvelled again at being where I am. In the departure lounge the signs flashed Frankfurt, Zurish, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Brussels, and on and on.
The ride from Glasgow airport to hotel was cool. Went over a big bridge spanning a river and saw what looked like a miniature version of Sydney Opera House. Upon closer inspection it looked like some sort of storage facility.
Cab drive r said some rough characters were about. Celtic played the Rangers. Both Glasgow teams. Not just sport-related, but political and religious rivalry as well. Celtic = Catholic team and Rangers = Protestant team, and associated with Northern Ireland, even though this is Scotland.
Hotel is HUGE and connected to the Central Rail Station. Used to be the Railway Hotel, but is now a Quality Hotel. I have a double room and my bathroom is as large as my spare bedroom at the flat. Very old though. Some stuff has been refurbished but some places are still a little threadbare.
My room does have a modem connection but unfortunately I forgot my extra phone cord. One from the phone won’t disconnect. The front desk doesn’t have an extra one.
Kev said I could borrow his but I decided to just wait and buy one tomorrow.
It was almost a blessing not to be able to check my email. I played some computer games, did some work on editing UK website and ended my day by watching SKY TV (satellite).
Tomorrow I get to sit in on Kev’s teaching again. Did I say “get to”? Have to is more like it. (Kevin reads my blog, so I just threw this in here to wind him up.)
27 March, Saturday: Slept in. Then took a walk and did laundry. Decided I wanted to buy a few more books to read, so took advantage of “shopping day” in the Town Centre. I really enjoy watching the crowd. Faces look different than back home. Bought some books and some gifts for Kayla and Hunter. Then to Marks & Spencer’s and got some groceries plus a few Christmas gifts (cheap ones).
Also got a haircut. Found a place in Goose Green that looked really trendy, and since I’d just washed my hair I decided to get a “spray cut.” Means they don’t wash it, just wet it. Only cost me £10. Wow. So cheap. And it’s ½ block from my flat.
On the way home I noticed a woman who had an Illinois scarf around her neck. I stopped her (even though one doesn’t talk to strangers here). Turns out she was born in Chicago. Her father was an American and her mom a Brit. She’s been back here for several years. Her nephew goes to U of I, hence the scarf. And she knew where my hometown is—Quincy. Very cool. I gave her a cheesehead. In fact, she loves Wisconsin cheese and found a supplier here.
Tonight I finished my laundry and packed for Glasgow.
24 March, Wednesday—26 March, Friday: I decided to keep “globbing” days together in my blog unless I do something really unusual, like travel to a different spot. Right now, the days are pretty much like at home, work all day, veg all night.
Wednesday was so busy because everyone was gone except Carole and me. So I didn’t get any of my own work done because I was answering the phone and providing customer service. Made the day fly by.
Thursday was fairly ordinary but Friday was another crazy day. So busy, but I got a lot done. Plus we had a staff meeting where we presented the Strategic Framework and Action Plan to everyone.
I left at 4:50 PM because I went to Chorley. Nope, not for CSz this time, but for a play directed by Bron, (the leader of CSz UK0. Show starred many of the members of the CSz troupe here. It’s Chorley Youth Theatre. Play was called The Last Laugh. Cute show and the actors were adorable. Paul gave me a ride to the train station afterward, which was a real godsend because otherwise I’d have had to wait another hour for the next train. Got on the 9:30 train and arrived at Manchester Piccadilly at 10:15. Went around to get on the tram for home and had to wait for 30 minutes because of some sort of difficulty with the lines. The Metro was sardine-packed and I was one of the few sober folks. But it was fun, and people were friendlier than usual. Got home around 11:30. A good day.
22 March, Monday—23 March, Tuesday: Wow oh wow. Such busy days at work, time is just flying by. But I got a lot done on Monday. Came home and relaxed. Today (Tuesday) was so extremely busy—Carole and I were the only ones in the office, and the computer connection was down, so it was stressful. But time sure flies when you’re having—stress.
I’m thinking of something fun to do over the four day Easter weekend. A friend still may come but if she doesn’t, then I’m going to go somewhere. I’m thinking about going to Bath. I’ve always wanted to go there, especially to see the Roman ruins. We’ll see what happens. Either way I’ll have a good Easter.
17 March, Wednesday—21 March, Sunday: It was great being in the US office. I’d forgotten how quiet it is in my own office, with the ability to close the door if I want to. I brought lots of treats from the UK. People especially enjoyed the Tesco Chocolate-covered Digestive Biscuit. What a great name!
Simon and I met with the execs and presented our Framework and Recommendations. After some discussion, our recommendations were accepted, and that felt so good. Our hard work was paying off.
Wednesday night I went back to my condo and crashed. Was tired.
Thursday we had more meetings to develop our Action Plan. Those went well too. I went to lunch with my friend Nichole and we caught up on what was going on. Thursday night I met my friend Virginia at Comedy Sportz. Had a good time.
Friday was chock full of work too. I met with several people to tidy up some loose ends with projects and the day just flew by. Went to lunch with my friend Terri, who is leaving the company after a bunch of years. I’m really going to miss her.
After work I went shopping and spent a bunch of dough at the local mall. Everything is so expensive in the UK so I wanted to get some spring/summer clothes to bring back with me. Someone had given me a nice-sized gift certificate, so that helped immensely. I also bought some more “cheese-head” erasers to give as gifts in the UK.
Then met Jeff, Tony and Anne at CSz for two shows and a lot of beer. Had a superb time. I really miss these people—we’d been in comedy classes together for over a year. They finished up a class without me (not Tony—he stopped, but he’s in my writing group, so I see him fairly frequently when in town). I just loved this night.
Got home at midnight Friday night and had to pack, so I didn’t get to bed until about 3 AM. Got up at 7 because Tony was picking me up at 9 to take me to the airport. That was sweet of him.
Had a 6 hour layover in Chicago, so walked a lot, read a lot, ate a lot—the things one does at airports. Boarded the flight to Manchester and I ended up with no one in the seat next to me. Hallelujah! The other good news was that my veggie meals made it on board.
Saw Master and Commander and also Under the Tuscan Sun. I really enjoyed both of them, especially the latter. I’m a sucker for love stories.
The flight was crazy bumpy. And the landing even more so. Found out that the wind was so bad in the UK that some people had died. Amazing.
Got to my flat at 8:30 AM Sunday. It was good. Felt like coming home, in a different way. I have two homes. Sunday was a wash-out as far as getting anything done. I was exhausted since I hadn’t slept on the plane. So I sat and vegged all day. Went to bed at 9 PM.
16 March, Tuesday: In the middle of the night I felt a hand on my back and K’s sweet voice, “Grandma, are you still there?”
At 5:30 I woke up to go to the restroom and K said she wanted to go too. Then she said it was a good time to wake up. So we did. And, boy am I glad. Yesterday, I found out that I didn’t have a ride from Chicago airport to Milwaukee after all. When I check on airfare it was $410 round trip and the flight takes all of 20 minutes. That meant I’d have to take the bus or rent a car. But at 5:30 this morning, with Kayla sitting on my lap, I found a web sale for $180 round trip. Cool beans!
Saw another movie on the flight to Chicago, but because I didn’t write it down, I forgot what it was. Must have been tired. Got to my condo about 10 PM because of a flight delay. No big deal, because it felt so good to be home.
15 March, Monday: Dropped off Jill at Advanced Bionics and the kids at daycare. Then I drove to Thousand Oaks. Went mall walking with Deb and friends, then coffee with Deb, Marla, Mary Kay, Jane (from the UK), little Deb, Patty, and a new person whose name I can’t remember.
Jane is from near Southampton—the New Forest.
After a bit several of us went on another friend, Katie’s boat for lunch and cocktails. Quite an adventure. Loved it.
Drove back to Castaic and picked up the kids and Jill. Todd had tickets to the Lakers game. After dinner we played and played. So much that my joints are stiff.
Kayla wanted to sleep with me, so after she helped me pack, I put her in my bed. I spent some good time with Jill, then went to bed with the mover/kicker/talker/hugger.
14 March, Sunday: Kayla is standing at my side and is sad. She has on her Mulan dress and said she can't go to the ball because the horses left her and they won't come back. "Make them come back, Grandma. Please." So I did make them come back.
I love living in a world where Grandmas can do everything.
Now she’s dancing and singing, “Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember, things my heart used to know, once upon a December.” Songs from Anastasia. And Hunter is singing along too. Amazing.
We got up early today. Ate pancakes and played. Then went to Vasquez Rocks, an LA County Park. Beautiful rock formations, perfect for climbing. Kayla was like a mountain goat, insisting on climbing as high as possible. Just like Jill was when she was young. And Hunter wasn’t far behind his big sister. It was almost unbearably hot, though, and we didn’t stay as long as we’d have liked. A very fun day.
Home and grilled hamburgers and veggie burgers. A delicious meal.
After dinner Kayla said, “Don’t leave, Grandma. I don’t want to have to miss you.” It makes me cry just to type this. Imagine hearing it from such a sweet little girl.
Before bedtime, Kayla and I fingerpainted. Hunter joined us for a little bit, but he didn’t like getting his hands all sticky. It was cool. Jill covered the table with plastic, and then lots of paper. We had a ball.
Kayla made a lovely picture. I asked, “Did you make that especially for me?” She answered, “No, I made it ‘specially for ME.” So cute.
13 March, Saturday: Todd watched the kids and Jill and I went out. He wanted her to buy new clothes and knew I was the only one who could make her do it. Plus she favors plain clothes, jeans, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, shorts. He said, "Jer, I don't want anything to come back that would look good on a boy."
And boy did we shop! She loved it. She doesn't trust her sense of style so likes to have someone with her when she buys nice things.
She bought a size 0 crop pant when the 2 was too big. That irritated me. But alas I have to accept the fact that my daughter is petite. The other clothes were all 2s or XS. (Why am I torturing myself by writing this?)
The really good thing is that she's not skinny--just a tiny person with a good metabolism. We had a fun day with no kids or hubby. She dressed in one of her new outfits and she and Todd went out for dinner.
The kids and I played with every toy in the known universe (okay, it only seemed that way), read books, and told stories where Kayla and Hunter alternated being the hero.
Rob called from Japan. Tomorrow Beata is flying to Guam to get her green card stamped into her passport. Shortly thereafter she and Rob will fly to Denmark to visit her Mom who is ill. I’ll be able to fly from the UK and meet them there. Can’t wait.
Stayed awake way too late playing a new computer game.
12 March, Friday: Kayla will be four in May. She is so verbal and absolutely hilarious. Today is her special day with me. She's napping now so that's why I'm on the computer. Jill and Todd are at work, and I dropped Hunter off at daycare. At one point today, Kayla was in total slow motion. I said, "Kayla, sometimes you just fiddle around." She looked at me, and in all seriousness said, "I just do it to get attention, Grandma." I know she must have heard it somewhere but I was laughing too hard to ask her about it.
Wednesday I had a Hunter day. Kayla went to daycare and Hunter and I had a blast together. He'll be two in June and is getting so talkative. Some of his words are quite interesting though. I walked into his bedroom and said, "What smells in here?" He answered, "I tooted, Gamma." Cracked me up, but showed that he does understand cause and effect.
Hunter has a new joke. “What’s your name, Hunter?” Notice gleam in his eye as he looks you straight in the face, grins, and says, “Kayla.” Sometimes he even says, "My name Kayla." He knows he's telling you a joke and that makes it even more precious.
Yesterday, Kayla asked me, "Grandma, are you a girl?" I said, Yes, but I'm just old. She said, "Mom’s my girl and you’re my old girl." She really liked that because it made sense that she could have both of us be her girl that way. I loved it.
I already wrote about buying Kayla a Mulan dress in the UK because I couldn't find one here. With Kayla's Asian features she looks just perfect in it. I couldn't wait until her birthday and gave it to her now. I asked her why she liked wearing Princess clothes all the time. She said, "Because I am a princess, Grandma. Didn't you know that?" And she flashed her dimples at me. I melted of course.
We spent a good part of the morning looking for the perfect white flower clip for her hair to complete the ensemble. But no luck. So I'll continue looking.
Todd and Jill made taco salads for dinner, then we played with the kids until bedtime (theirs), followed by the computer until bedtime (mine).
11 March, Thursday:
Up at 5, worked on my email, then copyedited a document.
Jill was off, so we had breakfast and then went shopping. The kids were great and kept me laughing. We went on the carousel at the mall, and ate an early lunch at Fridays. Loved the day.
Later, Jill made pizza, so we had a beer with dinner. (No the kids didn’t have a beer.) Excellent meal. We played in the backyard, carefully avoiding the “Sadie bombs.” The kids love climbing the fence and marching back and forth on top of the stone wall. We went inside and wrestled, sang, and read books. Bedtime for the kids at 8 and for Grandma at 10. This is the latest I’ve stayed up since I’ve been back in the states. Can you stand the excitement?
10 March, Wednesday: Up at 4:30. Had showered and dressed by the time Jill got up at 5:30. She unhooked her DSL cable and we plugged it into my computer. Since I have ameritech.net and she has pacbell.net—they are both SBC—so her DSL connection worked perfectly with my laptop, with no modifications.
Kayla came downstairs where I was reading my thousand emails. She had on her favourite purple dress and looked adorable. Climbed on my lap immediately while her mom was getting ready for work. Today Kayla is going to daycare and I have a full day with Hunter. Jill’s off tomorrow, and then Friday I have Kayla alone while Hunter goes to daycare. I love it when I have an opportunity to have each of them for a full day and can spoil them individually.
Last night I gave them both their early birthday presents. I won’t be here for either birthday this year—Kayla’s is May 2 and Hunter’s is June 25. I bought them both in the UK. For Kayla, I got what she’s been wanting, craving—a Mulan dress from the Disney store. She is in 4-year-old heaven. And for Hunter I got a Manchester United soccer uniform. Will put it on him today and take pictures. He’ll be 2 in June and still wears an 18 months, so this will fit him perfectly right now.
Hunter and I took a long walk which wore me out. They live on top of a very steep and very long hill. Going down was easy. Coming back up absolutely sucked. I thought all my walking and stair climbing in the UK would have prepared me for this, but nope.
We also played and watched Pooh and the Wiggles on TV. I really enjoyed it. I also worked on a report or two while Hunter was napping.
And got a nice surprise. While Hunter was napping, Beata and Rob called which really made my day. They’re still in Japan, but Beata has her immigration status straightened out and will fly to Guam (the nearest land that’s part of the US) and will be able to get her Green Card and ultimately her passport. All this in preparation for their move to the states. Rob said he doesn’t think it’ll happen until late May or early June now. I’m working on being patient.
Jill and Kayla got home at 5. Kayla said she thought about me all day and couldn’t wait to get home. The other day they’d called my flat in the UK and the line was busy. Jill said Kayla was pretty upset. “If she’s talking on the phone, why isn’t she talking to ME?” It’s amazing to be loved so much by a little one.
Jill made cheese tortellini for dinner and then surprised us by saying we’d go out for ice cream. The kids squealed with glee and I wasn’t far behind. After we returned, Kayla put on her Mulan dress and I took a few pictures. She told me she likes to dress like a princess because she IS a princess. Of course I agreed.
I’m in Grandma heaven.
9 March, Tuesday: Couldn’t sleep last night. Don’t know if it was because of excitement or because of the coffee. Probably a combination. Got less than four hours sleep.
I’ve got work to do while on holiday, and it needs to be done by Wednesday night. I’m writing it here as a reminder for me to do the work. It’ll have to be done in between grandkids’ hugs.
Joined the Forum for the World Comedy League. You need to be a “pro” to join but I got approval. Why? Because I asked. I’m grateful and know I’ll learn a lot. I browsed yesterday and found some good info on different improve games.
I’m writing while sitting in the Manchester Airport lounge, waiting to board the first plane. I’m so excited about seeing Jill and the kids. Todd is on a business trip but I’ll see him Thursday night.
This gate area isn’t quite as fun as when I sat in Chicago waiting to come here in January. I’m smiling as I remember the young Mormon missionaries setting out on their first assignments, and to the UK no less. I thought about them the other day when I saw a kid in a black suit in Altrincham and wondered how they were getting on.
Later: On the plane from the UK I saw two movies I really liked. The first was In America. Even though I’d heard wonderful things about it, I’m a freak for comedies (and musicals), so didn’t know how much I’d enjoy it. Wow. It was great. My new love is Paddy Considine. I think Irish guys are cute anyway, but this one has a slightly off-kilter face that appeals. Plus he did a wonderful acting job. Samantha Morton was so good as well, and the two young girls are sisters in real life—I think their names were Sarah and Emma Bolger. The other guy’s name escapes me—Dmonjou something or other. Very good.
The second movie was Secondhand Lions—a comedy with Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall—with Kyra Sedgewick. Funny and passed the time quite nicely.
Our flight got in about 45 minutes early. Captain said, “We’re about 150 miles from Chicago and will be landing in about 25 miles.” We all laughed and someone else in the cockpit must have told him what he said. He came back on with a chuckle in his voice and said, “That’s 25 minutes. We’ll be landing in 25 minutes.”
Got through Immigration in Chicago with no problem. Saw a huge line of people sitting on chairs against a wall where signs said, “New Immigrants Only.” No one looked happy but rather frazzled, exhausted, and some—almost shell-shocked.
As I picked up my bags to go through Customs, a dog sniffed one of my carry-ons and the officer questioned me. No, it wasn’t a drug dog, it was a meat and fruit dog. A cute little beagle. After I denied having meat or fruit, the officer asked if I’d had fruit in the bag recently. I said, ye, that yesterday I had an orange in it when I went to the office. So the doggie got a “good boy,” and I got a trip to the agriculture inspector. Asked if I had any food at all. I said, “Yes, I have candy for my grandchildren.” I didn’t see any need to add that some of the candy was for my co-workers in Milwaukee.
On the trip from Chicago to LA I saw the movie School of Rock. A super, laugh-out-loud vehicle for Jack Black. He basically played himself, and it was hilarious. You have to like him to like his movies, but this one was full of grade school kids and was definitely fun for children as well.
After arriving in LA, I rushed toward the place where travellers are greeted. And I heard “Grandma, Grandma” being screamed and a little four-year-old sweetie ran toward me yelling my name. I scooped up Kayla and got rewarded with hugs and kisses. Then saw Jill and Hunter. Kissed my daughter and then grabbed Hunter from her. Jill took my luggage while I carried Kayla and Hunter. What a treat.
It was late and I’d been awake for 20 hours, after sleeping less than 4, but suddenly felt energized. We stopped at a Chili’s for a quick dinner. Kids ate mac and cheese and I had a super time just talking with them and with Jill of course.
I went to bed when the kids did, at 8:30. Woke up several times during the night but went right back to sleep. Hope I feel human soon! (Times are going to be screwy on this, since I'm leaving the computer time at GMT, and LA is -8.)
8 March, Monday: Lots of work today at the office, trying to get ready for my holiday. Now I’m at home and am packing and getting ready for the trip. Am so excited I don’t know if I’ll sleep. It will be just perfect seeing the grandkids.
I’ll post while on holiday.
7 March, Sunday: A boring day altogether. Working, writing, packing. Even ironed my duvet cover. Yuck. Makes me look forward to going to the office tomorrow.
However—if you want to see the young group I’m working with in CSz UK, you can go to http://www.devoted.to/comedysportz and look at their website. They’re way too cute. And I’m trying to post a picture from a workshop, but don’t know if it will work. It’s a picture of me hamming it up with the troupe during an improv musical comedy, it’s a picture of the “finale.”
Oops. Guess it didn't work. Will try another way.
6 March, Saturday: Nothing fun happened today. I stayed in all day except for a trip to Tesco to buy bread. Ended up spending £15. Just like back home. Go for one thing and buy two bags full.
The most exciting thing that happened was—I did my laundry. Hoorah !
5 March, Friday: Just a regular day at work. Since Simon was in the office, Carole and I laughed more than usual, normally with a head shaking from side to side thinking, “What are we going to do with that boy?”
We had a good day, but then about 4 PM the dam broke. Omigod, we had some stressful situations. But by 5:30 the situations were resolved and our day ended.
There’s another show I’m getting addicted to. It’s called 24 Hour Quiz. I may have written about this before, but it’s hard to remember every entry here. Anyway, skip this if you know about it already.
In the show, three people are locked in a pod that has a small open kitchen, two tiny bedrooms (one single, one double), a bathroom, and a quiz room that also doubles as their lounge. They are asked questions all day and night long, with breaks built in. I think they do stop the questions about 1 AM or so and begin again at 6. People don’t have to answer. If they want to sleep longer they sure can. No problem. But they get money for each question—sometimes 10 pounds, sometimes 100. The first one in the morning is usually worth 100. The most someone can get in one day is £2500 (not quite $5000). So that’s not a ton of money for a quiz show, but it’s an excellent wage nonetheless.
Every day a ton of people arrive at the studio to audition to go against someone in the pod. It looks like an American Idol audition, size-wise. But they play games, answer questions, do activities. Guess they aren’t just looking for smarts, but also personality. They pick 14 people to go on TV.
I tape the shows because I’m learning so much about British pop culture. Plus I’m doing really well at answering the broader questions. For a half hour in the afternoon they show excerpts from the last 24 hours in the pod, and also how they get from 14 contestants to 7. Then from 5-6 the show focusses on getting the seven contestants down to one, who will challenge the weakest player in the pod.
The weakest player isn’t necessarily the one with the least amount of winnings for that day, rather it’s the one who did the worst during a five-question quiz which is held live. That person comes out of the pod and plays a game against the challenger. Whoever wins goes into the pod. There’s a woman inside who’s been there for 10 days, and a man for nine. It’s fascinating, as a reality show—but I really appreciate the questions. It’s like watching Spanish soap operas to learn conversational Spanish.
4 March, Thursday: My mouth was watering today at work. Claire described her Grandma’s tomato chutney, served on toast with cheese. Sounded yummy. But I did have my favourite meal for lunch—a jacket potato with beans and cheese. I absolutely LOVE it and will definitely continue to eat it when I return to the states.
Even though I didn’t get home until after midnight last night, AND didn’t get to sleep until after 1:30 this morning AND still got to work on time this morning—I travelled again tonight to Chorley. The opportunity to attend another workshop conducted by Patrick and Ruth was too good to pass up.
I just love that the Chorley UK Comedy Sportz group has welcomed me so warmly. Even though I outweigh and out-age everyone combined (only a slight exaggeration), they treat me like a real member of the troupe. Three of them are coming to the states for the World competition—to be held in Milwaukee this year in August. So if someone breaks a leg, maybe I can be a backup or something. I mean I’ll be there, and I’ll be wearing a CSz UK T-shirt. Not that I’m really meaning it when I say “break a leg” to a performer. Heh-heh-heh (inserting evil laugh here).
I decided to go last night even though I wasn’t dressed appropriately. They told us to dress comfortably for tonight, but instead I have on a skirt, tights and a sweater set (called a jumper here). But as I sat at work, yawning, I knew I’d kick myself if I didn’t go—so I did.
Had to leave work at 4 PM, since I had to take the bus home to the train station in order to buy the £7.50 Wayfarer ticket. It would be £8.60 otherwise, plus I’d have to have it all in coin to be able to put it in a machine, as there is no office at the Navigation Road station—a good mile from work. In other words, because I made an impulsive decision to go, it took me longer to get there.
There were no adventures last night on the way to Chorley, but I found that if I walk briskly, and don’t get lost, it only takes me seven minutes to walk from the train station to the church hall. Cool. But I sat at the top of the stairs waiting for others to arrive. It got to be 6 :55, and the practice started at 7. I thought how awful it would be if they canceled and didn’t tell me. But I know Bron well enough to know that would never happen. She was downstairs getting a key, and lots of others were with her. So it worked out well and we started in a timely fashion.
Last night we did all kind of musical exercises--learned how to improvise musical comedy and opera, as well as just make up three-part songs on the spot. I absolutely loved that. It was so much fun to play with the kids and I told them that I wasn’t playing Mommy or Grandma in every scene. So in one musical comedy sketch, I fancied myself a young shopkeeper. It went well, except the guy in the scene called me “Mum.” So crap, I had to be a mum but still try to be a sex object. So one of the guys came out walking on his knees and said he was the other guy’s daddy. So the kid tried to fix us up. Gee, it’s not funny at all when I write it, but it was sure funny last night.
We took a lot of pictures, so as soon as I figure out how to get them on my website, I’ll post them.
I made the train easily, and the last tram as well. On the train though, it was really strange. I was in the front car by myself. The second car was completely dark, and the third and fourth cars were lit. I felt weird about being in a car alone that late at night, so decided to walk back where others where. But when I got to the dark car I couldn’t make myself go in it. Went back to my seat. Then in a moment a young man walked out of the dark car. (Cue music from Vampire Chronicles.) I decided to talk to him rather than sit there and feel weirded out about the situation. Turns out he’d gotten on when I did and inadvertently pressed the button to open the door to that car. When he got in the dark car he found a door and thought it was a loo. It ended up being a room for a conductor. So he came into the lit car. I thanked him for joining me, so that I’d have help when the axe murderer arrived.
Can’t accuse me of not having an imagination.
3 March, Wednesday: Lots to do at work. Simon’s out of the office so I got a lot done. I tend to talk to him a lot when he’s here. Am doing a time study on the office staff to help determine need for additional help; so that kept me busy for a few hours too.
I left at 4:30 in order to be able to get to Chorley in time for the workshop at 7. Got lost as I walked from the train station to the parish hall, where the class was held. Bron had given me directions to walk through this stone archway in town. As I looked through it, it was perfectly dark. I mean like a graveyard when there’s no moon. No way, I thought. There’d just been a woman murdered in Chorley the week before. A very unusual circumstance, mind you, but murder nonetheless. So no way was I going to walk through the archway. I called Bron and she sent Emily (one of the troupe) to find me. We met near the city hall and walked backwards to where I missed the turn-off.
The class was awesome. Ruth and Pat Short from the Portland OR Comedy Sportz gave a workshop. It was cool to play new games, learn new warm-up activities, and to just plain PLAY. Also, they were a bit older. Not as old as I am, of course. But still older than the rest of them. So that was cool too.
On the way back to the train station I walked through the archway and it was fine. We’ll see how I do when I go tomorrow. Yep. I’m going again. Didn’t think I would, because I’m absolutely ragged. But I’ll regret it if I don’t go.
I’m going to put that I posted this at 11:59 PM. But it’s a lie, people. I got home after midnight and didn’t get to sleep until around 1:30 AM. Yikes. Makes me more tired just having typed that.
2 March, Tuesday: Up early, dealt with email. The only thorn in my side is a project not done well in my absence. Won’t say whether it’s personal or work so no one’s feelings get hurt. There will be lots to do when I’m in the states—especially with virtually unlimited talk time on my mobile at home. I have rollover minutes and that’s awesome.
My friend Deb’s father is in the hospital. I’ll see her when I’m in LA but wish I could be there now supporting her.
Yesterday at our meeting, I told a gentleman that I say “You all right?” and watch Coronation Street. He said that makes me a native. And while talking to my friend Nicole on the phone yesterday I said mobile with the long I, the British way instead of the US way. She laughed. I told Simon it wasn’t an affectation, but when I say it the US way here, people don’t understand me. One bus driver—when I said Altrincham—thought I said church.
Sitting at Starbucks writing this. It’s almost 9 and I’ve been here since 8:30. Cab can’t come until 9:15, so I said to pick me up here rather than at home. A pleasant (and caffeinated) wait, plus I get to people-watch. I actually love listening more than watching. No silly—not in an eavesdropping way—but I just love the accents and the colloquialisms. Starbucks is right by the check out counters at Sainsbury’s, so I get to hear tons of accents. And I actually used a colloquialism in our meeting yesterday in Wales.
One-off is the UK version of one-time, as in “training is a process, not a one-off event.” I was proud of myself.
Wish I’d had this notebook out during the trip to and from Southern Wales. Instead it was stuffed in my backpack in the back of the Jeep—so I lost our on so many neat images to record.
I spoke about wishing I had my sleeping bag here. Through conversation with a friend Peg in the Comment section of the blog—it hit me that I’ll be in Milwaukee soon and can pick up my sleeping bag. I can get my big backpack if I choose to. Don’t know if I have the energy to think about that. But I do have a lovely backpacking tent. If only I had a friend to go camping with—that would clinch the deal.
Written at night: We had a lovely day in Dublin. Met Simon at the airport and as usual he didn’t have money, but the big difference was—I did. So I shelled out the dough for his coffee and bun. The flight took about 30 minutes and the only problem was we had to wait an inordinate amount of time for the hotel van to pick us up. And the driver was rude. The first person in a service related industry in Ireland to be rude to me. Interesting.
Our interviews went very well, and the applicants delivered sample training for our review. One of the guys said, “You lads,” and included me in that phrase. I exclaimed my delight. The young man was embarrassed, but said “you lads” includes everyone. I loved it so much, because I always say, “you guys.” Perfect. I told him I’ll never forget the day when someone with a melodious Irish lilt included me with “you lads.”
God I love Ireland. (Simon thinks it’s because I love Irish lads.)
Flight got in after 8 PM and I got home at 9.
1 March, Monday: Met for breakfast and then went to what felt like a very successful presentation for the City and County of Swansea. We’ll see later.
After lunch we headed home via the scenic route. Saw some lovely sights, including Stokesay Castle which I got to photograph. Old and beautiful, with an ancient graveyard attached. Loved it.
We were running late, because just like in southern Illinois, we got stuck behind tractors on a two-lane road. Made me laugh.
I decided I love hedgerows. They are the best fences, keep the sheep, cows, and horses in, separate your land from your neighbour’s, and look wonderful. Some of them are hundreds of years old.
Saw more sheep today than ever before. And lots of horses, and many of them had blankets on their backs. I asked Simon if they were racehorses, he said no, just regular horses. That made me laugh again. Wasn’t even freezing, and the horses were being coddled. Drove through Hereford, and I knew it was pronounced differently than how we pronounce the cow-name back home. Anyone that knows the songs of “My Fair Lady” knows how to pronounce Hartford, Hereford, and Hampshire (where hurricanes hardly happen).
Because we were so late, Simon’s wife Sarah had to get to work, so we went to his house. He went in with the kids and Sarah jumped in the Jeep with me. She gave me a ride home. On the way, she took me under the largest brick edifice in Europe. It’s a viaduct (in Stockport, I think). It was huge. Staggering actually.
Home, trying to get a bit done. We fly to Dublin tomorrow for the day.
