Donovan and I had a delightful weekend. On Saturday we hung around the house doing this and that, then we went shopping. Our first actual shopping trip so I can now annouce what kind of styles you all have to look forward to in a year or so. Or that you can avoid. You decide. Anyways, lets start with the mens style, I like them better right now. Very classy shirts and ties, and sweaters (excuse me...jumpers.) For pants...well...either jeans or dressy pants (I mean trousers) which are half tucked into open army style boots. Or they wear nice dressy shoes. You've got both the more casual look or the dressier look there. Now for the women styles...run and hide. A mixture of the 50's and 80's and 90's are coming back. I like the 50's look. Cute dresses, high cut skirts and lots of floral prints and ruffles. I can handle that. But lets talk about the other style. The evil style. Short cropped shirts, (You know the look, the shirt to your belly button and it is really baggy on the sides) and printed pants of any print, or just plain...but with elastic at the ankle with any type of shoe. Baggy pants are really really really in. And I will never touch that look. I don't even think that those clothes look stylish. Donovan is finding all of these awesome styles and I am standing in the store thinking "what is our world coming to!?" So, when I come back I will probably be in the really classy look. Lots of dresses and skirts. Which I am totally okay with adopting. But all I bought on our weekend of shopping was purple pj's. I like them. :)
We made it to church yesterday!! We went to the Elim Christian Centre. It was really awesome. A little taste of home. The worship was really good. So full of life. The Pastor had a really good message which we really appreciated. He approached us before the service started and asked us about ourselves and then at the end he came and asked us what we thought. People were approaching us at the beginning and the end and a few people have our number and are going to try and set us up with some people. So, that was really nice. We felt really good after and it was really nice to have some fellowship with people again!
Anyways, I am going to go listen to Josh Groban and do my yoga this morning. I haven't really been doing it as regularly as I should since I am have so much time during my day. So, today I am giong to do it. :)
God Bless and have a wonderful day!
Cheers!
Monday 31 January 2011
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Yorkshire Pudding and Noisy Vietnamese Neighbours
So, last night Donovan treated me to a wonderful dinner at Toby's Carvary. A Carvary is where you take your plate up to a buffet line pretty much where there is a guy and he carves you whatever meat you want, they had three choices last night, ham, turkey, and beef, but sometimes they have 4-6 options. Then, once you get your plate of meat and your yorkshire pudding (the size of your hand...not kidding) you then continue on to 10-12 dishes of vegtables. Then you get your choice of 4 different gravies and yes, it is just yummy. Then you eat it (and apparently you can go back...which, I don't get because our plates were piled high.) Paired with this Donovan had a pint of beer...I don't remember the name and I had a glass of German wine that was so smooth it floated on your tounge. :)
I also met our landlord lastnight. He is a really nice guy I'd say in his mid-forties and he was asking us about the noise level and being the nice people that we are were like "All is really good...are the neighbours on our right...Asian?" And he said "yes, they are Veitnamese and they keep really weird hours." Yes, yes they do. I don't hear them all day until about 9pm when there is shouting and yelling and their child screaming (that is all that kid does...is scream.) And we learnt that he goes back to Vietnam and brings a new girlfriend home with him every 6-12months or so. And they all live in that apartment and he just got back from Vietnam this past weekend. So, that really explains things. Which is helpful. It is also a tad amusing and depressing all in one neat package. And annoying when you are trying to sleep and there is screaming in another language going on. The first time we heard them we were already half asleep and we woke up and Donovan said "I think the entire Chinese Continant is outside!" I just giggled until he realized that 1. There were only two people and a baby, and 2. China isn't a Continant on it's own. :)
Oh the wonders of having neighbours. :)
I also met our landlord lastnight. He is a really nice guy I'd say in his mid-forties and he was asking us about the noise level and being the nice people that we are were like "All is really good...are the neighbours on our right...Asian?" And he said "yes, they are Veitnamese and they keep really weird hours." Yes, yes they do. I don't hear them all day until about 9pm when there is shouting and yelling and their child screaming (that is all that kid does...is scream.) And we learnt that he goes back to Vietnam and brings a new girlfriend home with him every 6-12months or so. And they all live in that apartment and he just got back from Vietnam this past weekend. So, that really explains things. Which is helpful. It is also a tad amusing and depressing all in one neat package. And annoying when you are trying to sleep and there is screaming in another language going on. The first time we heard them we were already half asleep and we woke up and Donovan said "I think the entire Chinese Continant is outside!" I just giggled until he realized that 1. There were only two people and a baby, and 2. China isn't a Continant on it's own. :)
Oh the wonders of having neighbours. :)
Monday 24 January 2011
Rejoice in the Lord!
Donovan and I had a wonderful weekend together. On Friday we had a nice Stir-Fry and we watched "The Other Guys" Saturday we walked to the Weston Favell Centre went for coffee, Donovan got a haircut, went to the library and I got a cookbook!! We did some shopping...and this time I followed my list and wasn't quite as overwhelemed! Yay for me. We then went home ordered in Chinese food watched Twister on the telly then I got to Skype with my awesome Sister-In-Law Sarah and that is when we realized that we did have a microphone! So awesome.
Yesterday we slept in so Church didn't happen. We just lazed around, Donovan had marking to do, I did some cleaning and reading. We then went on an adventrous walk where we saw a three wheeled car (hehe), gray squirrels, and fat pigeons. We then made a yummy supper, chatted with Donovan's parents and then read and went to bed!
On a different note. With me not working and not knowing anyone I feel like I could be consumed by depression in an instant, so I stay on top of dishes, keep the house clean, happy music playing, and I sing "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my Heart" and read my Bible lots! It all helps in different degrees, then yesterday Donovan and I were reading about Joseph. The story of Joseph has always been one of my favourites and every part has spoken to me at different parts of my life so far. We read where Joseph was in prison and the chief wine taster and chief baker were in prison with him and he intrepretted thier dreams. Today I read before and after that...more about Joseph being in prison and how joyful he was and the hope and joy that he clung to. Now, I am not comparing my situation with being in prison at all. More, I'm saying that God is showing me that if people who were in prison and they could still be joyful and give praise to God then I have no excuse to be down. I have so many things to be thankful for! I have an amazing husband who has been blessed with a job that he is happy with, I have food to eat, a wonderful flat that I live in, and hello, I'm in England!
Thank you all for your prayers from both of us. We feel so blessed knowing that you are all back home thinking of us. Blessings on all of you!
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everyitng. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Thing about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
Yesterday we slept in so Church didn't happen. We just lazed around, Donovan had marking to do, I did some cleaning and reading. We then went on an adventrous walk where we saw a three wheeled car (hehe), gray squirrels, and fat pigeons. We then made a yummy supper, chatted with Donovan's parents and then read and went to bed!
On a different note. With me not working and not knowing anyone I feel like I could be consumed by depression in an instant, so I stay on top of dishes, keep the house clean, happy music playing, and I sing "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my Heart" and read my Bible lots! It all helps in different degrees, then yesterday Donovan and I were reading about Joseph. The story of Joseph has always been one of my favourites and every part has spoken to me at different parts of my life so far. We read where Joseph was in prison and the chief wine taster and chief baker were in prison with him and he intrepretted thier dreams. Today I read before and after that...more about Joseph being in prison and how joyful he was and the hope and joy that he clung to. Now, I am not comparing my situation with being in prison at all. More, I'm saying that God is showing me that if people who were in prison and they could still be joyful and give praise to God then I have no excuse to be down. I have so many things to be thankful for! I have an amazing husband who has been blessed with a job that he is happy with, I have food to eat, a wonderful flat that I live in, and hello, I'm in England!
Thank you all for your prayers from both of us. We feel so blessed knowing that you are all back home thinking of us. Blessings on all of you!
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everyitng. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Thing about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
Thursday 20 January 2011
Not Elizabeth Bennett
I had these ideas in my head that I would be like Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice when I went of my first walk about town. I didn't. I doubt that Elizabeth had to worry about being hit by cars, feeling overwhelmed when standing in the TESCO (like a Walmart), feeling annoyed when a blister started forming on her heal from her new walking shoes, or having to carry two grocery bags back home in the rain. No, I don't think she worried about those things. I on the other hand expierenced all of the above.
Let's start with the driver-pedestrian relationship here in England. Driver's don't care about pedestrians and pedstrians don't care about drivers. I on the other hand care about my life so if I have to yield to cars, I guess that is what I am going to do. Because, even if you have what looks like LOTS of time to cross the road chances are that the driver is going to speed up then honk at you when he is a centimeter away from hitting you which makes you run faster.
Now, when I go shopping at West Edmonton Mall I am not overwhelmed I just go in and bing, bang, boom I'm in and everything is done. At this mall I walked in and I felt like Alice in Wonderland...I didn't know where I was going, everyone was talking funny, the stores are arranged backwards from how they are here. I didn't get half of what I wanted because I was so overwhelemed. I forgot that I had a shopping list and I really just wanted to cry.
So, the morel of this story is if you go to live in a foreign contry don't go shopping the first time you decide to venture out of the house all by yourself.
Let's start with the driver-pedestrian relationship here in England. Driver's don't care about pedestrians and pedstrians don't care about drivers. I on the other hand care about my life so if I have to yield to cars, I guess that is what I am going to do. Because, even if you have what looks like LOTS of time to cross the road chances are that the driver is going to speed up then honk at you when he is a centimeter away from hitting you which makes you run faster.
Now, when I go shopping at West Edmonton Mall I am not overwhelmed I just go in and bing, bang, boom I'm in and everything is done. At this mall I walked in and I felt like Alice in Wonderland...I didn't know where I was going, everyone was talking funny, the stores are arranged backwards from how they are here. I didn't get half of what I wanted because I was so overwhelemed. I forgot that I had a shopping list and I really just wanted to cry.
So, the morel of this story is if you go to live in a foreign contry don't go shopping the first time you decide to venture out of the house all by yourself.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Our Home
Well, I have had two full days here and so far it is wonderful except for the cold that wants to take me out. Jet lag, stress release, and new bed equals not good sleep which then leads to my immune system crapping out on me. But, I am moving forward. I drugged myself last night so I slept beautifully. :)
I have started a nice little routine in the mornings, I get up with Donovan make breakfast which we then eat, after he leaves I wash up (that is how you say "doing the dishes" over here) Get dressed, tidy our bedroom, do my morning devotion, then putter around doing this and that. Today I am going to do laundry...in my kitchen. Yes, my washer is in the kitchen, it's a European thing. I think it could actually be quite handy and useful. Even if it isn't that is how I shall look at it.
Donovan is enjoying his new job. He is teaching mainly Year 9, 10, and 11; though he teaches some 7, 8, and 12. All of his Year 9 classes are very challanging behaviour wise. He has kids climbing out windows, leaving in the middle of class...just your average stuff. He has Year 9 Parent Night tomorrow night, basically Parent/Teacher Interviews which he isn't really looking forward to because he has only been teaching the kids for 2.5 weeks and he isn't sure what he is supposed to say. Please pray for wisdom as he is learning how to still conduct class and deal with behaviour issues at the same time.
I am going to start looking for a job next week, I have no idea at this point where or what I just know I don't want to work in a school at this time. I'm thinking a coffee shop, bookstore, clothing store. Something like that. At the moment though I am very much enjoying being at home and doing wifey things. :) I also only want part-time but I will take whatever God throws at me. Please pray for the right job to come my way.
Things that I am getting used to is the carpet in our bathroom, having to flip a switch to turn on my outlets, cooker (stove), shower...etc. Also how green it is! The grass is green, there are leaves on some of the trees, and there is no snow. It rains at night and during the morning and so far in the afternoon it has been clearing up and is quite pleasent.
Well, this is my life so far in England.
Cheers!
I have started a nice little routine in the mornings, I get up with Donovan make breakfast which we then eat, after he leaves I wash up (that is how you say "doing the dishes" over here) Get dressed, tidy our bedroom, do my morning devotion, then putter around doing this and that. Today I am going to do laundry...in my kitchen. Yes, my washer is in the kitchen, it's a European thing. I think it could actually be quite handy and useful. Even if it isn't that is how I shall look at it.
Donovan is enjoying his new job. He is teaching mainly Year 9, 10, and 11; though he teaches some 7, 8, and 12. All of his Year 9 classes are very challanging behaviour wise. He has kids climbing out windows, leaving in the middle of class...just your average stuff. He has Year 9 Parent Night tomorrow night, basically Parent/Teacher Interviews which he isn't really looking forward to because he has only been teaching the kids for 2.5 weeks and he isn't sure what he is supposed to say. Please pray for wisdom as he is learning how to still conduct class and deal with behaviour issues at the same time.
I am going to start looking for a job next week, I have no idea at this point where or what I just know I don't want to work in a school at this time. I'm thinking a coffee shop, bookstore, clothing store. Something like that. At the moment though I am very much enjoying being at home and doing wifey things. :) I also only want part-time but I will take whatever God throws at me. Please pray for the right job to come my way.
Things that I am getting used to is the carpet in our bathroom, having to flip a switch to turn on my outlets, cooker (stove), shower...etc. Also how green it is! The grass is green, there are leaves on some of the trees, and there is no snow. It rains at night and during the morning and so far in the afternoon it has been clearing up and is quite pleasent.
Well, this is my life so far in England.
Cheers!
Monday 17 January 2011
A New Chapter Begins!
Well, I am here in England and a new chapter begins! The journey over here was long and rather boring. 16 hours of travelling which includes sitting in airports and bus stations. The flight was cramped and very hot. The food was pleasntly not disgusting which was a plus. When the bus (coach) pulled up at Northampton and I saw my husband standing there waiting for me to disembark...it was one of the best moments of my life! We had a pleasent bus ride back to our flat where I immediatly started to inspect everything. Donovans parents had come earlier in the week and they helped Donovan and I get settled. There are groceries in the cupboards, dressers, dishes, a table, a bed and many other wonderful little things!
Sleep didn't exactly happen the night before I left or on the plane so by the time I got to the flat (2:30pm) I was slowly fading. We went for a little walk, came home had some stew then we snuggled down to watch a movie which I watched 5 minutes of and had a fairly decent nights sleep.
Later on today I will be walking to Donovan's school to meet the staff and where we will be taking a bus to TESCO (like Wal-mart) and we will do a little shopping...I need a clock. The only way we have to tell the time is the laptop. Rather annoying as Donovan was almost late for work this morning!
I am sure I will have more exciting things to write about as the days go on but as of right now this is all I've got! Have a very blessed Monday everyone!
Sleep didn't exactly happen the night before I left or on the plane so by the time I got to the flat (2:30pm) I was slowly fading. We went for a little walk, came home had some stew then we snuggled down to watch a movie which I watched 5 minutes of and had a fairly decent nights sleep.
Later on today I will be walking to Donovan's school to meet the staff and where we will be taking a bus to TESCO (like Wal-mart) and we will do a little shopping...I need a clock. The only way we have to tell the time is the laptop. Rather annoying as Donovan was almost late for work this morning!
I am sure I will have more exciting things to write about as the days go on but as of right now this is all I've got! Have a very blessed Monday everyone!
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