UK AOS 2009 Thread

[MissusM09 1]

Hi kids! It's been ages since I posted here....well a couple of months. Nothing too exciting happening here. We're the laziest time wasters on earth I think. It's very hot, but that's typical August. The outside temp thing in the car today said 105, but I think the hot concrete infuences that. Excitement of the day was that our cat had his teeth cleaned. He had to go get his shots last week and had some problems with infected looking gums. So today he had anesthesia, teeth cleaning, x-rays, one tooth extracted, antibiotic, pain med...... $380 !!! Can you believe that? Oh well, it's done and we love him so we'll get over it.

I got the bright idea this week that we should plan a honeymoon. We didn't get one when he came since we married quickly and needed to get caught up with the hurricane repairs, etc. Then last October we had just moved five days before and I was in the hospital. I talked them into releasing me the afternoon of our anniversary. I felt horrible. He was stressed from the move and worrying about me, and being uncharacteristicly snappy at me. It was probably the singular most horrible day of our entire relationship. Happy First Anniversary. Woohoo! So October is coming up and we can try to do better this year. I've always wanted to take a trip to see the fall foliage and New England. I've never been there, so it might be a good excuse to go. I'd like to rent a car and just drive around the countryside and see new sights. I've never been to Las Vegas either, but that's not at the top of my list. Anybody got any favorite places to go? LOL, the way this thread is going, it'll be Christmas before somebody posts again, so I won't hold my breath waiting for trip ideas.

ok it might be a bit cold by then, but i have to say, michigan and its great lakes are sooooo beautiful and there are lots of b & b's around them. We went to south haven when we were courting and there were some great places round there, also traverse city is v. beautiful. Just an idea.. hope its great for you this year.

its our first anniversary llooool guess on what day,,, September the 11th. Yup thats us.We cant think of anything just yet.. but we have to get on with it. Well i think that day needs good memories attached to it too. it was a special day for us even if it was at the county place. we are having our blessing next year, and mum is already cooing about it. lol

Gemmie,do you want to move? I know I would. Did i ever tell you how much i absolutely hate Detroit. Coming from london to this pretend city that really is just a town, where everyone has just ran away from and abandoned, it drives me nuts. I detest it, to me Detroit is an american embarrasment, it doesnt even feel like i'm living in America half the time. Oh and I had to apply outside of detroit, to Dearborn, which is like 25 mins away by car, there is nothing here. As soon as we sort this custody thing out with his child. i'm out of here.... pronto.

Gemmie, your desire to improve your life is natural, and we all go through it, but in this process we are in it takes patience, You will get there.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Hey, it's update week, huh? Glad to read about some of you guys I don't see posting elsewhere...

Nik has found a contract job which ends in November. This seemed to be quite perfect because we were going to take our delayed Honeymoon around Thanksgiving (to minimize vacation) and him not having a job means we didn't have to worry about trying to get time off. It looks like we are going to scrap our original plans to do NZ/Australia, and now Nik is saying he might like to spend all of my remaining 2 weeks of vacation in a big trip over Christmas. (so, 2 weeks vacation + 1.5 weeks of holiday from work) I guess I'm still processing that thought. I really like his family, I have gotten so lucky with my in-laws! But I was sort of hoping to go some place new, and I would kinda like to see the UK in some other season than the dead of winter... We were going to go just for ~10 days over the holidays.

Nik's aunt came to visit us for 2 weeks, leaving last Monday. She's a real joy. And so enthusiastic! Everything was lovely and wonderful and beautiful. You should have heard her go on about a chipmunk she saw! She's suggested a little place in N. AZ for our first anniversary. Unfortunately (!!) Nik will still be working at that time, so it would just have to be a weekend trip.

On the day-to-day front, we have been attending a board game group quite regularly, which is fun. We get to try new games all the time, and be social with people with similar interests.

[Gemmie 142]

I would love to move Missus, the "town" I live in is more like a village, it has one high street consisting of a couple of banks, hairdressers, antique shops and a post office. It's a proper rural area, trees and motorways everywhere. My husband works (and the job I interviewed for) in another state which is 45 mins away. Tonight we're meeting friends in the city (Boston) and he has to leave work early to get there in time as we only have 2 hours to get there! I'm surprised to hear about Detriot though, I always imagined it to be quite a city area. The problem with moving is not having a job to support ourselves there.

My interview went really well, we connected a little about the UK as she had visited before, and she told me that my university taught me a lot more than American universities and that I actually have more experience than most she sees, so it sounds like it might be a score. I'm waiting to hear back now.

The job sounds perfect for you guys, Heather. And it might not be NZ but a nice trip to the UK sounds lovely. Luckily it doesn't get too cold in the winters. Then again, it looks like you're in AZ, so maybe it will still be a shock to the system!

Edited August 19, 2010 by Gemmie

[MonkeyJuice 3]

Hi Guys!

It's been a while since I posted here.

It's great to read the updates on all of you. Sounds like some people are still working on settling in and adjusting to life in the US.

We moved from an extremely small town in Northern Michigan to Miami which was a huge change but it's made all the difference for us. I just completed my Certified Nursing Assistant course & I go on to doing the Practical Nursing program next. I've made some great friends on this course, so just to let you know going to school is a great way to make new friends.

I was also just offered a part time job selling spa packages in a hotel on Miami South Beach but had to turn it down as we just had an offer accepted on a house in Palm Beach County which is 50 miles north.

We really can't wait to finally move & settle down in one place & plant some roots!!! I have my best friend from the UK coming to stay when we move in in a few weeks, so I can't wait for that.

It's our anniversary on Sunday 22nd Aug & we'll be going back up to the Upper Peninsula of Northern Michigan for 2 weeks. We still have a place there & it will be great to go back & visit, especially beautiful Mackinac Island where we got married.

Gemmie..I always read your posts & I feel for you as I soooo know what small town life is like. We lived there for 9 months & I felt like I was going to crack up but that may be due to my hubby working away alot at the time. We had the same, one post office, grocery store, gas station, hardware store and that was it!!! I really hope you get a lucky break soon.

[MARM 7]

Hello everyone!

It's great to read updates from all of you. It's so nice to see how we all have come so far. We have news for you all too....we are expecting! I don't know how far along I am yet, I am going to confirm with the DR. next week. A complete but very pleasant surprise! Thankfully I am taking classes online and have a PT job to supplement hubby's FT job, so it is a good time for this added happiness

[Gemmie 142]

I saw the Baby Corner before this, but again, Congratulations!! I'm really happy for you, you deserve this so much!

[MonkeyJuice 3]

Hello everyone!

It's great to read updates from all of you. It's so nice to see how we all have come so far. We have news for you all too....we are expecting! I don't know how far along I am yet, I am going to confirm with the DR. next week. A complete but very pleasant surprise! Thankfully I am taking classes online and have a PT job to supplement hubby's FT job, so it is a good time for this added happiness

Congratulations! That's wonderful news :-)

[Bob and Patricia 0]

Hello everyone!

We have news for you all too....we are expecting!

Congrats you two! Sounds like the side effect of quitting med school and reducing your stress level.

Bob and Pat

[Bob and Patricia 0]

We just put Pat's family on a plane for Manchester. We're both a little misty-eyed here but it was a wonderful 10 day holiday. Except for Skype, she has not seen her kids and grand kids since July of last year... and, she got to hold her ten-month old granddaughter for the first time.

We stayed in the Chicago area the whole time, but there were a lot of new-to-Pat activities. The house is *unbelievably* quiet now as we sit on the deck with some Gin and Tonics. (she turned me on to them last May in London after her interview)

See you all later, I'm going to enjoy the rest of this G&T and watch the sunset.

Us

[Lisa and Ian 7]

Hello everyone!

It's great to read updates from all of you. It's so nice to see how we all have come so far. We have news for you all too....we are expecting! I don't know how far along I am yet, I am going to confirm with the DR. next week. A complete but very pleasant surprise! Thankfully I am taking classes online and have a PT job to supplement hubby's FT job, so it is a good time for this added happiness

Congratulations! That's such good news!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Wow! A baby?? For somebody who took dang forever to get a visa, you are zooming ahead now, MARM. Hubby has FT job and baby on the way. Congratulations. Very, very excited for you.

Bob, your vow renewal with family sounds so sweet. I'm glad it was a great visit for everybody. You guys rock! I might have to try G&T. I gave up on gin after drinking it in my youth and being carried out horizontal both times.

And that's the truth. Oh the shame.

[MARM 7]

I saw the Baby Corner before this, but again, Congratulations!! I'm really happy for you, you deserve this so much!

Thanks Gemmie. I really hope and pray that you get your lucky break soon!

Congratulations! That's wonderful news :-)

Thanks MJ! And belated Congrats on your anniversary! (doesn't time just FLY?)

Congrats you two! Sounds like the side effect of quitting med school and reducing your stress level.

Bob and Pat

I truly agree...the glamorous MD degree was not for me. I am so much happier completing my communication disorders degree.

Edited August 26, 2010 by MARM

[MARM 7]

I'm going to enjoy the rest of this G&T and watch the sunset.

Us

Sounds so serene and relaxing compared to the insanity of DuPage County, where the wheather is a scortching 100 F but it is also flu season!

Congratulations! That's such good news!

Thanks guys!

Edited August 26, 2010 by MARM

[MARM 7]

Wow! A baby?? For somebody who took dang forever to get a visa, you are zooming ahead now, MARM. Hubby has FT job and baby on the way. Congratulations. Very, very excited for you.

Bob, your vow renewal with family sounds so sweet. I'm glad it was a great visit for everybody. You guys rock! I might have to try G&T. I gave up on gin after drinking it in my youth and being carried out horizontal both times.

And that's the truth. Oh the shame.

Thanks Nich! Have you decided where you are going on the honeymoon? And I agree with MissusM09, the great lakes area is gorgeous during the fall season, but you have to brave the cold first .

[Ellie-and-David 38]

MARM!! Congratulations!

That is so exciting! I'm kinda jealous, I am so broody at the moment.....but a joint decision to hold of on the baba's for a couple of years has been made. I live vicariously through all my friends having babies at the moment

Signing off VJ for a period. I'm going home for the first time for a vacation since I left. Shame I have a stinking cold, but then it is my first cold since I arrived here. In England I used to get about 5 a year.