Turkey Day

There’s that stage in life, as we get older, where somehow things that used to be so new and exciting slowly start to dull and become routine.  I think it must be an inevitable part of growing up, yet it is still something that saddens me a bit and makes me wish I could rewind back earlier memories and relive that youthful joy and amazement.

Thanksgiving somehow lost its lustre for me at some point in time, just as Christmas, birthdays, and other recurring life events had as I got older.

This year, though, I’m really excited.

As I type this on the Amtrak #160 to Boston (via Verizone EV-DO) , I’m trying to remember the last actual Thanksgiving I celebrated with my family at home.  Having lived in England the past few years, Thanksgiving became just another day.  Sometimes I would hold a little celebration with fellow expats, or treat myself to a roast turkey sandwich, but really it became nothing more than a day that came and went with very little thought.

Now, though, I’m really excited to be able to spend this day with my family enjoying the holiday and all the things I missed out on while in England.

Lesson learned – enjoy what you take for granted and don’t let life become boring with routine.

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Gyro, Gearo, Hero?

I was lucky (unlucky?) enough to enjoy a tasty Gyro today with plenty of tzatziki & chili sauce.

Now, I’m no stranger to this delicious street meat. For nearly one year of my life in London a while back I remember surviving off the Turkish equivalent – the Doner Kebab – almost exclusively. In Britain, the nearly-unescapable ‘bab is right up there with fish & chips. In fact, I would wager there are more kebab shops than chippies. And they’re open late. And they’re cheap.

Today I pondered a few questions about the ‘bab few should ever ask. What do they do with that gigantic, rotating, elephant leg at the end of the day? Turn off the lights and let it sit out? How do they make those? What the hell is in it?

My search lead me to this – How Greek Gyro is Made Yes, now you too can find out these answers and more. Enjoy responsibly.

PS> If you are ever looking for a life-changing Kebab in London – check out Best Mangal on North End Road in West Ken. This is not some greasy Doner, but an actual pit-roasted masterpiece. I used to live next door, hence the Year of the Kebab.

An Update!

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Stay tuned.

Alexadex.com

This site really is just too much fun.

Google Fun

This seems to be shooting through the blogosphere at high velocity, but in case you haven’t seen it, yet:

1. Go to Google
2. Type in French Military Victories
3. Hit the “I’m feeling lucky” button

2006

Happy New Years! An apology to anyone that’s had trouble contacting me recently, here are my feeble excuses:

1. My dear, aging, albeit still very cool, cell phone went completely kaput on New Year’s Day.
2. Ever since changing Microsoft Passport email addresses, MSN Messenger either hides me from my contacts or my contacts from me. If you are ever considering changing your MSN Passport / Messenger email and ID I would suggest you reconsider. It’s seriously aggrevating.
3. I’ve also been ridiculously busy with work (when it rains, it pours). ‘Tis the season for online health and weight loss, especially with all those pesky New Years Resolutions.

My resolution, then, you ask? Simple. Stop sleeping.

Festivus…for the rest of us.

Just a quick one to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!

Thunder Snow

It’s thundering and snowing here (yes, at the same time), which turns out to be a verry bizarre combination. The snow itself is falling at the rate of of 3-4 inches per hour — a rate the local TV weatherman claims is the absolute upper limit.

In short, it’s breathtaking. Mother nature never fails to impress me.

You can leave London, but London will never leave you….

It’s my last day in London, and despite the fact that I’ve been really excited about moving back to the States the past few weeks, today I’m feeling just as sad to be leaving.

I’ve moved a lot in my life. In fact, I’ve never lived in any one place continuously for more than 4 years, but this place has changed me more than any other place I’ve ever settled. It was a great time and one I’ll never forget.

Most of all, I’m going to miss all the amzing people I met here, the friends I made, and the experiences we shared. I’ll be back, for sure, but I also invite everybody to come and visit wherever I end up settling.

Farewell, England. Hello again, America.

Time Out for Tourism

With only 2.5 weeks left in London, it’s a bit of a relief to have some friends visiting, affording me one last hurrah here.

We’ve had some fun observing a few interesting linguistic differences. Such as these “roasted monkey nuts.”

And this sign for “Bung Hole Cellars.”

Perhaps most appropriate was the cover to this week’s Time Out.