Update 8: Spooked

Hello everyone - hope my emails are still keeping you entertained. They certainly help to keep me reminded in a co-ordinated fashion of all the crazy things that have happened to me in London, and help me feel in touch with everyone at home and all over the world.

Of all the crazy things that have happened, the strangest happened on Saturday when the mad soccer hooligan drunk guy, N from the house in Finchley, committed suicide.

I got a phone call last night from my friend K sounding very small, young and spooked, as he told me that they had just found the body an hour ago ... I spent today in a bit of a "dwaal" or a "daze" (for my non-African friends) thinking about N, and about all the things that happened in that mad, mad house in Finchley. I feel quite sad because clearly - even though towards the end he was aggressive, rude and downright scary - he was on a terrible spiralling path of self-destruction. It was awful to be involved in it, and although I am certainly glad I wasn't in that house last night as K, V and Y dealt with hysterical ex-girlfriends, police, paramedics and the Mortuary van, I do feel a bit pulled-up-short, and reminded that I shouldn't be too quick to judge people or get angry with them ...

So as the sky gets bluer outside and spring finally arrives in London, together with all the lifting of spirits, healing of colds and hay fever, and imminent house moves to new places, I'm reminded by these great big Cosmic Smacks to settle down and enjoy life properly. And I must say, the homesickness definitely is lifting a bit as time inevitably moves on and irritatingly heals all wounds. Thank you for sticking through it with me.

I wandered through Leicester Square last night as they held the London Premiere of the last Star Wars movie. Lots of fun and very cool! Didn't see anyone famous though. Too many umbrellas in the rain obscuring everyone, for a shortie like me to see anyone significant :D But it was great to be a part of the screaming hordes hanging over the barriers and waving umbrellas at the cameras, and Star Wars balloons and everyone saying "May the Force be with you" and all that. You know me, Sci-Fi Tourist Forever! (And lthough I may still be short, I'm pleased to say that all the walking is finally paying off with the loss of a few inches round the waist. Went shopping (yes, again!) last weekend for work clothes, and I definitely fit a smaller size now. Good, good.)

I've also had some fun socialising with people at work - lunch with L the wacky receptionist, who had lots of luvverly gossip about people at the office. And drinks on the balcony on Friday night - interesting to chat to some of the bosses and senior partners - makes them a bit more human! Then drinks with Andrew and his fun-tastic cousin F on Sunday night. Ohhhh, those red wine afternoons are dangerous! Big hangover yesterday ... I hate hangovers.

Other things I'm settling in to include getting used to the fact that it may take me longer than I expected to start studying, and start looking for property here. Everyone really wants PROOF that I am who I say I am, I live where I say I live, and that I'm not Chewbacca the Wookie or something! And that requires living in one place for longer than 2 months. Gosh, I can't wait!

Here's to getting settled and staying happy.

Love you all, and thanks to all the "a's" who got in contact :D