Settling In

As I sit here and munch on my Coconut M&M's, something the UK will probably never see, I recall that last week, I was having a difficult time adjusting to life here. I was missing a lot of things from home, the house Phil and I are staying in has practically turned into a free-for-all party house, and my emotions were getting the best of me. I've really been reflecting the past few days, and have realized that moving here is one of the best things I've ever done. I have so many blessings to count, and I am really beginning to enjoy my time here.
One major advantage is the positive effect London's lifestyle has had on my health. Many of you know, or have at least seen Facebook statuses, about my recurring joint pain. Since I have been forced to walk everywhere (and finally gotten used to it,) I have noticed a substantial improvement in my ailments. My joint pain is virtually non-existent. I have more energy, I sleep better (when the jerks upstairs are quiet,) my hands are no longer ashy and bony because my circulation has improved, and I'm staying busier, which means I have basically eliminated my bad habit of eating as a result of boredom. I feel so much better every day than I did before.
I haven't really taken any pictures yet (I know, I know)...and it took me a long time to figure out why I wasn't itching for a snap-a-thon. I think it's because I came here not in a tourist's frame of mind, but a resident's frame of mind. The purpose in my coming here was strictly to get used to the lifestyle, to decide if this will be my permanent home. I've been so engrossed in the daily ins and outs of living that I have not felt the need to capture life with my camera. Now that I'm more comfortable here, that will change. I will begin documenting more as the days progress.
I found some new books for a really cheap price. I finally bought The Hunger Games, and added to my Jodi Picoult collection with her newest paperback Sing You Home. I got them for the equivalent of about $5.50 each....1/3 of what they would cost me in the States. I got some postcards to mail back home to my family; if you want one, you need to let me know.
My new favorite things are these Fresh Cream & Strawberry Jam Doughnuts. YUMMO. Phil got me hooked on them, so it's entirely his fault.

As you can see, he quite enjoys them, as well.
I'm starting to notice some little quirks of the city; namely street performers. On our way back from taking Phil's boys home tonight, just outside the Leytonstone Tube Station, we saw this guy playing a tuba with fire coming out of it. He was playing real old-timey stuff, and every time he blew into his tuba, fire came out the top. I didn't have my camera on me, and I nearly kicked my own ass for it, but Phil captured a photo or two on his iPhone, we threw him some change and took a flier. He's got a Facebook page called Fire Tuba, and as it turns out, you can actually book him to perform at almost any event: weddings, company parties, birthday parties, etc. He was really putting on a show....everyone around stopped for a listen and a photo op, and people were digging change out of their pockets and purses to toss in his bucket. It was a refreshing sight after having to ignore the beggars at the other end on a daily basis.
I'm finally starting to settle in and really absorb what this city is about. Everyone I have met has so generously offered me a warm welcome, and Phil's friends have truly been good to me. I'm much more optimistic about staying here permanently than I was a couple of weeks ago, but I think I was struggling to find my sense of belonging. As I get closer to establishing myself in a job, and the final pieces come together, I really believe I could easily call London home.