I'm cheating in this post, because the day was a bit too busy to take a photo, plus I was teetering on the line between sober and drunk all evening at the "do."
Spent the morning running around, getting our food shopping done, going to the post office, and I posted off all the documents to the DVLA so I can finally get my provisional license. Hopefully will have that in my hand by the end of next week. I can't believe I have 3 months until I HAVE to have my UK driving license. Eeps!
Anyway, so.....the Christmas do tonight was quite.....interesting. Met Ian's boss for the first time, and she seemed really great. Although, a few of the ladies got a bit TOO drunk, and everyone wanted to discuss how difficult it must be for me to be so far away from my family (twice I had to ask to have the conversation changed because I started to cry).
I just wish people would stop talking to me about how difficult it is and asking questions. I don't know how often other expats have the topic brought up, but I've been in England for 9 months now and I'm starting to become bored of answering and talking. Of course it's hard not knowing when I'll see my family again. Of course it's difficult getting used to things in England. Of course it's hard feeling lonely. But I made the decision to move, and I'm trying to do the best I can to fit into this new culture.....but I do not, however, need constant reminders that either I am different OR that I'm thousands of miles away from my family, because I know this.
I have some great supporters here, and even friends that live outside of the UK, and I'm ever so grateful for them. They have gotten to know me for who I am, and the ladies that are experiencing the same things as me have been a great way to vent how hard it is to be a foreign national.
But I don't want to leave. Maybe go back to Ohio and visit, of course, because I want to see my family, friends, and Ashes again. But, unfortunately, when I feel homesick it makes Ian feel that I don't want to be here with him. Not. True. I wouldn't change the decision that I've made for the world, because it's making me grow as a person and I couldn't imagine living life without the most amazing man I have ever met.
It just takes time to get used to it all......
I'm sorry it's been difficult. I can certainly sympathize with you. What I find even MORE annoying is the people in the US who are always saying how great it must be to live in *insert country here* and how lucky I am, blah, blah. It CAN be great and at times I DO feel lucky, but it's not all sunshine and roses all the time. I end up not being able to be completely honest with people because I don't want to disappoint them. After 3 years abroad I'm starting to be more honest with my friends and family about what life is really like here. The truth?? It's not much different from my life in the US except I can't find a job because the economy is shit and I'm in Dublin instead of Baltimore. How's that for an Irish fairy tale!?? Ha! So yeah, it's definitely not easy and I'm really glad you have a job, friends, and a fantastic husband.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim....
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the supporters though, so I am thanking you as well. :)
The questions never stop. I have been here 15 months and the questions just keep coming. I hit the 'American' wall really hard at around 12 months. I was SO sick of every time I opened I mouth it turned into a 'You are not from around here are you?' or a 'Why are you living here I would love to live in America.' UGH But it does get better I promise. And we are always here to help. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. :) I know you ladies are always there to help. I really appreciate it and you.
ReplyDeleteI vented to one of my co-workers today, and he said he thinks I'm doing pretty well and he wouldn't have been able to do what I did. So I guess that helped a little.