2015, so far
I can’t believe that we’ve almost reached the half-way point of 2015! It’s absolutely confounding! Some days it feels like I just landed at London Heathrow Airport with my two overweight suitcases, carry-on bag, and backpack ready for a new, post-grad journey. Other days it feels like I’ve been here forever (in both the good sense and the bad sense). But, today, it feels like little time has passed. However, so much time has passed and so much has happened, particularly since January, from which point I’ll pick up my story.
January
Resolving and recharging
So, I made my first-ever New Year’s resolution just before the start of the year. I resolved to exercise three times a week before work, rain or shine, light or darkness, fatigue or energy. After not exercising regularly for longer than I would like to admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into. But, I got into a good rhythm of (then) waking up before sunrise to exercise and then continuing with the rest of my day. As with my thesis work last year, I figured that, if I do it in the morning, then it’s already done and out of the way. I am proud to say that I am five months strong in what I am determined will be a full lifestyle change. I have more energy and strength, and less stress than I have had in a long time, and am constantly setting personal bests for myself.
Staying accountable, even when out of town
I started approaching a plateau a couple of months ago and I got injured, meaning no exercise for a week. Both of these scared me. So I decided to really make this lifestyle change comprehensive and, once and for all, eat clean, ditching junk food except for one ‘cheat day’ a month and letting go of the biscuits and cakes and other goodies associated with English tea culture, which I so enjoy, and general office snacking. I determined to do good by my self, by my body. I can’t say it’s always easy, because it isn’t. Cake is obviously more tasty than quinoa or brussel sprouts, but it’s not what my body needs. Not to toot my own horn (but, then again, this is my blog so I can do whatever I want, haha), but I’m really proud of myself for sticking to my workouts and eating clean. It’s sad to say but I’ve received a lot of criticism on this journey to a better me. Let me be clear, I am not depriving myself. I’m just eating better. If I forgo a slice of cake here and there, I’m not hurting myself. To the contrary, I’m being kind to my body. Anyway, I’m proud of myself for pushing through, self motivating, and finding my resilience. I am also tremendously grateful for those who are encouraging me, teaching me how to effectively swap out certain foods for others while keeping meals delicious and nutritious, and just listening when I’m having a hard day or a hard week. I really feel like I’ve come too far to go back, like actually. Many of you will know that I abhor mornings, so waking up early three times a week for five months is a testament in and and of itself, haha. And, there are results to boot, so I strive to stick with what I’m doing.
Loch Ness and other sightings
Two weeks after going back to work, following the Christmas holidays, Alexa and I needed another break. This whole go-to-work-every-day thing is exhausting! So, we visited the Scottish Highlands, Inverness more specifically. What a breathtaking place! Scotland is one of those places that just feels right. I’m not sure if this feeling is an inheritance from my parents who lived there in their twenties/thirties, even later giving my sister the middle name ‘Heather’ in fond remembrance of the fields of heather they enjoyed in Scotland, or if it’s just how green and refreshing everything is, reminding me of Claremont, or both. I just love it, and I was happy to experience a different part of the country this time around.
Did I mention it was absolutely freezing!? So glad I brought my parka!
Inverness is quite a small city, but it’s so beautiful and we received every kindness from our hosts and the people we met, including at Inverness Salvation Army. We even got to see Loch Ness, though no monster (darn!).
Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness
I had no idea how much I had missed expansive, fresh, dizzying greenery, and the sound, smell, and touch of water swelling and crashing against the shore. It was just what my soul needed–to be refreshed. And I got to experience it in the company of a dear friend.
The silly, but always fabulous Alexa, taking selfies on my phone instead of pictures of me, haha!
February
Hung(a)ry for adventure
After three trips with Alexa (France, Greece, and Scotland), it was time for a trip with Carmen! I am pretty sure neither of us ever dreamed we would go to Budapest, Hungary. But, we did! It was a relatively short trip, just a couple of days, so we were very diligent about hitting up the sights and learning a bit about Hungary’s long, contested, but fascinating history.
The Hungarian Parliament building by night
Shoes on the Danube – in memory of Budapest Jews killed in the river during the Second World War.
Hungarian Goulash – so worth the hype!
Saint Stephen – the patron saint of Hungary
Inside the gorgeous Parliament building with Carmen!
I really enjoyed Budapest. it was a cool city to check off the bucket list. One interesting thing is that it’s the only place I’ve ever truly felt foreign, like to the point where people are looking at you and not looking away when you make eye contact with them. So, um, yeah, that was weird. But I guess there aren’t that many afro-keeping, American accented black people who visit Hungary. But, then again, the same is true of Croatia but I didn’t get a weird vibe like that there. Anyway, I’ll maybe figure out the reason for the discrepancy one day.
Winter and Spring Theatre
Prior to the New Year, I had seen Julius Caesar at Shakespeare’s Globe and WICKED at the Apollo Victoria. In January, I added Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi to my list. It’s easily the best show I’ve seen in town! So upbeat, exciting, and empowering! I also added The Railway Children at King’s Cross Theatre to the list.
In February, I added Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And, in April, I added Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre. Thank you to Alexa, Sarah, Eveline, and Carmen for being the best theatre buddies–from committing to waking up early to queue for same-day tickets for Dagenham, to being included in the Rose family theatre trip to King’s Cross, to being Sarah’s office’s free ‘plus one’ at Memphis, to Carmen helping us get our act together to finally see Les Mis, I am grateful to each of you for treasured nights on the town!
Okay, I’m getting hungry, so I’m going to stop there, haha. Tomorrow is a bank holiday, so I should have more time to write about March, April, and May, so far.
As always, thank you for reading, some of you for more than two years now. I definitely don’t write as consistently as when I was in France, not by a long shot. But, I still aim to share insights into this crazy life abroad as much as I can.
Until tomorrow,
Gros bisous,
Kelly









