New name

Maybe you noticed that J has changed the name of our blog. Doesn't quite have the same ring.... but he is so proud of our new house that he had to make it known I guess! We'll try to think of something new and catchy. Until then.... we're stuck with it.

9 days til we go to California for Christmas! The countdown continues.

4/4/4

Good idea Kelli!

Here's my 4th folder, 4th picture:

1) This photo was taken on 2 April 2006.
2) It was taken by a professional photographer in Delhi at the wedding of one J's colleagues.
3) It was a Hindu ceremony and probably the most beautiful and colourful wedding I have ever been to!
4) J was not very well that day. Good ol' Delhi belly (although I think it was actually caused by his decision to sit out by the pool in the heat with no shade for the entire afternoon before the wedding.

Anyone else? Remember - 4th folder under my pictures, 4th picture in that folder, 4 things about it.

Our new house

Admission Ceremony

Alright - a little late, I know, but we have been so busy moving (and I had a trial) so I haven't had time to post. But anyway, here are pics from my ceremony celebrating my admission to the Law Society. Justin, Chris and Liz were so kind to join me on my special day, and then we all had a lovely dinner at The Oxo Tower Brasserie (and even they were in on the surprises!)

3 Windmill Close

We exchanged contracts on our house! (And selling our flat too). It's a done deal now, we are moving on Thanksgiving Day. I wish I had a picture of the house to post, but here's us making a start packing yesterday. Even Tom was helping.

The Wesley Players - Starring in "Is there something I should know?"

It's official!

I'm a solicitor

All change

My life is in a state of flux at the moment. I think I can safely put this out on to the blogosphere because the choices are made and everyone who has to know now knows. Anyway, so here goes. I have decided to leave Robin Simon and join an American firm called Crowell & Moring. I have been very happy at RSL and I am very sad to leave, especially when I have just officially qualified as a solicitor and I have been involved in some really great cases. However, I know this is the right move for me at this time in my career and it will put me in a place where I will have more choices, especially if J and I ever decide we do want to move to the US. But it doesn't make it any easier to leave the comfort and safety of my friends and career at RSL! Luckily, this opportunity arose because one of the partners from RSL decided she needed a change and she is now at Crowell. It was through her that I started the interview process and was offered the job. It is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am getting very excited. RSL have also been very supportive. Although they are sad to see me go, all the partners seem to agree that this is the right thing for me to be doing and have told me that if doesn't work out they want me back asap! Always good to know and I am so glad that I have not had to burn any bridges with such a great bunch of people.

What with a new job and a new house (which we are signing the paperwork on on Friday so we should be moving in by mid-October) it is all change for Mr and Mrs A-S. It's good to have change though. It keeps life interesting and stops us from getting into ruts. So I know these changes will be great for us and our relationship. We always say that we can get through everything as long as we have each other and I am so grateful for the support and love J gives me everyday!

Speaking of J - he is the lead part in a play being put on by our drama society next week! The play is all about his character, who is an adopted son who learns that his biological mother lives next door! It's set in the 80s and was written by one of our am dram colleagues and I must say it is a great script! Anyone interested in it can take a look here. Or see J's announcement/group thing on Facebook. We'll post pics of him in his fab 80s costume and makeup next week.

P.S. Congrats to M&M and my new baby niece OJP! We love you guys!!!!!

Summer holiday

Here are the pictures from our trip as promised.

First, we spent a lovely few days in Orlando - the boys hit Islands of Adventure and the girls went for a nice lunch at Downtown Disney. Then we drove 6 hours to Hilton Head (stopping to see the Castillo de San Marcos and for an amazing lunch at La Harencia in St Augustine. I really loved this little town and could have spent a few days there!

Hilton Head is gorgeous - not too hot not too cold. Just the right temp for sitting by the beach/pool. The ocean was so warm too! But poor Spence got stung by a jelly fish. We had an amazing week relaxing, spending time together as a family and eating really good food! We also got to spend some time with our good friends Justin and Tessa Ward (Justin is in Charleston at dental school). It was great to see Charleston from the perspective of the locals!

Then J and I drove to Savannah, which is also very cute. We stayed in the most amazing B&B (we had an original Picasso and a chest of drawers worth $125,000 in our room!). We enjoyed walking around and eating lovely meals out in this very haunted city! We took a ghost walking tour the last night we were there and I totally got freaked out and couldn't sleep all night. Needless to say, I was ready to get out of there!

Finally, we drove back to Orlando for 4 days at Disneyworld. We were upgraded to the "Dream Suite" at the Boardwalk Villas which was the most amazing hotel room I have ever been in.

All in all it was the best Jensen holiday we have ever been on (although we missed Cameron terribly). Thanks Mom and Dad (and the rest of the fam) for all the memories!

Update

Well it has been a very long time since I have posted, although I have been enjoying reading everyone else's blog!

Our summer has been pretty quiet so far. We have been trying to sell our flat and buy a house, so everything has been up in the air and all our weekends have been devoted to viewings, cleaning, etc. Not sure what made us decided to do this in this property market!

But all the hard work has finally paid off. Last week we accepted an offer on our flat and made a revised offer on the house that we like, which was accepted! We have applied for a mortgage, which is agreed in principle. Subject to surveys and sale contracts going through, we should be moving to a beautiful 4 bedroom detached house in October. It is seriously our dream house and we are so excited. They have taken it off the website, so I can't post the link, but I will definitely post some pictures if/when we move in.

We are also excited because our holiday has finally come round. We leave tomorrow on a fun-filled 2 week break with the Jensen family in DisneyWorld and Hilton Head, SC (with J&I stopping for a 2 day anniversary break in Savannah). We have all be planning and making itineraries for several months now, and I, of course, have been counting down the days as I always do! Can't believe we are finally on our way!

Anyway - I will be back in mid-August with details and pictures of our trip. Hopefully I will also know more by then as to whether our house purchase is going to go through.

A National Trust Spring

We are members of the National Trust, which restores historic houses/gardens and opens them to the public. We love looking at the houses and gardens - geeky I know!

London to Brighton

Last weekend we went on the annual London to Brighton Mini Run with our little Mini. Here are some of the highlights.

Man Utd v West Ham

Last weekend J's firm treated us (and J's clients) to a day out at Manchester United. They played West Ham (who J has always supported, but aren't as good as Man U). We had a 4 course breakfast before kick off, treats and drinks at half time and afterwards, got to meet some of the players. Of course we also had great seats at the match. Man U won 4-1, but there was some great goals - and one of the players got sent off with a red card for head butting. It was so much fun.

We also enjoyed our weekend in Manchester - what a lovely city. Great shopping (although we didn't spend anything cuz we're saving up for our house) and fantastic Indian food!

Monday was a bank holiday and we went for a bike ride through a country park. It was a lovely day, but we still got really muddy. Just made us look like we were more serious cyclers than we really are....

But it was so nice to have a long weekend and such a great one at that.

The first day of spring - finally

Some pics from our walk in the country on Saturday. Warmest day I can remember in ages!

What a difference....a few weeks make

Well - let's just say that today is the exact opposite of that post below. It is actually in the 70s today (20s C). I can't believe it. I am in capris and t-shirt and flip flops - hanging out the washing outside. And not cold. I can't remember the last time I was so naturally warm. It is glorious.

Yes, we are moving. If we can sell this darned flat. Not the best time to be moving, really - everyone seems so freaked out by the property market and it's hard to get a mortgage. But, we found this house we have fallen in love with and they have accepted our offer! Now we only have to shift this place and we will have a 4 bedroom detached house! Not sure we I'll have to change the name of our blog then.....

But I am not getting my hopes up too much. Especially cuz we haven't had anyone round to see our place yet. I will be so disappointed if we lose that house though :( But all we can do is hope someone will come see how lovely our flat is and want to buy it! Keep your fingers crossed.

Any offers?

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-20742773.rsp?pa_n=1&tr_t=buy

It's April for heaven's sake

This is what we woke up to.

Bleg.

Twins!

Can you spot the difference?

As promised - photos from California

Busy Busy

We had a lovely time in California - beautiful sunshine in San Francisco with a gourmet meal at Gary Dankos. Shopping in Walnut Creek, The Great Mall and Stoneridge's. Mom and Dad's cooking. The Winchester Mystery House. Old Town Sacramento with Aunt Dorothy. Spencer's lip sync competition which his class won! Lovely talks and so much nice food! We didn't want to come back.

We also loved our special night in the "honeymoon suite" at Grandma and Grandpa's. We enjoyed our lovely soup, catch up and were so surprised when Grandma gave us some lovely china from her collection. The Lennox Rhodora pattern - which we love! It was quite an adventure to get it back to England - we couldn't take it all.... some got left behind for future trips across the Pond - but the bits we brought survived the turbulence in the jet stream!

Now we're back at home, trying to get back into work and life (so much laundry and ironing!) I am away this weekend on our firm's annual training course - so won't get to sleep in as usual. But I'm just about over the jet lag so I guess I'll just have to keep going.

I'll try to post some photos soon when I get a chance to sit down at the computer at home (I spend all day in front of one at work... I can't bear to do it when I get home). But I'll find some time.

Hope you are all well.

Whirlwind week

Well - I made the mistake of putting my CV up on Monster this week. I was just interested in seeing what is out there in terms of alternative jobs when I qualify. I then spent every evening this week talking to recruitment agents. Some of them even had the cheek to call me at work! Scum of the earth if you ask me. Luckily I have J's bro (I) who is a recruitment agent for actuaries, so he gave me the rundown on how to go about this scary process. It seems like such hard work to find the right one, and that's not even the job! Sigh.... maybe I should just stay where I am.

Thursday was J's birthday and we went out to dinner with I at this little Italian place in Upminster. Had a really nice night out - and tonight we're going to see Mark Ronson at the Hammersmith Apollo. He just won Best Male Artist at the Brit Awards (UK's version of the Grammy's) so it should be a pretty good night.

We also went to view that house today - it is just the right size, nice garden, etc. But everything, I mean everything, needs re-doing. New carpet, wallpaper, kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms. Everything. I would even think some major structural re-doing wouldn't go amiss (knocking down walls, etc). I don't think we can deal with paying over half a million pounds for a house that needs so much work. I know we're gonna have to find somewhere that needs some tender loving care.... but there has to be a balance! So we'll keep looking and dreaming the dream.

Flying to CA this time next week!

Visit to the Vets and Afternoon Tea

Two weeks from today we're coming to California!

The poor kitties had to go to the vet today for their annual checkup and jabs. But they were so good and Tom even took his worm tablet which he never usually does! What good kitties!!!

I have got it into my head that I have found our dream house. Unfortunately, they only have a picture of the outside on the agent's website, but it is right in the centre of Upminster, backing onto the park - about a 10 minute walk to the station. 4 bedroom detached with a 2 car garage. You just don't get houses like that in Upminster!

I even got a mortgage quote and we could technically afford it, although we would be poor (at least until I qualify in September). But it is in the right place, for the right amount and it is beautiful. I wanted to be able to go view it today, but the agent couldn't get an appointment cuz the stupid owner is sick. Well - that is not convenient is it? How do they expect to sell their house if they won't let anyone see it on the weekend?!?! Nevermind - maybe we'll be able to go see it next week sometime. J is very scared though and says we're not ready to buy a house yet. He's probably right - but I can at least dream, can't I?

Today is our annual Afternoon Tea. We always go for afternoon tea at a nice hotel in London for Valentine's. The tradition started the first year I moved to London, before J and I were even engaged and were still dating. V day was on a Sunday that year and he surprised me by taking me to the Savoy for tea. It is a beautiful, elaborate ceremony choosing what tea you want, pouring it out, and eating all the yummy sandwiches, scones and clotted cream and cakes. And they keep bringing more around to your table until you are stuffed. Yummy! Since then we have been to Brown's, Claridges and The Dorchester. This year it's The Landmark. We still haven't done The Ritz cuz it's impossible to get a booking - but we'll try again next year! It's such a fun tradition.

So much to tell

Well where do I start! I have been the world's worst blogger this month, but so much has happened. Sorry this is going to be a long post cuz I must update on so much.

Not sure if I mentioned before, but J and I joined an amateur dramatics society called The Wesley Players. I played the piano at the performance of the panto Dick Whittington last week and J helped in all sorts of ways back stage. We both really enjoyed it so we are looking forward to the next performance of Curtain Call in May (although this one won't be a musical).

Unfortunately I failed my driving test last week. They said I hesitated at a few junctions. I thought I was just being cautious! So much for defensive driving. Anyway, I couldn't get another appointment to take the test again until end of March, so the saga of driving lessons continues.

J finished tax season (if you can really say finish...) and is now considering where to go in his job. They offered him a different role, but he doesn't think it would be the best way forward. So we're generally having a think about that.

Last week I used up my Christmas present from J. A day spa appointment all to myself at The Spa at Chancery Court. It was a day of heaven - I emerged a brand new woman. I had a holistic stressbuster treatment with exfoliations, hot stone massage and relaxing facial. And boy was the masseur hot. If J had known a tall dark handsome foreign guy with an Eastern European accent was going to be doing the treatment..... I don't think he would have got it for me! But we'll keep that between us ;-) I certainly will be going back for another one of those, but I think J should come along this time. It was too good to go alone.

As for me, I'm just chugging along with work. RSL have offered me a job permanently when I qualify, so that's a weight off my shoulders. Just got to get to then.

All that busy-ness made J come down with a cold, which he then passed to me. Lovely. But it is a beautiful day today so I think I'm going to try to talk J into a walk and a cream tea somewhere in the country. I'll try to do better about my posting.

What's in a Name

This is scary.... is it me or what?

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

thanks to KAP for the link

Christmas cottage in Norfolk

Sorry it's taken me so long to post. Christmas was fantastic - just as we expected :) here are the pics......

In other news - we've booked our tix to come to California the week of 1-7 March!!! Hope to see you guys there!