Going from rain...to more rain!

It's been rainy in London, and so...I'm heading off to Ireland (tomorrow) to experience more rain! Thanks to all the blog superstars that gave me Ireland advice. I'm going to: Kinsale, Dublin, Limerick, Dingle and Cork. Should be grand!

See you in a week, friends.

Justin, I Still Love You...Even Though You Straighten Your Hair

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I felt like it was about time that I offer my views on Justin's new music. I am, after all, a part of his inner circle.

Let me be quite honest about "Suit and Tie." Justin--this really is just a B-Side single. It doesn't have the pizazz of "My Love," the innovation of "Sexy Back," and the sophistication of "Cry Me a River." It's not your best effort. You can add all the A-List rappers you want to spruce it up, it will still be just okay. "Mirrors," is better; however, it's instantly reminiscent of stuff you've done before. 

My greatest fear is that this new album of yours will just be an extension of the magnificent Future Sex/Love Sounds. I always thought of that album as your Off the Wall moment. Of course, this means the following album should have been your Thriller. I'm not quite sure we're heading in that direction, and maybe that's too much pressure to put on one artist...but it's because I believe in you, kid! 

Now, I still have faith in you. I've heard "Pusher Love Girl," which is Motown-infused and thus wins my heart. I have yet to hear the other tracks and I still believe you're going to bring us something magnificent. And there's something to be said for hearing real instruments on the radio again, not just techno-infused dance numbers. 

So, this is not your Thriller, but I will say I'm thrilled to hear the rest. Quite honestly, you could put out an album of belching and hand-clapping, and I'd still love it, I'm sure. So put on that Suit and Tie, and shake your booty something fierce. We all like it when you do that. But seriously, Justin--stop straightening your hair.

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's perfectly acceptable...

• To wholeheartedly and emphatingly agree with this statement about being an adolescent girl in the 90s, from this article: 

• to hate using satellite view on Google Maps. I don't know what it is, but it totally freaks me out to view things via satellite. Especially when you roam over places like Antarctica, or any of the oceans with their deep trenches and ridges that you can actually see from the satellite *cringe* *shiver* It's too FUTURISTIC FOR ME! Take me back to 1999, please. Those were the days when all I had to wonder about is which boy band is the bestest, as noted in the point above. 

• to not be able to take anyone born in the 90s or later seriously at all. My mind can't comprehend this. I was playing with pogs, developing a crush on Zach Morris, and learning how to save stuff on floppy disks WHEN YOU WERE BORN. Chances are you've never seen a floppy disk. *facepalm* And then...these 90s babies are infiltrating the bars that I go to. Whaaaaaat? Maybe I'm getting too old for bars. 

Currently...

...Planning a ROAD TRIP to Ireland (for next week!) and need some ideas on must-sees. I've been to Galway, which is lovely...but what else? I need your help, bloggers.

...Getting over a sickness. Hopefully not that damn bronchitis acting up again!

...Writing my dissertation. Literature reviews are deadly. This makes minimal time for blogging [insert sad face]

...Smiling over the silliness of my birthday weekend!

What have you been up to??

Life is Like a 'Choose Your Own Ending' Book

I used to read those Goosebumps books where you get to the end of the page, and it said something to the effect of, "If you opened the door to the car, go to page 34. If you walked down the trail instead, go to page 61." Surely Goosebumps wasn't the only book to do this, I was just an avid fan of theirs (the 90s!), so it instantly comes to mind.

I always loved those "choose your own ending" books. Even at the age of 8, I liked the idea of being in control of my decisions, fictional or not. They were better than the books that told me how things ought to end.

My precociousness faded a little once puberty hit, and I started listening to all the usual subscriptions for life, including keeping my actual subscriptions to seventeen and YM magazine, which always had articles on, "How to Make Him Like You by Changing Yourself." ...I'm pretty sure that was the actual title. I mean, every so often they'd have a girl power post, but it would quickly fade into the background amongst the articles on new fall trends and Britney Spears' abs.

I started learning early that I should start comparing myself to others. This process has continued ever since. And it happens to most of us, and not just to women. We see someone getting married, having babies, getting a promotion, moving abroad, etc. and we feel it in the pit of our stomachs. Why aren't I in that place? What is the matter with me? We silently replay these questions in our heads.

Thankfully, 8-year-old Ashley always swims to the surface of my deluded mind during these times, and reminds me of what I knew all along: I am exactly where I should be at this time and this place in my life. It's my own damn story, anyway! Furthermore, I am extremely pleased with where all of my friends are, whether it includes babies, marriage or new cities. Besides, what's the purpose of a bookstore that only carries one story? How boring that would be! We were made to have many different endings.

I turn 28 in a couple days, and I am content with where I am: single, living in London, completing a Master's (eek!), following my dreams, and...choosing my own ending. And we're not even to the end, yet.

Around London Town

What I've been up to in dreary ol' London! 

 I've been visiting lots of cafes. The picture above was taken at Ginger & White, a cafe in Hampstead that serves GREAT coffee and delicious (not over-sugared) muffins and pastries. 

 No visit to England is complete without a Sunday Roast. You can order chicken or beef (and pork too, I think?). It's a family affair, and nearly every pub serves it. It's also a good hangover cure...I hear...ahem. 

 Hanging out with the English folk.

 I'm convinced that England is haunted. 

Making new (stylish) friends. 

 Celebrating Laura's 29th. 

 Frenchman Emmanuel pointed to this mustard bottle and smiled at the name. We were at an American diner and you don't usually see this brand around. I call this photograph "Two French Things." 

 The River Thames! 

 My fave. 

 Above and Below: Pictures of Richmond Park, the biggest park in London and walking distance from my place. All so I can frolick to my heart's content. 

We went to afternoon tea and I was highly amused by the grabby-hand tongs. I really fancy a pair, but would probably end up using them inappropriately ALL THE TIME. "I didn't grab your ass, it was the tongs!" 

A Romantical Time in Bath, United Kingdom

Bath is quite the romantic destination. You and your love can soak in the relaxing spa filled with water from the local hot springs, hold hands as you gaze at the gorgeous buildings gracefully placed between green rolling hills and have amazing meals by candlelight in tucked away restaurants.

Of course, I took this "romantic" vacation with my friend Laura, and we laughed at all the couples surrounding us. "Oh well, we'll just go visit the Jane Austen museum to make up for it!" We said.

The manor Laura and I stayed in. 

In all seriousness, Bath is great for families, singles, couples and any wanderer who fancies a bit of beauty and history. I was oh-so-charmed by Bath. 

I think a lot of that charm has to do with its past. Bath was taken over by the Romans, who figured out that there were healing hot springs in the area and built an elaborate spa around the springs, full with drainage and clever architecture. 

 Above: A Celtic sun the Romans had commissioned by a local. Below: Curses on thieves (from things stolen in the spa) scribbled on pieces of led and offered up to the gods. 

 Of course, I'm always in heaven in these ancient places, constantly running my hands over the old stones and imagining who has done the same throughout the centuries.  

That night, a very famished duo decided to dine at a recommended Nepalese restaurant; and now, I must recommend it to you! If you visit Bath, this is a must see...um, eat! 

We ate on the floor (in style) and ordered a chicken curry dish that was OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS! Please do yourself a great service and eat here!

And don't forget to order a hot rum punch. Nuff said. 

The next day we had a Jane Austen moment, and visited an information centre on the novelist's life, as she resided in Bath for about 5 years. We also couldn't resist playing dress up. Girls will be girls...

Well said, Jane. I think I have a new affection for Bath. Romantical affection indeed.

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's very acceptable:

• to start spelling my words with that unnecessary "u" that the British insist on putting into their words, i.e. flavour, colour, favourite, behaviour. When in London! I actually find it kinda fun to add the u, like I am being a naughty American speller. 

• to waste my night watching Robert Redford films, the original sexiest man alive. Eat your heart out, George Clooney! 

Your girl is lovely, Hubbell! source

• To get IMMENSE satisfaction by clicking 'confirm payment' when I booked my plane ticket to Italy. Oh, Italia! My dream vacation! I'm coming for you in April...and I can't wait to get fat on spaghetti!

Blogiversary: That One Time I Applied To English Graduate School

8 years ago I made this here blog.

Yes, you read that right...it's been 8 years.

As explained last year, my new tradition with blogiversary posts is to reminisce on one event in my past since the creation of my blog. I thought this would be a good time to bring up when I decided to apply to London grad schools.

Taking the leap across the pond meant leaving a new job in San Diego. I was left with the decision between security or a long time dream of living in a foreign country.

"People only study abroad in their undergrad...and I'm 27. I'm supposed to be responsible...what's the matter with me?" I thought to myself. "I have a steady job, why should I leave now?"

There were other very logical questions that plagued my mind. But then I realized, all that logic was really quite annoying. I had been living my life very logically all my life. Always the girl to weigh my options, I snubbed the idea of taking "reckless" chances. I mean, moving to London would mean taking out a sufficient loan...was it really worth putting myself in debt?

Yes. Because all that logic was really fear. And taking out a loan was just an investment in my dream. And that was the bottom line.

So here I am, in London, happy that I was a little reckless for once.

Happy Blogiversary to me!

Arrested Development, A Review

This may be the one of the most inappropriate shows ever to air on TV. And I love. every. bit. of it.

Where do I start? WHERE DO I START?!? Should I even try and explain the premise?

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The main character is Michael Bluth, the one sane mind admist the nuttiest of families. Michael's dad, Michael Sr., is arrested on felony charges and the company is in trouble. Of course, Michael has to step up to the plate to keep both the company and his crazy family together. I'm not sure I can describe much more of the plot because it's so insane, I wouldn't be able to fit it all in a succinct post.

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I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at a show.

The script...brilliant! The cast...EVEN MORE BRILLIANT. My three favorite characters include: Gob (and his epic magic acts), George Michael (who is in love with his cousin and is awkwardly adorable) and Franklin (the hilarious, racist puppet). Ok, so I didn't care for Charlize Theron's character Rita in the third season, as she lacks the "pizazz" the rest of the cast inherently has. But every show needs at least one screw-up. Besides this, Arrested Development is...dare I say? Perfect.

It's difficult to put into words how magically unique and quirky Arrested Development is. My only advice is, DEAR GOD, PLEASE WATCH IT! If you don't, Buster is going to come after you with his claw. HE'S A MONSTERRRRR!

Lucky for all of us, we haven't seen the end of AD. It's coming back by popular demand, viewable on Netflix. And I hear there is a movie in the works? Annyong! I'm ready to see what Lucille has up her sleeve...

Did you watch AD? Who was your favorite character?!?


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Other TV Show Reviews:

Sex and the City

Felicity
LOST
Ally McBeal

Around London Town (Where I'm Living in London)

So you know that I live in London, but do you know WHERE in London? Obviously, I'm about to spill the beans...

I'm lucky to live in a lovely little area called Richmond, close to the river and complete with my very own garden (the best part!):

Oh HOW I adore my garden! 

Just down the road from me are about a GAZILLION patisseries. I think I'm about to gain 10 pounds.

A small glimpse of my room. The owl's name is Sir William Bedfellow--fitting, I think. 

Not much to say, just wanted to show a bit of my new neighborhood that I've already grown to adore!