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
Monday, 29 August 2011
Monday, 22 August 2011
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
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
Monday, 15 August 2011
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.
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
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
Monday, 8 August 2011
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
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
Sunday, 31 July 2011
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....
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....
Monday, 25 July 2011
Over or Under?
Over of course! This is the only *right* way.
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 worldover 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
 |
| 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
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
Monday, 18 July 2011
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
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 #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
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