You can feel the onslaught of darkness beginning to descend around 3pm in Edinburgh these days. Yes, we are well and truly into the winter months in Scotland now. However, there's no snow. No ice storms or freezing rain (are these one in the same?!). No winter storm warnings, no storm team 8 extreme weather watch (keeping YOU informed of all the most important weather changes!). Nope. Mostly it's windy, dull, and damp.
And the pre-Christmas madness has also descended on Scotland. Princes Street, the main shopping street in Edinburgh is busy enough at the best of times, but now it is positively nuts. People everywhere. Shoving. Pushing. Buying. I have to say I have been rather taken aback by the Christmas madness here. You see, we don't have a Thanksgiving holiday in Scotland (for obvious reasons...) so we go from Halloween, straight into Christmas. It's weird.
The other odd thing is the lack of availability of religious Christmas cards in regular stores. The UK has become so secularised that you have to go to special shops (usually charity stores such as Oxfam) to get cards with Christian references to Christmas. Not that this is a bad thing - sending charity christmas cards is what one does here. Usually at least 10% of the purchase goes to a designated charity. No bad thing.
I will be blogging more about Christmas in Scotland as time goes on, but I hope this serves as a taster for now!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving
A few minutes ago, I spooned some cranberry relish into my mouth. The taste of thanksgiving came flooding into sight and all of a sudden I was craving turkey like nothing else!
We have opted to have our thanksgiving meal tomorrow, Friday. Since Turkey Day is a uniquely American holiday (for very very obvious reasons!) there is no day off for us this year. Therefore, the thought of hosting hte meal on a 'school night' was a bit much to bear. We have 10 people coming round to our flat for the occasion! Half are American, half are Scottish. The turkey is defrosting (and I am freaking out about nasty poultry bugs), the cranberry relish is 'maturing' in the fridge, the pumpkin pie is almost done. Our dining room table and Brian's drawing table are tableclothed and pushed together to make room for our guests. The plates and cutlery are set. And it feels good!
There's a feeling of familiarity about all of this that I am loving. We have our iTunes on shuffle and much of the music we grew to love while in the States (often through Paste Magazine) is piping into our kitchen. We love to host people in our home. Sometimes I think that Brian and I are at our best when we are doing this together. We enjoy, and gain energy from thinking through our menu, and preparing the food. Our creativity flows as we set the table and make it look inviting. Our desire to make people feel at home is put into practice as we welcome folks into our home. We've long felt like hospitality is one of our gifts and tonight I feel that more than ever.
Now, there are two other things about Thanksgiving I would like to note. First, the fact that many Scots are well aware of this day, and actually talk about it. Admittedly, some of that I encounter through my friends who know that Brian is American. However, it seems that the general public has a general awareness of the holiday. It's not surprising given that most things American make it onto the radar of the Scots. The other odd thing about today is that this is the first time for 8 years that I haven't had this day off. Very strange feeling.
Well, I leave this post with a note of the things for which I am indeed truly thankful... Brian, this flat and our landlords, a sense of settling into our life here... my job... Brian's job - which allows him some time to work on his photography...friends - here and abroad... and, inevitably, God. For being God and all that entails for us humans who are the recipients of his Amazing Grace.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Fi & Brian xx
We have opted to have our thanksgiving meal tomorrow, Friday. Since Turkey Day is a uniquely American holiday (for very very obvious reasons!) there is no day off for us this year. Therefore, the thought of hosting hte meal on a 'school night' was a bit much to bear. We have 10 people coming round to our flat for the occasion! Half are American, half are Scottish. The turkey is defrosting (and I am freaking out about nasty poultry bugs), the cranberry relish is 'maturing' in the fridge, the pumpkin pie is almost done. Our dining room table and Brian's drawing table are tableclothed and pushed together to make room for our guests. The plates and cutlery are set. And it feels good!
There's a feeling of familiarity about all of this that I am loving. We have our iTunes on shuffle and much of the music we grew to love while in the States (often through Paste Magazine) is piping into our kitchen. We love to host people in our home. Sometimes I think that Brian and I are at our best when we are doing this together. We enjoy, and gain energy from thinking through our menu, and preparing the food. Our creativity flows as we set the table and make it look inviting. Our desire to make people feel at home is put into practice as we welcome folks into our home. We've long felt like hospitality is one of our gifts and tonight I feel that more than ever.
Now, there are two other things about Thanksgiving I would like to note. First, the fact that many Scots are well aware of this day, and actually talk about it. Admittedly, some of that I encounter through my friends who know that Brian is American. However, it seems that the general public has a general awareness of the holiday. It's not surprising given that most things American make it onto the radar of the Scots. The other odd thing about today is that this is the first time for 8 years that I haven't had this day off. Very strange feeling.
Well, I leave this post with a note of the things for which I am indeed truly thankful... Brian, this flat and our landlords, a sense of settling into our life here... my job... Brian's job - which allows him some time to work on his photography...friends - here and abroad... and, inevitably, God. For being God and all that entails for us humans who are the recipients of his Amazing Grace.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Fi & Brian xx
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Yoga
I am sitting in the kitchen munching on organic almond and raisin muesli and seeds. It's all can think to eat. Anything else just seems wrong. You see, I have just spent an hour and half in a rather intense yoga classs... and it feels GOOD! December saw me take my last yoga class in the Grand Rapids YMCA with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the city. Since then I haven't done any yoga. I have to admit, I was nervous at first - would I remember the moves? Would I just get cramp? Would I seize up, fall over, or trip? Reality was much more kind than that! I actually managed the whole class! It wasn't perfect, and there are a few things I need to practice, but I am apparently less out shape than I thought. Hooray!
Tonight was a milestone in the move for me. I started doing yoga while I was in the States and it is there I developed a love for it. This evening, I felt as though I had come home. I was back in a familiar routine. Filling the Nalgene bottle and inevitably spilling the water. Pulling on my old grey yoga bottoms. Pulling my hair back. Shuffling along the road in my slip-on 'earthy' shoes with my mat bundled under my arm. Standing on the edge of the mat with the scent of essential oils shimmering through my sinuses. Bending my body into shapes, poses, an twists. It all felt delightful. I feel more like 'me' tonight. Of course, there is every chance I will be in intense pain tomorrow when I wake up, but I am armed with a hot water botle and Ibuprofen!
I was shaped during my time in the USA and sometimes I forget that. There are things that I grew into that made me more who God created me to be. Tonight I was reminded of this as I re-entered the world of Yoga - which found me in the States. It's easy to wander into life here and segregate the Fiona from the USA from the UK, but that would short-change my time and experience there. I believe I am to solder both lives together and continute to grow, and be shaped.
Isn't this what we followers of Jesus often do? We hold our faith in one hand - our spiritual lives, our love for God - and in the other, we hold on to the bits of our lives that we're not willing to integrate with our faith. Grafting our lives into our faith is what we are called to do and it's only when we do it that we are fully alive in faith and life.
Tonight was a milestone in the move for me. I started doing yoga while I was in the States and it is there I developed a love for it. This evening, I felt as though I had come home. I was back in a familiar routine. Filling the Nalgene bottle and inevitably spilling the water. Pulling on my old grey yoga bottoms. Pulling my hair back. Shuffling along the road in my slip-on 'earthy' shoes with my mat bundled under my arm. Standing on the edge of the mat with the scent of essential oils shimmering through my sinuses. Bending my body into shapes, poses, an twists. It all felt delightful. I feel more like 'me' tonight. Of course, there is every chance I will be in intense pain tomorrow when I wake up, but I am armed with a hot water botle and Ibuprofen!
I was shaped during my time in the USA and sometimes I forget that. There are things that I grew into that made me more who God created me to be. Tonight I was reminded of this as I re-entered the world of Yoga - which found me in the States. It's easy to wander into life here and segregate the Fiona from the USA from the UK, but that would short-change my time and experience there. I believe I am to solder both lives together and continute to grow, and be shaped.
Isn't this what we followers of Jesus often do? We hold our faith in one hand - our spiritual lives, our love for God - and in the other, we hold on to the bits of our lives that we're not willing to integrate with our faith. Grafting our lives into our faith is what we are called to do and it's only when we do it that we are fully alive in faith and life.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
At home this weekend!
In complete contrast to my activities of the last few months, I spent all of today at home doing housework. Here's what I did today:
6 loads of washing (all dried on the clothes line)
Ironed a few loads of clean laundry
Cleaned our bedroom (dusted, polished, tidied, hoovered, washed the sheets etc...)
Cleaned the bathroom
Talked to two friends on the phone
Talked to my dad on the phone
Cooked dinner (roast chicken, mashed sweet potato, green beans and fruit cobbler)
Washed dishes
Dried dishes
It felt like a lot, but looking at hte list it doesn't seem like all that much after all! I blog about this to make the point that for the past few weeks and months we've been so busy we've hardly had a chance to properly clean. It would have been fair to say that our flat was approaching squalor! It felt good to get my hands dirty and to now have a lovely clean abode. the past few months have been full of cultural activies (Greenbelt, Edinburgh Fringe/Festival), travel (Belgium, London, Kent), work related events (youth conferences, leading seminars etc...). I am enjoying the chance to just be at home! Ahhh...
6 loads of washing (all dried on the clothes line)
Ironed a few loads of clean laundry
Cleaned our bedroom (dusted, polished, tidied, hoovered, washed the sheets etc...)
Cleaned the bathroom
Talked to two friends on the phone
Talked to my dad on the phone
Cooked dinner (roast chicken, mashed sweet potato, green beans and fruit cobbler)
Washed dishes
Dried dishes
It felt like a lot, but looking at hte list it doesn't seem like all that much after all! I blog about this to make the point that for the past few weeks and months we've been so busy we've hardly had a chance to properly clean. It would have been fair to say that our flat was approaching squalor! It felt good to get my hands dirty and to now have a lovely clean abode. the past few months have been full of cultural activies (Greenbelt, Edinburgh Fringe/Festival), travel (Belgium, London, Kent), work related events (youth conferences, leading seminars etc...). I am enjoying the chance to just be at home! Ahhh...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
This week I had two speaking engagements in a Lanarkshire school. I was speaking to two Religious Education Classes about the reliability of the Gospels. I had to hire a car to get to the school. The cool thing was that I got to take the car home at night so that I was ready to leave again the next morning for RE class number two. Therefore, I drove into work one day this week. I was sitting on Dundas Road, in a queue for the right hand turn onto Queen street - ready to rev into gear to edge forward when the lights turned green when I had a wee revelation. I have not driven into work since I worked at Calvin Theological Seminary. Here, I either get the bus or ride my bike into work. We don't own a car, and if I did, I wouldn't drive it through Edinburgh morning traffic anyway. So, I was sitting on Dundas Street when I realised that I suddenly felt very disconnected from the city. I missed the bus - even the smelly number 22 (why DO people insist on 'letting everything out' on a crowded bus?!?!)And that is when it struck me: I have become part of the city. Sitting in that car, I felt removed from community - a cast-out, a rebel. I had shut myself off from the rest of the community of Edinburgh that day by simply getting in my car and driving to work on my own. I literally felt like I was in a bubble and.. although I could tell you any day what individualism is, I suddenly FELT it like never before!
There is a rhythm and community to cities. Every day I sit next to a complete stranger on the bus - yet I sit pretty close to that person on the small space allocated for two people. I join a mass of Edinburgh residents making their way to work. Listening to iPods. Reading The Metro. Opening up a new novel. Phoning into work. Catching up with mates about the night before. Gearing themselves up for the work day. This is one of my rhythms as a city dweller, and I like it! Maybe one day we will move to a rural rhythm or small town rhythm - but for now, I intend to live into Edinburgh's rhythm.
There is a rhythm and community to cities. Every day I sit next to a complete stranger on the bus - yet I sit pretty close to that person on the small space allocated for two people. I join a mass of Edinburgh residents making their way to work. Listening to iPods. Reading The Metro. Opening up a new novel. Phoning into work. Catching up with mates about the night before. Gearing themselves up for the work day. This is one of my rhythms as a city dweller, and I like it! Maybe one day we will move to a rural rhythm or small town rhythm - but for now, I intend to live into Edinburgh's rhythm.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
My Annual Flashback
The other morning, while blowdrying my hair, I had my annual flashback. This happens every year, around the middle of September. It's usually during the first chill of the fall hits. That cold can hit me from anywhere - an open window, first step outside in the morning... either way, it's the same every year: I am transported back to September 1999 when I first moved to the States. I have such strong memories of that time in my life that the first chill of the fall always reminds me of that season. I can remember staying with the Kuhn family. I can still recall the comforting sweet smell of their home. I remember sitting in a chilly office figuring out a new email system and flickng through youth ministry resources. I remember looking for a flat with Jackie and 'shopping' for furniture at the city mission. I can see the shop and save and picture where to find the frozen juice (something I found fascinating!) and the dollar bargain aisle. I can almost taste apple cider from the Spring House, and homemade brownies at coffee hour. The list could go on. Every year it is the same - strong memories of that first few months in Washington Pennsylvania. I think I will miss fall in the states. For one, the leaves are definitely more spectacular. Edinburgh just doesn't have as many trees! We don't do seasonal ritual here because our seasons kind of blend into one. While I hate things like Hobby Lobby's overload of seasonal merchandise I love the fact that seasons are recognised more significantly. I will miss pumpkins and 'mums on doorsteps. I will miss houses lit up at Christmas. I will miss driving through town and enjoying the creations - allbeit many of them OTT and tacky - in gardens, on houses, and doorsteps. I will miss the feeling that we are distinctly moving to a new season. I will miss moving my summer clothes to another closet and sorting out my fall attire. Instead, we will drift into autumn and wander into winter.
As for the fashback to that other distinct season in my life, there is a lot more I could say on that subject. But one thing I know for certain is that I have come quite a distance since then.
As for the fashback to that other distinct season in my life, there is a lot more I could say on that subject. But one thing I know for certain is that I have come quite a distance since then.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Home
They say it takes eighteen months before you feel settled in a new place - and certainly I can't say I feel totally settled in our new life. However, I have begun to notice a sense of belonging about being in Leith - and in our flat particularly. Perhaps it is because 'the nights are fair drawing in' as fall approaches and 8 pm is no longer as bright as 5 pm. Perhaps it is because our flat looks more lived in these days (especially since it hasn't been cleaned for some time!). Either way, I have started to feel as though I am breathing out and settling in. The other day, as I watched Brian leave on my bike to cycle to the gym, and after that, the store, I had this incredible sense of belonging to this area of edinburgh, this town, this life. I think that part of it is that we have developed routine. It's a well known fact that we humans often thrive on routine and ritual. It appears to give us a sense of rhythm in life, and predictability is settling. I think that is what's happening with me and Brian. As the autumn approaches, I am glad that we have routine. The short days and chilly air can feel hostile - but to have rhythm and routine feels comfortable and familiar.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Out of my league!
There are certain social circles in which I was just not meant to roam. this was confirmed the other day by a hilarious work lunch meeting I experienced.
Our press officer, who is a fantastic person, and connected to all sorts of cool people and stuff met with myself and two other people regarding a project we sponsor. He informed me that we'd be eating at the Royal Scots Club. 'Cool', thought I 'a proper lunch'. When he asked me to let our other male guest know that he'd be required to enter said club with a tie and jacket, I began to suspect I was in for a treat in more ways than one.
As we walked along the road, me in my clicky Clarks ankle boots, New Look Black Trousers (18 pounds), Next Clearance Top (3 pounds), old, New Look beige trencoat (cheap, very cheap), and Dorothy Perkins tote bag with black and white butterflies (5 pounds) I tried my best to look and feel fabulous. The clicky heels did help. I strode into the Royal Scots Club with confidence - a la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Lunch was fine. however, I missed a crucial moment of fabulousity when the other three started to talk about a film maker who I claimed I had never heard of. Went home, and realised - yes, I do indeed know exactly who Jaques Tati is, and I have actually seen at least one of his films.
At the end of our lunch, the waitress approached the table and politely asked our host to pay attention to the dress code in the future because one of our party was wearing a denim dress. A DENIM DRESS! Oh, the shame. I was pleased to see that no-one else in the party seemed to have noticed or cared (it wasn't me wearing the denim by the way - my attire is detailed above!).
All this is to say, that I have dreamt of being fabulous, with silken hair, a graceful walk, and cool clothes all of my life and once again I have been forced to remember that I am just little old me. No need to 'breeze' or 'float' or 'glide'. No need to fit perfectly into the latest fashion. Just need to be me. No doubt in a few weeks time I will have another Royal Scots club moment when I try to be fabulous and I will again be reminded that I just need to be me. But I am on the journey and those incidents are becoming fewer and further between.
Our press officer, who is a fantastic person, and connected to all sorts of cool people and stuff met with myself and two other people regarding a project we sponsor. He informed me that we'd be eating at the Royal Scots Club. 'Cool', thought I 'a proper lunch'. When he asked me to let our other male guest know that he'd be required to enter said club with a tie and jacket, I began to suspect I was in for a treat in more ways than one.
As we walked along the road, me in my clicky Clarks ankle boots, New Look Black Trousers (18 pounds), Next Clearance Top (3 pounds), old, New Look beige trencoat (cheap, very cheap), and Dorothy Perkins tote bag with black and white butterflies (5 pounds) I tried my best to look and feel fabulous. The clicky heels did help. I strode into the Royal Scots Club with confidence - a la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Lunch was fine. however, I missed a crucial moment of fabulousity when the other three started to talk about a film maker who I claimed I had never heard of. Went home, and realised - yes, I do indeed know exactly who Jaques Tati is, and I have actually seen at least one of his films.
At the end of our lunch, the waitress approached the table and politely asked our host to pay attention to the dress code in the future because one of our party was wearing a denim dress. A DENIM DRESS! Oh, the shame. I was pleased to see that no-one else in the party seemed to have noticed or cared (it wasn't me wearing the denim by the way - my attire is detailed above!).
All this is to say, that I have dreamt of being fabulous, with silken hair, a graceful walk, and cool clothes all of my life and once again I have been forced to remember that I am just little old me. No need to 'breeze' or 'float' or 'glide'. No need to fit perfectly into the latest fashion. Just need to be me. No doubt in a few weeks time I will have another Royal Scots club moment when I try to be fabulous and I will again be reminded that I just need to be me. But I am on the journey and those incidents are becoming fewer and further between.
Tired
When we moved to Scotland in march, I jumped right into life back here in my home country. This past few weeks has been no different - we've been rather busy! A few weeks ago I suddenly realised that I felt tired. Not just a "i should get a good night's sleep" tired - but an all consuming, brain, heart, body tired!
When I started working for the Scottish Bible Society, our chief executive talked to me about how our souls need breathing space. My soul needs breathing space! It's not that I feel downtrodden, sad, or anything - I am just tired of being on the go all the time.
By the end of September, things will have quietened down. We'll manage more than one Sunday at church in a row. I will finish the book sitting on my bedside cabinet. Letters will be written and mailed. Life will slow to a pace that is manageable and I will be thankful!
When I started working for the Scottish Bible Society, our chief executive talked to me about how our souls need breathing space. My soul needs breathing space! It's not that I feel downtrodden, sad, or anything - I am just tired of being on the go all the time.
By the end of September, things will have quietened down. We'll manage more than one Sunday at church in a row. I will finish the book sitting on my bedside cabinet. Letters will be written and mailed. Life will slow to a pace that is manageable and I will be thankful!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Festival Time!
The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, and Edinburgh International Book Festival are currently running in yes, you've guessed it, Edinburgh! Wow! I haven't been at the festival for ages and here were in the thick of it. The main festival is made up of several performances of varying genres. Brian and I have tickets for two main festival shows. THe Fringe consists of hundreds of shows all over the city, all day, every day during August. There's comedy, opera, dance, children's shows, plays, street theatre, and art showings. Edinburgh is jam packed with visitors here to soak up the festival atmosphere. I have found myself to be unsure as to who I am during the festival. The choices are:
a) a disgruntled local, irritated at how long it takes to get to work on the bus due to the large volume of festival goers who have to ask the bus driver how much it costs and how to get there...
or
b) an excited local, ready to plunge into the festival, taking in as many shows as possible, and sampling as much culture as is humanly possible.
I have been a bit of both! We've seen a few shows already. the first was Rock 'n' Roll Romeo and Juliet. Let's just say, I giggled all the way through, but it wasn't a comedy...! We also saw Beyond the Chariots. This is a one man play by Rich Swingle. He and his wife are staying with us while he performs on the Fringe. This play is about Eric Liddell after the Chariots of Fire story, about when he was a missionary in China. It's a wonderful piece of theatre. :Last night we saw Miracle in Rwanda. This is also a one-person play about a woman who survived the Rwandan Genocide by hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women. She deservedly received a standing ovation. Tomorrow night we'll see Impressing the Czar - a ballet about the rise of Western Civilisation. It's billed as being full of interesting choreography, multi media etc... Next week we'll see a production of Orpheus X.
It's all go around here!
a) a disgruntled local, irritated at how long it takes to get to work on the bus due to the large volume of festival goers who have to ask the bus driver how much it costs and how to get there...
or
b) an excited local, ready to plunge into the festival, taking in as many shows as possible, and sampling as much culture as is humanly possible.
I have been a bit of both! We've seen a few shows already. the first was Rock 'n' Roll Romeo and Juliet. Let's just say, I giggled all the way through, but it wasn't a comedy...! We also saw Beyond the Chariots. This is a one man play by Rich Swingle. He and his wife are staying with us while he performs on the Fringe. This play is about Eric Liddell after the Chariots of Fire story, about when he was a missionary in China. It's a wonderful piece of theatre. :Last night we saw Miracle in Rwanda. This is also a one-person play about a woman who survived the Rwandan Genocide by hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women. She deservedly received a standing ovation. Tomorrow night we'll see Impressing the Czar - a ballet about the rise of Western Civilisation. It's billed as being full of interesting choreography, multi media etc... Next week we'll see a production of Orpheus X.
It's all go around here!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Bonnie Scotland
We just got back from a Friday night out at IKEA. I know what you're thinking "those Bakers sure know how to party..." :-) The reason we went tonight is that this was the only time our friend Kat could drive us there. Seeing as we don't own a car yet, we rely on friends such as she to transport us to important places - like IKEA. We bought ourselves a bookshelf and various kitchen implements we just HAD to have.
On to more important things. This week I had the opportunity to travel to Aberdeenshire. I spent my university years in Aberdeen, so was thrilled for the chance to be up in that part of the world again. The purpose of my visit was a Christi nyouth festival called Imagine. I was co-leading two seminars with a guy from Scripture Union Scotland (actually, the Chief Executive). The seminars seemed to go well, and I really enjoyed working with Andy. It was great to have the opportunity to brush up on such skills - having been out of youthwork for a few years, I was nervous about giving seminars to 12-16 year olds again. I was very impressed by the set up of the festival, the types of folks they have on board and the careful and thoughtful way they go about it. By the way, Scripture Union is a Christian children's charity who do schools work, camps, holidays, and work with churches to reach children and young people in Scotland.
The other cool thing was the drive to Aberdeen. I happen to think that the Granite City itself (Aberdeen is literally made up of a lot of granite!) is gorgeous - especially in the sun when the buildings sparkle. The surrounding countryside isn't the most spectacular in Scotland, but it is lovely. And driving around, I felt at peace. Scotland is beautiful, and just love being back in my surroundings again. The coast lines, the cliffs, hills, fields, mountains... just lovely.
Of course, I say things like that and immediately get pangs for the people I love and miss in the USA. But I can't deny the fact that I love my country and I am delighted to be back. I can't wait to take Brian all over Scotland and England!
On to more important things. This week I had the opportunity to travel to Aberdeenshire. I spent my university years in Aberdeen, so was thrilled for the chance to be up in that part of the world again. The purpose of my visit was a Christi nyouth festival called Imagine. I was co-leading two seminars with a guy from Scripture Union Scotland (actually, the Chief Executive). The seminars seemed to go well, and I really enjoyed working with Andy. It was great to have the opportunity to brush up on such skills - having been out of youthwork for a few years, I was nervous about giving seminars to 12-16 year olds again. I was very impressed by the set up of the festival, the types of folks they have on board and the careful and thoughtful way they go about it. By the way, Scripture Union is a Christian children's charity who do schools work, camps, holidays, and work with churches to reach children and young people in Scotland.
The other cool thing was the drive to Aberdeen. I happen to think that the Granite City itself (Aberdeen is literally made up of a lot of granite!) is gorgeous - especially in the sun when the buildings sparkle. The surrounding countryside isn't the most spectacular in Scotland, but it is lovely. And driving around, I felt at peace. Scotland is beautiful, and just love being back in my surroundings again. The coast lines, the cliffs, hills, fields, mountains... just lovely.
Of course, I say things like that and immediately get pangs for the people I love and miss in the USA. But I can't deny the fact that I love my country and I am delighted to be back. I can't wait to take Brian all over Scotland and England!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
I am not a tourist!!
Last night after work, I met Brian for dinner in Susie's Wholefood Diner on West Nicholson Street. I was walking across North Bridge, dodging all the people when I had a 'oh, this is my home....' moment. Those moments come every now and then when I am out and about in Edinburgh amongst the tourists (and there are many - although not as many as there will be when the Festival begins!). It's such a good feeling to say 'I live here'. During my time in America, my trips to Scotland made me feel like a tourist. I was usually only here for two weeks at a time, and there was always so much to catch up on - from the latest fashions and TV favourites to people's lives and family situations. Now, I live here and it feels good to not be a tourist in my own country. The funny thing is that I have this sense of pride about where I live - even a sense of protectiveness. I have always had this outlook about where I live - even in America. When I was in Grand Rapids, the mere mention of Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania made me feel such fondness for these places. I think this has to do with the fact that when you move to another culture and another country, you have to attach yourself to the place hard and fast - at least I did. It helps with the identity thing. I was speaking with a couple at a conference this week who have one daughter in Uganda and one in Washington D.C. We talked about what it is like to come back to your own country and identity was the big theme - again. It is difficult to move back and be among people who have not shared your history in that other country. I realised how important that was when I talked to friends in London who used to live in Pittsburgh. The feeling of having a conversation where I could talk about life in America, people in America - all of which and whom they knew about, was wonderful. It was a comfort and relief. As well as identity, this is all about connecting, isn't it? We are created to be in relationship. We are created to be connected to other people and that includes our histories. WIthout the option of sharing a history with people, lonliness sets in. We need others and we need others who have shared life with us. I am thankful that we have our friends in London already, and that two more will arrive in August. And I am thankful for technology that allows us to continue connecting with our friends across the atlantic!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Brussels
hmmm... it has been a while, hasn't it?
My friend Heidi gave me the excellent gift of a little notebook in which to record blogworthy notes while I am out and about and getting on with life. Brilliant. My first page of notes were written in Brussels very late at night. This past weekend Brian and I traveled (by train - Edinburgh to London King's Cross, tube to Waterloo, Eurostar to Brussels) with a group of about 6 friends. The purpose was to meet with about 6 other friends and together our mission was to surprise our friend Ed for his birthday. Ed & his wife are good friends of ours (they also happen to be our landlords!) Ed recently landed a job in Brussels and off they went.
We arrived after a rather tight journey. Good old British rail (GNER to be precise) lived up to its rep by leaving Edinburgh late due to technical faults. We therefore had 1/2 hour to spring across London via the tube. What an adventure! Thankfully, we arrived at the meeting point of Big Mama's Italian restaurant in Brussels almost on time - and Ed was suitably suprised. Well, VERY surprised actually - he had no idea! We had a very high spirited evening of good food and wine.
The next day was spent partly eating pastries (pain au chocolat...mmmm), drinking good coffee, wandering around Brussels in the sun, and getting ready for the birthday BBQ. It was about 1:00 p.m. ish when I started to feel a little weird... slightly out of place, and on the edge. I realised that I was feeling the effects of being with a group of friends who I haven't seen regularly for eight years. The last time I saw them in such contexts, I was single. Our friends have years of spending time like this together - and we are just joining the club. The realization was that although I have a history with my friends, it is fractured by the fact that I have not been able to see them on a regular basis throughout the past eight years. And it felt rather lonely. I became unsure of my identity in this group. How did they see me? What was their opinion of Brian? Why couldn't I look as cool and trendy as they do? You know, the usual...
The truth is that we are the newbies. Even although I have a rich history with these people and could essentially pick up where I left off - they need to get to know me again and they are getting to know Brian for the first time. And I didn't like that feeling. So, on Saturday night, in the wee hours of the morning after a fabulous BBQ Birthday party and a night out in Brussels, I wrote the following sentence in my little blog book:
"Out and about with everyone in Brussels: identity crisis!"
I then fell asleep and woke the next day annoyed with myself that I hadn't recorded more.
The rest of our time in Brussels was absolutely fabulous. A picnic in a park, hot sunny weather (burned shoulders!), good coffee, more pastries, cherry beer, chocolate, but most importantly, amazing company. Brian and I are blessed (and I don't use that word lightly) to have a group of people here who are downright lovely and we are thankful.
Of course that didn't change the fact that I came home on Monday evening and was in tears thinking about all the people we miss so much: that's you. And you. And you - oh, and you....
My friend Heidi gave me the excellent gift of a little notebook in which to record blogworthy notes while I am out and about and getting on with life. Brilliant. My first page of notes were written in Brussels very late at night. This past weekend Brian and I traveled (by train - Edinburgh to London King's Cross, tube to Waterloo, Eurostar to Brussels) with a group of about 6 friends. The purpose was to meet with about 6 other friends and together our mission was to surprise our friend Ed for his birthday. Ed & his wife are good friends of ours (they also happen to be our landlords!) Ed recently landed a job in Brussels and off they went.
We arrived after a rather tight journey. Good old British rail (GNER to be precise) lived up to its rep by leaving Edinburgh late due to technical faults. We therefore had 1/2 hour to spring across London via the tube. What an adventure! Thankfully, we arrived at the meeting point of Big Mama's Italian restaurant in Brussels almost on time - and Ed was suitably suprised. Well, VERY surprised actually - he had no idea! We had a very high spirited evening of good food and wine.
The next day was spent partly eating pastries (pain au chocolat...mmmm), drinking good coffee, wandering around Brussels in the sun, and getting ready for the birthday BBQ. It was about 1:00 p.m. ish when I started to feel a little weird... slightly out of place, and on the edge. I realised that I was feeling the effects of being with a group of friends who I haven't seen regularly for eight years. The last time I saw them in such contexts, I was single. Our friends have years of spending time like this together - and we are just joining the club. The realization was that although I have a history with my friends, it is fractured by the fact that I have not been able to see them on a regular basis throughout the past eight years. And it felt rather lonely. I became unsure of my identity in this group. How did they see me? What was their opinion of Brian? Why couldn't I look as cool and trendy as they do? You know, the usual...
The truth is that we are the newbies. Even although I have a rich history with these people and could essentially pick up where I left off - they need to get to know me again and they are getting to know Brian for the first time. And I didn't like that feeling. So, on Saturday night, in the wee hours of the morning after a fabulous BBQ Birthday party and a night out in Brussels, I wrote the following sentence in my little blog book:
"Out and about with everyone in Brussels: identity crisis!"
I then fell asleep and woke the next day annoyed with myself that I hadn't recorded more.
The rest of our time in Brussels was absolutely fabulous. A picnic in a park, hot sunny weather (burned shoulders!), good coffee, more pastries, cherry beer, chocolate, but most importantly, amazing company. Brian and I are blessed (and I don't use that word lightly) to have a group of people here who are downright lovely and we are thankful.
Of course that didn't change the fact that I came home on Monday evening and was in tears thinking about all the people we miss so much: that's you. And you. And you - oh, and you....
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Weather
During April, the weather in Scotland was beautiful. Sunny, warm, blue skies. During May, the weather wasn't so great. Dull, some rain, lower temperatures. During June, the weather has felt decidedly crap. Lots of rain, few days of sun - and when there is sun, it is interspersed with weird heavy downpours and a strong wind.
Sigh. Despite my incessant complaining during the hot, humid summers I spent in the USA, I would give anything for a hot and humid July. Anything other than this.
Something that has amused me greatly is the range of clothing available during the summer months. There's a definite summer theme - bikini's and other beach attire pepper the stores. However, it is still perfectly possible to find yourself a decent coat, warm cardigans and jumpers, hats, scarfs, gloves, boots etc....Which of course, is becase we NEED them YEAR ROUND in Scotland. I actually find it quite nice. I don't recall being able to buy inter-seasonally during the summer in the States (at least in the States where I lived).
I must confess that despire feeling a little depressed about the weather, I have found it rather comical. We Scots, regardless of the reputation we have for being negative, are positively 'half glass full' when it comes to summer weather. For example, I know of at least three or four people who recently planned barbecue's to celebrate their birthdays. There was an optimism that came with the announcement of the festivities. Everybody knew that the odds of the BBQs being moved inside were fairly high, but that didn't matter! In Scotland this summer, many a dedicated dad, husband, friend, will huddle beneath a large umbrella, flipping burgers, turning sausages, and charring kebabs, then scurrying inside to deliver the food to the hungry guests in the living room. Brilliant.
Of course the bad weather has put paid to all of my good intentions about getting outside for exercise. So today I did something that made me feel I had truly re-entered the culture. My one goal for the day was to go out for a bike ride. Just as I pulled on my trainers, I noticed the rain had come on. For a split second, I considered staying home, but that didn't last for long. "Och well" thought I, "a bit of rain did no one any harm, eh?" Moments later, waterproof clad, I was riding along Hawthornvale Path, a bike trail that begins outside our house and cuts across Edinburgh. I thoroughly enjoyed that bike ride. Later on this afternoon I set off for the Real Foods Store, (clutching my Eastown eco-friendly hemp grocery bag). I got soaked - but then so did every other person who walked through the door - we're all in this together!
Sigh. Despite my incessant complaining during the hot, humid summers I spent in the USA, I would give anything for a hot and humid July. Anything other than this.
Something that has amused me greatly is the range of clothing available during the summer months. There's a definite summer theme - bikini's and other beach attire pepper the stores. However, it is still perfectly possible to find yourself a decent coat, warm cardigans and jumpers, hats, scarfs, gloves, boots etc....Which of course, is becase we NEED them YEAR ROUND in Scotland. I actually find it quite nice. I don't recall being able to buy inter-seasonally during the summer in the States (at least in the States where I lived).
I must confess that despire feeling a little depressed about the weather, I have found it rather comical. We Scots, regardless of the reputation we have for being negative, are positively 'half glass full' when it comes to summer weather. For example, I know of at least three or four people who recently planned barbecue's to celebrate their birthdays. There was an optimism that came with the announcement of the festivities. Everybody knew that the odds of the BBQs being moved inside were fairly high, but that didn't matter! In Scotland this summer, many a dedicated dad, husband, friend, will huddle beneath a large umbrella, flipping burgers, turning sausages, and charring kebabs, then scurrying inside to deliver the food to the hungry guests in the living room. Brilliant.
Of course the bad weather has put paid to all of my good intentions about getting outside for exercise. So today I did something that made me feel I had truly re-entered the culture. My one goal for the day was to go out for a bike ride. Just as I pulled on my trainers, I noticed the rain had come on. For a split second, I considered staying home, but that didn't last for long. "Och well" thought I, "a bit of rain did no one any harm, eh?" Moments later, waterproof clad, I was riding along Hawthornvale Path, a bike trail that begins outside our house and cuts across Edinburgh. I thoroughly enjoyed that bike ride. Later on this afternoon I set off for the Real Foods Store, (clutching my Eastown eco-friendly hemp grocery bag). I got soaked - but then so did every other person who walked through the door - we're all in this together!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Eight things
Heidi tagged me in a little blog game so here goes...
The Rules
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Ok, so first off, I probably won't be tagging eight other bloggers, because I don't follow more than two or three other blogs. Sorry, I am a party pooper. It's true. however, I have been feeling blog-dry over the past few days so this'll do nicely for today's entry!
Fact No. 1
I miss National Public Radio. On Monday, I had the day off (in lieu of working at the weekend). I was enjoying an afternoon of cooking in the kitchen and decided to listen to NPR (WestMichigan 104.1). The early morning news was on (due to the time difference) and then I got to listen to Diane Rehm. She was interviewing the two ladies who started and run the Silver Palette restaurant. I now really want that cookbook!!!! I got all homesick for GR, routine, Calvin - the works.
Fact No. 2
Since moving back to Scotland my chocolate intake has increased significantly. There may be several explanations for this, but I believe the central is the fact that I like the chocolate better here. Plain and simple. There's nothing better than a galaxy bar... today my chocolate intake of choice was a small bag of Cadbury's chocolate buttons. I am not sure I can keep this up for much longer without suffering the 'consequences' though... off to join the gym this weekend!!
Fact No. 3
Riding the bus makes me feel sick (see next blog entry related to this). It's the smells. Oh, the smells...
Fact No. 4
I haven't actually talked to my youngest brother since moving back. We've texted a bit, and he invited me to be added as his Bebo friend.. but that's it. He lives in Kent and works a lot. There's no other reason for our lack of communication. I think he's brilliant and I like him. We just don't talk a lot.
Fact No. 5
My middle brother might be coming to visit me for the first time. I am really excited about that, but trying not to show it too much in front of him because that'd be a major sisterly overload for him.
Fact No. 6
I have a fear of electricity. This stems from when I played bass guitar (see fact No. 7) for a summer camp in Pennsylvania in 1998. Somehow, the amps weren't earthed and I kept getting little electric shocks. Nasty.
Fact No. 7
I used to play the double bass. I was ok at it, but haven't played for ages. I have recently started to miss it a lot and wish I had kept it up.
Fact No. 8
I hate sharing my food with other people. Ask Brian...
Phew. This was hard.
The Rules
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Ok, so first off, I probably won't be tagging eight other bloggers, because I don't follow more than two or three other blogs. Sorry, I am a party pooper. It's true. however, I have been feeling blog-dry over the past few days so this'll do nicely for today's entry!
Fact No. 1
I miss National Public Radio. On Monday, I had the day off (in lieu of working at the weekend). I was enjoying an afternoon of cooking in the kitchen and decided to listen to NPR (WestMichigan 104.1). The early morning news was on (due to the time difference) and then I got to listen to Diane Rehm. She was interviewing the two ladies who started and run the Silver Palette restaurant. I now really want that cookbook!!!! I got all homesick for GR, routine, Calvin - the works.
Fact No. 2
Since moving back to Scotland my chocolate intake has increased significantly. There may be several explanations for this, but I believe the central is the fact that I like the chocolate better here. Plain and simple. There's nothing better than a galaxy bar... today my chocolate intake of choice was a small bag of Cadbury's chocolate buttons. I am not sure I can keep this up for much longer without suffering the 'consequences' though... off to join the gym this weekend!!
Fact No. 3
Riding the bus makes me feel sick (see next blog entry related to this). It's the smells. Oh, the smells...
Fact No. 4
I haven't actually talked to my youngest brother since moving back. We've texted a bit, and he invited me to be added as his Bebo friend.. but that's it. He lives in Kent and works a lot. There's no other reason for our lack of communication. I think he's brilliant and I like him. We just don't talk a lot.
Fact No. 5
My middle brother might be coming to visit me for the first time. I am really excited about that, but trying not to show it too much in front of him because that'd be a major sisterly overload for him.
Fact No. 6
I have a fear of electricity. This stems from when I played bass guitar (see fact No. 7) for a summer camp in Pennsylvania in 1998. Somehow, the amps weren't earthed and I kept getting little electric shocks. Nasty.
Fact No. 7
I used to play the double bass. I was ok at it, but haven't played for ages. I have recently started to miss it a lot and wish I had kept it up.
Fact No. 8
I hate sharing my food with other people. Ask Brian...
Phew. This was hard.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A big week
Over the past week, Brian and I have been agonizing over a decision. A few weeks ago I was invited to an interview at Moray House, the University of Edinburgh School of Education. I was thrilled! I had applied for the one-year Post Graduate Diploma of Education in Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Secondary Education and getting an interview was nothing short of a miracle (there was one place available). Not only that, but I was told that I would be offered the place. As you can imagine, I was ecstatic! I called a few people and shared my good news. I had felt like it would take a miracle for this to happen, and... bingo!
However, as we started to think about the implications of me entering a teacher training year months after our arrival here, we started to wonder if it was the right decision. We had talked about it before for sure, but the reality of how intense the year would be finally hit.
This has NOTHING to do with my desire to teach or belief that this is the right thing to do - it has everything to do with timing. We've already been through a big move and the stress that comes with it. While I am excited about entering teacher training, the truth is that it is a very busy and emotionally draining year. It wasn't that I wasn't aware of this, or that we hadn't talked about it. It's just that reality alters the perspective a little... All that is to say, Brian and I have become convinced that we need a little more space this year. Therefore, after MUCH conversation, prayer, talking with people, tears and agonizing, I have declined the offer.
I can reapply at any time and if I want, at other institutions - my options remain open. It was a hard decision to make - especially for me - very hard to give up this opportuntiy. I had felt so good about being offered a place - proud of myself for applying, and for being offered the place. However, I think that a year without the stress of teacher training will be better for us as a couple in the long run.
The burning desire to teach remains, and I can't wait until the day I enter teacher training. For now, I will focus on being a supportive wife to a husband who is in his first year of living in a new country.
Phew! What a week!
However, as we started to think about the implications of me entering a teacher training year months after our arrival here, we started to wonder if it was the right decision. We had talked about it before for sure, but the reality of how intense the year would be finally hit.
This has NOTHING to do with my desire to teach or belief that this is the right thing to do - it has everything to do with timing. We've already been through a big move and the stress that comes with it. While I am excited about entering teacher training, the truth is that it is a very busy and emotionally draining year. It wasn't that I wasn't aware of this, or that we hadn't talked about it. It's just that reality alters the perspective a little... All that is to say, Brian and I have become convinced that we need a little more space this year. Therefore, after MUCH conversation, prayer, talking with people, tears and agonizing, I have declined the offer.
I can reapply at any time and if I want, at other institutions - my options remain open. It was a hard decision to make - especially for me - very hard to give up this opportuntiy. I had felt so good about being offered a place - proud of myself for applying, and for being offered the place. However, I think that a year without the stress of teacher training will be better for us as a couple in the long run.
The burning desire to teach remains, and I can't wait until the day I enter teacher training. For now, I will focus on being a supportive wife to a husband who is in his first year of living in a new country.
Phew! What a week!
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Strange but Beautiful Day!
Today I had the day off due to the fact that I had to work at the weekend. I decided I would begin the day with laundry. This proved to be an excellent idea, for the weather that emerged from a grey start was absolutely beautiful! By the time I was ready to hang out the first wash, it was actually hot outside. After loading up the 'mediums' I set off for a trip to Stockbridge. Stockbridge is in the west end of Edinburgh and is rather lovely - especially on a sunny day. One of the main attractions of the neighborhood is a selection of charity shops which usually have quite an impressive range of good quality clothing. My goal was to make some second hand purchases before hte day was out!
My first mistake was wearing hiking shoes. The weather turned out to be even warmer than I had expected! Wearing a pair of jeans and hiking shoes proved to be very uncomfortable in the heat. I kept dreaming of my sandals sitting at hte bottom of my closet....
Second mistake: I jumped on the wrong bus. I should have taken the number 36 but instead I somehow misread the bus number and jumped on the 35. The 35 takes you to hte Scottish Parliament and Holyrood park, not Stockbridge. About four or five stops in, a boy of about 16 years of age got on the bus and plopped himself in the seat in front of me. When I say plopped, I really mean sprawled. After a few minutes he looked straight at me and said " Can I do you a trade?"
"A what?" I asked "A trade?"
"Aye, said the boy, a trade. I'll trade ma phone number fer yours and that'll include a date"
I KID YOU NOT!
My first mistake was wearing hiking shoes. The weather turned out to be even warmer than I had expected! Wearing a pair of jeans and hiking shoes proved to be very uncomfortable in the heat. I kept dreaming of my sandals sitting at hte bottom of my closet....
Second mistake: I jumped on the wrong bus. I should have taken the number 36 but instead I somehow misread the bus number and jumped on the 35. The 35 takes you to hte Scottish Parliament and Holyrood park, not Stockbridge. About four or five stops in, a boy of about 16 years of age got on the bus and plopped himself in the seat in front of me. When I say plopped, I really mean sprawled. After a few minutes he looked straight at me and said " Can I do you a trade?"
"A what?" I asked "A trade?"
"Aye, said the boy, a trade. I'll trade ma phone number fer yours and that'll include a date"
I KID YOU NOT!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Ha ha, very funny...
Well. It's been a while, eh? There are many things I could write about right now but I'd like to begin with the issue of humor.
Today, during a staff meeting, I made what I thought was a witty quip. Apparently nobody else felt the same way as npbody - that's nobody - laughed. Not even a chortle. AND, I had incorporated a significant comedy timing pause to allow for the anticipated chuckles. Nothing. So, in order to save face, I said "Well, I thought that was funny... moving on then..." Still no laughter. There are several possible explanations as to why this happened:
1. These people wouldn't know good humour if it hit them in the face, gosh darn it!!
2. I spoke too quietly and they just didn't hear the joke
3. It wasn't funny
Ok, so here's what I really think. First, I don't think they were expecting it. Somehow, anticipating humour makes it funnier...to me, anyway. Second, I am beginning to wonder if my humour has experienced cultural confusion. Let me take you back to an incident back in 2000 when I first realised that the humour I was used to in Scotland wouldn't necessary work in the USA - at least in Western PA. I had made a comment to my physical therapist's assistant that was fairly dry, slightly sarcastic, and definitely under the umbrella of 'banter'. To my complete horror, a blank face stared back at me, and he answered my comment in all seriousness. From then on, I tempered by desire to enter into that kind of humour and have held back ever since.
Fast forward to March 2007. Brian and I arrive in Scotland and start spending time with friends here. I notice fairly quickly that the banter flows perhaps faster even than the lager in the corner of the world. Friendly back and forths, laughing at each other, regularly employing dry, playful wit, and blunt honesty in coversation. This can sound like teasing or meanness - and in fact, I found myself feeling a little put out a couple of times. However, as time has gone on, I have rediscovered the art of banter. At first, it felt funny (that's peculiar, not ha ha!) and participated in banter with some fear and trepidation. I felt like I might be hurting folks feelings or something - but I was constantly reassured that this was not often the case. Of course, there's a line - one engages in banter with discernemnt and wisdom (!) and there is such a thing as going too far. Either way, I am delighted to report that my ability to banter has gone from strength to strength.
There are lots of other things going on in our life. Brian is in Berlin for FESPA - a print show. It's the first time we've spent any time apart since moving. The irony is that this is the week where we have some major decisions to make... but I will explain all of that in the next entry. I am too tired to write more at the minute!
Today, during a staff meeting, I made what I thought was a witty quip. Apparently nobody else felt the same way as npbody - that's nobody - laughed. Not even a chortle. AND, I had incorporated a significant comedy timing pause to allow for the anticipated chuckles. Nothing. So, in order to save face, I said "Well, I thought that was funny... moving on then..." Still no laughter. There are several possible explanations as to why this happened:
1. These people wouldn't know good humour if it hit them in the face, gosh darn it!!
2. I spoke too quietly and they just didn't hear the joke
3. It wasn't funny
Ok, so here's what I really think. First, I don't think they were expecting it. Somehow, anticipating humour makes it funnier...to me, anyway. Second, I am beginning to wonder if my humour has experienced cultural confusion. Let me take you back to an incident back in 2000 when I first realised that the humour I was used to in Scotland wouldn't necessary work in the USA - at least in Western PA. I had made a comment to my physical therapist's assistant that was fairly dry, slightly sarcastic, and definitely under the umbrella of 'banter'. To my complete horror, a blank face stared back at me, and he answered my comment in all seriousness. From then on, I tempered by desire to enter into that kind of humour and have held back ever since.
Fast forward to March 2007. Brian and I arrive in Scotland and start spending time with friends here. I notice fairly quickly that the banter flows perhaps faster even than the lager in the corner of the world. Friendly back and forths, laughing at each other, regularly employing dry, playful wit, and blunt honesty in coversation. This can sound like teasing or meanness - and in fact, I found myself feeling a little put out a couple of times. However, as time has gone on, I have rediscovered the art of banter. At first, it felt funny (that's peculiar, not ha ha!) and participated in banter with some fear and trepidation. I felt like I might be hurting folks feelings or something - but I was constantly reassured that this was not often the case. Of course, there's a line - one engages in banter with discernemnt and wisdom (!) and there is such a thing as going too far. Either way, I am delighted to report that my ability to banter has gone from strength to strength.
There are lots of other things going on in our life. Brian is in Berlin for FESPA - a print show. It's the first time we've spent any time apart since moving. The irony is that this is the week where we have some major decisions to make... but I will explain all of that in the next entry. I am too tired to write more at the minute!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Hip. Hip. Horrah to the NHS!
As you may have guessed from my last entry, I experienced a few moments of irritation last week! I am loathe to write much because some of it concerns work and I feel that writing about my colleagues here wouldn't be the fairest action on my part. However, there have been some good good moments this week on the whole. One thing in particular just made me feel good about being back home...
After a tough day at work last week (on the whole it's fine, by the way)I came home to find a piece of mail from the National Health Service addressed to me. I opened the envelope to find a Medical Exemption Certificate. This is a certificate which allows me to get ALL prescriptions free. I am entitled to this because I have hypo-thyroidism. It's not that the NHS charges all that much for a prescription (5.60) but I tell you what, this is good news! Good old NHS. There are, without a doubt, numerous problems with the NHS from long waiting lists to underpaid nurses, but there's no doubt, it's a system that has it's perks... you know, like free healthcare for all. There is just such a different feel to healthcare here. Ok, so yes, this is a dig at the insurance-based healthcare system I experienced in the States. I went for a blood test a few weeks ago and dutifully warned the nurse of my tendency to pass out after giving blood. She immediately made sure that I was lying down and comfortable, as well as using a method they use on children which decreases the sensation and thus the likelihood of fainting. Afterwards, she wouldn't let me move, fetched me and herself a cup of water, and chatted for a few minutes until I had finished my water. This, the opposite experience to the States where I was sat in a strange chair with a desk, blood taken, and sent off as fast as you can say "ouch! That hurt!" Now, I loved my doctors in the States - both in PA and MI I felt very privileged to have competent, caring doctors. But I always felt a little like a cog in the wheel, another human to push through the system. Even down to the small fact that in the States the receptionists insisted on asking me "what is your problem?" every time I booked an appointment. Every time I thought "none of your business, m'am" but every time I told her because I knew this was my ticket for an appointment. Now, I understand why they do it (helps to figure out urgency etc...) but honestly, I felt like my privacy was invaded every time. And another thing - this business of being weighed etc... at every doctors visit - way to may you feel like a child. None of that here. Glory Hallelujah! I can't tell you how good it is to know that I don't have to face that big scale on the wall with a strange nurse noting the flucutation since the last time I was there.
Phew.
All that is to say that I am enjoying the NHS. I am sure that one day, someone I love will need serious surgery, and there will be a waiting line so long that private health care will become an option. For now, however, I will enjoy the perks of the welfare state, and I will stand firm in my belief that it is how it should be.
After a tough day at work last week (on the whole it's fine, by the way)I came home to find a piece of mail from the National Health Service addressed to me. I opened the envelope to find a Medical Exemption Certificate. This is a certificate which allows me to get ALL prescriptions free. I am entitled to this because I have hypo-thyroidism. It's not that the NHS charges all that much for a prescription (5.60) but I tell you what, this is good news! Good old NHS. There are, without a doubt, numerous problems with the NHS from long waiting lists to underpaid nurses, but there's no doubt, it's a system that has it's perks... you know, like free healthcare for all. There is just such a different feel to healthcare here. Ok, so yes, this is a dig at the insurance-based healthcare system I experienced in the States. I went for a blood test a few weeks ago and dutifully warned the nurse of my tendency to pass out after giving blood. She immediately made sure that I was lying down and comfortable, as well as using a method they use on children which decreases the sensation and thus the likelihood of fainting. Afterwards, she wouldn't let me move, fetched me and herself a cup of water, and chatted for a few minutes until I had finished my water. This, the opposite experience to the States where I was sat in a strange chair with a desk, blood taken, and sent off as fast as you can say "ouch! That hurt!" Now, I loved my doctors in the States - both in PA and MI I felt very privileged to have competent, caring doctors. But I always felt a little like a cog in the wheel, another human to push through the system. Even down to the small fact that in the States the receptionists insisted on asking me "what is your problem?" every time I booked an appointment. Every time I thought "none of your business, m'am" but every time I told her because I knew this was my ticket for an appointment. Now, I understand why they do it (helps to figure out urgency etc...) but honestly, I felt like my privacy was invaded every time. And another thing - this business of being weighed etc... at every doctors visit - way to may you feel like a child. None of that here. Glory Hallelujah! I can't tell you how good it is to know that I don't have to face that big scale on the wall with a strange nurse noting the flucutation since the last time I was there.
Phew.
All that is to say that I am enjoying the NHS. I am sure that one day, someone I love will need serious surgery, and there will be a waiting line so long that private health care will become an option. For now, however, I will enjoy the perks of the welfare state, and I will stand firm in my belief that it is how it should be.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Pondering
I have always wanted to be one of those bloggers who writes profound, insightful yet witty and gripping accounts of life, art, music, etc... I frequently have 'stuff' in my head - the sentences form perfectly and I am excited about what I plan to write. However, it mostly fades if I haven't written it down within ten seconds of thinking about it. Even if I do write it down, I usually want to re-draft and re-draft until it doesn't make sense any more.
The trouble is that the love-hate relationship I have always had with blogging still lingers. I want to write. I LONG to write. I want to provide fascinating, poetic accounts of life. So what to do?
I came to the conclusion today that this blog is boring (that is neither a call for sympathy, or confirmation that my worst fears are true. Keep your comments to yourself please, my blogging-self esteem is low enough as it is!). Therefore, let this entry mark the beginning of a new era for me and my blog (you'll have figured out by now that despite it being about us both, this blog is entirely managed by Fi... oh, wait, maybe THAT's my problem?!!).
For now, the tea is ready and I am hungry.
The trouble is that the love-hate relationship I have always had with blogging still lingers. I want to write. I LONG to write. I want to provide fascinating, poetic accounts of life. So what to do?
I came to the conclusion today that this blog is boring (that is neither a call for sympathy, or confirmation that my worst fears are true. Keep your comments to yourself please, my blogging-self esteem is low enough as it is!). Therefore, let this entry mark the beginning of a new era for me and my blog (you'll have figured out by now that despite it being about us both, this blog is entirely managed by Fi... oh, wait, maybe THAT's my problem?!!).
For now, the tea is ready and I am hungry.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The First Visitor!
Congratulations go to Shanna Korzon for being our first visitor from the USA! To be fair, she didn't come along. Jackie and Laura were with her and they continued from here to the rest of their European tour.
Shanna with her boyfriend Tom during our last night out with them in Grand Rapids.
Now, who will be next...?
Shanna with her boyfriend Tom during our last night out with them in Grand Rapids.
Now, who will be next...?
Quick job update
It's about time I updated you on my job situation. A few weeks ago I was interviewed for the position of Youth Development Manager with the Scottish Bible Society. I was offered the job. I took it.
The end.
Except not quite... I have also applied for teacher training at Moray House in Edinburgh. The year-long course would qualify me to teach Religious and Moral Education to secondary school pupils. There's a good chance I won't get in this fall for a couple of reasons (not enough experience in Scottish schools, and it's late in the year). If not, I will re-apply for next fall. SO, the job with the Scottish Bible Society is short term if I get in this year, and long-er term if not. It's not quite what I expected for a number of reasons, but that has only served as a reminder to trust in God. I have said this before, and I will say this again - this move has been a massive lesson in minute by minute trust in God.
Brian is doing well. He discovered the Fine Art Library this morning which made him very happy. I came home to find piles of art/photography books in the spare room!
The end.
Except not quite... I have also applied for teacher training at Moray House in Edinburgh. The year-long course would qualify me to teach Religious and Moral Education to secondary school pupils. There's a good chance I won't get in this fall for a couple of reasons (not enough experience in Scottish schools, and it's late in the year). If not, I will re-apply for next fall. SO, the job with the Scottish Bible Society is short term if I get in this year, and long-er term if not. It's not quite what I expected for a number of reasons, but that has only served as a reminder to trust in God. I have said this before, and I will say this again - this move has been a massive lesson in minute by minute trust in God.
Brian is doing well. He discovered the Fine Art Library this morning which made him very happy. I came home to find piles of art/photography books in the spare room!
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Ceilidh
It is 1:03 a.m. on Saturday morning here in Scotland. There are so many things to write about as the last few weeks have been full, but for the moment I want to talk about what we did this evening.
We have a friend who is a minister, and has been in Penucuik (a town roughly 30 miles outside Edinburgh) with his family since January due to a new post at a church there. They are dear friends of ours, so we're delighted they live so close! Tonight was his 'official' welcome ceilidh. You might be wondering how to pronounce this word and the answer is: kaylee At least that's the best way I can think to describe it. A ceilidh is an evening of dancing in Scotland and Wikipedia describes it like this:
The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is often provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself.
The general format of céilidh dancing is the "Set". A Set consists of four couples, with each pair facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while all the time keeping in step with the beat of the music.
However, about half of the dances in the modern Scots céilidh are couple dances performed in a ring. These can be performed by fixed couples or in the more sociable "progressive" manner, with the lady moving to the next gentleman in the ring at or near the end of each repetition of the steps.
I rather like the happy-go-lucky manner in which Wiki' paints the ceilidh picture. They are right, of course, the ceilidh is an evening of pure, wholesome, family fun. Tonight, Brian experienced his first full ceilidh. It was hosted by our friend's congregation and held in the Penicuik Miners Club. The evening began at 7:30 p.m. Around 9:30 p.m. we stopped to enjoy a handsome spread of food, and returned to the dance floor around 10:30 p.m. It is traditional to end all ceilidhs with a rendition of Auld Lan Syne. I have to say, that I had the tiniest of lumps in my throat as we pounded our arms up and down to the tune. It's just lovely to be back and I have missed ceilidhs.
So, tomorrow we'll wake up with bruised arms (from the dance named Strip the Willow which involves a great deal of spinning with your partner by the arms), sore muscles, and achy feet, but we'll have good memories of a very decent night out.
Disclaimer: It is very late. Typos are likely. Grammar may seem infantile at best. It is very late.
We have a friend who is a minister, and has been in Penucuik (a town roughly 30 miles outside Edinburgh) with his family since January due to a new post at a church there. They are dear friends of ours, so we're delighted they live so close! Tonight was his 'official' welcome ceilidh. You might be wondering how to pronounce this word and the answer is: kaylee At least that's the best way I can think to describe it. A ceilidh is an evening of dancing in Scotland and Wikipedia describes it like this:
The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is often provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself.
The general format of céilidh dancing is the "Set". A Set consists of four couples, with each pair facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while all the time keeping in step with the beat of the music.
However, about half of the dances in the modern Scots céilidh are couple dances performed in a ring. These can be performed by fixed couples or in the more sociable "progressive" manner, with the lady moving to the next gentleman in the ring at or near the end of each repetition of the steps.
I rather like the happy-go-lucky manner in which Wiki' paints the ceilidh picture. They are right, of course, the ceilidh is an evening of pure, wholesome, family fun. Tonight, Brian experienced his first full ceilidh. It was hosted by our friend's congregation and held in the Penicuik Miners Club. The evening began at 7:30 p.m. Around 9:30 p.m. we stopped to enjoy a handsome spread of food, and returned to the dance floor around 10:30 p.m. It is traditional to end all ceilidhs with a rendition of Auld Lan Syne. I have to say, that I had the tiniest of lumps in my throat as we pounded our arms up and down to the tune. It's just lovely to be back and I have missed ceilidhs.
So, tomorrow we'll wake up with bruised arms (from the dance named Strip the Willow which involves a great deal of spinning with your partner by the arms), sore muscles, and achy feet, but we'll have good memories of a very decent night out.
Disclaimer: It is very late. Typos are likely. Grammar may seem infantile at best. It is very late.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Been a while...
Right. It's been a while since I blogged.... that's because there's a lot going on. It's also because sometimes there is so much to say that I don't know where to begin, so I don't.
I hope to submit a couple of entries by the end of Saturday, so... watch this space.
I hope to submit a couple of entries by the end of Saturday, so... watch this space.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Rounding a new corner
This week is quieter, with no interviews etc... So, I am back to being a housewife for a week (see below for developments regarding my future!). Today the sun is streaming into our kitchen through the french doors, so I thought I would share the image with you. You can imagine me sitting at the table typing away....
In previous blog entries I have talked about the minute by minute nature of a move like ours. To be honest, our life feels like a case study in such a mode of living! Many of you will know by now that I am in the process of applying for a year-long teacher training course (PDGE) at Edinburgh University's school of education - Moray House. I have a very slim chance of getting in this year for two reasons. First, I am applying very late in the year. Interviews are already taking place for RME teacher training and the course may close at any time. Second, I am limited in my Scottish schools experience. However, on the advice of the admissions folks and many others, I have decided to apply anyway. The thing is, that this is what I want to do. I don't know if I have ever felt so strongly about my vocational future as I do about my desire to teach. This is a good thing, I feel!! In the meantime, to cut a VERY long story short, I have been offered short term work with the Scottish Bible Society as their Youth Development Manager. Very much of the opinion that they want to work with where God is leading, they know fine that teaching is what I want to do. So, I will work for them short term until I know whether Moray House is a go for this year. If it isn't, then I will have to decide whether to stay with the Bible Society, or possibly work with another organization doing schools based work. EITHER WAY, if I don't get into Moray House this year I will have to try for next year, and get some significant schools experience along the way. This whole process has been one where I couldn't see the next step until it was happening. I still feel like that, which can be unnerving, but it is also very exciting. Who knows what will happen next, eh? Thankfully God does, and this whole experience is certainly a faith-strengthening exercise. If I didn't allow it to be that, I would be in a psychiatric institution by now, I am sure! This image of the sun streaming through the windows is how I feel about how God is moving us forward. We grope around wondering where we're meant to be going, and all of a sudden, the light floods our lives and we can see clearly what the next step would be. We are truly thankful for this! I do feel like we are rounding a new corner in our move. Now, I will start working and we'll enter a new phase, once again, in our life together. How exciting!
Hope you are all well. Maybe sometime soon I will make Brian post some entries! He's doing fine, by the way. Homesickness hits every now and then of course. We just have to ride those moments and do whatever we can to take care of ourselves and each other in the midst of it.
Monday, April 30, 2007
A thoroughly Scottish moment!
It is a gloriously sunny (though windy...) Monday morning in Edinburgh. I am sitting at our kitchen table by the french doors, enjoying the sun, and a very scottish breakfast - a bowl of porridge. While you can get oatmeal, well, all over the world I imagine, oatmeal isn't quite the same thing as a proper bowl of porridge. Porridge oats are ground finer, so make a different consistency of oatmeal, or porrisge. Here's my recipe from today:
1/2 cup of porridge oats
2 1/2 cups water
5-6 dried apricots cut into pieces
2 heaped tsps stewed rhubarb
dash of vanilla essence
dash of apple pie spice
mmmm..... delicious!
Monday, April 23, 2007
The crate has landed!!
It has finally happened. This morning at 9:00 a.m on the dot, an Allied Pickfords truck pulled up outside our flat. Two men jumped out, opened up the wooden crate, and moved our stuff into the flat. Yeah! Hooray! Sigh of relief from us, and probably from you as I imagine you're sick of hearing us moan about it!
Oddly, we felt a little homesick as we unwrapped our things. It's just that we could picture everything in our old flat, and the associations each item has to our life in Grand Rapids. There were two clocks on the crate - one fancy digital that reads the weather, and automatically adjusts to daylight savings etc... the other, a normal analogue wall clock. Both were unpacked when the alarm on the digital began to go off - both had continued to tick away during the entire trip over here, and the alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. GR time every morning, apparently!! That was set for the day the movers came to Grand Rapids. We had a good laugh at the odd bits of food that had been packed up including an opened box of Rice Thins (see below!), the end of a bag of crackers, and multiple jars of peanut butter for Brian. Turns out he needn't have packed them as he's coping just fine with the UK Tesco brand! Brian was excited to get his tools back and immediately had them out to put Fi's bike together. He is also walking on air (or should I say, sitting...) as he now has his mirra office chair again. All felt right with the world this morning, and finally we feel like we can settle in a bit more. The most exciting thing from Fi's point of view, is having the kitchen table. Now we can have guests around for a proper sit-down meal - something we miss a lot. In celebration, we'll be having a few friends round for dinner on Friday evening :-)
The funny thing is that we were getting used to living with what we had. I suppose that's the lesson, isn't it? We don't NEED ANY of the things delivered to us today in order to survive.
Here are a few pics from the morning adventure. As always, more later.
Oddly, we felt a little homesick as we unwrapped our things. It's just that we could picture everything in our old flat, and the associations each item has to our life in Grand Rapids. There were two clocks on the crate - one fancy digital that reads the weather, and automatically adjusts to daylight savings etc... the other, a normal analogue wall clock. Both were unpacked when the alarm on the digital began to go off - both had continued to tick away during the entire trip over here, and the alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. GR time every morning, apparently!! That was set for the day the movers came to Grand Rapids. We had a good laugh at the odd bits of food that had been packed up including an opened box of Rice Thins (see below!), the end of a bag of crackers, and multiple jars of peanut butter for Brian. Turns out he needn't have packed them as he's coping just fine with the UK Tesco brand! Brian was excited to get his tools back and immediately had them out to put Fi's bike together. He is also walking on air (or should I say, sitting...) as he now has his mirra office chair again. All felt right with the world this morning, and finally we feel like we can settle in a bit more. The most exciting thing from Fi's point of view, is having the kitchen table. Now we can have guests around for a proper sit-down meal - something we miss a lot. In celebration, we'll be having a few friends round for dinner on Friday evening :-)
The funny thing is that we were getting used to living with what we had. I suppose that's the lesson, isn't it? We don't NEED ANY of the things delivered to us today in order to survive.
Here are a few pics from the morning adventure. As always, more later.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The truth is out!
It's official. I am well and truly ticked off at not yet having our belongings with us. The moment of clarity came when I had been sitting on the sofa for hours working on an interview presentation. My papers were falling in between the sofa cushions alongside my pen, and the phone - which started to ring and of course I couldn't find it. Cushions were flung, and papers strewn but I was too late. Immediately after the ringing stopped, I lifted up a cushion to find it nestled at the back of the sofa. Grrr...
I really could have used a work surface today - which under normal circumstances would be our kitchen table (Brian gets to hog the office desk since he works from home). But we're not under normal circumstances, are we? Our household belongings are sitting in a depot one hour away from here, but they won't get here until Monday. So, in a moment of spontaneous pro-action, I called Allied PIckfords and asked if there was any possible way that we could get our things before Monday. She's talking to her operations people to see if that can happen. Not holding my breath.
The good news, is that I have three job interviews. I am also seriously considering entering my PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) to train as a religious and moral education teacher. For those of you so inclined, I would deeply appreciate your prayers. I feel closer to an answer to the "What Will Fiona Do?" question, but there are still decisions to be made.
Brian is doing well and currently cooking the tea (dinner). We enjoyed a fabulous weekend of music and sun in Anstruther this week, during the Homegame - Fence Records annual festival. Brian commented when we left that the weekend made him think more seriously about living in a smaller, more rural area. Who knows where we'll be in a few years, eh?!
Over 'n' out
I really could have used a work surface today - which under normal circumstances would be our kitchen table (Brian gets to hog the office desk since he works from home). But we're not under normal circumstances, are we? Our household belongings are sitting in a depot one hour away from here, but they won't get here until Monday. So, in a moment of spontaneous pro-action, I called Allied PIckfords and asked if there was any possible way that we could get our things before Monday. She's talking to her operations people to see if that can happen. Not holding my breath.
The good news, is that I have three job interviews. I am also seriously considering entering my PGDE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) to train as a religious and moral education teacher. For those of you so inclined, I would deeply appreciate your prayers. I feel closer to an answer to the "What Will Fiona Do?" question, but there are still decisions to be made.
Brian is doing well and currently cooking the tea (dinner). We enjoyed a fabulous weekend of music and sun in Anstruther this week, during the Homegame - Fence Records annual festival. Brian commented when we left that the weekend made him think more seriously about living in a smaller, more rural area. Who knows where we'll be in a few years, eh?!
Over 'n' out
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Now it's just comical...
The move process, that is. Last night around 9:00 p.m. GMT, I received an email from our shipment agent in the USA. She told me that Allied Pickfords, the UK company they use once the container has reached British shores, had contacted her to let her know that our shipment would arrive this morning! You can imagine our delight, excitement and relief.
HOWEVER, we had heard nothing from Allied Pickfords since the letter to say that our stuff had cleared customs, and they'd contact us within 48 hours of the delivery time. So, I called AP this morning. After several phonecalls which initially led me to voicemails, I finally got through to our UK agent. Turns out - get this - there are two Baker families with shipments in this area, and she got us mixed up!!!! You'd think, wouldn't you, that a company that deals with international shipments, would be able to deal with high volumes of deliveries and details such as this!!
Part of our conversation went like so:
Agent: I am terribly sorry, there are two Baker families and I mixed you up with them. All I can say is that I am sorry.
Fi: Ok... well where is our shipment?
Agent: It is in Glasgow
Fi: GLASGOW? That's one hour away from here, and we won't get our stuff until MONDAY???
Agent: (Slight laugh) Yes, I am really sorry. I have had like, ten shipments this week and it's like, oh my gosh... really busy. yeah, lots of people must be moving to your area at the same time (said with another little giggle).
I kid you not. I couldn't be bothered to get annoyed, to be honest. I am trying to have grace and understanding. After all, we're all human...
HOWEVER, we had heard nothing from Allied Pickfords since the letter to say that our stuff had cleared customs, and they'd contact us within 48 hours of the delivery time. So, I called AP this morning. After several phonecalls which initially led me to voicemails, I finally got through to our UK agent. Turns out - get this - there are two Baker families with shipments in this area, and she got us mixed up!!!! You'd think, wouldn't you, that a company that deals with international shipments, would be able to deal with high volumes of deliveries and details such as this!!
Part of our conversation went like so:
Agent: I am terribly sorry, there are two Baker families and I mixed you up with them. All I can say is that I am sorry.
Fi: Ok... well where is our shipment?
Agent: It is in Glasgow
Fi: GLASGOW? That's one hour away from here, and we won't get our stuff until MONDAY???
Agent: (Slight laugh) Yes, I am really sorry. I have had like, ten shipments this week and it's like, oh my gosh... really busy. yeah, lots of people must be moving to your area at the same time (said with another little giggle).
I kid you not. I couldn't be bothered to get annoyed, to be honest. I am trying to have grace and understanding. After all, we're all human...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Today
It is with heavy hearts that Brian and I have watched the events at Virginia Tech. I first heard about it when I spotted a headline on Yahoo. We have BBC news 24 and CNN so we've had a couple of different journalistic lenses through which to encounter this tragedy. I have many thoughts about violence, guns and security, and I did consider writing about them here.... but this is a blog about our move, and shall stay as such. What I really want to say is that we are sad with the US today. I suppose what I will also say, (as it bears relevence to our move to the UK) is that I have tremendous trouble with the gun culture in the US. When a classroom of primary children were shot down with their teacher in the town of Dunblane, Scotland about 10 years ago, the lobbyists immediately set their minds to tightening gun laws - and it worked. accessibility to guns is incerdibly tight here and we've seen no more of these types of massacres in Scotland since then. I know that Scotland is a much smaller country thus making it easier to make said changes... still. Watching the BBC has been fascinating, The reporters repeatedly express the incredulity of the British public at the fact that despite the frequency of gun violence in the USA, guns are still extremely accessible. So, I tell you that just to let you in on the culture from which we watch this tragedy. People I have talked to today just cannot comprehend the concept of having access to, or a right to own firearms. Neither can I. I understand the for and against arguments, but... well... I don't think you have to guess where I land on the issue.
However, all that, in my opinion, can be laid aside for a moment as we continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones, and for the school as they deal with this devastating tragedy.
However, all that, in my opinion, can be laid aside for a moment as we continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones, and for the school as they deal with this devastating tragedy.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Virginia Tech
I was going to blog about our weekend in Anstruther, but that will have to wait because I have just heard the news about the shooting at Virginia Tech. We have BBC news 24, so I am watching as it all unfolds. What an absolutely awful tragedy. All I can think to say right now is that I (and Brian) feel deeply saddened, and angered that another shooting of this sort has taken place. I have no other words right now. More later.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Homegame and decisions
This weekend we will be in Anstruther for Homegame, the Fence Records annual festival. Unlike most music festivals, Homegame is kept deliberately small. Venues are intimate and the sense of community strong. Therefore, there's a real sense that you'll be part of something special. Lineup includes King Creosote, Pictish Trail, Barbarossa, MC Quake, James Yorkston, Alisdair Roberts, H.M.S. Ginafore, Uncle Beesly, and many more. We are also thrilled to hear that the weather in Anstruther is set to be sunny with temperatures in the 20s (celsius).
On a more pensive note...
One of the tricks of making a move like this is that you have to be prepared to live minute by minute. Without going into the gory details, Fi had rather a hard day regarding the employment search (as a result of the decision Fi made). After much discussion today, Brian and I both were reminded of the moment to moment nature of this transition. We are making day to day decisions in the wake of a HUGE move. Our energy is spent and there is still a lot to come. There's no knowing what the next day holds at the best of times, let alone when you've just up and moved to another country. We are learning (again) that we have to stop the second guessing game, learn to make decisions as informed as they can be, and leave it at that.
On a more pensive note...
One of the tricks of making a move like this is that you have to be prepared to live minute by minute. Without going into the gory details, Fi had rather a hard day regarding the employment search (as a result of the decision Fi made). After much discussion today, Brian and I both were reminded of the moment to moment nature of this transition. We are making day to day decisions in the wake of a HUGE move. Our energy is spent and there is still a lot to come. There's no knowing what the next day holds at the best of times, let alone when you've just up and moved to another country. We are learning (again) that we have to stop the second guessing game, learn to make decisions as informed as they can be, and leave it at that.
One of the tricks of making a move like this is that you have to be prepared to live minute by minute. Without going into the gory details, Fi had rather a hard day regarding the employment search (as a result of the decision Fi made). After much discussion today, Brian and I both were reminded of the moment to moment nature of this transition. We are making day to day decisions in the wake of a HUGE move. Our energy is spent and there is still a lot to come. There's no knowing what the next day holds at the best of times, let alone when you've just up and moved to another country. We are learning (again) that we have to stop the second guessing game, learn to make decisions as informed as they can be, and leave it at that.
This weekend we will be in Anstruther for Homegame, the Fence Records annual festival. Unlike most music festivals, Homegame is kept deliberately small. Venues are intimate and the sense of community strong. Therefore, there's a real sense that you'll be part of something special. Lineup includes King Creosote, Pictish Trail, Barbarossa, MC Quake, James Yorkston, Alisdair Roberts, H.M.S. Ginafore, Uncle Beesly, and many more. We are also thrilled to hear that the weather in Anstruther is set to be sunny with temperatures in the 20s (celsius).
This weekend we will be in Anstruther for Homegame, the Fence Records annual festival. Unlike most music festivals, Homegame is kept deliberately small. Venues are intimate and the sense of community strong. Therefore, there's a real sense that you'll be part of something special. Lineup includes King Creosote, Pictish Trail, Barbarossa, MC Quake, James Yorkston, Alisdair Roberts, H.M.S. Ginafore, Uncle Beesly, and many more. We are also thrilled to hear that the weather in Anstruther is set to be sunny with temperatures in the 20s (celsius).
Phew!
For some reason, ever since our belongings were packed up, I have been very nervous about the customs process. Now, I know that sounds incredibly dodgy. Surely most people are worried about customs clearance because they've actually done something wrong! I am not sure why I was so worried - I just was. There were days when I would wake up some mornings thinking about it.
However, good news: our stuff has arrived in the UK and has cleared customs. We received a call from the holding agents in England yesterday and they'll be notifying us of the arrival date soon. Hooray!
However, good news: our stuff has arrived in the UK and has cleared customs. We received a call from the holding agents in England yesterday and they'll be notifying us of the arrival date soon. Hooray!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
It was during my five years at Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington, PA that the liturgical seasons became burned into my psyche. My favourite is Easter. From the Maundy Thursday service, through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, I literally felt like I was in mourning. I haven't walked through Holy week like that for two years. This year was no different, and I was annoyed with myself for not making more of an effort to make it to Holy Week services. However, we did catch two versions of the passion: one on TV - the Manchester Passion, and one in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. Each version was completely different in style. The Manchester Passion is as it sounds - it is set in modern day Manchester. The Roman guards are heavily armed police and Jesus is a sprightly, good looking young Manchester lad. A crowd waits at Albert Square as a gigantic white, lit up cross makes its way through Manchester to meet the crowd. The passion story is acted out along the way and it's piped to the crowd. In Princes Street Gardens, a group of Scots performed an accurate portrayal of the story. When I say accurate, I mean it. The whole thing lasted over two hour. I have to be honest, I found it, well, comical to hear a Glaswegian centurion and a Scottish Peter - the accents just didn't match the visuals! Add to that the brilliant comentary from the child sitting behind me... "This is the part where he gets whipped".... "That's Pontius Pilate. He's the boss and I don't like him. He whips every body." Hear those words in a broad Scottish accent... fabulous. I am not sure which version I preferred. I found the Manchester Passion, while moving in parts, and creative, a little lazy about the details of the events. On the other hand, I found the Edinburgh Easter play comical because of the Scottish accents... However, the attention to detail was phenomenal, the setting effective, and the acting of good quality. Well anyway, the pictures of the Edinburgh Easter Play are below. Edinburgh has had fabulous weather over the past week and you can see how spectacular the city looks in the sun. We're very grateful!
In other news, Fi has moved slightly further forward in the job search - we'll keep you posted. We also heard that our shipment has arrived, and is in the process of clearing customs. We can expect to receive it anytime between now and the 17th. Good news indeed! Brian is doing well and has had the opportunity to visit a few art galleries already. We are looking forward to an Easter breakfast with our friend Kat tomorrow, after which we'll join her for church.
Enjoy the pictures. Enjoy Easter.
In other news, Fi has moved slightly further forward in the job search - we'll keep you posted. We also heard that our shipment has arrived, and is in the process of clearing customs. We can expect to receive it anytime between now and the 17th. Good news indeed! Brian is doing well and has had the opportunity to visit a few art galleries already. We are looking forward to an Easter breakfast with our friend Kat tomorrow, after which we'll join her for church.
Enjoy the pictures. Enjoy Easter.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Post box trauma
Two blog entries from Fi in one day. Lucky you.
Anyway, I just HAD to note this one: I miss American mailboxes. Let me explain. Today I walked along to the pillarbox at the end of our road to post an envelope. I was forced to bend and fold my mail in order to get it through the slot. This I found to be intensely irritating because that envelope contained a job application. I had spent rather a long time preparing the documents contained, and specifically bought a large envelope to prevent foldage (yes, I know that's not a word). American mailboxes while in my opinion less pretty, are infinitely more practical. With that pull-down chute thingy (or at least the wide mouthed mailslot) you can put a wide variety of sizes into the mail box. Here in the UK one is limited it appears, to small letters and packages. It might be said that these are appropriate parallels to the respective cultures but we won't go there for now.
I also miss the practice of leaving stamped mail in the home mailbox for the postie to pick up. Now THAT is convenient. On the other hand, I get more exercise by walking to the mailbox. Six and half a dozen really.
Ok, it's not like I can't post large packages and envelopes in Scotland. I just have to walk further and try harder.
Anyway, I just HAD to note this one: I miss American mailboxes. Let me explain. Today I walked along to the pillarbox at the end of our road to post an envelope. I was forced to bend and fold my mail in order to get it through the slot. This I found to be intensely irritating because that envelope contained a job application. I had spent rather a long time preparing the documents contained, and specifically bought a large envelope to prevent foldage (yes, I know that's not a word). American mailboxes while in my opinion less pretty, are infinitely more practical. With that pull-down chute thingy (or at least the wide mouthed mailslot) you can put a wide variety of sizes into the mail box. Here in the UK one is limited it appears, to small letters and packages. It might be said that these are appropriate parallels to the respective cultures but we won't go there for now.
I also miss the practice of leaving stamped mail in the home mailbox for the postie to pick up. Now THAT is convenient. On the other hand, I get more exercise by walking to the mailbox. Six and half a dozen really.
Ok, it's not like I can't post large packages and envelopes in Scotland. I just have to walk further and try harder.
Housewifery and luxury automobiles
Housewifery:
When Brian and I paid our first visit to the Bank of Scotland to set up our accounts, I was asked to enter my profession. After a short chuckle and shake of my head, the teller asked us "Would it be 'houseperson'?" It would indeed! While I spend a fair amount of my mornings looking/applying for gainful employment, I basically spend my days 'keeping house' (when I am not out being a lady of leisure meeting friends of coffee and whatnot). Between pots of soup and loads of laundry, I keep myself pretty occupied. However, there is only so much cooking and cleaning one can do. I am grateful to have found some jobs to apply for... here's hoping I actually get one of them!
Luxury Automobile for sale:
Most of you will know that Brian and I had two cars while we were in Grand Rapids - the Subaru Wagon (oh, how I miss that car) and the minty green Honda Accord. The Subaru was given away months ago, but the Honda has not yet been bought. We're advertising it, of course, so hopefully someone will bite soon enough. However, if any of you reading this know of someone (perhaps yourself!) who might be interested in a lovely Minty Green (I kid you not) 1992 Honda Accord, please email Brian and let him know: www.brian_baker@hermanmiller.com, and he will take it from there. Pictures of the luxury vehicle are below and you can get more details from Brian.
See? Minty Green!
When Brian and I paid our first visit to the Bank of Scotland to set up our accounts, I was asked to enter my profession. After a short chuckle and shake of my head, the teller asked us "Would it be 'houseperson'?" It would indeed! While I spend a fair amount of my mornings looking/applying for gainful employment, I basically spend my days 'keeping house' (when I am not out being a lady of leisure meeting friends of coffee and whatnot). Between pots of soup and loads of laundry, I keep myself pretty occupied. However, there is only so much cooking and cleaning one can do. I am grateful to have found some jobs to apply for... here's hoping I actually get one of them!
Luxury Automobile for sale:
Most of you will know that Brian and I had two cars while we were in Grand Rapids - the Subaru Wagon (oh, how I miss that car) and the minty green Honda Accord. The Subaru was given away months ago, but the Honda has not yet been bought. We're advertising it, of course, so hopefully someone will bite soon enough. However, if any of you reading this know of someone (perhaps yourself!) who might be interested in a lovely Minty Green (I kid you not) 1992 Honda Accord, please email Brian and let him know: www.brian_baker@hermanmiller.com, and he will take it from there. Pictures of the luxury vehicle are below and you can get more details from Brian.
See? Minty Green!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Four Weeks!
Yesterday marked our fourth week to the day since we touched down on Scottish soil. Sometimes it feels like we've been here longer, and at times it feels like we just arrived. Either way, we've survived this far and for that, we're thankful. There have certainly been days when homesickness paid us a visit. We're well aware that we're repeating ourselves, but we miss things. Friends. Routines. Familiarity.
It's a funny feeling to know that we're not returning to the States in a few weeks. Usually when we visit there's a sense of urgency in all things - from stocking up on M & S underwear (!) to spending time with friends. Knowing that we are staying is taking a bit of getting used to! Also, Fi is having what might be considered a rather weird experience. She keeps hearing Scottish accents and it takes her aback!! Having lived in the U.S. for so long, hearing Scottish accents became a novelty (a nice one!). Now they're all around...fantastic!
Despite the moments of homesickness and longing for routine and familiarity, we are doing very well. Brian's work is going well and Fi has a couple of job leads (watch this space!).
There's not too much else to tell today. More later!
Fi & Brian
It's a funny feeling to know that we're not returning to the States in a few weeks. Usually when we visit there's a sense of urgency in all things - from stocking up on M & S underwear (!) to spending time with friends. Knowing that we are staying is taking a bit of getting used to! Also, Fi is having what might be considered a rather weird experience. She keeps hearing Scottish accents and it takes her aback!! Having lived in the U.S. for so long, hearing Scottish accents became a novelty (a nice one!). Now they're all around...fantastic!
Despite the moments of homesickness and longing for routine and familiarity, we are doing very well. Brian's work is going well and Fi has a couple of job leads (watch this space!).
There's not too much else to tell today. More later!
Fi & Brian
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Walks
For those of you well versed in British history, the words "Orange Order" may sound familiar. On Saturday, we witnessed an Orange Parade. Fi had noticed signs around town warning of closed roads due to the parade. However, it wasn't until we were in a shop purchasing a bottle of water before our ascent of Arthur's seat, (more later) and heard the shop clerk mentioning the words "catholics" and "pub" that I realized which parade they were talking about:it was an Orange March. At that point, we were down by the Scottish Parliament in an area of Edinburgh called Holyrood. Our plan was to climb Arthur's seat, the famous hill seen from most areas in Edinburgh. The word was that the parade of ten thousand people was to come down the Royal Mile (which ends at Holyrood) in about 1/2 hour. Feeling that this was a phenomenon Brian ought to witness, we hung around. For Fi, to stick around and watch felt a little odd. I'll not say too much about what this is all about - you can judge for yourself by googling "Orange Order" or linking to the Wiki entry by clicking "Orange Order" above. All that is to say that the Orange Lodge is a protestant fraternal order which originated in Ireland. Actually, the parade itself is the closest to a marching band I have seen here - pipes, flutes and drums make up the musical sections. The march could be heard all over Edinburgh for the rest of the afternoon.
Onto something more cheerful. After a few minutes of watching the March, we set off to climb Arthur's seat. It's just a little hill, but within five minutes of the first steep climb, we were sobered by a reminder of how little we've exercised over the past few months! However, if skinny little Italian girls with knee-high boots and 6 inch heels can climb Arthur's Seat (I kid you not...) then we can huff and puff our way to the top, and so we did. It was a wonderful walk and fun to see Edinburgh from the peak. We could even see the May Island sitting in the Firth of Forth, which means that we were looking across to Anstruther. After we descended, we treated ourselves to a cup of tea and a snack at Clarinda's - a famous tearoom on the Royal Mile.
Here are our pictures from the day:
Onto something more cheerful. After a few minutes of watching the March, we set off to climb Arthur's seat. It's just a little hill, but within five minutes of the first steep climb, we were sobered by a reminder of how little we've exercised over the past few months! However, if skinny little Italian girls with knee-high boots and 6 inch heels can climb Arthur's Seat (I kid you not...) then we can huff and puff our way to the top, and so we did. It was a wonderful walk and fun to see Edinburgh from the peak. We could even see the May Island sitting in the Firth of Forth, which means that we were looking across to Anstruther. After we descended, we treated ourselves to a cup of tea and a snack at Clarinda's - a famous tearoom on the Royal Mile.
Here are our pictures from the day:
Friday, March 23, 2007
Good news!
Yesterday I received a piece of good news that I just can't contain: I found out that a baby I know has just been declared cancer free. Samara (many of you know exactly who I am talking about :-) was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at only three months old. After 4 (i think...) rounds of chemo and a hell (s'cuse the language - it's appropriate I think) of a lot of courage, her liver is now free of the cancer. Samara holds a very special place in my heart for many reasons, so this news, as you can imagine, produced tears of joy. Of course, it kills me that I can't be with Tim, Heidi, & Samara to rejoice and celebrate. This is one of the consequences of moving across the Atlantic that I have to learn to live with.
The promised lenten reflections on transition will have to wait. For now, I will revel in light, hope, and good news, breaking the (Anglican only??) practice of omitting that celebratory, worshipful word during lent by yelling... ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
mmm.... now doesn't that feel good?!
The promised lenten reflections on transition will have to wait. For now, I will revel in light, hope, and good news, breaking the (Anglican only??) practice of omitting that celebratory, worshipful word during lent by yelling... ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!
mmm.... now doesn't that feel good?!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
It's only been three weeks...
It's been a few days since we last logged on and we're ready to give you our "Things we are enjoying about living in Scotland so far" list. Here goes:
Diluting Juice
Walking more.
Being able to walk round the corner and get fresh produce in the local Spar. Or Scotmid. Or the wee fruit shop along the road (these stores being a rough equivalent to a 7-Eleven)
Better news reporting at our fingertips. From the British news today: Chancellor Gordon Brown revealed his new budget and all week, the BBC are covering loss of life in Iraq. Go figure.
Good chocolate (Dairy Milk, MInstrels...mmm)
Sweet popcorn at the movies.
The bus stop 60 steps from our house.
Good public transport.
Friendly customer service. On the whole, we've found that people in places like the bank, seem to actually be there to help us. The fact that this has been noticeable should speak for itself.
The award winning curry house located a three minute walk from our flat
The sea across the road from our flat
The daffodils are out
Re-kindling old friendships
Pub Quizzes
Pubs
Lots of sunny days (clear blue skies...)
Clothes options - both of us find it easier to shop here. Not sure why (more options available to the average Joe?), really... just is.
Our flat - in particular, the french doors in the kitchen which lead to a lovely little garden
Front loading washing machines
There has been a rather chilly cold snap here in Scotland. One would think we'd never left Michigan... except that there's no snow to show for the cold. The days have generally been sunny and clear, but freezing cold. We can't keep our feet warm (which Fi believes is due to the central heating: instead of forced air pushing out of vents in the floor, we have radiators. There is less heat lower down... if that makes sense)!
Today, we also received the welcome news that our crate is en route. It is on the vessel, which set sail today. You know, It hardly seems true that we have only been here for about three weeks... it feels like longer. So, when we're having hard days, or feeling a little blue as we go through the awkwardness of transition, we remind each other that it's only been three weeks.
More soon. Maybe even a little lenten reflection on our transition. Who knows...
Diluting Juice
Walking more.
Being able to walk round the corner and get fresh produce in the local Spar. Or Scotmid. Or the wee fruit shop along the road (these stores being a rough equivalent to a 7-Eleven)
Better news reporting at our fingertips. From the British news today: Chancellor Gordon Brown revealed his new budget and all week, the BBC are covering loss of life in Iraq. Go figure.
Good chocolate (Dairy Milk, MInstrels...mmm)
Sweet popcorn at the movies.
The bus stop 60 steps from our house.
Good public transport.
Friendly customer service. On the whole, we've found that people in places like the bank, seem to actually be there to help us. The fact that this has been noticeable should speak for itself.
The award winning curry house located a three minute walk from our flat
The sea across the road from our flat
The daffodils are out
Re-kindling old friendships
Pub Quizzes
Pubs
Lots of sunny days (clear blue skies...)
Clothes options - both of us find it easier to shop here. Not sure why (more options available to the average Joe?), really... just is.
Our flat - in particular, the french doors in the kitchen which lead to a lovely little garden
Front loading washing machines
There has been a rather chilly cold snap here in Scotland. One would think we'd never left Michigan... except that there's no snow to show for the cold. The days have generally been sunny and clear, but freezing cold. We can't keep our feet warm (which Fi believes is due to the central heating: instead of forced air pushing out of vents in the floor, we have radiators. There is less heat lower down... if that makes sense)!
Today, we also received the welcome news that our crate is en route. It is on the vessel, which set sail today. You know, It hardly seems true that we have only been here for about three weeks... it feels like longer. So, when we're having hard days, or feeling a little blue as we go through the awkwardness of transition, we remind each other that it's only been three weeks.
More soon. Maybe even a little lenten reflection on our transition. Who knows...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Things we miss
In a move like this there are times when you feel like everything is rosy. Then there are the days that don't feel quite so great. Generally, our few weeks here have been a mix. We are enjoying our first 12 days so far - to be honest, we're patting ourselves on our backs at how much we've achieved during that time. Interestingly, for both of us, it is the evenings that bring pangs of homesickness. Perhaps it is the fact that we miss our own bed, or that at night we begin to think a bit more. Either way, it's the evenings that hold the biggest potential for solemn reflection on what we miss. Therefore, following in that theme, here is a list of things we miss as of 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007, in no particular order:
Our old bed
Our flat
Our cat: Sam climbing up on the couch to snuggle
Brian misses coming home from work (currently, his work route takes him out of the bedroom, left up the hall and left into the spare room!)
Meeting friends at Bombay Cuisine
Friends (you know who you are...)
Studio 60
Thursday night TV: The Office, My Name is Earl. I'd add Scrubs, but we can get that here with our Digital TV package!
Having a table at which to eat dinner etc... (that will arrive with our crate)
Our spices (they, too, will arrive with the crate)
Our favourite coffee mugs (again... with the crate)
Knowing where things are in the supermarket (Fi has had two rather traumatic trips to Tesco during which she came ever so close to slamming into another shopper's ankles with her trolley (cart) as she struggled to manovere through the veg section)
Blue Moon beer
Routines
Fi misses NIA
Yes, there are moments when the fact that we are still in unfamiliar surroundings seems to scream out at us. So, for those of you who are so inclined, we value your contined prayers.
STAY TUNED! Next time on Transitions: The "Things we are enjoying about being in Scotland" list.
Our old bed
Our flat
Our cat: Sam climbing up on the couch to snuggle
Brian misses coming home from work (currently, his work route takes him out of the bedroom, left up the hall and left into the spare room!)
Meeting friends at Bombay Cuisine
Friends (you know who you are...)
Studio 60
Thursday night TV: The Office, My Name is Earl. I'd add Scrubs, but we can get that here with our Digital TV package!
Having a table at which to eat dinner etc... (that will arrive with our crate)
Our spices (they, too, will arrive with the crate)
Our favourite coffee mugs (again... with the crate)
Knowing where things are in the supermarket (Fi has had two rather traumatic trips to Tesco during which she came ever so close to slamming into another shopper's ankles with her trolley (cart) as she struggled to manovere through the veg section)
Blue Moon beer
Routines
Fi misses NIA
Yes, there are moments when the fact that we are still in unfamiliar surroundings seems to scream out at us. So, for those of you who are so inclined, we value your contined prayers.
STAY TUNED! Next time on Transitions: The "Things we are enjoying about being in Scotland" list.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Stuff
When I chose the title Transitions for this blog, it was with a slight nag at the back of my mind that it is a boring, uncreative name for a blog about two people moving to another country! Yet, it says it all. We found out last week that our moving company messed up, and our container will be over a month late in arriving. Our initial deep frustration has died down (partly due to the fact that the shipping company's apology included financial compensation and a very real acknowledgment that they were in the wrong) and we have come to terms with the fact that for the next month, we'll be getting settled without our belongings. However, I can't shake the feeling that just when we'll be starting to feel at home, we'll be facing it all again when our crate arrives - the transition prolonged even further. We miss our things: they represent the life we had together in Grand Rapids - a life continued in Edinburgh. And so while we try to live a life content with what we have for the time being, we do look forward to the day that lorry (truck) drives up our street and unloads our things.
More later!
More later!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Another sunny day!
We woke up this morning to the second day in a row (third day in total) of glorious sunshine and blue skies. Ahhh....
Today we finally managed to be approved by Virgin Media to have our phone, TV, and broadband internet hooked up. The reason it took so long (usually it should take, say, a few hours!) to be approved was to do with the credit check. Since neither of us have been residents in the UK for the past few years, we had to provide proof of residency in the U.S. from the past few years to proceed with the check. I would venture to say that it was the tenth (and the only Scottish) salesperson we talked to who finally revealed this information!
We enjoyed a long walk from the beach on the west side of Anstruther along to the next village - Pittenweem - today. It felt good to get out of the house and away from the chores of setting up a new life. As we walked and talked we were commenting on the fact that we are only in our fourth day here - yet it seems as though we have been here for much longer...
I am off to watch "Comic Relief Does Fame Academy" on BBC1 while eating a curry prepared by Chef Brian!
Next time on Transistions: A report on the saga of our container...
Today we finally managed to be approved by Virgin Media to have our phone, TV, and broadband internet hooked up. The reason it took so long (usually it should take, say, a few hours!) to be approved was to do with the credit check. Since neither of us have been residents in the UK for the past few years, we had to provide proof of residency in the U.S. from the past few years to proceed with the check. I would venture to say that it was the tenth (and the only Scottish) salesperson we talked to who finally revealed this information!
We enjoyed a long walk from the beach on the west side of Anstruther along to the next village - Pittenweem - today. It felt good to get out of the house and away from the chores of setting up a new life. As we walked and talked we were commenting on the fact that we are only in our fourth day here - yet it seems as though we have been here for much longer...
I am off to watch "Comic Relief Does Fame Academy" on BBC1 while eating a curry prepared by Chef Brian!
Next time on Transistions: A report on the saga of our container...
Sunday, March 4, 2007
We're here!
At approximately 1:20 p.m. yesterday (Saturday, March 3), Brian and I touched down on Scottish soil. We arrived to a gloriously sunny day which lasted well into the early evening. In fact, as we approached the Forth Road Bridge, which connects Edinburgh to Fife (the county where Fi grew up) we were treated to a rainbow which vibrant in its hues, stretched up alongside the bridge which itself was bathed in early afternoon sunlight. What a lovely way to start out - with a reminder of God's promises to us spanning Edinburgh and Fife! In addition, we enjoyed viewing the Lunar Eclipse last night which we cold see perfectly from Fi's mum's living room window. Brilliant!
Our trip home went smoothly much to Fi's relief - she had made the massive mistake of reading online reviews of Aer Lingus the night before we flew and no few of these reviews were bad. However, our experience was perfectly fine. During check-in at Boston's Logan Airport, we discovered that the proposed strike in Ireland's airports (which was the catalyst for our flight being moved forward) had been called off. To be honest, it ended up working out well. It gave us some time to relax in Boston, and offered Brian the chance to give working remotely a dry run.
However, one thing that is causing us some angst is the situation of our shipment of belongings. We had been told that it would take 4-6 weeks from the day it was packed up and moved out of our flat, to the day it would arrive in Scotland. If this was the case, tomorrow (Monday) would be the beginning of the 6th week. This is exactly why we planned our flight home when we did (even with the changed flight hiccup) - we knew that we could do without our stuff for two weeks. On Monday,Fi talked to our representative at our moving company who partners with North American Movers to get the container to the port at which point North American takes over. During this phone call, Fi was informed that our container was still sitting at the port in the USA, and that it probably wouldn't arrive in Scotland until the end of March. After a few phone calls back and forth, Fi eventually talked to the general manager of this moving company who explained that this was all due to an error with North American International and that they would be contacting us on Monday. He then went on to say that his guess at arrival time for our container in Scotland would be the end of March at the earliest and probably more like the first week of April. Now, we did the maths and that is 4-5 weeks later than expected. We are deeply frustrated at a few levels. First, that our moving company who are meant to walk us through the move knew nothing about this until we finally contacted them to ask how we might track the container at which point they looked into it. If we hadn't called, how long might our container have sat by the see in Maryland, or wherever it is? Second, this all wouldn't be so bad, but we are VERY ready to start settling in our new home - this only prolongs the waiting. We've definitely been learning the importance of living without our 'stuff' (living simply, an all that) but at some point, during a move like this, the 'stuff' becomes important again because it represents familiarity. Again, we're very aware that compared to two thirds of the world, we live like kings and queens even without our container of belongings, so we're trying to remember that!
Another interesting point of note is that upon our entry into Scotland, nobody checked Brian's visa. We traveled from Boston to Ireland and when we entered Ireland, went through passport control. Ireland is a European Union member but is not a part of the UK (Northern Ireland IS). We then flew from Ireland into Scotland. Since we were flying within the EU, there was no immigration to pass through in Scotland - and therefore, nobody checked Brian's visa. Don't get us wrong - we don't really care... it's just that it was a tad anti-climactic!
And so we enter our first full day back in
Scotland, eager to start settling into our new life here, and whatever
it is that God has in store for us.
Cheerio for now.
Our trip home went smoothly much to Fi's relief - she had made the massive mistake of reading online reviews of Aer Lingus the night before we flew and no few of these reviews were bad. However, our experience was perfectly fine. During check-in at Boston's Logan Airport, we discovered that the proposed strike in Ireland's airports (which was the catalyst for our flight being moved forward) had been called off. To be honest, it ended up working out well. It gave us some time to relax in Boston, and offered Brian the chance to give working remotely a dry run.
However, one thing that is causing us some angst is the situation of our shipment of belongings. We had been told that it would take 4-6 weeks from the day it was packed up and moved out of our flat, to the day it would arrive in Scotland. If this was the case, tomorrow (Monday) would be the beginning of the 6th week. This is exactly why we planned our flight home when we did (even with the changed flight hiccup) - we knew that we could do without our stuff for two weeks. On Monday,Fi talked to our representative at our moving company who partners with North American Movers to get the container to the port at which point North American takes over. During this phone call, Fi was informed that our container was still sitting at the port in the USA, and that it probably wouldn't arrive in Scotland until the end of March. After a few phone calls back and forth, Fi eventually talked to the general manager of this moving company who explained that this was all due to an error with North American International and that they would be contacting us on Monday. He then went on to say that his guess at arrival time for our container in Scotland would be the end of March at the earliest and probably more like the first week of April. Now, we did the maths and that is 4-5 weeks later than expected. We are deeply frustrated at a few levels. First, that our moving company who are meant to walk us through the move knew nothing about this until we finally contacted them to ask how we might track the container at which point they looked into it. If we hadn't called, how long might our container have sat by the see in Maryland, or wherever it is? Second, this all wouldn't be so bad, but we are VERY ready to start settling in our new home - this only prolongs the waiting. We've definitely been learning the importance of living without our 'stuff' (living simply, an all that) but at some point, during a move like this, the 'stuff' becomes important again because it represents familiarity. Again, we're very aware that compared to two thirds of the world, we live like kings and queens even without our container of belongings, so we're trying to remember that!
Another interesting point of note is that upon our entry into Scotland, nobody checked Brian's visa. We traveled from Boston to Ireland and when we entered Ireland, went through passport control. Ireland is a European Union member but is not a part of the UK (Northern Ireland IS). We then flew from Ireland into Scotland. Since we were flying within the EU, there was no immigration to pass through in Scotland - and therefore, nobody checked Brian's visa. Don't get us wrong - we don't really care... it's just that it was a tad anti-climactic!
And so we enter our first full day back in
Scotland, eager to start settling into our new life here, and whatever
it is that God has in store for us.
Cheerio for now.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
44 Hours
It hardly seems real that in only 44 hours, Brian and I will be boarding a plane to make the first leg of our trip home to Scotland. We will hand over our one way tickets and be on our way to a new adventure awaiting us in Edinburgh.
While buying our tickets for the Old State House museum in Boston yesterday, the clerk asked us where we were from. Our reaction was to burst into laughter. You see, we're not quite sure where we're from at the moment. Grand Rapids? Scotland? Our friends' place in Hamilton MA? I can't wait to be able to answer that question with boldness - to look a person in the eye and say "We're from Leith - which is in Edinburgh, Scotland". For now, we'll settle for being in a kind of time warp, waiting for the next part of our adventure as a couple to begin. Who knows where we'll be two years from now, a year from now even. All I know is that in 44 hours, we will be one step closer to having a home again.
While buying our tickets for the Old State House museum in Boston yesterday, the clerk asked us where we were from. Our reaction was to burst into laughter. You see, we're not quite sure where we're from at the moment. Grand Rapids? Scotland? Our friends' place in Hamilton MA? I can't wait to be able to answer that question with boldness - to look a person in the eye and say "We're from Leith - which is in Edinburgh, Scotland". For now, we'll settle for being in a kind of time warp, waiting for the next part of our adventure as a couple to begin. Who knows where we'll be two years from now, a year from now even. All I know is that in 44 hours, we will be one step closer to having a home again.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tea, anyone?
As a certain famous Scottish poet once commented, "A The best-laid plans o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley,..." For those of you not versed in Scottish prose or dialect, that would translate as "All the best-laid plans of mice and men go often astray...".
This is exactly our current situation. Having said a very fond farewell to Grand Rapids yesterday (Friday) we are currently in Boston staying with good friends of ours. The plan was to be here until Tuesday evening at which point we were scheduled to fly to Dublin, and from there to Edinburgh.
However, Fi received a phonecall yesterday from Aer Lingus informing us that there will be distrubances in Ireland from Wednesday (our day of arrival in dublin) and Friday. Disturbances?? With images of revolution in the streets of Dublin, and guiness-swigging revolters charging the ariports and local supermarkets, I asked breathlessly, and with a sense of wonder, "What KIND of disturbances?" to which the gentleman replied "Industrial". "Ooohh," thought I "an industrial revolution! How exciting! The workers of Ireland unite to fight against the evil corporations who pay them peanuts to do serve the people..etc.. etc..."
Not quite. Down, Overactive Imagination, down boy....
Basically, the airport workers in Ireland are planning a strike between Wednesday and Friday so there is a pretty good chance we'd be stuck in Dublin for three days if we stick with our original flight. This wouldn't be so bad if the exchange rate wasn't the pits and we could afford a hotel in Dublin for three nights, but that isn't the case. Alternatively we could leave a day earlier... except that the date of entry on Brian's UK visa is Feb 28, so he can't arrive in the UK any earlier than that. The lovely Aer LIngus rep also offered the fabulously unhelpful suggestion that we could take the train to Belfast and go from there to Scotland to which I asked "and would you be paying for that?" It won't take a genious to guess the answer to that one. Therefore, we've taken the airline's offer of moving our flight at no charge. We'll be in Boston until Friday and will arrive in Edinburgh on Saturday.
We are hoping that this will only bring us closer to arriving within days of our shipment of belongings. Although, I was told by North American movers today that these usually take 45 - 75 days. Originally we were told it would take 30 - 50 days. Needless to say we're hoping that the original information was accurate. There is only so much more living out of a suitcase we can take, not to mention the fact that I miss my pillow. And my duvet. And my favourite mug. You get the picture.
So here we are taking it one day at a time, with a whole week of Boston fun ahead of us. Anyone fancy a cuppa?
This is exactly our current situation. Having said a very fond farewell to Grand Rapids yesterday (Friday) we are currently in Boston staying with good friends of ours.
However, Fi received a phonecall yesterday from Aer Lingus informing us that there will be distrubances in Ireland from Wednesday (our day of arrival in dublin) and Friday. Disturbances?? With images of revolution in the streets of Dublin, and guiness-swigging revolters charging the ariports and local supermarkets, I asked breathlessly, and with a sense of wonder, "What KIND of disturbances?" to which the gentleman replied "Industrial". "Ooohh," thought I "an industrial revolution! How exciting! The workers of Ireland unite to fight against the evil corporations who pay them peanuts to do serve the people..etc.. etc..."
Not quite. Down, Overactive Imagination, down boy....
Basically, the airport workers in Ireland are planning a strike between Wednesday and Friday so there is a pretty good chance we'd be stuck in Dublin for three days if we stick with our original flight. This wouldn't be so bad if the exchange rate wasn't the pits and we could afford a hotel in Dublin for three nights, but that isn't the case. Alternatively we could leave a day earlier... except that the date of entry on Brian's UK visa is Feb 28, so he can't arrive in the UK any earlier than that. The lovely Aer LIngus rep also offered the fabulously unhelpful suggestion that we could take the train to Belfast and go from there to Scotland to which I asked "and would you be paying for that?" It won't take a genious to guess the answer to that one. Therefore, we've taken the airline's offer of moving our flight at no charge. We'll be in Boston until Friday and will arrive in Edinburgh on Saturday.
We are hoping that this will only bring us closer to arriving within days of our shipment of belongings. Although, I was told by North American movers today that these usually take 45 - 75 days. Originally we were told it would take 30 - 50 days. Needless to say we're hoping that the original information was accurate. There is only so much more living out of a suitcase we can take, not to mention the fact that I miss my pillow. And my duvet. And my favourite mug. You get the picture.
So here we are taking it one day at a time, with a whole week of Boston fun ahead of us. Anyone fancy a cuppa?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Moving Day
Although moving day was almost one month ago, it only seems right to include it in this blog. Here are some pictures from the day our apartment was emptied. We found it quite hard to leave our apartment... our first place together. 326 Union was a wonderful home for us and we will miss it.
The truck had to do quite a bit of negotiating with various tree branches and badly parked cars to find a decent place to park on Union Ave!
Boxes...
More boxes...
It was a freezing cold day and we felt bad for the movers hauling stuff in and out in the frigid air. Meanwhile, Fi was bundled up in woolen sweaters and a scarf as it was on moving day that her cold exploded and she felt like death warmed up!!! We also spent that morning trying to figure out the calculations on our insurance forms. Nightmare.
Our stuff took up a tiny corner of that truck. Pretty funny really. And now our belongings are en route to Edinburgh. Hopefully.
The truck had to do quite a bit of negotiating with various tree branches and badly parked cars to find a decent place to park on Union Ave!
Boxes...
More boxes...
It was a freezing cold day and we felt bad for the movers hauling stuff in and out in the frigid air. Meanwhile, Fi was bundled up in woolen sweaters and a scarf as it was on moving day that her cold exploded and she felt like death warmed up!!! We also spent that morning trying to figure out the calculations on our insurance forms. Nightmare.
Our stuff took up a tiny corner of that truck. Pretty funny really. And now our belongings are en route to Edinburgh. Hopefully.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Almost there
Welcome to our blog about one of the biggest adventures of our life... our move to Scotland. We hope to chronicle the move and our transition to living in Edinburgh in this blog. Watch this space!
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