Sounds kind of like a villain from a James Bond flick, doesn't it?
Actually, I just came back from my very first medical appointment here in the UK. Despite the "free" health care available here in the UK via the NHS, J and I decided to opt for private health insurance. I polled my friends who've been living here for a while, and although the NHS apparently suffices for most needs, it can get to be a bit of a wait for an appointment. The idea of waiting two weeks for an appointment when you're not feeling so great sounds pretty terrible.
Anyway, I went in today for a bug bite on my leg that just won't go away. The prescription? Just be patient and stop scratching. Sigh. At least I know it's not skin cancer or a parasite living in my leg or something like that. Damn those medical shows like "Monsters Inside Me" - it could make a hypochondriac out of any mentally healthy person. Other good news? I have excellent blood pressure - good to know. =) It wasn't too much trouble, at least, since the doctor is only a ten minute walk from my flat, and now I know of a good doctor in the area.
I paid the doctor's fee, and I'm supposed to submit the claim to the insurance company myself. That's a bit different from medical offices in the States; they usually submit the claim for you. Some other interesting things of note:
(1) Doctors here make house calls! How awesome is that? It really is too much to ask a sick person to go traipsing all around town, spreading their germs - that's not good for anyone.
(2) Much less paperwork. The only form I had to fill out was a very short one with my birthday and address. The doctor then conducted a very short interview asking about my medical history and allergies. I'm still in shock of not having to complete and sign at least ten different forms before ever seeing the doctor.
All in all, a very positive experience, and one I would rate higher than my visits to the GP back in the States. Except I got caught in the rain so I ran all the way home - I really need to be better about taking my umbrella with me everywhere!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
TK at the Opera
Guess where J took me tonight?
That's right, the opera! Specifically, Madam Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall.
The last time I was at the opera was when I was in eighth grade, and my music teacher picked me to go to an Italian opera as a reward for having perfect pitch. My teacher would play a note on the piano in the beginning of each class, and we would all try to guess what note she was playing. Thanks to years and years of unwanted piano lessons, I got it right every time and won a veritable treasure trove of lollipops. I don't know which was better - the lollipops or the trip to the opera.
In any case, I didn't have to identify any notes or anything to go to the opera this time since J decided to surprise me with the tickets. =)
The story is a tragedy written by Puccini in 1904 about a Japanese woman (Butterfly) who falls in love and marries an American naval captain, who later abandons her with promises to return. After three long years of waiting, he finally does return, but with an American bride that he considers to be his true wife. The pair ask Butterfly to give up her son to them, and she agrees and kills herself before they return to collect him.
We got to the venue just in time, and I noticed people had dressed with care to attend the opera. I've been to a play, a musical, and now an opera in London, and no one has ever been dressed up for any of it but for the opera. The men were in jackets and ties and the women had on dresses and heels. J and I? We were in jeans and jeans. But I did put on some earrings for the occasion. =)
J had sprung for the good seats, so we got a clear view of the set, which was absolutely beautiful. The set was flooded with water, and a Japanese house sat on a platform in the middle of the stage. The stage is circular with the orchestra abutting the rear of the stage, and the singers made full use of the entire space throughout the opera.
The acoustics in the Hall are supposed to be the best in London, and the singing was incredibly beautiful. It was a sad story, and very intense through much of it, and I could see why the woman sitting next to me was wiping way tears at the end of the performance.
As for me, I didn't cry but I was inspired to sing in song for the rest of the night. J decided to join in, and so we bellowed an operatic conversation to each other all the way home. Cause that's just who we are. =)
That's right, the opera! Specifically, Madam Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall.
The last time I was at the opera was when I was in eighth grade, and my music teacher picked me to go to an Italian opera as a reward for having perfect pitch. My teacher would play a note on the piano in the beginning of each class, and we would all try to guess what note she was playing. Thanks to years and years of unwanted piano lessons, I got it right every time and won a veritable treasure trove of lollipops. I don't know which was better - the lollipops or the trip to the opera.
In any case, I didn't have to identify any notes or anything to go to the opera this time since J decided to surprise me with the tickets. =)
The story is a tragedy written by Puccini in 1904 about a Japanese woman (Butterfly) who falls in love and marries an American naval captain, who later abandons her with promises to return. After three long years of waiting, he finally does return, but with an American bride that he considers to be his true wife. The pair ask Butterfly to give up her son to them, and she agrees and kills herself before they return to collect him.
We got to the venue just in time, and I noticed people had dressed with care to attend the opera. I've been to a play, a musical, and now an opera in London, and no one has ever been dressed up for any of it but for the opera. The men were in jackets and ties and the women had on dresses and heels. J and I? We were in jeans and jeans. But I did put on some earrings for the occasion. =)
J had sprung for the good seats, so we got a clear view of the set, which was absolutely beautiful. The set was flooded with water, and a Japanese house sat on a platform in the middle of the stage. The stage is circular with the orchestra abutting the rear of the stage, and the singers made full use of the entire space throughout the opera.
The acoustics in the Hall are supposed to be the best in London, and the singing was incredibly beautiful. It was a sad story, and very intense through much of it, and I could see why the woman sitting next to me was wiping way tears at the end of the performance.
As for me, I didn't cry but I was inspired to sing in song for the rest of the night. J decided to join in, and so we bellowed an operatic conversation to each other all the way home. Cause that's just who we are. =)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Little Rain Must Fall
It's been one of those days where nothing goes right, but I find that I can't be that upset about it. There are all sorts of things going on in the world that are leagues beyond any discomfort that I may be facing, and I'm grateful that my complaints are small.
That being said, I had an absolutely horrible run this morning - the shortest and the slowest run I've had in a while. I wasn't feeling particularly motivated, but I had promised my friend that we would both go running at noon, albeit her at the gym and me at the park. About two minutes into my run, my iPod ran out of juice, proving me wrong in thinking that the poor thing had another hour or so left battery-wise.
I decided to just keep on trucking in silencio, and then a mile later, I ran into a dog fight. Lots of dog owners wander the park without their dogs on leashes, and maybe that's not the brightest idea. Like when your large dog is the kind of dog that likes to chase and bite other strange, large dogs. I couldn't run through the dog fight so I waited and watched as the owners attempted to pull them away from each other. After the dogs were separated, I got out of there quick, but I did hear them starting up again right as I left. Leashes, people!
I was glad to escape the dogs, but I couldn't escape the rain. It started out as a drizzle, but then it started raining in earnest. I tried to keep on running while wiping the running water from my eyes and telling myself that it would stop eventually, but I finally called it a day after a paltry three miles when I saw even the rugby players packing it in. And they don't stop for nothing. Besides, I hate running in the rain - I can hardly see and I kick up muck on the back of my legs and ankle blisters are a near certainty.
Sad and dejected, I went home to dry off and await the arrival of the decorator (US: painter) and the grocery delivery. Then I had to cancel the decorator because we're having some water leakage issues, and I discovered the grocery delivery truck is going to be an hour late after calling their helpline to figure out why my food hasn't arrived yet. As a consolation, the customer service rep promised to include a free bottle of wine in my next delivery, which would be great but for the fact that I don't drink. Sigh.
That being said, I had an absolutely horrible run this morning - the shortest and the slowest run I've had in a while. I wasn't feeling particularly motivated, but I had promised my friend that we would both go running at noon, albeit her at the gym and me at the park. About two minutes into my run, my iPod ran out of juice, proving me wrong in thinking that the poor thing had another hour or so left battery-wise.
I decided to just keep on trucking in silencio, and then a mile later, I ran into a dog fight. Lots of dog owners wander the park without their dogs on leashes, and maybe that's not the brightest idea. Like when your large dog is the kind of dog that likes to chase and bite other strange, large dogs. I couldn't run through the dog fight so I waited and watched as the owners attempted to pull them away from each other. After the dogs were separated, I got out of there quick, but I did hear them starting up again right as I left. Leashes, people!
I was glad to escape the dogs, but I couldn't escape the rain. It started out as a drizzle, but then it started raining in earnest. I tried to keep on running while wiping the running water from my eyes and telling myself that it would stop eventually, but I finally called it a day after a paltry three miles when I saw even the rugby players packing it in. And they don't stop for nothing. Besides, I hate running in the rain - I can hardly see and I kick up muck on the back of my legs and ankle blisters are a near certainty.
Sad and dejected, I went home to dry off and await the arrival of the decorator (US: painter) and the grocery delivery. Then I had to cancel the decorator because we're having some water leakage issues, and I discovered the grocery delivery truck is going to be an hour late after calling their helpline to figure out why my food hasn't arrived yet. As a consolation, the customer service rep promised to include a free bottle of wine in my next delivery, which would be great but for the fact that I don't drink. Sigh.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Korean Food at Asadal
Instead of going for a run in the park, I met my friends for lunch today at Asadal, a Korean restaurant located right by Holborn station. Wait, does this make me a lady that lunches? Very cool, I've always aspired to be one of those!
Anyway, I was a little wary since my last Korean food expedition in London was a bit disappointing, and I had written off having any Korean food until another visit back to LA. Turns out, my fears were unfounded - I've finally found some good Korean food in London!
First off, the decor is pretty nice and on par with a nice restaurant as opposed to just being a place to eat. Second, you can tell it's an authentic Korean restaurant because it has grills built into the table and a bell you ring to call your waitress over. Third, they don't charge extra for the sides - free banchan all around, woohoo! And last, they serve you a bit of fruit at the end of your meal. Just like how Mom does it. =)
I ordered the meat bibimbap, and it was exactly what it was supposed to be. Except for the fact that they brought the tiniest amount of spicy sauce to mix in with it, but no points off for that since I always have to ask for extra spicy sauce, even at restaurants in K-town back in LA.
My friends ordered the jap chae, which came with a side of salad and white rice and a small serving of spiced daikon radish. I don't think they had tried the dish before, but they got the brilliant idea of mixing everything on their plate together and then eating it. I couldn't help smiling as I watched them swirl it all together, but they pronounced it to be delicious, so we were all smiling at the end. I was responsible for identifying all the bits that came out like the lotus root and the daikon radish, and it was fun to be the Korean expert since I so rarely get to be one.
It was definitely nice to be eating good Korean food again, and I think I'll be bringing J around the next time he starts craving Korean food. What a great find!
Oh, and I found out that the food stand outside of the Louvre in Paris - Paul - is actually a chain, and they have locations in London! I can't wait to visit it again for some hot molten chocolate - yum!
Anyway, I was a little wary since my last Korean food expedition in London was a bit disappointing, and I had written off having any Korean food until another visit back to LA. Turns out, my fears were unfounded - I've finally found some good Korean food in London!
First off, the decor is pretty nice and on par with a nice restaurant as opposed to just being a place to eat. Second, you can tell it's an authentic Korean restaurant because it has grills built into the table and a bell you ring to call your waitress over. Third, they don't charge extra for the sides - free banchan all around, woohoo! And last, they serve you a bit of fruit at the end of your meal. Just like how Mom does it. =)
I ordered the meat bibimbap, and it was exactly what it was supposed to be. Except for the fact that they brought the tiniest amount of spicy sauce to mix in with it, but no points off for that since I always have to ask for extra spicy sauce, even at restaurants in K-town back in LA.
My friends ordered the jap chae, which came with a side of salad and white rice and a small serving of spiced daikon radish. I don't think they had tried the dish before, but they got the brilliant idea of mixing everything on their plate together and then eating it. I couldn't help smiling as I watched them swirl it all together, but they pronounced it to be delicious, so we were all smiling at the end. I was responsible for identifying all the bits that came out like the lotus root and the daikon radish, and it was fun to be the Korean expert since I so rarely get to be one.
It was definitely nice to be eating good Korean food again, and I think I'll be bringing J around the next time he starts craving Korean food. What a great find!
Oh, and I found out that the food stand outside of the Louvre in Paris - Paul - is actually a chain, and they have locations in London! I can't wait to visit it again for some hot molten chocolate - yum!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Assimilation - Is it finally happening?
Maybe it's because the days are so gloom and doom weather-wise, but I've been having some very vivid dreams lately. After many nights of dreaming of sandy, white beaches and blue waters as far as the eye can see, I dreamed last night that I was playing a very strenuous game of rugby.
Never mind the fact that I know near zilch about the game other than that a "scrum" is involved and the ball looks something like a cross between a soccer ball and an American football. Maybe it's because of all the rugby players in the park where I go running. In any case, it's very, very disconcerting. What am I going to start dreaming about next, the Queen?
Never mind the fact that I know near zilch about the game other than that a "scrum" is involved and the ball looks something like a cross between a soccer ball and an American football. Maybe it's because of all the rugby players in the park where I go running. In any case, it's very, very disconcerting. What am I going to start dreaming about next, the Queen?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Waiting for Spring
I woke up this morning to another grey and blah kind of day, and it's getting to the point where I'm actually dreaming every night of floating in a warm, blue ocean with the sun beating down on my face. I wish.
Anyway, I sucked it up and decided to go on a run this morning since the half-marathon is only about 2 weeks away now. I was feeling a bit glum from the weather, but I couldn't help grinning when I saw a pair of park rangers on horses calming meandering along the trail ahead of me. I eventually passed them, and lo and behold, I saw a clump of blooming flowers! I think they were snowdrops and daffodils, but they're just beginning to bloom so I couldn't be sure.
I've been waiting forever to say this, but I think spring may be coming! And not a moment too soon.
Anyway, I sucked it up and decided to go on a run this morning since the half-marathon is only about 2 weeks away now. I was feeling a bit glum from the weather, but I couldn't help grinning when I saw a pair of park rangers on horses calming meandering along the trail ahead of me. I eventually passed them, and lo and behold, I saw a clump of blooming flowers! I think they were snowdrops and daffodils, but they're just beginning to bloom so I couldn't be sure.
I've been waiting forever to say this, but I think spring may be coming! And not a moment too soon.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
Not that I believe in the holiday or anything, but it's nice to hope that everyone has a little extra love in their life today. J and I are not celebrating, since I think it's kind of a fake holiday requiring poor guys to shell out for overpriced flowers and chocolate. Besides, every day is a bit like Valentine's with J (you can stop gagging now). Our big Valentine's Day plans are to eat chili and watch Glee re-runs at home. Besides, we covered the basics - J bought me flowers on Friday and I baked him chocolate brownies last night. =)
I haven't been really good about blogging lately because there just isn't that much going on right now. The weather is still cold and gray, and I'm still prepping for my half-marathon coming up in 3 weeks (eek!). I'm running about 5-6 miles a day now, and I'm happy to report that I have not gotten crapped on by any birds lately. Thank God for small blessings.
We did go to a party last Friday that was thrown by J's group at work. I was dreading it a bit - I wasn't quite sure what to wear, and how much fun could a bunch of lawyers in a room could be? Turns out, a lot! No one really talked about work (thank goodness), and everyone turned out to be American expats.
Pretty much everyone's married, and none of the lawyers' wives work. That was pretty awesome, because I hate going to parties where I'm the only wife that's not working. The conversation inevitably turns to Hollywood gossip, because the others figure that's about as much as my pea-sized brain can handle. Not so this time - we're all unemployed, yay! I was a bit surprised that I'm the one who probably works the most, and it's only as a contract attorney. Which makes me very curious as to what they do most of the time... I suppose I may find out this weekend, since they suggested getting together for drinks sometime this week.
I haven't been really good about blogging lately because there just isn't that much going on right now. The weather is still cold and gray, and I'm still prepping for my half-marathon coming up in 3 weeks (eek!). I'm running about 5-6 miles a day now, and I'm happy to report that I have not gotten crapped on by any birds lately. Thank God for small blessings.
We did go to a party last Friday that was thrown by J's group at work. I was dreading it a bit - I wasn't quite sure what to wear, and how much fun could a bunch of lawyers in a room could be? Turns out, a lot! No one really talked about work (thank goodness), and everyone turned out to be American expats.
Pretty much everyone's married, and none of the lawyers' wives work. That was pretty awesome, because I hate going to parties where I'm the only wife that's not working. The conversation inevitably turns to Hollywood gossip, because the others figure that's about as much as my pea-sized brain can handle. Not so this time - we're all unemployed, yay! I was a bit surprised that I'm the one who probably works the most, and it's only as a contract attorney. Which makes me very curious as to what they do most of the time... I suppose I may find out this weekend, since they suggested getting together for drinks sometime this week.
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