Relearning English...

I am proud of the fact that as time goes on I am getting more adjusted to the "English" language. Yes...you read that right. There appears to be many differences from the American form. I still have to moniter my words to prevent embarrassment to myself and worse yet, my poor husband. Bless him. (or simply "Bless.." as he prefers...:) He is a patient interpreter. Not only are many of the terms and words entirely different, but getting past the dialects is another challenge. One learns to listen very closely....I never imagined I would be on the other end of the polite smile and nod. Yet...I have been....many don't know what the hell I am saying either!! I love it...does that make me a silly cow or git..? Only my husband will really tell me for sure....kindly.

Where shall I begin? It's all good....and fun. Unless you are on a bus and have no idea where you are...in that case you just hope that they speak English in any form!! Yes...I am picking up on many phrases and terms....just to avoid confusion. Must remember....pants mean underwear... if knickers isn't used of course. The bathroom is where you bathe or wash only....toilet or "loo" is preferred for potty....oh and they don't use that one either.

I have always used "nappy" for sleep....not here....that would be the equivalent of diaper...."kip" would be right. Because if you have a kip....you must be knackered or shattered after your evening tea (meal) because you were quite peckish (hungry) and had to murder a chip butty (dinner fries on a cob....uh...bun) and jelly (jello) . Well...you get the point.

IN any case....books have been written on this subject, I'm sure....at least they could be. Yet...they would have to encompass all of Britain....not only British to Irish to Scottish and Welsh..(they probably wouldn't want to be included anyway...plus they still speak Welsh...no....REALLY) but WHERE they are from.....Black Country (yam yams), Geordie, Estuary, Cockney, Cornish...again...you get the point!

The best part is every day I am learning something new and that is the fun in it. Perhaps not to the unfortunate soul on the other end of the conversation. Thank goodness the folks here are more patient than we Americans. Bless.

Random

As difficult as it is to believe, I have been in England now nearly 3 months. In all honesty, some days it seems much longer! One word of warning if you travel here, my American friends and family....prepare to stand in line! They refer to them as "queues" here...fancy name...same pain. You wait on the phone, you wait in line, you wait in your car.....basically everywhere. My point...if you make your way over....don't hurry!! I could go on about that for a page...but i will spare everyone.
I decided to start a page with photos and notes as a type of diary so all could share the adventure from afar with me. Ok......honestly....I have been very busy lately and writing back sometimes takes me days. I will get back to the letters i receive as I can....so not to worry. It may take time....but i will....I know that most of you are just as busy as me...if not more so....and take time out to send me a note...I am grateful for that. This just enables me to get a general note out every couple of days or sooner, if I have time on my hands, and feel the need to trouble those of you who care to read it! :)

So much to reflect back upon over the last few months. Places I've seen, people I have come to know. I have seen some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, the oldest villages, the most famous landmarks. I have driven on the left side of the road on the right side of the car. If you think driving in the USA is scarey...have a go over here....better yet...try to be a pedestrian! Now...THERE is an adventure! I have received a National Insurance Number (so they can't tax the hell out of me more than they already do..), credit & debit card/checking account, National Health Services Medical card...(yes...free health care....don't get excited....it's not very exciting...or great....ask anyone that lives here...or works for the NHS...) I have a job....(I have thus far cheated...my in-laws have employed me...but it's a start!) Quite a lot to process in only 3 months....(she pats herself on the back...since hubby is not here to thank AGAIN). Not too bad. Helps to have a partner who occasionally feels the need to put his foot firmly on my backside when i need the encouragement. I will add photos as I see fit and if anyone has specific requests for such...just mention. I will do my best to accomodate. When you live here....you tend to miss what someone visiting would possible catch. Oh, but believe me....I still notice a great deal! Sometimes all one can say is ..."Wow....they can't say that on US television.." or "Hmm....I forget I'm not in the US anymore..." Whatever the case may be! Cheerio then and as they say here in the Black Country....."Tarah!"