Its a dog life

Yes it is!

They are spoiled this time of the year with all the people off from work and playing with other doggies.

Eating carrots and all the stuff people feed them under the table on the sneak!

I LOVE IT!

I do have to say I was at the park with the puppy the other day and these 2 beautiful bigger dogs were playing and coming near mine.  I yelled, " are they friendly?" to which the gentleman replied, "yes, they are 2 bitches."  I laughed I know a bitch is a female dog but the context sounds so funny to me.  I think of two caddy girls sitting around bitching lol

So that was my funny tidbit for the new year.

I am so happy to have the dwarfs, the pup and my prince charming this time of year.  I don't know how I got so lucky sometimes with the cards I have been dealt.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

don't forget to spoil your dog!

snow wife

Holidays?

See I have always said Merry Christmas or to be politically correct Happy Holidays just so you won't offend someone.  I always hated in business you had to say Happy holidays in case someone got mad over MERRY Christmas.

Oh England you have some funny ways and some actually annoy the shit out of me.

Happy Christmas - ok don't worry, be happy. Just different but I caught myself saying it!

Crimbo? good god this seems lazy too me - you can't call it Christmas?   This annoys me

Pressie - another lazy term - This annoys me


I mean I get slang and I know how to abbreviate but those above are ridiculous in my book and if this offends - sorry.

I am sure some American ways annoy you - we I know they do I have read the daily mail articles. ;-)

snow wife
I find Freddie so cute! Even though they say Christmas pud instead of pudding ;-)

Question? No I mean statement

I lay in bed or drive and think of fabulous stuff to say and even send myself little email tidbits - can I remember anything I wanted to say? No.

So many differences but so many cool things as well when you are in a different country it's hard to remember they are different after they happen.

Awwww - I do think my favourite thing I have noticed is this.

When someone (usually a parent) asks a child something it is always a form of a question but really shouldn't be.

Example:
Parent: You want to eat your brussels sprouts...
Child : they are gross - no
Parent: that wasn't a question or a request

Me: umm yes it was

Now that I have pointed this out to my Prince Charming and dwarfs they see it EVERYWHERE! It's becoming funny.

My other favourite example:

Parent: Do you want to go to bed now?
Child: no
Parent: well its time for bed

Me: haha you asked them silly - don't ask. TELL

Oh the fun of picking up small things like this and even better when they say it and realise they asked a "question" again and fix it and then laugh!

Life can be funny.

snow wife
Can I have another cup of coffee?
I want another cup of coffee

Thanks for Starbucks

Thank god for the holiday seasons because at least Starbuck's brings the egg nog lattee to England!!

I only bitch because they don't bring the pumpkin latte and we get screwed over here.

I have lost count on how many I have had but I must make the most of it before they are gone and I am back to boring latte's again.

Thank You Again Starbucks!


snow wife

Can I stroke him?

OMG the first time I heard this I thought are you shitting me?

Kids and Adults call it stroking a dog? All I can think of is that is highly sexual (see video below)




I mean you can pet a dog but here you can't because you call women "pet" right? is that why?

Either way I can't call it stroking because all I think of is dancing to the above song.

Go on that song is now stuck in your head.

You Are Welcome

snow wife

Thanksgiving time...huh

The problem with living in another country is certain holidays you love don't exist.  All those rituals you have done your whole life straight up disappear.  It's weird. 

We are coming close to Thanksgiving and usually I hold the big dinner with friends, family, beer and college football!  This year it's just me on that day as UK people work - ok yeah it sucks.

I did go to a friend's for a turkey dinner and it was awesome but it was on the weekend and just didn't feel the same.  I have been invited again for the Saturday after to two different places but with a new dwarf, it just isn't possible to be gone that long.

College football is on at 7pm central which is 1am here! OUCH I know I won't be awake so maybe Friday night someone will want to watch it with me... maybe if I can get a place to watch it since my hava box still isn't hooked up ;-(

I have missed almost all of my college football season and honestly that is the only thing keeping me connected to "me" and how it used to be.  Something to cheer for - so I hope to god it is hooked up soon!

We are having a couples dinner on a soon upcoming Sunday maybe I can talk my friend into doing a Thanksgiving type meal hmmmmmmmmm

snow white

I miss my friends, family, Thanksgiving food, college football and setting up the tree.

Bath anyone?

Oh man some days or nights I just feel like taking a nice soak - it is rare but it does happen.

Doing this activity here sucks - full stop.  I really need a real bath/faucets and water pressure - please ;-)

I ran a bath via the 2 separate faucets and I timed it - it took 18 minutes to get the bath high enough to get in!  If I put the hot water on any higher it would go cold.  FFS

Some days its like living in the pioneer days either that or man a lot of people are posh in the US. I don't know anyone without a dishwasher/washer/dryer so why the heck do people see this as a luxury here?

En suite? this is standard even in apartments in the states why is it such a luxury here?  Everything is a family bathroom and guess what I don't want to share with my family lol

A woman can only share so much of her space before she loses the plot.

Am I in bitch mode? Yes  I am getting claustrophobic in this tiny house. I dream of my old walk in closet, own bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, separate shower, big ass king bed and SPACE.  My old laundry room and large enough kitchen to sit a table with 8 chairs and a normal US size fridge.

someday peeps someday

snow wife

Babysitter

I think the dwarfs and Prince Charming (who isn't all that charming at the moment) think I am a babysitter, house cleaner, bed maker, cook and anything else they want done.  Guess what I am not.

You are all grown up enough to manage small tasks on your own - I am not your mother. Yes I can say that.
Being a stepmom can suck wait that is a capitol "S" and some days it can be amazing.
Most days I just feel like a 3rd wheel that dropped in on a family and not sure why I am here - they aren't mine.

Not sure how I have got by this long but this is an awesome site http://www.stepdivas.com/articles/ and the articles were amazing to ME.

Stepmom Bill of Rights - INCREDIBLE!

1. Our marriage is our first priority, and we will address all issues together.
2. I will be a part of the decision making process in my marriage and family at all times.
3. People outside the immediate family, including ex-wives, in-laws, or children cannot make plans that affect my life without my consent.
4. I will not be responsible for the welfare of children for whom I can set no limits.
5. I must be consulted about which children will live with us, when they can visit, and how long they will stay.
6. I will not solely be responsible for housework – chores will be distributed fairly.
7. Others may not violate my private space at home, nor take or use my possessions without my permission.
8. I will never be treated as an “outsider” in my own home.
9. My husband and stepchildren must treat me with respect.
10. I will be consulted on all family financial matters.

AMEN
snow wife

I need to remind myself the reasons I fell in love with Prince Charming everyday...
~me

Fancy Dancy

is not what I consider a high brand hotel here in the UK... I don't want to mention names because there have been a few I haven't stayed in and I will say it....

I WANT A TOP SHEET

You heard me - PLEASE put it back. A duvet with a cover just isn't enough for me since we don't have air conditioning here I need need the sheet.  When I am warm I just want the top sheet not a big ol' duvet and cover.

Why oh why can't I have a top sheet?

Is this a conspiracy against sheets? As it is most sheets that are luxury here are 200 thread count haha go on laugh...200 thread count is luxury!

Go look at the prices and remember this is in pounds - it kills me.

Ok I am gonna go shop for some sheets and remind myself to pack my top sheet when we hit up the fancy dancy hotels.

snow wife

I think hotel slogans should be, "just do it" ok maybe that's just mine

You can be/do anything if you put your mind to it...

Should be the line every freaking parent adult uses with kids. Full Stop.

I am so annoyed at how parents can hold a child back whether they know it or not (I have a sneaky feeling they do know - they cant be upstaged).  Kids are the future so encourage them - make them better people!

I whole heartily think kids need social interaction like clubs and sports.  Why?
1. It builds self confidence/self esteem
2. They make friends, some of them may be life long
3. Joining the community and helping out the community
4. "Belongs" to something
5. Weekly fun! <--so important
6. Teaches discipline - you signed up and you go even if you don't want too - commitment!
*parents must commit as well because their laziness should not affect the kids
7. Keeps them fit - physically and mentally!

I feel you should encourage your kids and all kids to be the best they can be.  Let them join things and go places BUT the parent has to encourage them.  If the parent or adult becomes lazy and the kids thinks it is a burden on the adult then the children can feel bad and not go because they don't want to inconvenience the adult - bullshit.

Kids read adults quickly. If they crave love like all children do and mommy or daddy promises them McDonald's or 'something fun" with that parent they will take it over anything.  If you are sitting on the couch cuddling with your child and they are feeling the love and you say, 'Ok honey do you want to go to XYZ?' they will look to you, to see what you think? Most kids will say its ok mommy/daddy we can stay right here.
This is where YOU as a parent need to quit being lazy and say, "right lets go to XYZ and when you get back we will have another cuddle."

ENCOURAGEMENT - repeat after me.

I feel so strongly about this because the parent/adult sets the example and the discipline.  If they sign up for something TAKE THEM - don't ask because that is always a way out.  Now I am not saying be crazy when they are ill make them get up and go.  When I say ill I mean throwing up not just tired.

Remember kids are adults in training.  You show them the way.  Kids should learn to thrive, be independent and self confident to be something magnificent in this world and I will do my part to every child I meet.
Parents/Adults - you shouldn't compete with your kids...If you can't dance or sing but your kids can help them shine not hold them back because they would do better then you.
As a parent - I always want my kids to be better then I could EVER be.  Maybe we need more of these types of adults in the world.

snow white

"Children are one-third of our population and all of our future"
Author Unknown

Cry baby

I am not talking about that really bad Johnny Depp movie from the 1990's.  I am talking about myself, it seems everything makes me cry.  Is this some emotional roller coaster I didn't sign up for?
Seriously, I was watching Racing Stripes  and was crying midway just when Channing wanted to race Stripes.
Commercials/Adverts - forget about it! If it is a little bit sad, I gush.I am like some emotional waterfall but I feel fine so it is so weird.

I do think I am having a bit of homesickness and I want some normalcy back in my life.  I wish people would visit just so I have something to look forward too and to share my life here with anyone besides PC and the dwarfs.  Sometimes I don't feel I have control of my own life.  Finding a job here is insane!  I know people who have been turned down by McDonalds and they are eduated.  There are no jobs, our house hasn't sold and I feel so crowded in our current house so I guess it just isn't ideal but I carry on.  I am generally a happy person and do my best to stay positive but sometimes I want to say fuck it and stop smiling - so yeah I have.  No, it doesn't make me feel any better.

I can't be the only person who has mini breakdowns for no reason?

Here is to a brighter future that involved smiles and everything I could wish for in this life.

Snow Wife

When a woman says "What?" , It's not because she didn't hear you. She is giving you a chance to change what you said.
~Unknown

Type Right - please!

I am no grammar expert and I admit that completely but I do think adding all the letters in a sentence is important after you reach a certain age and using spaces and so should you.

Ok so teenagers (some adults too) use slang and abbreviations like:
1. 2mro for tomorrow
2. g8 for great
3. cya for See Ya

I get that you're a teenager and slang is quick to type when texting but for the love of god businesses and adults should not do this daily.  I also will agree that US and UK teenagers ALL text or speak in slang but my main pet peeve is adults and businesses using this "language".  I have never seen an American business use slang on FB like I see UK businesses use daily!
Let's also have a quick recap on proper use of grammar (for you as much as me).

It's is a contraction for "it is". Its is like "his", "hers" or "theirs" and can be loosely translated as "belonging to it". When trying to decide which to use, just remember this: it's is the same as "it is". Only use it's when you are trying to abbreviate it is. In all other cases, use its (without the apostrophe).

People often confuse and misuse the words your and you're. The difference between your and you're is that you're is a contraction of "you are" whereas your means belonging to you.

There is a difference between Their and They're. While "their" means belonging to them, they're is a contraction which stands for "they are".

The words there and their are different. Even though they sound alike (they are homophones), the words have different meanings. A good way to remember the difference between there and their is the mnemonic device The place "here" with a T is "there". While "there" refers to that place, "their" means belonging to them. For example, Their van was destroyed in the accident

Than is used for comparison and Then is used in most other cases, especially when used in the context of time or the order in which events occur.  

Also when you want to write "have" it has 4 letters, it isn't "av"...I don't speak in short speak.  We don't allow our dwarfs to text us short terms or we ask what they are saying because it makes them look dumb.  I agree with using some short terms such as R U home yet? because it is one letter but some of the time it is ridiculous.

Here is a clip of a local business (which I love) but this made me cringe. 
Ladies we have had a last minute date change for a party 2mro (saturday) so we now have 10 spa day places to fill.Rebecca has already done the shopping for that lovely 3 course lunch! 

Spaces? nahhh Commas? nahhh
There was more but I didn't want to hog down this post.

I guess my point is this: Type like an educated person or at least someone who finished 5th grade.  I am not the grammar queen but by gosh I try because I don't want to look like a right yank. ;-)


snow wife
av a g8 day

Good-bye old friend

22 years we have been together....
We have been thru so many things and I always thought you are what made life events easier...
Let's recall some of the 22 years...

1. My parents divorce
2. Moving to another new city - it allowed me to make friends
3. Starting ANOTHER high school
4. Many many many breakups with "the one" or life would have been over
5. Fighting with friends and life was over
6. Stepmother being a bitch - she was/is crazy
7. Moving again
8. Marriage
9. Divorce
10. Work = breaks
11. Moving again
12. Making friends

You were the one constant in my life - yes smoking.
It is no more as I am on the ban wagon as there are more important things in life then smoking and if I can get a little hell yeah and support EVEN BETTER!

Snow wife

Life is not over but just beginning
~me

Pub Quiz/Trivia Naming Game?

Have you ever participated in trivia aka pub quiz? I bet you are thinking the NTN kind above a bar (if you are in the US) but I am not talking about that kind of quiz.

I am talking the kind of quiz where you get a free pitcher of beer for coming up with "worst" team name.  That in dumb terms means the crudest most obnoxiously gross team name.

I have heard a few and cringed but it's so darn funny you have to laugh!

I would love to mention them here but I think it would be more fun to think of all of your brains kicking into 3rd gear coming up with a good bad one.

The kind where your team earns 5 points towards the overall score if 1 person on your team pays for and takes a shot...

Yes people these are Americans drinking as such and not the British!  British bars don't do pitchers or cheap good shots IMO

Go on google it - you know you want too. What is your crudest name that you can think of?

snow wife

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Albert Einstein 

Baby fever!

At the end of last year my biological clock started ticking and it has gradually gotten louder.
I am no spring chicken because at the age of 20 something I don't think I would have been as good as a mother as I potentially could be now.  I have the most wonderful husband and dwarfs but I am so ready to add a new dwarf to our life and I can't keep that clock quiet.  I know the chances are slimmer at my age but hey if it's meant to be it will be.  I say that now but...
So just think good thoughts for me and anyone else there hoping to add to their family.

Maybe it's just me but I swear there are babies everywhere - is this what they call baby fever?
It seems anytime I turn on the TV there is a baby or someone is pregnant.
I get on facebook or talk to a friend, someone is pregnant and pictures of their scans are online (I do smile every time as they are so damn cute!)  Is it that time of the year? Is this what happens after Easter because no one told me. 

Examples:
1. Grey's Anatomy - someone is pregnant and someone else gets granted temporary customer rights for adoption (no names as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it).  This is two baby references in one show.
2. On TV just recently - Knocked Up...'nough said
3. How I met your mother - Yep pregnant
4. 90210 - just maybe someone will end up pregnant, I am waiting for this to happen
5. True Movies - forget it everyone is pregnant or trying to get pregnant or lost a baby
6. Celebrity Juice - Holly was pregnant and still showing episodes all pregnant - she is so cute ;-)
7. One born every minute - OMG talk about babies and what a reality show to watch as I honestly squirm but I admit to have cried once they are born.
8. BBC show the Human Body - from pre conception to death....All I can say is WOW

I bet now that you read this you will see pregnancy and/or babies EVERYWHERE.  The movies just kill me. Full Stop.  Thank goodness I can watch them and shed a tear without anyone around because that would be an emotional wreck waiting to happen and I might embarrass a few people as well ;-)

snow white

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."
~Buddha~

I paid the priority too!

So when you fly on a certain airline you can pay to be checked in early so you can board the airline first and get a choice seat - SCORE!

I always pay the 10 bucks because it is totally worth it.  Obviously some think they are entitled to sooo much more and act as if it is first class...ummm it isn't.

To the bored young girlfriend sitting next to me word of advice.
If you didn't think your shit didn't stink I would have shared one of my $4 magazines so you wouldn't be ohh so bored.  So sorry your drink vouchers expired but for shits sake you are not any better then anyone else already on the plane.

So to those who fly a lot like me...It pays to be nice to the flight attendants and people around you because you might get someone who will share a magazine or buy you a free drink. It happens, I know because I have been upgraded and given free drinks WHY? I am nice and not a stuck up bitch.

Be Kind!

snow wife
Fly the friendly skies

Are you my friend?

Yes you are...

Even if I don't see my friends or talk to you often I love the fact we can pick right up where we left off.
I know I don't get to visit with everyone I want too when I want too BUT you are my friend.

A friend is a true friend when you can catch up over a drink and it's like you saw each other last weekend not years ago.  A true friend is someone you can call and bitch too and they listen and commiserate with you.

I treasure each person in my life and I love "most" of you ;-)

So If I didn't get to see you or talk to you - remember you are still my friend.

snow wife

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."
-Tim McGraw

Life as a Teenager

oh my it's tough

Top things said:
1. You never let me do anything
2. You are sooooo over protective
3. Give me X amount of money
4. I DID clean my room
5. I always stay up late GOSH I am just not tired

Life is so darn tough isn't it? Let's see everything is bought for you including clothes, bikes, shoes, sports equipment and mom's are like taxi's? And you have it tough?

Buck up little dwarf because you haven't seen anything yet....Life is tough.

snow wife
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid.
John Wayne

It's a heat wave.....somewhere

It isn't a heat wave in England - I don't care what you say.

It's August and I am sitting drinking a hot cup of tea, under a think blanket and debating on turning on the gas fireplace or heat.

Is this global warming?

The heat index in soaring to 130F/54C and has actually killed people.

Certain states have had over 100F/37C for over a month and the bacteria is running rampant in the lakes and most areas are on major water restrictions.

And England says this is a heat wave? 70F/21C nope not gonna buy it.

I miss the heat!  Now obviously, I don't want the smothering heat that lasts for months on end with a heat index of 130F but I do want to feel warm and have my toes not be freezing.

It's so bad I was making a list for packing and I didn't even put shorts on the list? How do you follow a list when you don't even think to put shorts on it?

I feel super bad for everyone suffering from all the heat but secretly I can't wait to feel that heat and then be able to escape it as well.

A British friend of mine said her version of air con is to stick her feet in a bucket of cold water and hang them out the window - surely she wouldn't last a week in the states in the crazy heat.

Stay COOL!
If you want a funny offending site check out http://www.thefuckingweather.com/

snow wife

Internet Etiquette

Ok people we know its the 21st century and we spend a lot of time on the computer so why don't you have any online etiquette or simply known as netiquette?

For those who are just joining the world wide web here are some friendly pointers.

1. Just because you are not face to face this does not mean lose your manners. Be polite and if you have something to say that may make a few feathers go up - think before you type.

2. STOP SHOUTING AND USING !!!!!! Wow there is nothing worse then reading posts on FB, Forums, Comments on newspaper articles then someone who is constantly screaming and punctuating. Frankly, it is annoying and makes you look like a toddler. As we tell our dwarfs..."Use your words and your inside voice."

3. Remember there are real people behind the monitor and you can't always tell if someone is kidding or being rude so use emoticons like ;-) or =) or ;-(
Just remember to be sensitive.

4. Something are seriously TMI to post on public forums - would you put it in a newspaper headline? No? then don't share with the rest of the world.  Some of your posts can come back to haunt you.  Make sure you stuff is set to private as employers DO search online and if they see your craziness this may lose you the position.

5. Most of all enjoy the world wide web because there is a wealth of knowledge out there and some great people to meet and talk too but always be careful because not everyone is who they say they are online.


snow wife

Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.  If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.
Emily Post

Dear NHS and Associates...

I know we have a public funded health care system available to practically everyone, I appreciate that.  I also understand the tax brackets and everyone gets 7,475 tax free but holy moses it sure seems you are taking the mickey with the amount of money that leaves my check.

People like to think the UK has FREE health care - you are so wrong.  I also want to state this is not FREE to all since we (the ones who work) pay each and every month and it adds up.
My pros's and con's based on my opinion
Pros:
You don't freak out over not having health insurance because if you get sick, you can get care.
The prescriptions are a set price £7
Birth Control is FREE
Buying diflucan over the counter and not waiting to see a darn doctor

Cons:
I have not spoken to a friendly receptionist yet
Waiting lists are miles long for specialist
General Doctor's don't have a clue who you are and don't bother reading anything about you
Having a thrush or water infection - you wait many days to get results back
You don't get any real answers because it doesn't feel as if they care BUT they won't discharge you because then you can sue them for neglect.
People go to the doctor because they stubbed their toe - why because they can.
Can barely get appointments in advance must call the day of

I would rather pay for insurance oh wait we do...I mean I would rather have a co-pay for everyone. If you are on benefits why can't you afford £2 and if you are not pay £5.  Lower the amount you take out of our checks and make it up in co-pays.  NOT massive co-pays but it would stop stupid visits and lower the amount a bit for us working people.
Let me also state children under the age of 18 get free medical,dental,eye and prescriptions so they would not have a co-pay.

In England each person doesn't file taxes it is done automatically.  You don't get tax deduction for mortgage insurance or stuff you buy for work ect.. You don't get the bigger deduction for having kids or filing jointly.  There is no married discount for two hard working people as you don't get benefits of any kind if you hold a steady job.  In my own opinion some don't get a job as the benefits the government pays is MORE then they would get working a lower paying job so why work?  I saw a newspaper saying they want to cap benefits at 500 quid a week OMG that's 2K a month - seriously and we wonder why the UK is broke?

Here is a breakdown of what is paid per check - as we are paid monthly here typically.

	Pounds			Dollars (approx)
Salary £15000	Yearly	Monthly		YEARLY	Monthly
Taxable Income	£   7,525.00	£    627.08		$  12,040.00	$ 1,003.33
National Insurance	£       932.64	£       77.72		$   1,492.22	$    124.35
PAYE/Tax	£   1,505.00	£    125.42		$  2,408.00	$    200.67
Total Deductions	£   2,437.64	£    203.14		$  3,900.22	$    325.02
Salary £20000	Yearly	Monthly
Taxable Income	£ 12,525.00	£ 1,043.75		$ 20,040.00	$ 1,670.00
National Insurance	£   1,532.64	£    127.72		$  2,452.22	$    204.35
PAYE/Tax	£   2,505.00	£    208.75		$  4,008.00	$    334.00
Total Deductions	£   4,037.64	£    336.47		$  6,460.22	$    538.35
Salary £40000	Yearly	Monthly
Taxable Income	£ 32,525.00	£ 2,710.42		$ 52,040.00	$ 4,336.67
National Insurance	£   3,932.64	£    327.72		$ 6,292.22	$    524.35
PAYE/Tax	£   6,505.00	£    542.08		$ 10,408.00	$    867.33
Total Deductions	£ 10,437.64	£    869.80		$ 16,700.22	$ 1,391.69
Salary£ 55000	Yearly	Monthly
Taxable Income	£ 47,525.00	£ 3,960.42		$ 76,040.00	$ 6,336.67
National Insurance	£   4,481.04	£    373.42		$ 7,169.66	$    597.47
PAYE/Tax	£ 12,010.00	£ 1,000.83		$ 19,216.00	$ 1,601.33
Total Deductions	£ 16,491.04	£ 1,374.25		$ 26,385.66	$ 2,198.81

Remember the dollar sucks right now and £40K is a nice salary by all means but handing over £16K hurts and to think paying almost £4K/$6K in national health insurance for the year - WOW. Talk about the people picking up the tab.  I am all for national health insurance but I also don't think because you make more you pick up more of the tab - keep it equal.

Just like benefits.  Right now a single mom can make 40K a year and still get child tax benefits and working tax credits ect...If you are married - nada.  Firstly if you are making 40K a year you shouldn't get benefits.
This is where I think the UK is wrong. I think it should be a tax deduction % for each parent (no jointly filing in this country) to get some tax back you PAID in.  Now if you don't work and you are on benefits already such as housing and whatever else then obviously you won't get a chunk back as you only get what you pay in.  I am not saying starve the kids! The benefit system here gives people 4 bedroom houses and enough money to take vacations if they don't work (not all people but enough).  Now in the states if you were on benefits we were talking section 8 and food stamps - scraping by and if you wanted to get money and further in life you had to get a JOB.

I went off a slight tangent here obviously and I am sure some may not agree with me and that's fine - that is why this is my opinion and my blog.

snow wife

New location to shop? My attic?

Yeppers - the attic! I can fit back into my clothes from a few years ago.

For the few people that know me in this world my weight has always fluctuated between 135-155ish which for me was a pretty happy weight.

Few things happened in my life then add moving to a new country and WHAM the beef was adding up - I was the heaviest I have EVER been 185!  It crept up and I didn't even know it.  Well you know but honestly, "Its not that bad." Yes it was.  Soon as I saw myself in a picture I thought OH MY GOD that is me?

Oh hell no...time to do something about this.

Thank you to the Wii as it was my starting point and then I started paying attention to what was eating and chowing down on tons of fruit and veg.  It has been working.  It is no miracle and no its not an overnight thing to happen but I guess I had to take the baby steps.

I am about 10 pounds from my "self" goal.  It has taken 8 months but I am down to a happy 160 and this is without a fancy gym membership or anyone telling me I am "fat" because that shit isn't cool.

I think the encouraging thing and frustrating thing is Prince Charming doesn't say a word on it either way which I was thankful when I was "fat" but frustrated as I drop it - HA right?
I say honey I have lost 2 pounds this week...He says: you should fix that hole in your pocket

*eyeroll* At least I know he didn't marry me for my weight because let me know tell you there is more to someone then their body.  If you truly love someone, you love them for everything and support them.

Speaking of support - I had Price harming do P90X and he had to stop 5 minutes in claiming he was still too hung over. I laughed but he sat on the cough to watch me to that crazy lady Gilliam 30 day shred!

I guess I am just happy taking baby steps as it makes me feel so much better about myself and not doing it on any stupid diets.  I still drink and eat bread *gasp* and have take out!

snow wife

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.
Mrs. Anon

Belonging

Someday's I feel as if I have everything figured out and other day's I feel I am on some kind of roller coaster of confusion.

My life is so incredible different not bad just different then I ever thought it would be.  I have been super lucky not to have some major homesick issues but they do creep in and at the weirdest times ever. (like the last space shuttle landing)

I miss having a "belonging" feeling since I don't quite feel I belong here completely but I don't belong in the US anymore either.  I have friends on both sides but it's not the same, it is different and I miss the comradeship I used to have and yes I know it will happen here it just takes time.  I do have some fabulous friends here but not past history so again it's different.

I feel as if my sense of purpose has almost disappeared - this needs fixing ASAP. I would like to get up and go to work, come home and then spend time with my family maybe see some friends or have dinner.  I think because I don't "go" to work this is starting to throw me for a loop mentally.  I have started the job hunt as I really need a sense of belonging and I need a job that feels I belong there as well.  I want more then a paycheck.  I want a sense of accomplishment and a challenge.

It's weird to me that I am nervous to go back to the US because as they say nothing is the same when you go back.  I don't expect it to be but I do expect to relax and just be able to chill with family and friends and indulge in the US things I think I have missed.

I think I am just getting sentimental in my older age but I feel something is missing in my life.  I love my Prince Charming more then anything and the dwarfs I love although trying at times - I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.  I just need to fill this gap in me.

So I am heading down another world of new beginnings with a job hunt and finding the piece of "working" me that I have realised I so desperately miss.  It's a jungle out there but I guess if you don't fight for it then you mine as well be eaten.

snow wife
Home is where the heart is....
 

Over or Under?

Over of course! This is the only *right* way.

Over = Right

This debate has gone on forever and no one will sway me.  It just makes sense for the purpose of tearing it and having it unroll in a normal way.

This blog I found explains it perfectly and you should read it (Essential Life Lesson)

I am one of those people who change it to the correct way in public bathrooms if I can take it off and put it on right.

I also will change it in your bathroom - sorry! It is a habit.  I can't tear it if it's underneath because it keeps rolling and rolling...

How many of you are this OCD?
Yeah I am sure I am not the only one.
Admit it.



I wonder if there is a toilet paper anonymous club to stop us from wanting to make the world over right?

You should Google toilet paper fights over and under - HILARIOUS at the stuff that shows up

snow wife

A new father quickly learns that his child invariably comes to the bathroom at precisely the times when he's in there, as if he needed company. The only way for this father to be certain of bathroom privacy is to shave at the gas station.
Bill Cosby

Dinner and I mean dinner not lunch

Ohh I have always dreamed of the following scenario...

Me: Dwarfs! Time to set the table for dinner please

It would look something like the below and yes I know I am dreaming but work with me!

Dwarf:#1 I will get the plates
Dwarf #2: I have the silverware and napkins
Dwarf #3: I will get the drinks

Prince Charming: Thanks guys (as he is BBQing the steaks outside)

after dinner?
Me/Prince Charming: Dwarf #2 its your turn to load the dishwasher and Dwarf #1 you bring the plates in and Dwarf #3 you clear off the table

Dwarfs: Easy peasy

How wonderful would that be?

Now reality ha

Grab plates already made up and go eat on your lap...Set the table? What table? Wash the dishes? noooooooo just leave them as I don't trust the dwarfs to hand wash dishes since we don't have a dishwasher.

Oh how a girl can dream of a table someday.

snow wife
All great change in America begins at the dinner table.
Ronald Reagan

Passion for what?

Back Story:
So I have decided in the last month or so to change my eating habits just a bit - ok alot. I am now eating fruit as snacks as breakfast and some type of vegetable with lunch and dinner.  This seems obvious to most to do so but not me - I never liked most fruit or veg.  I am older now and realise I need these nutritious things in my daily diet.

So I am telling Prince Charming about meal planning and explaining this new recipe which is part of my eating plan and it is so yummy and our conversation goes like this.

Me: oh honey I went shopping and got this steak and marinating it and yummmm.  Best part it is on my new eating plan

PC: Do I have to be on this diet too?

Me: It's not a diet. You can have rice, potatoes, meat and chips BUT you always have veg or fruit

PC: So I have to eat this way?

Me: Yes darling and we get to try a bunch of new recipes

PC: Well you have that passion for cooking and love trying new cooking adventures

Me: Passion? haha it's not a passion it's a necessity.  Are you going to cook?

PC: Haha I cook anything right out of the freezer and that's cooking!

Me: That's reheating and that's why I do the cooking since frozen food and canned beans are not the healthiest of meals haha

PC: Fair enough you keep your passion and I will keep eating it

Me: It's not a passion and now I will be teaching you to follow basic recipes because I know you can do it ;-)
PC: but you are so good at it I don't want to interrupt you and your cooking (sarcastically)

Me: Nice try mister - game on

Amazing how Prince Charming made it thru years without me and is still fit.  Now its my turn to get fit since we can't afford a chef to cook every night it will be me and in turn Prince Charming learning to cook.  Hey we take turns and I got him cooking enchiladas from beginning to end and it was good!  It takes baby steps. 

snow wife

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Chinese Proverb

4th of July - American Favorites

As all my American pals celebrate 4th of July with fireworks/BBQ/large sized Jenga with family and friends I will celebrate a few of my favorite American blogs and past times.

I love the thrill of a championship game in a bar with friends - no matter what sport.

I love a good afternoon or happy hour (we don't really have happy hour here)

I love a good night of friends hanging out in someones backyard with a few beers and BBQ.

I love Mexican food ;-)

I love fireworks and sitting on the lake as they go off.

I love having a paid day off for Independence day.

Few American blogs I have come to love and keep me laughing over here across the pond.

1. The Bloggess - http://thebloggess.com/
Absolutely hilarious and reminds me of "talks" I have with my Prince Charming - thanks SS

2. Motherhood in NYC - http://www.motherhoodinnyc.com/
Marinka is a funny, dpwn to earth person who I enjoy reading as her cat has great adventures as well

3. Wendi Aarons - http://wendiaarons.com/
I found this funny lady when the maxi pad letter starting hitting out inbox - read it here

4. Mouthy Housewives - http://www.mouthyhousewives.com/
A mixture of a few above answer the funniest questions from readers - always read for a good laugh

5. Post Secret - http://www.postsecret.com/
Ya just have to read it to get it - HA

6. Le Shallow girl - http://goingofftheshallowend.blogspot.com/
Good Stuff!

I love any blog that is honest and shows the funny side of relationships - it makes me feel normal!

Happy 4th of July!

snow white
Yeah the British came in 2nd this day ;-p

I'm a...

Well besides being a stepmom, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, stepsister and friend....

I have become a lass, m8 (mate), chick, bird, pet and feel as if I have made more true friends.

Not that I didn't feel as I had friends before but wow the circle is growing and everyone is so lovely.

I do have to admit it takes some work getting used to being called chick and pet and I am Prince Charming's bird.  Well for one I don't belong in the zoo but they are terms of affection really.

I am proud to be one of the lasses and a mate. I think being American helps me as I will talk to anyone which seems to work for me and I have gained some very cool mates.  Of course it takes time but if you aren't willing to put yourself out there, you will never know right?

Somedays I reflect on all the people I know from all the years of my life and I am truely blessed to realise I have wonderful friendships spanning all cultures, states, countries and honestly couldn't ask for me...

*Ok I could ask for more but not in the friendship areana but I didn't want to sounds greedy and start in on the bathrooms again ;-)

snow white

Bathroom NO Bathrooms!

Have I been spoiled my whole life? No I don't think so.

I can't recall a time in my life where I didn't have more then one bathroom - seriously I can't.
Even as a child I am pretty sure we always had one downstairs and at LEAST one upstairs.  I am having a problem wrapping my head around looking for a new house and everything is one bathroom.  They call it the "family bathroom" WTH I don't want to share my bathroom and hand towels with the family.  My bathroom should be a peaceful adult space where you can go and its always clean and fresh with no toys, no shampoo across the tiles of the shower or toothpaste left in the sink.

I think I am looked at weird when I put my foot down and say I will not move until I get my own bathroom umm sorry en suite.  There are priorities and that is one of them - call me weird.  Prince charming keeps saying well we just don't do it that way.  My reply - we will do it that way.  I can't imagine 20 years sharing a bathroom, I just can't haha

Call me weird - its cool, I am just an American living in a new world and some things I can't let go.
1. En suite
2. Grass in my back yard (not my garden but I do want a garden to grow things in)
3. Open plan kitchen and living room
4. Oh and proper sheets not the 200 thread crap they call luxury here.


(You will notice a theme in my blog about bathrooms/linens - it has become a slight obsession with me.)

Do you share? Do you want to share?

snow wife

"Oh he is just someone I met in the bathroom!"

Coming to American Movie Quote

I left school years ago...

I always had decent grades and thought I understood things pretty well then WHAM you land in another country.

Let's just say I now have major brain farts on certain phrases and spelling of words.  I always thought oh that won't be me, I have lived so many years with US phrases and words engraved in my brain but it has happened.

Few randoms happenings:

1. I couldn't remember what what a car park was called for a brief moment duh parking lot
2. I actually used the UK 1st floor correctly and then had to think if it was right because here the 1st floor is the second floor because the 1st floor is the ground floor here. (see how you can confuse yourself?)
3. The Z and S conundrum  - organize/organise OR apologize/apologise I randomly do it both ways now!
4. Doubling the "L" - I see it and it looks right but US programs tell me I am wrong so it's another one I use both obviously  travelling/traveling OR fuelling/fueling
5. Using "pissed" this is common in our neck of the woods - He was pissed like...That is a full sentence. It means woah was he drunk and it isn't like anything.  The like is just an add-on like a valley girl would say but with a Geordie accent.

There are loads more but it is just funny weird to me how things creep into your vocabulary without realizing/realising you do it.

Snow Wife

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
C.S. Lewis

18 to drink?

We all know what we were like as dwarfs, we wanted to be grown ups and get there as soon as possible. right?

We dressed older? We might have had fake ID's? We were scoring cheap beer or crap alcohol just to drink because we were cool.

Obviously this still  happens but it seems here in the UK its younger and younger. Maybe because the drinking age is 18 so parents start letting dwarfs drink at home earlier (from my own experience) to take the "edge" off going out and drinking or sneaking around.

I am not sure how I feel about this...I am not sure when it's ok to let your dwarfs have a drink or try a type of alcohol.  I would let the dwarfs taste something sure but when is the age you let them actually have a drink?  When do you start looking out for the signs of your dwarfs going out and drinking at someone else's house?  How do you feel about parents of your dwarfs friends buying alcohol for dwarfs and letting them drink without your permission?

We don't want to be the hard core crazy parents because we know it will happen but we want it to be handled in a calm and respectful manor. We want the dwarfs to realise the outcome of drinking and what can happen to them not just the fun side of feeling everything is funny and you and your friends are having a grand old time.

At the age of 16 here as well as the US seems to be an appropriate age to allow your dwarf to have a liquid beverage in your presence.  Now I said "a liquid beverage" I didn't say get shitfaced drunk.  We have a few cocktails in front of the kids or when out to dinner or even around friends.  It shows responsible drinking as one of us is always driving - we try to set by example. So to allow them to "try" a sip in our presence seems like a better idea then to go drink god knows what, with god knows what's been put in it with "friends." 

I know the law is 18 to purchase alcohol but the age to consume is alcohol is 5 years old in the private house with parental consent (WTH) and at 16 they can drink when having a meal with with a parent (fair enough). It boggles my mind as I know I was no princess and I sure as hell didn't drink in front of my parents until I was 17 but I was a senior in high school (starting college/university the next year).

So how do you handle it? What if they are 12,13,14, 15 ?

snow wife

I began drinking alcohol at the age of thirteen and gave it up in my fifty sixth year; it was like going straight from puberty to a mid-life crisis.
George Montgomery

 

Fashion & Shopping

Living in the UK I have realised the shopping is pants crap in my opinion.  Let me give you a quick run down on a few of the stores.  Believe it or not the grocery stores have clothing sections and they are quite popular.

Grocery Stores
ASDA - This is owned by Walmart so the clothing line is by George.  (Someone said he used to work for Next haha)
I do own a few things from ASDA such as joggers sweatpants for working out and a few tops and they aren't that bad but obviously aren't the best quality.
Tesco - They carry the Cherokee line which I believe Target carried as well.  I think the selection is crap but I did get a bathing costume suit there and I kinda dig it and it wasn't insanely expensive like the states.
Sainsbury's - They have more of a selection the the above grocery store in my opinion.  Nice selection of jumpers sweater, casual dresses, tops and I do love my PJ's from there. I am still unsure of the quality but only time will tell.

Other Stores
Next - Everyone raves about this store but honestly I wonder how old you need to be to wear some of this stuff?  The smart casual line isn't bad but it is really hit or miss for me, I think most store in the US or UK are like that for me.  I will say I think the website is better then the actual store. 
River Island - Good lord - I have NEVER ever found anything I would wear in this store.  It's like a hoochie store on wheels to me but then again maybe I am to "old" for this store. I always give this place a chance and walk in, do the tour and walk out.
Matalan - This store I do like for some reason maybe because it is like a mini Kohl's.  Except they carry the papaya brand in normal people sizes unlike that store in the states.  Also the rural romance collection is fab.
Peacock's - Varied styles, decent prices and kind of reminds me of a baby version of forever 21.  I own a few things from here as well.
Primark - This is throw away clothes central.  You buy it cheap and it falls apart after you wash it.  The lines are insane most of the time and crap is thrown everywhere in the store, no I have never seen a tidy Primark.

Also some prices here are insane.  Example I went into the Guess store to check out a pair of jeans and they wanted 90 quid - can you say holy crap! Don't covert that or you might puke.  Where as in the states I can get 2 pairs of Guess jeans for 50 bucks. You can bet I didn't buy them here.

The fashion is totally different since never in my life would I think I would wear leggings or jeggings (again) but here I am loving it.  So it's not all bad...just different.  I would just love a Kohl's to come to town or even a Target but even if they did, it would not be the same.  Those stores would need to succumb to British standards and fashion to make it and that would defeat the point.  So I will just buy when I see something I fancy or just wait to hit the states and stock up on Kohl's, Macy's and Old Navy.

Of course I am no fashion guru but I do like a decent top and a good pair of jeans.  I won't even get started with what shoes come into fashion in both countries because honestly I giggle too much.

So where is your favourite place to shop? Best deals to be had?

snow wife

I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.
-- Tammy Faye Bakker

Advice on making new friends

So here you are in a foreign country and you left all your friends and are starting over.  Where do you start?  I am quite lucky I have some very good friends I met threw Prince Charming and they have been my saving grace since moving here and I love them to pieces.  Sometimes I do wish I had my own click and own friends so everything wasn't so intertwined.
This requires me to get out and meet people for goodness sake.
Where do you go?
Won't you feel like the pimple face 12 year old just starting a new school and trying to say hi to someone?
You don't want to be psycho and ask for someones number and have them guffaw do you?

Moving to a new country can almost be worse then starting a new school because a new country has different cultures and etiquette that some of us are obviously not aware of so you need to learn the rules first.  No one wants to be that crazy foreigner as its hard enough having someone rip your culture apart.  I love a bit of banter about how somethings I find crazy in this country and then hear how they find XYZ crazy about mine. It's all good in the hood when it's banter.

So meeting new friends is like dating and I thought I was done dating once I got married...not so much.
So getting out and joining a club or taking a class to meet people should be what I am doing but it's always easier said then done.  I hate being the new person with the accent. Full Stop.

Maybe I will make it a goal of mine to take one class on ANYTHING just to say I went and it wasn't that bad.  The problem isn't here, it's anywhere I hate showing up alone to a class where everyone already has a click because it reminds me so much of all the new schools I went to over my life.  Being the new person sucks but as someone once said, " get over it" so maybe I should.  I can dish out the advice but taking it is so much harder.

There is a great site called http://www.meetup.com/ which is worldwide (well at least in the US and the UK) but of course for me its a little farther away then  would like hmmm maybe I will create my own!

snow wife

"Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods."
- Aristotle

You can't pick your family...

Everyone has heard that old saying, " You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family." Wow nothing rings truer then that.

Family is a funny thing since these are people who are either family by blood or love.  These are people who should tell you when you are wrong, pick you up when you fall or hug you when you feel down. right?

Nope some live in a world, I guess I haven't had the privilege to visit - its called lala land.  Where the world revolves around them, man I wish I had a pass to that theme park.  Not everyone will see eye to eye but you should always respect a person for being a human being. You don't have to agree with everything but you do need to keep the attitude in check.

I would hope my family would tell me if I was acting crazy, help me get the best bang for my buck, give advice when it would make my life better.  I do also wish that family would learn to know when to shut up and when to butt out.  In this world you have one life and it is the longest thing you will ever do so you better enjoy it.  This means staying positive and enjoying life.  Life is not always rainbows and kittens but it is what you make it - so choose wisely.

Everyone I don't care who you are or what culture you are from should use basic manners such as:

Please - adverb (used as a polite addition to requests, commands, etc.) if you would be so obliging; kindly: Please come here. Will you please turn the radio off?

Thank you - adjective expressing one's gratitude or thanks: a thank-you note

I am not one for airing dirty laundry on the internet but little reminders to the rest of the world to be polite and live life doesn't hurt. Get up and dance, learn to cook what you want, snuggle with your dwarfs and significant other, plan romantic things even if it involves a candle and a frozen pizza and most of all smile.  Never let people walk on your or treat you like, don't get taken advantage of and favours work like a two way street.

Smile on people ;-)

snow wife

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”