Day 163 of 365: Ring Ring Goes the Telephone

Waited for a call from the Council about a possible start date for my new job.

I phoned, eventually in the afternoon, and my new manager was glad to hear from me.

So, did not hear anything else today from her, but she said if not today then Monday.

I can't wait to start the new job. :)

Day 162 of 365: I Just Can't Seem To Get You Off My Mind

I got my new CRB check for the Council today in the post...

...yet again, it's come up with No Records. Woot! So now everything (except for my FBI check) is finished! And the FBI check is being processed right now.

And I discovered today that there's a cat in the neighborhood that looks like Ashes:



I miss my fatty....

Day 161 of 365: Baby Make Sure You're Well Fed

Bake some banana and raisin bread for the hubby and I today. Came out really well, actually.

And I made homemade potato salad, thanks for a wonderful tip from Jamie. She talked me through it on the phone a bit as well. :)

Day 160 of 365: It's Just Another Day....

Mum in the garden at King John's House

Spent the day with my MIL today.

Took her to her eye appointment in the morning, then we went to King John's House for a cup of coffee. I had a nice scone with home made fruit jam. Yum. :)

Afterwards we hit the town and the charity shops. My MIL bought some new clothes, since she's been losing weight, and a new umbrella. I just went around trying on weird clothes.

Was a very nice day, and even thought it was grey, it only rained about half the day today.

Day 159 of 365: Words of Love

My nephew James came over again to spend the day.

It was another rainy day, so he, my MIL, and I sat around watching films. James and I baked some chocolate chip cookies, and I made a traditional American lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. They enjoyed it. :)

Then we played Create-a-Word, which is a lot like Scrabble only with some spinner and a few different rules.

I lost big time, buuuttt....on one turn I pulled tiles that spelled out Ian's nickname:

I haven't called him Pugs in FOREVER....lol.

Day 158 of 365: We Are the Champions

Yes, I put little sticky thingies over the lady's woman parts....

This is just one of the MANY old fashioned boobie photos that are hanging on the wall in the pub where we participate in the quiz every Sunday.

Tonight, for the first time in the 5 years that Ian, Matt and Carole have been going to the quiz, Size Doesn't Matter (our team)....

CAME IN FIRST PLACE!!!

We couldn't believe it. When they announced the top 3, we held our breaths. When Jon, the landlord and organizer of the quiz, was looking at us for the 2nd place announcement but said a different team, Carole and I screamed.

It. Was. Amazing.

I was more excited for Ian, Carole and Matt though, since they've been a team far longer than I've been a part of it.

So next week we each get a free dink.

WOOT! :)

Day 157 of 365: Dear Sir or Madam, Will You Read My Book?

Time to get a-readin' and really start to study.

Need to apply for my provisional license here soon.

Ian has quizzed me on some signs though, and I got them all correct. *phew*

Day 156 of 365: She's a Dancin' Machine

Went to a party out in Swindon for the daughter of a family friend.

My sister in law and the family friends were gettin' down on the dance floor...

...literally.

Day 155 of 365: For Tomorrow May Rain so, I'll Follow the Sun

Blue skies for the first time in about two weeks!

The morning was a bit eh, buuuttt....the sun came out and stayed out for hours. :)

And we were even able to put the clothes on the line!


Spent the day with my MIL and nephew. We went to ASDA to do the weekly shop and then hung out at the house the rest of the day.

My nephew helped me mow the lawn (first time ever for him), and then my MIL pulled some weeds.

Day 154 of 365: Happy Graduation

My sister-in-law, K, with James

Congrats to my nephew, James, for finishing primary school today!

Day 153 of 365: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Yet another rainy day today. *sighs* Is it ever going to end?

So, what did I do to pass the time? I baked banana bread, and made a sort of chili con carne concoction in the slow cooker (which is older than me, I tell ya!).

I had a bag of crisps at lunch, and wondered if anyone else does this:

I don't know if it's a Romsey thing or what, but we tie our crisps bags in order to save more room in the bin.

Anyone else do this?

Day 152 of 365: I Like Pleasure Spiked With Pain, and Music Is My Aeroplane...

Spent some of the evening looking at prices for flights.

Ian and I had always said that once we were together, we'd go on a short holiday where it was just us, and we didn't have anything important to do. Our last "us holiday" was to Chicago, but that was to take care of my spousal visa. So it wasn't EXACTLY like a holiday/honeymoon.

And since I haven't worked yet since getting here, we had to scrap the idea of going to America this October (TOO expensive to go for just one week!). I'm a bit sad by it, but then again, I'm excited about going to Edinburgh, Cologne, and Meeden.

So, we decided to go back to America for two weeks for our one year wedding anniversary. Right now we've just got WAY too much to save money for.

Day 151 of 365: I Think I'm Crazy....

Was a bit of a busy day today for a Sunday....

...woke up, and we got a phone call from some car insurance company. Ian was online browsing for quotes, and they called us after about 2 minutes after giving his information. Talk about Big Brother!

Then, Ian and I went and saw Bruno. Two words: talking penis. That's all I gotta say.

Was a funny film, but it makes me feel a bit ashamed to be an American because it just shows how naive Americans are. Also, the movie was a lot like Borat, but in more leather and short shorts.

Saw a big cruise ship as well:



After we came home, and our friend Mel phoned. Was lovely speaking to her again.

Then, one of the highlights of the day was talking online with Stephanie and Carrie. A screen shot from my convo with Carrie:


HA!

Also, the pub quiz....we came in 2nd place! WOOT! That's the highest we've gotten, I think. Wonderful!

Now...it's time for bed...

Day 150 of 365: Happy Birthday Dear Leon and Jacob....

Happy 2nd Birthday to Jacob and Leon!

Ian and I went over to see them. We got them cards with badges, so near the end of the visit their Mom put them on.

So it was a noisy afternoon. But, I melt whenever Jacob says my name..lol. And they both hung around me quite a bit because I gave them chocolate. I know a way to a toddler's heart, ya know!

But yes, was a wonderful time. We watched the boys play as it rained outside.

Ian and I were supposed to go and see Madness tonight, but with it raining every day for the past week plus, we didn't want to stand in a muddy field for 3 hours.

We decided to come back, have dinner, and watch The Reader. Was an o.k. film, but I don't think I need to ever see Kate Winslet's breasts again.

Day 149 of 365: Sick Sank Sunk

Spent the day in bed today because I didn't feel well.

I was all ready to go into town, but wanted to make some lunch beforehand.

All of a sudden I got a bit dizzy and sweaty, and my stomach was hurting.....soooo....yeah. Vegged out today. It pissed down all day though, so I guess that was a good thing.

But, highlight! Yesterday when I went to ASDA (woot!), I found the facial cleanser that I used in America. I asked someone a month or so ago if it would ever be here, and they said "Probably not" but low and behold, it's new here!

So, the American bottle next to the UK one:

It's a good thing that the little things amuse me.

Day 148 of 365: "I Am Not a Crook"

Woke up this morning, all amped to have my first drive to ASDA to do the grocery shopping with my MIL, annnnddd......

....the car died AGAIN. *sighs* The thing is so incredibly stupid. I can now say I officially hate that car.

Now it looks like I'll probably have to take driving lessons again and learn how to drive a manual. Ian said atleast then we'd have more variety to choose from as well as a more reliable car. *sighs again*

But, on a plus note, look what I got in the post today!


So that's one down. Now I just need to wait for the FBI one, and the UK CRB, and I'm golden.

Day 147 of 365: They Say the Oaks Are Just Too Lofty

They cut ANOTHER tree down in front of our house.

The first one was cut down a month after I moved here. It was big and gorgeous, but apparently it was blocking sunlight from going into someone's garden. So the council cut it down.

Now this one is gone? And they even left the stump!

*sighs*

Anywho, so today I ran errands into Romsey, mailed out my paperwork to the FBI, came home and hemmed our new curtains (which are going up tonight), then took a nap. But, whenever I was home today, I watched Maury.


All those paternity tests! My goodness!

I think I need another nap....

Day 146 of 365: Wishing You a Happy Jourey Home

Went into Romsey today to watch and honor the Princess of Wale's Royal Regiment's march and ceremony. This group just got back from fighting in Afghanistan.

It was an amazing site to see. Flags everywhere, Union Jack balloons, and a veteran helped Kathryn and I hang a St. George's Cross flag out the window at the Chamber office (which Kathryn was ever so nice to let me go up there and watch high above the rest of the crowd).

I wore my sparkly American flag hat, and one of the troops said he really liked it.

But I really enjoyed it. I wanted to cry at one point. Plus it was cool to see the mayor of Romsey and his fancy dress.

Thank you, lads, for fighting for our freedom.

Day 145 of 365: Monday Monday

Finished up my MIL's bedroom today.

Carrick came by and we got all the last little touches together.

We also got curtains for the room at Ikea on Saturday, and THANKFULLY they had a hemming kit in them, so I hemmed them this evening as well. I felt WAY domestic. And they came out well considering I used paperclips instead of straight pins when I was ironing, and had to use a metal measuring tape instead of one of the proper tailor ones.

Day 144 of 365: Work Work Work Senora (or Senor)...

The last layer of paint was put on today, and Ian build this shoe rack for my MIL, but instead of shoes going in there, her puzzle books shall go. It's a really nice piece of furniture.

The guys also put together Mum's new wardrobe, as well as Yog putting together a small book shelf. The lounge looks REALLY nice and clean now. Just how I like it.

Day 143 of 365: Purple Rain

Ian and Yog put on the first layer of paint today, while Kathryn and I cleared out most of the front room.

Then we spent 2 hours at Ikea! YAY!

Then the four of us went to The Mandarin Chef...yum.

It also rained all day.

Day 142 of 365: Hey! What's the Big Idea????

So, another day of painting and whatnot was today.

Buuuttt......I had to do some more pre-employment things for the new job. I phoned the FBI (yes, that big ol' group in the US) to find out what to do for my background check. Basically, I paid a lot of money for a computer to tell me to go online to their website.

Then I called the American Embassy to ask about the local police check. They told me to go to their website as well.

I DID look on both of their sites for quite some time, but I didn't realise that I had to phone to find out the ACTUAL page on the website. Crazy?!

Both sites told me I needed to have my finger prints done, so I paid 35 quid at the Romsey police station to have old fashioned prints done. Thankfully, Kathryn was there to make light of the matter.

Around tea time I also phoned the Wickliffe police (it was weird to hear 1) an American ring tone, 2) an American voice on the phone, and 3) talking about my HS because the officer also graduated from Wickliffe). Anywho, long story short, they're doing a check for me and mailing out here to England. Yes, folks, I need both checks. But, I COMPLETELY understand why.

Anywho, but while waiting for the bus to come home this afternoon, this poster caught my eye:


Looks harmless...but a friend of mine pointed out what the first letter of each word spells out on the can.

Yes. Need I say more?

Day 141 of 365: I'm So Tired, I Don't Know What To Do

Bloody hell, I'm knackered today!

Woke up at 6:30am and saw Ian off to work. Watched BB from last night, made myself some breakfast....


..then started on painting my MIL's room putting up the first layer of undercoat.

Carrick came over around noon and helped me out for a few hours.


Ian came home from work and I fell asleep on the couch for a bit, but I'm exhausted still.

Will say though that the council phoned me about some more information for my pre-employment. I have to send stuff off to the FBI though and call the American Embassy tomorrow and ask them a few questions. Jeezie!

But, on a more upbeat note, Fudge had a nice relaxing day...


....and I was able to get my hair trimmed this evening. It needed it too.

Day 140 of 365: Dust to Dust

Carrick came over again today around 12:45pm to get the rest of my MIL's room cleared out.

We worked very hard and ruthlessly to get it all cleared out (well, atleast what we COULD take out today), the walls and window wiped down, and the carpet vacuumed. Which, by the way, this is a PRIME example that my MIL has not fully cleaned her room since she moved in about 5 years ago:


Carrick and I literally left footprints in the dust on the carpet!

It was very gross.

Then poor Carrick cleaned off the ceiling fan, and a HUGE layer of dust just fell right into his hair:


So after that, we packed it in for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we just might start painting a bit so this weekend it won't take as long. Maybe we can atleast prep the walls.

Day 139 of 365: Rain Rain Go Away

You can't tell from the photo, but it's raining.

And it's basically been raining for two days here. Mind you, we DO nee the rain because as you can see, most of the lawns are dead down here. But still.

We're supposed to get more rain tomorrow as well.

Day 138 of 365: Busy Like a Bee

So, this is it!

It's a new week, and a week full of business.

My nephew Carrick and I are in charge of getting my MIL's room ready to be painted.

He came over for a few hours today, and we started the clearing out process.

I feel like it may take forever...

Day 137 of 365: Happy Happy Brithday, Baby

Today is my MIL's 76th birthday.

After getting in from Brixham at 3am, Ian and I were completely shattered today. Our bodies were killing us from the walk the day before, and we just didn't want to do anything, but the whole family went to Canada Commons in West Wellow for my MIL's birthday party.

The nephews were not wonderfully behaved, but we were all too knackered to deal with it.

And I had one of the coolest experiences today. The donkeys were out in full force today, coming up to the families that were having picnics and whatnot. This wonderful, and VERY pregnant donkey, came RIGHT up to us, wanting some food. We tried to feed her some cucumbers, but she wasn't having it. She ate the popcorn though, and then since grass had blown into the potato salad, I fed it to her. She was very tame, and nice, and let all of us pet her and love her. I never thought I would feed a donkey in my life!


A note: There are signs EVERYWHERE in the New Forest telling you not to feed the wild animals. I did not know this and had never seen one of the signs, thus why I was feeding the donkey. If you visit the forest, do not do what I did. You CAN get in trouble for it if a warden catches you.

After that, and a MUCH needed nap, Ian and I went to the pub quiz.

I was too exhausted to fight Ian and Carole off, and they took advantage of that AND my leg, and drew all over me.


Lovely.

Day 136 of 365: Oh the Red, White, and Blue

Happy Independence Day to my American friends!!!

Today Ian and I were in Brixham for Josy's 4th of July party. It was REALLY lovely to finally meet Jamie and Josy. They've been my rocks since moving to England (especially Jamie).


The morning started with taking a shower in our room.....yes IN our room. The shower was next to the bed, which was strange but cool at the same time.

We had breakfast (which was lovely. Jill and Richard cooked it, of course). We thought we were the only ones in the B&B for awhile. But, eventually, an elderly couple joined us for breakfast, then a German family came in. The Dad was very tall, and said loudly with a husky voice "Good morning!" over and over.

After loading the car we were on our way to Josy's. I texted Jamie and we had a slight race to get to Jo's. Jamie and Alan won...lol.

We all sort of screamed, and gabbed forever, and hung out in Josy's house until her fiance, Jason, came home from work. Then we headed off to go into Brixham, took a bunch of photos, Jamie and I played on a playground for a bit, and we went and had lunch at an American themed restaurant. The food was all right.

Left to Right: Jamie, Alan, me, Ian, Josy, Jason

Then Jason started to take us on a walk of the coast. It had GORGEOUS views, but after awhile, it turned into hell.

We walked through the woods, so everything was rocky, there were stinging nettles (which Jamie screamed out whenever we came up to them to let me know since I trailed behind....and she got stung once). We walked through mud, and horse poop, you name it, it happened. AND, Jamie asked if she and I were o.k. in flip flops. Jason said yes. WRONG!!!

We probably ended up walking like, 8-10 miles!!! And it was hot...AND it was up and down the cliff all day. I couldn't believe it. And I complained quite a bit, buuuttt....if I had the right shoes on the walk wouldn't have been so bad. The walk literally took us almost 4 hours to do.

So we tried to hurry back to Josy's place to take showers RIGHT when her other guests were showing up. They loved our t-shirts and outfits:

Day 135 of 365: On the Road Again....

Wow...today was quite the busy day!

Woke up when Ian did because I had loads to do.

First, I had to get things squared away with my MIL for the weekend. The family was taking my MIL out to purchase paints and whatnot for her bedroom. She will be going up to London to stay with my sister-in-law, Cheryl, while we redecorate her room next week/weekend.

Then I had to make a batch of deviled eggs for my MIL's birthday party on Sunday.


After that, I had to pack, make sure I had everything I needed for my interview, get ahold of Ian (who was taking me to my interview), and whatnot.

But, the icing on the cake was, after we packed up the car so we could head to Josy's RIGHT after my interview, we tried starting the piece of crap, and it wouldn't start!

Ian took me to my interview in his work van, and while I was sweating and answering questions, he was able to find us a rental car.

So....went home for a bit because we couldn't pick up the car until 5pm. Then, after getting it, we headed out and made our way to Paighton. The B&B we stayed at was lovely (so if you go down to the coast, stay with Jill and Richard! :)). It was their first night as "landlords" I suppose. They had JUST taken over the place.


And there was a ginger cat that lives next door that darted out of the bushes when we were walking to and from getting our things. It was hilarious!

So, one thing I didn't want to boldly announce was that a few hours after my interview, the nursing home phoned and offered me to the job! So I shall start training here soon. Just need to wait for the recruitment office to do my paperwork and whatnot. YAY!!!!! So I now have a job in England!!!!

Day 134 of 365: What's New, Pussycat?

So, today was a pretty uneventful day. The typical day of chores, ASDA shop, and whatnot.

I did, however, need to get my things together for my job interview tomorrow, and start packing for the trip to Josy's party this weekend.

But, I did get to see both Domino....



....AND Fudge today! :)



Both cats belong to our neighbors, Dave and Amy. Dave is the more social of the couple, so he explained to me the behaviors of the two kitties. Domino is a lazy one, and only comes around when he wants food, which I know is true since one morning I found him digging in a trash bag in our back garden licking out tuna can. I fed him some fresh tuna, and now he lets me pet him and get close to him.

Fudge is our girl! She's apparently very nosey. She roams around Woodley seeing what everyone is doing. One night Ian and I were outside having tea, and she jumped over the fence to see what was going on. When she was bored, she then jumped over the fence on the other side to visit the next neighbor. But, we love her to bits.

Day 133 of 365: Summertime and the Living's Easy

Went to Bournemouth today with my friend Jen, her daughter, and her daughter's twin sons. Was very nice of them to invite me along.

We went to the Oceanarium and spent a good hour and a half there looking at the fish. Before hand we walked on the pier because two groups of school children went into the Oceanarium RIGHT when we were about to go in.



Afterwards we had lunch, then headed back to Romsey. The twins were absolutely shattered and fell asleep. By then it was INCREDIBLY hot outside as well. I wanted to nap when I got in, but Ian came home shortly after I had downed about 3 glasses of water.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far. I think I'll spend the day in front of the fan then.