Eleven London Latelys

My lovely sister Sydney AND my fabulous cousin Alix both tagged me in one of those question things so I figure I better do it.  Since it's my blog and I can do what I want, I'm combining the questions with this week's version on London Latelys and a cleanup of pics from my itouch.  Hope that's ok girlies! 


1. I've discovered the UK's version of TJ Maxx.  This is not good for my bank  account. 

2. While trying to buy powdered sugar the other day, I was baffled by the amount of sugar choices.  For a country that imports all it's sweets, I was impressed by the totally random sug selection.

3.  Random pic from my jog the other day.  I am seriously in love my neighborhood.  Have I mentioned Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin live a few streets down from me.  I have yet to see them but I am always on the look out. 

4. Spring as officially sprung in London.  Even if that means I haven't seen the sun since I came back to the UK from vacation.  The flowers are still blooming. 

5. I live with boys.  And while I love living with them 99% of the time, there are times when I question my decision to move in with them.  Like when I come back from vacation after two weeks and this is what I find:

They think it's so funny, mostly because they know it annoys me.  They are are trying to see how high it can get. I am thrilled and can't wait either. 

6.  Along with pizza boxes we have also been collected mouse traps...and not because we like too.  Apparently, it's completely normal to have mice in your house during London winters.  I don't mind as long as they stay out of my way.  For some reason our winter mice seemed to congregate in two areas: the kitchen and my bathroom--lucky me.  After a very agonizing night, when one repeatedly got into my bed (I will now need intensive pychotherapy), we decided to buy every kind of mouse trap available.  And when that didn't work I just started baricadding my bathroom and bedroom doors. Who knew books and blankets were the best cure to keep mice out. 

7.  A friend had a free pass to the special exhibits at the Tate Modern (London's modern art museum) and we took advantage.  here is a view of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Milliniuem Bridge from the Tate.

 We saw three exbihits. Damien Hirst--I can't figure out if he is crazy or a genius.  He takes lots of once living things and puts them in glass boxes with formaldehyde and calls it art.  One piece of his work included live cocoons that would hatch and the butterflies would fly around the room.  It was interesting to say the least.

 Next, was Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist.  Also nuts but during the 80s she explored the use of neon which was pretty rad.

 Finally, Alighiero Boetti was definitely my favorite.  Anytime a map is considered art, I am a  huge fan.

8.  Went on a dinner cruise on the Thames with my school.  Best part was getting dressed up and seeing the city at night all lit up.

9.  I am finishing up my last term of grad school and I cannot believe how fast it's flown by.  Took this pick of a MAN sitting in front of my in class the other day.  I was so distracted by his shirt, I have no idea what the professor was saying.

10.  I completed one of my New Years Resolution--learn to make hommous.  It was...disgusting.  But to be fair I only at half the ingredients and our blender is less than worthy.  I plan on trying again when I am better prepared. 

 11.  In three weeks, I take my final exam.  If I don't pass, I don't get my degree.  No pressure.  I have done nothing my sleep and study the last few weeks--three more weeks to go until I get my life back.  I can't wait!