I've been in England for 19 months now and slowly I'm losing touch with my American-ness. I notice when someone else is speaking with an American accent, I purchased a teapot to have tea the right way (brewed in a pot not per glass), I'm starting to "get" the references to British Pop-culture and when I watch American movies I'm starting to think "why are they driving on the wrong side of the ... oh yeah."
I haven't lost the American accent. I'm just as Wisconsin as ever but words like lovely and brilliant have crept into my vocab. I have been corrupted with DVDs like Nighty Night, Gavin and Stacey, Marion & Geoff, League of Gentlemen, etc. Oh, and I finally understand the "Oh!, What's Occurin' " thing that they do on the radio.
For the past few months I've been on a little roller coaster with jobs and apartments but I'd have to say I'm very lucky to be in England, and I'm happy to be learning the culture. And finally, I think my roller coaster has stopped in the station to exchange passengers and I'll be hopping off for now.
For the past year I was on a Maternity cover role when I worked for Asda and as it was coming to an end I didn't know what my future held. Where do I live? Do I go back to Wisconsin? New York? etc. There were several paths I could have taken and surpisingly more than I had even hopped for. But I'm happy to say I'm not moving to Australia just yet, I am staying in England and I'm very happy to have taken a job with Morrisons.
For those who don't know, Asda and Morrisons are competitors so when I gave my notice I was literally escorted off the premises. It was done in the nicest of ways however it's the first time I've been escorted off anyone's premises. After you are used to going to the same place day after day, it's a bit strange and sad to be told you are no longer allowed there anymore.
I'm not complaining, just reflecting... but anyway, I was put on Garden leave. Basically it's a time where I needed to remain available to work for Asda but they did not want me at work and I could not work for anyone else until my notice period was complete. So yeah, time off. Sounds great, right? Well, for anyone who knows me, they know I don't do well with sitting around and doing nothing. Garden leave means you can stay at home but I wasn't exactly allowed to go on holiday or leave the country.
So for the month of April I was in Wales and it was absolutely lovely. I learned how to cover and tar a flat roof, reclaim old bricks and build a brick wall, and how to cut and put up plasterboard. I even did a little gardening on my garden leave. And I was only two blocks from the sea with a sandy beach! You'll never hear me complain of the lovely sound seagulls and waves make.
Oh, and I totally watched the Royal Wedding in my PJs. It was great. I was ready to get dressed at 1pm but they hadn't kissed yet and how can you watch the whole thing without seeing them kiss??? So I held strong and waited the extra half-hour for a smooch on the balcony. It was... kind of worth it.
I'm back at full time work now. I'm just getting used to the change of location and learning the ropes as the new girl but I'm very excited about my new job. I cannot say much more than that... Just know that I'm super happy and I just might get to do a little traveling for work (NYCers I may be knocking on your doors soon).
My first day of work at M'sOther than that, I've given up my gym membership and am looking for a new one near my new job. Until the time comes, the weather has warmed up and I can run outside plus I've found Argos and all of the amazing home-gym equipment I need. I've now got my kettle bells and a yoga/pilates mat.
I do still miss a lot of American things & I had a little cry about being home-sick this weekend. I miss knowing what laundry detergent I normally buy when I go into the grocery store (here I just buy what's on sale and then get it home and hate it). I miss all of my friends and family (that is the #1 thing I miss). And I miss not paying 50 quid for gas/petrol (it's soooo expensive here).
But I'm not ready to go stateside just yet. Until I am, I'll be exploring the UK and what beauties the motherland has to hold.
We went exploring and found this old ship that used to be an amusement park/ship, cool.
