Wind Of Change

I never thought I'd feel it, but I am. And I like it.

Post 400!

WHOOP! THERE IT IS!

I know. I'm sorry.

Bits 'N Bobs

• My computer now has a camera. You may see me, if you wish.
• We won the quiz at the local last Thursday. For this win, we will receive a gallon of beer tonight. The quiz is so much fun. When I first heard about it, I thought it would be lame. I was wrong. It's a blast. Most of the pubs in the UK have a quiz night. More bars should do it.
• My son's 17th birthday is Saturday. That day I will hate myself with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns. Homesickness will rear it's ugly head. Blah.
• My dear friend Linda recently completed her schooling and has received a Master's Degree (if she has not received it yet, she will soon) and is beginning a new career. Sometimes you just don't know what to do with your life until you've spent it doing things you don't want to do. I admire her for knowing herself well enough to make this commitment. I don't want to say that "you're never too old" because she's several months younger than me, but it's true. Never say never. Ever.
• Happy Birthday David Hasselhoff. Those Germans are insane.
• It's raining. Nothing new there.
• Ciao.

Math & Metrics

I recall learning the metric system, had to be 30 years ago. Shame I didn't pay more attention.

Because I have a modicum of intelligence, I've managed to remember a fair bit of it. Not quickly though. I'll stand in front of something with a quizzical look on my face attempting to do the math in my head converting it to inches. I get inches. Centimeters take longer. All recipes are in grams & kilograms. Forget cups, quarts & pints. Imagine having to relearn the simplest bits of information. ALL OF THEM!

The price of gasoline here is insane. I know it's above $4.00/gallon in the states, but last I checked (more math, different size gallons & more fingers than I have) it was over $9.00/gallon here. If you can do the conversion yourself (I dare you) it's £1.22/litre as of this morning.

Making phone calls makes me paranoid. It involves more math, but a much simpler form. No conversions, just subtraction. Five. 5 hours. I know, sounds easy. What's the big deal? I have to do it every time I plan on making a call. I don't want to wake anyone up, interrupt a meal or accidentally phone when they're walking out the door to work.

Wouldn't be my blog if I weren't complaining about something, would it?

Another One Rides The Bus

*Don't you just love it when the post comes with a warning? Seriously, if you have a weak stomach, leave now.

Until Monday, I enjoyed my bus trips. I never go anywhere all that fascinating (grocery, mall), but it's something and I make the best of my situation. I like to see the humor in things and under normal circumstances I have a cast iron stomach - I've raised two kids, several cats and worked in the medical field. I don't get grossed out too often. But Monday, on the bus, I did.

During the day it's usually just me and the old ladies on the bus. They're quite genial and as non-threatening as they can be. But this day, it was me, the old ladies and some "dude." Said "dude" looked as if he'd been beat up and for all I know, he was. Dried blood dripping down his head, big purple eye hidden behind dark glasses and he looked a bit umm, crusty. I'm going to avoid as best I can describing what this "dude" did that made me literally have to hold back vomit, but suffice it to say it was a "pick and eat." This "dude" was so gross to look at and to have that happen... words escape me. When my stop came I couldn't get off the bus fast enough. It took me a good hour wandering around the grocery store before my stomach would settle. This place "excites" me enough. There is no need for anything extra.

Here I am two days later finally able to complete the post. Even now, the mental image disgusts me and makes my tummy churn. I don't mean to sound judgemental, as everyone has rights to public transportation, but this man was disturbed or something.

Excuse me while I squirt some antibacterial goo in my subconscious.... shiver.

Technogeek Boners!

I commented several (or one) posts ago that I purchased a Skype mobile phone. Let me clarify - it is a mobile phone (UK) that has Skype loaded on it. When I saw this product, I immediately had to own it. I mean more than immediately HAD TO OWN IT!

With my situation being what it is (a million/zillion/3500 miles away from my precious childrens) I need for them to be able to call me whenever. I was using Vonage, but if I stopped sitting in front of the computer for a millisecond it would be in that millisecond that they'd call. You know how that goes.

After a load of fiddling and foddling, I got the service to work and it works reliably. The phone itself is with a company called 3 and they and their customer service suck sweaty donkey omelets (more about Apu the CSR another time - or not). The nice thing about the UK (among many) is they offer a Pay As You Go that doesn't make you feel entirely like you've been raped. It's fair and allows those of us who don't want a contract the ability to purchase a cheap (or an unlocked US) phone - hence my 40 pound (I don't have the symbol on my laptop, so deal) Skypephone. Skype allows you to purchase a virtual phone number, so I can be anywhere and the call is local.

What is most awesome is that my kids can call from any phone anywhere in the US and I have a local US phone number (and by local I mean Greensburg!) that will ring through to my mobile phone no matter where I am in this country. It takes a bit of connection time, but cheap and worth it. I can chat on Skype as well. Contact me if you're interested.

And yes, even though I'm a girl, it gave me a technoboner. heeh. I do love me some new technology!!

New Link!

A new link has appeared in the sidebar - Stuff Yinzers Like. It's very funny and not unlike Stuff White People Like - with the obvious local twist.

Do patronize. Do enjoy!

Bits 'N Bobs

• Each post will clear up mistakes in the one prior! I'm allowed in the UK for 6 months at a time, not indefinitely.
• The illegal is back today working in the front garden. He worked and worked and worked yesterday. I've never seen anyone work so hard and so diligently. I can only imagine how bad life must have been for him in India that working here as he does is better.
• I bought a mobile phone that includes Skype. Not available in the US, but the technology is pretty cool!
• People now know my name at both the local pubs. That said, I love the pub culture but I've been drinking too often. I'm not concerned about becoming an alcoholic, as I'm not getting drunk or anything, but it's too easy to sit at the pub with a lager - and another. And another. Just not good.
• The neighbor brought their dogs over last night because I miss my cats? It was a sweet thing, but their Rottweiler and Bull Mastiff in no way shape or form even compare with my kitties. In the obvious manner as well. I didn't mention how much I miss my children. Good thing because I don't want these people and their genuine good intentions dropping their miserable brats here. Oh I do hate other people's children.
• My son sent me his senior picture proofs last night. As soon as I opened the file, I began to bawl like a child. The homesickness isn't getting any better. I don't think about it constantly anymore, but when it does come up, it's really hard-hitting.
• I'm tired of wearing the same clothes all the time. I like variety in my wardrobe, but there was just so much I could fit in two suitcases.
• Anthony has an Amy Winehouse Death Poll. This past weekend I watched her twice - once on the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Party (No offense intended, but what does Will Smith know about it?) and the Glastonbury Music Festival. Glastonbury was amazing. The performances were brilliant. Most of them anyway. Ms. Winehouse was completely unintelligible and underwhelming. Sad, because I loved her album "Back To Black." Anyway, prizes are available - get involved in the morbidity!
• I feel done and in need of breakfast.

A Bit Of An Explanation

You are insane if you thought I was referring to myself with the last post. My status in the UK is completely legal. I am not living on public funds nor am I working for a UK employer. I can stay here my entire life as long as I don't do either - not that I imagine I'll be here for the rest of my life. Am I just digging the hole deeper?

As I'm typing this, there is a friendly man in the backyard doing work that there isn't enough money on this planet to get me to do. He doesn't speak much English and he's working for cash. I knew he'd be here today and when I found out, I couldn't get the Genesis song out of my head.

I'll be back later with an update on all things Caroline. In the meantime, I've got some entertainment going on in the backyard to keep me occupied for the next few hours.

It's No Fun

Especially when you've got to do manual labor for less than minimum wage in the back garden.

Downtown

Or as a Pittsburgher would say "Dahntahn."

Earlier, while I was watching television, Petula Clark sang a medley of her songs on one of the British morning shows. Nope, not a fan of Ms. Clark, but a song she sang brought back memories of my high school journalism teacher Mrs. Surmacz. To this day, I have a giggle every time I hear it.

Mrs. Surmacz was a bit of a wreck and the butt of many of our jokes. Apparently this song brought back dreadful memories for her (no idea what they were, but would have loved to know).

We had the best time creating the monthly school paper. So for my fellow young journalists, please do sing along - in honor of Mrs. Surmacz and the P-T paper....

Athlete - New To Me!

Enjoy Athlete. Brit Indie Pop... or something. Good stuff.

We Are Omnipresent

I rode the bus to Sainsbury's the other day (no, not alone). As the bus pulled up to the store I received a glorious surprise - Starbucks! I felt a bit of calm rush over me as I had just found a tiny bit of "home comfort."

While meandering around the store, I saw a man wearing a Steeler t-shirt. At first I thought absolutely nothing of it, but then the light bulb went on.

Even after being warned off trying to make eye contact and say hello, I've kept it up. Maybe they'll appreciate my kind nature? I decided that I should tell this man I'm from Pittsburgh. What could it hurt?

I positioned myself a few aisles over and when he walked passed I said "Oh, I'm from Pittsburgh." He smiled and said "Sorry?" At first, I thought he was giving me condolences, but the light bulb flickered again. I repeated myself and he told me he'd been to Pittsburgh last year and really enjoyed it. I smiled, thanked him for saying that, he said "Cheers" and was on his way.

Yeah, that felt good. Now if only they had a Panera Bread.....

Superstar

I should have posted this ages ago! I was listening to my iPod this afternoon and it reminded me that you need to know about this song.

If you've seen the movie Juno (and if not why haven't you - it's a great film!!) this song will sound familiar. Good, good stuff.

Please do enjoy the Sci-Fi version of The Carpenter's song Superstar, a really great cover by Sonic Youth.

Chicken Sh*t!!

I'm referring to myself, naturally.

In a former life (before cancer, or bc), I was a rock. An independent beast who would rather chew off her own foot than ask for help and wasn't afraid of anything (except bugs). I made my way by following the rules and doing what I had to do to survive. I was a pretty fierce chicky. Now, yeah, not so much. I can still walk the walk and even talk the talk - if I have to. But to be honest, I'd rather not.

My comfort level is quite low. I look back on the past few months and I can't believe what I've done. But I had to do it. I don't feel the need to be as independent as I was "bc", necessarily, but I would like to be able to do something out of the ordinary without having my hand held. No one here holds my hand. I'm a stranger in a strange land.

I've walked places here by myself. I've also taken the bus, but I was never alone. Yesterday, I "manned up" and took the bus. Alone. Me and my Oyster card. I was scared out of my mind.

With a few quid in my wallet and my bravest face, I headed out toward the bus stop. It wasn't absolutely necessary that I do this, but I had to. I just had to.

I was fairly certain I would be OK getting to the Treaty Centre, home of Woolworths, because the bus stops right in front of the building. Getting home would be the problem. I had no clue what the name of the stop was - they're not the same there and back.

My trip was one long hot flash. I couldn't calm down. I stayed in the mall for a while, but the sweat was pouring off of me and I was afraid people would think there was something wrong with me (aside from the obvious.. heeh). I headed out to the High Street for some relief, found a bench and a breeze.

When I got my courage up, I headed back into the mall and out to the bus stop. I got a seat on the bus on the first level (yes kids, they still do the double-deckers) so I could see out the front window. I should have given myself more credit. I knew exactly where to get off the bus.

I wouldn't say "she's back" because she's not. One trip to a strange place in a strange way does not independence make, but it's a start. Sometimes I miss how I used to be. Most times though, I have to remember that as a human being I'm a work in progress. A work that has had a number of setbacks. A work who will do her best to keep on keeping on.

Stonehenge

This past Sunday I went to Stonehenge. Not quite what I expected. Interesting nonetheless simply for what it supposedly represents. Took lots of pictures which are available on the Flickr site.

Since I got back, I've had the inexplicable urge to watch "This Is Spinal Tap."

Sometimes...

People think I'm interesting just because I'm American. Little do they know I'm totally interesting regardless of my passport.

I equate it to the idea that Americans think that someone with a British accent is smart. I've met some people here with great accents who are have the brainpower of my socks.

Bits 'N Bobs

• I miss my shower. The water pressure here is a trickle.
• I think the amount I miss my kids is causing me actual physical pain. Or I've been drinking so much my liver aches. Not sure.
• My system seems to have adjusted to the change. No more pissing people off at ASDA.
• My feet are cold.
• With each passing day I grow to hate this laptop more and more. It's awkward, heavy and in no way compares to a desktop. I think I'm just a desktop computer person.
• I've been gone a month.
• I bought an Oyster card. No clue why they call it that. Weird.
• I miss my best friend who I didn't fully realize was my best friend until recently. Just typing that makes my eyes wet.
• I miss my sisters and their families.
• I miss my kitties.
• Today my son is having his senior photo done. It makes me a bit ill inside not being there for it. He described his clothes for the event (had I been there I would have attempted to persuade him differently) and it made it worse. I wonder if it'll ever get easier?

I Suppose

I could just keep the blog and be cautious of what I say?

I don't wish to hurt any feelings, really, but I began this blog so I could be a crazy blogging fool. Now I feel, well, just crazy and foolish.

It appears that I will be letting a lot of people down if I quit blogging. I never imagined that what I wrote would matter to anyone! I'll do my best to keep perspective and honesty.

So it is.

*Hi Pete! Thank you for everything. xoxo*