Day Five

Day Four

We came to Eastbourne for the weekend to hang out with Niall's parents.

I love looking out their kitchen window, it's a bird haven out there!

You can't tell from this photo but there were a few different species of birds and some squirrels running around. 

 I can't get enough of these old buildings!

I especially love seeing the pointy ones peeking above the rest from afar.

I feel like I'm in another world. It's so surreal being here.

We took a shortcut through the park...

Walks to the store don't look like this in L.A! 

Some gooooooood coffee!

Taking a break from the cold weather outside.

Came home to a yummy roast dinner! and I had Yorkshire Pudding for the first time.

I've got to say...I'm a fan!

Day Two *Happy Birthday Rosalyn*

Spent the day with my mum-in-law

Had a chill morning drinking coffee and chatting :)

Then we headed into the city and walked around window shopping.

We had nice early dinner at this cute cozy Italian restaurant.

It was one of the best pizza's I've ever had!

Birthday gal

Then we headed down the street to window shop at LIBERTY

Very awesome department store in a tudor style building.

Friday Friend Night

Daley & Malo

Chris and I love margaritas.

We also love Mike Doughty.

Life is busy in Los Angeles.

We made it a tradition to meet up every so often and catch up.

It's either a date at Malo's in Silverlake or a Mike Doughty Gig.

Malo also opened a new location in downtown: MAS MALO

Perfect timing.

Being my last week in Los Angeles,

we tried out Mas Malo as my Farewell/See Ya later send off date :)

We ordered our usual:

Margaritas, Potato Tacos, Chips & Habanero Salsa

IT WAS ALL DELICIOUS.

We said our goodbyes and exchanged huge hugs :)

(The nice part of the location is that it's only 2 blocks from the Metro station!)

I walked down the street to catch the subway back into the valley.

Not before I stopped to take in the downtown LA view and snap a photo...

HAPPY VISA DAY!

Today I received my Visa :)
After all that waiting, it's such a relief!
I went to pick it up at UPS this evening
(because I missed the drop off early this morning)
Cute Royal UK Fancy Shmancy Visa Sticker on a full page of my passport.
Came straight home and booked my one-way flight!
The count down until I see my hubby again is restored. (9days!)

Last Work Day

After 6 years, it was tough to say goodbye.
I worked with some very awesome people!

Farrah made a farewell cake with St.George flag cupcakes :)
(That's England's flag for those who don't know)

Everyone pitched in and gave me this new coat to keep warm in the cold English weather. I was very surprised!

I was then told to look in my pocket and there was a Thank You note with some VERY Generous funds. I was even more surprised and SO VERY VERY GRATEFUL! and yes, I got all emotional.

then to top is all off...a small scrapbook was put together with photographs, goodbye notes, and bits of memorabilia. 

I am really going to miss working here.  It was a second home and my relationships with my collegues was like family.  These are people that I know I will continue to see (although not as often!) and communicate with. Im grateful for all of their friendships.

Happy New Year!

The Plan: Hubby comes to LA for the Holidays. We enjoy quality time with my family and friends. Then we fly back to London together.


What happened: Visa didn’t arrive in the time slot we hoped for. Apparently the consulate takes time off for U.S. AND U.K. Holidays. Meaning less open days in the month of December. They also won’t give you ANY information aside from “You will always receive an email during the application process after they have opened your application and have begun processing it. This may not be on the same day that the application is received by the Consulate General.”
It’s been over a month and I still have not received such email. Grrr. Hubby had to return home alone to resume work responsibilities.

 Now what? I keep waiting. My last day at work was supposed to be last Wednesday. My colleagues are awesome and had a little last day bash for me with cake and all :)

Lucky for me I was able to extend my last work day an extra week. Let’s cross our fingers that Visa doesn’t take much longer! I need to get a job ASAP! For now, I get to enjoy some extra family and friends time. Plus I get a second chance to rummage through my belongings and do some more tossing and selling, etc.

Some Holiday Photos:

A Visit to the La Brea Tar Pits

Los Angeles County Museum of Art:

Chris Burden’s Urban Light incorporates 202 antique cast-iron lampposts from various cities in and around the Los Angeles area. In the 1920s, each city designed its own streetlamps as a form of public art and civic identity. 

Jeff Koons, Cracked Egg (Red), 1994-2006; High chromium stainless steel with transparent color coating.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

My good pals "Freakin Missy" Rockin the New Year In

With My sisters (while our parents snoozed at home)

A Day at Universal Studios Hollywood with my sis and her bf