The Soundtrack in My Head

I think I've mentioned in the past what a total dork I am.  It is actually something I like about myself.  I can easily laugh at my own jokes, no matter how bad they are, laugh uncontrollably for no reason, enjoy really cheesy movies, music, books, etc.  Sadly, the time leading up to our move and the first few months here, I was wound so tight, I hardly recognised myself.  I am happy to report that I am re-emerging.  I have to thank God, the friends I've made here, my supportive friends back home, my husband and the people who recommended Spotify.  ;-)

As long as I can remember, I have had a soundtrack running through my head.  I am in no way musical.  However, I love music.  I mean ADORE it.  It makes me smile, it makes me dance, it makes me happy.  I can connect events to music more than anything else.  My 5 year old has a constant stream of noises coming out of his mouth.  I call him my little action figure because it's like he is verbally expressing every move he makes.  I have a song in my head for everything going on.  Dorky, right?  The radio situation here in Northern England is very limited.  Spotify has brought the music back to me. Happy dance!

My long time friends know about the million mix tapes/cd's and now play lists I like to have.  They also remember many long nights on the dance floor.  Where do middle aged people go to dance?  Besides the kitchen, that is...or is that just me?  Why is it that once you become an "adult" the dancing stops?  Maybe that's part of the reason I decided to start ballet with some friends.  Yep. 38 years old and I will take my first ballet lesson in January.  I can't help but laugh when I think about it. Maybe it's part of the reason I love to run.  I can listen to music and move my legs.  It's an acceptable activity for someone my age. 

I don't know much, but I know I am thankful for music.  I also know I can't be the only one with the never ending soundtrack in my head.  Right?

Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year!  Bring on the music!
Cheers.

Me and my tiny dancer

Totally Random Stuff

Lots of little things whirling around in this head of mine, but I'll just fill you in a little on what's been going on here. Holidays, Edinburgh, girlfriends??? Oh my!

Holidays:
We had a nice Thanksgiving spent with friends that ended in the non-napping (that day), baby melt down. It was fine, though.  At least it happened after we ate.  ;-)

I'm starting to get excited for Christmas.  It is probably because the kids are getting so excited, but either way, just the thought of it makes me happy now. Our favourite morning activity is moving the candy cane on the calendar and putting a new bauble (ornament) on our Jesse tree. Of course, I have moments when I want to cry or do cry  because I wish I had my family and friends from the states here, too. However, we will be busy hosting approximately 18 people, give or take, so we will be quite entertained.  The kids will outnumber the adults and it will be pure chaos.  In a good way.  We can banish the children to the basement! lol  Don't worry, the basement is where the playroom is. I'm not that cold-hearted.  I have a fun filled weekend of holiday celebrations this weekend and then a little down time to prepare for the big day.  I've already baked 11 dozen cookies.  I have about 6 dozen to make for a cookies exchange this weekend and next week we'll do some more!  So far, I've managed not to gain any weight. ;-)

Edin-bruh/Edinburgh
We took a little weekend holiday to Scotland.  Lovely place, lovely people!  I had heard that Edinburgh was a fun place to visit during Christmas so I made it happen.  If I'd had an hour of sleep all weekend I would have had a blast.  The kids did a fantastic job in the car and walking around.  Walking around a city 4-5 hours is no joke.  There were very few complaints by anyone other than me. :)  We stayed in a really nice, modest flat.  Unfortunately, it was in old town, right off a busy street known for it's bars.  I spent most of my nights listening to sirens and drunks.  Thankfully, the kids slept through most of it!  As for the sights, the Edinburgh castle was breathtaking, the royal mile full of fun shops, not to mention a political protest against knife violence!  The German and Scottish Christmas markets full of trinkets and delicious food.  Oh man, I can NOT wait to go to Germany now.  The brats, the potato pancakes, the soft pretzels!!!  I digress.
Anyhow, we will most definitely make a return trip before we leave England.  It will certainly be during a warmer season.  I want to see the Princess Gardens in bloom.

Girlfriends? What?
Collin has a little girl winking and waving at him, calling him sweetie!  I may have to fight her. ;-)  He gets embarrassed and walks a way.  She came up to him, while I was standing right there, and put her fingers through his hair! Seriously!!!  He turned bright red and stood behind me.  I told him he needs to tell her it makes him uncomfortable.  If he doesn't, that means I will have to talk to the teacher. ugh.
When we collected Brady from football club yesterday, the boys were whispering, I asked what was going on and they pointed to a little girl getting in a car and said that she is Brady's girlfriend!  GAH!  I said, "No, Brady is in kindergarten and there are no girlfriends allowed."  They both laughed.  Sigh.  How.Did.This.Happen?

Darkness Falls

Sorry, I've been MIA.  We have been busy with the day to day, but nothing that felt blog post worthy.  Though the loss of light may be worth it.  I've started singing my own version of "Where Are You Christmas?"  It goes a little something like this, "Where are you daylight? Why can't I find you?  Why have you gone away?"  Catchy, right?  The sun set at 3:47 pm today.  Kind of crazy.  I may have to turn on the happy light soon.  It makes me very sleepy when it is so dark.

The holiday season makes it a bit more bearable in some ways.  Harrogate is lit up with Christmas lights and some of the shops even stay open until 7pm once a week.  Now that's huge.    I may go out shopping one Thursday night, just because I can!  Of course, I'll have to walk in the dark. Ha!

I keep telling myself that soon the days will be getting longer instead of shorter and next summer I can complain about it staying light until 11:00pm.  ;-)  It's all relative, really.

I am feeling quite homesick these days. The downside to the holidays while in a foreign country. I have really grown to like Harrogate, but with Thanksgiving and Christmas here I miss my family and friends back home.  I wish I could put them on a private jet and fly them to England!  It's been fun to decorate my house.  I've never had a fire place before.  I was able to hang the stockings by the fireplace with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be here.  On the bright side, my "diary" is nearly booked solid.  Birthdays, holiday activities, trips and dinners should make the time fly by.  The New Year will be here in a blink of the eye and the days will be stretching out again.  Looking forward to it. 

Ho Ho Ho!

Cheers.

Visit to the Land of Waffles, Chocolate and Beer

We just got back from our first European, family vacation.  We survived!  We had some touch and go moments, but overall, we had a nice time.  We left Sunday night to drive to our first hotel that was just outside of London.  We didn't think the kids would like the 5.5 hour drive to Dover in one shot.  It was a wise choice.  Our ferry was scheduled to cross the channel at 11:00am and we arrived at the port at 9am. That's when we found out our ferry was cancelled. Ha!  Our luck, right.  Apparently, another boat hit it. Who knows, though.  We were able to book another crossing that was actually an hour earlier, so it was all good.
We had to sit and wait for about an hour before boarding.  Jason turned the car off even though the kids were watching a DVD and I was charging my phone.  Guess what happened? Oh yes, it did.  Our battery died and we had to get a jump start as everyone else boarded the ship.  I was a little annoyed.  Well... a lot annoyed, but since we made the ferry I let out a sigh of relief and moved on.

Reminder for future road trip:  Bring more snacks, keep them close for easy distribution.  Bring more hand held activities for antsy children.  Honestly, though, they did way better in the car than I expected.

When we reached Calais, it was pretty much smooth sailing (driving) to Bruges.  What can I say about Bruges. It was fantastic!  What a wonderful city.  We really loved it. What's not to love about waffles, chocolate, beer, cobbled streets and canals?  Oh, did I mention the waffles?  Oh my.  I was hooked after one bite.  Brady and I had a contest to see who could eat the most over the course of the week.  They were so decadent that one at a time was plenty.  I won.  Only because he chose to eat crepes on occasion and I stuck to the waffle diet.  We ate most of our waffles from a window shop between the market and the burg. Chocolate was consumed in great quantities, too. Collin even said he was getting tired of chocolate. GASP! I think we spent over a 100 euro on chocolate!  Dumon was our favorite.  The hot chocolate there was fabulous, too.  Jason enjoyed the beer more than I did, but I'm not a beer drinker.  However, my favorite raspberry beer is made in Belgium and I enjoyed that.

Yum

Waffles?  Yes, Please!

 There is plenty to see and do in Bruges.  The kids really enjoyed the horse and carriage tour of the city, the canal tour and climbing to the top of the Bell Tower.  366 steps, baby!  I admit my glutes were sore the next day.  Jason did it with Cait on his back!  It was steep and narrow at the top, but the views were lovely.  We went to The Church of Our Lady and saw Michelangelo's statue "Madonna and Child."  We spent hours walking the streets and checking out little shops along the way.  We also took the kids to the chocolate museum and the archaeology museum.  It was kind of a whirlwind.

The Market Square

Pretty

So that's how that works.

The best decision we made was to rent a self-catering apartment instead of staying in a hotel.  We had a 2 bedroom terrace house close to the center of town and a block from the canals.  It was ideal.  We were able to run around all morning, have some down time and give Cait a nap in the afternoon and then back out on the streets in the evening.  Next time, we need to pack some more games/activities for the boys to use during Cait's nap time, but really, it went well.  We had some bad behavior, but we were so out of sorts.  It wasn't totally unexpected and didn't ruin the trip.  We kept calm and carried on.  ;-)  For the most part.  lol

Horse and carriage ride

View from the top of the Bell Tower

One of the many views from the canal

Cait and I on one of the canal bridges

Madonna and Child

Procrastination

Have I mentioned how good I am at the art of procrastination?  I'm such a pro and unfortunately, it sometimes comes back to bite me in the butt.  Take today for example.  I've been putting it off all week.  I've known for a long time it was coming, but I just didn't want to to deal with it.  It stresses me out, so I just go in to denial and then end up in frenzy at the last minute.  What is it that has me all out of sorts... TRAVEL.  I know, right.  What kind of person doesn't  like to travel?  ME!  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing new places and exploring new things, but I HATE getting there.  I despise packing.  I can plan and pack for myself, but packing and planning for 5 is one of my least favourite activities.

Anyhow, I put it off and today, I need to make a big, long list and start the packing because the kids clothes ain't going to pack themselves. Yes, I said "ain't".  Deal with it.  I'm sitting here with a paper and pen next to me, but have yet to write anything down.  I HAVE checked the weather. I am looking forward to the waffles and chocolate.  If you don't hear from me for awhile I may be in a sugar coma.  We'll be in Belgium for a few days, in case you couldn't guess.  On the way home we have a surprise for the boys.  I'll fill you in when we get back.  ;-)

We are lining up a few other trips and I've already defaulted to Jason.  I told him I'll plan spring.  It's just not fun trying to find the best flight deals (and then miss out on them) and trying to find a place for all of us to stay.  Learning where to stay and what to do is tedious.  I'm sure I'll be a pro by the end of our time here.

I think I'll procrastinate just a little longer and then get to it.

Cheers!

Spoiled American

I freely admit that I am a spoiled American.  I like comfort. I like convenience. I like my house to be warm when I turn on the heat.  These are not traits of English living.  Let's take a look at some of the things that make me cross.  ;-)

Lack of storage and convenience.  It didn't seem like a big deal at first, but now, it's annoying.

• I have to leave the kitchen to get a dish.  There just isn't a place for them there. They reside in a sideboard in the dining room (up 3 steps and around the corner.) 
• Piles of linens on my bedroom floor.  No linen closets.  I ran out of plastic bins and room under the beds for hiding them.
• Piles of papers and small appliances covering the tiny amount of kitchen counter space I have. Again, the clutter is way worse than it was back home.  How that is possible is beyond me.
• No medicine closet or storage.  Those things have been placed in a bin and are on the top of a high glass shelf in the master bath.
• What built in storage there is requires a ladder, in most cases.
• The master bedroom, looks huge on paper, but try arranging furniture around 2 long radiators and 3 very large windows.  The space dwindles.  I feel like I should have a 4 poster bed in the middle of the room to provide more wall space.  Hmmm....maybe I need to think more about that idea.
• High ceilings and single paned windows make it awfully drafty.  In the states, I kept my heat on 71 and it pretty much stayed around that temperature.  I know that's warm for some, but I like to be comfortable! Here, I set it to 21C (just under 70F) and I'm lucky if it reaches 20.  It was 19C most of the day yesterday.  It made me a very unhappy woman.
• There are 2 small boilers in this massive, old home.  The downstairs one can barely keep up and the upstairs one has to be reset every other day.  I woke up at 3am freezing because the dang thing stopped.  I had to reset it and then we were back in business.  (I may or may not be interested in moving next summer to a smaller, newer home.)
• Climbing nearly 30 stairs to gather laundry from the boys bathroom has already gotten old. I wish we had a laundry chute. lol
• The curtains fell off the wall yesterday because the person who hung them, did it improperly and a bolt was missing.  REALLY.   Thank goodness no one got slammed on the head with the metal rod.
• While walking the boys to school is mostly a positive thing, when it rains, it sucks.  There really is no where to park.  We live close enough that we would only get one or 2 streets closer.  Not really worth the effort of getting everyone in the car.
• Did I mention I am always cold!

Now, these things really get my blood boiling, but it's not really that bad.  These are silly inconveniences that I need to adjust to.  I can say that I appreciate my little home back in the states so much more than I did before leaving it.  I just need to figure out how to let the little stuff go, so I can enjoy the big picture.  There is a lot to be thankful for.
How about a little list of things I am thankful for to end on a high note.

• We have a lot more family time here.  A short commute for Jason equals more time at home.
• Access to incredible sights.  I feel as if my heart and mind have been split open by the things I have seen here and the things I know I will see.
• The ability to walk to the shops, restaurants, parks,etc. if I choose to.
• The amazing, kind and compassionate people I have met here.
• Easy access to fresh, local produce and dairy products.
• The opportunity to have this experience that I am so unworthy of.

There are so many things to be thankful for.  I will try to focus on those and maybe now that I've aired my grievances, I can let them go a bit more, too.

Cheers.

In Translation

It is generally when I am out and about on my own that I think of things I'd like to share here.  Today as I was walking to town,  I was in search of the perfect shirt to go with this adorable scarf a friend gave me, I thought of all the little vocabulary differences that add up really quickly.  Of course, the shirt was no where to be found.  ;-)  I'll write the American word and then it's English counter part. Plus some phrases I have heard, learned and/or picked up.  Enjoy.

American/English

Stroller /  Pram, buggy, pushchair
Pants  / Trousers  (very important to note this)
Underpants / pants
Shopping cart / Trolley
bath room / wash closet or toilet
living or family room/ lounge
schedule / scheme
Calendar/ diary 
Clever and Proper are used a lot here, too. 

Common Phrases here and their American translation (often self explanatory).

Well done = Good job
Cheers = it's a greeting or salutation or even thank you.
Give it a go = try it  (Brady has picked this one up already)

This is proving harder to express than I expected.  The wording and inflection is slightly different.  Most sentences sound like a question, when in reality they are not.  For example, if I say to Caitlin, "Shall we go for a walk?"  What I really mean is that we ARE going for a walk.  You see?

As an American, I'm used to using okay or yes as a response to simple questions.  Here, answering the same kind of question or a word of confirmation (almost like a head nod) is "right."

There is also a lot of  "popping" going on.  I'll pop in later.  Just pop it in the mail. Pop back next week for a follow up.  You get the idea.

None of this is bad.  It's just different and can throw you for a loop at the start.  I'm getting on quite well now, though.  :)  Right, the word quite replaces very in many circumstances.

Oh another one is "one off".  This is used fairly often for something that rarely happens or something that happens occasionally, but is not a regular occurrence.

I know there were plenty more rolling around in my head before I got home, but without a proper place to write while I walk, they've slipped my mind.

Anyhow, make sure you say all of the English words and phrases with a British accent to get the full effect!

Cheers!

Just My Observations

So we've been settling in to a routine despite the disruption from colds and tummy bugs.  I thought I'd share some of my basic observations and thoughts in regards to living in England.  I may have touched on some of these things previously, so forgive me if I have.

Driving and the roads:

• The roads are very narrow, some of the country lanes are really only one lane and you often have to slam on the breaks and pull off to the side to let another car pass.
• In town, it is not uncommon for the pavement (better known to Americans as sidewalks) to become part of the road.  Yep.  Beware if you are walking down a 2 lane road where cars are parked along the curb.  You can pretty much guarantee there will be a car on the pavement.
• There are very few parking restrictions and it's the street parking that often causes the roads to go from 2 to 1 lane.
• There is no law about which direction your car must face while parking.  It is perfectly acceptable for me to pull my car across the opposite lane of traffic and park near the curb facing on coming traffic. 
• There are many instances when no one has the right of way.  Just gun it and hope for the best. ;-)
• English drivers seem to be less inclined to suffer road rage though this could just be my limited experience.  They seem to be more willing to let other vehicles in to the flow of traffic or stop (even with the right of way) to let a car cross the lane and make their turn. 
• Whoever said most British cars are super tiny weren't entirely correct.  It is true that there are hundreds of fiats, minis and focuses on the roads here.  However, there are an equal mix of Range Rovers, Volvo X90s and the like.  
• It is not uncommon to see children in the front seat.
• I am certainly getting the hang of the roads, but it often feels like a game of stop/go.  Harrogate does have a lot of traffic at certain times of day and fitting down even the main roads can be tight.  I have clipped more than one mirror.  There, I admitted it.  

Moving on....
Fashion:

• Let's just say I feel like I've been put back in time to the late 80's.  Stretch jeans and broad, horizontal stripes abound.
• Of course, skinny jeans are here (often stretch) with flats or boots.  Generally cute and comfy, but often times looking like one stepped out of the movie Flashdance. 
• I think the skinny jeans work well with the weather.  It's a lot easier to get your wellies on if your pants are tight at the ankle.  I'll have to peg my boot cut jeans and have bunching at the knee when I wear mine.  :)
• I have to say, that like back home, there is variety and many other mums in the school yard have the same attire as me.  Jeans, t-shirt and sneakers.  
• Of course, most outerwear is geared toward keeping you dry.  I rarely carry an umbrella because it usually just gets turned inside out by the wind.  I've had 2 mangled in the past 3 month.  A hood works much better.

Now totally off topic...

• Why is it my 2 year old will not fall asleep before 1pm for her nap lately.  Then I have to wake her up and she is miserable.  If I keep her up she is miserable by 4pm.  HELP!

Humbled

That is the best way I can describe how I feel about this experience.  The places I have seen are indescribable. The opportunity to walk through abbeys, castles, villages that were born well before my native country was settled by Europeans, leaves me awestruck.  In many instances it brings me to tears.  I know, I know, I'm a total dork.  I can't help it.  I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this country.  Everyday there is something that takes my breath away. I haven't even left Yorkshire. yet!  It is a reminder that there is so much more out there. That life is so much bigger than my little world.

Today we went to York.  I need a t-shirt that says I heart York.  lol I guess that is the NYer in me.  It is such a lively city with so much to offer.  There were street performers everywhere.  I absolutely loved it.  Many of the streets in the city centre are cobbled and when you walk through "The Shambles" you can almost feel the presence of the many people who have come before you. I am humbled and blessed to have been there.  York Minster is incredible.  I have no words.

I am so incredibly grateful to share this experience with my children, even if they do not fully comprehend the gift that is given.  I hope that when we move back home, they have a greater sense of understanding for the world we are a tiny part of.

 Entering York through the gates.

 Walking through the Shambles.

Street performers. So much fun to watch!  There were musicians all over.

 York Minster

Roman column outside York Minster

 Around town (York).  Jason was a sport and carried Caitlin.

A great day, for sure.

September!!!!

Oh September!  You have long been a favourite of mine.  Maybe because I actually enjoyed going to school as a kid.  Maybe because it means changing leaves, jeans and warm sweaters.  I have loved the Autumn for as long as I can remember.  Cool, crisp air is my favourite.  ;-)  I should be loving England any day then!  The weather here will be cool and crisp most of the year. I must admit, it is growing on me.  Especially the weather and the scenery.  Of course, 2 months from now when it's dark in the morning and dark before dinner, I may sing a different tune.  I may be dancing around a happy light at that point.

Maybe, September represents a new beginning, in an odd sort of way.  This September marks nearly 3 months in England, but it is also a return to some normalcy with the start of school and routine.  I picked up my whiteboard calendar and just filled in the month and numbers and I'm not kidding you,  I felt so happy.  It was like a friendly, familiar face.  I haven't even filled in any of the activities, yet.  For the first time in many months, I feel at peace with where I am at and what is coming.  Dare I say, I am excited about what the next 3 years has in store for my family. This does not mean that I am no longer homesick.  I know there will still be bumps in the road, but I think I am coming through the hardest part of this experience.  I hope stronger and more open to all that is waiting for me.  Hooray for September!

Cheers!

Perfect Running Weather

So, why aren't I running?  As I walked to church this morning, I was a wee bit chilly.  By the way, I totally love that I can walk to church.  Anyhow, like I was saying, I was kind of cold.  Then I realised it was perfect running weather.  My favourite running weather, really.  Mid 50's, overcast, slight breeze....doesn't get much better.

I've only run a few times since I've been here. Those of you who know me well, know that running has been an important outlet for me over the past few years.  Creating schedules, setting goals, following a plan.  It's also been a social part of my life.  Running and traveling with friends. I miss it, I miss them.  It's been hard for me to make good use of my time since moving here.  The time exists, I am wasting it. Procrastination...another one of my many flaws. There is a verse in Hebrews 12 that says "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  This holds so many levels for me.  I feel like I've been failing on the perseverance front in many ways. Not just running, but as a mother, as a wife, spiritually. However, I'm still standing and I know why.  There are many things I could have done better during this transition time.  There are many things I need to work on.

I am working on them, even if no one else can see what I'm doing.  Though I hope that soon they will.  I am trying to be more patient with my family and with myself.  I am trying to change the environment in my home from reactive to responsive.  It is NOT easy. I fail daily. The stress of this move has set me back.  I am by nature a reactor.  I know that when I am taking care of myself by running and going to church, I will be able to take care of others in a kinder, gentler way.

Note to self.  Get off your arse and start running.  You and the people around you will be happier.

Observation:  There are a hell of a lot of snails in England.  ;-)

Keeping it Real

The picturesque scenery and the adventures to come will totally rock.  I know that they will.  However, in the spirit of keeping it real, I'm a little depressed and a lot homesick.  I have a hard time getting up in the morning.  Many days I cringe at the thought.  Don't get me wrong, I know this is where I'm supposed to be.  It's hard for me to explain how I know that, but I know it deep down inside.  This is a journey I am meant to be on. I spent a lot of time praying before this happened and a lot more now that it has! I'm growing and changing daily.  That doesn't mean it's easy or fun. Sometimes it is. 

Before we left, a lot of people commented that at least there wasn't a language barrier, but that's not entirely true.  They do speak English over here, of course, but there are a lot of variations and accents.  There have been many times when I've actually had to stop and think about what was said to make sure I understood.  I'm pretty good at using context clues, so that is helpful.

I think one of the hardest parts for me, a self-proclaimed introvert, is the feeling of sticking out.  I'm a blend in kind of gal.  I don't like to be the centre of attention, it makes me uncomfortable.  Anytime I open my mouth in public, it is obvious I don't belong here...well...it's obvious I'm not from here.  I smile and nod a lot and do my best to keep my mouth closed.  Awkward.  Even when I'm driving, there is no denying it.  My steering wheel is on the left side.  Gasp!  I am thankful to live in an area with a high concentration of Americans, but blending is not going so well.  ;-)  I'm also thankful for the people here who have been so welcoming and have pulled me out of my comfort zone.  I consider them gifts.

Taking it one day at a time.  Looking on the bright side, I have a trip to Portugal planned and am in the middle of planning our first family vacation to Belgium.  That is so beyond anything I ever dreamt I would be doing!  God is good.

It's Very Old

England, that is.  It actually takes my breath away sometimes.  The fact that I'm living in a house built in the 1800's is just plain crazy and that is not even old! We've visited Ripley Castle that has 700 years of history and Fountains Abbey with 800 years of history.  This was really just a short intro for some pictures.  ;-)

Ripley Castle

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

What's more fun than the playground and Disney World?  Running around the ruins of an old Abbey, of course!

You can't actually see it, but there was a very mangled, dead bird off to the right. Gross.

I need a better picture of the water garden.  It's actually very cool.