been pretty un-busy

I haven't been up to much recently. The weekend of the 8-9 was spent doing nothing, and boy was it lovely. We were both recovering from the lurgie, so I finally ventured out of the house on Saturday and walked along the beach (coughing the whole way).

As I had taken 2 days off work (for being sick), I was so so rammed when I got back. And it didn't help that I was going on a trip to our printers for a tour for a couple days. Eep! But it was beautiful! A few of us from work left Tuesday afternoon, and drove up to Shaftesbury to our little BnB, and a curry. We spent the day touring the printers and learning a bit about print production. It was great to be out of the office for a few days (and all on expenses, you really can't complain!) A few little pics of the trip - we were in proper English countryside!

view from the pub

Golden Hill, where they apparently filmed the famous Hovis advert in the 70s

gorgeous English countryside

On the weekend, we took a trip to Westcliff in Essex to visit our friends Glenda and Dave and their little boy, James. We haven't seen them since March, and James is now 9 months old! It's amazing how fast they grow - he even has little teeth now! His hair was much darker when he was born, but it's turned pretty blond, and is super fluffy like a little bird!

doesn't that make you go, 'oooh I want one of those?'

James n' me, chillaxing at the beach

Babies, when they're newborn, are terrifying, but at this age, they develop such a sense of personality and curiousity about the world. I can definitely feel the broody factor growing after trips like this, but I also know we're just not in any financial position to consider kids right now. In the meantime, I love our friends having babies!

This week is pretty relaxed - but I need to get back into the exercise groove. I have done zero exercise since the triathlon, and it's starting to get a bit pathetic. I'm going for a swim tomorrow after work, and now that I have my bike back, I'll go for a little ride on Wednesday before my guitar class. And maybe, just maybe, we'll even go to the pub quiz that night! Oooh the exciting life of a married 20-something :)

5-a-side

Oh man, I'm knackered. My friend from work, Hannah, texted me this weekend to see if I'd be interested in playing 5-a-side football (soccer) with some folks on Monday. I didn't really know what to expect, but thought it would be fun to change up my work outs a bit and have some fun. We actually played down at the beach, on dry sand and barefoot. It was really fun! But I haven't played soccer since I was about 10, so it really tired me out. It was only 3x12 minute sessions, but we didn't have any subs, so we played the whole match. It was 3 blokes (who knew how to play) and me and Hannah (who didn't), so we were a bit crap, but it was nice to run around at the beach having a laugh! I'll definitely go again to play, and hopefully R will come along next time.

They also do beach volleyball at this place, so I think I'll drop in for a Saturday session. I actually used to play beach volleyball a bit during my swimming/lifeguarding days, so it would be nice to play something I'm actually good at! Here's to summer and summer sports, yippee!

Anniversary part two

So after having an enjoyable Thursday off last week to visit my Uncle and cousin in London, I woke up on Friday, thinking I only have one more day of work until the bank holiday. So the alarm goes off at 7, and R asks me to set the alarm for 8. 'Well, how about 7.30? I have to get to work'...'No you don't'. Whaaa? R secretly booked the day off work for me. Very intrigued....

So we had a nice breakfast, and R said he needed to pop out for a bit, but he'd be back soon. I wasn't sure what he was up to, I thought possibly getting lunch supplies, or even picking up secret guests??? Anyway at about 10, he comes back, and tells me to pack a bag. Whaaa? He rented a car and we were going to a secret destination! Then he realised I needed to be map girl, so I get to know where we're going. A lovely 4 day trip to Cornwall! Looe, to be precise! Yay!!!!! Once again, I was completely and utterly spoiled, and am the luckiest gal alive.

We decided to take the costal route, and drove along the south of England from Brighton to Southampton, to Poole, to Dorchester, to Exeter, to Plymouth and finally to Cornwall. It was lovely and sunny and fanastic. He had booked a little guest house, The Gulls Hotel, with the most AMAZING views out the bay window.


We spent Friday night enjoying yummy pub food, fish n'chips and scampi!

On Saturday, we did the coastal hike to the next village, Polperro. It took about 4 hours, and was sunny the whole way. We even ran into some horses!

The big one in the front came up to me - I was worried he was going to headbutt me but apparently he was just being friendly (sorry, I get worried when big animals come near me, basic human instinct of self-preservation, methinks). Unfortunately, I didn't have any carrots or food for him, but he appreciated a little nose stroke.

On Sunday, we went a bit further into Cornwall and visited the Eden Project. It's basically a multi-million pound hippy dream. They've built two 'biomes', one with Mediterranean flora and one with Rainforest. They are definitely pretty cool, but I'm not really sure the point? I thought the information about local produce and plants was much more interesting because it showed what you could actually do in your own backyard, and how to source local and organice fruits and veg. They had a great allotment center, and it really inspired us to get our butts into gear to get a garden! (someday...sigh)


It was such a lovely weekend, and really great to do a romantic holiday. We're lucky in that we get to travel a lot back home to LA, or out to France, but they're always 'family holidays', where we stay with our parents. This was such a beautiful trip to spend alone.

It was funny, seeing so many families around, because it makes you appreciate the 'alone' time we spend together. Once we have kids, we won't get to do these kinds of holidays anymore. I think a trip to Looe with a few MCKs in tow would be brilliant and so much fun, but just a totally different experience. It's nice to take advantage of just the two of us for awhile

Here are a few more pictures of Cornwall. I can't wait to go back :)

LA Bliss

Los Angeles was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. I've been so lucky to be able to go home twice within about 4 months, and it makes me sad now because I don't know when we'll be able to go back again. Hopefully next summer, for Ursela's wedding. I think it should be in the Bay Area, which will be great, because I've been meaning to do the drive up PCH with Ronan the past 3 trips, and we never seem to have enough time! Even for this trip, it just flew by, and we were doing stuff every single day for 10 days. You always need a mini-vacation after your proper vacation.

We arrived Friday night, and enjoyed some La Cabana with Dad, Heidi, Lauren and her new man, Andy. Saturday, we spent the day in the sun, and went to the Farmer's Market with Jen, near the Grove.

Sunday was Easter and it was great to see my Grandmother, aunt and cousin. My sisters were pains and declined to attend, but it was nice to be in Malibu. And while we thought we were over our jetlag, falling asleep at 7.30 made me realise we most definitely were not!

Monday, we went to Universal Studios, and it was so much fun! I haven't been since I was 10, and it's totally different. I was bummed they got rid of the Back to the Future Ride, but Krustyland was pretty cool, too. A lot of it has been so commercialised (hello, it's basically an advert for all Universal Studios films), but I was so surprised how Access Hollywood basically sponsors the tram ride.

Tuesday, we went whale watching with Heidi. I say whale watching, but 'common dolphin' watching is perhaps a bit more appropriate. Friggin hell, death winds on the boat! But Ronan was having the time of his life whilst Heidi and I clutched to anything we could to stay upright! That night we had a nice double date with Jen and Nick at Kifune - man I was craving some tempura. You just don't get nice Japanese food in Brighton. London, probably, but not Brighton.

Wednesday was windy, too, so our beach plans got postponed as did our mini golf tournament. But lunch with Dad was nice, as was dinner at Tata's. Thursday, we made it to the Getty Villa with Nana, Mia and Remi. I don't think I've been since I was about 7, and they closed it to refurbish it. It had re-opened by the time we went back for Christmas but we never made a trip over. It was pretty cool, especially the outdoor bits in the sun, but the art was a bit limited. They've stuck to Greco-Roman-Etruscan art, and I love Greek mythology, but after a few rooms, you feel like you've seen all you need. Also, the 'Roman Villa' feel is a bit tacky, and would probably look a bit more in place in Vegas. By contrast, the new Getty complex is just stunning, built completely in marble, with a huge variety of art, and an amazing garden and view of LA. I'm glad we had a chance to go, but next time, I'll probably be back at the new Getty.

Thursday night! BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!!! Heidi was so amazing and had spare tickets to see the Boss, so we went with her, Dad, and a few of my my dad's friends, and even Pat. Pat's going through chemo/radiation for tonsil cancer, and actually planned his sessions around this show. We were definitely not disappointed. Not a bad seat in the house, I guarantee!

Man by Friday, we started to realise it was all almost over! Ronan and I did a swim sesh with Lauren and Andy at the SMC pool. It's so strange, that's where I used to work out, everyday, sometimes twice a day, for about 4 years. But I stopped swimming with TSM when they closed the pool for refurbishment, and I just never made it back once it re-opened. It's a really nice facility; if we move back, I'd definitley do master's workouts there. It was great to get in a proper swim workout (er, or splash about...) outside! I even got a hint of my former swimmer's tan - let's see if I can keep this up in Brighton!

Friday night was the rehersal dinner, and Saturday was the big day! Karina's wedding didn't start until 5.30, but we needed to be there for 4 for pictures. We got to do a nice big brekkie at Dad's beforehand. The wedding was absolutely stunning. The nicest, most beautiful wedding I've ever been to, most definitely. And it was great to see family, too, and introduce Ronan around to people. Even if they couldn't get his name right. At all. We got Roland, Roman and Rowan all night, but no one seemed to be able to manage a Ronan. It's okay. Ronan's dad called me Clara for about a year.


Finally, Sunday, we had a post-wedding BBQ at the Siam's, and it was hot. I mean like 100 degrees F/ 35 degrees C hot. And I love it! We chilled by the pool and ate yummy fruit. On Monday, we just went to the beach, and took in the warmest weather we'll probably have all year. A long flight back home, but it's always nice to sleep in your own bed.

I miss LA so much, but I don't know if I can live there again. I've never lived there as an adult, so part of it feels really foreign to me. I know we won't even think about moving there until after we have kids, but it's tough saying goodbye to my parent's. I'm such a wuss! How did I ever make it to England! :)

10 reasons I can't wait for summer...

I was born and raised in LA. I've been a swimmer since age 8, and a certified beach bum. My summers were spent either at the beach or at the pool, or going between the two. My swimming tan was so dark and so pronounced as a teenager, I thought it was permanently ingrained in my skin. I've snorkled, surfed, boogie boarded, and everything in between. I am also part Arab, and therefore have a deep glorious affinity for the sun. (I know, why do I live in England?)

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, I cannot wait for summer to actually arrive! Living by the beach does have its perks, and Brighton during the summer is lovely (if not hot...). So to celebrate its impending arrival, I give you my top ten reasons I love summer!

10. Summer fashion
I love ditching the jumpers and boots for the summer! Give me tank tops, short skirts, summer dresses, I love them all! There's nothing better than getting your skin out to soak that lovely summer sun! I especially love have a bit of a tan and looking fantastic in white!



9. Ice cream
I didn't realise how much I'd miss ice cream when I came to Britain. Of course they have ice cream here, and Ben and Jerrys is ALWAYS amazing. But they don't have the same outdoor ice cream culture here, ie, the ice cream truck! I miss the slightly tinny, definitely creepy music that you could hear down the street. I remember it getting louder and louder, and running inside to get a dollar for an ice cream, and getting it all over my hands and face! Nothing cools you off better than a lovely fresh ice cream during the summer!

8. Swimming pools
Growing up, the local swimming pool (Mar Vista) was my second home. My mom would take me at 9am and pick me up 8 hours later at 5pm - I was a certifiable pool rat! I learned how to swim, dive, play water polo, do synchronized swimming and even started going junior lifeguards, all at my local pool. I always looked forward to the first day the pool opened, saying hi to all my lifeguard coaches, and doing my first canonball off the diving board!


7. Flip flops
If I could, I would live in flipflops. In fact, while I lived in LA, I did. I had pairs and pairs and pairs, and would wear them in until nothing was left. I wore them with shorts, skirts, dresses, even jeans. And while I have a lovely pair here in Brighton, they just don't get the same kind of mileage - it's just far too cold. Luckily, it does get warm enough during the summer to wear them, so I'm going to stock up when I go to LA in April!

6. BBQs
The best summer parties are always the ones that centered around barbecues. Hamburgers, sausages, peppers, everything is yummy charbroiled over a flame! Throw in some beers and tunes and you have an awesome evening, watching the sun go down! We'll get our little disposable one for the summer, and take it down to Brighton beach (can't forget our gay frisbee, either!)


5. Surfing
I was never much of a surfer growing up, I always preferred to be swimming. But as I did more beach Jr. Guards, and got more confident with paddling, I enjoyed venturing out on my board more. I haven't been in at least 10 years, but as I'm married to a surfer, I better get my butt out there! I don't know if I can handle the British water temperature, so it might have to be a trip down to Portugal, but I'd love to get out there this summer. Either way, I love being at the beach!

4. Summer Holidays
The best summer vacation I ever went on was our girls trip to Oahu the summer we graduated from high school. There was something so freeing about a proper girls holiday, just us kids waiting to have a great time. I've had so many great summer holidays, including Dublin with Claudia and France with Ronan, and I can't wait to go someplace this summer!

3. Sunglasses
I love my shades! There's nothing worse than being out and about and squinting in the sunlight (talk about premature wrinkles!) As a lifeguard, I had to make sure my eyes were protected and that I could see clearly, especially against the reflection of the water. Now, my sunnies are more for aesthetic reasons, but that's just as important! A great pair of shades can totally make an outfit. I'm looking forward to getting myself a pair of lolitas this summer!

2. Tanning
We all know the perils of sunbeds and smoking and booze and everything else under the sun. That doesn't mean tanning doesn't feel amazing. Nothing feels nicer than baking under the sun, feeling its warmth all over your skin and getting the finished product of a fantastic tan. And tans make everyone look great. As Lauren says, tan fat ALWAYS looks better than white fat. I'll definitely be baking while I can during my lunch breaks.

1. Summer drinking
Nothing in the world beats drinks in the sun, getting slowly pissed as the sun sets. My poison of choice is a corona (with lime, of course), but your summer drink choices are endless! Cider, rose, pimms, anything goes! The summer I lived in London, my absolute favourite thing to do was walk down to the southbank and have a nice cold pint on the river front in the sun. This of course is everyone's favourite thing to do, but I think the more the merrier! As the weekends get warmer down here, Ronan and I are finally starting to venture out of the flat and enjoy our sunny Saturdays at the pub. Bring on summer!!!!!!!!!

What are your fave things about summer?