Unemployed Again...

Yep, I am unemployed...again. No, I didn't get fired. I quit. I didn't even last the whole day! I tried...I really did. And I only had 30 minutes more to go...but I just couldn't do it. It was horrible. The worst job I have ever had. I mean, I knew it wasn't going to be a fun job...but I had no idea it was going to be that shit. I actually felt ill. I thought I was going to pass out. It wasn't especially taxing, although it was to me since I've been out of work and sitting on my ass for 10 months, but there were lots of people there doing it just fine. It was just a combination of standing on my feet in one spot all day, racing to put cookies in a box...over and over and over and over...all day. It was a cross between a sweat shop and hell. And yet there were lots of people there doing similar jobs and getting by just fine. The mind boggles. It makes me wish I were back working in Reasor's...on a Saturday...during graduation...by myself! 

So, back to the drawing board. I'm applying for more jobs. Not heard anything from anyone else. I did one of those online courses on Customer Service though and added that to my CV. I don't know if that will help or not, but it's worth a shot. What else have I got to do with my time while I'm sitting on my ass? I'm planning on doing some others too. I wish I would have found this site a long time ago. It may not help me in the job hunt but it's free information. Learning anything is always good. I've made a list of all the courses I want to check out. Who knows? Maybe I'll find something that I'm so interested in that I want to pursue it further. 

I've been contemplating trying to do something at home to make a little extra money. I'm thinking about starting a little business of selling the mega delicious caramels I make. Everyone who's ever tried them raves about them. The last batch I made I used treacle in them and one of Phil's coworkers said they were the best ones I've made yet. So, I know they're good. I know people will like them. It's just finding a place to sell them. Actually, it's a lot of other things as well...but finding a place to sell them is top of the list. I'm thinking about making some soon and taking them around to some of the local shops and seeing if they would mind if I put a display there. I need to do some serious thinking about it though. I need a business plan of sorts. I've already figured out costs of making them, time involved and even looked up some info about packaging. I need to see what sort of a percentage I can offer the shops that sell them for me though. I also need to see if I'm going to need any sort of license to sell them in those shops. I may just start out with trying to sell them in Rumbletums. I know those ladies there would help me out. I really need to at least try. I think I'm going to go talk to them about it tomorrow. All they can do is say no, right? I don't think they'll do that. 

I'm feeling in pretty good spirits at the moment. Phil wasn't bothered about me not keeping the job...said he expected me to feel that way...and it's such a relief that he hasn't given me a hard time about it. I felt bad enough about it anyway. Poor man, he's having to do all the work and pay all the bills. I hope I find something soon so I can help out. I would hate to totally run out of money and have to ask him for some. That would really make me feel like shit. I would quit smoking before I asked him to buy tobacco for me. I feel like such a mooch already.

I guess that's about all that's been happening here. Wish me luck on the job hunting!

Ciao for now

Time Flies!

Yep, I forgot all about my blog again. From 3 weeks to over 9 months! I've been in England 9 months now! So much has happened. Well, for starters, I got married! Obviously, since that was a requirement for me to stay here in England. September 5th. We actually had to rush a bit since it wasn't until later on that I learned that I had to submit another visa application, which cost 600 pounds (I don't know how to get the pound symbol on my American computer) and I had to have it sent in before the time limit expired on my fiance visa. We had to be married before that happened. It all worked out and I am now good for 2 1/2 years...when I have to do it all over again.

I'll catch you up a little on what's been going on...a whole lot of nothing! Not completely, but mostly. We have taken some holidays, we went on our touring holiday to Stratford upon Avon, Bournemouth, Torquay, St. Austell and Bath and had our trip to France...Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco and Antibes. We also went to Warwick to visit the castle and see a gig in a nearby town. Phil and I went to York again to see Steve Hackett and company perform Genesis songs and then we went to Whitby...beautiful place! I know, doesn't sound like nothing, does it?

Trust me though, there has been a lot of time spent here at home, sitting on my ass, day after day, with no place to go and no one to talk to. Trust me, it gets depressing at times. I'm hoping that's about to change though. I got a job! Seems like it's going to be a shit one...boring...but you never know. At least it's something...and I get paid! I need it. Being without a job for 10 months takes a toll on the bank account. I got this job just in time, while I still have money to pay for the bus to get me there!

Some of the things I've learned since I've been here: Train travel. I've become quite comfortable taking the train. I've taken one to Manchester many times and I've gone to Liverpool and Preston as well, both lovely places. I have to say though, I like Manchester best. There are still many things I want to check out there. I've also learned my way around Wigan a lot better. There are still lots of places I've not explored...I have to keep it to places I can walk to comfortably...but I feel like I know where I am in relation to other places. I'm not a fan of buses, but since I have to take one to get to work that may change. I took one the other day to get to my interview and it wasn't so bad. I've learned how to check my route and the bus I need and what times it runs and I feel more comfortable about using one. I would really be lost here without the internet...the information it can give you is invaluable.

Speaking of information, you'd be surprised what you can find out when you have all day to sit on your ass. I've not taken advantage of all that time I'm sorry to say, but recently I've done a lot better and my searching has turned up a site for free courses online and another for free language learning. I've started a course on some basic Excel learning and while I've not tried anything from the language learning site, I have spent more time on the Italian language learning program that I already have on my computer. I'm up to 403 words now. Just a drop in the bucket, I know, but I'm learning. That's the important part. Every word is one less to learn. I've also decided to learn more about the world I live in and made a list of all the countries. I'm going to read about each one. I've started with Poland. The overview doesn't make it sound very interesting, but maybe wikipedia will be better. I just want to try and keep learning things. Sitting at home doing nothing made me realize just how fast time goes by and how easy it is to waste it. You can't get it back and if you don't spend it wisely it's such a shame.

I would like to say that Wigan feels like home, but it doesn't yet. It's amazing but it doesn't feel like home. I miss my family, my friends, my job, my car and the familiarity of what my life was like there. I miss the stars at night. I miss driving down a deserted country road at night with the windows down and the radio on. I miss sitting outside with my Mom and listening to her babble on about all her church friends. I miss hugging my boys and being their taxi. I miss decorating cakes and joking around with my friends at work. I don't have any of those comforts here. I feel very alone sometimes. I try not to dwell on it too much though. It serves no purpose and only makes me feel like shit. I realize it just takes time to adjust to new situations. I've had some rough times with it but I think it's getting better. I'm hoping the new job helps.

I don't regret moving. I know it might sound like it, but I have had lots of amazing experiences here. I've learned so much. Just being submerged in a different culture, you have to learn something! It makes me see the world differently and I feel like a different person. Even living with Phil has been a learning experience. It's way different than being on my own and different than any other relationship I've ever had. It teaches you new things about yourself and new things about relationships.

Well, I guess that's a quick look at what's been going on. A very condensed version. It will have to do for now though. Hopefully, I'll do better with my blogging in future...but then I always say that...LOL.

Ciao for now

3 weeks!

I've been in Wigan for 3 weeks now. It just keeps getting better. I had no idea that living with Phil could feel this comfortable! Yeah, I know, it's only been 3 weeks...LOL...but it's not like I haven't stayed with him before. I did 5 weeks last year and 7 weeks the year before that. It never felt this comfortable though. To be honest, I didn't think it would feel like this. When imagining what it would be like, I never imagined this...the "reality". I guess it's hard to imagine something you've never had before though. It just doesn't occur to you.

Ok, enough about how blissfully happy and content I am.

Isn't that picture amazing? That's just one view of downtown Wigan. I love walking there and exploring. I still haven't got it all figured out, but I'm working on it. I'm doing way better than I did last year. I can actually "see" where I am in relation to things and know what direction things are from my house. It's a small circle, but it's getting bigger.

Guess what I've been doing? Yep, planting things. So far I have a colorful bush (no comments!) which I can't remember the name of, two azaleas that will have orange flowers when they bloom, and some strawberry plants. I also bought some hosta roots which are already starting to sprout, but I don't have pots to plant them yet. I have so many things I want to do with this space, but I can't really do anything till my check clears at the bank.

Speaking of which, the whole bank account thing was a total hassle! It's really hard to get a bank account here. Everyone (well, except Lloyd's bank) wants proof of address. Guess what? I have no proof I live here. I have my passport with a marriage visa that has Phil's name on it...so one would assume that I am living here...with Phil. But no, that's not good enough. I even had Lloyd's bank tell me that wasn't good enough the first time I went in there. Phil checked on the website though and it clearly states that a passport with a valid visa from the USA is all that is required...so back I went and voila! I got my bank account. To be fair, I got to talk to a different person this time and he ushered me to the office of a very nice lady who was helpful (and even brought me hot chocolate!). I deposited my check and am waiting impatiently for it to clear. There are lots of things I want to get. I really have to try and hold on to as much as possible though. Gonna be a while before I am able to get a job. I really need to get some cake decorating stuff though. At least some colors and bags and fondant. I want to try my hand at modelling with fondant. Phil and the girls have birthdays coming up and I want to be prepared.

I have a new stove coming on the 7th. That will be really nice to have. I'll be able to cook and bake all I want. The stove Phil has now doesn't have electronic ignition and it's very scary to get a burner lit. I'm going to need to get a few pots and pans and some spices and lots of ingredients! Most of what we usually buy is prepared foods that you just have to pop in the microwave. It's good stuff...but there's nothing like fresh, home-cooked food...with veggies! You don't get a lot of veggies with those prepared meals. ASDA does have some packaged salads that are very good though. The girls like them as well. We make quick work of them. My fav is the chicken and bacon one. it also has pasta and corn in it, which was different for me, but delicious. The only thing is...the salad dressing is a bit bland. It's like plain Miracle Whip. So...I just sprinkle a little Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix on it and stir it all up. Brilliant!

The food here is actually quite good. Sausages are amazing here. I remember thinking on my first extended stay here "what is up with sausages? Why are they such a big deal?". Then I had one. Heaven. I think I could eat them every day. They are nothing like the sausages back home (thank goodness). Mince pies are brill too. And kebabs. And meat pies. And...so much more! I don't lack for good food to eat.

Ok, I guess that's enough for now. I'm getting sleepy. Probably has something to do with me going to bed really late and getting up really early. No sense in staying in bed if I'm just going to toss an turn though. I don't want to keep Phil from getting good sleep. He's the one that has to work this evening. I'm going to be all alone this evening. It's not a bad thing. I don't get much done when Phil is around. I like spending time with him and everything else takes a back seat. This week will give me a chance to do some stuff around the house and finish editing my short stories. Shopping would be nice too.

Fingers crossed my check clears soon!

Ciao for now

I'm in Wigan now!

Yay! I made it to Wigan! Yeah, I know it's been a while since my last post...I got my visa (obviously) and now here I am, sitting on the couch, in my new home. I've just finished watching Dave Gorman's "Modern Life Is Goodish" (a brilliant show) and eating a Ferraro Rocher (which was one of the gifts I got from Phil when I got here). 

My house! I love this house! It's a bit smaller than some houses back home, but plenty of room. And I've not fallen down the stairs! (inside joke)

I love this store! Poundland is awesome. For all my American peeps, it's like the Dollartree...only it's $1.65 instead...LOL. They have lots of stuff you wouldn't find in a Dollartree though. Well posh!

After I'd worn myself out shopping at Poundland I needed food. I had the best fish and chips at this place. And the mushy peas...to die for! I'll definitely be going back. But there are so many different places to try around here...might be a while till I get back to it. 

I've only been here a few days...but they've been really wonderful. I think I've finally got rested up from the trip and the time difference. I've had great evenings with Phil and spent quite a bit of time with the girls. They're a lot of fun and very interesting to talk to. I feel very comfortable here. Well, except for the bed...LOL. Thankfully, the new mattress will be here tomorrow....or....today, seeing as it's after midnight. Speaking of which, I should probably head to bed because I gotta get up at 8am so I can be ready when they come to deliver it. 

Ciao for now

Recent Events

Well, it's been a while since I've talked about me and Phil. To be honest, I've been rather busy with the whole process of getting my Fiance Visa. Now that I've filed, it's a huge load off my mind.

It's not an easy thing, moving to the UK. They aren't exactly standing there when you get off the airplane saying "Welcome! Stay as long as you like!" I've visited Phil 3 times now and we've gone to France and Italy and Egypt and Greece during my visits, so I've had to go through the UK customs line several times. Some of the people working there don't have very good social skills. There were a couple of times where the person who checked me through made things very uncomfortable. I got the impression they thought I was a conniving American woman who had used my wiles on an unsuspecting Brit with a good job. I guess they were partly right...he makes a comfortable living. As for me using my wiles on him though...I doubt that I have any. Besides, he's much to smart for that sort of thing. It's pretty simple really. I love him and he knows it.

So, he wants me to move over there and marry him. Was a complete shock and surprise to me...and even now, months later, I still have my moments of disbelief. It's like a fairytale dream come true. Not only do I get to move to England and live among all that history and culture...I get to do so with the most amazing man I have ever known. It's probably impossible to convey how amazing Phil is (I know there are probably things I love about him that some people wouldn't) but I'll try. He's brilliantly intelligent, honest (sometimes bluntly), generous, accepting of people just the way they are, responsible and he's not controlling. There's no one I like talking to more than him. He says the feeling is mutual. Pretty amazing, huh?

Moving over there and marrying Phil isn't exactly an easy (or quick) process though. Not cheap either! The fiance visa application cost $1404 to file. Took me a while to save up for that. It's all done now though. It was actually easier than I thought it would be. They've made some changes recently and it's quite different than the previous forms I printed out. Those were a nightmare! The online application was loads easier. It was so easy I thought for sure I was missing something...LOL.

I still had to have lots of documents though. Phil had to provide a lot of info as well. He had to copy and print out every page of his passport, send a copy of his divorce decree, supply his tax info for the last couple of years and his check stubs for the last few months. I had to send my divorce decree, print out a copy of the visa application, send in the printed email for the biometrics info (signed and dated by the person who completed my scanning), more passport photos, photos of me and Phil together, and my actual passport. I also had to include a postage paid envelope for them to send my info back to me. You'd think if I was paying that sort of money, they could at least afford to send my stuff back to me!

Anyway, that's all done. Now I'm waiting. I got an email today that my information has arrived in Sheffield, UK. I wasn't aware that it would go there. The info that I received on my application said to send it to New York...so I did. My return envelope had postage paid for a return trip from inside the US. I'm not sure how that all will work. I'm hoping they'll send it back to NY and then to me. Actually, I don't care how they do it...as long as it gets back to me. Soon. Very soon, I hope.

I'm very excited to start my new life. I'm nervous too. It's a big change. Phil is making things as easy for me as he can though. He's been very understanding. He's even doing some remodeling before I get there. No, it's not just because of me, he had things he wanted to do anyway, but he's going to try and get them done before I get there....a shower stall installed in the bathroom, new mattresses on all the beds, the back room redecorated to be more space efficient, and the one thing that's probably more for me than anything else....a new stove! See how amazing he is?

I still think it's all a beautiful dream sometimes. What did I do to deserve this? I'm a very lucky woman.

Moving to England

Yes, I'm going to be moving to England! It's all so very exciting. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it is actually. Just a few years ago I would have never thought it possible. Now it looks like it's going to be a reality. Not only do I get to live in such a wonderful place as Wigan, England, I get to be with a really amazing Englishman, Philip McCabe. 

Phil, playing his guitar. I love watching/listening to him. He's brilliant.

They don't exactly make it easy to move to England though. There are rules to follow and applications to fill out. It's not cheap either! Then there's the waiting. I've not even got to that part yet! I'm still trying to get the money saved up. 

You can't just decided you want to move to England and go over there and stay. They don't like that. They'll kick you out after 6 months and probably won't let you back in! I've got to marry Phil if I want to stay with him. I can't just go over there and decide to go get married there either. They don't let you do that. You have to apply for a fiance visa BEFORE you go over there to get married. That's where all the aggravation, money and waiting comes in. I'm still in the "aggravation" stage. I've printed the forms I need and have started filling them out. I'll have to actually apply online, but I want to have all the information I need sitting right next to me when I get my money saved up and am ready to do that. Then I'll just have to wait. And wait. And wait. They say it will take 12 to 24 weeks to get my visa (if they actually give me one, which Phil says they should). That's 3 to 6 months! They do say that most people get their back within 12 weeks though...so fingers crossed. Who knows? Maybe it could come back sooner. When I sent off my passport info it didn't take as long as they said it would. Maybe this will be the same. Wouldn't that be amazing?

John, me and Phil sitting outside the John Bull Chophouse, a brilliant put in Wigan, England.

I'm so ready to move. I really miss Phil. I miss living in Wigan. I don't miss the stairs though...LOL. Guess I better get over my stair-phobia if I'm going to live there. I'll just be very careful. What are the chances I'll fall down them again? Yes, I fell down the stairs last time. I hope the chances are slim. Forewarned is forearmed, right? I'll be ready for them! 

Me and Phil, making a funny face while the girls take our picture. We were having dinner at a lovely restaurant in Malia, Crete. It was an amazing holiday!

I know it's going to be a completely different life for me there. That is very appealing to me though. It probably won't always be fun and exciting, but that's ok. There will be lots of new things to learn and lots of new experiences. I think we grow as individuals by facing challenges like that. I'm really looking forward to seeing who I will be a few years from now. I'm bound to be more than I am now. 
 

 

Man Of Mine

Meet Philip McCabe.

Yep, that's me with him. We took a trip to Southport that day. Had a great time. He's an amazing man. I know, I say that a lot. Trust me on this one though...he really is.

Phil unlike anyone I've ever met. Brilliantly smart (I know, you already knew that because he's with me), honest (sometimes stingingly so), giving (often helps me find something online or figure something out before I even ask), funny (he's good at making me smile and laugh) and very easy-going. He's not perfect though. Shhh...don't tell him I said that...LOL.

It still amazes me that I'm with him. How did I get so lucky?

Who knows? I just did and I'm very happy. I'm looking forward to the day when I get to go back...for good.
When will that be? I'm really not sure. I've got to fill out my fiance visa application and send it in. Then I should get something back in 12 to 24 weeks. I hear 95% of people get an answer in 12 weeks. Hope I'm in the 95%! If so, then maybe I'll be back over there before his next birthday...May 25th. Before if possible. When I think of May it seems so long to wait. I want to go now. I need to concentrate on enjoying what time I have left here though. Joseph is cool with me moving. He's 22 now and works and does his own thing. I hardly get to see him anymore. Jared isn't so thrilled about the idea. He's 15 and despite being that age, he's a little immature. He doesn't want to go with me though. Won't even consider visiting. We'll still have skype though. I'll still be able to keep in touch. I hope to come visit at least once a year as well.

It will all work out. I would like to think I'll get some visitors when I move...but it's not looking very likely. Despite having someone to see and a place to stay and food to eat, everyone still seems to think it's too far/too expensive/too much trouble. Oh well. Their loss.

I'm already a little bit familiar with Wigan, but it's so much different there than here...It's hard to "understand". I'll get more familiar in time though. It's a beautiful place and full of treasures for me to discover. I'm so excited.

Damn, my lunch hour is almost up. Guess I'll have to gush about my life more later.

Ciao for now.