tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86790230286014042812011-09-28T23:43:07.174+01:00This is the blog of a quirky American lass living the Northeast of England. I'm from Columbus, Ohio but currently living in Newcastle. I semi-like football (soccer not American), I really like drinking, I love reading, I really love travel, I'm passionate about my profession and I basically live to whinge. Welcome to my blog.jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.comBlogger701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-89229539576323599972010-11-02T21:46:00.002Z2010-11-02T21:49:11.129Z

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliehicks/1019612432/ Originally uploaded by julieboddy I've just booked a ticket for my nephew Elijah to come see me next summer. (Just typing that sentence is making me tear up.) I am so excited to have him come visit us. So proud that he's independent and mature enough to do so. So glad that we are lucky enough as a family to be afforded such opportunities. So

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-34270668194579301332010-10-26T19:11:00.008+01:002010-10-27T08:40:38.160+01:00

Oops! Originally uploaded by DeeMac In homage to one of my favourite telly shows, I bring to you today's 'Moment of Zen' as an American Expat living in the UK. On my flight home from Heathrow tonight, I was sat next to two 20-something Geordie lads who were commuting home from some job they'd just finished abroad. Their conversation meandered around a lot, often touching on funny stories

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-56243770685195860882010-10-07T09:42:00.004+01:002010-10-07T10:26:16.233+01:00

grandpa and the shake Originally uploaded by julieboddy My grandpa Jim was never a man of big stature, but in my childhood memories he is a giant. Whenever I think of "home" in the familial core-being sense, it's his house on Critchfield Road which pops into my head, a place that serves as backdrop to most of my truly pleasant childhood memories. Grandpa in the garden picking beans or fussing

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-41782251838940680562010-07-31T11:59:00.021+01:002010-07-31T13:03:37.645+01:00

Me on the 4th of July Cruise Originally uploaded by julieboddy Last week I took the Life in the UK exam, a mandatory step in the UK immigration process if you want to stay in the country long-term as a spouse of a Brit. I found studying for the exam to be really boring and frustrating because the book was filled with facts that seemed irrelevant and also at times inaccurate. After ranting

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-56111231490022366652010-06-22T23:10:00.015+01:002010-06-22T23:51:01.372+01:00

I'm about three-quarters of the way through an experiential leadership course offered by Common Purpose, called International Navigator. The demographic for the course attendees tends to be energetic, ambitious and high achiever types (read: SWOTs) in the early stages of their careers as leaders. There are several programmes going on concurrently within & external to the UK, organised by

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-76515736651824493992010-04-06T19:27:00.015+01:002010-04-06T20:20:06.757+01:00

Warning: Bad language alert.... only read on if you're not easily offended.  Tonight I was the victim of a sexual assault during my commute home from work. Wow, that sentence feels very heavy - too heavy. Sexual assault. Was that what it really was?  The law says it is so (if it can be proven). The cop said it was so (if it can be proven). But it wasn't rape and I didn't get hurt physically,

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-17942252539716338512010-03-26T13:11:00.003Z2010-03-26T13:13:34.912Z

me and my dad, 1977 Originally uploaded by julieboddy This picture says 'Late 70s' all over it, don't you think? Well, I sure hope so as I'm using to enter blogger Noble Savage's giveaway contest for an 'old school' Sesame Street DVD. Have a great '70s portrait of your self and love Sesame Street too? Check this out: http://noblesavage.me.uk/2010/03/26/funky-friday-a-giveaway/

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-86726718832964662182010-02-03T18:53:00.007Z2010-02-03T19:07:50.574Z

SkyArts have been airing series one of the US telly show 'In Treatment' over here, which is surprising in that we don't often get these sorts of dramas in the UK. Will and I've been making our way through the show one episode at a time, which is a bit slow-going because not only is the subject-matter sometimes really disturbing for us but also because there are so many damn episodes - like 45 in

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-76629331452728143112010-01-31T14:26:00.004Z2010-03-15T21:13:20.806Z

For those of you who know me in the 'real world', you know that I've been struggling health-wise for the last year. Constant throat and lung infections, frequent colds, routine sleeping problems, serious lack of energy, etc. etc. I've been under the care of my GP and a specialist since November and finally we've made some progress it appears. I no longer regularly feel like I don't have enough

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-47404858378095307072009-11-22T21:32:00.006Z2009-11-23T17:45:31.109Z

In just over a week I will turn 34 years old. For the first time in my life, I am acutely aware that I am aging. I have lines appearing in my face which I never thought I'd see. The Briggs & Noorduyn women age gracefully & relatively wrinklefree is what I've been told (aka the lie I've been sold!). My skin and bones don't heal as quickly as they used to do. Also, I used to be able to sleep 12

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-48050439993368386852009-11-11T23:23:00.002Z2009-11-11T23:25:26.133Z

I wrote this little ditty as a response to a thread on a forum I frequent where we are discussing the execution of the DC Beltway Sniper: I don't believe in the death penalty. I feel very strongly that violence begets violence. The death penalty perpetuates a viscious cycle which I believe has longterm negative consequences on society, including desentizing society in regards to the taking of a

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-33380874224640304292009-11-08T21:33:00.010Z2009-11-08T21:45:34.149Z

I've been going through this strange feeling of detachment over the last month or so. A lot of the time I feel as if I'm watching myself from afar and not really feeling or participating openly in the world around me -  not in a "first person" sort of way at least (although I do have loads of internal dialogues in 3rd person like any normal crazy person!). It's really difficult to put a finger

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-15823895717972559702009-10-06T23:27:00.001+01:002009-10-06T23:30:29.771+01:00

I’m feeling really cruddy this week, mainly due to being weighed down by a nasty cold or flu of some sort. I went to bed at midnight yesterday and didn’t get out of bed until 11am. I was up for only two hours before going back to sleep for three more. I am barely able to stay awake right now, and it’s not even 11pm yet! I haven’t had any exercise in over a week, and I’m missing a hugely busy and

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-194743785483402682009-08-31T21:59:00.013+01:002009-08-31T22:15:47.119+01:00

For some reason, I am often asked by people I've just met one or more of the following questions: 1) "When are you going to start having kids?" 2) "Why don't you want any children of your own?" 3) "Aren't you ready to settle down and start a family?" (followed by: "You still have time to change your mind you know, you're still young!") This post isn't going to be a rant about the people who

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-62174001749052595832009-08-29T15:31:00.015+01:002009-08-29T15:51:25.568+01:00

Today is my niece Hannah's third birthday, and tomorrow is my nephew Everett's first birthday. My family are having a huge party for the two of them at a local park today, and I'm super sad that I cannot attend. Some aspects of expatriate life really suck, and missing out on special events like this is one of them. I spent the better half of three weeks with these two wee ones during my summer

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-52400820494335871912009-08-23T21:00:00.005+01:002009-08-23T21:06:14.782+01:00

I will now prove to the world that drinking vodka is definitely a key component of healthier living. (Note I say health-ier not health-y). Will and I are on the path to healthier living. We’ve recently cut out all sorts of fattening foods, reduced our portion sizes, stopped eating out as much and are preparing more homemade healthy meals at home. I’m even baking all of our bread now using whole

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-35045998062049126752009-08-22T14:10:00.012+01:002009-08-22T17:47:38.152+01:00

This afternoon I got into a heated conversation right in front of my apartment block with a young American medical student who exited our train at my normal metro stop. During our train ride, said student was loudly lecturing two fellow train passengers about the glorious US health care system and openly bashing the NHS with totally inaccurate information. He was even stating half-truths about

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-85370949479921360182009-08-13T22:54:00.002+01:002009-08-13T23:04:59.656+01:00

So, I had planned to blog about the anti-socialised-medicine-madness I witnessed while visiting the US in July & August.... but my plans have changed because many others have done the same, much more succinctly than I could myself. I will say that I was totally and utterly appalled by some of the ridiculous stories & spin that was being dealt out in the American media. I truly hope Americans can

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-17878311313076960032009-05-20T19:06:00.004+01:002009-05-20T19:13:32.196+01:00

Attention world. My husband, Mr. William Boddy, is hereby banned from purchasing any new denim jeans. If my husband should approach your house of commerce in an attempt to buy jeans of any sort - blue or coloured alike - please turn him away and notify me immediately. It is a moral obligation of all mankind to remind Mr. Boddy that his jeans collection outnumbers his wife's 2.5 to 1! Mr. Boddy

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-90703193684218034612009-03-28T19:01:00.001Z2009-03-28T19:01:22.417Z

Jesmond Dene Waterfall Originally uploaded by julieb1975 Last weekend we had a really lovely day here in the Northeast - warm, sunny, gorgeous. Will and I decided to go for a picnic and walk in a nearby city park called Jesmond Dene:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesmond_DeneI had a really great time in the park, and it's amazing to me that we live only a couple miles away from this

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-79270520086238866772009-02-24T22:36:00.001Z2009-02-24T22:36:32.834Z

Don't be fooled by the sweetness ! Originally uploaded by julieb1975 I made a huge mistake tonight. I let my iPhone pick the music for my 30 minute walk/jog using the Genius feature. I thought I had picked a safe song – “Andy, You’re a Star” by The Killers. I figured the Genius would create me a fairly rocking list of songs to “jalk” to along the streets of Gosforth. Unfortunately instead

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-48770696325862696772009-02-04T21:24:00.005Z2009-02-04T21:45:48.465Z

I just read a short and succinct book about delegation called 'The One Minute Manger Meets the Monkey'. I am pretty sure the author thought his audience had the attention span of a 9 year old when he wrote it because every fifth page has only one sentence on it, usually consisting of some sort of management mantra or painfully realistic principle. For example, here are some of the more poignant

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-73925656005114141902009-01-18T19:47:00.001Z2009-01-18T19:47:50.743Z

Will Originally uploaded by julieb1975 For the last week I have been in an ungodly terrible homesick funk. Doesn't matter that my job is going really REALLY well, nor that my relationship with Will continues to grow closer week in and out, nor that most people I know back home never leave the US full stop, let alone get to live abroad and take weekend trips to places like Nice or

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-33221951466867208262009-01-14T21:45:00.011Z2009-01-14T22:22:41.064Z

Recently I converted into a public transportation princess, taking the Metro and bus everywhere I need to go. There are a lot of pros to this mode of transportation, including but not limited to spending only £50 a month for a bus pass instead of £300-£400 for a car. I also love the fact that I don't have to battle Newcastle traffic behind the wheel but instead wait it out it behind the pages of

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-35686481177356952562008-12-26T14:56:00.005Z2008-12-26T15:21:53.532Z

These extremely short winter days in England really zap me for some reason. This winter and last I have felt completely and utterly exhausted from late November onwards. Doesn't matter how much sleep I get, I'm constantly tired and when I'm tired, I'm not very pleasant to be around. And let's face it, I don't have many friends here as it is, so I really need to do something about it! Last year

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-24148396844601272472008-12-24T17:28:00.001Z2008-12-24T17:28:09.064Z

Sunday Lunch in Christmas Hats Originally uploaded by julieb1975 I've been living permanently in the UK for 13 months now. This is my second Christmas here, although I sort of count it as my first because last year I had just arrived really and didn't have much time to think about the holidays really. I just found this pic of Will and I in our Christmas hats last year and I have three

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-88340731157120791282008-12-21T23:00:00.003Z2008-12-21T23:28:14.264Z

We have done nothing this weekend. Nothing of consequence at least. And, oh was a weekend of nothing so wonderful! To recap...Saturday morning we got out of bed a little after 11am. Yes, 11 am ! Unheard of normally because either my bladder or the children who live upstairs wake us up earlier most weekends. Barely awake, we trudged over to the post office before it closed, where I nearly had a

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-45136862161582554412008-12-10T17:53:00.001Z2008-12-10T17:53:50.080Z

Generally speaking, I’m starting to forget I live in a foreign country. Sometimes when I used the word ‘home’, I’m actually referring to here rather than the good old US of A. The transition has been slow, subtle and admittedly painful at times, but it’s happening nonetheless. My vernacular is evolving at an impressive pace, as well as my wardrobe. I’m still glaringly American to everyone here of

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-4935693855503136992008-12-06T23:53:00.003Z2008-12-10T17:54:14.435Z

I have been sick for about 2 months off and on, with a few good days here and there but mostly sick sick sick. Will and I keep passing bugs back and forth and it's exhausting! I mean, I'm so tired of being ill that I'm actually laying off on booze and taking supplements. Seriously, it's that bad. The funny part is that I'm not really getting super sick - just mildly - but it's been going on for

jb1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/12978437426870372231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-1901351281825342842008-11-28T22:35:00.001Z2008-11-28T22:35:53.507Z

Thanksgiving Dinner, UK Stylee Originally uploaded by julieb1975 This week marked two major anniversaries for me - it's been a year since I moved to England, and a year since I started back at Acxiom. This week also marked two other significant events in my life - my (second) last day working at Acxiom and my first Thanksgiving abroad.Leaving Acxiom the second time around was a bit more

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-30828313966308779552008-10-03T19:24:00.002+01:002008-10-08T13:08:12.338+01:00

I haven't blogged in forever and there is so much I need to say, but alas all I can think about today is the fact that I've finally gotten my UK Residence Permit. YIP YIP YAY! It cost me tons of paperwork, a dreary drive to Sheffield, a day off work and £595, but the end result is my emancipation from dependency upon an employer to stay in England. As the letter they gave me with the stamp stated

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-71589214465141207052008-06-17T21:28:00.006+01:002008-06-17T21:38:04.319+01:00

American night !Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 There used to be a time when Kraft Macaroni and Cheese was a major staple of my diet. As in at least once per week, usually more often. I would sometimes add shredded cheese, or jalepenos, or tuna or chili but in the end my main love was the boxed mac and cheese itself. And it was a long lasting love affair we had together, probably the longest

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-29288978457702198252008-06-09T11:44:00.003+01:002008-06-09T12:07:09.382+01:00

I recently became reacquainted with an old high school friend through email. She found me initially on classmates.com, which I refuse to subscribe to because it's 'pay', so after a week or two of clever profile changes, I was able to tell her where to find me on other FREE sites and eventually we connected. Her name is Amy (yeah, can you believe that - yet another Amy to add to my list - so now

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-53958352914957093742008-05-18T15:54:00.006+01:002008-05-21T10:22:50.856+01:00

I have had a crap weekend in general, although one interesting side effect is I've discovered a bit of independence because of it.Will has been in the hospital this weekend. At first they thought it was an appendicitis, but after testing and an overnight stay, they decided he's ok and sent him home, albeit still pretty miserable. Of course the whole hospitilazation and Will being ill aspects were

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-18193522478315909782008-04-24T10:41:00.016+01:002008-04-24T11:38:33.195+01:00

Now, let me preface this entire entry by stating that I know for a fact that a lot of my American friends totally understand that London is a city in England and that although I don't live there, they accidentally refer to me living there due to the fact I go there a lot and/or they have never really heard of the city where I really do live. This entry is not about those of you in that category..

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-17100516750513344642008-04-04T17:49:00.003+01:002008-04-04T18:04:33.777+01:00

Will and I are off to America on Tuesday. We're doing several days in Ohio for general visiting and also my mom's wedding, then 3 days in Vegas with Karen and Jeff, then 3 days in San Diego just us, followed by 4 more days in Columbus with the fam and friends. It's going to be fun but the jet lag is going to be continuous I believe, as we're traipsing back and forth across the timezones on

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-45968552367163073732008-03-25T16:19:00.002Z2008-03-28T15:57:30.479Z

As I travel to Teddington from Durham today, it strikes me that I'm becoming a bit of a pro at utilizing mass transportation. Three months ago I used England's infamous rail and tube stations cautiously and with loads of self-doubt, constantly worried about getting lost or always fumbling like a fool with my bags whilst simultaneously riding an escalator or buying a ticket. Three months ago, a

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-55878603266994774952008-03-23T18:17:00.009Z2008-03-23T21:01:00.040Z

I'm going to be stateside in a little over two weeks and can't wait to do some shopping! Here is my list so far. Some of this I can't get in the UK at all, others are just way cheaper in the states.A proper American salon haircut and color (!!)Flavored cheezitsCanned black beansRotelleBare Escentuals makeupLubriderm lotionHazelnut flavoured ground coffeeAny sour candy I can find (!)Generic

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-7771179719202590462008-03-18T18:14:00.005Z2008-03-23T20:24:36.685Z

Okay, so all didn't go so well with my little SM adventure today. I got to the clinic, started filling out the paperwork and when the forms asked for my credit card number, I got quite confused. Um, WHAT?! I thought this wasn't a pay per use type service! Totally frightened about looking stupid, I asked about the costs and quickly found out that I had stumbled into a private clinic that is not

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-79629247947421555872008-03-18T16:11:00.001Z2008-03-23T20:18:29.888Z

I am writing from a London train, on my way to Waterloo station. I am full of anxiety and worry and loathing. No, its not because of work.Its because my ears are messed up and I need medical attention. Which means I am about to try out socialised medicine for the first time. Which means that I'm behaving in a typical American way and am scared shitless.What's funny about this situation is that if

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-40298458431147557382008-03-16T20:18:00.001Z2008-03-23T20:31:17.966Z

the match we pretend didn't happen Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 My interest in footy (aka soccer) was primarily spawned from my interest in Will and his general passion for the sport, as well as my desire to share something special with my nephew Elijah, who loves going to Columbus Crew games. Hence I watched parts of the World Cup with vague interest, I learned the basics so I

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-6888754105152901282008-03-01T13:55:00.001Z2008-03-23T20:32:42.531Z

Cruising to Amsterdam Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 This time last year both of us were just starting to put back together the pieces of our lives which were fragmented by 12 months of hell, all of it primarily self-imposed of course. Over the last three years, life has been incredibly up and down but I wouldn't take back a moment of it. If the bad times had not occured, I would not

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-58266738616250633352008-01-02T19:38:00.001Z2008-01-02T19:38:06.570Z

Pink Wall, Red Door Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Will and I went for a day trip to York on Sunday which ended up with an overnight stay and a WONDERFUL two-day adhoc adventure. Will hadn't been there in a decade, and I have never been to York myself... and I must say, it is my favorite city in all of England thus far. We both are in love with York. From the wonderful coffee shops,

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-59961548870737255572007-12-27T13:09:00.001Z2008-03-23T20:32:42.532Z

Jubilee Place Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Took this with my cell phone while on an escalator in the Canary Wharf tube stop. For some reason this wall REALLY made me happy. I think it's the vibrant colors and the fact the word 'jubilee' is adorable. I also had a really strange feeling of surrealness settle over me when we were riding down this escalator. Sometimes I don't realize

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-23883703297719596762007-11-20T03:47:00.001Z2007-11-20T03:47:23.518Z

ah, the memories Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 I wish there was such a thing as a friend-o-matic machine, where you could put a list of all the BFF traits you want into a slot, press a big red button and wait patiently while your new best friends are slowly spit out one at a time, all for the low, low price of $1. This would make my transition to England a hell of a lot easier since

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-81521577213156358472007-11-16T03:27:00.000Z2007-11-16T04:35:18.220Z

When you live your life on the internet like many people do nowadays (especially those of us in the Interactive profession), you open yourself up to "googling" and other forms of light-weight internet stalking. That's why it's best not to put anything out in cyberspace that is secret or damning or otherwise inappropriate for your mom, potential employers, coworkers or even enemies to find. At

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-28482455004420636202007-11-08T03:55:00.001Z2007-11-08T04:01:54.762Z

My street in the fallOriginally uploaded by juliehicks75 That's all I really have to say, really. I mean, to expound a bit, I guess it's mostly that I love the fall colors and smells. And I love football season because I can go to the grocery store on a Saturday when the Buckeyes are playing and shop almost completely uninterrupted. And I like the cool temperatures, those are definitely nice.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-82130319830599283102007-11-07T15:37:00.000Z2007-11-07T15:49:59.305Z

My darling Will and I are going to a Christmas/Holiday party in London on December 5th that is a movie-themed fancy dress party. And no, fancy dress does NOT mean ball gowns and tuxes in the UK. Fancy dress parties in Britain are all about costumes... and they are thrown for absolutely no reason at all. Unlike the US, the Brits seem hell bent on costume parties year round, not just at Halloween.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-69046134125680012492007-10-31T01:58:00.001Z2007-11-16T13:38:59.076Z

in a fog (day 282)Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 The last two weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. I have been in a holding pattern related to many major changes in my life. I've been completely dependent upon the workings of of a corporate lawyer in Arkansas, hoping furiously that he really does know how to do his job. Tomorrow, the wait will finally be over. Tomorrow my work permit

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-87778083380307582202007-10-23T04:07:00.000+01:002007-10-23T04:27:46.518+01:00

In July I started following a pretty strict dietary plan (ala Weight Watchers) in order to lose the 14 pounds I have gained since I moved to the grand old CMH. Another goal for me is to be as healthy and thrifty as possible for the first time in my life, reducing my dining out and alcohol consumption greatly (hence reducing my waistline AND increasing my bank balance!).One of the mainstays of

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-22665300279599282242007-10-22T02:58:00.000+01:002007-10-22T03:02:02.463+01:00

The things I want to write about I cannot in such a public forum at this time, and everything else seems boring or unnecessary. Hence I'm writing to write about nothing. One day all will be clear and I can be more transparent about my feelings, but for now it's all about waiting. And for fuck's sake, waiting sure does suck.Til later.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-51290149285961982092007-10-13T19:00:00.001+01:002007-10-13T19:12:01.770+01:00

As I was trying to nap today, I started thinking about how the British use the same words a bit differently than Americans sometimes. A really great example is the word "horny". In America, this adjective is used almost exclusively to describe one's state of mind from a sexual-desire perspective:"I am feeling horny tonight baby. " --> Translated: I want to get laid. "Jeff is a real horny bastard

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-32370064661996131842007-10-13T15:55:00.001+01:002007-10-13T19:12:36.572+01:00

oops, I'm sorry Auntie Julie...Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Seriously, Hannah was a bit of a handful last night when I babysat her and her brother Elijah. A "bit" might even be an understatement, actually. At one point when we went on a walk, she was screaming so loud that some of my UA neighbors turned on their porchlights to see who was beating the baby outside, yet the only thing she

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-64067609823223063802007-10-12T01:07:00.001+01:002007-10-13T19:13:01.629+01:00

Getting ready for rugby!!Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 I'm just not the type of person who loves organized sports. Baseball, basketball, football...all pretty much lost on me. I definitely love the FANS of organized sports (i.e. Will, AmyMo, my brother-in-law) and I definitely admire their passion, their excitement and their dedication - hell, it's almost infectious during a game/match -

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-81116499263815904532007-10-07T19:43:00.001+01:002007-10-07T19:46:55.368+01:00

Our Corner in Nice Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Back from Nice and the UK now, alone in my apartment going through pics and generally sulking about returning to work tomorrow and being away from my Will. I thought of so many wonderful little things to blog about when I was gone and swore upon my return I would do so, but alas I am feeling the grips of lethargy upon me and have yet

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-69099802957384618542007-09-26T12:56:00.001+01:002007-10-07T19:46:55.369+01:00

Umbrella at the beach Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Spent Monday at the beach in Vintimiglia, Italy with LOML Will. Was fantastic, although the city of Vintimiglia itself is rather decrepit and dirty. We rented two lawn chairs and an umbrella by the sea for 10 Euro, laid there watching the locals and the water hit the rocks drinking beer. Was a brilliant afternoon...

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-40774313542066079882007-09-21T21:18:00.000+01:002007-09-21T21:28:47.762+01:00

My flight takes off at 730pm and the time could not pass more slowly. o m g. Amy is picking me up around 530 to take me to Port Columbus Airport and that is 71 minutes from now and it's driving me nuts. I just went outside for a few minutes and realized that sitting out front in a lawn chair enjoying this fine day would be far better than sitting in the living room staring at the clock and

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-65065168918424578982007-09-20T19:33:00.001+01:002007-09-20T19:33:47.756+01:00

Where in the world is Julie? Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Tomorrow I set off for the UK on Air Canada, and I won't return until October 5th. I am meeting Will in London, taking a train up to Newcastle then flying out on Sunday for Nice, France. Spending the week in Nice touring around the Riviera and possibly even a day in Italy. Then back to the UK for a few days of playing house

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-60653480499976042092007-09-19T04:10:00.000+01:002007-09-19T04:22:15.818+01:00

I don't know why in the hell i'm writing this in a blog, but all I really have to say is that I'm really really happy. I cannot believe that this time next week I'll be in southern france with Will. I couldn't be more excited. So so so so so so so excited. So. This trip is going to be so much fun. Like the best trip ever. Cannot fucking wait. :)

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-26984442091427303822007-09-18T02:47:00.001+01:002007-09-19T04:22:36.706+01:00

yes, my newest addiction is facebook. yes, i am a little too old to be so into facebook. and yea, i am a nutjob for loving it so.dammit.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-18418218047719366542007-09-16T02:36:00.001+01:002007-09-16T02:40:23.414+01:00

Julie Originally uploaded by fensterbme Today I posed for my flickr friend Bryan at Schiller Park in German Village. It was a very interesting experience, quite fun yet at the same time I felt out of my league. I can be quite photogenic when I put the camera up over my head and take a shot from above (the most flattering position EVAH); however, in general I am not as comfortable with shots

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-64897750896559908392007-09-15T14:38:00.001+01:002007-09-15T14:38:45.665+01:00

say goodbye to the redhead... Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 I have a tendency to change my haircolor drastically with the seasons. When it gets warmer, i go with highlights or a lighter / brighter over all color. As fall sets in, my hair gets darker and darker. I'm not sure what my real hair color is anymore to be honest, and I guess I just don't care. Changing the color is so much

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-28629766060310449272007-09-13T03:24:00.001+01:002007-09-13T03:24:57.188+01:00

picassa pile (day 240) Originally uploaded by juliehicks75 Have had a rough couple of days at work. I feel like no matter how much I get done, I'm never going to get finished because more is coming in than going out. :/Been munching a lot tonight. If you can call it that. In my new health concious obnxious mode, grazing ends up being thing:rice cakes with sugar free puddingbaby

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-4525508559435228152007-09-12T01:08:00.001+01:002007-09-12T01:10:06.983+01:00

Seriously. Speachless. Damn.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-71031892851035708902007-09-11T02:12:00.000+01:002007-09-18T16:07:25.271+01:00

So, one of the things we've been doing in my polarity therapy treatments with Suzi are visualizations related to energy transferrance while she's doing various pressure-point massages and general musclework. I know, it sounds hoaky... and at first I thought it was... however there is one visualizatioin we used last week which I've really latched on to and can't get out of my head. She had me

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-34576472920135679332007-09-09T17:30:00.001+01:002007-09-09T17:43:26.530+01:00

poncho partyingOriginally uploaded by juliehicks75 AmyMo and I went to see The Killers last night at the LC aka Promowest. It was pissing down the entire evening, until about the 3rd song in to The Killers' set. We both were fully dedicated to enduring the rain in order to see one of my favorite new bands; however it took copious amounts of alcohol to see us through the evening...and two very

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-4873752028711117842007-09-08T03:37:00.001+01:002007-09-09T17:45:30.955+01:00

Hannah and CloverOriginally uploaded by juliehicks75 Tonight I babysat Hannah and Clover for the first time, both individually and collectively. A 10 week old dog and a 1 year old baby combined are quite a handful. To be honest, I found the dog much more difficult than the baby, even though little Miss Hannah was NOT in the best mood. Really sad I didn't have my camera with me... ah oh well, next

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-66648293263846082972007-09-07T03:01:00.000+01:002007-09-07T03:30:32.835+01:00

Allergy & pulmonary function testing were interesting. First of all, the PFT test was obviously aimed at 9 year olds. When I blew into the cardboard and plastic tube as hard as I could, I faced an ancient computer monitor that had a smiley birthday cake on it with about 10 "lit" candles taunting me. The goal was to virtually blow out as many of the candles as possible in a single breath. First

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-36666792573744377082007-09-06T02:38:00.000+01:002007-09-06T02:55:32.089+01:00

First off, I am an idiot. I was measuring out shots of vodka tonight so as to keep within my dietary allowance yet still get a buzz. A few drinks in and NADA, so I decided "fuck being healthy, I'm gonna get drunk" and measured out some more. Ha. To my chagrin, I'm a complete idiot and was using the 'tablespoon' line on my new fancing shot glass measuring cup instead of ounces. No wonder I wasn't

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679023028601404281.post-77676500845229048622007-09-05T04:05:00.000+01:002007-09-11T02:23:06.231+01:00

So. Here I am. Yes, blogging. And yes, not on myspace or facebook. Woo.I am currently undergoing polarity therapy and my lovely therapist, Suzi Wilcoff, recommended I start writing down my feelings whenever I feel blocked or anxious. And I hate hand writing anything...so here I am. Now, let's be clear about these polarity treatments... I am not paying for them. If I were, I would not be going.

julieb_1975http://www.blogger.com/profile/02874943635333955754noreply@blogger.com0