16.12.03 - That dreaded season

It's that dreaded season again -- holiday party time. I think I pickled my liver last week what with all of the clients parties, drinks with friends and our agency party (debauched, even if it was at the very chic Kingly Club. I woke up on Friday sitting in a chair, completely dressed, with a feather boa and a plate of food I hadn't touched. Classy.

Had drinks with Tim last night. We love Tim. He'd spent the day in cabs delivering old master paintings to clients. l He becomes so animated talking about dance that his legs swing and kick and move about with excitement. We drank wine in the Rockwell bar in Trafalgar Square then set off into the bitterly cold night air. It was meant to get down to -6 celsius last night. Time for gloves and scarves and heavy coats -- but I do love this time of year in London.

Off Sunday to San Francisco to horrify my friends with how fat and old I've become -- it's a danger of being away for a year.

09.12.03 - It only took 37 years

A few have asked why the Rugby was such a big deal. Simply, the UK's not won a football, rubgy or cricket world cup since the England team won the football World Cup in 1966 -- so the country's got good reason to celebrate. And they're not unfun to watch at all.

08.12.03 - Gemisch

Said goodbye to Jenn last night with a big boozy dinner at Oxo Tower. Stunning views, but rather uninspiring food. Go for cocktails at the bar, but skip the Brasserie and it's fusion nonsense. The duck rillette was greasy and tasted of tinned meat, but the pan fried sea bass was nice. Jenn's off to San Francisco and an impressive VP media job. How inspiring.

Saturday stayed in a watched Bowling for Columbine on the telly. I was prepared to dislike Michael Moore -- his flippancy and general disheveledness in the media -- but the documentary is compelling and disturbing. The security camera tapes from Columbine are difficult to watch, but no less so than the ultra-smug Charlton Heston, clearly feeble but evil enough to appear in communities hit by gun violence to rally the NRA hours after people have died.

The England Rugby team do their celebrational parade down Oxford Street today to Trafalgar Square. People have queued up since 11pm last night for the 20 minutes or so that the team will be there. Oh well. Good on them anyway. It was a brilliant game.

Getting rather excited to go home and see everyone. Won't be long no. Better do some shopping.

05.12.03 - One of us, one of us

Yesterday, it pleased her Majesty's goverment to grant me indefinite leave to remain. In other words, I was given residency in the United Kingdom and I'm no longer dependent on an employer sponsoring a work visa to remain in the UK. It's a type of freedom, and some reassurance, and an oh so lovely goal I've accomplished. In 12 short months I can apply for citizenship which has become an increasingly important idea -- I want to really feel I belong here. I want to be able to vote and influence the country. I want to know that this small dark island I've made my home counts me in its citizenship.

The responses from friends has been amusing to read. The Americans are very earnest in their congratulations. The Brits have, without fail, taken the piss (which really tells me I'm fitting in.)

New blog

I'm doing my best to get this up and running, but surprisingly it's difficult.