Glory Days

Friday was a very busy day for me. It was decided on Wednesday that I would accompany my boss, Jane, and colleagues, Gwen and Geert, to the Gaz de France LNG offices in Paris for the day on Friday. Jane went super early and Gwen was coming from Brussels, so Geert and I left the St. Pancras train station in London on the EuroStar at 6:30. Amazing how two hours later you're no longer in London, but in Paris. The city does look different - a lot more wrought-iron balconies. I don't know how to describe it, but Paris looks "French" and London looks like London.

The train ride was fine, at least for the time I was awake! We got to GdF's offices a bit early, so we just waited in a conference room - all the conference rooms there seemed to be named after artists, such as Turner, Kandinsky, Munch, etc.

The meetings were to continue discussion on the upcoming merger of GdF-Suez and to talk more about our individual LNG portfolios, potential synergies, and any other business school buzz word you can think of.

Lunch was the usual two hours long and started with the most interesting appetizer I've ever seen. It was a rectangular plate w/ three small indented squares on it. On the outside two were egg shells w/ only the tops cut off. In the middle square was a sea urchin, filled with some of the egg and something else. Then I think it was the sea urchin or maybe a pate of some sort in the eggs. It was delicious, and I'm glad I didn't know what I was eating! The chocolate-pistachio-cherry mousse/pudding dessert was great.

But, the big news for Friday was that Jane and her daughter, Joe and I all went to the Bruce Springsteen concert at the Arsenal Emirates stadium!!! We had standing tickets on the field. Very very cool. He played for 3 hours straight! The songs he played were popular, more obscure, old and new - a good mix. Jane is a huge fan and I think knows every single word to his songs.

And, today, while I would've rather slept in, I got up and got the keys for my apartment! It is officially mine now! The movers will deliver my stuff this Thursday, so by this weekend I'll be unpacked and in my own space.

Cultural Infidel

With the exception of today, this weekend was quite entertaining, although not too productive. Today, it has rained non-stop since about 7 a.m., so I feel justified in my staying inside and watching 6+ hours worth of movies (this is why I don’t like TV – it rules/ruins my life!). I watched bits & pieces of: Romancing the Stone, Bring it On, Gone With the Wind, Hope Floats, The Princess Bride and something else I cannot remember. See, nothing earth shattering, just a way to pass the time.

Thursday & Friday had Cary from our Houston office in town, so Gwen & I met him for drinks Friday night at The Salt House, a pub by Gwen’s place. It looks inviting from outside, but from the reviews, the food is mediocre. The service wasn’t that great either. And 5 GBP for a double Jameson??? God, I miss Cornwall’s for so many reasons! (Good people, good service, good drinks, good food, good location....)

The next morning, Cary met Gwen and me at her place and we took the bus to Camden Lock Market (est 1974). Quite…interesting. Definitely the grunge, punk, alternative shopping market. Enough incense to serve London.


Having had enough ‘culture’ for about 2 hours, we quickly got on a bus north to Hampstead High Street, a much more ‘dignified’ neighborhood! (It would be like going from Allston to Newbury St. in Boston; or from Short Vine to Hyde Park Square in Cincinnati!) There, we had fun window shopping and had a great lunch at King William IV pub. Gwen bought a purple ball which gave her much amusement, but mortification to Cary and me as it was always bouncing dangerously close to the streets, the elderly, etc.

That night, Amy joined us for dinner at Strada (which was very good Italian food!) and we went to see the play The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. It is done as a slapstick whodunit. It was originally a novel that was done as a movie 3 times, first by Hitchcock. From what I’ve read, none of the movies are faithful to the book. Overall, it was quite good and my first theatre outing in London!



Sunday, I went back to the American Church in London. Again, it was ok. The main pastor, Rev D'Elia, gave the sermon, but it just didn't do much for me. I'm typing this now while listening to the sermon Quinn gave yesterday at Old South. Quite good. Being able to listen to the whole service online is a blessing and a curse. It is so nice to hear the service, the music, the openness, the faith, etc. But, it is a curse because it makes anything I find at a church in another location pale in comparison!

It was pouring rain Sunday morning, but it cleared up by noon. I then walked to Oxford Street (not far) to the Borders bookstore there - FOUR stories!!! Nearly brought a tear to my eye! It was so great - sooooo many books, a big Starbucks, games and puzzles section - wow. What a place! I must not go often, else I fear my bank account will deplete quickly.

Now, time to get ready for another week of work. At least I can now say I've done something cultural in London! Oh, and this car is actually for sale.

Puzzles

I finally finished the last of the jigsaw puzzles that was loned to me since I arrived in the UK. This one, Country Christmas, was definitely the most difficult because of all the detail. Also, I only look at the box once - at the beginning - so I just try to figure it out as I go along. The problem is, it's only 1 p.m. on the Monday Bank Holiday so lots of time to kill on this rainy, windy afternoon. And no good movies are on TV.

The Christian

Considering that for nearly the past 3-1/2 years, I have gone to church every Sunday except for when I was out of town, the fact that I willingly chose to not go my first two Sundays in London was exceptional. However, I must say, it felt like such a guilty pleasure to sleep in on a Sunday, lounge in my PJ's, do a jigsaw puzzle (just started a new one - this will be the hardest of the ones I've done while here), etc. But, knowing that I want to church hop a bit (I mean, there are so many beautiful, historical churches here), I figured I should get started. So, I decided to start with the American Church in London this past Sunday.

It's in the middle of the city and is a nice brick building with a decent sized sanctuary that is very plain in its decoration. Color scheme is white, pale green and pale blue with window panes to match. Very soft and light/bright. I didn't see any other part of the building.

They use the Pilgrim Hymnal and the Mission Praise Hymnal, published in 1958 and 1983, respectively. I’m familiar with the former as that is what St. Peter & St. Paul UCC, the church I attended growing up, used. However, for the past eight years I’ve attended Old South Church in Boston where we use the New Century Hymnal, published in 1995. This hymnal took a bit of time to get used to, but now I cannot imagine using a different one! The language is so inclusive, a bit more informal while still be majestic and poetic, and it includes hymns written in the past 10-20 years. So, that was an adjustment.

I did like that there was a laminated copy of the church’s Mission Statement in each pew. It was broken out into areas such as facilities, outreach, beliefs, music, etc.

There were seven people in the choir (summer choir) and their voices were very full. When the music director played the organ for the hymns and anthems, the organ sounded ok. (Remember, I’m spoiled by Old South’s Skinner Organ!). But, when he played the postlude (Brahms), it was amazing! He then proceeded to play two more (one by Widor I absolutely love and another I didn’t know).

There were about 150 people there I'd guess, and maybe 25% were 'minority'. The oddest thing by far was that they didn't say the Lord's Prayer. Weird. During the service the minister did the "prayers for the people" where, instead of just naming those names that had brought to the attention of the clergy, he asked for people in the congregation to speak out. I don't like that. Plus, in the bulletin, there were a list of names of people who needed prayers including the reason why! No privacy there! Also, the minister gave an update on what had been going on at the church - a second Sunday School class, a few baptisms and weddings, etc. Sort of an update on the state of church and stewardship.

The assistant minister (for youth) gave the sermon. It was ok, but it read more like a position paper or report on the Bible text of the day. It didn't really move me at all. It was well done, well researched and laid out, but little personal or real world connection to it.

Before the service, the pastor, John A. D'Elia, was walking up and down the side aisles talking to people. He stopped and chatted to the man behind me, who suggested they go to lunch. From their conversation, I ascertained that the pastor was having a book published this summer. I looked it up on amazon.com and it sounds somewhat interesting, if not for the long title alone - "A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America" Might be worth buying?

I filled out a 'new person card' and put it in the collection plate. The assistant minister emailed me the next day (very good sign of outreach!). That was a plus. Also a plus was the fact that the organist told me he'd play a Vierne piece for the postlude next week (I approached him after the postludes and told him I loved what he played and said I thought the one was Vierne and he said it was Widor, but he'd play Vierne then if I wanted - I told him to wait until next week.) So, I suppose I'll go back this coming Sunday.

I Have Found Me A Home

I finally signed for an apartment! I did this last Thursday after work. I originally went to look at1 bedroom flats in the area the previous Saturday, then looked at places in the West Hampstead / Kilburn area last Wednesday, and then decided I liked one of the first places better. It is by far the largest of all that I saw (and please do not think that means it is large, it is still tiny, as everything here is – small cars, short buildings, narrow walkways, narrow seats – but large prices). Anyway.

It is right near the Royal Victoria Docks DLR (Tube) stop and the ExCel center. It reminds me of the Fort Point Channel area in Boston that has been under development the past few years. Marissa (friend and co-worker) also lives there, but in a much larger 2 bedroom, 8th floor, water view (she’s on a different contract with the company than I am – long story and not worth getting into at this point – plus, I’m a bit more, shall we say, reserved with my money and would rather live someplace a little smaller and save some money than the reverse). It's the 2nd floor, 2nd one from the right.

It's all brand new development, which I've realized I like. This will be my first time in a 'development' (I don't count Phoenix since while that was a sprawling apartment complex, it was only 2 stories), and France didn't count since everything about the border town we were in was horrible.

I'm on the 2nd floor (well, it's U.S. 2nd floor on the side where the patio is, but U.S. 3rd floor from entering the building on the other side - that 'back side' is ground level; the 'front side' is also ground level, but the ground has been built up a story). Anyway, the patio stretches across the living room and the bedroom. The bathroom is tiny w/o any shelf space besides what's in the mirror vanity, so I'll get something at Ikea.

The drawbacks: no shelf space in bathroom; no window in bathroom; kitchen isn't sectioned off w/ a wall or island; Zone 3 on the Tube; carpeted whereas I realize I prefer hardwood (I'll have to get an accent rug or two to brighten it a little); don't know how much direct natural light I'll get (but maybe a positive since w/o AC it could get warm)

The positives: super close to DLR stop (so I feel safe) and 24-hr concierge desk w/ all glass and that is right next to my building; I go 1 stop on DLR and get on Jubilee line with no other transfers, so I’ll be likely to have a seat every morning; all new appliances; patio; larger than any other 1-bed I saw in that area; Marissa is the next building; view from patio (to the side) is of O2 center (Millennium Dome) and Canary Wharf and sunset.

I asked for the mattress and bed to be removed. I figure the dining table there I can put on the patio. And I asked for one of the couches to be removed. We'll see what happens!

In the dockland water area, there are sailboats anchored there (not too large) and what appears to be a water school of sorts. I need to see if I can sail there! It’s relatively easy to get to Canary Wharf – the newest developed part of London – with grocery store, mall, shops, bars and restaurants. Overall, very happy. And, my belongings arrived in country Saturday and the moving company, Rossway, will have possession of them this week. I cannot wait to have my own stuff, my own bed, etc. Living with Gwen is great, but comfort and familiarity are very key, too.

This is the view of the O2 / Millennium Dome and Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs from the walkway in front of my place.

Birthday

Happy happy first birthday to my niece!!!


I wasn't there for her big party (big surprise), but these were from May 1st, the day before I left. And yes, those teeth are cute, but let me tell you, it hurts when she bites! She bit me on the inside of my forearm and it looked like I had a TB test, bruise was there for a week. I don't think it was on purpose - if it was, and I find out, no more gifts for her! Well....

Window on the World

I’m sitting here cooking Indian for dinner, watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with Gwen on TV, and having a hot toddy. The latter is because I fear I’m getting a cold, so best to prevent it if possible! Besides, the high today was about 50-55 degrees, so it’s a nice warm-me-up. Trying to remember what I did last week is proving to be somewhat difficult…Monday and Tuesday, as I recall, were relatively uneventful. And sometimes, that’s the best one can ask for!

Wednesday brought Intermediate French class – cripes! However, I amazed myself with how much I actually remembered, and how well I could understand the instructor (nevermind that he was speaking extremely slowly and enunciating perfectly). Still, I haven’t spoken French in literally four years! Now, I have homework due this Wednesday, and of course I haven’t started.
(sidebar – the French classes are sponsored by Suez since we are a French company and it never hurts to know the home office’s language!). Overall, it feels a bit like Thunderbird. The central cubicle area where I sit includes 3 Americans (1 Texan / Mississippian), 1 Trini, 1 Belgian and an Irishman – sounds like the start to a bad joke, eh? Not to mention the French, other Belgian, South African, Australian, and Trini people in the office; oh, and some English as well.

That evening, Gwen (colleague, friend, current ‘landlord’) and I went to look at apartments in her area (Kilburn, West Hampstead type area). That was entertaining. It’s always amazing what estate agents (not called real estate agents here) will show you with a straight face. And, the fact that this kid didn’t look a day over 15 made it even more difficult to take him seriously. However, he was honest and down-to-earth, so that was nice. The first place I liked the most – top floor, lots of light. It was a bit small, but a 1 bedroom. The problem was it was completely furnished, no bargaining. Actually, that is common here – Londoners don’t seem to own their own furniture. Well over half the flats all come with a bed, table, dresser, chair/couch. I think that is standard even for an ‘unfurnished’ place! Since all my stuff (bed, dresser, chair, etc.) just arrived and made it through customs, I don’t want a furnished place. The second place we saw appeared to have been an old stable area. Beautiful location with gardens and lawn, and right next to the Hampstead Heath park. However, it was top floor and the closet and pantry were only hip high as the wall above that was slanted in toward the ceiling. I’m short, I know, but if I have to bend over to look in the pantry and closet, that’s a bi much! The other two places weren’t anything better. But, at least I looked and gave it a shot. If you're curious about what your money will get you here, look at Foxton's website or Find A Property for an idea. Things rent by week here.

Thursday was a good day. Three of us in the office (Jane, my boss, the COO and Olivier the CFO and myself) met with two people from Gaz de France (GdF), Suez’s soon to be merger partner, in our offices. That was good just for the exposure and to get a better idea of the opportunities and challenges that will be facing us after the merger finishes this year.

That evening, I went to the Royal Victoria Docks area (East, just east of the Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs area) to re-see an apartment I saw the previous weekend. I still liked it so I signed for it – yippee! Something else crossed off my list of things to do (and if you know me, you know how I love to keep lists). More about the apartment in another post.

Friday was low key – casual in jeans and another Starbucks chai latte splurge. Overall, I’m doing really well on my basically no-caffeine life here. Considering I was going to Starbucks twice a day back in March/April just to stay functional due to the inhumane work hours I was keeping, I’m doing quite well now. I didn’t go out after work – preferring to come home and relax. I slept for 11 hours that night!

Saturday was a productive, domestic day. I did 2 loads of laundry (thank goodness Gwen showed me how to use the machine – she said the first time she tried, the machine ran for, no kidding, FOUR hours. Sure, it washes and “dries” but all it does is steam your stuff so it’s still wet). And I went to the grocery. Since I didn’t wake up until 10:30, that was basically my whole afternoon. I met Joe (coworker) at his place in the Westminster part of town (just south of Hyde Park) and picked up two jigsaw puzzles that were in his place. (I had already done the other two Jane gave me). Then, we met Gwen and Fred (from Houston office in town for business) for dinner. They went out to a club after; and, if you know me, you know I don’t enjoy clubs, so I came home. And, of course, I started and nearly finished one of the puzzles – I just couldn’t help myself!

Sunday I got up and went to the American Church in London for their service at 11 a.m. Overall, it was pretty good, but I’ll write more about that in another post. This is long enough and if I don’t post it now, I might never! That afternoon, Gwen, Amy & I went to Deb’s place for ‘supper’ where we made fajitas and margaritas. That is an accomplishment in and of itself because if you think it is easy to find (1) tequila in this town; (2) margarita mix; and (3) tortilla chips, you are sadly mistaken! And of course, that night, I finished the puzzle. (It was only 500 pieces and a picture of London's Tube map.)

Simply Complicated

It's always the little stuff, the little differences, that make adjusting to a new culture so difficult. Sure, driving on the other side of the road is weird, but you expect that when you come to the UK. Just as you expect hearing a different language in other cultures, or people who look different from you, shopping at different stores, etc.

Here, there are a few little things that I just find complicated:

1) The computer keyboard. The keyboard on my work laptop is a UK keyboard, but the settings are set so they keys are US (i.e. the 3 key on the UK keyboard is for the pound symbol, but when I press it, I get the # sign).

2) Paper size. A4, just a bit longer, so none of it fits into any US sized binders or folders.
2a) Binders. While their paper size is a bit longer, all their binders are 2-ring binders, and not 3-ring.

3) Dates. In the UK (and Europe in general) it's day/month/year versus the US month/day/year. So for someone with a birthday like mine, I have no idea if the 02 or the 01 comes first!

4) Refrigerator size. Much smaller here. You might think that's because Brits are healthier and don't eat as much. Perhaps. But it's also because all their food is fresh, little to no preservatives. Therefore, when you go to the grocery, the expiration date on almost anything you buy is at most 3 days away. You cannot go and stock up for 2 weeks. You really need to go once a week for "non-perishables" and then go almost daily for things for lunch and dinner.

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

This past Friday was my first "full day Friday" in SIX years. From 2002-2004 I was at Thunderbird for grad school where I had no classes on Fridays. Then from 2004-2008, we had flex time at SLNGNA. Therefore, for a 37.5 hour work-week, I was at work 9.5 hours M-Th (including lunch) and then only 3.5 hours on Friday.

Needless to say, this past Friday, and every Friday going forward, is going to seem excruciatingly long. I was dragging so much Friday afternoon that I decided to treat myself to Starbucks.

You might think that's nothing special, it is over here. Take your US salary and divide by 2. Ok, that is your salary in pounds (GBP). Then you go to Starbucks, but there is no change in price. Therefore, if you spend $3.50 for a drink there, now you will spend 3.5 GBP, not 1.75. Basically, the menu has the same number figures in the US and UK, but in the UK it's pounds, so you have to multiply by 2 to get to USD. Sorry if that's a bit confusing. Basically, I paid $6 USD for a chai latte and loved every minute of it. Starbucks will most definitely be a monthly treat!

Mental Floss

Things I've learned in London:

1) Vodka CAN freeze.
Yes, it can. Gwen's freezer is so powerful, the Grey Goose Citron we had in there actually froze.

It's My Job

Today was my first day in the office. I felt like a first grader getting ready for school - had my clothes picked out, made my lunch, walked with a friend (Gwen) to the bus stop, etc.

The office, however, is freakishly quiet. I mean, the only sounds you hear are keyboards and the air conditioner. Even when people are on the phone they're nearly mute. I swear, you could almost hear someone chewing their food if you tried. It'll probably be the best diet ever for me - paranoia. I mean, today I go to one of the water coolers that is in the middle of the office area and even the gulping sound that it makes as the water empties out sounded like it was played over a loud speaker. I kept looking around and no one seemed to notice, or maybe they're used to it?

Also, the floor plan of the office is nearly 100% cubicles with only about eight offices. And, the cubicles have low partitions - about waist / rib cage high depending how tall you are. You can see everybody's computer screens from your desk and see what everybody is doing. Very bizarre. I'll probably develop a slight nervous twitch thinking someone is behind me.

Things went smoothly overall - a nice first day. Productive, but not overly hectic.

Now, I probably should get started on some other minor things. You know, like finding an apartment, opening a bank account, actually seeing something British besides a double-decker red bus and ridiculously high prices...

First Look

My travel to London was fairly non-eventful. I think the most excitement I endured was when I was getting ready to leave at my parents house. I figured I should take a shower before I left - being clean for Immigration is a nice thing I think. But, due to high wind and some rain in the area (I'm guessing), the power went out. Now, the bathroom I use at my parents' house has NO outside light. Just me, the water, the soap, and complete darkness. I don't know what kind of omen that was!

The flight had the usual toddler crying most of the time - and not a 'my ears hurt' type of cry but the screaming kind of 'I'm throwing a temper tantrum' cry. Still, I think I got about 5-6 hours of sleep. Immigration, customs, taking the Gatwick Express train into the city and getting to my friend Gwen's place in West Hampstead was all fairly easy.

Saturday Gwen and I just took it easy - went to the grocery, I unpacked my suitcases, went out for Indian food, and watched movies on TV. It might sound dull and plain to you, but for me, this was perfect! I don't think I could tell you the last Saturday when I could sleep in, when I didn't have an appointment, or have to be somewhere...it was so relaxing to just do whatever, whenever.

Sunday we took it easy in the morning, and then we went for a cookout at Jane's flat in Richmond (WSW of London, by Kew Gardens). Map of area here. There were six of us from the office there and we had lots of fun. So much fun, in fact, that Monday was a very lazy day spent sleeping in and relaxing. I did most of a jigsaw puzzle Jane gave me.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

For those of you who have talked to me in the past, oh, six months, you are probably sick and tired of me talking about my moving to London. I even had people at church asking "haven't you left yet?"

Literally, this has been a twelve month process. Let me walk you through it...

Background - I've worked as a portfolio analyst for SUEZ LNG North America (SLNGNA) in Boston since Sept 2004. SUEZ's Global LNG (SGLNG, Global) operations have been in London for over eight years. About two years ago, the operations, supply and shipping groups within SLNGNA found out that their jobs, and therefore themselves, were being moved to London. Same overall parent company, but a separate legal entity from SLNGNA. Because of this, it is an internal company transfer and thus one's current boss has as much, if not more of a say in the entire transfer process. It's not as simple as giving one's two week notice and starting a new job.

May 2007 - A job posting for a portfolio analyst with SUEZ Global LNG was listed on SUEZ's internal job board. Imagine my surprise when it seemed more identical to my current job description with SLNGNA than different! I didn't send my resume right away because I wasn't certain about the political atmosphere between SLNGNA and SGLNG, the pending merger between SUEZ and Gaz de France (GdF), and the job responsibilities.

Mid June 2007 - After thinking it over a bit and talking it over with a few friends, I approached Global about the opportunity.

July 2007 - I was given more of the details - responsibilities, compensation, logistics, etc. I got all of this two days before leaving for a two week vacation.

August 2007 - I was back from vacation, but Jane, my soon-to-be Global boss was on vacation for two weeks. Then I was in NYC for a work trip for a week. Voila, end of August.

September 2007 - Jane wanted me to come to London for an exploratory visit asap. My then current boss, Helen, said no. It was budget preparation time and I was needed in Boston. They negotiated and finally I was allowed to travel the week of October 9th.

October 2007 - I visit the London office, stay at the fabulous Hyatt Regency - The Churchill hotel, and get more details, questions answered, etc. I return to Boston and think about it some more.

November 2007 - I accept the offer from Global (or maybe it was late October?). Global then says they want me to start asap, Dec 1, Jan 1 or Feb 1 - a three month transfer period. Helen counters with a transfer occurring after my replacement is hired and trained. After much back-and-forth, 1-May-2008 was settled upon as my official transfer date.

Dec-2007 to April-2008 - I basically begin to prepare for moving. Sorting through my things, booking flights, having fun with friends (that was mainly all I tried to do), and working insane hours in March/April as it was time for another budget forecast update.

May 2008 - I am now the Manager, Portfolio Management for SUEZ Global LNG in London! Whew!

Welcome to Little Ms Magic

I've been meaning to start a blog for awhile now.

First, I told myself I couldn't start one until I had the right blog name. That took me awhile. Unfortunately, "Little Miss Magic" wasn't available, but I figured this was the next best thing. (Bonus points to any of you who can guess the meaning!)

Once I had the name, I told myself I'd start blogging after I got the setup just right. You know, all the relevant links on the sidebar, colors, personal description, etc. I've got about half of that done; when I realized it would be a perpetually uncompleted task, I figured I should move on.

Next, I told myself I should wait until I had something to blog about - perfect - moving to London! So I told myself I'd start blogging once I got to London.

Here it is, nearly 5 days in London now, so I've run out of excuses. Welcome to my world.