Reflections from the first four months

It's crazy to think that four months have gone by since we arrived in London.  Since we're heading back to the US for a couple of weeks tomorrow I thought we should reflect back on what we have learned, things we have grown to love & things we miss back home.

Lessons Learned:

• Shoes soles don't last when you're logging a minimum of 3 miles a day.
• Visits to coffee shops are appropriate at all times of the day.  The convenience of Starbucks has turned me into a full fledged Chai Latte addict.  I try to limit myself, but they sound good in the morning and in the afternoon.  The 1 minute walk has certainly makes it difficult to resist.
• Don't rely on gadgets (aka Slingbox) to be able to watch local TV.  We are seriously behind on Grey's and Private practice and my Oprah watching has been seriously impacted.
• Always check your receipt to see if a service charge is included.
• The weather is completly unpredictable - Treat your umbrella as if it's your watch.  Never leave home without it. 
• tfl.gov.uk is your friend - never leave home without checking to see what lines are running.
• Program the number to get a taxi into your phone.  Never put yourself in a situation where you could get stranded.

New found loves:

• Pizza Express - it's our equivalent to Chilis or On the Border.  It has yet to let us down.
• Fresh food - this may sound crazy, but Cory and I both ate a lot of Lean Cuisines for lunch and I have yet to eat a microwave meal at work since I have arrived.
• Please no short bus jokes, but we love the convenience and ease of riding the Bus.  There is nothing better than sitting up top of a double decker.
• Multiple free daily newspapers - We get the City AM at the office and on our walk home a man is handing out Evening Standards. 
• Sleeping until 7:30 am on work days.  In KC we were already on our way to work by this time.  Not only do we sleep in, but Brady gets to stay in his pjs and no rushing around the house like crazy people trying to get everyone ready.
• Football (soccer) - Both Brady and Cory have become huge football fans.  Our hallways has been transformed into a practice field for shooting goals.

What we miss:

• Target - nothing compares to pulling up in your SUV, pushing a cart around Super Target and having everything you could ever want at your disposal.
• Fountain pop with lots of ice - We seriously don't think people understand what they are missing.  Tesco should take some lessons from Quick Trip and add a fountain beverage section that includes multiple ice selections.
• Colby Jack cheese - This may seem silly, but the only shredded cheese we can find is Cheddar or Mozzarella.
• Coupons - I was on the verge of becoming a true bargain shopper and the move has resulted in a bit of  a setback.  I just can't seem to find good deals.
• In and out restaurants - Dining in London is not designed for toddlers.  We had become accustomed to going to places where you can get in and out in 30 minutes.  Sometimes it takes 30 minutes to get your bill.
• Sports Center - This is actually what Cory misses.  I could probably also put this on my list of what I love as I don't have to listen to it every night before bed.
• Our Pillowtop mattress.  Our bed here simply does not compare.

It's been a good four months.  We are looking forward to making the most of 2011.