Would You Like A Scone With That?

I have never washed that many dishes in one day in my entire life. Not even on Thanksgiving. And certainly never that many tea pots. And tea cups. And tea strainers. And tea spoons.

(In. AWE.)

Let me explain. Earlier this week I was unexpectedly offered a job at the London Tea Room in the city (literally right around the corner from the awesome City Museum). Its this lovely tea room run by a British family who just so happens to know us through homeschooling and when Steph-Jimmer, Laurel-Jimmer, and several other Jimmers were filming for our school film, "Pride and Parody". 

I'd visited the Tea Room several times in the past and just loved the atmosphere and, of course, the tea and goodies. A few years ago I wrote a story for literature class about a quirky place called Cafe Character. When I walked into the tea room for the first time it was a bit like walking into my own story. 

Needless to say, I was ecstatic about the offer. 

"Whaaaaaat?"

Details like schedule and the long commute had to be worked out of course but at 11:00 a.m. sharp I was in the door and ready to go.

(source: The Star-Crossed Blogger)

Now don't get me wrong: Its hard work. Especially with the unusually large crowd of crumpet-starved people and the back to back high tea reservations we were all running. Or at least a dignified jog. Between washing dishes, busing tables, more dishes, replenishing tea pots and cups and silverware, and a few more dishes I didn't stop moving for 6 hours (and I probably should have taken my break a little earlier). Lets just say that when I got home that night my feet were not very happy with me. At all.

So yeah, my feet wanted to run away to a convent without me. And I'm glad its only once a week. But the truth is I really enjoyed doing it. My co-workers are fun and really patient with the newbie, my boss is the best (and British! Everything sounds better with a British accent), the pay is good, and I get to drink tea on the job and bring home leftover baked goodies. For me, personally, this is the best first job ever. Not so 'glamorous' as Wallmart or Price Chopper (my runner-up options)...but I think I'm good right where I am. You might even say that its my cup of tea. (Punderlicious, eh?)

Maybe even as cheesy as this. But I doubt it. 

Jam 'n' Crumpets,
-Hannah

FEED ME YOUR NOMS.

Panko!

I WANT FOOD. There is no other way to put it. My tummy is imploding from the sheer emptiness right now and will begin growling in a few minutes like Laur- ahem, Jimmer's usually does. Aka, sounding like a baby dragon has gotten lost in your sweater and is calling for their mother.

This will only worsen my condition, but here is a delectable collection of some of my favorite foods that I want right now:

Shrimp Tempura!

Pizzzzzza!

Lamb Tikka Masala

Yoshinoya's Eel Rice Bowl. Scratch that, anything from Yoshinoya.

Tokyo's Crepes. To.Die.For.

British Bakeries!

Fish and Chips

Scones! 

With tea!

Naan Bread!

Fried Squid Tentacles!

Enough for now. I might just start gnawing this laptop if  the beast is not fed soon.

Happy Noms,

-Hannah

 (P.S. Can you tell I was writing this while doing Japanese?)

Would You Like Some Stress With Your Toast?

I'm ecstatically, expectantly happy right now, but preparing for an international trip isn't a picnic (American or British). The itinerary, the fundraising, the stacks of overdue travel books from the library; the PACKING; there are so many things to do. Yet, so few. So, personally, whats the hardest part of preparing for an international trip for me? The waiting. 

And waiting. And waiting. About a month before the date of departure you start counting off the days until the Final Seven Days when the hours seem to ooze by like snail in a molasses puddle. In slo-mo. Even with having to prepare for finals as well i'm still in a perpetual state of patience. Stress is released from the waiting humanoids then gathers and condenses in the house until its so palpable you could cut with a butter knife and serve it with tea. My stomach starts to revolt on about Day 4 of the countdown and my stomach juices are swishing around in flushed traveler's anticipation (which doesn't feel all that great, let me tell you.) My muscles start to tense up, my eyebrows furrow. Oh, let Tuesday come already!

The good news is that all of the stress buildup, the waiting, simply melts away in blessed relief on Day 1: Departure. Suddenly my tummy will be happy again, my shoulders will be movable again, and i'll be packed and completely ready to leave. Actually getting on the Megabus that will eventually lead to England will be like a shot of adrenaline. 

Until that moment, i'm going to have to stick to my usual methods of relaxation: drinking loads of cool bevreges, listening to my favorite music, and asking my little sisters for a deep-tissue massage (aka just laying on the floor and having them run and jump all over my back). Oh, and sating my travel appetite by reading the pretty prose of travel books.

On a happier note, my Mom has devised a way to cheat pickpockets and sketchy characters on the trip. Instead of stuffing all the passports, money, and emergency info for the students into a purse she is planning to pack it into a bum pack, wear it under her shirt and jacket, and claim pregnancy. She has enough practice. I'm hoping to take advantage of the situation and get nice treatment at eateries, theatre performances, etc. Maybe i should pose as pregnant! A pillow or two and I could get special treatment everywhere I went. Or...maybe not. I'm already assumed the teenage mother of my sisters more often than i'd like, I don't need to start a Day Care. 

Jet-Setting Jabber,

-Hannah

A Poetical Fiasco

At the moment, life does not permit me to write out the long and hopefully interesting email in my head. I'll do that later this week. Until then, I will express my current state of life in this poetic scrap:

My schedule is stacked. My bags are unpacked. 

Homework unfinished, Trip excitement undiminished.

Final Week Approaching, Stress levels soaring,

Procrastination innate. Grades, don't deflate!

Lists, Lists, Lists:

Shopping, Packing, Travel Tips.

"To Do", "To Don't", "To Forget".

Mad as a Hatter, I'll be a cat that caters,

"A cuppa' sugar an' two lumps of tea,

Would you like a scone, Miss Lee?"

The clock ticks like a tell-tale heart,

When will school end and travel start?

(Oh, some quick explanation: I'm going to dressed as the Cheshire Cat at a tea room at the approaching British Faire. The next weekend is Finals Week. Early the day after Finals we leave for Britain. Do you see my dilemma?)

We're All Mad Here,

Hannah