Month: February 2005

Hello everyone,

One thing I forgot to mention in yesterdays news was the fact that I got to drive here in Birmingham. After getting over the initial wow of actually being on the opposite side of the car and of course the opposite side of the road, it was quite fun. 🙂 woo hoo. Now I’ve driven in England, the US, Mexico, and France. What a treat.

Today was more of a lazy day in terms of going out for seeing the sites. Instead we went around town visiting friends and letting them all know that I’m an american musician – which seems to instantly mean I’m a rockstar. Well, I guess when you whip out a custom signature pick it sort of helps. Heh.

Visited the Cadbury factory store in order to purchase some chocolate. Now I’ve got loads of Cadbury chocolate to give out to friends when I get back to the States. Which reminds me… Geez, all these pints of ale must be screwing with my brain, I bought some serious English Toffee yesterday as well. Very, very tasty stuff.

Tomorrow it’s off to the races. I think we’re headed to the dog track where I can put a few pounds down. I’ve also started reading Sting’s book. It’s off to a racing start. Of course I’ll do a book report on it when I’ve finished it. I almost feel like I’m back in school, writing down what the hell I think about for reading a book. Does anyone really care what I think about it?!?

Jody

In case you haven’t been following up for the past several days, I’ve been in England. Check the news archives for my previous adventures.

Yesterday we went out to Wales, which originally due to my ignorance I thought was in the UK. However it isn’t, it’s considered its own country. Duh – silly American. The country side looks much like Birmingham’s, but the road signs all contain English and Gaelic signs (at least I think it was Gaelic). We hung out and had a dinner at a local restaurant. It was quite tasty.

Today we tripped out to Stratford Upon Avon. For those not in the know, this is where Mr. William Shakespeare was born. We strolled around the town. Got to see little shops, houses, and of course the insurgence of Americanism. I had no idea Shakespeare had an affinity for Pizza Hut. We went to the church were he was baptised and now where his bones are apparently at rest. Interesting enough, the church was built in stages a very long time ago, with the first part in 1331. We then tooled around to the house where he was born and the house where he died. The one thing I noticed was how short all the doorways are. I should have some pictures of it when I get back to the states, and I’ll post how tall I look in comparison.

We were shopping at a local market this evening and while we were in there over the store speakers comes on something that you’d never hear in the States… Ozzy Ozbourne was on the loudspeaker system in a grocery market! I had to stop and think about that for a second. Anyway, I guess it could be expected as Ozzy is from Birmingham. Heh. Tonight after dinner I believe we’re going out to the Jug of Ale in Mosely. To have a Pint and catch some live music.

Book Review: I finished Rich Dad Poor Dad last night. Here’s the premise: its about changing your thinking to help you be wealthy and not a slave to money. Instead it’s a way of thinking that money should work for you and not the other way around. I guess I just stated the same thing twice oh well. The most interesting aspect is the change in definition as to what an asset and a liability really is. Already it’s given me a swift kick in the butt. Its not an easy concept for most people to change their thinking about money, but if you’re willing, this book is probably your best start for doing so!

Again, check the archives for previous Englandisms and check back over the next several days as I plan on updating daily. Until then “Cheers!”.

Jody

Now that I’ve been hooked on tea and crumpets, I’ve finally been fed a proper Fish and Chips dinner. Actually, I ordered Steak and Onion pie with Chips and had a piece of fish to go with it. It was quite good. Last night I was treated to a trip to a pub The Actress and the Bishop. We had a couple of pints and watched a band fronted by a guy who used to play in the days of Traffic. Brit-blues-pop is alive and well. One severe difference between Los Angeles and England bar wise is: people actually sit and appreciate the music instead of contantly talking. The second major difference is: smoke. People smoke like chimminey’s. That I don’t miss – I do appreciate that people can’t smoke in bars in LA.

On the subject of music, I have the distinct feeling that here in the U.K. music is more important to people. Its more pervasive on the TV and with the people I’ve met, they seek out music, rather than waiting to have it fed to them. I actually dig that concept. Maybe I’ve just never noticed it in America. I guess I’ll find out when I get back.

Today we’re heading to Wales. It should be a fun trip. Tomorrow I may be playing an open mic in Mosely, who knows.

In the written word, I’ve started reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I’ll give my thoughts on it, when I finish the book.

Have a great day!