home – Drew and Jen go to London

In My Own Little Corner

Jen — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:56:41 +0000

In our first flat, I never got over the feeling that we were living in someone else’s home. Perhaps it was the impersonality of the agency that managed it – meaning that we had no contact with the landlord – or maybe it was that the landlord was on holiday and would be returning at some point. Either way, I appreciated the flat for the ways we grew into it. It just never really felt like it was our place.

There is something magic about the new place. Despite the fact that it needs some repairs, it feels like home. I am guessing that part of it has something to do with having a lovely landlord that has encouraged us to get comfy.

Maybe it helps to have a little paint on a formerly wonky wall.

And maybe it has something to do with these lovely dishes filling the cabinets.

Just look at this sweet thing…

There’s a drawer for baking stuff. I can’t ask for much more.

Except maybe another drawer for baking stuff.

I’m kidding. It’s not all for baking.

www.drewandjengotolondon.com

They Call Her The Streak

Jen — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:43:51 +0000

This little pseudo-Londoner has learned a few things. I’ve met some saucy British women who have given me the confidence to say what I think in a more direct manner (I am taking baby steps). They’ve taught me to say things like, “that’s absolutely unacceptable” and “oh, no that won’t do at all” with a confident smile. I’ve felt a little taller. I even got a free lunch.

These training sessions have come in handy lately. Take this week’s test, for example.

This is the scaffolding a work crew has erected above our flat, apparently to fix a leaky roof issue.

This is the window in our bedroom that faces East.

What you can’t see in these photos is the view said work crew would have into my bedroom and bathroom at the time of day I am most likely to be naked in my flat.

Thank goodness I knew just what to say, and had practiced my sternest tone, when I rang up the Estate Manager.

www.drewandjengotolondon.com

You Know You are Home When

Jen — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 22:30:08 +0000

You have chores
You can talk about gas – the kind that goes in your car and the kind that comes after chili
You can laugh and cry when you need to
You can tell someone that they are a little bit stinky
You can ask for water and eat too much
You can spend the whole day in your pajamas
You can turn down food that was prepared just for you
You can ask for help and are quick to offer it

There is a lot to be said about being comfortable where ever you are and I am thankful to have family and friends that make it so easy to be myself. Â I only wish that they didn’t make so much delicious food. Â I mayÂ be forced to buy an extra seat on the plane to get my extra large arse home.