Insert Witty Title Here

I am too tired to think of a witty title... Here is what has been going on with me.
First we got a new car!  We took the car back to the dealership but not without him warning us "DONT EVER BUY A CAR HERE AGAIN!"  Hey, no problem, didn't he realize we were bringing one BACK?!?!  But luckily we had a call from the lovely mechanic we took with us to look at the "trade" the dealer offered earlier last week.  He told us there was someone selling a "pucker" car - in England that means a really good one.  We totally trusted him and took the money to him the next day to buy the car he told us about - and we weren't disappointed.  It is a cute red Citron (French car) and has a radio and only 75,000 miles (which is good for a 1994), AND the horn is on the end of the blinker -- needless to say I have pounded the steering wheel for no reason it will take some getting used to.  It has been a great car so far, and fingers crossed it will take us all around the country without problem.  3 cars in 18 months?  We deserve this one...
Bridget the Car - named by Elder Jones
Today has been a hard day though, we said good-bye to both of our amazing missionaries - one going home (back to Utah) and the other to Wales.  I was overcome with emotion as we said goodbye, mostly because I was so homesick and I was super jealous of one of them getting to go back to Utah.  It is something I want so badly but I just have to wait - which, as many of you know... is hard for me.
Things here keep moving along though, I cant believe it is February.
But, anyway... here you go, here are some pictures of my cute niece...
  
 
Starting tomorrow I will be doing the 30 Tiny Moments photo project that many of my favourite blog authors are doing. (www.kerflop.com and www.mandajuice.com)
What it is, is a picture a day for 30 days of just the simple things in life.  That means, for at least 30 days you'll get a photo from me - so keep watching!

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? 

New Years Resolution #20647854

Write more on my blog.... check back often... there should be WAY more updates, and if my resolutions in years past are anything to go by, there should be more often updates for at least a month :)

But seriously - I am going to try harder, especially after all the feedback I got on my trip about people who read my blog.

Check back soon!!!

A Series of Unfortunate (typical Jamie) Events

Hello Faithful Blog Readers...
I am a slacker, I know, but to my defense I have had a string of unfortunate accidents that has caused me to be a slacker - kind of...
First - Chris and I went blackberry picking and as I was getting into the car, the door shut on my neck (I know you are thinking, only me) well anyway it gave really tight muscles and damaged something so I had MAJOR migraines.  One week off....
Second - I got a throat infection, knocked me out cold.  Felt a little rough on a Wednesday night and by Thursday morning I was completely overcome.  By Sunday I was feeling a little better after A LOT of pain relief and some antibiotics.
Third - Thursday at work I stood up and got a little bit of a pain in my back.  By Thursday night I couldn't walk.  We called the NHS help line and the nurse transferred my call to a doctor who said, "It is a back spasm, keep really hot heat on it and don't lay down, sleep sitting up."  One problem, I have a hard time sleeping laying down, yet alone sitting up.  After a LONG sleepless night of watching the Discovery Health channel, I broke down and had Chris call the doctor for a home visit (yes, they do that here).  The doctor came over and said I had sprained my back and gave me FOUR prescriptions and said I had to rest and be off work for 10 days.  In the mean time I walk like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, when I can actually suffer the pain and walk. 
So here I sit, in PAIN, but feeling quite guilty at my lack of writing, and for you Internet, I'll suffer. 
So it seems as if my string of bad luck - is quite a long string...  But it all ends November 19th when - I COME TO UTAH!!!!!  Whoooo Hoooooo!!!!
Would some pictures make up for my neglect???
I don't know if you even care about random pictures... how about you leave a message and let me know... should I keep adding pictures or stop?!?!?  YES or NO!??!?
      
Chris "gambling" at the sea side - yes we only live 45 minutes away from a beach, crazy for this Utah girl.
       
Dead Crab at the Sea Side               The Beach                                    The Sea Side

     
The Fish and Chips Restaurant                       The BEST fish and chips I've EVER had!

     
England had HUGE Spiders          Halloween Decorations                   More Decorations - not much...
Awwww Internet, I love that you read my blog... don't give up on me... I'll try to do better!!!

An Update of Sorts...

*  I have been feeling sick.  Migraines,  Migraines, and more Migraines -- even the Codeine isn't working anymore - any hints?!?!?
*  The haircut went well, haven't dyed my hair yet - but pictures will follow as soon as I talk Chris into it (not taking the picture but actually DYING my hair).
*   In response to a recent email from an unnamed friend (rhymes with my name), to her I say:   YES IT WAS YOU WHO SMASHED MY THUMB and NO I WILL NOT RETRACT MY ENTRY - SO DEAL WITH IT!
*  Went to Chili's again over the weekend (second time). It was expensive as ever but made me look forward to all the yummy food soon to be consumed by me back in America. 
*  In response to a much nicer friends email - Pictures of English Supermarkets coming soon!
*  We are coming to America and I cant wait...  2 months today!!!  Whooo Hooo!!! 
* But wait.... first comes my birthday and yes, to all of you wondering I will be turning 25....

The Big Change....

Well the time has come.... I haven't cut my hair since last June - yes you read right - LAST JUNE.  I have just not had the time, I wrote that without thinking -- I've had plenty of time, just not money but I bought some Herbal Essence shampoo and if you sent in the proof of purchase, the receipt, a stamped envelope and the form, you got a coupon for a free haircut -- 3 months later the coupon came in the post and when I called the salon about 2 weeks ago they told me they wouldn't honor my coupon.  So through a few other (A LOT) loops to jump though - I got an appointment.
I was hoping I'd get it cut at the beginning of summer to keep cool, but now it is the end and I cant STAND my long hair anymore... and when I say long I mean L-O-N-G.  Straight it reaches the small of my back and curly it is quite close...
So I am CHOPPING it off...
Now I'd like to highlight it as well but considering I have NO friends - none - here in England to help me, and Chris is out of town, I might have to do it on my own...
Whether the results are good or bad... pictures will follow.
Wish me luck....
Great, now I'm nervous.... 

Manna

Dictionary says:
A miraculous food which sustained the Israelites in the wilderness.
Change Israelites to "This American Girl" and change wilderness to "March, England" and the definition is spot on!