25 Jan 2001

The sun is shining in London -- how unusual. Had drinks and dinner last night with one of our clients. He's the first British person I met who I suspeact has a similar sense of humour to mine. We got on like mad. I'm starting to enjoy the seniority of my new position -- it certainly has brought an air of confidence when dealing with clients.

Now it's into the cycle of madness -- visits from corporate people, trying to see friends I haven't seen in months, reviews, parties, and mom visiting. It's going to be Spring before I know it. (Where should I go for holiday?)

21 Jan 2001

The round-up. Still loving my new role -- though there is a lot of hard work to be done, I feel up to the challenge. My mother is coming to visit on February 6th. Can't wait to show her London. Bush is now officially president, though his inaugural address was dull, dull, dull. It's cold and dark here, we recently had snow, but the days are getting slightly longer! Britain is in the midst of the adoption scandal, and far be it from me to judge from appearances, but those Kilshaws look really dodgy. Can't help but think those babies are better off in foster care.

10 Jan 2001

Great exciting things going on at work that are going to force me to get organised, motivated, and better able to work closer to my ability. I'm thrilled though, more soon.

8 Jan 2001

So, explain to me how a woman who possibly sheltered an illegal immigrant for a year, paid her some money, then said she didn't "truly" employ her is a good candidate for Labor Secretary?

She's either a liar, a doormat, or a cheapskate -- none of which is high commendation for a public office.

George, what the hell?
Whiskey and stress and fatigue = blurry Brian. Pitch almost over, and my head is full of things to say, not to say, would be nice to have said. Pitching is like being in a play -- days spent rehearsing to convince people that you're something you may well not be.

I need a good night's sleep. And a good shag. In that order.

I've just noticed that the interface to Blogger includes a male/female icon for "Team" which looks like they're holding hands. Is it subliminal? Or is it the whiskey.

7 Jan 2001

Even God rested today. But I'm working. More pitch work requiring me to coerce my jetlagged brain into thinking clearly, innovatively, and optimistically. I'm failing on all fronts. At this very important time.

Had dinner last night at Satsuma with Lance in Soho. I increasingly hate Soho with its crowds of lager louts, tourists, and screeching queens. Its cramped, dirty streets and lack of cashpoints. It has its bright spots -- the liquor store that sells honey vodka, the Asian market where one can buy edamame, the caipirinhas at that trendy bar I can never remember of the name. But it's usually just tiring. We did see Paul Rudd, the handsome actor who's hiding under a shaggy beard, holding hands with some greasy blonde and rushing through the streets as though many would recognise him.

But that was last night. And today my head is full of pitch scenarios, my career advancement, my to-do list, and Emmylou Harris' excellent new album. (And no, I'm not a fan of country music.)

John, and the rest of America, has discovered the Naked Chef. No he's not naked, and we don't understand what "pukka" means either.

6 Jan 2001

Ho ho home for the holidays. Days on the couch at mom's. Dinners with Mel, Dave, and Rich and Sara. Lovely party at Paul's. Drinks with Kelly and her new beau, Michael. Shopping. Swimming. Beautiful California sun. New Year's Eve with the beautiful people, Kerri Applebaum and David Harrison. Bad fish. Food poisoning. Laying around Kate and Anne's watching Iron Chef. Being bumped to business class on the way home.

Things I got: Gloves, a fleece vest, seafood utensils, a leather wallet, tickets to Mamma Mia, books, a hat, a piece of Lindlar pottery, a Kerseg calendar, candy.

Things I learned: Christmas isn't about the things I got, but the people I saw and get to spend too little time with. It's ok to love San Francisco and not want to live there. I miss sushi and sunshine. I like being able to drive everywhere. I like coming back to England.

New Year's resolution: to have a better year.