Next week I will have been working in the UK for a year. A year! I just re-read my posts for that first frightning, estatic week in Inverness. I'm so at home now and I don't feel like a visitor. I'm happy when I get to go home to Brentwood, although Scotland is my love and I love working here. And fortunately, since I've moved here, have only had one bout of home sickness. I'm so fortunate and so grateful and really, really, happy.
Happy best year ever, almost anniversary to me!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Another Pilgrimage...... :)
This past Sunday there was a posting in the parish's newsletter about a group going to Lourdes. There were 10 places remaining. I called on Monday and captured the last remaining spot. The price was listed in Euros and seemed very reasonable. When I did the math it was even better in pounds.
I've always wanted to go to Lourdes. I think the story is a beautiful one. I thought about walking from there to St. Jean Pied de Port or Roncevalles or from Paris to Lourdes. I hadn't researched it much and I didn't know how I'd fill a week of a trip. It was one of those "I will when the time is right". Apparently that time is now.
I've been to Fatima and was greatly moved. The skepticism going in and the resulting marvel of the holiness that eminates from the area is indescribable. Add my pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostella and I find myself seeking the "internal fire" that ignites beginning when the bookings are done and my feet hit the ground to start the journey.
This one will take us to St. Bernadette's grave, another holy place in the Pyrenees, and then on to Lourdes. A ferry to France, coaches, and a flight home. All new experiences. All familiar ones too.
As agnostic and athiestistic the United Kingdom is, it is equally fervent about it's Catholicism and Church of Englandism (don't know the proper term). My faith has found a dynamic place to thrive. I am looking forward to traveling with a bunch of Catholics to a place that is dear to all of us.
And as their token, unreserved American, I'm sure I can get a rousing chorus going with "The Wheels on The Bus". Perhaps with slightly different rendition: "The wheels on the bus go to Lourdes, go to Lourdes, go to Lourdes, the wheels on the bus go to Lourdes all through France! The people on the bus hope for miracles, hope for miracles......."
I've always wanted to go to Lourdes. I think the story is a beautiful one. I thought about walking from there to St. Jean Pied de Port or Roncevalles or from Paris to Lourdes. I hadn't researched it much and I didn't know how I'd fill a week of a trip. It was one of those "I will when the time is right". Apparently that time is now.
I've been to Fatima and was greatly moved. The skepticism going in and the resulting marvel of the holiness that eminates from the area is indescribable. Add my pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostella and I find myself seeking the "internal fire" that ignites beginning when the bookings are done and my feet hit the ground to start the journey.
This one will take us to St. Bernadette's grave, another holy place in the Pyrenees, and then on to Lourdes. A ferry to France, coaches, and a flight home. All new experiences. All familiar ones too.
As agnostic and athiestistic the United Kingdom is, it is equally fervent about it's Catholicism and Church of Englandism (don't know the proper term). My faith has found a dynamic place to thrive. I am looking forward to traveling with a bunch of Catholics to a place that is dear to all of us.
And as their token, unreserved American, I'm sure I can get a rousing chorus going with "The Wheels on The Bus". Perhaps with slightly different rendition: "The wheels on the bus go to Lourdes, go to Lourdes, go to Lourdes, the wheels on the bus go to Lourdes all through France! The people on the bus hope for miracles, hope for miracles......."
Sunday, January 09, 2011
I've Joined A Walking Group
In the States I always had to limit my hikes to walks or find areas that posed little risk or find friends who could hike with me.
With busy Mormon lives, finding women with the inclination or time to hike was a rarity, but a blessing when it happened. Those chickies, when they do hike TAKE IT ON.
Anually, I headed to Washington to hike with my daughter. A most blessed event every year. She hikes alone in the Washington mountains and forests. It scares me to death, but I understand.
And then there's Spain. My safe, familiar, invigorating, faith restoring refuge. But...I don't want to waste all my England experience there. Not that it is a waste, but there's more to see.
My next big hike will most likely be Hadrian's Wall. This will take a week. I've sent an inquiry to my "cousin" to see if she cares to join me. If not....I'll do it myself.
And then there's the walking group I found here. All over the UK and very active in my county (equivalent to "state). Easy to get to by train to join other area's groups. There hikes every weekend, short one on Saturday, long ones on Sunday. There are weekday hikes, should I choose a day off to join.
I now get to see the countryside, the cities, the places I'm timid to go. On foot, with people. Perfect.
My boss, when he hired me here, made me promise to bring my gear. He said this part of the world was designed for me. He's right. So glad he did.
I'm off today to walk to the next town. It's chilly and sunny and a perfect day to "practice".
Namaste!
With busy Mormon lives, finding women with the inclination or time to hike was a rarity, but a blessing when it happened. Those chickies, when they do hike TAKE IT ON.
Anually, I headed to Washington to hike with my daughter. A most blessed event every year. She hikes alone in the Washington mountains and forests. It scares me to death, but I understand.
And then there's Spain. My safe, familiar, invigorating, faith restoring refuge. But...I don't want to waste all my England experience there. Not that it is a waste, but there's more to see.
My next big hike will most likely be Hadrian's Wall. This will take a week. I've sent an inquiry to my "cousin" to see if she cares to join me. If not....I'll do it myself.
And then there's the walking group I found here. All over the UK and very active in my county (equivalent to "state). Easy to get to by train to join other area's groups. There hikes every weekend, short one on Saturday, long ones on Sunday. There are weekday hikes, should I choose a day off to join.
I now get to see the countryside, the cities, the places I'm timid to go. On foot, with people. Perfect.
My boss, when he hired me here, made me promise to bring my gear. He said this part of the world was designed for me. He's right. So glad he did.
I'm off today to walk to the next town. It's chilly and sunny and a perfect day to "practice".
Namaste!
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Sweet Memories
I was walking in a country park today. I followed an "unofficial" trail up to the top of a hill. I love this time of year when the trees are bare - the true soul of the land is exposed. I could see the rolling hills, the shrubbed "fences" of the countryside, the townhomes (I was still in the city, really), the boggy dampness of the ground.
I could hear the wind coming. Something that I treasure when hiking. You can hear it working up the canyons or hills, making all strong like and finally reaching you, unseen, but ever so tactile. I recalled hiking with my daughter and especially my week in the desert with my husband's cousin. The day looked dreary and cold, but was actually quite warm. The wind was a tickly one and didn't have a bite.
An oak leaf broke off a tree and tumbled willy nilly in the air and across the landscape. I recalled staying at the convent in Federal Way in the fall and walking in their gardens. The only sounds I could hear were the tide swishing on its way to low tide and the fall leaves actually breaking away from their limbs to spiral down in front of me.
I always try to take in the views, the scents and the feeling of the land when I'm out walking in a precious place like this. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be mucking around in Wellies (delightfully pretty ones at that), in England.
On my way back to reality I found a man crouched on a little bridge. He looked a little guilty and I hoped I'd selected a safe way to return. I had. His cat had caught a frog and he was releasing it, hoping it would overcome the shock and survive.
Life! Live it!
I could hear the wind coming. Something that I treasure when hiking. You can hear it working up the canyons or hills, making all strong like and finally reaching you, unseen, but ever so tactile. I recalled hiking with my daughter and especially my week in the desert with my husband's cousin. The day looked dreary and cold, but was actually quite warm. The wind was a tickly one and didn't have a bite.
An oak leaf broke off a tree and tumbled willy nilly in the air and across the landscape. I recalled staying at the convent in Federal Way in the fall and walking in their gardens. The only sounds I could hear were the tide swishing on its way to low tide and the fall leaves actually breaking away from their limbs to spiral down in front of me.
I always try to take in the views, the scents and the feeling of the land when I'm out walking in a precious place like this. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be mucking around in Wellies (delightfully pretty ones at that), in England.
On my way back to reality I found a man crouched on a little bridge. He looked a little guilty and I hoped I'd selected a safe way to return. I had. His cat had caught a frog and he was releasing it, hoping it would overcome the shock and survive.
Life! Live it!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Things I've Learned
In addition to learning a new application for my job in a whole new area of an industry I've lived and breathed for 30 years, I've had the most fortunate opportunity to learn things in my new country. Now this list would be much larger and much more complicated if it were not an English speaking country, but you'd be surprised the differences I learn every single day. Here are some of the more notable "learning experiences".
Currency: British Sterling Pound - Pennies, 2 pence, 5 p, 10 p, 20 p, 50 p, 1 pound and 2 pound coins. Bills are 5, 10 and 20 pound increments. A pound was roughly equivalent in $1.50 this past year.
A quid is a pound. 5 quid = 5 pounds. A tuppence is 2 pence.
Weight: Stones. A stone = 14 pounds. 15 pounds would be stated as 1 stone, 1 pound. Drop a stone and you're a whole lot lighter!
Temperature is stated in centigrade instead of farenheit.
A hob is a stovetop.
Clothes clips are clothespins.
I wear a size 6 shoe here which equates to anything between 7.5 and 8.5 in US.
Teaspoons and tablespoons are measurements in recipes here and they are the teaspoons and tablespoons that you put on the table. Most English recipes offer recipes in American, English and Metric measurements.
Mustard is yellow and it is HOT. A little dab will do you!
The most popular washing up liquid (dishwashing liquid) is Fairy.
Most washers and tumble dryers are one unit that does both. If your appliance is in the kitchen, like most flats (apartments) offer, a single load will take about 3 hours to do. To dry the clothes the appliance needs to both suck out the moisture, dry it a bit, suck it out, dry it a bit etc. No heat and outside vent for the apartment dweller.
Phone numbers in the country, outside your area start with 0 and they look like this: 01234 123 123 or 01234 123123.
Everyone pays an annual "TV license". This lets the BBC channels run commercial free. If you don't buy "cable" you can buy a Freeview box and get 40 some channels instead of five. There are additional adult channels that are available after midnight. Yes, they are HBO quality adult channels - for FREE.
Fruit and Vegetable stores and stands abound! Fresh, ripe and ready to eat. Yum!
England uses miles for distance and litres for petrol.
McDonalds offers Flurries with Cadbury and popular seasaonal candies like Cadbury Eggs and Terry's chocolate oranges.
Cadbury eggs are available the first of January. By the end of the month, Mini Eggs will be in abundance. Cadbury makes dozens of kinds of chocolate/candy. All is absolutely fabulous. It is made differently from the US Cadbury version and much, much, much better.
Brown eggs are the only ones I've seen and they are date stamped right on the egg.
Electric "over blankets" are hard to come by and very expensive. Underblankets are readily available and inexpensive. Be prepared to tie the strings under the mattress to secure it. Most people will look at you and ask why you're seeking an electric option anyway and then ask what's wrong with your hot water bottle.
Hot water bottles are available everywhere. Many offer "designer" type covers. Seriously.
I have yet to locate a top sheet. Every linen set comes with a duvet cover. The sets are: fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillow cases. Duvets are wonderful - a bed is made in 10 seconds flat.
Face cloths are rare in all of Europe.
If you plan to use the loo in a public place, changes are you'll drop a few pence for the honour. And the location will be clean.
England adds a few letters and now then: Colour, behaviour, honour, whilst, etc.
A voucher is a coupon. And advert is an ad.
Aubergines are eggplants and courgettes are zucchinis. I can carry a "large" pumpkin in one hand without the aid of the other.
I can buy Koala Yummies again!
I drink whiskey, but you'd call it Scotch.
Most country land in the UK gives walkers the right of way. You're free to walk on it, in it, and through it. You are expected to close the gates.
In the summer, in Scotland, it is still partially light at 11:00 pm and the sun starts to rise again around 3:00 am. In the Winter in England it is dark as pitch at 4:30 pm.
Porridge is as common on the breakfast table as roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, Marmite, and beans (as in pork and beans). One stirs porridge with a spurtle.
Cream tea is 1) a scone, 2) filled with clotted cream, 3) served with jam and 4) a cup of tea. It is heaven.
It is NOT cool to NOT take your shopping bags with you to the store. You get all kinds of perks for having them and charges if you don't.
Cookies are biscuits and McVitie's Digestives are The Bomb!
Cell phones are called Mobiles - and that they are.
Electric kettles adorn every house. Tea is most popular, drip coffee isn't so much. Instant coffee comes in many different brands, types and takes up most of the isle.
Choices exist, but you won't have to pick from 12 of each kind. One or two maybe.
Z is pronounced "zed", not "zee".
You get to pick your own electric and telephone companies, even in an apartment building. An apartment is called a flat.
And best of all, I've learned that England and Scotland are a lovely place to be!
Currency: British Sterling Pound - Pennies, 2 pence, 5 p, 10 p, 20 p, 50 p, 1 pound and 2 pound coins. Bills are 5, 10 and 20 pound increments. A pound was roughly equivalent in $1.50 this past year.
A quid is a pound. 5 quid = 5 pounds. A tuppence is 2 pence.
Weight: Stones. A stone = 14 pounds. 15 pounds would be stated as 1 stone, 1 pound. Drop a stone and you're a whole lot lighter!
Temperature is stated in centigrade instead of farenheit.
A hob is a stovetop.
Clothes clips are clothespins.
I wear a size 6 shoe here which equates to anything between 7.5 and 8.5 in US.
Teaspoons and tablespoons are measurements in recipes here and they are the teaspoons and tablespoons that you put on the table. Most English recipes offer recipes in American, English and Metric measurements.
Mustard is yellow and it is HOT. A little dab will do you!
The most popular washing up liquid (dishwashing liquid) is Fairy.
Most washers and tumble dryers are one unit that does both. If your appliance is in the kitchen, like most flats (apartments) offer, a single load will take about 3 hours to do. To dry the clothes the appliance needs to both suck out the moisture, dry it a bit, suck it out, dry it a bit etc. No heat and outside vent for the apartment dweller.
Phone numbers in the country, outside your area start with 0 and they look like this: 01234 123 123 or 01234 123123.
Everyone pays an annual "TV license". This lets the BBC channels run commercial free. If you don't buy "cable" you can buy a Freeview box and get 40 some channels instead of five. There are additional adult channels that are available after midnight. Yes, they are HBO quality adult channels - for FREE.
Fruit and Vegetable stores and stands abound! Fresh, ripe and ready to eat. Yum!
England uses miles for distance and litres for petrol.
McDonalds offers Flurries with Cadbury and popular seasaonal candies like Cadbury Eggs and Terry's chocolate oranges.
Cadbury eggs are available the first of January. By the end of the month, Mini Eggs will be in abundance. Cadbury makes dozens of kinds of chocolate/candy. All is absolutely fabulous. It is made differently from the US Cadbury version and much, much, much better.
Brown eggs are the only ones I've seen and they are date stamped right on the egg.
Electric "over blankets" are hard to come by and very expensive. Underblankets are readily available and inexpensive. Be prepared to tie the strings under the mattress to secure it. Most people will look at you and ask why you're seeking an electric option anyway and then ask what's wrong with your hot water bottle.
Hot water bottles are available everywhere. Many offer "designer" type covers. Seriously.
I have yet to locate a top sheet. Every linen set comes with a duvet cover. The sets are: fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillow cases. Duvets are wonderful - a bed is made in 10 seconds flat.
Face cloths are rare in all of Europe.
If you plan to use the loo in a public place, changes are you'll drop a few pence for the honour. And the location will be clean.
England adds a few letters and now then: Colour, behaviour, honour, whilst, etc.
A voucher is a coupon. And advert is an ad.
Aubergines are eggplants and courgettes are zucchinis. I can carry a "large" pumpkin in one hand without the aid of the other.
I can buy Koala Yummies again!
I drink whiskey, but you'd call it Scotch.
Most country land in the UK gives walkers the right of way. You're free to walk on it, in it, and through it. You are expected to close the gates.
In the summer, in Scotland, it is still partially light at 11:00 pm and the sun starts to rise again around 3:00 am. In the Winter in England it is dark as pitch at 4:30 pm.
Porridge is as common on the breakfast table as roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, Marmite, and beans (as in pork and beans). One stirs porridge with a spurtle.
Cream tea is 1) a scone, 2) filled with clotted cream, 3) served with jam and 4) a cup of tea. It is heaven.
It is NOT cool to NOT take your shopping bags with you to the store. You get all kinds of perks for having them and charges if you don't.
Cookies are biscuits and McVitie's Digestives are The Bomb!
Cell phones are called Mobiles - and that they are.
Electric kettles adorn every house. Tea is most popular, drip coffee isn't so much. Instant coffee comes in many different brands, types and takes up most of the isle.
Choices exist, but you won't have to pick from 12 of each kind. One or two maybe.
Z is pronounced "zed", not "zee".
You get to pick your own electric and telephone companies, even in an apartment building. An apartment is called a flat.
And best of all, I've learned that England and Scotland are a lovely place to be!
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010
Small print: this post does not in any way diminish the excitement and magnitude of children's births, marriages, surprise parties, ages, etc.
Today is the last day of the most magnificent year ever! Late January gave me an opportunity to work in the UK. February landed me in Scotland to work. Still working in Scotland. Now living outside of London.
I see London, I see France - I see London every single day (weather permitting)
I visit London all the time.
I've been to South End Victoria, Leeds, Brighton.
I've visited castle upon castle upon castle. And had one photo published.
Some of my family has visited.
I've spent time in Inverness, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee (Scotland).
I've collected pebbles which have fallen from Roman walls (Colchester), I've walked on Roman roads (Spain)
I'm very close to the sea.
I've walked on the banks of the Thames.
I've stood over the North Sea.
I've stood in the presence The Queen and Prince Charles, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and three former Prime Ministers. I've seen Camilla.
I've been hugged by Jonny Woos crazy "girls"
I've seen the Denver Broncos play in Wembley and done a tailgate party in London.
I've shopped in Soho at Christmas time.
I've seen a pantomime.
I've sung Christmas Carols in Brentwood
I'm FB friends with the first season's X Factor winner.
I've had high tea at Fortnum and Mason
I've had Cream Tea at St. Peters
I've been to Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey
I've been to the pub in Cobham where Dickens wove his tales.
I've been to Legoland!
I've seen the Crystal Skull
I've eaten wild boar, drink Taliskar, and buy fruits and vegetables from a fruit stand
I love England and Scotland and I love my life.
I walked the Camino again - against some interesting odds.
Through the beauty of Internet streaming, I saw the Santiago de Compostela holy doors opened on 1 Jan and on 27 October , I walked through the holy doors myself. The doors won't be opened for another 11 years.
I love my job!
and I turned 50.
Thank you God for all you do with and for me every single moment of every day.
Today is the last day of the most magnificent year ever! Late January gave me an opportunity to work in the UK. February landed me in Scotland to work. Still working in Scotland. Now living outside of London.
I see London, I see France - I see London every single day (weather permitting)
I visit London all the time.
I've been to South End Victoria, Leeds, Brighton.
I've visited castle upon castle upon castle. And had one photo published.
Some of my family has visited.
I've spent time in Inverness, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee (Scotland).
I've collected pebbles which have fallen from Roman walls (Colchester), I've walked on Roman roads (Spain)
I'm very close to the sea.
I've walked on the banks of the Thames.
I've stood over the North Sea.
I've stood in the presence The Queen and Prince Charles, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and three former Prime Ministers. I've seen Camilla.
I've been hugged by Jonny Woos crazy "girls"
I've seen the Denver Broncos play in Wembley and done a tailgate party in London.
I've shopped in Soho at Christmas time.
I've seen a pantomime.
I've sung Christmas Carols in Brentwood
I'm FB friends with the first season's X Factor winner.
I've had high tea at Fortnum and Mason
I've had Cream Tea at St. Peters
I've been to Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey
I've been to the pub in Cobham where Dickens wove his tales.
I've been to Legoland!
I've seen the Crystal Skull
I've eaten wild boar, drink Taliskar, and buy fruits and vegetables from a fruit stand
I love England and Scotland and I love my life.
I walked the Camino again - against some interesting odds.
Through the beauty of Internet streaming, I saw the Santiago de Compostela holy doors opened on 1 Jan and on 27 October , I walked through the holy doors myself. The doors won't be opened for another 11 years.
I love my job!
and I turned 50.
Thank you God for all you do with and for me every single moment of every day.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Happy Christmas
I woke up to heavy fog today. I can barely see the street down below and no more than a block in any direction. Seems appropriate for England eh? I love fog so I consider this my "white" Christmas.
My plans aren't exactly as I hoped, but not entirely dashed either.
I've got the crud that is going around the office. I have it bad. Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, sneezing, snot, lots of snot. I can't remember when I last slept 24 out of 48 hours.
But I have four days off and no where I have to be. I was so looking forward to Christmas Mass here this year. But as wicked as this bug is, it wouldn't be fair to share it with the other parishioners. I have two more Christmases to go. Perhaps before the weekend is over I'll be able to get some walks in.
Only one package made it from the States so my one foot tree is not overwhelmed. The last package I was waiting to get to the States arrived yesterday! We'll do our vid Christmas and enjoy the closeness we can make although spread out.
And then there's Boxing Day. Interesting history.
Happy Christmas achoo and Happy Boxing Day.
My plans aren't exactly as I hoped, but not entirely dashed either.
I've got the crud that is going around the office. I have it bad. Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, sneezing, snot, lots of snot. I can't remember when I last slept 24 out of 48 hours.
But I have four days off and no where I have to be. I was so looking forward to Christmas Mass here this year. But as wicked as this bug is, it wouldn't be fair to share it with the other parishioners. I have two more Christmases to go. Perhaps before the weekend is over I'll be able to get some walks in.
Only one package made it from the States so my one foot tree is not overwhelmed. The last package I was waiting to get to the States arrived yesterday! We'll do our vid Christmas and enjoy the closeness we can make although spread out.
And then there's Boxing Day. Interesting history.
Happy Christmas achoo and Happy Boxing Day.
Friday, December 24, 2010
London
I love London. I'll surely have a pile of I Love London gear before I leave. (I won't be a tacky resident - just a tacky tourist upon my departure.) I've figured out WHY it is so fabulous. London is really the center of the UK....It is the United States' NYC, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Hollywood all rolled into one. Everything is available in one place. And that place is visible from my window. I love it here.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
When Hope Fades
I pulled on my jeans this morning whilst getting ready for church (LOVE that about the Catholic Church). I grumbled to myself about my jeans being snug. I've been needing to lose some weight again and there's a point where it hits the big red bell at the top of the meter and I eventually get with a program and pull it down again.
I started a new program a couple of weeks ago. Knowing the office curry party was coming up, but wanting to have some lip control over Christmas, I approached the kickstart week more like a long, drawn out punt. I started eating the breakfast and lunch suggestions and ate dinner as I damned well pleased - including alcohol.
I figured after the Curry party, I could snuggle in with the program and be perfectly content. I'd also hoped that being on holiday with my stay-cation would let me practice some better habits. And last but not least, I refuse to climb in the New Years resolutions bandwagon - I prefer to treat them like my -9th birthdays....if you celebrate to the "nines" then the 0's can't get you down - meaning that I'm well into them before the first of the year and therefore am usually have the gusto going so I can't be slowed down by the people trying to talk themselves and everyone else away from their resolutions.
I'd even been able to do double take and happy dance after visiting my big yellow British stone-weight bathroom scale the other day.
Imagaine my dismay this morning when my jeans gave me their "negative feedback". I was also sad that in my ignorance with UK washing machines had allowed them to fade. Then I was thinking - "crap" nice middle of vacation way to be thinking Ter-bear. And then....
I realized I had grabbed the the jeans that a month ago, I couldn't button.
I started a new program a couple of weeks ago. Knowing the office curry party was coming up, but wanting to have some lip control over Christmas, I approached the kickstart week more like a long, drawn out punt. I started eating the breakfast and lunch suggestions and ate dinner as I damned well pleased - including alcohol.
I figured after the Curry party, I could snuggle in with the program and be perfectly content. I'd also hoped that being on holiday with my stay-cation would let me practice some better habits. And last but not least, I refuse to climb in the New Years resolutions bandwagon - I prefer to treat them like my -9th birthdays....if you celebrate to the "nines" then the 0's can't get you down - meaning that I'm well into them before the first of the year and therefore am usually have the gusto going so I can't be slowed down by the people trying to talk themselves and everyone else away from their resolutions.
I'd even been able to do double take and happy dance after visiting my big yellow British stone-weight bathroom scale the other day.
Imagaine my dismay this morning when my jeans gave me their "negative feedback". I was also sad that in my ignorance with UK washing machines had allowed them to fade. Then I was thinking - "crap" nice middle of vacation way to be thinking Ter-bear. And then....
I realized I had grabbed the the jeans that a month ago, I couldn't button.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Merry Christmas
Boy is the Catholic / Christian faith is alive and feisty in the UK. They are not soft about reminding us that religion, faith, standing for ones faith, etc. is waning and have called us into action.
They have asked us to consider
- Wearing a cross or religious article that tells people we believe.
- Buying Christmas cards with a religious theme.
- Asking for the Madonna stamps (descriptions of both first and second class images) for mailing this season.
One thing I do see and hear that I love, is that faith is still a strong part of everyday life here. The signs saying traffic is diverted for a few hours states it is for the Christmas Tree lighting. There is a Christmas tree. Christmas Carols with Jesus in everyone were sung at the event. Every store, every shoppe has not excluded Christ. A live Nativity Scene was staged in the park yesterday with the Christmas Story told.
"Merry Christmas" is not considered politically incorrect to say. Believers or not, everyone here seems believe in Christmas.
And the ASDA does not put a sign on the pork saying it's a perfect meat for Chanuka.
Merry Christmas Season everyone!
They have asked us to consider
- Wearing a cross or religious article that tells people we believe.
- Buying Christmas cards with a religious theme.
- Asking for the Madonna stamps (descriptions of both first and second class images) for mailing this season.
One thing I do see and hear that I love, is that faith is still a strong part of everyday life here. The signs saying traffic is diverted for a few hours states it is for the Christmas Tree lighting. There is a Christmas tree. Christmas Carols with Jesus in everyone were sung at the event. Every store, every shoppe has not excluded Christ. A live Nativity Scene was staged in the park yesterday with the Christmas Story told.
"Merry Christmas" is not considered politically incorrect to say. Believers or not, everyone here seems believe in Christmas.
And the ASDA does not put a sign on the pork saying it's a perfect meat for Chanuka.
Merry Christmas Season everyone!
I Live Here
I realized this week as I prepare for Christmas that this has truly become my home. I live here. I haven't forgotten how fortunate I am to live here, but I live here. I'm not a guest, I'm a resident. The people I work with, my church and the people of the area have made me feel a part of this place. I don't feel like a visitor.
I can't vote, but I can care. I pay taxes here just like everyone else. I worry about the traffic, the weather, the economy too. I know if I don't shop at the vegetable market, it will cease to exist. What I do know is another way of life. And if I don't do my part to preseve the eloquence and beauty of the differences England affords, then I've not done my part. I don't need to be an American consumer here.
My girls are intelligent and strong. And while I don't get to see them as often (but almost), I don't worry about them. I don't feel, really like I'm away from them. I'm just here. In my home. In England.
My first Christmas card? From my neighbour across the hall. I'm home.
I'm Teri and I live in England.
I can't vote, but I can care. I pay taxes here just like everyone else. I worry about the traffic, the weather, the economy too. I know if I don't shop at the vegetable market, it will cease to exist. What I do know is another way of life. And if I don't do my part to preseve the eloquence and beauty of the differences England affords, then I've not done my part. I don't need to be an American consumer here.
My girls are intelligent and strong. And while I don't get to see them as often (but almost), I don't worry about them. I don't feel, really like I'm away from them. I'm just here. In my home. In England.
My first Christmas card? From my neighbour across the hall. I'm home.
I'm Teri and I live in England.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Shambles
My flat always looks a shambles come Saturday afternoon. In the early morning I do my cleaning and mid day I start my shopping in town. Being on foot means that I am limited to the volume I can carry. I can't buy bulk as my tiny flat isn't designed for housing 6 rolls of paper towels - although I've tried. But then again with stores at my feet, it isn't necessary to stock "up". Everything is less than 15 minutes away - roundtrip/on foot.
I start at the furthest distance and working my way back. Purchases to fill my shopping bag, a trip home, back out for the next place or two and back home again.
The drop offs are disorderly, only really taking time for a cup of tea or to put perishables into the refrigerator. Back out again.
Sometimes my trips include stopping for lunch at a steamed up window diner. Or a coffee at one of the numerous coffee shops. Today will include seeing an X-Factor winner (American Idol equivalent) perform downstairs. Next week will be the donkeys in my back yard - a living Nativity Scene.
Life is always interesting here.
I start at the furthest distance and working my way back. Purchases to fill my shopping bag, a trip home, back out for the next place or two and back home again.
The drop offs are disorderly, only really taking time for a cup of tea or to put perishables into the refrigerator. Back out again.
Sometimes my trips include stopping for lunch at a steamed up window diner. Or a coffee at one of the numerous coffee shops. Today will include seeing an X-Factor winner (American Idol equivalent) perform downstairs. Next week will be the donkeys in my back yard - a living Nativity Scene.
Life is always interesting here.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Waaaaahhhhhh!
It's threatened a couple of times. It's hovered just below the surface now and again. It's been the focus of much speculation and a hot topic in many a conversation. And today it hit.
Homesickness.
Bless my sweet daughter's soul. Her first response is "Mom, you are LIVING in England! How many people get to do that?" That usually works. If that doesn't work she moves on to the "and you WORK in Scotland.... " approach. When she has to get rough, she brings up how close to Paris I am. And she's handling everything with great aplomb back home - paying the mortgage, buying a new water heater, duking it out with the cable company. I can't even feel like I'm "needed".
Everyone is worried about me with the holidays coming up. I think, actually, the less discussion we put into it, the better off, ultimately, I'll be. Most of my family is not around at the holidays, ever, so if the rest of them aren't, I should be able to get by. We always figure out how to have a good time long distance. I bought a foot tall, teal foil tree, decorated it in five minutes and am declaring decorating done.
But tonight I wanted to feel my cats. Smell my grandson's head. Hear my daughter's car come into the driveway. I wanted to be exhausted thinking of all the groceries I would need to buy for the two days of cooking, twenty minutes of eating and three hours of clean up Thanksgiving always brings.
So I did what every woman needs to do to cleanse her soul. I cried. I let it all fall out. Big buckets of tears. I soaked my shirt and many tissues (I recommend paper towels for this job). I closed the drapes so I couldn't see London and allowed myself a good half hour of not appreciating of where I am and the opportunity I have.
I am happy. But I miss my family peeps.
Homesickness.
Bless my sweet daughter's soul. Her first response is "Mom, you are LIVING in England! How many people get to do that?" That usually works. If that doesn't work she moves on to the "and you WORK in Scotland.... " approach. When she has to get rough, she brings up how close to Paris I am. And she's handling everything with great aplomb back home - paying the mortgage, buying a new water heater, duking it out with the cable company. I can't even feel like I'm "needed".
Everyone is worried about me with the holidays coming up. I think, actually, the less discussion we put into it, the better off, ultimately, I'll be. Most of my family is not around at the holidays, ever, so if the rest of them aren't, I should be able to get by. We always figure out how to have a good time long distance. I bought a foot tall, teal foil tree, decorated it in five minutes and am declaring decorating done.
But tonight I wanted to feel my cats. Smell my grandson's head. Hear my daughter's car come into the driveway. I wanted to be exhausted thinking of all the groceries I would need to buy for the two days of cooking, twenty minutes of eating and three hours of clean up Thanksgiving always brings.
So I did what every woman needs to do to cleanse her soul. I cried. I let it all fall out. Big buckets of tears. I soaked my shirt and many tissues (I recommend paper towels for this job). I closed the drapes so I couldn't see London and allowed myself a good half hour of not appreciating of where I am and the opportunity I have.
I am happy. But I miss my family peeps.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Produce Stand
I saw a sign in the window of the produce stand a couple of weeks ago: "Use us or lose us".
So I did.
For £6/$9 I purchased the following: 5 satsumas, 3 apples, 3 bananas, chili peppers, a parsnip, 2 tomatoes, a head of cauliflower, 2 honking avocados, a handful of shallots, an onion, a sweet potato, and a portobello mushroom.
The tomato stem smelled like September, The pungent smell of fresh picked goodness.
Tonight was guacamole. Tomorrow will be pumpkin mushroom risotto....right after I go see the Queen.
This is the life.
So I did.
For £6/$9 I purchased the following: 5 satsumas, 3 apples, 3 bananas, chili peppers, a parsnip, 2 tomatoes, a head of cauliflower, 2 honking avocados, a handful of shallots, an onion, a sweet potato, and a portobello mushroom.
The tomato stem smelled like September, The pungent smell of fresh picked goodness.
Tonight was guacamole. Tomorrow will be pumpkin mushroom risotto....right after I go see the Queen.
This is the life.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Incredible!
So many joyous things are happening right now. I can't even get to doing my Camino blogging!
I'm back from a week long Camino - a little over 50 miles hiking in Spain's rural countryside. That and a chat with one of my favourite Saints. Mmmmm. Happy hiker.
My sister-in-law has spread her wings and my joy for her keeps making me giggle.
I rolled my eyes in the back of my head this morning when I heard the neighbor's going at it again. I needed to run an errand and was uncomfortable going out with her pounding on the door to be let in (there). To my great joy I discovered they were moving out.
Trafalgar Square, 38,000 football fans of all jersey persuasion. We were slowly inched forward during the afternoon until we were in the front row. Elway and Little were not amongst the group, but there were a ton of 49er Hall of Famers and some, well, interesting, entertainement. The English have a great respect for personal space (except on the Underground). So 38,000 people seemed so polite and people kept moving back and the next group forward.
That said, 38,000 people contained in Trafalgar Square and a packed subway that had major rail works happening (they actually shut some stations because of overcrowding) (events not directly related), after walking along in rural Spain made for some weird thoughts in my head.
Tomorrow the festivities start at 9:30. Breakfast a pub (owner conned the cook into coming in), party bus, pub(s), tailgate party, Bronco vs 49ers at Wembley, pub, party bus. Oh and I will have a T-shirt.
I'm back from a week long Camino - a little over 50 miles hiking in Spain's rural countryside. That and a chat with one of my favourite Saints. Mmmmm. Happy hiker.
My sister-in-law has spread her wings and my joy for her keeps making me giggle.
I rolled my eyes in the back of my head this morning when I heard the neighbor's going at it again. I needed to run an errand and was uncomfortable going out with her pounding on the door to be let in (there). To my great joy I discovered they were moving out.
Trafalgar Square, 38,000 football fans of all jersey persuasion. We were slowly inched forward during the afternoon until we were in the front row. Elway and Little were not amongst the group, but there were a ton of 49er Hall of Famers and some, well, interesting, entertainement. The English have a great respect for personal space (except on the Underground). So 38,000 people seemed so polite and people kept moving back and the next group forward.
That said, 38,000 people contained in Trafalgar Square and a packed subway that had major rail works happening (they actually shut some stations because of overcrowding) (events not directly related), after walking along in rural Spain made for some weird thoughts in my head.
Tomorrow the festivities start at 9:30. Breakfast a pub (owner conned the cook into coming in), party bus, pub(s), tailgate party, Bronco vs 49ers at Wembley, pub, party bus. Oh and I will have a T-shirt.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
And Life Takes Off...............
Today is Thursday
I took today off to finalise my stuff for Spain. But I have a little work event to tend to this afternoon.
I leave at 3am tomorrow.
Walk 75ish miles,
Get back Friday.
Saturday - Trafalgar Square for a pep rally for the Bronco's and the "other team". John Elway and Floyd Little will be there.
Sunday, starting with breakfast we do "football": Party bus, breakfast, pubs, tailgate parties, the game starts at 5pm, pub, party bus.
Monday work
Wednesday, friend comes over to help prepare for party Friday night.
Party Friday night
Saturday clean up party
Sunday morning leave for Scotland
Get back Saturday afternoon
Hello middle of November...almost.
Shop for Christmas STAT!
I took today off to finalise my stuff for Spain. But I have a little work event to tend to this afternoon.
I leave at 3am tomorrow.
Walk 75ish miles,
Get back Friday.
Saturday - Trafalgar Square for a pep rally for the Bronco's and the "other team". John Elway and Floyd Little will be there.
Sunday, starting with breakfast we do "football": Party bus, breakfast, pubs, tailgate parties, the game starts at 5pm, pub, party bus.
Monday work
Wednesday, friend comes over to help prepare for party Friday night.
Party Friday night
Saturday clean up party
Sunday morning leave for Scotland
Get back Saturday afternoon
Hello middle of November...almost.
Shop for Christmas STAT!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Weekend Of This And That
I got my "returned home" and "get ready to leave" errands done. Saw Vampires Suck and by accident, found the much touted mall in the town where the cinema is. I've narrowd down the stuff for my Camino and think I have a plan on how to get from SDC to where I need to meet my friend. I made lentil and pumpkins soup and prepped pumpkins for pie. A tiny nap. Church. Gift wrapping and document organizing. A walk in the cool, crisp fall air.
Yes it has been a weekend of this and that. And I love it here.
Yes it has been a weekend of this and that. And I love it here.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10/10/10 10:10:10
Today's date is very cool. And I am in Aberdeen, Scotland. Life is good.
And it got better. I walked over 12 miles today with no blisters, no pain and no snot.
Life IS good.
And it got better. I walked over 12 miles today with no blisters, no pain and no snot.
Life IS good.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Kilts
Time to talk kilts.
I'm spending a lot of time in Scotland, about 35%-50%.
Every time I see a man in a kilt, it takes my breath away.
They are Scotland's tuxedos.
And everytime I see a man in a tuxedo (with tails) it takes my breath away.
Here the history and pride just unravels itself around me. To see a man in a kilt says that there is a wedding or a prom or a very important event nearby. I am reminded that I am not just visiting Scotland, but that I am a part of it. That I am privileged. I feel that I've been allowed to glimpse a country's most important and intimate moments.
And if there's a set of bagpipes nearby? My heart swells. Tears come to my eyes.
Heaven, I'm sure, cannot rival this experience.
I'm spending a lot of time in Scotland, about 35%-50%.
Every time I see a man in a kilt, it takes my breath away.
They are Scotland's tuxedos.
And everytime I see a man in a tuxedo (with tails) it takes my breath away.
Here the history and pride just unravels itself around me. To see a man in a kilt says that there is a wedding or a prom or a very important event nearby. I am reminded that I am not just visiting Scotland, but that I am a part of it. That I am privileged. I feel that I've been allowed to glimpse a country's most important and intimate moments.
And if there's a set of bagpipes nearby? My heart swells. Tears come to my eyes.
Heaven, I'm sure, cannot rival this experience.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Note To Self
Having been "healthy as a horse" for the last few years, dodging flu without a flu shot, blah, blah, blah, remind me next time I move to a new country that I'm going to get hit with the local s^$*. Obviously I just need to take on the new germies and let their little war commense.
Back to bed now. Arrrggh.
Back to bed now. Arrrggh.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Getting Into Hot Water
My greatest challenge here has been to understand the water heater.
1) There are several switches to turn it on: one for the unit and one for the unit that programmes it.
2) Whilst English is spoken here, it is entirely a different language from that which is spoken in the U.S. The term off-peak programming, would imply when you didn’t need the water heater to be working so hard.
3) There are day rates and night rates for electricity (and you get to shop for which electric supplier you want to use, even in an apartment building).
When I first moved in, I didn’t know the second switch was for turning on the water heater. I figured the thermostat did that and I had its lights all twinkly. 24 hours of traveling to get a cold shower. After looking it over and dinking around, I really fouled it up. This last weekend I was using the tea kettle to heat water so I could do dishes. And I was cooking so there were a lot of dishes. Then I was getting cold showers in the morning and lukewarm baths at night. I sought out and downloaded (thank God for the Internet!) the instructions for the thermostat. Off peak programming was for scheduling when you wanted the puppy to be cranking away and heating the water, at the cheap night rates, so you had a hot shower in the morning and a little boost (if you wanted it) for evening dishes and baths at night. I just did their magic RESET combination of buttons and all is right with the world.
Friday, September 24, 2010
I-team
One of the pleasures of working in the UK is that now I am considered one of the International Team. I call us the I-team. And one of the joys of being part of this team is the daily interaction with other I-Team members. Being a US based company, English is our communication language. However, because we are an International company, English isn't necessary the first language of my colleagues. I admire anyone that has the skillset to fluently speak a second language and listen in jaw-dropping awe to those who are multi-lingual.
My funnybone was tickled today in the following exchange from a co-worker who has sought my help, but wasn't feeling well and had a good distance to travel to return home:
"Today I’ll leave at noon because I’m feeling very sick (influence) since yesterday and have to go to bed (after my 5 hrs ride to home).
Since 4 weeks it’s hunting me like a little dog, but yesterday suddenly it was a big Rottweiler with poison Teeth who bit me :-("
I sent him my ICKY TEA recipe in hopes of helping him.
My funnybone was tickled today in the following exchange from a co-worker who has sought my help, but wasn't feeling well and had a good distance to travel to return home:
"Today I’ll leave at noon because I’m feeling very sick (influence) since yesterday and have to go to bed (after my 5 hrs ride to home).
Since 4 weeks it’s hunting me like a little dog, but yesterday suddenly it was a big Rottweiler with poison Teeth who bit me :-("
I sent him my ICKY TEA recipe in hopes of helping him.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Take The Moments As You Get Them
I was looking out of my window last night and saw a few dozen birds flying around. Up and down, around and around. I went out on the balcony. They were riding the air currents over and over and over again.
They were migrating swallows.
I watched them for about an hour. One landed on the balcony. Poor little guy got confused - glass on two sides. He could see the open space, but couldn't quite get up to it. Fortunately, I'd closed the patio door when I went out, so he didn't make it into the house.
He let me pick him up, give him a little nuzzle and raise my hands so he could rejoin his friends.
They were gone today. Passing on more joy somewhere else.
They were migrating swallows.
I watched them for about an hour. One landed on the balcony. Poor little guy got confused - glass on two sides. He could see the open space, but couldn't quite get up to it. Fortunately, I'd closed the patio door when I went out, so he didn't make it into the house.
He let me pick him up, give him a little nuzzle and raise my hands so he could rejoin his friends.
They were gone today. Passing on more joy somewhere else.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday
I haven't been sleeping well. Partly, I think due to not being on the go so much, which used to allow me to instantly fall asleep due to a daily dose of exhaustion and partly to the fact that I have a window in my room that is at the perfect angle to gauge the time of night and gain a weather report. I shut the curtains, which doesn't seal out light, but stopped the mental calculations of time and precipitation. I slept until 9:30am, which is unheard of for me. And the fact that on weekends, I can do that now, is a blessing!
I need to run an errands today. This will take make longer to get ready to go, than it will to go, do, and return. Such is the life of small town England.
And today I will do my first Hoover. One doesn't vacuum here, they hoover.
I will also read, again, how to do laundry. The single unit washer and dryer has me perplexed. I can get the clothes washed and then dried, but the 3+ hours it takes to do a load from start to finish is driving me nuts. Yes, it might only use a gallon of water, but I feel like I've drained Hoover dam or have a wind generator my name on it for the electricity it has taken to do the load.The problem is, the instructions for the machine are good and seem fairly automatic, but the "this may not be your model, seems to come in to play more than it actually telling me how to use this model.
My errands netted me the most PERFECT wicker valise for my travel brochures and maps. It was probably once a picnic basket of some sort. So quaint and so perfect for storing up info on all the places I want to visit whilst here in the UK.
The Pope is coming to visit the UK this week. I'll be in Scotland whilst he's in England and he'll be in Scotland after I return. There are all kinds of groups going to see him and the Church is making it very easy to do so. I would have loved to have participated in one of the pilgrimages. Sad face.
I need to run an errands today. This will take make longer to get ready to go, than it will to go, do, and return. Such is the life of small town England.
And today I will do my first Hoover. One doesn't vacuum here, they hoover.
I will also read, again, how to do laundry. The single unit washer and dryer has me perplexed. I can get the clothes washed and then dried, but the 3+ hours it takes to do a load from start to finish is driving me nuts. Yes, it might only use a gallon of water, but I feel like I've drained Hoover dam or have a wind generator my name on it for the electricity it has taken to do the load.The problem is, the instructions for the machine are good and seem fairly automatic, but the "this may not be your model, seems to come in to play more than it actually telling me how to use this model.
My errands netted me the most PERFECT wicker valise for my travel brochures and maps. It was probably once a picnic basket of some sort. So quaint and so perfect for storing up info on all the places I want to visit whilst here in the UK.
The Pope is coming to visit the UK this week. I'll be in Scotland whilst he's in England and he'll be in Scotland after I return. There are all kinds of groups going to see him and the Church is making it very easy to do so. I would have loved to have participated in one of the pilgrimages. Sad face.
