Greetings and Salutations!...Sherlock Holmes is cool.....

You will find that over the course of the next 2 months this will be my tool of procrastination. I have entered the stage of the Dissertation, the last and final stretch of the MBA. While I'll be using information from the internship, there's this silly, little thing called Literature Review which is a complete snooze fest.

Of course my initial approach was all wrong, cutting quotes here and there from various sources of academia to only realize later that I was supposed to be synthesizing all of it. Reading Comprehension 101...I never really liked that subject.

So I'm off and running. I'm working 2 day/week at the consulting firm (AAAAHHHH!) and the rest is writing. The goal is to be finished by Thanksgiving. I know, really random deadline considering it bears no relevance on this side of the world. It's not like I'll be prepping some amazing feast. I guess I'd like to enjoy a little of the Christmas season on this side as last year I was plagued with finals and complete freak outs.

The weather is turning, the clocks are set back, it's dark by 4:30 and I'm starting to wonder if I'll freeze in this flat just the same as in Edinburgh. I thought I was off to a good start, but as I sit here bundled head to toe and with the curtains drawn, I'm anticipating frost on the windows shortly.

I'll be posting the haps of the past few weekends soon. I've been way solo and entertaining myself. Anth and I got up to a pub crawl in Camden, and last night I met my MBA friend, Marieke in Covent Garden. Marieke is officially my new girlfriend in town after the other jumped off the school bus and started walking to school.

All in all, the time home was great.


I got to hang with my Mom a bit as she's a little gimpy due to her recent foot reconstruct. After the 25th time that I left the house my mom continued to tell me to "Be Safe!" When I finally asked whether she truly felt that if these parting words were forgotten that it would result in me meeting my fate? Get this folks, she responded that she only said it so if something did happen to me, she'd tell the local news that the last words she said were and I quote, "I told her I loved her and to be safe!" Unbelievable! Simply a ploy to be nice on the news.


Many of you asked whether I've secured my position as the favorite aunt! Hello? Of course. While I didn't accomplish teaching her to crawl, I've been working on the next generation of the Toner Trifecta, that includes an abridged name to follow suit....(Lo, Chickie So, Mo and now Hannah Ro), sounds effects of the Ya-Woo and associated arm movements. Right now, she just knows that I'll say something if she raises her hands above her head. Christmas time will be here before I know it for a little more one-on-one time.



I enjoyed time with my siblings too. Hung out for the weekend in Ventura with Sarah and Matt. We cruised the old town, enjoyed a pint, baked cookies and walked the marina. Good times.

I'm back at Christmas and looking forward to it.

Wedding Bells Don't Sound Like That!?!

So which version of the wedding do you want????

Remember this....everything and everyone is fine! Don't forget this.

Version 1. RJ and Rachel arrive on time, the organist plays the music, the cantor's sing, readings flow swimmingly, a smooth exchange of vows (with I'll have you note a clear omission of "For Richer or Poorer"... very interesting) moving on, I Do-I Do, Kiss Kiss, Mr. and Mrs RJ Cruz, and the pomp and circumstance, party time.

Version 2. My father, the organist, feels like he's having a heart attack half way through the ceremony and is rushed to the hospital just as the bride and groom are leaving the church. Not good folks, not good. 2 fire trucks and 2 paramedics and a trip to HOAG hospital later, we found that Dad passed out due to the onset of the flu. Sounds shady, a true weak sauce!

As I make light of it now, it really wasn't the best thing. Due to the amount of Servite alumni/families at the wedding, by the end of the day the streets were buzzing with talk of strokes, heart attacks and near death as the rumours. Holy Moses! He was released later that day; he's doing fine and has a few doctor's appointments in the near future.

The way I see it, Rachel had asked my dad to play the organ at her wedding and in turn, she promised never to hug him again. He's not exactly one for female, tactile affection; with men however, Ha! (I just realised how that sounded.) Moving on, half way through the ceremony he realised what he was truly giving up! (I can say these things b/c my dad doesn't read this blog)

Did I make it to the reception? Of course, I needed a freakin drink! There really should be bars in hospitals. Entrepreneur idea or process innovation?

As we left the hospital, my brother's remarks for the day were, "uh, Laura, isn't this wedding the only reason why you came home?"...Oh really Ted, thanks for reminding me! My Dad's kicking it and Rach and RJ are married. All is good.

Decorating the Bride and Groom's Room.... we decorated twice, this was the Suite that they weren't staying in. Fun facts.

California Dreamin, L

Hung with G-Ma and G-Pa...

I was thrilled to visit with my grandparents. However, I was not thrilled to gather for the geriatric sing-along at Seizure World. While my grandparents stole the show with each a solo and then duet, I'm afraid the rest was subpar.

There was a wacky lady who not only played the harmonica, but the piano simultaneously. See pic below! When there's a toss-up between Moon River and some song about Dixie, we're in trouble. My grandparents are cool, hip and chillin at 80. My grandpa recently asked me if I had a webcam as he did so he could see me when we talked. No webcam, g-pa!

What's a sing-along? Hell with a 60 page music book. And if I recall, we sang Kumbayah at the end, holding hands and swaying. Just a quick note, that was after the second Dixie song.

Patrick, I will have you know that there were no oxygen tanks! Torrance Hof's Hut, eat your heart out.

Leisure World would be cool if it was for 25-45 year olds with no married couples or kids....ya, ya, ya, get over it!

L

Aleece and Leslie at Hennessey's
Hung out at Aleece's house in Redondo Beach to reminisce about the good ole days of living at the beach and for that fact California, the USofA??? Let's see, we went to Bath and Body Works to stock up on the body washes, sprays and much needed scented, hand sanitizer. Have you seen the people who ride the tube. Apparently, the hand sanitizer is quite the American thing. I remember when in Shanghai my friend leaned over and asked to borrow some. "How'd ya know I had it?" and she replied, "all Americans carry hand sanitizer." Too right!

Other highlights included, a trip to Target... Isaac Mizrahi has definitely missed me, the movies, checking out the new "lifestyle" wing at Del Amo, and Mexican food at Riviera. Unfortunately I ordered my favorite meal, spinach and chicken enchiladas. Spinach! Spinach! Spinach! I wanted the spinach. Unfortunately those plans were shattered, but it wasn't too serious. But can I just say that I've enjoyed getting back to eating the lovely lettuce, spinach, etc....

Hanging with the Torrance Crew....Week of Sept. 24
Stop #2..Hennessey's in Redondo Beach, the old stomping grounds. I got together with the crew from the COT and threw back a few cocktails. I was definitely happy to see that Jeff Gibson was allowed to come out and play. (Sorry, I needed to get one more jab in there....Friendly note to others that may be in the dark, "Don't Come to London and Not Call Me. At the Very LEAST Say Hello! Ok, I'm really done ranting.)

Good people, good times! It was truly great to see everyone, first at Chief Herren's retirement and then again at Hennesseys. Thanks everyone for coming out, and thanks to Gesuina for the party planning.

Cheers, L

Sept 21-24
Home for the Wedding....

Headed home for Rachel and RJ's wedding. The first weekend was the bachelorette party in Palm Desert at the Marriott P.D Resort. Whoa! A surreal feeling overwhelmed me from hanging out with 22 of Rachel's dearest friends. A bunch of crazy girls (SPEAKING ENGLISH) gathered to celebrate the pending marriage. It was a great weekend and fun way to kick off the trip home.

Yes, we played girlie games, and Rachel really didn't know who these came from...Who else would have brought a pair squirrels with the London Underground Tube Map????

It was a last minute purchase in the Airport...who knew? Entrepreneur opportunity come and gone, once again.

A Moon for the Misbegotten...Eugene O'Neill

One of the highlights before heading home was seeing Kevin Spacey in the aforementioned play. Big fan. There were actions reminiscent of Verbil Kent from the Usual Suspects so I was thoroughly excited. Great play, good cast and good company with Ian.

I stood outside the stage door briefly, but he was no where to be found. Over the past few months, I've spotted Juliette Lewis (Fools For Love) and Patrick Swayze's huge head (No I never watched him in Guys and Dolls, please. Nobody puts Swayze in a corner!)

The last weekend was crazy fun before heading home to Cali.

Last week of August......

Giorgos and I at Avenue Q, an off-Broadway play that made it to the West End. Let's just say it's Sesame Street meets South Park. An actor playing Gary Coleman lives among furry friends and humans singing songs such as "Everyone's a little bit racist and so are you!" and "It's okay to be gay," helping the Bert and Ernie characters out of the closet.

I'm on my way, just set me free, home sweet home....

I'm almost home and definitely looking forward to it as well as needing it. Nearly 10 months since Christmas and I can't wait to see my family and friends. I've been running ragged here with work and hosting guests.

Guess what? I will be promoted to Business Development Manager upon my return to London. I'll be working only 16 hours/week and writing my dissertation. I'm happy with the new position as it suits my skills and interests just a bit better. The fact that its a 3 person operation soon to be 5 is challenging, but shows so much room for growth.

I'll be in Palm Springs my first weekend home and hanging in Ana-HEIM. It's not exactly the beach, but my mom and dad are there.

I'll post contact numbers when I'm home; I'm hoping to hijack my mom's cell b/c of course Verizon wouldn't just sell SIM cards like the rest of the world. We'll see, maybe things have changed.

See you soon. LO

365 Days Later...

Can you believe it? Are you shocked? It's been 365 days since I hopped into the British taxi cab and said please take me to my high priced hotel where I'll stay for 10 days b/c I wouldn't let a flat over the internet. So let's recap. If not for you, for me b/c I didn't have this blog a year ago.... Memoirs of LT. Let me break it down.

September

• 10 days in the Links hotel
• Started school, thought to myself, who needs money? (should have checked that little exchange rate) p.s. GBPs aren't the same as Euros.
• Found a garden flat that looked better than the hotel, realized no oven, a shower that trickled and the lou was on siesta
• Went to a Ceilidh with the class
• Went to a party and found a boy (good Laura...way to be single)
• 9 classes...WHAT???

October

• Torrance was Mon-Fri (actually 9/80 schedule)
• Edinburgh-studies were 24/7 and the feeling of guilt if you went to the pub
• Weekend in Perth with the friends
• Realisation that no one can dial an international phone call

November

• Visit from Cliff
• Trip to Amsterdam
• Ditch a couple of classes...not good!

December

• Complete freak out from final
• Christmas Ball
• Home with the fam...Ya-Woo!

January

• Hogmanay, Edinburgh's New Year Celebration
• Saw the Edinburgh and surrounding sites before school started.
• Trip to Stirling
• New semester, elective courses, cool profs
• Received 1st semester grades and learned that people with English as a Second Language schooled me.
• With these exchange rates, by god I will learn Finance before leaving this school...Behavioral Finance, Take 2
• Trip to the Highlands

February

• Visitors...Ya-Woo!
• My aunt and uncle, Bill and Leslie Toner from Chicago
• My Redondo Beach friends, Leslie and Aleece
• Trip to Dublin, met crazy Welsh, Orange Army Protests
• Study, study, study
• Broken Toe....bring out the gimp!

March

• End of the semester
• Sad goodbyes
• Freaking out; I'm moving to France
• Road trip-east coast of Scotland, Cantebury, Dover to Calais, Paris, Lyon

April

• I love Paris in the springtime; school at ENPC
• Mom and Dad visit me in Paris
• Shanghai surprise, I know they tried to kidnap me
• Friends from Edinburgh-Ana, Machiko, Ian, Annabel, Mariela, Hero!!!

May

• Morocco
• Met my current employer
• Morocco bacteria...Paris hospital...death bed...caretakers Jay and Ian
• the things you do to get out of your last MBA class; ya right.

June

• Enjoyed Paris with Jay
• Visit from Scott
• First trip to London via the Eurostar which I swore I'd never do
• So sad to leave Paris
• Time back in Edinburgh
• Move to London and start working, not cool (haven't even been unemployed for a year)

July

• Work placement in London
• I lived in my business
• Found a flat and pay more than living at the beach!
• Sarah visited me...ya-woo! Trip to Edinburgh

August

• I can't type anymore (where'd the @ symbol go?), can't spell anymore (is it s or z?) and who says ZED anyways?, it's ZEE, strange words (is it a queue or a line?)
• John Fellows visits
• I have no friends
• Jay hangs out
• Figure out my dissertation topic, thanks Jay
• Edinburgh goodbyes...it's all over

Edinburgh really is over and it's rather sad. The full-timers turned in their dissertations last Friday and the new kids are already claiming our territory. The few who remain are the internationals who are scattered through out the world.

Urrrggghhhh! I just wrote the August recap and it's gone. Curses! Maybe you'll like this version better.

August: trash strikes, bosses on vacation, London walk-abouts, two trips to Edinburgh, visitors: Sarah, John Fellows and Jay, befriended a French boy (he's 20,) found another girl friend, figured out the dissertation topic, saw Big Lebowski at the Somerset House....

Things are good and busy here in London. Time is flying by and my work placement is coming to an end. I've been offered to work a couple days a week while writing my dissertation. Dissertation question, "How does an organization use a case study for organization learning?" I'll be using the case study I'm writing for Network Rail as the basis for my topic.

I'm still pursuing my love for France and so when I was sitting next to a boy on the Tube, I asked if he wanted to meet. I could practice French and he English. He agreed and we've been chatting. Again, I'm determined to break the perception that the most unfriendly people are on the London Tube. I've really had no problems thus far.

Big Lebowski...that's been on the life list to see a movie outdoors as part of a summer festival series. It was fabulous. While maybe my American compatriots may have appreciated the movie more, it was an enjoyable event that of course I ventured to solo.

Jay dropped down for a surprise visit. As usual, we had the best of times both in Muswell Hill and exploring London. We ate Moroccan and reminisced about our days in Casablanca and Marrakesh. I may have manipulated an early release from work so we could enjoy Friday. The pub crawl started in Notting Hill and carried on to Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho.

I'm off.

Cheers, L

Ok, way behind on life and the blog. So I'll try to bring you up to speed. Unfortunately, this post will be near the bottom. I couldn't post pics for some time, but looks like things are in proper working order.

This is Sarah and I posing in front of Edinburgh Castle. She ended her trip here before flying out the day before the chapstick/terrorist plot incident.

I thought I should post a nicer, more virtuous pic of my sis as compared to her Gerkin episode. Truly, my motive was to determine whether or not my parents are reading my blog and I've found that they really don't love me, nor care what I've been up to. So, the Gerkin pic stays until I feel the wrath of the parentals from afar. Sorry Sarah...peer pressure, never give in.

Hello Mo To

Happy Birthday Maureen. You're 25! You're getting old.

In commoration of the 340th anniversary of the London plague, our town has decided to allow trash to pile up to great heights enabling the rats and flies an unobstructed view of Canary Wharf. Whereas one might think that the sanitation crews on strike would get the best of the city, oh contraire. Our climate has rapidly changed from 40/100 degree heat wave to a mild 20/65 temperature. The stench has been curbed by the soft rains that have formed trash lakes and streams throughout the streets.

Strike contingency plans!! Hello. Anyone ever heard about contracting out the trash service? A little union busting, think people.

Oooh, I see a truck as we speak! Not a city trash truck.

So I'm thinking the call to action will be when either a small child is toppled over by the 8 foot high composts or as our weather changes. No joke on the 8 ft...it's truly disgusting. Three weeks people, no trash pick-up, we all live in small flats, single family residences....please. It's not New York, but we're not in Kansas either.

Good times.

Laura

Anyone up for Les Mis? Sing with me people...

And now I'm all alone again
Nowhere to turn, no one to go to.
Without a home, without a friend
without a face to say hello to
But now the night is near
And I can make-believe he's here

So bottomline is that I have no friends. My two bosses are in Canada...and I don't want to hang out with them anyways. Sarah went home. And my friend, Anthony from my MBA class who lives down the street, he's in Dubai and then starts the job on Monday. Snooze!

Campaign...Want to Get on My School Bus?
Campaign...Want to Play in My Sand Box?
Campaign...for the love of god and all that is holy, will someone be my friend?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. So I hit the streets, not in the lady of the night kind of way. I was fully clad due to the cold rain and headed to my local bar, Ha Ha. There I stood all by my lonesome. Yes there were stares, really it was gawking. There are no bar stools here people so you just can't hind that you're so solo. I just needed to make it through one class of wine and then would permit myself to go back to the flat. However after a good ten minutes, bartender Emily gave me a kick-save and came to the rescue with some brief conversation. Fabulous! School bus door opened....all aboard.

Just as I finished the one conversation, I was chatted up by a couple fine gents with the punchy line, "surely you're not here on your own." I refrained from quoting Airplane and seized my opportunity for 2 more potentials. I made it to the second glass and then we moseyed to O'Briens for another cocktail. Success folks! I built a sand castle....ya-woo. So I have plans on Wednesday night. Good stuff.

It is daunting, but a swift kick in the arse and open body language I'm determined will help fill my school bus.

Cheers, L

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, New Guard.


Holy Moses!

What in the world is a girl to do without any freakin chapstick or lipstick on a 10+ hour flight? I have to come up with a plan. I'm taking suggestions. Clearly, I'm happy that the plot was foiled, but I need to strategize and 6 weeks will be here before you know it.

And yes, Sarah made it back to CSUC(K)I; she was on her merry way on Monday morning and finally arrived. As for John, remember the City Attorney from a few weeks back, he may have quite the delay getting back, but who's in a rush to get back to work...Matterhorn, Torrance, Matterhorn...Torrance. Yeah, I'm not feeling it.

So where should I hide the chapstick?

I was thinking I could put a clear lining on my hand and nonchalantly apply every so often. It may get a little slimy, but at least I'd have it.
Coat a credit card?
Fill medicine caplets with lip gel?
Tissues?
Wear a locket??
Somebody please, help me....help me, please!

Good thing I'm flying American or maybe not.

6 week countdown and looking forward to it. It's my grandparents anniversary, Police Chief is retiring, Rachel's getting married...yada, yada, yada. Good people, good times.

It's cold here and summer may be over. Sadly, just as I receive my summer dresses and shoes from my mom, I'm closing up the windows each night and am dreading the possibility of another UK winter.

Contrary to popular belief, I'm applying for the UK work permit and should have a good chance. Thankfully, the COT salary gave me a little boost to qualify me for the Highly Skilled Migrants Program. If I don't succeed, I'll be another illegal alien just trying to get a job and make a better life for myself. Oh, how the tables have turned!

First Mover's Advantage------
Do you think I could capitalize on the recent terrorist threats with the creation of fashionable, transparent, carry-on bags for the jetsetter? It's just not really convenient to carry an open trash bag on a plane. Fashion First! Hello?

Cheers, L

Sarah and I are headed to Edinburgh this weekend for the Edinburgh Jazz Festival and the start of the Fringe. Staying with Ian in the City and hoping to see the rest of the Edinburgh crew.

SARAH....pull it together!!!

Sometimes when I check my emails and see that I have no love from friends and family, I'll turn to my blog to see if anyone posted a comment and then realize that I'm really just talking and amusing myself.

Sarah's keeping me company in London. On Sunday we enjoyed the Columbia flower market, vintage shopping, a walk through the "City"/financial district, Tower Bridge and a walk along the Thames. We indulged with a pitcher of PIMMS, a cocktail concoction that is common in these parts.

Good times.