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.
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
