Naughty blogger!

Goodness gracious, forgive me for my absence!

Last week my parents were in town and there was so much going on I barely had a moment to nap, let alone sneak away with my lappy to blog.  My apologies!

My parents decided to come a day earlier than scheduled to avoid delays that Hurricane Irene inevitably caused in the DC area.  It seemed like a good idea at the time, but we were doubting its value when their flight was 12 HOURS LATE because of an unexpected stop in Iceland due to mechanical problems.  I find it ironic that I've made the DC to London trip many many times and have only been inconvenienced by lost luggage, screaming babies, malfunctioning entertainment units, and cramped seats.  But my parents, who only got passports in 2007 to visit me in London, and who are quite content with their yearly vacation on the Eastern MD shore, traveled to London Heathrow via Iceland.  I'm impressed, that's one passport stamp I don't have!

We had a lovely week together and were lucky to get decent weather.  It's been 90-100 degrees F in the DC area this summer so Sussex was positively freezing in comparison to them!  I was just glad we didn't get too much rain, as it's been pissing it down ever since they left!

On our itinerary was Sunny Worthing (and surrounding neighborhoods), Brighton, Arundel, and Rye.  We had a lovely BBQ at the in-laws', went antiquing in Arundel, saw The Lanes, Museum, and Royal Pavillion of Brighton (and got donuts on the pier...nom nom), walked and cycled around Worthing and saw the museum (yea my mom likes museums, she's a history nerd), saw "That'll Be the Day," a rock-n-roll revival show in Worthing, saw a Bank Holiday Weekend parade along the seafront, and took an incredible trip to Rye (Eastern side of East Sussex).  Plus, I had fun cooking for everyone and showing off my culinary skills to the man who showed me the way! 
Cheers to the hubby for taking the week off from work and renting a car so we could see all that and more!  It was great fun.

I sure hope they had a fun visit and will come back again so we can explore more of England together!  It was sad to say goodbye, but it won't be long before Thanksgiving will be here and I'll be there! 

EXCITING NEWS!

Last week I had an interview with a nearby domiciliary care/home care agency and it went very well.  On Friday I got the call that they wanted me to start ASAP!  I thought my eyeballs were gonna pop out of my head from excitement.  I'M AN EMPLOYED PERSON IN THE U.K.  This has been the missing puzzle piece in my settlement here and I'm so chuffed that things are falling into place.

The 411 on the job:

• Domiciliary/Home Care agency providing care and support to older and disabled adults in the community out of their own homes
• My role is a team leader/manager who will support and supervise the direct care workers and work with the local community residents and health/social care agencies to develop new referrals/business
• 5 MINUTE WALK FROM OUR FLAT.  Amazing! 
• That's all I know right now, I'm sure it will develop as the weeks go on!

I'm so chuffed, I start Thursday!  I'm nervous, y'all!  I left my last job in March to finish planning my wedding and deal with all the immigration stuff, I am SO READY to get back to work, but just anxious to find my place and settle in.  It's always a bit weird starting in a new place, I guess.

In other news, things are coming together with our new flat, we have a moving date now (3 weeks, eek!  Gotta find boxes!).  I'm pleased that we won't be going far, it's literally right next door to where we are now.  I just hate the process of moving, it's a pain in the ass.  But we'll get through it!

Suddenly last Sunday I had this feeling like things were finally settling in.  Since I moved to England and have struggled to find a job and find my place here, I always felt like I was just living in my husband's world sometimes.  Like I was just visiting.  But now I feel like I'm developing my own life, schedule, friends, goals, etc here and it feels good.  I suddenly feel kind of grown up for the first time ever.  That's weird to say.  But it's fun, I'm so excited to see where the next few months takes me and takes us as a couple! 

As always, thanks for reading. 

Amanda <3

HUMP DAY HISTORY! A report from Westminster

Hello, again, friends!

I am back.

Hardly felt like I was gone, only about 24 hours.  But a lovely "stay-cation" nonetheless.  It's timely that my adventures in Westminster London happen to fall on "Hump Day History" as I will share some of the tidbits I learned today.

I haven't been to London in AGESSSS.  The last time I was there was New Years Eve 2009 but I was quite ill unfortunately so apart from joining the crowds along the Thames to briefly see the fireworks, I spent most of the trip in the hotel.  The last time I properly explored London was 2007 when my parents came to visit me when I studied abroad.  As I said, AGEESSS.

As soon as our train pulled into London Victoria station, all the fun memories and happy energy came right back to me.  As we passed our old haunts along the way, I was overcome by nostalgia yet strangely felt like I had never left.  As if London was an old friend of mine. 

When I studied abroad in Spring 2007, Kieran and I met up often in London and spent memorable weekeends together.  As our relationship grew deeper through our adventures in London, it became harder and harder to leave each other at Victoria Station every time.  I still feel nauseous when I think of those long bus rides back to Cheltenham, crying on and off (which I'm sure disrupted my fellow riders) and wondering when I'd see him next.  I was so insanely happy to be beyond that stage in our life together--FINALLY.  Now after a lovely trip, I don't have to say goodbye anymore.  I can have a cup of tea with the hubby and talk about how much fun we had.  That's a good feeling.

ANYWAYS, enough of the mushy stuff (sorry), on to the history lessons!

BIG BEN

The Big Ben clock tower has a spiral staircase with 334 steps up to the bell tower.  You bet your ass I completed each one (not to mention going back down again!).  Oh there's no lift in that baby!  You have to earn your history lesson when you get a tour.  But definitely worth it! 

Unfortunately we weren't able to take photos inside but it was amazing!  We went to meet Big Ben himself (he is loud, we had to wear ear plugs) and got to see the views of London from the top, even though it was a little foggy.

The Great Clock was installed in 1859 and its first tick was heard on May 31st.  It was designed by amateur clock enthusiast, Edmund Denison, and constructed by Edward Dent.

Didja know?
"Big Ben" is actually the name of the bell itself, not the full tower that we recognize.  The clock itself is called the The Great Clock or The Clock Tower
The bell installed today is actually Big Ben #2.  The first bell was cracked during testing so it had to be made into scrap metal.  The second bell was pulled up in a shaft by the sheer brute strength of 8 guys.  It took them over 30 hours to hoist the bell to the top!  Imagine their annoyance when after a few months later the new bell was cracked again during testing.  Fortunately they were able to repair the bell in place.

The clock's mechanisms are maintained 3 times a week by experts.  Even today the equillibrium of the clock's pendulum are adjusted by adding or taking away old pennies for counter-balance.

In 1885 a special light called the "Ayrton Light" was installed at the top of the clock and is lit whenever either House is in debate after dark.  Originally the light was specifically pointed towards Buckhingham Palace so Queen Victoria would know when Parliament was debating at night.  But later it was expanded for all to see.

Houses of Parliament

source

Once again, not allowed to take pictures (except for Wesminster Hall which I'll discuss in a second), but it's gorgeous.  Not as massive as the U.S. Congressional Buildings and underground tunnels which are impressive but the decor alone was breathtaking.  Plus, since the monarch is connected to the decisions of Parliament, there is more than one room with an elaborate throne.  Pretty cool.

"The Palace of Westminster" has been a royal palace for about 1,000 years and home to Parliament for nearly 500.  It is one of the most important buildings in the U.K.

Didja know?

The Palace of Westminster was originally the home to Kings and Queens before the nation's politicians were granted use of the space for law making in 1550

The chambers for the House of Commons and House of Lords doesn't have enough space for all Members (several hundred seats short, to be specific).  If you don't get a seat, you can't participate in debates

Fire and destruction have damaged much of the original parts of the building. First in 1834 and again during The Blitz of the 1940s.  Of course don't forget the failed plot of Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Westminster Hall is the oldest remaining part of the building.  It was pretty much the only part that survived the great fire of 1834 and the 1941 bombing raid.  Amongst other things, the Hall has been used for social events, banquents, feasts, etc.  Most recently, President Obama addressed a large crowd there in May.  It was also the backdrop of many high profile legal trials including Sir Thomas More, Guy Fawkes, and King Charles I.  The verdicts did not end well for these individuals!  In recent years it has been used for deceased monarchs and parliamentarians to lay in state.

The name "Parliament" comes from the French "parlez" which means "to speak."

Westminster Hall

 



House of Commons Champagne...hehe



What a fun day!  Cheers to the hubby for organizing the trip.  Plus, no stay in London is complete without a trip to see Nan & Grandad London and get some yummy bread pudding.  Cheers to them for their hospitality!

JUST 4 MORE SLEEPS TIL MOM AND DAD GET HERE!  Yay!!

Have a great rest of the week, readers!

Amanda

London calling!

We're off on a short trip to London tomorrow! 

Only gonna be gone overnight, but there will be much to do!  The hubby has arranged for us to get a tour of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben!  Also in store will be a lovely visit (and likely an amazing home cooked meal) with nan, grandad, and aunt Debbie at "The Hotel of Nan London"! 
Hope we have some nice weather!



Me in London, Circa 2007

I'm sure I'll have loads to report/post about on my return Weds evening!  See you then!

Love,
Amanda xoxo