And so it's come to this.

I'd like to think of myself as a reasonably intelligent woman (typos notwithstanding). 

I did good in high school.  I could remember anything long enough to pass a test.

I managed to graduate college (university) with honors while working full-time.  

But, I have been done in by British appliances.  

Seriously.  How hard can it be?  It's just a few buttons and dials, right?

Some simple words.  On.  Off.  Hi.  Low.  

Well, apparently I now need to take an on-line course to figure out how to use anything in my kitchen.

This is in my freezer.

Lambs, chickens, cows and reindeer.  Cupcakes, a puppy and some fruit.  Huh?

And not only do I have this one lovely dial.   But, I have four of them.  One on each drawer.  

What I need to know is how to defrost the damn thing. 

It's built into the cabinets so never really seals when closed so always needs a defrost.

At least it's a pretty good size.  

And then there's the "microwelle" which is apparently a microwave and an oven.

Inside is a metal tray and two metal racks.  Metal.  In a microwave. 

My first attempt to use it resulted in sparks and pops.

Since then I've been brave enough to try popcorn three time.  

Results?  1.  Burnt.  2.  Ten kernels popped.  

3.  Success.  Most kernels popped and only slightly burnt.  

There is also a regular oven. 

Obviously, it's in Celsius rather than Fahrenheit.  Nothin' a little Google action can't solve. 

But, what the hell does this mean?

Lines, squiggles and a plane propeller.  Not a single short, basic word in sight.  

And check out the buttons for the dishwasher...

Can someone please tell me what this means?

(Before you suggest it, yes, we do have the manuals for all of these appliances.

However, I'd much rather bitch blog about it then actually educate myself.)

And lastly,

(cue the ominous music)

my arch nemesis,

(Dum! Dum! Duuum!)

the Washer/Dryer Combo!

(screams and wails from the chorus)

Or as I like to call it...

The Shake and Bake.  

So, what you do is you put 5 articles of clothing into the little pot.

Because that is all it will hold which means you do laundry a lot.

It then shakes those clothes around for about an hour and a half.

Then the Nuclear Cycle kicks in.

For the next two hours, all of your dainties, jeans and jumpers

are exposed to temperatures so high that it actually

changes the molecular structure of the fiber content. 

And more of the hieroglyphics.

I've managed to go 46 years avoiding an iron.

I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've actually done it.

There is even a special section at the back of my closet

for clothes I wore one time and will never wear again

because they weren't permanent press.

And yet, I now find myself a woman with an... 

(deep breath)

I can't even bring myself to type it...

(sob)

a woman with an...

an...

IRONING DAY!!!

That's right.  Monday is Ironing Day.

Talk amongst yourselves.  I need a moment.  

 No fluff and tumble here, my dear friends.

Clothes are wadded up, wrinkles are baked in.

Even the most wrinkle resistant fiber in the world comes out

looking like the skin on my neck a Shar Pei.

I am now a woman who irons sheets and dishtowels.

What the hell?

Let's just hope we figure out how to use this thing before the temperature drops any further. 

xoxo

Selena

P.S. Sorry for the rant.  I promise to post a Favo(u)rite Post soon!  But, I do feel better.  I'd also like to apologize to my mom for using a few bad words (like "iron").  It really couldn't be avoided.  

I Spy Friday featuring Folkestone

I haven't posted all week and I feel so guilty.  Lazy blogger!  

But you know how sometimes you just want to retreat into a good book and disconnect from the world for awhile?  That's been me this week.  I haven't even picked up the camera.  But, today the sun is shining, we've had some good news and it's time for I Spy Friday!

Folkestone has again been home for the past month.  A few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have a visit from some new friends I met through the blogging world.   Melizza from Pincushion Treats makes THE cutest clothes.  Mandy from Emm in London has been so sweet in welcoming me to my new life as an expat.  They both, along with their husbands made the trek down from London.  

I was so excited and dying to show them Folkestone.  But, the weather was NOT cooperating at all.  Shocker.   

 The skies were grey and the view of France across the channel was elusive.  The wind was cold, sharp and relentless.  They were such troopers as we dragged them through the elements.  

We visited the Battle of Britain War Monument and rode the old Victorian Leas Lift.  We viewed the white cliffs of Dover and explored along the coast to see the Martello Towers and the WWII bunkers.  And then we ducked into a Tea Room to get warm.  We ended down at the harbor for fish & chips.  The company was warm, even if the weather was cold.  It was a great day in spite of the English weather.  

I took a few pics that day, but instead I'll share the Folkestone that I so wanted to show them.  These photos were taken last summer during my first trip to England.  

Folkestone is a quaint little town in Kent on the Southern Coast of England.  Matt's childhood home is right on the cliffs and we are spoiled with the most gorgeous view of the channel, complete with France in the distance on a clear day.  It's perfect for a day trip from London (on a clear warm day, anyway).

The word for the week is "home", it seems.  

We've had an initial offer on the house in Texas.  It feels good to be moving forward and getting it sold.  But, I'm a little sad.  It was a great home where we spent our first year of marriage together.  There are so many good memories with family and friends in that house... holidays and pool parties.   I hold those memories especially dear since we've moved away. 

And we've found a new home in London.  Well, for a short while anyway.  It's another temporary lease that will take us through July.  It's the cutest little place in Kensington.  We move in next week.  It will feel good to get back to London.  And we're looking forward warmer weather and fun Summer activities.  

One of my favorite bloggers, Sarah at The Salad Days posted this post and haiku about "Home" today and what it means to her.   That needs to be embroidered onto a pillow, don't you think?

xoxo

Selena

I Spy Friday and a Hug For You

It's been four months today that we left the US for our new home in the UK.  Some days it feels like just yesterday and, at other times, it seems ages ago.  

I won't be doing another Well-Expat Checkup until we hit six months.  I decided when we left that I'd give it at least six months for life to start feeling normal again.  And I'm still confident that things will be getting settled by then.  

But, for now the boxes are still taped up, the suitcases are still in use, the CPA is still pending, the house in Texas is still on the market and the magic phone call has not yet come.  

As those who know me will attest, I don't do "patient" very gracefully (exhibit A).  And I've certainly had my share of pouting and foot tapping stomping.  

But then I remind myself that waiting is an integral part of life.  And I'm sure you know exactly how it feels 

Waiting for that snaggly tooth to come out.

Waiting for Christmas.  

Waiting for daddy to come home from deployment.

Waiting for the college acceptance letter.

Waiting for him to pop the question.  

Waiting for your daughter's plane to land.  

Waiting for the plastic white stick to show two little blue lines. 

Waiting for your late teenager to get home safely. 

Waiting for "the one."

Waiting to see if you are going to keep your job. 

Waiting to see if you got the house.  

Waiting for the baby to come. 

Waiting for that promotion.

Waiting for the diagnosis.  

Waiting for a cure. 

Quote: Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns   Photo: Mine.

 So, here is a hug for you if you are waiting.

I hope that you get the answer that you are hoping for and I hope that it comes soon. 

And in the mean time, I wish you lots of love and support.  

xoxo

Selena

P.S.  It's been a quiet week for I Spy.

We did take a drive up the coast and 

spotted three crazy dudes kite surfing in the English Channel.

The water must be frigid!  But, it looked like so much fun.

I wanted to join them.   I couldn't believe how high they could fly!

Seeing wonderful things like this does make the waiting easier. 

 

Get out your mini-violins.

Growing up as a military brat meant that we moved every few years.  I was in the comfort of my family for the early moves, so life just went on.  But, the move to Texas the summer after 8^th grade was different.  My junior high friends had become as important to me as my core family.  And the move was so much more difficult. 

We were all settled into our new house and waiting for the new school year to start.  I’m sure it was magnified by the drama-hormones of a 13 year old, but I still vividly remember the feelings of isolation that I experienced that summer.    

I spent a lot of time alone in my room listening to records (I’m aging myself), gazing out the window and sighing dramatically, I'm sure.  My brother (aka my bubba) was younger (and cooler) and quickly made friends on the playground.  But, for an awkward, moody teenager like me, it wasn’t that easy.  

I’ve been thinking about that summer a lot since we’ve moved to England.  Suddenly, I am that young girl again and walking through a bustling neighborhood that feels completely deserted to me.   

It’s difficult to explain the feelings.  It’s not loneliness, but more a feeling of isolation.  

I have my husband who I absolutely adore by my side.  I have his parent’s love and support.  And I have the love of family and friends from afar that keep the feelings of loneliness away.  I have FaceTime, phone calls, emails and texts from home and the promise of visits coming up.   But, something major is certainly missing from my life right now.    

It’s about connections, isn’t it?  

I think some of the isolation comes from the lack of shared experiences.  When I speak to most of my family and friends at home, I can plug into what is happening in their world.   I am familiar with the context of their lives.  I know where they live, work and shop, and I know the people they love.  So, as they share the events of their daily lives, I get it.  

But, it feels weird to speak of what is happening in my life because the context is missing.  They don’t know what my surroundings look like or who the new people are in my life.  So, it isn’t as easy for them to plug in to my daily experiences.  My life has become foreign (pun intended).  

I often find myself seeing or doing something that I desperately wish I was sharing with someone I love back home.  It’s a regular thing to think “Sugar Bear would love this” or “We have to bring bubba n’ em here when they visit.”  (My inner voice has a southern twang, ya’ll.)

I miss being with my family who know me, know the life that made me and love me, even with my many quirks and flaws.  (I’m sure there is an official list somewhere.)   I miss the relaxed comfort of time with an old friend over a glass (or six) of wine.   I miss the shared inside jokes and the comfortable silences.  I miss the hugs and touches that I often took for granted.    

 I knew it was was coming and, as expected, 

I’m finding the isolation the hardest part of relocating.  

I am displaced.   

And I am spending way more time inside my own head than is healthy.

Yes, I chose to make this move.   And, yes, I am on an exciting adventure.  Please don't get me wrong, I am very happy and have no regrets.  This was the right move for us.  And I do feel silly when I whine about it and everyone rolls their eyes and grabs their mini-violins to play a sad song on my behalf.   

But, it is still an emotional journey and the feelings are real.    

Some days I experience profound sadness and  some days are really difficult.   

And there may or may not be days when my behavior would put any hormone addled teenager to shame.  

That lonely summer before 9^th grade quickly turned into one of the best times of my life as I entered high school.  The friendships that I soon made are still dear to me all these years later.   And I know that new friendships are in store for me here in England.   

But, no matter what new connections I make, 

I will always be thinking about the one’s that I am missing today.

Can't you hear the violins?

xoxo

Selena 

PS.   The picture was taken with my iPhone and tweaked via Instagram and iGoogle.

Two Month Well-Expat Check Up

I can't believe it.  We've only been here for two months now.  It seems like longer.  I thought I'd take the pulse, so to speak and let you know how I'm fairing.   At one month, I was pretty much a mess (unfortunately, there are witnesses).  But at two months things are going much better.  

Of course, we have to start with the WEATHER.  It really has been a non-issue.  It's rained a few times, some days are colder than others, overcast mornings often turn into sunny afternoons.  It's the weather.  I still don't see what the fuss is all about.  I probably won't until next winter when I'm working and commuting regularly.  

As far as FOOD goes... another non-issue (except for the whole Tex-Mex thing, which you have not heard the last of).  If you can't find good food in London then you aren't looking.  There are a million options. 

Grocery shopping via Taxi

Now that we are in our own place, I'm back in the kitchen (no comments from the peanut gallery).  It's been great! Grocery shopping in the city is very different from the 'burbs.  We visit the local grocery every few days.  It's about a 10 minute walk.  Since we have to carry everything, we shop with two baskets rather than a cart (trolley, as they say here).  We sometimes take a a taxi home, but don't tell anyone.   There is a smaller shop about 3 minutes away for quick trips for milk and bread. 

I absolutely love the selection.  There are a lot of pre-made meals for two.  Great quality and easy to turn into a nice dinner.  Just add some rice and veggies.  Voila!  And don't even get me started on all of the sweets that are available.  I'm not really missing any American food items right now.  Well, maybe Diet Dr Pepper.  And Tex-Mex.  And Ranch dressing.  But, I digress.  

AND... no Target here (gasp)! I had to walk to the electronics shop to find a blow dryer.   wth?

My Oyster Card in it's cute Cath Kidston case. 

The biggest change from a month ago is that I'm starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again.  I found out that I passed the fourth and final exam for my CPA, which was a great relief.  

I'm also learning how to move in a big city.  There is a completely different rhythm to life.  You have to figure out that rhythm to be comfortable moving through it.  I'm doing a lot of walking which is great, as long as you are on your toes and get the hell out of the way of the vehicles.  I've been exploring by bus to learn my way around.  I'm also using the Tube more on my own and I no longer hold my breath the whole way. 

 

I've even had some much needed Girl Time.  On Sunday, I went to brunch with 11 other American expat/bloggers.  It was fantastic!  They are all ages and vocations and have been here for varied lengths of time.  A few are married to Brits.  They are an amazing group of women.  It was nice to hear that some of things I'm feeling are perfectly normal.  They've all been there and I soaked up the support.   We are planning another get together next month.

Things are still not settled and I don't know where we'll be on my three month check-up.  I still often feel like a fish out of water and I miss my family and friends desperately.  But, I was walking along the other day and suddenly realized that I am actually very happy!   I even confessed to hubby that I'm falling in love with London.   It is a spectacular city and there is a lot to love. 

I'm not quite sure which phase of emigration I am in.  I thinks it's more like a merry-go-round...  I experience all four in one week, day or even hour.   But, all in all, a pretty good check-up I'd say.  Now, I'm off to the grocery.   And I'm going to try out the taco joint around the corner.  Wish me luck! 

xoxo

Selena

Hyde & Seek

 Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience.

  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am still on my quest to find patience as we wait for our life to move forward.  Yesterday I was feeling restless and frustrated.  I decided to get out for the day and explore one of the "lungs" of London.   Maybe there I could release the tenseness and and find my breath. 

"Time Flies"

This was the first thing that I saw as I entered the park.  I think this was a good idea.

Hyde Park is one of the largest of the Royal Parks.  Combined with the neighboring Kensington Gardens, the park covers 625 acres.   

 

The Elfin Oak

I stopped to say hello to the "fairies, gnomes, elves, imps and pixies" who call the Elfin Oak their home.  The 900 year old tree stump was carved by illustrator Ivor Innes in the 20's.  It is at the entrance to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. 

It was overcast, but the sun kept peeking through the clouds.  The park was full of people walking, running, cycling.  There were dogs everywhere.  I took my Nook and would find a park bench to take a break and read.  

I'm not sure what breed of duck this is, but the coloring was beautiful.  Like a patchwork quilt. 

What's a garden without roses?

The Albert Memorial, unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1872 to honor her late husband.

Isis, the Egyptian goddess of motherhood, was unveiled in 2009 and is the newest sculpture in the park. 

  The Serpentine runs through the park.  I walked all the way around and spent about 3 hours in the park. 

 

 I stopped at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. 

 It's a granite ring with water running through it and it's a beautiful spot. 

 I stopped at one of the two restaurants within the park for lunch by the water.   And, yes, it was nummy. 

 

My lunch companion. 

I only covered a small section of the park and plan to explore again.  

The Italian Fountains

 The squirrels are used to being fed and are not above begging.  Next time I will be sure to have some treats for them. 

It was a long walk, but I didn't want to leave the park.  It was such an amazing place.  I adopted the pace of nature and it was nice to just be quiet, observe and breathe.  

xoxo,

Selena

The pics were taken with my iphone and I tweaked the colors a bit with iGoogle.