To Do in Eight Months

Posted on December 8, 2009 by MAL

I am starting to realize that I will only be here for another eight months, and I’m feeling a bit panicky. Only because I finally feel really settled and am beginning to love everything about living here.

More realistically, because the thought of having to go back to working and living as a regular old American gives me the shakes. No longer a lady who lunches?! What will happen to the blog?

But, it makes me understand what I must accomplish. Getting the book published. Enjoying English life and really doing the most English things possible while I’m here. Making the most of it. Another half marathon. Saving money.

So, the beginning of the list of things I have left to do whilst living in England.

1. Use the word “whilst” in as many situations and posts as possible.

2. Use the term “double fisting” instead of “double parked” in as many party situations as possible – it just cracks me up too much not to use it. (double parked *(slang) having two drinks in your hand at once (US: double fisting). The other definition I won’t put up here. It’s too crude.)

3. Mulled Wine – drink as much as possible.

4. Tea – drink as much as possible.

5. Absinthe – illegal in the US. Drink as much as possible.

6. See Manchester United play at Old Trafford.

7. Visit the Brecon Beacons in Wales whilst it’s not raining.

8. Tower of London – been to London so many times, but have yet to be up the tower.

9. Write an entire blog with English sayings and spellings.

10. Meet the Queen. Sir John (i.e. Grampy), can you set this up?

11. Go back to Edinburgh just because it’s so wonderful, and it’s right here.

12. A day at the horse races. Never been.

13. Gambling. I need to do more betting since it’s legal here, why not?

14. Long Boating down the Thames, or another English river.

15. Pantomime. No, this is not where someone stands up and moves around without speaking. This is a musical-comedy theatrical production that generally stars washed up actors. Apparently, the men dress as women and the women dress as men. Only in the UK. Can’t wait! Here’s a good article on it.

16. High Tea at the Ritz. Expensive? Probably. But it’s a must, right?

Making this list has also made me realize how much Jock and I have actually already done. London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Windsor Castle, Eton, Swansea, Ireland, Alton Towers Theme Park, Dog Racing, English wedding at castle (see my post about that here), Croyde, Devon, Cornwall, Spain, and English Christmas and New Year. Not to mention pub crawls, Oasis concert, Cardiff half marathon, cider in Bristol, dinner parties, football at Fratton park, and wine tasting at Vinopolis. I’m a lucky girl.

Who knew Christmas was so different in the mother country too? Crackers? Roast Dinner? Pantomimes? At least they still put a clementine in the bottom of a stocking. That makes me feel at home.

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  • can we babysit?
  • Hey, possible thing to add to your list: http://www.neatorama.com/2009/12/03/the-creepiest...
  • Oh, "In recent years, high tea has become a term for elaborate afternoon tea, though this is American usage and mainly unrecognised in Britain. This usage is disfavored by etiquette advisors, such as Miss Manners "
    MAKES SENSE NOW!
  • Oh sheesh. Then, what is high tea? I thought that was what it was called? But yes! The yummy tartlets are what I'm after. Ohhh, sipping champagne I am definitely good at "whilst" I wait. Hee.
  • I think you might mean afternoon tea at the Ritz, not high tea? The one with scones and yummy tartlets? And I must say, I do love afternoon tea at Fortnum's--do sip champagne "whilst" you wait for your lovely tray...
  • Have you gone punting in either Oxford or Cambridge? I also did not get your long term plan re: England, what's the status re: the temporary residency?
  • No. Have not gone punting in either place, and am ashamed to admit I'm not sure I know what punting is...
    Jock and I were planning to move to Chicago in August simply because we have a wedding to go to at that point, and we figured it would be a good time to move back for a couple of years. By that time we hope to have enough money saved up to travel the world for a couple of years.
    Eventually, we'll probably move back here (simply because it might be nice to have kids with an English accent ;) but that's years away! We're basically going with the flow.)
  • KIDS!!??
  • Good list! I went to my first pantomime last Christmas. It was...completely bizarre, to say the least. But a must-do!

    You should definitely visit Oxford (or Cambridge, but I'm obviously very partial ;)). Punting in spring or summertime is really lovely--it usually involves a boat, a man (or woman) standing at the end of the boat with a very long pole, a few friends, a picnic, and plenty of booze (champagne or Pimms is best). Look me up if you decide to come! Apart from punting, the city is really beautiful--loads of culture, history, and a few amazing pubs.

    I think one of the great things about a transnational relationship is the theoretical freedom it gives you to live anywhere you want. My man and I often talk about moving to the US for a while, though I think we'll stay in England for the next few years. The tricky bit is visas--so much red tape, it makes my head spin...
  • Oh good! Yes, looking forward to very much the cheese that is apparently a panto!
    I think we might take a long boat around there....would love to meet up if we make it there. I'll convince the man to do some punting irregardless.

    It is rather exciting to think about the possibilities. And funnily enough, both of us have always wanted to live in the other's country.
    Do you get the eternal question - "well, why don't you guys just get married?" We get it ALL the time.
  • ha! yes! we def get that one a lot...

    hope you make it to oxford :)
  • Jock
    The blog will stay, it'll just get re-named 'The Bloke who Brunches'
  • Haha. There you go. Jock has the right idea. He'll be taking over!

    Hanna - very true about the music. I can't believe all the good music that isn't over there!
  • Hanna
    Being new to the blog, I had no idea you were in the UK only temporarily. I'm sure you will miss it and you must get as much of the list accomplished while you're still there :) Sadly, eight months goes by so fast , so enjoy it while you still have the chance. BTW..it's a great list :) I would miss the great music ! Any chance I get, I listen to the UK radio stations on the web. I so hate our constant rap music here.
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