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!