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	<title>Adventures in the big smoke...</title>
	<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com</link>
	<description>Jose does time in London</description>
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<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2191" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2190" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2189" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2188" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2187" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2186" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2185" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2184" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2183" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2182" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2181" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2176" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2180" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2179" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2178" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2177" />
<rdf:li rdf:resource="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2171" />
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	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2193">
		<title>workipoo</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2193</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-16T22:58:06-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Today after a long day of classes I went back to work, I say back as I havent been there since I left before Christmas.  It was kinda nice being there and seeing familiar faces and getting back into things as I feel a little more settled now that I am back into my routine.  I also got to show off my shiney engagement ring which looks particularly good in the shop&#8217;s spot lighting I must admit.  I like looking down at it when I&#8217;m, say, sweeping the floor, making coffee or generally just standing around looking at it for no reason other than it&#8217;s gorgeous.   ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2192">
		<title>Knacked</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2192</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-15T21:51:50-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[As I&#8217;ve been feeling a little rounder since Christmas I thought going for a run would be a good start to getting a bit fitter.  I haven&#8217;t been for a run in ages and due to this it turned out to be more of a brisk walk in the end.  I did however enjoy the fresh air and the run/jog/walk along the canal and into Victoria Park.  Many proper serious joggers passed me and I wonder how they don&#8217;t die with the burning feeling in their lungs.  I figure it will get better the more I do it.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2191">
		<title>zzz</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2191</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-14T22:47:44-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Today was a learning packed day.  A 3 hour lecture then 15 mins for lunch followed by an hour tutorial, from the wonderful Phillip Johnson, then another 3 hour lecture, (which turned into a 3 and a half hour lecture).  The only reason he stopped was because the projector gave up or who knows it might have lasted 3 days.  He is our new Patent lecturer so no more Phillip and no more interesting classes I fear.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2190">
		<title>Train station</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2190</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-13T19:46:00-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[I don&#8217;t know where it came from but watching Steph get on the train and leaving me here alone was really upsetting.  I was biting my lip and telling myself not to cry in public and I know she was only here for a couple of days but I&#8217;m going to miss having her here.  Come back soon please!<br><br>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2189">
		<title>Sights again</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2189</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-12T23:33:34-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[I feel like I have this tour guide side of me who likes showing the people who come to visit the sights of London.  You know Westminster, London Eye, Thames, Buckingham Palace etc etc.  She seemed to enjoy that today and we did a hell of a lot of walking so it was fun fun fun.  She bought me a pedometer complete with stopwatch, light, panic alarm, clock and lightsaber.  Ok that last part was made up but really it could have with its multi functioning awesomeness.  Anyway I did have a point I just can&#8217;t remember it.  Hmm.<br><br>Tonight we went out for dinner to a lovely Italian place in Covent Garden and wandered around Leicester Square.  It&#8217;s been so nice having my big sister here.  <br><br> ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2188">
		<title>Double</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2188</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-11T18:32:39-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two posts today!! Steph is coming to visit tonight for the weekend, woohoo how exciting.  I miss my sister.<br><br>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2187">
		<title>Phew</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2187</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-11T16:25:56-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[So I&#8217;ve spent the last week within the same four walls revising and reading revising and reading god what a small room.  I wonder whether it&#8217;s because I hadn&#8217;t done an exam for almost 4 years but this morning I have never been more nervous.  I went into the exam hall a quivering mess trying to think of anything I had been revising and coming up blank.  I seem to get this crazy mental block when I am highly stressed where I read the first question and not only do I not understand it but I don&#8217;t even understand what the words mean.  I sit and I breath and I breath some more and force myself to calm down.  I read it again and suddenly exam Andrea takes over.  She starts to scribble furiously, so much so that her finger has that little indent that you get for the rest of the day.  People are scared that her paper might burst into flames due to the speed at which she writes.  (Ok I might have made that last bit up but I want to stress just how much scribbling was involved).  Anyway despite running out of time, (due to an idiotic mix-up with the timings), I answered all the questions.  The feeling of elation as you walk out of an exam is a pretty awesome feeling.  I wonder if it&#8217;s similar to taking drugs.  At least I only have to wait till April to find out the results.  April!! Pfft lazy external examiners.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2186">
		<title>*sad face*</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2186</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-06T17:22:44-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Well that wasn&#8217;t nice.  Leaving someone at the airport and watching them drive away is horrible, leaving your fiance and watching them drive away is heartbreaking.  I don&#8217;t recommend it.  I know I have to go back and finish this and I know it&#8217;s not long till I&#8217;ll be back for good but waaaa I don&#8217;t wanna.  London sucks!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2185">
		<title>Happy New Year</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2185</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2008-01-01T19:12:10-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tonight it was my turn to entertain only this time Steph and Dave had to decline so it&#8217;s a nice easy number to cook for.  We played a little Guitar Hero, chatted about random stuff and had a giggle.  I miss spending time with friends.  Must make more of an effort when I get back to do this more often.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2184">
		<title>going going...</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2184</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-31T23:59:59-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[I&#8217;m not sure what we did with the days between Christmas and New Year and I find it happens every year.  We hung out, chatted, watched films, chilled and generally enjoyed the silence together.  Tonight we decided on a more low key exclusive New Year party, so exclusive in fact only Richard and I were invited.  The best kind of party :)<br><br>I guess I should sum up the year seeing as it&#8217;s the last slither of it. Erm I started this year unemployed wondering what the hell I was going to do.  I decided on a path and at the moment am half way along it and just stopping for a breather.  Richard bought a lovely house which we made into a home together.  I moved in unofficially.  I left for uni.  I missed home.  We went to New York.  We got engaged.  I moved in officially. Phew what a great year.  Can hardly wait for the next one!<br><br>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2183">
		<title>Christmas dinner take 3</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2183</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-27T22:25:19-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tonight we had Dad, Steph and Dave over for Christmas dinner.  We had proper fancy crackers and the dinner went down really well.  It was a chance for Steph to ooh some more over my sparkly ring and come to think of it Dave did too.  <br>A highlight of the evening was the Christmas special of Extras.  I was a big fan of the show so I was really looking forward to this.  It was the best thing I have seen in a long long time.  With some real laugh out loud moments, some great celeb appearances and a poignant end it was a very well written end to a great show.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2182">
		<title>Boxing day</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2182</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-26T22:58:55-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[I read recently that Boxing Day used to be the day the servants and poor people celebrated and were given gifts (seeing as they had to work on Christmas Day).  And it got me to thinking (sorry for the Carrie&#8217;ness of that) what about all the people who have to work boxing day.  It&#8217;s weird how we all go out in a mad spending rush buying stuff for people with the last few days before Christmas being just manic!  We buy stuff for people we feel obligated to buy for.  This stuff will probably be put in a cupboard somewhere.  This stuff is never normally stuff we would buy for ourself yet we feel compelled to buy it seeing as it&#8217;s wrapped in red ribbon and is in a "Christmas Shop" inside a giant department store trying to push boxes of smelly stuff on us.  Then wait 24 hours and then it&#8217;s all given away for 50p and we do it all again only this time buying this stuff as it&#8217;s a bargain.  As my dad always says "it&#8217;s only a bargain if you need it" and I really really needed that set from Boots!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2181">
		<title>A is for...</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2181</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-25T23:30:18-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Just when I thought he couldn&#8217;t get any sweeter....<br><br>An alphabet of presents awaited me under the tree this morning.  I must have been a REALLY good girl this year as I was absolutely spoiled rotten.<br><br>Merry Christmas everyone x]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2176">
		<title>Books</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2176</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-24T22:33:41-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Today Richard went to work and I was supposed to stay in and study.  I did study the books in a way, i.e I studied the them from afar as they sat near the TV I was watching or I saw them on my way back from the kitchen as I ate junk food and lay on the couch feeling Christmassy.  I wrapped presents, watched bad Christmas movies and really really enjoyed it.  Feel guilty? Nah it&#8217;s Christmas.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2180">
		<title>Hostess with the mostest</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2180</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-23T23:49:43-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Well tonight was the social event of the year, Jen&#8217;s Christmas party.  Well not so much a party more a soiree with all my favourite people.  And boy did she do a great job.  The place looked fantastic, the table was gorgeous, presents were exchanged much to everyone&#8217;s delight and there was even a roaring fire in the background (well of sorts).  A great night was had by all and it sure did put us all in the festive mood.  Job well done and round of applause for Jen.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2179">
		<title>Home</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2179</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-21T20:25:17-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[As our flight home is just before midnight we have the day to spend here before heading to the airport.  This was used wandering around looking for last minute gift ideas, getting some lunch at our favourite Applebees and then catching a cab to JFK.  In the end we had a couple of hours to kill so ended up sitting in the hotel bar ordering cocktails (I seem to remember doing this last year too?).  Anyway a few drinks later and a trip to the airport and a 6 or 7 hour flight seemed like a piece of cake.  I figured it would also help me sleep on the plane.  I took travel sickness pills just in case and boarded the plane.  An hour or so later I was throwing up in the tiny restrooms on board.  This happened around 5 times before I finally fell asleep and had probably the worst flight ever.  Richard didn&#8217;t do much better so when we saw his Dad at Glasgow airport I couldn&#8217;t have been more glad to see him.  A quick car ride and we were home.  Once there we seemed to get a new lease of life and went shopping in Braehead.   A long long day.  ]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2178">
		<title>I Am Legend</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2178</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-19T23:24:23-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[During our trip we managed to take in a couple of movies at the local Cinema just on 42nd St.  We saw I Am Legend starring Will Smith.  I had no idea what the film was about going in but Richard had wanted to see it and seeing as it was set in New York, (with a sighting of the hotel we were staying in within the first 5 mins of the film), it seemed like a good idea.  I&#8217;m not really a huge fan of the zombie last man on earth scary thriller genre but I did enjoy it for other reasons.  Will Smith is the last man left on Manhattan as he is immune to the virus that has killed the rest of the population.  We see the island as it would be with no inhabitants for 4 years or so, which itself is worth seeing.  The zombie/vampire like creatures, that the humans turn into, however were far from believable and instead kind of ruined the scare factor of it as they were so obviously CGI.  Will Smith, I thought, was excellent and it fairly rattled through the story what with it being around an hour and a half unlike it&#8217;s counterparts of late which have laboriously ran into the 2 1/2, 3 hour mark.  But yes at the end the New York audience gave a round of applause.  They do know that Will Smith isn&#8217;t behind the screen and can&#8217;t hear them, yes?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2177">
		<title>TJ</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2177</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-18T22:09:26-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Working in our hotel was the biggest man I have ever seen. He was 6ft 11inches tall and just as broad.  He brought our room service the first night and when I opened the door I went to say hello but it came out "hehhhhh" as I looked from his chest (where I assumed his face was going to be) up to where his actual head was and eventually invited him inside.  He was giant!!! Anyway he ducked his head under the huge door frame and started chatting away asking us how long we had been here etc.  He really was the nicest guy.  Anyway turns out most of the guests agreed with us and he was somewhat famous around the hotel with people getting their photo taken with him.  So if you are ever staying at the Renaissance Hotel, Times Square look out for TJ.  Lovely guy.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2171">
		<title>Richard says Relax</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2171</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-17T23:25:06-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[This trip wasn&#8217;t about seeing the sights, being tourists and cramming things in.  It was about spending time together a million miles away from work and just chilling out so that is exactly what we did.  We drank cocktails, ate nice meals, wandered the city stopping anywhere we fancied, did a little light shopping, sat in the park, ate pizza in Times Square, ordered room service generally just putting our feet up and taking it easy.  And boy was it good.  Spending time with Richard after being apart for so long was just what I needed and as we were far away from any other distractions we certainly made up for lost time.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>	<item rdf:about="http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2175">
		<title>Brrr</title>
		<link>http://andrea.blogbear.com/blog/single/2175</link>
		<dc:subject>General</dc:subject>
		<dc:creator>drea1508</dc:creator>
		<dc:date>2007-12-16T23:52:59-00:00</dc:date>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ah yes the cold cold winter air of New York, how I&#8217;d forgotten just how biting it is.  Spent the day wandering around what felt like our old haunts.  Went to Applebees for brunch where they serve just good old American food and on the walls is various sporting memorabilia it&#8217;s a kind of homely place with good food and good atmosphere.  <br><br>Another surprise was tickets to see a show on Broadway.  Having been to see Phantom twice here already I was ready for something different and something different we got.  Having never really heard of it and knowing Richard&#8217;s love of puppets I must admit to being a bit dubious but really was a highly entertaining show and I would recommend it to anyone. I am of course talking about the wonderful <a href="http://www.avenueq.com/">Avenue Q.</a><br>It&#8217;s like the muppets only for adults, it&#8217;s like Sesame Street but with swearing and sex scenes, it&#8217;s like nothing I&#8217;d ever seen before and I very much enjoyed it.  Although beware songs will stick in your head!!!  "Everyone&#8217;s a little bit racist Okaaaaaaay".<br>]]></content:encoded>
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