Yes, after researching online and shopping around, we have gone out to two stores today and have already returned with the perfect laptop. It is more like a basic laptop, but that is all we really needed. It is the Packard Bell Easy Note. Actually, it is the latest version of the laptop Tanya used to have. (Well she still does, it's in a corner around here somewhere). Anyway...
It has a widescreen and fantastically clear graphics. It is so light! It has 60MB and is wireless enabled. It comes with Windows XP Home Edition and Norton Internet Security. It's great. Oh yes- and it comes with SKYPE. We're excited about giving that a try.
Well I don't know who reads this anymore.... amazing that I wrote twice on here in one day, I know.
Don't give up on us.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The search for a laptop
Well today we are looking to replace Tan's laptop, which has finally died. Actually it doesn't seem like three years is that old, but I guess it can be a for a computer. We're looking for an inexpensive, basic replacement. We don't have loads to spend, but it turns out that they are necessary in order to use many things now.
You need a computer these days so that you can really use a digital camera, palm, ipod, email, and basically operate in this modern world anymore. Amazingly, I don't think just a few years ago, that would have been the case.
What do you think?
You need a computer these days so that you can really use a digital camera, palm, ipod, email, and basically operate in this modern world anymore. Amazingly, I don't think just a few years ago, that would have been the case.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Hello Again
Well Hello Again!
The holidays are approaching fast and Christmas shopping is already here! Can you believe it!? We both work in retail and are already seeing the season flash befor our eyes. Next thing you know it will be all over.
I think one of the biggest drawbacks to working in retail is that the busiest time of the entire year is just before and after Christmas. I mean of course it is. It's just that it makes you even more tired, stressed and short on time than the holidays seem to do for everyone else. Not to mention that time off for November through January is not allowed in retail.
Other than this keeping us very busy, not much going on over here. Oh- our KA had a little problem over the weekend. One of the spark plugs broke apart, with one part still attached to the engine block. It was a real pain to try and figure out how to get it out. It turns out that we found out that these KA's tend to have that problem. Who knew?
Well I hope that you are all doing well. It isn't that cold here, although I hear that SoCal is really warm. It's probably around 60 degrees in the daytime here this week. That is really warm for England this time of year.
Talk to you later-
The holidays are approaching fast and Christmas shopping is already here! Can you believe it!? We both work in retail and are already seeing the season flash befor our eyes. Next thing you know it will be all over.
I think one of the biggest drawbacks to working in retail is that the busiest time of the entire year is just before and after Christmas. I mean of course it is. It's just that it makes you even more tired, stressed and short on time than the holidays seem to do for everyone else. Not to mention that time off for November through January is not allowed in retail.
Other than this keeping us very busy, not much going on over here. Oh- our KA had a little problem over the weekend. One of the spark plugs broke apart, with one part still attached to the engine block. It was a real pain to try and figure out how to get it out. It turns out that we found out that these KA's tend to have that problem. Who knew?
Well I hope that you are all doing well. It isn't that cold here, although I hear that SoCal is really warm. It's probably around 60 degrees in the daytime here this week. That is really warm for England this time of year.
Talk to you later-
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Blah.
Ever have one of those days? You know. Blah.
I especially hate it when everything you try to do either doesn't work the way you want it to, or you never actually get around to doing it because fifty million unplanned events that need your immediate attention take place.
That was what work was like for both of us today- then when i tried to add music to my ipod and it erased what was already on it! Argh!!!!
anyway... Sorry we haven't posted much new on here in a while. guess we're not the daily or even weekly types with the whole blog thing.
You never know when we might get something new on here though....
keep an eye out for it. :)
I especially hate it when everything you try to do either doesn't work the way you want it to, or you never actually get around to doing it because fifty million unplanned events that need your immediate attention take place.
That was what work was like for both of us today- then when i tried to add music to my ipod and it erased what was already on it! Argh!!!!
anyway... Sorry we haven't posted much new on here in a while. guess we're not the daily or even weekly types with the whole blog thing.
You never know when we might get something new on here though....
keep an eye out for it. :)
Thursday, September 28, 2006
It's been a while...
... since I posted anything on here! I've spent the past few weeks getting my new store ready - and after lots of hard work, sweat and tears we finally opened on my birthday last Friday!
I've been working long hours for weeks and today is the first day off I've had since we opened - so I'm just now getting the chance to post!
I'll try to post some pictures over the next few days - so check back soon :)
I've been working long hours for weeks and today is the first day off I've had since we opened - so I'm just now getting the chance to post!
I'll try to post some pictures over the next few days - so check back soon :)
Monday, September 11, 2006
Weddings.....
Well I will be headed back to California in Oct. for my cousins' wedding. I am looking forward to that, but it will be a busy six days that I will be there.
Now... news of a new engagement. My sister is engaged! Now it looks as if her wedding will be in January! So... I will hopefully be headed back to California in January. I know... a very short engagement. They're excited. :)
This is going to be an expensive year...
Unfortunately Tanya will not be able to go with me due to cost.
Living so far away from family definitely is costly.
Now... news of a new engagement. My sister is engaged! Now it looks as if her wedding will be in January! So... I will hopefully be headed back to California in January. I know... a very short engagement. They're excited. :)
This is going to be an expensive year...
Unfortunately Tanya will not be able to go with me due to cost.
Living so far away from family definitely is costly.
September 11, 2005
Well I just finished watching a two night, five hour movie/renanectment of the events that led up to 9/11. In fact it was called: "The Road to 9/11." I am assuming that it was a miniseries or something in the states. Did anyone there see it?
I think it was very interesting. Afterwards, a special news program with the former prime minister of Pakistan, The Prince of Jordan, Dan Rather, three different author's that have written about 9/11, and the former head of the CIA were in a panel type group interview led by a well known news reporter here in the UK, aired. Ok, that was a very long sentence- sorry. :)
It seems that here in England, the general public as well as many MP's in the government here, are wanting Britain to withdraw from Iraq. It seems that many people here feel it has not been successful, and that it may in fact have caused more problems. Of course this is all just from what I see and hear here, but that is what seems to be the case.
Are there any news specials like this airing in the states? What does public opinion seem to be there in regards to Iraq?
I think it was very interesting. Afterwards, a special news program with the former prime minister of Pakistan, The Prince of Jordan, Dan Rather, three different author's that have written about 9/11, and the former head of the CIA were in a panel type group interview led by a well known news reporter here in the UK, aired. Ok, that was a very long sentence- sorry. :)
It seems that here in England, the general public as well as many MP's in the government here, are wanting Britain to withdraw from Iraq. It seems that many people here feel it has not been successful, and that it may in fact have caused more problems. Of course this is all just from what I see and hear here, but that is what seems to be the case.
Are there any news specials like this airing in the states? What does public opinion seem to be there in regards to Iraq?
Friday, September 01, 2006
Life in Oxford
Well I have been hearing for years now that Oxford (city centre) is not a fun place to live or work in the Summertime. Now that I have lived through an Oxford summer, I would agree. Basically, the city centre area in particular, is completely taken over by thousands of tourists and travelling student English language program students.
What I mean by taken over, is literally just that. They fill the streets, shops, pubs, clubs, buses, trains,and just about anything else you can think of. I worked at Disneyland for almost 4 years and I have seen thousands of tourists before. However, here the streets are narrow, the shops are small, and group guides tend to leave their groups for a majority of each afternoon, so that people can go shopping and eat on their own. Fun times.
As for life here as an American, well that is interesting as well. I would say that many of the Americans that seem to make it here for a visit, are either university students, or pretty wealthy people in general. From what I have experienced, they do tend to speak loudly on trains and buses, and don't seem to know much about England or political issues, and don't really pay attention to other people.
I had always wondered where the ignorant American stereotype that many British people seem to hold true, came from. Now I am getting a better idea of where it comes from. Of course, the United States government and their foreign policy right now, definitely works against us here as well. Understandably.
So, it it definitely an interesting experience to be living and working here right now as an American. Not easy. I do have to just know that I will be prejudged and stereotyped in ways I havn't been before. For instance, since I am working in retail right now, I am constantly being expected to be a pushy salesperson who has the attitude of always being right and that I know everything, by many customers. If we don't have a certain size in stock or something, I have had customers say to me that "someone like you should always have everything in stock. What's wrong with you?" However, the comment wasn't a joke.
It is definitely an adjustment and taking some getting used to. As for the people I am working with, they seem to be getting used to me, so they are warming up to me. I certainly have a lot of proving myself and what type of person I am, to do. I think that I have an even harder time of that due to many people's preconceptions of what Americans are like. For instance- I did make a comment in conversation to another coworker the other day that received a reaction that was surprising to me.
I stated that I was impressed with the other person's music collection. He asked why. I said that I was surprised that he even knew some of the groups whose music he had. He raised his voice and said: "You're not going to be one of those Americans who thinks that the only British bands are Radiohead, U2, and Cold Play are you?!" I had to explain that I was just surprised that he had some not very mainstream heavy metal band albums from the United States, that weren't even necessarily well known in the states, and that as far as I knew- heavy metal isn't really popular or mainstream here. I had only been trying to make conversation.
Things like this seem to happen quite often. I guess time will help as well as patience and an open mind. Once summer winds down - life in the city centre will get back to normal I am told. i am looking forward to that.
What I mean by taken over, is literally just that. They fill the streets, shops, pubs, clubs, buses, trains,and just about anything else you can think of. I worked at Disneyland for almost 4 years and I have seen thousands of tourists before. However, here the streets are narrow, the shops are small, and group guides tend to leave their groups for a majority of each afternoon, so that people can go shopping and eat on their own. Fun times.
As for life here as an American, well that is interesting as well. I would say that many of the Americans that seem to make it here for a visit, are either university students, or pretty wealthy people in general. From what I have experienced, they do tend to speak loudly on trains and buses, and don't seem to know much about England or political issues, and don't really pay attention to other people.
I had always wondered where the ignorant American stereotype that many British people seem to hold true, came from. Now I am getting a better idea of where it comes from. Of course, the United States government and their foreign policy right now, definitely works against us here as well. Understandably.
So, it it definitely an interesting experience to be living and working here right now as an American. Not easy. I do have to just know that I will be prejudged and stereotyped in ways I havn't been before. For instance, since I am working in retail right now, I am constantly being expected to be a pushy salesperson who has the attitude of always being right and that I know everything, by many customers. If we don't have a certain size in stock or something, I have had customers say to me that "someone like you should always have everything in stock. What's wrong with you?" However, the comment wasn't a joke.
It is definitely an adjustment and taking some getting used to. As for the people I am working with, they seem to be getting used to me, so they are warming up to me. I certainly have a lot of proving myself and what type of person I am, to do. I think that I have an even harder time of that due to many people's preconceptions of what Americans are like. For instance- I did make a comment in conversation to another coworker the other day that received a reaction that was surprising to me.
I stated that I was impressed with the other person's music collection. He asked why. I said that I was surprised that he even knew some of the groups whose music he had. He raised his voice and said: "You're not going to be one of those Americans who thinks that the only British bands are Radiohead, U2, and Cold Play are you?!" I had to explain that I was just surprised that he had some not very mainstream heavy metal band albums from the United States, that weren't even necessarily well known in the states, and that as far as I knew- heavy metal isn't really popular or mainstream here. I had only been trying to make conversation.
Things like this seem to happen quite often. I guess time will help as well as patience and an open mind. Once summer winds down - life in the city centre will get back to normal I am told. i am looking forward to that.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Searching for a Puppy to love
Hello-
Well, we have received the OK from our landlord to get a dog!
However, we are discovering that getting a dog, or puppy is not very easy here in the UK unless you have a lot of cash on hand. We have been prepping the flat to get ready for a puppy and "puppy proof" it as much as possible.
We went out and bought supplies to have on hand just in case we are able to get one all of a sudden. In the mean time, we have been searching the internet like crazy to see what dogs are available. Here pet shops can not sell dogs- it is illegal. So... you have to buy from either a private seller, breeder, or you can adopt from a rescue center. We would love to adopt, but we have specific needs so it is difficult to find what we are looking for. We want a small dog that would be good with small children and catsand that likes to go everywhere we do. So, we have been looking everywhere.
Do you know how many scams are out there on the internet about selling dogs!!?? It is very sad and scary. Keep in mind, that no one can just ship a dog to the UK, and that you should never wire money to anyone you don't know.
Do any of you have suggestions about getting a dog?
Anyway... we will let you know if we find one. Hopefully it will be soon!!!
Well, we have received the OK from our landlord to get a dog!
However, we are discovering that getting a dog, or puppy is not very easy here in the UK unless you have a lot of cash on hand. We have been prepping the flat to get ready for a puppy and "puppy proof" it as much as possible.
We went out and bought supplies to have on hand just in case we are able to get one all of a sudden. In the mean time, we have been searching the internet like crazy to see what dogs are available. Here pet shops can not sell dogs- it is illegal. So... you have to buy from either a private seller, breeder, or you can adopt from a rescue center. We would love to adopt, but we have specific needs so it is difficult to find what we are looking for. We want a small dog that would be good with small children and catsand that likes to go everywhere we do. So, we have been looking everywhere.
Do you know how many scams are out there on the internet about selling dogs!!?? It is very sad and scary. Keep in mind, that no one can just ship a dog to the UK, and that you should never wire money to anyone you don't know.
Do any of you have suggestions about getting a dog?
Anyway... we will let you know if we find one. Hopefully it will be soon!!!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Picture!
Here's a quick picture from the day of our ceremony! We had a wonderful day - (the hottest day of the year) - and will post more pictures once we get organised!Saturday, August 12, 2006
The Ka Car!!
Well, we have a Ka? What kind of Car? A Ka Car? Nobody knows how to say it!!! Is it a kaaaa, a K- A, a KAY, who knows?? I've even googled it and Asked Jeeves, but there isn't a definitive answer! That's the only downside of the car!
We love it! It's great to be mobile! The little Ka - is surprisingly roomy inside - although we did easily fill the boot when we went shopping the other day!
Anyway - we'll soon be off on trips in our litte car - and will hopefully have pictures to show soon!
We love it! It's great to be mobile! The little Ka - is surprisingly roomy inside - although we did easily fill the boot when we went shopping the other day!
Anyway - we'll soon be off on trips in our litte car - and will hopefully have pictures to show soon!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
I'm back
I've had no internet access since I moved - and that's my excuse for not blogging! But now we're back online finally (YAY broadband!).
Anyway - a lot has happened in the past couple of months!
Jamie is now here! We got married two weeks ago - and are enjoying being in the same place! We spent a day at the Immigration office -and now everything is legal and finalised!
I have a new job - (although still keeping an eye out for something else) and tomorrow we are getting a car.
So - right now life is good - and we'll be keeping this blog updated from now on! Thanks for your patience...
Anyway - a lot has happened in the past couple of months!
Jamie is now here! We got married two weeks ago - and are enjoying being in the same place! We spent a day at the Immigration office -and now everything is legal and finalised!
I have a new job - (although still keeping an eye out for something else) and tomorrow we are getting a car.
So - right now life is good - and we'll be keeping this blog updated from now on! Thanks for your patience...
Saturday, June 10, 2006
No news is good news!
I think most people have given up on this blog - because there is never anything new on here!! But in this case - no news is good news. While I've been off here - a lot has happened - and Jamie and I are planning our civil ceremony! This means we she can stay here permanently and our relationship will be legally recognised!!! YAY! and all this happens in less than two months time! Woo hoo! :)
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Driving!
Yesterday I passed my driving test :) !!! Great news that I wanted to share. I've never really been particularly concerned about driving- partly because it's so expensive to learn to drive here - and partly because I've never really needed to! Last week I started taking some lessons - not the 35-45 they recommend, but 7! And yesterday I took my test. Amazingly I passed and will now be joining you all on the roads! :)
YAY!!
YAY!!
Monday, April 03, 2006
MOVING...
The flat is ours! I am going to take another look tomorrow - and will be sure to take some pretty pictures for you all to see the new place! I am very excited. I move in ten days time - so have lots to get done in the meantime.
I start my new job on Monday, and then go to the North West on Thursday for training, and then move on Friday! I will be busy from Friday onwards, but hopefully once I get moved in, I'll get my computer up and running, and will try to be better about posting again! :)
Once Jamie gets here - we'll start the whole Canadian Journey moving along again :)
I start my new job on Monday, and then go to the North West on Thursday for training, and then move on Friday! I will be busy from Friday onwards, but hopefully once I get moved in, I'll get my computer up and running, and will try to be better about posting again! :)
Once Jamie gets here - we'll start the whole Canadian Journey moving along again :)
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Holiday! Celebrate!
So - I have NINE days off work! NINE! :) This is great. Nine whole days away from the stress and drama! I have things to do - belongings to pack up, things to get rid of, a move to organize - and a secret project I've just started working on - which I hope will be finished by next Friday (fingers crossed).
When I go back to work next Monday - I have five days left to train my replacement, and then I leave for head office. My new boss called yesterday and explained some changes to my induction - but it's all good news and I get to work with a very good friend of mine for a couple of weeks during the induction! Very exciting! :)
So - as of right now - things are going pretty well. Paperwork for the flat should arrive this morning. So all that is left is for you all to cross your fingers and wish me luck in successfully finishing my project next week! :) I will tell you all more once it is finished!
When I go back to work next Monday - I have five days left to train my replacement, and then I leave for head office. My new boss called yesterday and explained some changes to my induction - but it's all good news and I get to work with a very good friend of mine for a couple of weeks during the induction! Very exciting! :)
So - as of right now - things are going pretty well. Paperwork for the flat should arrive this morning. So all that is left is for you all to cross your fingers and wish me luck in successfully finishing my project next week! :) I will tell you all more once it is finished!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Moving...
I heard today that aside from the paperwork formalities, we have got the flat that I went to view last week! This is great news! Fingers crossed that the paperwork all goes according to plan - and if it does - I will be moving in on April 14th - five days after I start my new job! Very exciting!
I will post pictures as soon as I can - and obviously friends are welcome to come visit/stay anytime!
I will post pictures as soon as I can - and obviously friends are welcome to come visit/stay anytime!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Precious Time
I went to the funeral of a friend and former colleague today. Very sad. This guy was a great guy, who had led an amazing and interesting life. He got along well with people of all ages and from all backgrounds (and this was highlighted today by the amazing range of people at his funeral).
He had just retired, but was continuing to work at a local library when they needed him. He had just booked a holiday. He was going to visit a few places before starting his walk around Europe on foot. I saw him the week before he died - and stopped and chatted with him about his plans. He had been planning his trip for quite some time, and it was finally all coming together... He was all set to go... and as we parted I said "Well I am sure I'll see you again before you go" and off we went! Everyone saw him that final week, and it is just so sad that he was just setting off onanother amazing adventure - but ended up not making it.
These things remind me how precious time is. It makes this time apart even harder, and luckily within months we will be in the same place and the wait will be over. Precious precious time....
He had just retired, but was continuing to work at a local library when they needed him. He had just booked a holiday. He was going to visit a few places before starting his walk around Europe on foot. I saw him the week before he died - and stopped and chatted with him about his plans. He had been planning his trip for quite some time, and it was finally all coming together... He was all set to go... and as we parted I said "Well I am sure I'll see you again before you go" and off we went! Everyone saw him that final week, and it is just so sad that he was just setting off onanother amazing adventure - but ended up not making it.
These things remind me how precious time is. It makes this time apart even harder, and luckily within months we will be in the same place and the wait will be over. Precious precious time....
Sunday, March 19, 2006
No-Go
So the flat I mentioned before was a no-go! It was going to be a wonderful flat at the old Castle/Prison site which has been redeveloped. However - the apartments aren't finished and may not be finished before I need to move.
So - I looked around - and then found a really nice apartment for the two of us by the station! It's a small new one bedroom apartment - fully furnished - and more in our price range!
I have applied - but we have to wait and see - so please keep your fingers crossed for us! As soon as we get a yay or nay - I will post it. And if it's a yay - I will go back and take pictures to post on here!
So - I looked around - and then found a really nice apartment for the two of us by the station! It's a small new one bedroom apartment - fully furnished - and more in our price range!
I have applied - but we have to wait and see - so please keep your fingers crossed for us! As soon as we get a yay or nay - I will post it. And if it's a yay - I will go back and take pictures to post on here!
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