7/365: Kingston upon Thames

I know I cant be the only one who finds that when cities are "Upon-Thames" or upon something else, their charm value goes through the roof, but sadly, even when a town is Something-upon-Something, no one actually calls it that. At least thats the case with Kingston upon Thames - its just Kingston (the namesake for Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani's child, I am sure).
Regardless of the modernization of the name, the town is very charming. I went there today (took the train all by myself!) for a meeting with a company that specialized in charity recruitment/employment. Sadly, they were less than charming and failed to give me an hope that they would be the answer to my job search. They did say they would pass on my CV (resume) to the World Wildlife Federation who are looking for a 6-week temporary position, so we'll see how that pans out.

I stumbled across this "art" in Kingston, and then noticed that Kingston's Wikipedia entry has almost the same exact photo!

What I learned today: I love pasties! That's pasty (pronounced "paa" like Pat), not pastie like strippers put on their nipples. A pasty is a bunch of goodness (mine was cheese, thinly sliced potato, onions and mushroom) put in a nice pastry case. (What is a pastry case really called??) And yes, I really did sit there in a busy square and photograph my pasty. Check it out.

4/365: Not a "Successful" Day

So, I didnt get the job at Make-A-Wish. Now that I dont have to worry about jinxing anything, I can say that I aced that interview. I was awesome. Period. And they agreed.... They said I was the best candidate, but didnt have knowledge of UK charity laws. She said that in 6 months, I would be the perfect person for the job, but they cant "take a chance" right now. Translated: it has less to do with UK charity laws than it does with the fact that I dont drive. Of course - the thing I am THE most afraid of. I caught myself thinking "back home I would have that job hands down", and am trying not to focus on that, eventhough it is the absolute truth. Oh and just to jab you in the heart, the words they seem to use over here when they tell you you werent chosen is "I'm sorry, but you were not successful". Ouch.

But onward and upwards as they say (at least I think someone says that), I bought the huge book that covers all the questions you may be asked on the Theory Test and I guess I am going to have to get behind the wheel sooner rather than later. Yay?

What I learned today: A crumpet (see exhibit A below) is kind of like an English muffin, but doughy and soft. Almost like an undercooked English muffin, but really good with butter and jam. Word to the wise: don't try to cut them in half, you'll just make a mess and ruin it.

1/365: So It Begins

... and yes, I failed today, my first day to take a picture. But I think I have a few good reasons: I left Denver last night at 8:45pm and arrived at Heathrow around noon. The flight was terrible - I ended up in a window seat bumping elbows with my fellow passengers and hardly slept at all. (One word of advice: Don't ever bother watching the movie 'Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past". Its crap even as far as predictable romantic comedies go.)
I made it to my interview at the Make-A-Wish Foundation right on time and think everything went well, except they do require you to drive as part of the position and I am well aware that not knowing the communities where I would be working will be a disadvantage. They said they expect to make their decision on Monday, so now we wait...

I thought I'd take a nice nap when I got back from the interview, but I couldnt sleep, so I unpacked 2 of 3 suitcases and sent a telepathic message back home to my walk-in closet telling her that I missed her.

We went to Windsor (no, the Queen wasnt home) for a quick dinner at good ol' Nandos (Its a chicken place, but they have wonderful veggie options there!).

What I learned today: There is South African beer.