An American in Leeds

Merry (excuse me, Happy) Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Festivus! Or as I like to call it, Happy Christmaskwanzahanukkahchakukanananah! There will be some radio silence at An American In Leeds headquarters, as life has slowed down around here for the holiday season. So, enjoy your break from my blathering, and have a Happy New Year!

Something I've been noticing a lot lately is that I'm not in on the joke. Meaning that when people around me make a British pop culture reference, I have a tendency to stand there looking blank. This is followed by this conversation: Friendly British Person (FBP): You have no idea what I'm talking about. Me: Uh, nope. FBP: Oh, well (insert explanation of a pop culture reference that is part of the British collective consciousness) Me: I'll take your word for it. FBP: You have no idea what I'm talking about. Me: *sigh* It's frustrating. I know people here mean well, and I don't blame them for my frustration. As human beings, I don't think we realize how much of our interactions with people depend on a common cultural phenomenon, like pop culture. It provides a common, usually neutral topic to talk about over coffee. I could also be talking out of my ass right now. My general level of frustration has gone up several notches the past few days. Full disclos...

As I know you've been waiting with bated breath, here are pictures of my new apartment. Please keep two things in mind: 1) I rent this place furnished, so the furniture and the art were not my idea, and 2) I just moved in, and have not implemented my Grand Decorating Scheme (tm) yet, nor have I unpacked all of my meager possessions. Living Room: That coffee table is the AWESOMESAUCE. I will wax poetic about its amazing functionality in another post. Kitchen: Bedroom: In this case, yes, I am guilty of the linens. Considering I had to find something fast, I don't think I did too badly. And finally, the view from my balcony, the River Aire: That tall white building in the background is apparently nicknamed The Dalek. I'm beginning to suspect I'm stuck in an episode of Dr. Who . I really hope I'm not Rose.

I have now lived in Leeds for one month. Sometimes it feels like it's only been a week, other times it feels like it's been years. Time's a funny thing. I'm settled in at work. I almost know how to get anywhere in my building! I know almost everyone's name! I've been fairly social at work as well, which is quite a gear shift from the way I was in grad school. I'm less inclined now to throw up the work-personal life dividing wall. In fact, tomorrow I am responsible for making a cake for Cake Club. Cake Club occurs every Thursday morning. Guess what we do? We eat cake. And drink tea. It looks like a quiche, but really, it's a pear and custard pie. Pie, cake, whatever. I'm moving into my bright and shiny new apartment on Saturday. I'm wicked excited, if you haven't noticed. Pictures will be forthcoming, I promise. This move into my permanent apartment is a big deal to me. It's my final step to saying Leeds is my new home. No going back now, ...