Laura in the Londonz

Laura NOT in the Londonz

2008-08-20T19:28:00.003+01:00

September

Friday 5th - Leave for LA at Midday.. arrive at 2pm after a 11hour flight <-- traveling back in time

Saturday 6th - Cruise around LA after having a good night sleep in our large room at the hotel on Sunset Blvd where the Celeb's stay.. apparently

Sunday 7th - more crusin' then get ready for the MTV awards!!!

Monday 8th - recover

Tuesday 9th - fly home to the Londonz

Sunday 14th - Daddyo and Alice arrive in the Londonz

Monday 15th - Show Daddyo and Alice around London and then Spam-A-Lot

Wednesday 17th - Windsor Castle and Bath

Friday 19th - Brighton

Monday 22nd - Eurostar to Paris (say hi to Tvan and James on the platform for half an hour)

Thursday 25th - Overnight sleeper train to Venice

Friday 26th - Venice

Sunday 28th - Florence

Tuesday 30th - Rome

Friday 3rd - Daddyo and Alice fly away and Aimee and Laura back to the Londonz

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

I can't handle the truth…

2008-08-13T21:47:00.001+01:00

I'm going to LA. Well I hope so. I entered a competition, I got a phone call saying I had won the competition; I then get another email confirming what I had heard on the phone call. I now even have an email saying that the flights are booked and I have accommodation on Sunset Blvd.

So why do I still feel like it's not real and that at any moment now I'm going to be told that its not true and I'm going to look like a complete twat to my friends and family.

I think it's easier for me to believe that it's a scam given that I have now given my Passport number to a complete stranger; than actually believe that I get to go to the MTV Music Awards.

How do I convince myself its real?

Lub and Luck, Laura

PS. for those who don't know, I have won a trip to LA for two people, inclusive of flights and four nights accommodation and £500 spending money - oh and will be attending the MTV Music Awards, crazy huh?

.. A quick response from M&S

2008-07-26T10:45:00.002+01:00

Dear Ms Morrissey,

Thank you for your email.

I'm sorry to hear about the confusion that has been caused by our
carrier bag policy. I hope I will be able to explain the situation to
you.

As part of our current carrier bag policy, our standard food plastic
bags have been given a price of 5p. This has been the case since the
policy was introduced on May 6th earlier this year. We also offer bags
for life, which can be replaced for another bag for life free of charge
once they deteriorate, and have a price of 10p.

In the month of April, leading up to the introduction of the carrier bag
charge on May 6th, we ran a promotion that allowed customers to claim a
free bag for life with every food transaction. The purpose of this was
to ensure customers had plenty of bags to re-use when the charge for
bags was introduced in the following month. It would be this free bag
for life that was offered with each transaction at the time.

Yesterday we re-introduced this promotion, and will continue to offer a
free bag for life with each transaction until the offer ends this
Sunday. This is intended as a thank you for our customers' support for
the carrier bag charge, and a celebration that we've managed to cut
carrier bag usage by an average of 78% since May.

This offer will not be continuing indefinitely - we remain committed to
the cause of reducing carrier bag usage - but we do feel it is
appropriate for our customers to be rewarded for their support of this
change. I hope this information has been useful.

Thanks again for getting in touch.

Kindest Regards,

Retail Customer Services
Chester Business Park

I responded and thanked them for a quick response and will be looking forward to the changes over the next few weeks, from what I have seen most people take bags and don't see too many bringing back their 'bags for life'... we'll see!

Helping the environment the M&S way... by shifting statics

2008-07-24T19:27:00.007+01:00

After going to M&S today and coming back more frustrated at this country more than ever I decided to get on my soapbox and write them a letter that they will probably never read... this is what I wrote;

"Hi, I am wondering if I could get some feedback or clarification about the plastic bag situation that M&S has launched in the last couple of months, which ideally is meant to reduce the number of bags that customers are using.

I work in the city and occasionally go to M&S for lunch. Since starting working the city over a year ago I have seen a minor change in the attitude about the use of plastic bags, we have to start somewhere. When the charge for the normal plastic bag came in a few months ago I was more than impressed with M&S's efforts to reduce plastic bag landfill, or so I thought.

Every single time I have been to the store, I have been offered a 'FREE' bag. A FREE bag that is twice as big as the normal one and usually completely pointless as a sandwich and drink will fit nicely into my two hands.

Today was the last straw for me and was utterly bewildered when I went to M&S and bought 4 items for lunch, clearly needing a bag. I was offered this 'FREE' bag. I refused politely, and was asked if I would like the smaller 5p bag, which I also refused politely and told the cashier that I had brought my own bag (a M&S bag that I carry around with me - which helps me do my bit for the environment). The cashier then responded with 'why not take one anyway, they are FREE'.

What I need to understand...

1. Why do staff offer bags - people can ask if they really need one

2. Why do you have an option of the free bags - what's the point of having the 5p charge at all... just give out the normal bags for free?

3. is your aim with you 'PLAN A' to actually reduce the amount of bags that are going out only to end up as landfill or are you simply trying to do a cover up way of looking like you are 'helping'.

If there is something I am missing or something I don't understand, I am more than happy to listen.

Thanking you for you time and look forward to your comments.

Laura."

To add to my frustration, as I was reading thelondonpaper on my way home, in the Green section they had the following article;

Store hands out 70m fewer carriers
M&S bags cut 80%

A ban on free plastic bags by Marks & Spencer has lead to an 80 per cent cut in the number handed out.

The store began charging 5p for bags 10weeks ago, and 70million fewer have been used since then.

M&S chairman Sir Stuart Rose said: 'The overwhelming majority of our customers support charging and are already helping us to make a hug difference by bringing their own bags."

Shops in Britain give away 13billion bags a year. The Government has given other big retailers until April to adopt the payment scheme and slash bag use.

If they fail to do so, they will be forced to under the Climate Change Bill.

Aldi, Lidl and Netto already charge for the bags.

What is it that I'm missing, does no one see that the are cutting back on the typical M&S bags, which is where they are getting their 80% reduction from, and just hanging out other bags instead.

Someone PLEASE enlighten me, am I missing something?

Lub (except to M&S who am giving the evil eye) and rainbows, Laura

I'm back... for now!!

2008-07-07T22:55:00.004+01:00

I'm very sorry that I've been neglecting the blog and Tim I had started to write this about a week ago - so keep at me. I like to write when I feel inspired too, and didn't want to lose interest in the blog by making it a chore, but still no excuse!!!

News around the big town. We I recently turned 23, I'm over halfway to being mid twenties. Not Cool! I did thoroughly enjoy my birthday though. We spend the Sunday before my birthday having High Tea at the Ritz. I've have never had high tea before and I thought the best place to start was the Ritz. My sister also arrived in a few days before hand is currently living on my floor, but was nice to have her there to celebrate with.

News from the weekend. We went to the O2 Wireless festival at Hyde Park and I was lucky enough to get my hands on 6 free VIP tickets for the Saturday line up and also had access to the Guest areas. Thought I would see some of the bands in there, well we saw the guys from the Whip, but according to the London Paper today it appears Peaches Geldolf, Russell Brand and others were there... think the paper was lying. I was excited to see Cut Copy and Does it Offend You, Yeah? and though Fatboy Slim would be worth it as well. We arrived just after midday, since the forecast for the day was heavy showers and waking up to heavy rain we decided that we should pop down to Oxford Street Primark for some cheap raincoats. If you don't know what Primark is or haven't had the 'pleasure' of the experience of Primark then its a bit hard to understand the chaos that this store is. Its basically really cheap clothing, bedding and bits and pieces for the house, which I must admit most of our house is decked out with. The Oxford Street store opened last year and for awhile they actually had bouncers outside letting people in as other come out like a night club. All ready for the rain with our £4 raincoats we headed to Hyde Park which as it happened for the rest of the entire day was pretty much cloud free... go figure.

First band started at 3pm, which gave us time to chill out in the Cider Garden, with full table service and drink jugs of Pimms in the sun. I did forget my sunscreen (because it was meant to rain) and despite the sun not being to harsh, I got burnt.

We headed to the xxxxx tent for The Whip. I had only head a few songs since Monica told me someone recommended that she see them. If you get the chance, check em out.. have posted one of my favourite tracks. The rest of the day was pretty much a loop of the above, Pimms, Cut Copy, VIP bathrooms, Pimms, Does it Offend You, Yeah? VIP bathrooms, donuts, Fatboy Slim. Apparently there were meant to be fireworks, but there wasn't, but that's okay because all the fireworks I have seen in the UK have been a bit shite.

That was just a warm up though, Tuesday week we are heading to Spain for the Fiberfib festival in Benicassim. I've done it before and I'm doing it again! This weekend I think will consist of packing. This is my list...

1 x new grey backpack
1 x teepee tent (with separate ground sheet) <--- hoping it doesn't rain 1 x battery operated bubble blower 1 x togs 1 x towel

What else do you need in Spain??

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

I've not stopped Blogging.. just resting

2008-05-28T21:27:00.006+01:00

Just having an 'I'm not in the mood moment'. So don't stress if you are really hanging out for my long banters about nothing in particular. I'm here and happy, which is why I think I haven't felt like blogging. I was thinking I would do a blog on Paris. You saw the photos on my facebook; you get the general idea of what we got up too. I did just enjoy another long weekend, the 3rd one this month. That was interesting; I'll sum that up for you.

Friday night involved
- a stupid front counter bitch at Toni and Guy
- getting a haircut from somewhere else just to prove a point
- catching up with a friend who has been gallivanting around the world for 2 years
- going to Koko's to see the Midnight Juggernaughts
- making a mental note to not ever go to Koko's unless its mid-week and not Club NME night

Saturday Involved
- trying to get some sun and failing
- eating 99p Camembert
- a long bus ride to Hackney
- being given a red rose by a Indian dude
- being introduced at 'Tim's Sister' for the first time in 13 months
- a long bumpy bus ride back to Finsbury Park

Sunday Involved
- Being woken up thankful as was dreaming about T-Rex chasing me
- buying a throw rug in Camden markets
- Watching a friend play at 93 Feet East in Brick Lane
- Tagging along to a 60's Club night called Mousetrap at a club near Finsbury Park

Monday Involved
- actually getting home at 9.30am, soaking wet from the torrential rain
- sleeping for a bit
- being awake...sort of
- going to bed early

okay so that was my weekend, this post is bigger than i wanted it to be and once again I have babbled on.

Lub and Rainbow, Laura

Learnalilgivinanlovin

2008-05-14T19:02:00.005+01:00

Today I feel a little guilty; I got to work from home. And even though I did work, it still felt like I had skipped out on class. I'll get over it. Anyway, what’s happened this week? Well considering its only Wednesday, not a lot I suppose. On Monday Goyte was playing at Blow Up the Metro on Oxford Street and assuming - stupidly - that we could get ticket on the door all five of us rocked up and one ticket between us. We stood around the door for about an hour looking like sad puppies hoping they would let us in. They didn't.

We decided to head up to nearest coffee shop and sulk. At about 9pm Monica and I headed back down towards the Metro with Paul (the only one smart enough to have a ticket) and left James and Peter to catch a bus in the other direction. We decided to give it one more shot, and as Paul ran in downstairs to suss it out, the security guard must have like the look of us and just said to come in anyway - paying of course.

It was an awesome gig with awesome visuals and was interesting to watch Wally jump between drums, keyboard, syn and some bongos. His visuals I think he said he does all him self, and so I felt compelled to purchase a t-shirt!

Left you with some of my favourites...

Learnalilgivinanlovin

Thanks for your time

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

You got to love that English Sun

2008-05-11T22:46:00.005+01:00

It’s been such a wonderful weekend, they sun has been very pleasing and I think we made the best of it. Friday night was spent on the balcony at the Lock Tavern in Camden listening to the tunes of Pete Wheeler, who is an English DJ who loves his Aussie music. He knows more about our music scene that I do, though that’s really not that hard. We enjoyed some ciders on the terrace before heading inside to dance to the Midnight Juggernaughts and some Presets. Afterwards we headed to @ Proud in the Camden Stalls which use to be the old horse hospital. There is a room where bands and the Dj’s play. In the stalls where the horses use to go are funky seating areas and the bar. The venue was awesome, but the music wasn’t so great. We thought we might call it a night at that point, however as we were leaving my friend Claire was lucky enough to spot a note lying on the ground. At first she thought it was a 20 pound note, but after unraveling it outside it turned out to be 50 quid. It definitely was a sign to keep on partying and with that we headed down the Underworld, where the end of my Friday or Saturday nights seems to end up lately. Unfortunately it was 80’s night, but by that point I don’t think we really cared and danced away to the cheese.

Saturday morning I was surprisingly better that I should have been and with the sun shining so brightly in my window I knew the park was the only option for the afternoon. We headed to Regents Park around 3pm and joined an already large group of Claire’s friends. The park was so pretty, the grass was covered in wild daisies and we sat right near the lake which was full of people in paddle boats. All afternoon we sat and ate and enjoyed Pimms. Pimms is a something I learnt to make at the pub last year, and it always was popular on hot days and no I know why. It’s made with 1 part Pimms and 2 parts lemonade and finished off with mint leaves, raspberries, strawberries and cucumber… mmm! Afterwards, we were invited along to a bbq in Walthamstow and enjoyed being out side until 10.30pm with just a summer dress on.

Today was spent doing the usual washing and cleaning, ready for work this week. Though as the sun was still beating down this afternoon we couldn’t resist anymore and went and lay on the grass in Finsbury Park for the rest of the afternoon.

Was totally going to do a blog about the line up for Spain, I had the heading all worked out and everything, it will come soon, maybe when Nat does her Splendor Line up and Cass can do an Isle of Wight line up…. Summer festival... such fun… and by summer I mean winter in Aus of course.

Lub and Sunshine, Laura

Photo courtesy of: Jonny Crabb

The world of public Blogging is upon us... don't believe everything you read!

2008-05-09T11:58:00.000+01:00

I feel that some may have taken my last post on the Baltic Chimps a little too literally. My blog is a mixture of MY experiences and MY emotions that I have in my day to day life. I may not be in their Top 10 fans list, but these guys are quite good at what they do. They entertain they please and they get people dancing, and if their regular red head and brunette are anything to go by they definitely are a lot of fun. The other thing about this band is the fact that they mostly do it for charity. Tonight I’m at a non-fund raising gig and even though the turn out is not as a fundraiser gig, the regulars are here and requesting their favorites… and you know what I’m here still too. Does that make me a regular too? And even though I may not parade it around I can admit I’m the owner of not one but two Baltic Chimp shirts. I started this blog mainly for my family and friends on the other side of the world. But for those who are reading this, as they may just have a little too much time on their hands, please reconsider before taking my last post as criticism, and accept it as merely an honest reflection of my life.

Lub and Rainbow's, Laura

I think i've developing border-line Seasonal Affective Disorder a.k.a SAD

2008-05-02T21:08:00.002+01:00

Well I'm not really, but the way the weather has been lately I may have. April showers came late this year, but they came. I've never seen such crazy weather, its ranges from bright sunshine to heavy downpour about 3 times every hour. I went to the bank today and it was pissing down on the way there, sat inside for an hour staring out at the sunshine and of course when i left - raining.

Now its been a year since I got here, a year and to weeks actually, but i don't remember this weather (at this point of the year, later in the year most definately) or maybe i was in such a daze that i didn't even realise. I do remember one night last year, it was my first night out in Camden, i was so keen to go out and even though the rain came in sideways we partied on looking like drowned rats.

The rain is not getting to me that much, its just my shoes that make me angry. I currently owe three pairs of boots and they all have holes, so for the last few days i have come home with my shoes full of water.

Enough about the weather, you live in London Laura.. buy some feking gumboots and get over it!

On a lighter note and much more exciting note, my good friend Bethany was approved her UK visa for another 2 years. She has been in limbo for the past few months and its been crap enough for me not knowing if she's staying or going, I can't imagine what its like for her. She has been sleeping on my floor for about a month now which I'm sure she will be glad to see the end of.

Its a bank holiday on Monday, so this long weekend I think we will be celebrating with just a few pints at the pub in Shoreditch. I'm learning to sew all day tomorrow as well - so exciting weekend ahead!

Lub and Rainbows (there has been lots of those recently), Laura

ps. The John if you are reading this, a house blog is coming very soon.

Norwich - Home of Coleman's Mustard

2008-04-20T18:00:00.004+01:00

I was very apprehensive about this week and was really not looking forward to what I presumed would be a week of lectures and solidarity. However I was surprised how much fun you can have on a Marine Insurance course learning about boats and insurance. I've spent the week eating out every night and socialising with people from all over Europe, including a Swede that lives in Monaco, two Norwegians, a French girl from Paris, a German who lives in the Netherlands and a Dutch guy, oh and some Koreans too. The course was held in Norwich, pronounced Nor-ich for those Aussie's reading this. Its located North-East of London and takes about 2 hours to get there by train. Can't say too much about this place, besides it’s the birthplace of Coleman's Mustard, but I wasn't lucky enough to visit the mustard shop. Maybe I will go back there one day or not.

Not much else to say about the course, unless of course you want to know what ship types are or the finer details of Protection and Indemnity insurance, okay you've probably gone to sleep now just by reading that.

I did steal this photo of the internet, but since I don't have a camera i think that's fair. We walked along this broad walk and over the bridge, its very old in some parts of Norwich and quite pretty.

At the moment am feeling refreshed and ready to go back to work, well as refreshed as you can feel after getting home at 4am, but you know what I mean. Actually I just need to get back to the gym after all the food last week, but hey what else do you do when its your first time away at works expense. Tonight however just to finish off a great weekend, James and I are going to see Bjork at the Hammersmith Apollo. James went last Monday and seemed to enjoy it, so looking forward to it.

Lub and rainbows, Laura

is it snow.. no its FEATHERS!!!

2008-03-22T16:18:00.001Z

We are back in business with the internet and I'm enjoying keeping this blogging business updated, despite criticism that is 'impersonal' - thanks Meg!

I was up to Good Friday in my last post. Not much to report this day besides the snow then hail then rain then snow. Most of the day was spent indoors hoping that the snow would eventually accumulate on the ground, but it didn't. Friday night we went and saw Lars and the Real Girl at the Angel Vue Cinemas. Who would have thought that a movie about a sex doll could make you cry, but it did.

Saturday we awoke to more snow and hail and wind. It was more satisfying as there appeared to be no rain. Today was the day for the International Pillow Fight to be held at 15.03 at Leicester Square, but the weather didn't seem to agree with this kind of event at all. My friend Claire invited me and I invited everyone I knew. At 3pm about 10 or so off us were ready to fight. The rules were that you were not to start fighting till the right time and you couldn't hit anyone without a pillow. The weather leading up to 3pm was not good, but at about 2.55pm the weather cleared up and there were blue skies above. Right on time the countdown started and we were in amongst the mass of pillow fighters. Monica and I were lucky enough to get James to film us fighting, but he lost us as we went into the middle of the crowd. I'm still trying to work out how to get the stupid thing uploaded to youtube so will let you know if i ever work it out. When the first pillow bust, Monica and I happened to be right in the middle of the crowd at this point and I was covered head to toe in feathers and trying to breathe consisted of inhaling mouth and nosefuls of feathers. We escaped, but was soon back into it, until a random boy's pillow burst and decided that throwing feathers all over me would be fun - so I whacked him whilst he was un-armed.

After about 30 minutes of fighting and no signs of letting up we decided to head to the pub for a well earned cider, just as we were leaving the clouds decided to come back and the snow and hail returned.

Lub and feathers, Laura

Weather Summary: Windy and Wet - and a hint of Snow

2008-03-21T19:13:00.007Z

This blog is a week or so late, but once again London services have not yet surprised me. It basically comes down to British Telecom are a piece of crap and I hate to say it but Telstra would shit all over them. If you are reading this now, it must mean we finally got the internet and I was able to post this.

I basically wanted to blog on the Easter Weekend as it was such a hoot! Very jam packed and lots of fun. It kind of started off on the Wednesday for Monica and I heading to Kings College at Temple for The Presets. As anticipated they were awesome and the crowd loved them. I do find it a little funny when they said 'Welcome London', despite playing to a crowd Australians, but I pleasing never the less. Actually I lie, there was one English girl in the crowd in front of us who was amazed at herself being on of the only English girl in the crowd, however after the first two songs she got the shits with her Australian boyfriend and went to the back and sulked, which was fine by us.

Presets

Thursday night was another Australian band - The Midnight Juggernauts. It was weird to see them again so soon, I saw them last year, November I recall, and they were heading home to Aus the next day. This time they had literally just got back in the country. Despite the jet lag they were definitely in full form and the gig was 100% better than the last one I had seen. The gig was at Scala in Kings Cross and I was pleased to see more of a mixed crowd, one girl in the bathroom was pretty shocked when she found out they were Australian, silly Brits trying to claim some good music as their own. The DJ afterwards also played some sweet tunes (including Shadows of course) and we stuck around to keep on dancin! Despite leaving the venue at 2am and our house being within a 15min bus ride, we somehow managed to get home at 4am. I think it had something to do with a guy who missed his train who wanted to stay at my house, who freakishly reminded me of Old Gregg by repeatedly saying he wanted to by my friend. He was rudely interrupted by the cider lady with no front teeth, purposely stepping on Monica's feet and telling us she knew every street in London. Thankfully we were saved by an older gay guy who apparently, according to the toothless cider lady, only wanted to give us a good... well I don't need to write that there, use your imagination. Finally, thanks to two English boys that didn't know every street in London, but thankfully knew where the bus to Finsbury Park was, we were on our way home. Once we got off the bus we were amazed to find that the first sign of snow had started. You couldn't really see it at first but when you looked into the street light it became very apparent that is was most definitely snowing. We stood on Seven Sister Road at 4am staring into a lamp post, the passing traffic must have thought we were high, like we cared though... it was snowing!!!

Lub and Snow Clouds, Laura

^ at the Presets

Please Mr. Crack Fox I need some speed cakes!

2008-03-17T16:38:00.001Z

As most of you know I have not had the internet at home for about a month now, so that is my excuse for not blogging, but now that we have been connected to the world wide web, I am back in business, blogging business and i plan to keep this going frequently once again.

I am currently sitting in my new residence in Holloway, North London. Yes I have moved again, 5 times within about one year is a little excessive I know especially when one of those moves is a few thousand kilometers across the world. I do plan to stay here at this one for awhile, whether I like it or not. Luckily its a fantastic house with some alright housemates, even if they are Aussie and try to hang the Australian flag in my window, a joke our neighbours probably don't see the funny side too.

Jokes aside, it’s been a lot of fun with James/Tim, Monica and Charissa. We currently don't own a tv and I'm hoping for it to stay that way. Surprisingly we have managed to entertain ourselves. Our favourite pastime has been hanging out the windows and looking out to our wilderness of a backyard for cats, it’s literally crawling with them. So far we have Ralph, Grandma Ralph, and despite my dislike for the name, Jonathan. Other's are yet to be named!

Will blog soon about the house and the garden, which is slowing getting ready for summer, but for now going to have to back track a little, only because I have a few photos I want to share for those Mighty Boosh fans. I think this was early February that James and I went along to Maison Bertaux tea house in Soho to catch Noel Fielding’s art work. It’s an interesting little place with lots of naff trinkets and lots of over top decor, but some how it all just worked. And the array of pastries and cakes looked all way to good and there was way too much choice, so much so that about twenty minutes after we had finished our awesome coffee's we finally decided on a banana éclair to share.... mmm! A lot of the paintings were down pre-Mighty Boosh and you can see where some of the Mighty Boosh characters came from. The place was covered head to toe in Noel's work; even the toilet had a painting hanging above it, so when you sat on the loo you could see it in the mirror. Over and out for now, but will be back with the next blog soon.

Lub and Rainbows,

Laura

Some of the paintings....

Paco and his cat!

Friday night 80's Roller Disco

2008-03-14T17:37:00.012Z

Drinking and skates are in theory not the best idea, however Beth proved it could be done, turning up already a bottle of wine up on us.

We made the trek south of the river on the Victoria line to Vauxhall and lined up in our leg warmers, side pony tails and over sized jumpers. There were two rinks with different music, was a bit disappointing to find there wasn't much 80's music going on at either of the rinks, but dancing on skates proved easier than I thought. I can safely say I wasn't too bad and only ended up on the floor once due to someone running into me from behind. He was cute, so I didn't mind so much. Not much else to say besides its awesome fun and will do it again...

Lub and Rainbows,

Laura

Where was all the snow?

2008-01-13T22:24:00.001Z

I've slacked off again I'm sorry. I was hoping that I would have some photo's to make my blog all pretty with visual stimulation, but my camera is no where to be seen.

Where did I leave you last, oh yes, Glasgow. Well what can I saw about Glasgow... Party Town. I think that’s all we did that and shop. One morning we went to breakfast at Ric's Cafe. No, it’s not actually called that that would just be too ironic, it was some guy called Ric that my travel buddies knew and I just don't know what the name of the cafe is. The breakfast was awesome (I have a new found love of french toast with bacon and maple syrup, which they did just perfectly) and we started walking back to our apartment; some how between finishing breakfast and 1am the next morning we made it home. Just what you want to do on new years eve eve.. Pub crawl. Any who, the next day we went to the Walkabout for a Toohey's New at 2pm to celebrate Australia's New Year, well Queensland for those who want to get technical.. Bethany!! That night we had just asked a few people around before we went to watch The View in George Square, but then those people asked people their people around, and suddenly it was a full house, but all in good fun! After midnight we all headed down to a Glasgow night club where we partied the night away, and when that closed, we partied some more back at our apartment. Cept I can't party hard like these dudes and I feel asleep at the table at 6am.

That’s about it for my holiday, wish I had more photos to show. I may still track some photos down. Håkan and Jesse in silver hot pants is worth posting in a blog, so I'll keep and eye out for one!

Since being back in London though everything is happening, our work is a screaming match and the Italians are on my back all day, but I love it. Am getting very excited about James and Monica arriving and showing them around. Though I'm starting to think something is up back home, only this morning three different people told me that they had booked tickets to London, three people that I had no idea that they even wanted to come for a holiday, let alone live here... what's going in Brisvegas people? Or is it that I'm just so awesome you all moving for me? Whatever the reason (and I know it’s because of the second reason) I can't wait till you all get here, but until you do, I'll keep you posted on my crazy London life!

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

Photo: Tolbooth Tower, view from our apartment

God Jul och gott nytt år

2007-12-29T19:59:00.001Z

I'm in to my second week and holidays and I haven't blogged as yet, but I have some good excuses and i'll make them up for you later.

My holidays didn't start off so well, the day before I was due to fly out I couldn't even make it to work and was struck down with a mysterious stomach bug that aparently had taken out 3/4 of my work. However, I made it to sweden and on the third day a swedish sauna off the coast just outside Lund made me feel 100% better. The sauna is at the end of a long pier and has a window that looks out over the water to Danmark. The idea is that you get really hot in the sauna and then go down into the water. None of us were really game, but after sitting in the sauna for awhile we decided just to stick our feet in. To cut a long story short, I can cross of my to-do list, jumping naked into the swedish ocean.

The next day we took the train from Lund to Helsingborg and then the ferry to Helsingör, Danmark to see the Kronborg Castle. This is the castle where Shakespears Hamlet was set. I have some awesome photos which I have taken on my brand new camera, which seems to be lost in a one bedroom flat, anywho lets not get into that.
I can tell you the sky did not look like that at all. Today in Glasgow was the first time I have seen blue sky or sun since I left London, though we have been lucky in that it has not rained at all besides when we were in Göteborg, so one night was bareable.

In Sverige they celebrate Christmas on the 24th and for Christmas Eve we were all invited out to Häkan's parents place in Staffanstorp. There was so much food and we were spoiled with unexpected gifts. The traditional Christmas food i was use to was nowhere to be seen besides ham; with smoked eel, swedish meatballs and sill all on the menu.

For our Australian Christmas, Cass cooked to perfection reindeer and moose. We were all hoping for a bit of snow, but nope, no sight of it whatsoever. Maybe New Years will be more promising.
Boxing day we were treated to a swedish gig, performing in his one man blue band Häkan. The venue in Lund is called Mods and was they specially opened for him to play for us. You never know what you are going to get with that boy and some of the ad-lib lyrics were well done, execpt maybe for the ''...and your mum looks good too.''

Thats about it for now, I'm sure I have left lots more out, but it all seems to be escaping me at this second.

Lub and snow clouds... Laura

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

2007-12-11T20:24:00.001Z

For the last two weeks Beth and I have been the 'Make up Bitches' for a productions of Sweeney Todd at the the Bridewell Theatre on - funnily enough - Fleet Street. The idea was that we go help with make up at the dress rehearsal, what the show to see how the make up went with lighting and then give tips on opening night, but that ended up being second night, third night, forth night, rushing to some Camden Goth stores for supplies Saturday morning before the matinée, and then make up for matinée. We were in demand and we loved it. The musical ran for two weeks, the second week we got free tickets to the Charity night with free pies and mulled wine.

Last Saturday night was the after party, was a good night by all. Beth and I started out at Harrods in the afternoon to kill some time. On coming out of the tube station I was surprised to find it look as though the rain had turned to snow. I figured at first it wasn't possible and that it was fake, but after my better judgment, myself and the other hundred of people coming out of Harrods thought it was real snow. I can not tell you how exciting this was. It was only when I went to the front of the building that it was just freakin foam.. argh! Such disappointment.
Harrods and their fake snow grrrr!

Me at Piccadilly Circus
Anyway, we looked around and drooled over the food and some of the most lavish things you could think of. After dinner at China Town, some pints and a shot of tequila at a Leicester Square pub, we headed to the theatre. I don't know where the night went, but getting the first tube at first light is something I don't want to do in London often, considering first light is about 8am.

Some of the boys...Smiling and still scary...

Pipalicious...

and my fav.. Jim!

Lub and Pies, Laura

There's no place like home...

2007-12-03T22:23:00.001Z

My emotions have been all over the place since I have been here. I’ve got a constant excitement about me most of the time, especially the last month or so. Everything seems to make me smile, even when the rain is coming in sideways and tourists are in my way whilst I’m running through Leicester Square to meet a boy, and despite him letting me down, I still was happy. The train to work comes like clockwork each morning, but each morning still feels new and fresh. From the top of my hill at the end of my street, each day excites me looking out over east London. I get excited about my day, my work and my journey to work and the people I see. But one thing still gets to me amongst all this, my family. I miss them more that I ever knew I would and last Monday morning I felt it so badly when I had sitting waiting for me pictures of my dad’s wedding. To see my whole family together without me is not something I wanted to picture, but there it was staring back at me.

So this post goes out to my family and how I miss you all and want to wish my Daddyo and my new Wicked Stepmother Cate the best of luck, but I know they won’t need any luck at all. And also to my brother who is doing so well and I’m hanging for the news every week about what he’s up to now. To listen to him on the radio late on Sunday night was just awesome. I’m waiting by the mail this week for a package that contains footage of my dad’s big day and my brother’s latest gig at the Powerhouse. It will probably make me bawl my eyes out again, but I would rather miss them this much, than not miss them at all.

my favourite....

Okay, I’m done with the missing family stuff for now....

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

Guilty Pleasure or just bad taste?

2007-11-25T15:09:00.001Z

I'm sorry I have been neglecting you blog, it’s just been so busy, but that’s London!

Work has been crazy and I'm having to learn a lot fast, but getting good feedback, so must be doing okay. One of my challenges is having to speak to brokers in France and other European countries. I've finally got one of the French brokers to understand my greeting of "Hi, How are you?" She use to not know what to say and just ignore the question, but now I have her saying back to me "I'm good, how are you?" Small but satisfying accomplishment.

Last Wednesday I went along to the Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch. It was not a bad venue, small but well set out, where I saw the Midnight Juggernauts from Melbourne. This was their last show of a 10 month tour and they were definitely on form. Shame for the crowd though; a chav wandering around aimlessly on a comedown, which unfortunately hit just at the band started, and two tall ugly people right in front of me that decided each other were better looking through beer goggles and started making out, was enough to put me over the edge.

Friday night was the most exciting day this week. THE HIVES. I have been waiting for this gig for sometime now, and usually I would be worried that by being so excited about something, that I would only be disappointed, I wasn't. They were more than amazing, hyperactive as always and played a good selection of all three albums. And Howlin' Pelle Almqvist was of course adorable as always.

Last night I attended London's Guilty Pleasures at Koko's. Back home I love GP and it’s always a great night, all my friends, dancing along to pop. London's GP - not so much. At first when there was no one on the dance floor, the first ones out there were the mutton's dressed up in the same Monsoon black sequined dress. Amusing at first, but not really attracting many to the dance floor. Slowly the dance floor filled, but with the copious amounts of bling and the cover band with its off key back-up girls, singing songs you don't secretly like, I'd had enough and made my way home.

So it’s Sunday, and that's it for this week.

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

68 Allison Road, Turnpike Lane

2007-11-11T13:28:00.001Z

Okay, editing this post and also thought I would take a picture of me posting!

Went for a wander around my 'hood this afternoon, listening to Bob Dylan as i went, felt like a movie scene. You get that feeling alot in London, like you've seen it before and when you have music playing that suits, it really gives you an awesome feeling. This is Allison Road - typical London street *heart*Lovely Ice Cream truck parked up my street.. "often licked' teehee!
In between the houses they have these walk-ways, this one near my house is Harringay Passage.Front of my house
This is just a video of my new house in awesome North London! I have done only the inside, as its dark outside.

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

Guy Fawkes Day

2007-11-06T21:16:00.001Z

Friday night I couldn't sleep as I just wanted the night to be over and I'm my new house. Saturday morning, Beth finally managed to make her way to mine to help me move the rest of my stuff from south-west London to North-East London. The best move I think I've made yet.

After unpacking - a little, we made our way to Victoria Park in East London for the fireworks display for Guy Fawkes Day. Now if you don't know who Guy Fawkes is, and admittedly I didn't till about 3 weeks ago, but I have Wikipedia him for the blog's benefit.

Guy Fawkes (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606) was a member of a group of English Roman Catholics which planned to carry out the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I of England, to destroy Protestant rule by killing the Protestant aristocracy, on 5 November 1605.

With a jumbo sausage and mulled wine in hand, we waited for the fireworks to start and passed the time eating sweets and messing around with Light Sabre's!

Then out comes Guy Fawkes threatening to blow up Big Ben...

And he fires... and fires some more....

But Big Ben fights back, and just like in the 1600's Big Ben shot off into the night sky with a rocket.

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

N27 Shanagians

2007-10-29T23:17:00.001Z

I'm tired and fell asleep in meetings at today - can only mean one thing, a Great Weekend!

Friday night, I once again dragged my workmate Alex along to the Hope and Anchor in Angel to see some more Brisvegas music. After last the last Brisbane band we went to see, I was surprised that it wasn't too hard to drag her along without kicking and screaming. I heart the Hope and Anchor lots, and was a little bit embarrassed that the manager remembered my face (Cass I'm not sure this is not a good thing or not?) and the bouncer did too and told me the same knock knock jokes from last time that went like this.

Knock Knock Who's there?
Achoo
Achoo who?
Bless You
...and so on and so forth...

There were two British bands, and then Mary Trembles followed by Intercooler and Kel even bought me my own Intercooler stubby cooler. A few English people were entertained by this because a) they had never seen one before b) they don't have/know what a stubby is. And later of course we ended up at Koko's and danced till 3am. The bus trip home was very entertaining as they usually are, some English boys running a muck, but so cute! Also some Spanish dudes trying to pick me up, who gave up after I told them 3am was too late to try pick someone up.

Saturday, I went house hunting. Well I applied for one room and I got it. I think they just picked me because they thought I must have really wanted the room since I had gone literally to the other side of London on a hangover. That afternoon I had already arranged to meet this Irish dude who was looking for someone to fill a fifth room, so I ended up in some dodgy pub drinking with some guy I met of the internet... now I think about, probably not the best idea, hmmm! Sat night was more drinks at Old Street the Foundry bar for a record label launch and then beers at the infamous Hawley Arms. And once again I found myself back on the N27. This time it was an Irish man, a Norwegian and two Sydneyites and a young innocent London girl who got stuck in the middle of us all who we named Londie.

Sunday - it rained lots and I got wet, but I did buy a new dress from Absolute Vintage and the !!! album from Brick Lane, so I was happy.

Today I had my induction course at work, it was the most boring induction I have ever had. I did learn that my work has been around for 125 years... so pretty interesting history if you could stay awake and listen to it; I wasn’t the only one who fell asleep. Most exciting part of the day was visiting the Lloyd's of London building. It’s an amazing building, with all the working bits on the outside and glass elevators which they have had to slow down dude to people getting motion sickness. It felt like being in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory glass elevator.

That’s all for now... will take footage of my new house next weekend, mmmmkay!

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

Bright Lights of Piccadilly Circus

2007-10-15T13:18:00.001+01:00

Okay The John I’ll write another post. It’s only because I'm off sick today and I'm tired of tv. I'm thinking I need to slow down a bit, they think I might have glandular fever, I think they are wrong, but will soon find out. I heard about how great the healthcare system is over here, I’m sure it is when it suits them. Tried to get into a doctor on Friday, but of course they don’t open Friday afternoons.

Anyway, less talk about me being sick and more talk about The Londonz! It has been getting cold here during the week, and I don’t know how to turn the radiators on. All my housemates have not been home; therefore I have been walking the flat in the mornings with a blanket tied around me.

Since it was not a good idea to go out drinking on the weekend, me being sick and all, Beth and I decided a quite night at the movies. A night at the movies in Brisbane consisted of a cheap movie at south bank and a hot chocolate afterwards, but it’s London, so we went to Leicester Square. There were people everywhere, tourists, locals, everyone. There are about ten cinemas and if you want to see a show, it’s the place to be. We didn’t know what to see so we read a few blurb's and this was the best – A gritty, whimsical and theatrical musical set amongst the anti-war protests and mind expansion and rock and roll of the sixties. Features live action, 3D animation and many timeless Beatles songs. Everything I would want in a movie. We bought our tickets and since we had 2 hours to spare, we wandered around and stumbled on Piccadilly Circus. Wow, it’s awesome, I’ve seen it in pictures and wondered what all the fuss was about, but it’s so amazing. I stood and watched the advertisements for awhile and got a little excited over the coke bottles riding the tube. China Town was the next street over, I bought two fortune cookies for 20p – Freedom is the right to live as we wish**** Perfect!

We made our way back to the Odeon. There was about 5 people including us in the whole cinema and just as the movie started three huge biker men sat right in front of us and fiddled around taking off their jackets… just as they sat down, of them turned to the other, kissed him on the cheek and said ‘Love You’... So cute!

It was a long movie, but it had you glued to the screen. James when you get here, I’ll help you stalk Simon and you can help me stalk Jim, I’m in Love!
Lub and Rainbow’s, Laura

Sold my ears to Charity for the night!

2007-10-05T17:16:00.002+01:00

Tonight I went to Bar Prima near Fenchurch Street for a Jeans for Genes charity event. My friend Beth invited me along as it was some of her workmates in the cover band called the Baltic Chimps.
The average age of the band was about 40, that being that the oldest guy was about 80 and the youngest about 20. For a moment lets but aside the fact that I hate cover bands, I must admit a couple of their songs were mildly enjoyable.
What made the set even more enjoyable was the 70 year old keyboard player who was so drunk by the second set that Beth pulled out the keyboard plugs and he eventually walked off stage, only to get another drink. Okay lets face it they were pretty shit, but sometimes it doesn’t matter, I need to dance and a shit cover band and a club full of suits is just what I needed.

Lub and rainbows, Laura.

220B Fulham Palace Road, W6 9NT, London

2007-10-03T23:16:00.002+01:00

Second post on my second day of having a blog; don't expect me to keep this up.

From James's comment on my last post I thought I tour of my flat was in order.

First picture is of our flat from street view, ours is the top and the window at the front is my room.

Second picture is of my share room. Most of the stuff on the floors is mine, my roommate is alot like my brother - everything has its spot, and its also very clean, his name is also Tim, go figure!
Toilet and bathroom next - enough said, though toilet has thankfully been cleaned by recently by Tim. In answer to James question about the mould - la la la la *doesn't want to think about it* la la la

Kitchen and lounge room, and yes that is another Australian flag hanging on the wall and a Fosters sign at the top of our stairs they are there just in case our guests didn't realise that we were from Australia.

Lub and Rainbows, Laura

Six Month Recap

2007-10-03T07:30:00.001+01:00

This is my first blog post and despite lots of things I want to write down are running around in my head, I can’t seem to get them into a definitive order, so I’ll just go with what I’ve got.

I've been in London for nearly six months now. I landed April 14th, which all now seems so long ago, but at the same time it could have been yesterday.

Currently, I am living in Hammersmith, which is crazy as it is in west London and I work and play in East London. I don't mind the commute each day to work on the District line, its a pretty simple route to work, except when it rains, is windy, there's leave's on the track, train drivers don't show up for work, signal failures, radio is not working, suspect terrorists attacks.. you know the usual. I get to read for about 2 hours a day and just recently have decided that I need two books on the go, so that when I finish one I have another one to continue, as I have also found post book depression - I love how you can use depression for anything these days.

My work is located just off Fenchurch Street and I am currently Thomas Miller. They are a marine insurance company and my job title is Underwriting Technician. I work 9.30-5.30 and have a big desk with an endless supply of stationery and every colour of highlighter - my dream! I like the job, it makes my head hurt some days, but generally its pretty good, but there isn't much more to say. I would like to say that they were the company that insured the Titanic, which I thought would be pretty cool, but they didn't.

My flat in Hammersmith is a nice size, actually compared to some flats i've seen, were pretty lucky. We live above Starbucks and we are the top of 2 flats and are also lucky enough to be able to get onto our roof where we have set up some tables and chairs. Though summer hasn't been so favourable this year and have only been up there a handful of times. Our flat has three rooms. Room one - the biggest room in the whole flat, is shared by Tim and myself. Room two - Alanna and Anissa and Room Three is Luke's room. Our kitchen is combined with our lounge room and our bathroom and toilet are carpeted - your typical London flat and I'm living it in and for now, I love it!

Okay that's my first post, I'm up late again, so I will probably fall asleep on the tube again tomorrow and miss my stop again.. opps!

Lub and Rainbows, Laura