Layout:
Home > Archive: January, 2014

Archive for January, 2014

Ups and Downs

January 31st, 2014 at 11:49 am

I'm happily snuggled up here on my Friday off, but will go out and about later if the rain holds off. But things are not so hot (both literally and metaphorically) back at home.

DH's contract was extended, then amidst all sorts of flurries and apologies, was not. So his last day is February 7. He does have an interview this morning, so we're hopeful. That job would be at his current company's downtown location rather than the suburban one which, because of the shorter commute, would be much nicer. I'm a little worried, especially since I'm on 3/4 pay while here. But we have no debt, so only our regular expenses, but still.

There isn't much I can do from here (or there, actually), so I'm just holding down expenses, teaching my classes here and my online class, enjoying all the lovely free things I can do.

Where We Are Now

January 28th, 2014 at 05:05 pm

I've been back in London about 10 days now at the same flat in Muswell Hill. I've brought nine students and am teaching two classes plus the British Life and Culture class. I have students from the two other universities here too.

So far, I think they've had a great time, and we're starting to get in the swing of classes. My additional "cultural events" that students pay a small fee for are included in my package, so Friday went to Stratford and Saturday to a fun retro tea with way too many cakes. My classes went to see some Stanley Spencer paintings last week, and I spent a wonderful 90 minutes listening to a lecture on Jane Morris.

I've again been bowled over by grocery prices and am working hard to keep costs down. My landlady has bought some additional housewares and was pleased to see me. I did a pretty good job of bringing the right clothes, and it's been a much milder winter than last year. I haven't bought much but groceries, and had a credit from last year that I used for one of my grocery shopping expeditions.

My university still only pays me for two classes while I'm here, but I've taken on an additional class on line to help pay for things. DH had yet another crisis that came to nothing about his contract, and he's been renewed until June. He and DD are arriving in 11 days for 11 days here. We've been skyping every night which helps us all.

I do have some plans after they leave: The students are going to Prague, and I'm going too at the end of February. My friend who moved to Germany will join me there. I'm thrilled to be able to see her.

I've got a few other things up my sleeve, but that's enough for now. And I can see that I've got to update my goals.

It's Me! Live from London Town!

January 28th, 2014 at 01:15 am

Hello my friends,
I'm back in London and it's been (aargh) two months since I've posted. But it's time to start up. It's been a very busy two months, partly for some sad reasons. I think I posted back in November that a dear friend had been diagnosed with cancer. Indeed, she was my best friend for many many years. Less than six weeks after diagnosis, she lost the fight, and it's been a very hard emotional coming to terms with it for me. My DH says I'm worse than when I lost my mom, but my mom was 91, and my friend was 49. Strangely, or perhaps not so strangely knowing this friend, I'm convinced she's haunting me, or at least hanging out with me. But that's a story for another time.

So, here I am back in one of the world's most expensive cities, but it's glorious to be back. It's getting late, but I'll post again tomorrow about the trials and tribulations of the academic budget in the Big Smoke.

Hi to you all; I'm glad to be back.