Bits and Pieces

I guess I keep this blog going because, one day I will want to look back (fondly) at all of the unfortunate things that happen to me and when I am 80 I will probably not remember the following things:

At the first of January, Chris and I got another car - Bella was getting too problematic to fix for the emissions and inspections (read: M.O.T. in England). Chris' dad, John, helped find us one that I was quite hesitant about but, we got anyway.  WHAT A JOKE!  Three weeks later, and we have already found out that it needs its alignment done, new front tires (tyres), new fan belt, leaky trunk (boot), its overheated three times, etc. etc. etc.  So we went back to the car dealership today and Chris pretty much said, "Fix it or give us our money back!" (It is so nice to have a husband to do stuff like that).  And the dealer said, and I quote, "Yeah, we'll give you another car for it or a refund - I HONESTLY SHOULDNT HAVE SOLD YOU THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE." (my jaw still drops!)  Can you believe it!?!?  I guess maybe some of you can.. but I think I still might have a "rainbow and butterfly" idea of the world... why would he do that?  At any rate, he wants to "trade" a more expensive car, for this one (Chris named the car Shirley).  What do I do?  I don't trust him as far as I can throw him, and we do still have Bella, should we spend the money to fix her up?  She has been PERFECT for 18 months (oohhhh I better bite my tongue)!

Just as side notes:
I just lit a small bonfire in the trash can in my bedroom - who would have thought even after the incense in burned out it could still create flames and burn unwanted receipts -- I now do, and so do you - LEARN FROM ME!
The other day on the way home from work I drove for about 8 blocks on the wrong side of the road in the dark.  I didn't even NOTICE until I got up to the junction and had to turn left and realized that the car in front of me, that was turning left, was on the opposite side.
I got acupuncture last week, it hurt a little when she was sticking needles into my hands and FEET (yuck yuck yuck) but the ones on my calves, neck and shoulders didn't hurt at all - even when she twisted them to stimulate them.  It was strange, tiring, relaxing, and helpful all in one - who would have thought - needles. 
Oh how I miss my disposal and dishwasher....

Other Updates?  None - Chris is still looking for a job and interviewing - but is keeping quite busy with his church calling?  Have I told you?  I'm married to the Elders Quorum President.  With that calling and mine (Councillor in the Relief Society) all we need is a home in Provo and 2.5 children.  We love it though - last weekend we got to go to a wedding, reception and baptism -- all for the same lady all on the same day (and a branch activity after that) - being in a branch is eye opening, that's for sure!  I am doing fine too.... working and sitting around (HEY! it takes a lot out of you!)

Our New Arrival...

It fits in really REALLY well with our sofa, TV, and other front room furniture (am kidding) but at least now we have dry clothes that smell nice and fresh instead of wet and moldy... and it doesn't take DAY to dry them.
Its the little things... isn't it?

Resolution

Alright well I am not quite well yet - I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I had tonsillitis.  So with a strong dose of antibiotics I have been "sleeping it off" but not without going into work this week and especially yesterday, where, the plague has come upon the building.  With all the babies going home with the super flu bug that is INFESTING - and I am just waiting....
At any rate I am at least getting out and around and it is not as bad as the nurse acted like it was - she didn't even need one of those throat - light things to look - she could see all the swelling and redness and puss without it.  YUCK!
So needless to say I haven't even THOUGT of Resolutions... well that is a lie - I've THOUGHT about them but have done nothing.  I have been eating better and everyone at work who say me says I've lost weight ( I never noticed - but I'll take it!). 
So I will start with one, that most of you can keep tabs on - to keep in better touch with my friends and family via blog, emails, letters, cards, and phone calls. 
After living here for so long I have some very sad journal entries from when I first was here, that told of how much I missed everyone - desperately.  But, as time has worn on, although those people are ALWAYS on my mind - I became numb to those feelings, I think as  self preservation.  I remember one day after Chris had bought tickets to America, I didn't want to go - and he didn't understand.  No one would - why would I not want to go over and see everyone again?  I told him, it would be too hard.  It would be too hard to realize how much I NEED them and then have to leave and get used to being alone all over again.  That is exactly what happened!  In the last week I have found myself re-reading those entries from 18 months ago and am discouraged that I feel the same way again.  This time though, there is a very pressing and urgent feeling to get back but we are stuck - stuck with bills and unemployment and just the logistics of it all and that is just as frustrating.  There is strength in those journal entries - I GOT THROUGH... there is a light at the end and even now I am beginning to feel "normal" again, and have even noticed my English "accent" is coming back with a vengeance.
So why the story?  My family and friends are my so important to me and every time I get an email from any of them my happiness boosts, and that pain of missing them is dulled for a little while - it is great.  But I figure I need to do something too, so, that is the reason for ONE of my resolutions!!!
Stay tuned for more.....    
P.S. Would you like to see some pictures of my favourite things?  NEW PICS POSTED!

Please Pass the Cold Medicine

Alright so it looks like I got a little ahead of myself with my last post... it seems like, although the New Years resolution I shared was quite noble for the time, maybe I should have made a resolution like:  Take more, LOTS more, vitamin C or when Chris gets sick - STAY AWAY - those seem a lot more appropriate now, considering our current circumstances of me, going on 4 days sick and Chris going on who knows how many!  All my other resolutions have been put on the back burner, oh except the eating well one because, being sick we aren't eating much at all.
And it couldn't have been at a worse time - can I be honest?  Just when I thought I couldn't take any more problems, was at the end of my rope - I get sick - and that makes everything worse.
Since we've been back to England (be prepared for some complaining) the following things have happened:

*  We've had to buy a new car.
*  My work hours have been cut to a very LEAN 8 hours a week.
*   They suspect we have a water leak for our apartment.
*  No one will come and show us how to work our heaters so we are freezing and being infested with mold (nice I know).
*  One single page of jobs in the paper and NONE that either Chris or I would qualify for.
*  In-laws that aren't all too happy with me and Chris.
*  Rent STILL owing - council still hasn't sorted out our pesky 4 children problem (they think we have 4).

But before you think our life is all gloom and doom - we did by a dryer (que angelic choir)!
So between fighting my flu, fighting my boss, fighting my landlord, and fighting my homesickness (the biggest fight of all) - we are hanging in there - barely.
And that is the story of why I haven't written... am I forgiven?