Thanks giving ....

Hi all,

Sorry it has been so long since I published my last blog. Work, work, work. :-) I have lots of updates for you all, not all of them good, unfortunately.

Last week, my lovely flat was burglarized. :( I came home after a long week of work to find all of my jewelry, cash and some electronics taken. Fortunately, there was no danger to me, as the thief had conveniently locked up after he/she left (they had a set of keys... which I will get into later). The biggest heartache is that the jewelry which was stolen is irreplacable. My grandmothers pearl dinner ring, a birthstone ring my mother gave me for my 14th birthday, the first earings my dad gave me when he finally let me have my ears pierced, earings that Mettie and I bought on our famous Outies and Undies shopping trip in Seattle... the list goes on and on (not only because I love jewelry, but because I love all the memories that came with each piece). What a bummer!! There is little chance of retrieving any of the items as jewelry is hard to trace. It saddens me to think that my stuff was probably pawned somewhere in the city - and the new owners will not know how lovely the story behind any of it is, and how much it meant to me. I've spent the week talking with the police and management company and it is quite clear there is no sign of forced entry - so I've had the locked changed in hopes that I can stop it from happening again. :(

The good news is that I am in great spirits. What's gone is gone - and well, as my mom frequently reminds me, there is no use crying over spilt milk. Speaking of mums - my mom is here visiting for a week and we are having a most enjoyable time together. Tonight we are headed to see 'We Will Rock You' a musical with music from Queen. Go Freddie Merc! It's been exciting to share London with her, and the lovely little place I call home. I think she too has a special place in her heart for this city after only 4 days- I know I do after only 2 months. It's been great fun to come home from work every night and here her stories of the day (I think she's done more in 4 days than I have since I arrived)... from seeing the queen and the crown in it's own carriage, to stopping a horse stampede during the changing of the guard at St. James, to Selfridges and Harrods (who knew she had such a taste for shopping!), and the little china shop on Haymarket, or was that Regent, or was that Berwick street!

Today is Thanksgiving in the US - and over here in London, although I am working today instead of indulging myself on Turkey and trimmings, I am ever so thankful. Thankful for many things - for my wonderful family, a mother who has come 5K miles to share a week with me, brother Paul who I miss ever so much, and Ivan, Mel and Dad who I cannot wait to see at Christmas. I am so blessed to have more friends than I could ever deserve to have in life. I miss you all (Jamie, Renee, Jenn, Kory, Mettie, Heather, Jill, Amber, the list goes on and on, but you know that I love you!). I am joyed to hear that you are buying new homes, having new babies, and taking new chances on life (all without me there to spend endless hours discussing!). I am thankful that even though we haven't had nearly as many chances to catch up as I would like, that my love and friendship for each of you remains strong and that I know no matter the distance, it will always remain so. It makes it all the more wonderful when we do see each other. I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity that is even more grand than I could have ever imagined, and for the several new friends (Amy, Adam, Ben & Charlotte) who have made my first moments in London incredibly special - and given me someone to share my delight with.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have time today to celebrate all the things in life that give us such splendid reason to be thankful.

With love,

Suzy