Tag Archives: leaving

Returning to The List

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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!


To Do in Eight Months

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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.