Yesterday was the Royal Wedding. When I started telling people that we were moving to England the response was "You'll be there for the Royal Wedding" and my response was "I don't really care." But, yesterday, along with millions of people, I was sitting on the couch watching the wedding and I am glad that I did. It wasn't as exciting as it was to other people, I didn't cry, but I do have a larger respect for the happy couple. I wish them all the best and I bless them in the years to come. Donovan even watched with me! I think the best part was when the Bride's brother was doing the reading and Donovan said "They are so British!" Then he proceeded to grin.
I love that about living here. Everybody is so British! People have been telling me right from the beginning right through to yesterday that we fit in really well here. I haven't wanted to agree as of late because I am so terribly homesick and trying really hard not to be negative abou the whole situation. But, we really do suit living here. I just need to figure out how to fit in better. That includes finding a job (keep reading) and a Church home.....
The break is officially over (we are just in the middle of lots of Bank Holidays.) and Donovan still does not have a new position. He is done at Weston Favell and we are just waiting to hear from these other two schools about a job. But, since last week was a three day week and next week is a four day week I don't really expect to hear anything until later in the week. For right now we are just praying that our food will mulitiply and that nothing happens unexpectantly before he finds a job and gets paid. So, please keep that in your prayers.
In other news...I finally applied for a job! Go me!!! I should hear something next week about that as well. Now, I just have to go get my own bank account, National Security Number, and I should be good to go!
And!!! Eighty-Eight days before my mother and sister come!!!! I am so excited! It is going to be a lovely time.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
The loveliness of Oxford
Oxford. The city where many amazing people went to college, taught, thought, wrote, and just lived. The city that is so old and so full of history that you can feel yourself getting smarter as you walk through the streets and hallways that so many great people before you have gone.
This was the one trip that Donovan was looking forward to the most. Mainly because J.R.R. Tolkien went to school here, taught here and lived here. He also wrote Lord of the Rings here. Pretty much every moment of the two days I would catch Donovan with a huge smile on his face. Oxford is also the home of the Blackwell's bookstore. It is the largest bookstore in the English speaking world. The basement floor has 3 miles of shelving and there is no fiction on that floor. The bookstore itself is 4 floors. But, the basement was the best part. So overwhelming...it seemed like it went on forever! The top floor is the rare books and used books, Donovan found some treasures up there.
We pretty much spent the entire time going into buildings from the 1200's-1500's, going into bookstores (Donovan bought a book of poetry by Tennyson) and of course, we couldn't go to Oxford without going to "The Eagle and Child" The pub where The Inklings (J.R.R.Tolkien, C.S.Lewis and other writers) would sit, smoke their pipes, drink a pint and chat about thier books.
My favourite part of the trip was going for high tea at "The Grand Cafe" The first coffee shop in England. Built in 1650.We had scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, the greatest thing ever, and of course tea!
Everything in Oxford is old and oozing knowledge from every corner. We felt our I.Q.'s go up within seconds. We loved it so much and are planning on going back many times throughout our time here in England.
To experience more of our trip go on over to Facebook and take a look at out pictures.
This was the one trip that Donovan was looking forward to the most. Mainly because J.R.R. Tolkien went to school here, taught here and lived here. He also wrote Lord of the Rings here. Pretty much every moment of the two days I would catch Donovan with a huge smile on his face. Oxford is also the home of the Blackwell's bookstore. It is the largest bookstore in the English speaking world. The basement floor has 3 miles of shelving and there is no fiction on that floor. The bookstore itself is 4 floors. But, the basement was the best part. So overwhelming...it seemed like it went on forever! The top floor is the rare books and used books, Donovan found some treasures up there.
We pretty much spent the entire time going into buildings from the 1200's-1500's, going into bookstores (Donovan bought a book of poetry by Tennyson) and of course, we couldn't go to Oxford without going to "The Eagle and Child" The pub where The Inklings (J.R.R.Tolkien, C.S.Lewis and other writers) would sit, smoke their pipes, drink a pint and chat about thier books.
My favourite part of the trip was going for high tea at "The Grand Cafe" The first coffee shop in England. Built in 1650.We had scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, the greatest thing ever, and of course tea!
Everything in Oxford is old and oozing knowledge from every corner. We felt our I.Q.'s go up within seconds. We loved it so much and are planning on going back many times throughout our time here in England.
To experience more of our trip go on over to Facebook and take a look at out pictures.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Spring, Spring, Spring!!
Donovan's Easter break starts tomorrow and we can't wait! These last two weeks have been really hard on Donovan. He was switched to a different classroom without any plans for two weeks and since the kids have been having a different teacher every term since September they don't even know what they are supposed to do. So, he is very glad that as of 3pm tomorrow he is done! Now, they are trying to create a position for him for after the break but if that doesn't work he will be Supply teaching in Northampton (Substitute Teaching). Then in June he will be going to Bedford for a day of Interviews for September and of course his agent is already looking for him in other places as well.
Nothing for me yet...still looking though!
Yesterday it was a beautiful day of 21 degrees! So beautiful and today it is 16 at the moment. I already went for a walk and enjoyed the birds chirping the wind blowing through my hair and the warm sun beating on my face. I have heard that this is not normal Britian weather and to enjoy this while I can. So, I shall!
Well, that is that for now.
Cheers!
Nothing for me yet...still looking though!
Yesterday it was a beautiful day of 21 degrees! So beautiful and today it is 16 at the moment. I already went for a walk and enjoyed the birds chirping the wind blowing through my hair and the warm sun beating on my face. I have heard that this is not normal Britian weather and to enjoy this while I can. So, I shall!
Well, that is that for now.
Cheers!
Friday, 1 April 2011
It's been a good week.
Greetings!
It has been a good week! Yay. On Monday I was determined to get a haircut, a little scared but I made myself do it. So, on Tuesday I went next door and made an appointment and said "I don't care who it is with they just need to know how to cut curly hair." The girl said "yeah, yeah, for sure". I was a little worried but stayed calm. The next day at 12:55 I walked over and was greeted by name, they got me a cup of tea and then to my surprise a guy walks in and tells me to come sit down and asked what I was thinking. I was honest and thorough. I told him what I liked and what my old stylist did (I still love you Johanna!) I was also very honest and told him that I was terrified and he asked why and I told him that I don't do well with new people cutting my hair because they have messed up like ever time (Except for Barbi and Johanna.) He just said "Bless your heart" and yeah. I am going to make it curly today (he straightened it and it still looked great yesterday so I left it.) so we will see how that goes!
Also on Monday Donovan got an amazing review from everyone at the school. There was a meeting after school for the English department and in the minutes they put that they loved Donovan and would like to keep him on if they possibly could. Then on Wednesday one of the teachers when to the Head Teacher (Principle) for a meeting to tell him that she HAS to keep Donovan. That was awesome.
Yesterday the English Department was going out for supper and drinks at a pub and they invited me! So, I got to meet people and they sang Donovan's praises. It was so sweet. I think they liked me as well.
Today I am going to clean the flat and plan something amazing for supper. I might also get out and go grab some groceries.
God Bless!
Cheers.
It has been a good week! Yay. On Monday I was determined to get a haircut, a little scared but I made myself do it. So, on Tuesday I went next door and made an appointment and said "I don't care who it is with they just need to know how to cut curly hair." The girl said "yeah, yeah, for sure". I was a little worried but stayed calm. The next day at 12:55 I walked over and was greeted by name, they got me a cup of tea and then to my surprise a guy walks in and tells me to come sit down and asked what I was thinking. I was honest and thorough. I told him what I liked and what my old stylist did (I still love you Johanna!) I was also very honest and told him that I was terrified and he asked why and I told him that I don't do well with new people cutting my hair because they have messed up like ever time (Except for Barbi and Johanna.) He just said "Bless your heart" and yeah. I am going to make it curly today (he straightened it and it still looked great yesterday so I left it.) so we will see how that goes!
Also on Monday Donovan got an amazing review from everyone at the school. There was a meeting after school for the English department and in the minutes they put that they loved Donovan and would like to keep him on if they possibly could. Then on Wednesday one of the teachers when to the Head Teacher (Principle) for a meeting to tell him that she HAS to keep Donovan. That was awesome.
Yesterday the English Department was going out for supper and drinks at a pub and they invited me! So, I got to meet people and they sang Donovan's praises. It was so sweet. I think they liked me as well.
Today I am going to clean the flat and plan something amazing for supper. I might also get out and go grab some groceries.
God Bless!
Cheers.
Monday, 28 March 2011
Ups and Downs
Good Morning and Hello!
Well, let us see what is new...last weekend we had an awesome Saturday of walking around town popping into different vintage shops and such, then we went to a craft store where I bought some cross-stitching projects. We also went shopping and I bought an adorable spring skirt and shirt.The weather has been incredible! We are so spoiled. I have been praying for the Springness to go towards Canada.
This past week has been full of ups and downs. Things are slowly getting decided with Donovan's job. Baiscly on Friday Donovan found out that the teacher that he was filling in for who was supposed to be back after the April break and coming in the last week to slowly be taking over is back officially tomorrow. Donovan was put into a classroom of a teacher who left right after the February break. He was told this halfway through block two on Friday, he didn't get a chance to tell most of his students and he had no idea what he was doing this morning. So, lots of prayers please! We aren't worried about what will happen after April, he will either stay on at Weston Favell filling in for teachers here and there or he will get another job. His agent is looking for him. It is in God's hands and we aren't worrying about it. :)
I have been trying to keep myself busy with housework and baking. It is starting to get a little boring...but as I have said before, this is really good for me. :) I now have all of my references in place so I have officially started looking for jobs! Go me! :) I am just looking at being a supply TA (substitute TA). I really only want to work like 3 days a week, so that would be perfect. Still enough time to enjoy being at home and keeping this clean, but getting out and interacting with people!
This past weekend we went to get Donovan a haircut and the person was rushing and she buzzed his head. I was not a very happy wife when I saw that.....buzz cuts only suit some people, Donovan is not one of those people! I am just very happy that his hair grows quickly and next time I will watch her like a hawk! We also went for coffee, played a roaring game of Uno...in which I slaughtered Donovan. It was great fun. :) It was daylight savings time and we had found a church we were going to try out....but....unfortunatly we slept through the alarm. Oooops! Next week. Anyways, that is life!
Well, let us see what is new...last weekend we had an awesome Saturday of walking around town popping into different vintage shops and such, then we went to a craft store where I bought some cross-stitching projects. We also went shopping and I bought an adorable spring skirt and shirt.The weather has been incredible! We are so spoiled. I have been praying for the Springness to go towards Canada.
This past week has been full of ups and downs. Things are slowly getting decided with Donovan's job. Baiscly on Friday Donovan found out that the teacher that he was filling in for who was supposed to be back after the April break and coming in the last week to slowly be taking over is back officially tomorrow. Donovan was put into a classroom of a teacher who left right after the February break. He was told this halfway through block two on Friday, he didn't get a chance to tell most of his students and he had no idea what he was doing this morning. So, lots of prayers please! We aren't worried about what will happen after April, he will either stay on at Weston Favell filling in for teachers here and there or he will get another job. His agent is looking for him. It is in God's hands and we aren't worrying about it. :)
I have been trying to keep myself busy with housework and baking. It is starting to get a little boring...but as I have said before, this is really good for me. :) I now have all of my references in place so I have officially started looking for jobs! Go me! :) I am just looking at being a supply TA (substitute TA). I really only want to work like 3 days a week, so that would be perfect. Still enough time to enjoy being at home and keeping this clean, but getting out and interacting with people!
This past weekend we went to get Donovan a haircut and the person was rushing and she buzzed his head. I was not a very happy wife when I saw that.....buzz cuts only suit some people, Donovan is not one of those people! I am just very happy that his hair grows quickly and next time I will watch her like a hawk! We also went for coffee, played a roaring game of Uno...in which I slaughtered Donovan. It was great fun. :) It was daylight savings time and we had found a church we were going to try out....but....unfortunatly we slept through the alarm. Oooops! Next week. Anyways, that is life!
Monday, 14 March 2011
It will be a good day....
Hello! Not much is new. It is officially Spring. The weekend was so beautiful! It was supposed to be rainy and cold but it was warm and sunny! We went for a walk both days (in sweaters) and enjoyed it so much! We didn't go to church again. We slept in again. We are find the worship and message really great but unfortunatly there aren't a lot of people our age there. It goes till about 21 then skips till about 30ish. We don't mind hanging out with people in those ages...but everyone up till 21 are single and everyone in their 30's are with kids or single. (People get married a lot later here). So, yeah. We are praying about trying a couple different churches.
The good news! I got to talk to my mom, dad, sister, sis-in-law (both of them!) and niece and 3 nephews on Saturday! It was grand. The connection wasn't the best at my parents...but I got to hear voices and see beautiful faces! It was so wonderful. Those moments on Skype are so important to me. All of my friends should get Skype and add me so that we can chat. :) I'd love that so much.
Anyways, as always I am determined to make this week a wonderful one. I am off to the post office this morning to get stamps and find somewhere to cut my hair. Monday is laundry day. So, off I go! God Bless your week!!!!
Cheers!
The good news! I got to talk to my mom, dad, sister, sis-in-law (both of them!) and niece and 3 nephews on Saturday! It was grand. The connection wasn't the best at my parents...but I got to hear voices and see beautiful faces! It was so wonderful. Those moments on Skype are so important to me. All of my friends should get Skype and add me so that we can chat. :) I'd love that so much.
Anyways, as always I am determined to make this week a wonderful one. I am off to the post office this morning to get stamps and find somewhere to cut my hair. Monday is laundry day. So, off I go! God Bless your week!!!!
Cheers!
Monday, 7 March 2011
Olive Oil and Spring Time!
Well, it is another week! Donovan and I had a delightful weekend (I love weekends with my sweetie!) We hung around the flat, went for a walk in the rain to Tesco and grabbed some groceries, I had a Skype date with my amazing sister-in-law Sarah, we slept in on Sunday and missed the bus to church (ooooops), made pancakes, watched "The Tudors" and just had a wonderful weekend!
Last week I buckled down and got my eyebrows waxed (so over due) and I finally talked to a human being. I have never enjoyed laying down on that table and being plucked at so much! I don't think I have talked that much in 20 minutes either. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to a woman around the same age. I also finished typing up my CV (resume) and now I just have to get it printed off and actually go and apply for some jobs! I am praying for courage for this. A little nervous, but I know that God has a job in store for me and it is in His hands.
This past week Donovan and I have started a Bible Study on the Book of James that we do in the mornings and the second study was on James 1:5-8 and it is talking about asking God for wisdom in all occasions and in all decisions, not just the ones that are hard, but in all. So, I am asking for wisdom in how to spend my days. Instead of doing the bare minimum to make me feel not guilty for not getting anything done, when there really is so much more to do, I am taking it to the next level. I am going to start back up with my Yoga, I plan on taking a walk every day, keep this house clean, not just presentable. I want to find that joyful Beth again. Not the one who takes a look at a bottle of Olive Oil and starts crying because it is the same Olive Oil I used at home, or other sappy things like that. Sappy is good....but not for every second of every day. This is pretty much just me rambling...but it makes sense to me! :) It is all part of the crazy journey that God has mapped out for me.
We still don't know what school Donovan is going to be at in April, so please keep praying for us in that. We are hoping it is going to be in Northampton still because our lease isn't up until June. So, as always, your prayers are much appreicated!!!
The other wonderful thing is...(and I won't elborate too much...) Spring is here! We saw Pussy Willow's the other day! The birds are chirping even more and there are buds on the trees! But, I'm going to stop because I don't want to be shot in my sleep...but it I was it would mean that people were coming over here to see me! lol. Thats me, Miss Positivity!
Love you all very much.
Last week I buckled down and got my eyebrows waxed (so over due) and I finally talked to a human being. I have never enjoyed laying down on that table and being plucked at so much! I don't think I have talked that much in 20 minutes either. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to a woman around the same age. I also finished typing up my CV (resume) and now I just have to get it printed off and actually go and apply for some jobs! I am praying for courage for this. A little nervous, but I know that God has a job in store for me and it is in His hands.
This past week Donovan and I have started a Bible Study on the Book of James that we do in the mornings and the second study was on James 1:5-8 and it is talking about asking God for wisdom in all occasions and in all decisions, not just the ones that are hard, but in all. So, I am asking for wisdom in how to spend my days. Instead of doing the bare minimum to make me feel not guilty for not getting anything done, when there really is so much more to do, I am taking it to the next level. I am going to start back up with my Yoga, I plan on taking a walk every day, keep this house clean, not just presentable. I want to find that joyful Beth again. Not the one who takes a look at a bottle of Olive Oil and starts crying because it is the same Olive Oil I used at home, or other sappy things like that. Sappy is good....but not for every second of every day. This is pretty much just me rambling...but it makes sense to me! :) It is all part of the crazy journey that God has mapped out for me.
We still don't know what school Donovan is going to be at in April, so please keep praying for us in that. We are hoping it is going to be in Northampton still because our lease isn't up until June. So, as always, your prayers are much appreicated!!!
The other wonderful thing is...(and I won't elborate too much...) Spring is here! We saw Pussy Willow's the other day! The birds are chirping even more and there are buds on the trees! But, I'm going to stop because I don't want to be shot in my sleep...but it I was it would mean that people were coming over here to see me! lol. Thats me, Miss Positivity!
Love you all very much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)