not too interesting today

Yeah yeah, I know. Keeping this up-to-date is hard. Especially since Virgin Media STILL sucks. I am now officially paying for my internet connection, but still do not have that internet connection. Something is faulty in the actual cable that connects the broadband. Why don’t I just call them you ask? I have. Again and again and again. There’s always some reason why I don’t get to talk to a live person. “Call back later, we are having technical difficulties.” Or, “Right now we are experiencing a high number of calls. Your expected wait time is 30 minutes.” (Remember, calls here to the internet or gas or water company cost quite a bit. I spent 11 pounds on hold a few weeks ago in one shot). And of course, there is the lovely dropped call. Usually after I’ve been through the whole voice mail tangle. Oh, I did get through once. Someone told me she would have a technician call me back. Yeah, right. It’s the 5th or 6th time I’ve been told that, but has someone ever called me from Virgin Media? Nope. It’s just a ploy to get me off the phone.




In addition, I have some awful virus or viruses on my little netbook, which my virus “killer” seems to be losing a battle against. Last night there were 18 viruses on the thing. No matter how many times I run the scan or update it, more viruses sneak in. Gah. Must be the cold and flu season for computers as well.



It’s gotten quite nippy here; I pulled out the full-length, down coat this morning. I’ve been trying to hold out, until it’s really cold, but I gave in. That coat is the best. Now, if I could only figure out how to wear a hat without causing hathead. You know, that affliction that causes one to look as if the wrong side of the bed was slept on. A friend of mine once said that a hat is an all-day commitment. I concur.



Went to the middle of London town over the weekend in search of American ingredients for not one but two Thanksgiving dinners I’ll be hosting this month. Didn’t find scratch, but then last night, finally found the place. Partridge’s, on the Piccadilly line. Funny thing though; so much of it was kid’s cereals (you know, like Lucky Charms or Sugar Pops) and about 12 different cake mixes! Seriously. There must be some expates here jonesing for Betty Crocker. There was also Jiffy cornbread mix (yes, I got some) and Kraft Mac n’ Cheese (two boxes for about 4 bucks apiece. I know.). I got some real cranberry jelly and libby’s canned pumpkin too. Oh, and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. They really are my favorite candy. They had Paydays too, which reminds me of my friend Torn… he loves the things.



I’m figuring out more and more of the bus/train/tube transport now; although the train that runs close to my house, and which can get me to King’s Cross station in half an hour, wasn’t running at all last Sunday. Something about not enough drivers. What’s that about? I figured out how to get home by bus, but it took a lot longer. I still am spending much much less than if I had a car.



It’s interesting being so much on my own. Everyone has such busy lives, and I’ve not found adult ed classes, or something like that in which to meet people other than from school. It’s weird that it doesn’t bother me more, but it’s okay. I have been spending time with A and S, an Australian couple I met when both they and I were lost in the subway station. It’s not as if I’m completely isolated. And, I am usually so tired by the end of my long day, that the idea of going out after school seems decadent at this point.



Christmas is coming up soon. I’ve had two people invite me over for the day, which is really great. I was starting to worry about it, and am still hoping for a little side trip during the two weeks I have off. There are friends both in Vienna and Kiev, and I’ve been trying to hint for a visit with them. So far, no beans, but we shall see.