Day 132 of 365: Raaaaaiiiiinnnnn, I Dont Mind....

Today was a warm, muggy, rainy and boring day.

And I couldn't even take a nap because the house next door was having some exterior work done by the council (hence the photo.....which was snuck while they were having their lunch break).

So I went into Romsey to do a little girly shopping. My hair DESPERATELY needs to be dyed, so I went to SuperDrug to get some dye, along with more bobby pins (since my hair is finally long enough to put up), and just cruise around the charity shops in the rain. Also had to mail off a job application for an interview that I have next week.

Which, Ian had a job out in the area that I'm going for my interview on Tuesday, so I went with him so we could find the nursing home. It's a rather large home from what it looks like outside. Buuutt......Ian and I got into a bit of a tiff and barely spoke the rest of the evening. Oh well.....tomorrow should HOPEFULLY be better. If not, then I'm going to have a serious talk with him. I think he just got frustrated with me for something stupid, which happens.

Happy 3 month wedding anniversary to us then, eh?

Day 131 of 365: The Taxman...

Had to venture down to Romsey today to renew the car tax. It's up tomorrow, so being the lovely wife that I am, I went and got it done since, well, Ian is actually starting to say that the car is mine, not his. Probably because he doubts its abilities...lol. We opted for the 6 month option (even though it's more expensive) because if I can get a job soon, when December rolls around we may just trade the car in to get something more reliable. Buuuttt....Emmy (which I named the car) may just prove us wrong.

Then I met Kathryn and a friend of hers for a quick drink (water for me, please!). It was REALLY warm today in Romsey. Like, Ohio warm...but thank goodness it's less humid here than in the States.

Ian also got me an early birthday present today. He came home with a TomTom, so now I can drive where I please. Obviously I'm not going to hop on the motorway right away, but when I do want to go outside of Romsey, I will be more confident because now I know how to get there...lol. Plus, Ian sees it as a way to get out of the weekly grocery shopping at ASDA because he put the addresses to the two that we go to in the TomTom. Oh how I LOVE my husband. :)

Also, a preview of what is to come this weekend arrived in the post today:

I can't flippin' WAIT for the weekend!!

Day 130 of 365: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Can't tell what's in the bag?

They're new "unmentionables" (my Mom used to call them that when I was growing up). :)

I went to the large shopping mall/high street, West Quay, today with my sister-in-law Kathryn.

She needed to get out and have a good laugh, and I needed girl time like you wouldn't believe.

She and my brother-in-law, Yog, picked me up on time, and we headed off on the hot, humid day.

The mall wasn't HEAVING, which is good.

K and I had bra fittings done, because I had been told that my size could possibly be different here, and since I didn't have that much time to pack before moving to England, and needing to save money, my underwear collection was dying, and dying fast.

So, since I had been good on funds and still feverishly looking for a job, I was given an allowance and was told to treat myself by my darling husband. :)

For the first time in my life I now own not one, but TWO matching bra/panties sets. WOOT!

I also bought a cotton, khaki (or kharki as they call it here) dress from H&M. And it has pockets, which is a MAJOR bonus. :D

Then at the quiz this evening, our team came in 3rd of 11 teams, which is REALLY good for us. The pub was packed, we could barely hear, and everyone was in good spirits.

Great day all in all. :)

Day 129 of 365: Everybody's Working For (On) the Weekend..

It's the weekend! Which means, I get to spend more time with the hubby.

But alas....a simple trip to ASDA was interrupted by Ian being on call for work.


Where Ian works, engineers are on call during the weekend once ever 9 weeks. Not bad, considering they get more weekends free AND they don't have to go out and actually DO repairs, they just phone in to a contractor company. But the answers phone has to be checked once every hour. And, when Ian is on call he's on call for the ENTIRE area (basically the London area, the surrounding area, and all of southern England).

Ian had about 20 calls today, spent on average about 7 minutes on hold with the contract company, and after he dealt with the calls, he had to check the phones again.

Oh well...atleast after this it's another 9 weeks before he's on weekend call again.

Day 128 of 365: You Try To Breathe......

Ian and I woke up this morning and did the typical routine of him getting ready for work, me lazing about, and then sending him off at the door. Although, I did go out in the rain to get my brolly out of his van.

About two minutes after Ian pulled away, he phoned my mobile, telling me that Michael Jackson is dead. I said "It's gotta be a joke!" Ian said "It's not a joke if they're talking about it on the BBC..."

So he told me to switch on the news. And now I can't stop watching. I'm in utter shock. I really enjoyed MJ's music and will continue to. Yes, there were moments where I thought 'This guy is crazy' in my life, but you can't deny that his music is amazing. Even the Jackson 5 stuff was awesome.

Also, Farah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer yesterday. So sad.

Rest in peace MJ and Farah.

Day 127 of 365: I'm the One That's In the Know, I'm the Map...

Sorry it's blurry! But this is a map from our house to Josy's place. :)

Ian and I were invited to fellow UKYer and friend of ours, Josy's, 4th of July party next weekend. I'm REALLY looking forward to it! Our other friend and fellow UKYer, Jamie and her husband Alan are coming down as well...so it'll be three Yanks with a bunch of Brits.

I. Can't. WAIT! :)

Now.....to organize something with Beth...lol. :p

Day 126 of 365: A Reading Rainbow

The book I'm currently reading. Hilarious!!! Takes place during 1982 in northern England.

Absolutely delightful. I recommend it as a summer read.

Day 125 of 365: Happy Feet

So I thought that this would be the most exciting photo of the day today....


....I looked down at one point and realised that INDEED I have a tan, and it's only a few weeks into the summer. (And sorry about not having my toes done.....I know it's shameful...lol)

But tonight when Ian was fixing up our desert, I heard this motor noise outside. As I looked out the window I saw this flying through the air:


Just one of those motorized parachutes. I had never seen one so close before. And I bet it was a beautiful journey since the day was gorgeous today.

Just hopefully he didn't land in the large woods behind the close. Eeps!

Day 124 of 365: It's Black, It's White..

Well, today ended quite nicely.

Woke up, and had the urge to trim the bushes in the front garden. Basically, it's been neglected for years (according to my MIL), so I decided that I need to whip it into shape. I spent 3 hours trimming 4 bushes. Got some sun, and my arms and back are sore from using them so much and holding basically a tree trimmer above my head for hours on end. But, it's nice to look out and see what I've accomplished.

After taking a shower, Ian surprised me by coming home in between jobs. He was going out to Hamble, which is on the River Hamble, down by Southampton. There is Victoria Park and Netley Abbey, which Ian has told me about but we've never actually gone and seen.


This is the Garrison Church, which stands on the site where Netley Hospital was during the Crimean War. I had seen it before while coming back from the Isle of Wight on the ferry, but it was kinda awesome seeing it up close and personal. Unfortunately, they're doing renovations on it, so you can't go inside at the moment.

The church and hospital were originally planned by Florence Nightingale, Queen Victoria, and PM Lord Palmerston (his statue is in the middle of Romsey and can be seen in my Day 90 post). This is what it used to look like when the hospital still stood:


The hospital part was torn down in the 60s, but during WWII, it was used by the Americans. Ian and I surveyed the way the grass was, and you can actually see where walls may have been before just by the different colors of the grass.

After the hospital, we went to Netley Abbey. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL (well, what remains, anyway).


It was originally founded in 1239 and used as a house for monks. They even had a plaque where it said "these arches are where wash basins were where the monks used to wash their faces, heads, and hands at daily." It remained the monks' house until 1536 when Henry VIII had it closed down and gave the house to William Paulet. He then turned it into a Tudor home.

Apparently the vegetation over grew after the Tudor home was closed, and it became a symbol of the "romantic period." Painters and writers used to go to the Abbey for inspiration, and there's a myth that Jane Austin went here to write one of her books.

I thought it was amazing. There were carvings from what could have been soldiers from nearby that dated back to the 1850s on some of the walls. There was a section of original floor that was made out of tile. But what got me was this family was there and they were climbing ALL over the little house in the back, when there are signs ON THE BRICK that said "Danger Do Not Climb On Rocks." They were a French family. But still! I just can't believe someone would do that. And then the little girl was trying to throw a soccer ball up to her brother through one of the windows, and it just kept hitting the wall...and Ian and I were standing RIGHT under it. Oh well.

But yeah, it was gorgeous. If you're in the south DEFINITELY check it out. It's MUCH bigger than we thought it was going to be.

Tomorrow it's back to reality of taking my MIL to the Dr and housewife duties...lol.

Day 123 of 365: At the Car Wash, Yeah!

It's Sunday!

Here's the day.....

Ian put up a shelf in the kitchen.....


....while I washed the car!


The rest of the day has been spent watching Scrubs, and tonight is the usual pub quiz.

Oh yes, and we had a lovely conversation with our friend Mel for awhile.

Day 122 of 365: They Say It's Your Brithday!

Went up to southern London tonight for a birthday party. Ian's co-worker, Grant, turns 40 this coming Monday so his wife threw him a surprise birthday party.

The cake is what Grant looks like. No joke. Except Grant doesn't have "Birthday Boy" candles sticking out of his face.

Day 121 of 365: No No No No

Took this photo on the bus today. The socks with sandals look is just WRONG. This woman wasn't elderly, but she sure does have a strange fashion sense.

Went into Shirley with my MIL to look for an outfit for a party Ian and I are going to tomorrow night.

I found a dress, which I loved, but would probably never wear it again AND it was more than we can afford right now. So...I came home empty handed.

But to drown my sorrows, I ate some bread pudding. It's amazing stuff.

Day 120 of 365: Love You Whenever We're Together

Went to the Isle of Wight with Ian again today because he was working over there today.

Thankfully the weather was GORGEOUS this time. AND we got to ride the Ikea ferry over in the morning. Sweet.

I enjoy going to work with Ian because it gets me out of the house, I get to see what he does, AND I get to flirt with him whenever he walks by if I'm sitting in the pub.

Today I tried to do one of those role playing conversations. "Come here often?" You know, that jazz. I don't think Ian picked up on it though...lol. Oh well.

And the landlord there asked if I was on holiday, even though Ian TOLD her I'm his wife. I wonder if the "When are you going back to the US?" or "How long are you here on holiday?" questions will end?

Day 119 of 365: BANG Goes Another Day

Today was a windy day....and windy days mean the most annoying thing EVER happens...

....our neighbor doesn't ever shut their back gate properly, so whenever I'm in the house all it does all day is slams.

Opened by the wind

Closed by the wind

Eventually when I went out to the garage, I closed it. I couldn't take it anymore.

Day 118 of 365: When the Lights Go Out in the City

Lots of people have these photos, buuutt....I wanted to document it as well..lol.

This photo was taken 10 minutes ago at 10:38 PM.

Doesn't the sun EVER go down????

Day 117 of 365: She Came In Through the (Dinning Room) Window

Fudge and I in the house.

Yes, the photo was sort of forced...lol. She came in through the window again today (I taught her that last week...tee hee), and hung out for about a half hour while I was chopping up salad stuff for tea tonight.

I also drove to and from town today, which I was SO happy when I got to the roundabouts no one was coming from the right...lol. So I could just go.

After doing all the chopping, for some odd reason I was tired, so I took a two hour nap.

I seriously think something may be wrong with me. I've been really tired again lately, and, unfortunately, been crying at the drop of a dime (or 10p if you want to get technical).

Worked out in the garage with Ian for a bit. It was so hot and dusty in there that my asthma kicked off in about 10 minutes, so I had to stop. Will see how we fair tomorrow. I think the plan is to go for a walk first THEN go on the machines.

Day 116 of 365: Stay In Bed, Float Up Stream

No photo today because Ian and I were barely even awake long enough to take any photos.

We spent the entire day watching Scrubs in bed, napping, and watching motor cross racing.

Was nice though.

Day 115 of 365: I Read the News Today, Oh Boy!

Oh, Saturday...

Ian and I spent a good 3 hours this early afternoon sorting out the garage so we can get to and use the exercise equipment starting Monday. We NEED to get in shape (other than round) so we're going to get things started.

Afterwards, we went and ran a few errands, had lunch at Subway in Romsey, then went to Cafe Nero for a milkshake.

My baby looks so serious when he reads the newspaper.

Now we shall watch a film and veg out the rest of the evening.

Day 114 of 365: Cleaning Out My Closet

Today was a day spent cleaning. I had made a list of things that my MIL and I were to do today. And while she was in town doing her errands, I cleaned the kitchen.



So afterward I relaxed a bit, had some lunch, watched Scrubs (of course) and then about a half hour after my MIL got in, we tackled the closet underneath the stairs. It was a JOB because it's just stuff from YEARS ago. My MIL has early stage Alzheimer's so her shopping habits are TERRIBLE thanks to her poor memory.

Anywho, here's proof of the job:

Before

After

There's a floor! Ian was very pleased...lol. Those orange bins were full of junk, and now we don't have enough stuff to put in them yet, but keeping them so we can have some extra storage space.

Nowwww...going to relax while Ian makes tea (pizza tonight...woot!), then we're going to watch a film and if it ends in time, watch a little Big Brother.

Day 113 of 365: Blue Skies Smiling At Me

How could you NOT love this photo?

This was taken while riding in Ian's van out by Salisbury. I was invited to go to work with him so it would give me something to do. We went to different areas that I hadn't been to before, plus I think Salisbury is GORGEOUS.

The area is known for their military training, and we got to see lots of helicopters flying around. We even got to see an Apache helicopter, which was actually mentioned on the BBC tonight.

It was nice though seeing what Ian does. And, at his first job the landlord let me come in and hang out, so I had tea AND alcohol before 11:30am. I was a little drunk....lol.

Also went and visited our friend Jen. Had lovely long conversations with her, Ian, and Jen's three daughters.

Now, it's time for sleep!

Day 112 of 365: Beep Beep, Beep Beep, YEAH!

We FINALLY got our car back from the shop/dealership today.

About a month and a half ago we traded in the BMW for the Clio above. It was difficult to get insured on the BMW since I'm American, so we got something smaller, more practical.

Well, needless to say, we were sold a lemon. When we test drove it, we smelled an awful burning smell. The dealer said they'd have that taken care of, it was some oil switch, and that was that. Well, after about two weeks of driving the car (which we only drove it a handful of times), the burning smell was still hanging around, and it was barely changing gear.

We took it to our friend Jon's place because he works for the AA and is a mechanic. He said we were low on transmission fluid. Jon filled it up, Ian took it out for a spin, and came back with the car smoking up a storm.

We had a leak.

Soooo....we took it back to the dealership, and after about a week found out that a band in the gear box had broken which was causing our leak. Since it was a warranty job, it took longer since the warranty company had to go to the garage and approve EVERYTHING that happened to the car.

So yeah...drove it back tonight and seemed all right. Ian said we'll probably have the burning smell for a bit since there was TONS of fluid all over the place, but at least now I'll get driving in again. Ian reckons after I go out a few times with him in the car, he'll be satisfied that I can drive on my own, but for now I'm only allowed to drive by myself locally, which I don't mind.

Buuuutttt....while we were there, look at what we found!


It's Simon's car (from The Inbetweeners)! I didn't think these things ACTUALLY existed, but apparently they do! lol

Oh, and heard from the nursing home today. The email said "No word yet but don't despair" so that must be a good thing.....

Day 111 of 365: Lazy Crazy Hazy Days of Summer

The typical evening view after tea: Ian and I in bed, on our laptops, waiting for what we're going to be watching for the evening to come on. It may seem boring to others, and sometimes I'd prefer to snuggle instead of surf, but I wouldn't change this for the world.

Today was another lazy day. Woke up with Ian again, watched Big Brother from the night before, then helped Mum clean the house a bit. I did the windows upstairs and couldn't BELIEVE how dirty they were.

Also had a surprise call from Jamie in the afternoon. Thank God I have her here!

Made jacket potatoes with a tuna melt filling for tea, along with cauliflower cheese, some corn, and rice. We were stuffed, and the potatoes came out lovely.

Day 110 of 365: Please Please Mr. Postman..

Went and posted my CV to 11 different nursing homes in the area. Ian and I figure, even if they're not hiring, they'll at least have it on file JUST incase something comes up.

Sort of got word from the nursing home I've been waiting to hear from. My CRB check came up clean (which I knew it would) so the owner said we can move things forward early this week. So I may JUST have a job with them, but I'm not holding my breath. Just gotta wait and see.

The weather today is gloomy. I spent the morning watching Big Brother from last night, getting my CV and cover letters together, etc. Now I'm just waiting for Ian to come home and MAYBE, if we're lucky, we'll get to go and pick up the car....which means I'll get to drive!

And now back to watching TV and being bored yet again. Bah.

Day 109 of 365: I Got 21 Questions....

The Abbey Hotel, where Ian and I go to the pub quiz every week. Not a wonderful photo though because I took it on my phone, after we left around 10:30pm. We came in 7th out of 10 this week. Oh well.

Ian and I had a lazy day today. Watched a documentary on Auschwitz (I learned WAY more than I knew before), Ian cooked breakfast AND tea, and we took naps.

I love lazy weekends with my husband.

Day 108 of 365: Remembering D-Day

Today was the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

Lots of programs and movies were being shown in commemoration of the day, and there was even a celebration in Portsmouth that Ian and I went to. There wasn't a whole lot there. Just a band playing swing music with dancers dressed up in military garb from the era. Also there were military jeeps and tents set up in part of a field. The British Legion was there, selling some things to raise money for their organization (Ian bought us wristbands).

After leaving the tents and the noise, Ian and I sat by the water watching the waves crash and people watched.

Then later in the evening we went to our friends Jon and Amanda's place because Amanda wanted me to see their new kittens.

With the kitten, JD

Ian and I absolutely fell in love....and now we're seriously considering getting a cat (it's also therapeutic for seniors...especially those with Alzheimer's and dementia). So keep an eye on this space to see if we get one! It wouldn't be able to replace Ashes (whom I miss like CRAZY), but it'll just add to our little family.

Day 107 of 365: We Are Family

My nephew, James, had a school assembly dedicated to D-Day this morning. Ventured to see it with my MIL. Ian dropped us off by a shortcut, but the gate was closed. Oh well, nothing like a bit of a walk at 8am to get the blood moving.

Day 106 of 365: And When The Sun Is Out, I've Got Something I Can Laugh About...

Spent the day with my MIL, sister-in-law, and nephew.


He did NOT want to jump on the mini trampoline in the park with me. Noooooooo way.

Auntie Patty was good for only one thing, and that was pushing him on the swings and other spinny things.

He is once heck of a cute kid though.



And now I need a nap...lol.

Day 105 of 365: It's A Family Affair

Iiiittt'ssss Hump Day!

I don't care if you work or don't work, Hump Day is always a good day, because the weekend isn't far away.

Today was a bit of a crap day, actually. Tried to get ahold of the nursing home again and the guy I need to talk to was out AGAIN. Left my mobile number and asked if he could phone me back, but nothing. Bah.

Had a nice conversation with Jamie.

Had a much needed cry/talk with Ian when he got in from work.

Then Ian and I went out with his sister, K, and her husband Yog for his birthday. Was a nice evening out. Went to a pub called The Mayfly which is right on the Test River. Beautiful area. And would be absolutely GORGEOUS on a summer's day. Unfortunately, before we went out the temperature started to drop.

The Test River

L to R: Ian, K, and Yog

Will have to go back there one day.

Now, plans for tomorrow? Spending the day with my other sister-in-law, Cheryl. She MAY be bringing my nephew with her, but we shall see.....

Day 104 of 365: You Better Slow Down...

Have you seen this turtle? Saw this while walking to and from Romsey today. I had seen the signs before, but today I actually remembered to take a photo of one of them.

Ian and I are convinced it's just in the back garden at their house or something. Oooorr.....when it IS found it's going to be pretty pissed off because it probably took it weeks to get at least 10 feet away from its home.

Poor guy.

Day 103 of 365: Hot Child in the City

Was a hot one today (for English standards, anyway)...but thankfully a beautiful breeze was blowing through the windows so I vegged out on the bed watching films. Supposed to be warm again tomorrow as well.

Did a little weeding in the garden until the little, annoying, red ants started bothering me.

STILL no word about the nursing home job yet either.

I'm starting to feel like a failure. *sighs*