Where is the royal baby parade?

I was so happy to land in London to realize that Kate had held off having the baby a whole week for me to get back in town! I didn't want to miss this important event....

I expected all the streets in London to be filled with a parade for the royal baby (let's be honest, there is a parade for just about everything else in London). Infact, I expected the day off work on Tuesday so we could all watch this parade. It at least drinks at work. Or the day off early?

People keep asking me what it's like to be in London with the birth of the royal baby. The answer? It's like Tuesday. 

Contrary to my expectations, no one was talking joyfully about the baby on the tube (no one was talking on the tube at all - per usual). The conversations on the elevator/at work were more influenced by the recent thunderstorm than the baby. There was a 21 gun salute at the Tower of London (which we can see from the office) and people did not rush to watch it through the windows (except me - and I missed the majority of it).

One of my coworkers walked by buckingham palace when the sign was revealed announcing the baby (by mistake) and reported back that it "was clearly all tourist and no Brits". Yes, there are some diehard Brits who waited outside the hospital for Kate plus one to appear but the thought of taking off work to stand there didn't exactly cross my mind. 

Where is the parade?!?

Part of the lack of overwhelming excitement is due to the republican view that there shouldn't be royals and they are a waste of money etc. One of the online newspapers even has a "republican" button you can press that turns off all baby details. 

Princess Anne, when asked what she thought of the royal baby said she was happy for the family but it doesn't effect her life. I think that's how several of my British friends feel too. It isn't "new news" that Londoners are more reserved than the average American. 

In conclusion: the streets of London haven't joyously burst out in songs of praise the king and William did not yet hold the baby for a "reveal" like something out of lion king.

Sorry to disappoint. (But I was disappointed as well)

Proper passive agressiveness

I would venture to say every large workplace has passive aggressive moments. (No, I am not saying that "passive aggressive" is limited to the UK). What I am saying is that the non-confrontational nature of the British culture creates an environment where passive aggression thrives. (but then again at least no one is bringing a gun to the office? maybe sticky notes are the answer to safety issues?) These three notes were ALL discovered on the SAME half of the building on the SAME floor on the SAME day. I only wish that I had enough time to go on an "angry note scavenger hunt" and find all of the notes scattered around the rest of the building.

I'll be honest. My favorite is the "please wash your hands". because that was not added by a custodian.

Independence Day in "Great" Britian

Not that great if you can't beat a few rebel colonies if you ask me....

(Just kidding) The just kidding is for the English people who read my post (I think more English read my blog and so as I embark on a sassy post I hope that they know it is all in jest - cant actually afford to lose friends here!)

I have been asked several times what it's like to be an American celebrating the 4th in the UK. I think it is like winning a rival football game at their home and then getting to celebrate at their bars. Like winning a Texas A&M football game in Austin and then celebrating on 6th street decked out in maroon.... And singing some Aggie fight songs. (Yes, expect some American songs to be spontaneously played today in London... Especially at our team meeting)

What's better about the Fourth of July is that we already won the match and just get to keep celebrating it every year. 

My British colleagues attempt to give us a hard time and say they are glad they dumped the colonies. But don't worry, I won a free room/drinks at a bar and they all seem to want to celebrate the 4th with me. Hm. (Guess their love of beer is stronger than their love of their country?!?)

Unfortunately, I write this post on my way to work. This week every team has to spend an hour shredding documents since we work on a confidential project (boo). My team has to shred ON THE FOURTH OF JULY! To me shredding sounds like a tax. I think I should be exempt.