Random List

So I've had a lot of random thoughts since arriving in this country, but rarely do they logically fit into a post so here is a list of things that I've decided to share whether they interest my reader or not. :) Plus, I'm curious to reflect back on these thoughts at some point in the future.

• There are a LOT of different types of a British accent; however, I still get excited when I hear a certain "twang" that makes me think for a second that I'm in a Harry Potter movie.
• In some areas of the city (Northcote Road, Islington after 10am), I really think it's required for women to be pregnant or pushing a stroller/pram/pushchair. It's like babies/baby bumps are a hot, new accessory. I, of course, feel happily left out of this trend.
• Some things really are more expensive and it doesn't bother me until it crosses into ridiculously more expensive. For example, I wanted to buy a clear OPI nail polish. At home, this would cost me $6-8. Here it costs 10 GBP, which equals $15. That is just not right.
• I miss Chicago shopping. I do. Mostly Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. Besides Selfridges (and I guess Harrod's), I am unimpressed in the department store arena. There are a lot of other great stores and boutiques here. But I really miss Nordstrom.
• Because there's no Thanksgiving here (boooooo), they start creating holiday/Christmas displays in the windows and putting up lights sooner. Like 2 weeks ago. I love Christmas, but there is a line.
• Starbucks does not have pumpkin spice lattes here. And they don't sell candy corn. C'mon - autumn totally exists here!! Where is the love?
• I miss Cosmo. A lot. There is a nice man named James with an orange tabby cat named Bob who frequents the entrance to our tube stop in the morning. James is a "musician who has fallen on hard times" so I suppose you could also call him a panhandler. But Bob is the coolest cat on this side of the pond and every time I pass them, I consider stealing him and running for home.
• Are you bored with my list yet? Too bad.
• We are loving it here, but I am missing the following things in my life: Cosmo, family, friends, the Chicago skyline, Target, normal peanut butter (thanks to Sarah and Scottie and a jar of Jif, I am doing ok in this category right now), GOOD Mexican food, those tortilla chips that come in the green bag, normal health care system, Panera, Portillo's, Jimmy Johns...is it sad that it's mostly food-related?
• And here is why we love it here: we live in a very cozy flat in a very amazing location, Le Mercury, Rabieng, Nakhon Thai, Selfridges (namely, the shoe galleries), Chelsea, shopping in Chelsea, pretending to be able to shop in Mayfair, the beer, the pubs, drinking said beer at said pubs with our favorite ex-pats from Chicago and Buffalo, the tube, people-watching, the history, theatre, the Waitrose in Canary Wharf, Borough Market, Tiger Spice, dim sum, special Chinese waffles, the Inbetweeners, the Lion Man, learning how to live in very cool and old city.

Ok I think that's helped get some random thoughts out. Sorry for those who were hoping for a post about a fun, new experience. Hopefully, Matt and I will do something more culturally-interesting this weekend.

Cheers!