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!