Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity. ~Voltaire

Hiya!

Today, I went grocery shopping with The Mum and Youngest (who stayed home from school again because he is ill) so I could get some food that I like! I didn't really know what to get (other than Penguin biscuits, which are like Tim Tams, Laura!). So, I ended up getting cucumbers, celery and avocado. The Mum says she hasn't seen me eating much at all. I guess I've just been a little timid in my eating. I don't want them to think I am a pig. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE food, so it's weird that I have come across as a picky eater. —Oh, I also got some Chai tea! I haven't had any in weeks, because the England family pretty much only drinks orange pekoe.

For tea tonight, I made this delicious marinade for salmon that the former au pair used to make. It's super easy and yummy:

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Hoi Sin Sauce
2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
1 tbsp oil (can be sesame or olive, etc)
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 large pinch of '5 Chinese spices' (I don't know what's in this, but it was in a spice shaker)
2-4 salmon steaks

Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients and cover the salmon steaks with the marinade
- Marinate for 1-2 hours
-Bake @ 180 F for about 25 mins.
- ENJOY!

I am feeling better about getting lost last night. Today, The Mum and I drove into the city centre and she showed me where to park next time. Also, the lady from the choir said not to worry about missing last night's rehearsal; I would have felt unprepared. She welcomes me to come next week, though. So, that's what I'll do!

Anyways, I'm going to go take some Tylenol Cold and have a nice cup of tea! Cheerio!

I had a bad day, I'm takin' one down, I'll sing a sad song just to turn it around…

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I had a BAD day. So bad.

When I woke up, I had it all planned out. After I dropped the kids off, I would go home to have a nap (I've been feeling poorly lately), get up at 10:30, finish the ironing for the day, have some quiet time, go for a run, drop off my application at Oxfam and maybe even have time to watch some tv.

But instead, Youngest's nursery called, asking me to pick him up. So I did. I got to the nursery fine, but then I got lost. It took me 45 minutes to find my way back. And then, I ended up getting the ironing done, but I couldn't go for a run or to Oxfam. I spent the day lounging on the couch. He slept for most of the morning. He got up around 1 and ordered me to put on his favourite tv show. We're working on his manners. Most of the time it was "I don't want to watch this, I want to throw it away…" I think I started 3 different movies for him, but when we got a few minutes in, he didn't want to watch them anymore. Lord, give me patience.

Then, I called the contact person for the City of Birmingham Choir and told her I was coming out tonight. I wrote down all the directions and double checked them. But, long story short, I never got there. I got lost. And the signage here is ridiculous. I barely saw a street sign! When I stopped and asked for directions, either people had no idea where Bull St was or their directions were way too vague. I mean, people were very very nice, but I was so frustrated. And then it took me about 1/2 an hour to find my way back again. So embarrassing. I'm going to take a taxi next week.

Mop-day #2

Today was a full day! Of course, it being mop-day, I spent most of the morning dusting, sweeping, mopping and wiping. But, there is a twist in the prevailing plot. Youngest threw-up this morning, so he stayed home from school today. He spent the morning ordering me to change the channel, change the DVD or tell him a story.

Then, I took him to a place that would scare the poop out of my good friend Tom. It is called 'Hickory Dickory's Playhouse' and it is one of those huge indoor playgrounds with giant slides and spider nets, trampolines and ball-pits. Except for this one has 'glass floors' and stretches of netting that you are meant to run across. And you can't just let the kids run rampant, you are supposed to go with them. It was so much fun! Seriously, if you know anyone with a kid under 5 years old, offer to 'babysit' them. Take them to one of these places and go wild! Maybe those of you who are coming to visit me next summer could go on an outing to 'Hickory Dickory's' with me? You are probably all laughing… I guess you had to be there.

Also, I went to collect the girls all by myself this afternoon! Driving on the wrong side of the road really isn't that hard. It was fine!


I am reading 'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult. It's a page turner! The main character is Anna, who's sister, Kate, has leukemia. Anna was a test-tube baby, hand-picked to be the perfect donor for her sister. When Kate's kidneys begin to fail, her parents expect Anna to donate one of hers. But instead, Anna decides to sue them for the rights to her own body, to make her own medical decisions. I'm really enjoying it. 'My Sister's Keeper' is now a 'major motion picture' starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin. I'll have to rent the movie after I see it.

I hope Youngest goes to school tomorrow, I am exhausted!

Bee Hivin' in the Old Near and Far

What a day, what a day!

Youngest is suffering from an ear ache and a cough, so he hasn't been sleeping well. He got up at around 4:30 this morning asking for his mummy and daddy. The poor kid :(

I went to church today and it is much less awkward now that I know a few names and faces. There was another lunch after the service, so I got to meet even more people. All of the students are back in the city now, because most of them start school tomorrow. Next weekend, there are a whole bunch of events happening in relation to the church's 10th 'birthday', so I will have even more opportunity to go out and get to know my new friends a bit more. There will be a 'cream tea', a live music night, a Ceilidh (kay-lee), some events to serve the city and even 'Oasis has got talent'. I will also go out to a small group this week. I think finally I will be able to make connections and see some of my new friends outside of a regular Sunday meeting.

After church, The Dad took me for a spin in my new 'near and far' (car). I did pretty well! I kept to the speed limit and didn't run into anything. There was only one time that I went up on the curb a bit, just for a sec. Tomorrow, I will drive the kids to school for the first time!

Au Pairs-Upon-Avon

Good morrow, my friends! Tonight, I return to Birmingham from the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Hungary and I left very early this morning to get there at a reasonable hour.

We saw the house where the Bard was born…
… and the house and gardens where he spent his last days and eventually died (Nash House/New Place), along with the house of his daughter and her doctor husband (Hall's Croft)…


… and the church where he was buried (Holy Trinity)…


… and saw all these sweet old graves stones with awesome engraved lettering …


…(Hungary thought it was a bit creepy that I sat down beside a gravestone)…

We had time to check out this awesome brass rubbings place, a 'Festival of Food' and do some window shopping…

… and I even saw a few of my countrymen (the geese)!


All in all, It was a great day! The sun was shining and it got very warm at one point. We didn't get to see a couple of things, but Stratford-Upon-Avon is close enough that we can go back soon to see a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company and take a long walk to Anne Hathaway (Shakespeare's wife, not the Hollywood actress)'s cottage. And maybe next time, I can drive! The Dad found me a car today: a silver 1999 Renault Clio!


Tomorrow, I will have my first UK driving lesson!

Friday Night Picture Show

Hello, loyal readers! I trust you have all had a wonderful Friday.

Today, I did my usual morning routine: cleaning, ironing while watching ANTM/Project Catwalk, a run in the park… and then my usual afternoon routine: walking into Moseley and King's Heath. Except for today, I picked up an application form to volunteer at Oxfam. I'll drop it off next time I'm in town.

When the kids got home from school, Middle and I made cupcakes. They were supposed to be red velvet, from my friend Sarah's blog (Milk and Honey Cafe), but we tried to make them purple. They turned out brown… but they still tasted fine.

The Mum got me a ballooning gig at the girls' school. I'll be doing balloons at an Eid party in October. I'd better get my suitcase soon, then, because it's holding my special balloon bag. The Mum is really gung ho for marketing my balloon skills. I'd better get hooked up with a balloon supplier over here soon! She keeps encouraging me to make a business card and flier to hand around to all the mums at Youngest's pre-school.

Tonight, I watched 'What Happens in Vegas' with The Dad. At the end, he said "I just love chick flicks!" I'm definitely working for the right family.

Also, just now, I was coming up to go to bed, and Oldest muttered from the room next door "…but Sarah, I don't want to get up…" Hehehe, she'd only been in bed for about 45 minutes.

Anyways, tomorrow I am going to Stratford with Hungary! But I will leave you now with some pictures of the beautiful stained glass and one of the fireplaces in this beautiful old English house!
And my 3-weeks lived in room!


P.S. The Mum said that I am one of her best-dressed au pairs!

Thursday

Today, Youngest wiped his snotty nose all over my pants.

Also, I went for another jog today. This time, I actually did 3 or 4 sets of jogging in between walking. There is such a nice park (Cannon Hill Park) just around the corner from our house that motivates me to get out there. I will definitely have to keep it up, if I want to continue eating Jaffa cakes (which The Mum bought for me today in the groceries) and Penguin biscuits.

Hungary and I have made a few plans for our trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon this weekend. We are going to leave really early in the morning (everything closes at 5 pm in Stratford) so we can have a full day of site-seeing (and tea-drinking, if I have my way). We are going to see a play at visit Shakespeare's birthplace. Stratford-Upon-Avon is part of an area of England called 'The Cotswalds'. I'm not to sure what the Cotswalds are, apart from an area that is 'typically English', but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

I think The Mum and The Dad are getting a little concerned with my hanging around the house all the time… they asked me if I liked clubbing and recommended a few clubs. Bless them. It's really nice that they want me to get out there! I will, I'm sure, soon enough! But clubbing's just not my bag, baby.

Well, I think I will go to the city centre tomorrow! There is a bus that will get me there in 15 mins, so I will have lots of time to explore.

Nos Da! (Good night in Welsh)

…makes Sarah a dull girl

Well, no Gospel choir tonight. The Dad had planned on giving me a ride, but he got held up at work and had he driven me when he got home, I wouldn't have arrived until 1/2 way through the rehearsal. So… instead, I am sitting in my room, not singing. I had a bit of a pout when the clock struck 6:30 and he wasn't home yet. But he was genuinely sorry that he had been tied up at work. It wouldn't have been as big a deal if the choir rehearsal was closer to where we live, but it was about a 1/2 hour drive. So, I researched and found a choir that meets much closer to where we live. I can get there using public transit. It's not a Gospel choir, but it'll do. Check out the City of Birmingham Choir. I kind of like their logo. They meet on Tuesdays, so I still have almost a whole week until I can go.

It has been difficult for me to find something to do during the day. I've been checking out community boards and the like since I've been here, but all the yoga, dance and music classes are offered in the evening. I will have to keep looking, because I am going to go crazy if I am stuck in this house all day! I wont have a thing to write about if my life goes on like this! Today, after finishing the day's cleaning and ironing, all I did was go for a jog (which, to be honest, turned into a brisk walk because I am out of shape) and sit in the park and read. I'm almost finished 'The Colour of Magic'! I haven't read a book that quickly since the last Harry Potter installment came out.

I don't usually finish my daily chores until around 11:00, so I think getting a second job will be pretty hard. But volunteering at an Oxfam store would be possible, especially since you can make your own hours by working there.

I will have to take up a new hobby. Any suggestions?

…oh yeah, it rained today for the first time since I got here.

I like biscuits (cookies)

I have officially been here for 2 weeks!

Today was another domestic day for me. I did a little ironing and a little vacuuming. But I did manage to leave the house today to have chicken pie at a pub on the High Street. I also tried some more English biscuits. These ones I really like. They're called 'Penguin Biscuits' and they're like 'Fudgeos' with a chocolate coating. Mmmmm.

I also sorted out my baggage issue! The nice man at British Airways informed me that I didn't even need to fill out the confusing set of forms that was boggling my mind. So, tomorrow, I will ask Kevin to fax the proper form. Hopefully I will see my stuff this week!

I had such a designer moment today! Anyone who has gone through my program, or any graphic design program for that matter, will tell you that they are now cursed with a mind that critiques any sort of visual communication that they see. So, today, when Oldest was working on a poster for her science class, I had to bite my tongue at her use of 'Copperplate Gothic' and an underline. It was even worse when she started to make each letter of 'electricity' a different colour… and not in the order they appear in the rainbow. Of course, that's exactly what most 10-year-olds, (including myself, at that age) regard as 'cool' design. Oh well. She's a very clever young lady, but the visual arts are just not her forté.

Tomorrow night is the 4th Wednesday night of the month, which means that there is a rehearsal for the Birmingham Community Gospel Choir! I am going to go out and see if I can join up. I am looking forward to singing in a choir again. Although, I am a little shy to go… I'm not exactly an expert or anything. Stay tuned to learn about how that goes!

Mop-day #1

Monday will henceforth be Mop-day in the England family household. Today was a busy day for me… and I didn't even leave the house. I think my former roommates of the Batcave and 40Cook would be utterly and completely flabbergasted at the amount of cleaning I did today. They would be stunned to find that I didn't overly hate it, either. (Although this has been my first Mop-day of many to come.) I swept, dusted, mopped and cleaned the stovetop, the microwave, both ovens and even did 2 loads of laundry and a pile of ironing. And then, at the end of it all, I had to deal with a three-year-old who wouldn't eat his tea (dinner). I'm sure all the mothers in the audience (probably only my own) are rolling their eyes saying 'see what I had to put up with for 20+ years?!' So, I would like to offer an apology now: Mom, I love you and I'm sorry for making your day even harder when I came home from school and cried about my math homework. That's not to say I don't love my job. I knew it would be a huge learning experience and I'm glad that I am actually learning!

Anyways… Oldest is preparing for this exam that all 'year 6' (grade 5?) students take called '11+'. I'm not really crystal clear on it's actual purpose, but it affects Oldest in that if she gets top grades, she will be able to go to any private highschool of her choice. From what I know about oldest, she's pretty smart and studious and wont have any problems. She is being tutored for the exam and I took a look at her tutoring homework today. It is a lot of problem solving and riddle-type stuff. For me (a 22-year-old university grad) most of it is a piece of cake, but there were a few questions (math-related) that I had trouble with. My 10-year old self would not have found these questions that easy. Are all British kids expected to be this clever?!

The best icecream of life, besides Moosetracks during a peanut-butter-less summer, is Wall's Cream of Cornish. Mmmmmmm. Try it if you can find it at home, it's something I can't bring home on the plane.

I am reading 'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett. It is the first book in the 'Discworld' series and so far, it's pretty good! If you like fantasy (I'm talking to you, GLC friends… although this series is probably old news to you), then pick it up! If you like British humour, pick it up!

Well, I'd better get to bed… I have a bunch more ironing and some vacuuming to do tomorrow before they hire the cleaner back.

Hasta Mañana, mis amigos!

The Weekend Report

I realised as I was going to bed (very late) last night that I had forgotten to write my blog entry. So, here's my Weekend Report:

I slept in quite late yesterday, and later went on a walk into town with Hungary. She and I are planning a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon for next Saturday! It will be our first UK outing. I'm pretty excited for our trip, I will have to research what plays are on and where to eat and when to get the bus!

Later on, The Mum and The Dad went to a party in London, so I was left to have a movie night with the kiddies. I was surprised at how well Youngest went to bed for me! He let me put on his nappy and brush his teeth and everything. He even went right to sleep! Then, I got the junkfood out and I let the girls choose a movie. Bizarrely, they chose 'Big Mama's House 2'… Middle and Oldest were pretty well behaved, too— oh, apart from these toys Oldest had. I guess she had a bit of pocket money and decided to get these powerful magnets that make a horrible, jarring bang when she tosses them in the air. They gave me the mother of all headaches!!

This morning, Youngest was calling 'Mummy! Daddy' at 6:30 this morning! His parents didn't get in until half 3 (3:30 am), so I let them have a bit of a lie-in. Igot up with Youngest and put on his favourite show 'Little Einsteins'. Later on, I went to church— same place as last week— where I was invited to a free lunch for students and 20's. It was great, because I got to meet a lot of people my own age. I am excited to be apart of their community. I am looking forward to getting to know them (even though most of them thought I was a 'fresher' (frosh) and American, hehe).

When I got home from lunch, I found that my Lovely Co-Director from camp had posted a whole bunch of photos from this summer on facebook! It was really nice to look through her photos, because I have been feeling just a little bit homesick this weekend. I keep checking my email hoping to hear from home. But these pictures really made me laugh and remember how fun and ridiculous camp was this summer! So, here's a shout out to Golden Lake Perm Staff 2009: You guys are all awesome and I miss you a lot! I hope you have a wonderful year at school!

Here are a few of my favourites:

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Today was also my first day of being an au pair all by myself!

It wasn't really a typical day, so Monday will really be my true test. I got the girls up and ready for school just fine. Youngest didn't have school today, but I still had to get him ready because he and The Mum were going on a grocery run after dropping the girls off. It was up to me to take off his nappy (diaper) that he just wears to bed and get him into some clothes. I quite successfully cornered him and put him in a pair of knickers (undies), but then had to chase him around the 2nd floor and try to wrestle him into a t-shirt. It was quite like scenes you've seen in movies where a nanny or babysitter has tried to dress an unruly toddler. He then ran into his parents' (both of which were home this morning) room, where I don't really want to venture. The Dad took pity on me and offered to get him dressed. After The Mum left, I quickly did some laundry, ironing and sweeping and the day was mine!

I spent it taking a walk to the High Street to buy some cleanser, yummy English chocolate and a couple of second-hand books at an Oxfam shop. Instead of large department-style second hand stores like Value Village and Goodwill, I've only seen quite small shops. And they all seem to be run by a charity, and mostly by volunteers. There are shops for children's hospices, cancer research, and as I mentioned, Oxfam. Hungary has decided that she will volunteer on the weekends for an Oxfam shop, it will help her learn English!

I spent the rest of the day reading and trying to figure out how to get my suitcase released from customs. No luck with that yet, but I have a couple more ideas about who I can call for help on Monday.

Tomorrow, The Mum and The Dad are going to The Mum's sister's 50th birthday party, so I will be at home with the kiddies!

P.S. Oh yeah-- The Dad almost got me a car today, a vintage mini!! But the gearbox or some doohicky was broken. Soooo disappointing. It was so cute!

The Long Day is Over…

It was a long day today. Mostly because Youngest doesn't go to school on Thursdays and Fridays. Also because the current au pair spent the day packing and saying goodbye.

The Mum has Thursdays and Fridays off as well, so she and I cooked! I made Tortilla Soup and she made Ratatouille (yum), ham in cider and cloves and cheese and onion bread. We feasted at lunch time. Youngest even helped a bit by chopping mushrooms. He likes to chop things and often talks about how he wants to grow up to be a 'chopping doctor'. Not sure what that is. He has this 'Human Body' book that he just loves. He likes to point out the heart and the lungs and the brain. On the page that shows the stages in pre-natal development, he likes to say that the baby got inside the mother because the mother ate it. I guess that would seem logical to a three-year-old.

The Mum went out to by the current au pair a gift (a lovely diamond pendant) in the afternoon, taking Youngest with her. This gave me a bit of time to relax. Among a variety of relaxing activities, such as showering and playing my guitar, I began to read 'Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold. It's been made into a movie that's coming out, so I thought I'd read the book before I saw the film version. (Although, I've already seen the trailer, so Rachel Weisz, Mark Whalberg and Saoirse Ronan appear in my head as the characters they play). It's a little grim, because it's about a young girl who was raped and murdered, but other than that I like it so far. It's so beautiful in it's descriptions and the author's idea of heaven is creative and really interesting.

We all took the current au pair to the airport, which was sad. In the car on the way home, Youngest kept asking where she was. He doesn't really understand yet. I was supposed to pick up a suitcase that my parents shipped (thanks Mom and Dad!), but I have to fill out all this paperwork first. It's all transit numbers and container numbers and consignor's addresses. Bah! I don't think I'll get it for another week!! And I really need my nail clippers! I've been biting my nails (which is disgusting).

Well, I am completely and utterly by myself and all alone tomorrow. No current au pair to remind me of my job or correct me, or to rebuke the children if they don't listen to me. *sigh* I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

P.S. I recieved an email from a certain friend today that mentioned that he was surprised that I write an entry every day! Just wait until I make more friends… then you wont have to read so much! :P

Truly the End of an Era

Well… today was the current au pair's last day (she's going back to Australia), and it's been a roller coaster of emotion. Our day was pretty normal, except for that Youngest was acting up a bit because he didn't want to go to school (and later, he had some kind of cut or bite on his 'boobie', as he called it.)

After the homework was done, we all went out to eat at the most non-English place I could imagine: T.G.I.Friday's. It was nice to have everyone around the dinner table together and to joke a bit with The Mum and The Dad.

At the moment, I am up in my room while the family have a good cry and hug with the current au pair. They are all very sorry to see her go. She has been here for two-and-a-half years! I figured it would be smart of me to let them have some time with her alone. I am a little sad for Youngest. The current au pair came to be with this family when he was only 6 months old, and he is now 3 years old. He hasn't known any other au pair. Hopefully, he will get used to me in time!

I am nervous for the next couple of weeks. First of all, I know it will be hard with the departure of the current au pair. I am now the only authority in the house when The Mum and The Dad are at work. I have nobody to remind me of little things I need to do and I will be cooking for 3 picky children on my own. Plus, The Mum is taking me driving on the left side of the road on Sunday!

I think the hardest parts will be when Youngest asks for the current au pair instead of me, or if Middle and Oldest don't like what I say and they tell me that 'they liked the current au pair so much better.'

I predict that I will consume a good amount of chocolate in the next month.

Please pray that I wont let these kids get me down!

R.I.P. Patrick Swayze 1952-2009

The current au pair and I heard about the demise of a most beloved actor, singer, dancer and icon in the car this morning. We sang along to "(I've Had The)Time of My Life" on the radio and reminisced about dancing along with Swayze's swivelling hips. *sigh* Our prayers are with his family. WE shall miss you, Mr. Swayze.

Movin' On Up

Today, the current au pair asked me to step up! So, I did! I woke up the girls and got them their breakfast. I made sure they had everything they needed for school. I made sure they brushed their hair and their teeth and that they were wearing their proper uniform. I think I did quite well… especially considering that one cries whenever school is mentioned, the other can't hear anything else when the television is on (just like me at her age) and the last one is utterly impaired at hurrying.

I don't know what I was thinking when I packed my suitcase to come here. As far as warm sweaters go, I have only one wool sweater, two thin long-sleeved shirts and one 3/4-length sweatshirt. If you've ever been to England in the autumn you will know that that's just not enough. So, today, when the current au pair took me to the High St. in Harbourne, I ransacked the few and not-so-stylish clothing stores for wool sweaters. I tried on a few, but the jumpers, as they call sweaters here, were either too expensive, or just not to my extremely picky taste. I will have to wait until I pick up my other baggage from the airport on Thursday… or maybe I'll take a trip into town to go shopping at the Bull Ring.

I tried another very British thing today: Jaffa cakes. Listen up Meg: Jaffa cakes are these little cakey orange-flavoured cookies with orange jam and chocolate on top. They are scrumptious. If you are near a British shop anywhere, try them!

After we collected Youngest, Middle and Oldest from school, I made them 'tea' (dinner) all by myself! I didn't do anything fancy, they wouldn't eat it if I did. I made them pasta with meat sauce and veggies. I will have to toughen up a bit, though, in order to refuse the children their dessert if they don't eat their broccoli. Youngest pretty much never gets dessert.

The children told me today how excited they were for halloween!!! I immediatly volunteered to help them with their costumes and take them trick-or-treating! It's going to be great.

Until tomorrow…

A Day of My Own

Today is Sunday. *sigh* A day of rest all to myself. Today, the current au pair went to visit her boyfriend and he grandparents, so I was left to my own devices. As mentioned previously, I decided to check out this church, Oasis, that meets in a cricket ground. Almost immediately, a friendly man came over to introduce himself and welcome me! Soon after, another woman introduced herself and then a few people that are closer to my age. I've already collected a few phone numbers! I am so encouraged by the people I met today! I will make friends after all :P

The message was really good, too! They are in the middle of a series about Community, based on 1 Corinthians 15, today it was verses 20-23. (By the way, they say 'one Corinthians' instead of 'first Corinthians'… it threw me off the first few times I heard it.) The speaker talked about Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings for our future, the new lives we will be given. I especially liked how the speaker talked about heaven. He said that often we have this big long list of things we need to see before we die… things that are just awesome and so amazing. He reminded the congregation that the amazing sites we can experience in this world are part of a decaying world and that the new earth that will come when heaven comes to earth will be infinitely more spectacular… especially because in the new earth, we'll be able to chill with God.

After church, I took a nice long walk to King's Heath, the neighborhood next to ours. The neighborhoods in England are all organized around their own 'high street', so in each little community, there is a street with essential shops, like a grocery, a chemists (pharmacy), etc. This is a great way for a city to be built! Even in areas that are quite suburban, you are only a short walk from the shops. King's Heath's High St. is really long! It has a library, a Blockbuster, some pound shops and tons of others! About half of them were closed today (since it is Sunday), but I would like to go back during the week.

When I was out, I had lunch in a 'Wetherspoons', which is a chain of pubs. I had a delicious meal of roast pork, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, veg, and these yummy stuffing ball things with a pint of Foster's for only 6 pounds! It was such a bargain! It was a little awkward to eat alone… so I called my friend Stefa, who goes to med school in London. I haven't spoken to her in months! We've decided that in a few weeks, when we've both settled into our schedules, that we will arrange a few visits to see eachother!

Anyways, the current au pair told me that this week I will have to step up and take control this week! I'd better step it up! I think it must look to The Mum and The Dad that I've only come to Birmingham to check out the city, travel and make friends. The Mum said to me something like 'Well, at least you're doing well on the meeting people front.' I'm not sure she meant is as it sounded, but still… *pulling collar away from neck awkwardly* bahaha…

Pimm's makes it the Party of the Year!

The bouncy castle (complete with slide) arrived at 8:00 am. I, of course, was still in bed, trying to get a little more sleep. The next to arrive were Youngest's 'friends'. Friends is in quotes because I'm not sure he really understands what friends are yet. He's only 3, so the rest of the little boys are just playmates, really. Later on in the afternoon, around 2:00 or 3:00, Middle and Oldest's friends arrived. They are a group of about 16 screaming schoolgirls, with personalities that range from prissy princess to terrifying tomboy. The party games commenced, with two games of pass-the-parcel: one for the younger children, one for the older. There were face-painting and balloons (by me), which were a huge success! And much running around and bouncing on the bouncy castle.

The most memorable (and, quite frankly, scariest) time of day was when Middle and Oldest's friends lined up to smash the pirate ship pinata. Each girl had had two turns at smacking the pinata, but there was barely a crack in it. Finally, the boy from next store came by and gave it a few good whacks and split it open, spilling sweeties (that's what they call candy over here) everywhere! The children went wild! They rushed forward, diving onto the ground to grab handfuls of candies, emitting screams that would drown out a ambulance's siren. As the current au pair's boyfriend put it: 'They were like vultures!!!' I was, for a few moments, afraid for my safety. And of course, after all the sweets were cleaned up, a few of the girls began complaining… 'Hey! She's got more chocolate than I do!' and 'That's not fair!!!'

Around 4:00, the current au pair's friends arrived. There were a couple faces I recognized from 'Moorpool', but most were new. I met Nanny, one of the current au pair's friends who works as a nanny in Birmingham as well as next door's au pair, who is from Hungary (I will hereafter refer to her as Hungary). We had a nice meal of an assortment of barbequed meat, salad and delicious chocolate cake… with cream. Yes, cream. Like the kind you put in your coffee… well, maybe a bit thicker than that. I found it so odd. Why would I pour something on my perfectly good chocolate cake and make it all soggy?! But, then I tried it and found it so yummy.

Another delicious English thing I had today was Pimm's. Pimm's is a gin-based (are you reading, Andrew?) alcoholic beverage that you mix with lemonade and fruit to make a flavourful and very English cocktail. I think I had four or five Pimm's cocktails throughout the day! Yum, I shall have to bring a couple of bottles back at Christmas time to share!

A few of Middle and Oldest's friends are still here for a sleepover. Oldest's room is just next to mine, and unfortunately, she has some of the most rambunctious friends. It may be a bit of a late night for me.

Good night, friends!

Well… it's Sept 11th again

So, I was helping The Mum do the grocery shopping at Sainsbury's with Youngest this morning and in the middle of checking out, this announcement came over the P.A.: "Please join us for a moment of silence in memory of those who died and lost loved ones due to the attacks on 9/11."
I had completely forgotten what September 11th meant. Oops. Being an ardent pacifist, I sometimes think of war and 'terrorist attacks' with a callous attitude… 'well, if it hadn't been for that darned war… I'm just against all this violence!…' But when I listen to the words that I heard today, about people losing their lives and loved ones, I am softened just a bit. I don't really know what my point is… maybe I just realized a little more today that all these bad things that happen in the world aren't the result of Pinky-and-the-Brain-minded conquerors who want to 'take over the world'. The attacks of 9/11 were in part due to the pain felt by a people who had also lost lives and loved ones. I'm not excusing their multi-faceted strike, but maybe just trying to humanize it a bit.

A couple of guys who can explain my attitude towards war MUCH better than I can are Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. Check out their book 'Jesus for President'. They reiterate so well that God is never in support of the violence that happens in our world, but in Jesus, he forgives it.

Tomorrow is Youngest's birthday party! There is going to be a bouncy castle, pass the parcel and so many British sweets, you wouldn't believe! Stay tuned for that!

Cheerio!

I'm Sounding AWEsome!

Hia!

Wow! Today was a LONG day! The current au pair let me sleep in a little bit, so I can try to get my sleeping schedule on track, but I was still exhausted the whole day.

Youngest only goes to school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so he was home today with us. We took him to the park and bought him an ice cream. Unfortunately, his pleasant mood did not last all day. After a lovely afternoon of playing in the garden and watching 'Little Einsteins', we went to pick up Middle from school (Oldest had tutoring today). It was a bit of a nightmare getting Youngest to put his shoes on and to get in the car. He cried and screamed, saying 'I don't want to go! I want to stay here!' He made a fuss almost all the way to the school and when we got out of the car to walk up to the building, he would either run away, or sit and refuse to follow us. And once we'd collected Middle to head back to the car, he cried and cried about getting back in!! We had to give him two time-outs. Thankfully, the current au pair says that this behaviour is rare.

I also helped Middle with her spelling homework. I would read out her list of words and she would have to write them down. I'm afraid I caused a bit of trouble for her with my Canadian accent. She has been learning to spell 'au' words, like 'cause', 'pause' and 'applause'. But when I read these words to her, she hears 'cars', 'pars' and 'applars'. I'm going to have to adopt an English accent if I'm going to help her learn to spell! I'll have to speak like her if I want to sound awesome instead of arsome!

Today, The Mum gave me a book called 'The Learning Directory', that lists all of the 'adult education' classes in the city. These are classes like pottery, yoga, dance, music, etc. I'll have to pick one soon so I can make some friends. I've found this church that's not too far away that I'm going to try going to. It's called 'Oasis' and it meets in the local cricket grounds. They have a lot of programs for students and 20-somethings, so maybe I'll meet some people there, too! If you want to check it out, the website is http://www.theoasischurch.com/

Here are just a couple prayers for those of us who always think we're too busy:

O Lord,
you know how busy I must be this day.
If I forget you,
do not forget me.
(Sir Jacob Astley, before the Battle of Edgehill, 1642)

We read in the Gospel, Lord,
that you went away to lonely places to pray.
In my busy days of noise and action,
remind me of my need
for time alone
and for peace and quiet
and silence within.
Be with me now
as I pause for a few moments in quietness.
(NH)

Dennis Quaid

…or Liam Neeson… or David Tennant… no, definitely a mixture of David Tennant and Colin Firth

I have arrived!

Hello friends!

Here I am in my new bedroom in Birmingham! I have been here for two whole days and it has been a LOT to take in! The children are wonderful! They are so excited to show me around and to have me help them with their homework. But, they are siblings, so sometimes they don't always get on that well, which is to be expected. There is a lot for me to learn about these three, like what they are allowed and not allowed to do. I'll have to be careful not to be a pushover.

Their current au pair is lovely. She has so much patience when showing me around. Today, she took me into the city centre, where I saw the 'Bull Ring', a huge mall where I will no doubt spend hundreds of pounds… maybe I should steer clear of the Bull Ring. She also took me to meet her friends at her drama group, The Moorpool Players. They are a great bunch! Even though I'm the worst actor of life, I might hang around with them once in a while… maybe I can help out with sets and programs.

I learned, yesterday, that all three children go to school in a neighborhood that is much too far to walk to, so I will be taking driving lessons in the coming weeks, in order to be able to drive on English roads. This will be an adventure, as I already find it awkward even sitting on the left side of the car as a passenger!

I also got a UK cellphone today! I've got a pay-as-you-go plan that gives me inexpensive international texting! Let me know if you want my new number!

I'd better get to bed, I'm still a little jet-lagged!

Losing Some Weight!

So... if you are moving to the UK, don't fly Thomas Cook. I mean, if you're like a few boys I know, it wouldn't be hard. Their baggage restrictions are RIDICULOUS! I'm leaving so many things behind due to the stupid weight restrictions, plus I'm going to end up paying extra fees because my bags still weigh too much! This is frustrating.

Leaving on a Jet-Plane, Lyrics by Me!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go,
Hello Birmingham, Goodbye Toronto,
I just want to say a bitter-sweet goodbye,

When your dawn is breakin', it's my afternoon,
When it's your supper-time, I can see the moon,
But I'll still stay in touch, you don't have to cry,

So kiss me and smile for me,
Tell me that you'll write to me,
You can visit to, if you have got the dough,

'Cause I'm leaving on a jet-plane,
I don't know when I'll be back again,
But when I book my flight, I'll be sure to let you know,

I'm packin' my guitar and my MacBook too,
I'll visit Baskerville and the London Zoo,
I'll take my camera -- I'm packing and then I'm gone!

I hope you'll pray for me, 'cause I'll pray for you,
I'm off to meet my kids and their parents too,
But we can keep in touch when I'm across the pond!

So kiss me and smile for me,
Tell me that you'll write to me,
And you can visit, too, if you have got the dough!

'Cause I'm leaving on a jet-plane,
Don't know when I'll be back again,
I'll miss you all, but now I've got to go!

I Ain't Bovvered... well, maybe just a little bit

...Eugh! I do NOT feel well. I've been nauseous for the past 5 days! My dad says that I'm just nervous about leaving on Monday. And by now, I'd have to agree. It's weird that my anxiety is manifesting itself by making me sick. The first time I had an anxiety attack, I felt a tightness in my chest and had difficulty breathing. Then, I had heart palpitations. But nausea is new.

I've had a few tears over leaving some people and things behind here. I mean, I know that there are so many awesome people to meet and so many things to do and to learn, but I'm finding it hard to say 'see you later'.

Yesterday, I helped move my friend Andrew into my apartment. What I mean by that is he is moving into the room I lived in last year. It was a little difficult for me to move him in, knowing that he's living where I'd be if I was staying in Canada. He's living with my roommates and best friends, Meghan and Jason! He's going to have a wonderful time— but I can't help being a little jealous. I guess I'll be the one visiting him at Christmas.

Today, I had to call my friend Steve to talk about some camp stuff and that was hard, too! It was so great to talk my friend whom I had worked so closely with this summer, but soon, I began to think about camp and how I wont be back there for summer 2010. I guess I just find it hard to leave behind a community like that, to go to a place where I really don't know anyone.

I think I really need God's help with this stuff. So, here are some verses that are helping me to trust that God will take care of me:

Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you." (NLT)

Psalm 32:8
"The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." (NLT)

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." (MSG)

Until next time...

P.S. Oh yeah... I was in a thrift store with Andrew the other day and we saw this mug that something to the effect of "You can't scare me, I'm a nanny." Hahahaha