In December of 2009, I put together a list of things I wanted to do in the next eight months. We’ve gone back and forth so many times on whether or not we were going to move back to the states, but in December, we apparently were already planning on heading back.
I’d like to revisit it to see how much of it I’ve actually accomplished now that we have 5 weeks left in the UK, and I doubt I will have time to do any more.
Here goes:
1. Use the word “whilst” in as many situations and posts as possible. – Although I’ve used this in writing as much as possible, not sure how much I actually used it in speech. I promise not to when I return, that I can assure you.
2. Use the term “double fisting” instead of “double parked” in as many party situations as possible – I think I gave up on this shortly after this post. Not very classy of me, would you say?
3. Mulled Wine – drink as much as possible. – I was able to drink quite a bit over the Christmas season. Unfortunately, they tease you with it and then abruptly get rid of it after December. Just like they do with Christmas decorations – not fair!
4. Tea – drink as much as possible. – You could say I’ve had my fair share of tea. As in, if I never have another cup it may be too soon. Not really! But I am ready for a good latte.
5. Absinthe – illegal in the US. Drink as much as possible. – Wow. I come across as quite the alcoholic in my posts. Nope, never got it. Just good old Poitin from Ireland.
6. See Manchester United play at Old Trafford. – DONE AND DONE! See my post about it here: “My First Old Trafford Experience.”
7. Visit the Brecon Beacons in Wales whilst it’s not raining. – Amazing. This was probably one of the best things I have done in the UK. Have gone back twice. See post about Carreg Cannen here and Eileen’s account of our day here and Abergavenny here.
8. Tower of London – Went with Courtney in March, and was so worth the trip! Highly recommend it. Photo here.
9. Write an entire blog with English sayings and spellings. – No, never. Never. Attempted a while ago, but gave up. I’m not English or British. A French blog entry, that’s another story!
10. Meet the Queen. Sir John (i.e. Grampy), can you set this up? – No, but I did see her dog. (Read: “27, But Who’s Counting?”) Does that count? See in the left side? 
11. Go back to Edinburgh just because it’s so wonderful, and it’s right here. – Am very bummed we weren’t able to do this, but we’ll be back and I’ve been there before. We’ve done so many other amazing things.
12. A day at the horse races. Never been. – YES! Again, with Courtney, Jock, Tommo and Greg, we went to Chepstow Horse Races. Very exciting and everything I hoped it would be. Did I mention Courtney won 60 quid? 
13. Gambling. – Yes, at the horse races. Besides that, I realized that gambling is really not my thing.
14. Long Boating down the Thames, or another English river. – OH YEAH. For Jock’s brother’s birthday. Read all about it here and here: AND Magazine, Barge Into Family
15. Pantomime. – Brilliant. It was truly brilliant. We did indeed go with Jock’s parents. Here is my take on Panto – “Not Exactly Shakespeare, It’s Panto.”
16. High Tea at the Ritz. Expensive? Probably. But it’s a must, right? – No, but see number 4 above.
Bring on America!
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