Since I've Been Gone

As promised, here is another entry for those readers out there who want to know what I have been doing since arriving to the UK. The answer, in short, is not much. But I say that in a good way. I have by now adjusted to the time difference and am able to sleep really well. I have unpacked all of my things. Everyting officially has its own place. Yes, its a tad bit cramped, but Alex has done his very best to make me pleanty of room. Of course, the chest of drawers he purchased for me is filled to the brim. I have actually kept one of my suitcases out and store it under the bed. All of my shoes have their own case they are stored in. I have been able to cram in a few dressed into his wardrobe even. Yesterday I purchased some of those sticky hooks. I placed one on either side of the chest of drawer. One for my jammies and a hoodie, the other for my coat. It is much easier doing it this way and helps keep things tidy.

Actual activities we have done have been few. Mostly we go about day to day things. It is really nice. I've been into Alex's school with him last week. I got a tour of the building Alex uses. I mostly sat at a computer and read my nook while Alex and a classmate worked on a project. We have made many trips to the store for things I need and for food to cook. Typically Alex's mom cooks, but Alex and I have been cooking a lot together. Which is also very nice. Last week was Alex's dad's birthday and we went out for a meal. We went to a fancy buffet resturant that had sushi, chinese, thai, indian, etc. It was pretty good but a bit expensive. I never get my money's worth at those kinds of places. Saturday we went to Luke and Jo's house for some drinks. That was where I got to see everyone. A few people had stopped by to say hello previously, but this was really the first official get together of sorts (excluding Alan's birthday dinner that some of them attended). We had a really good time and I got to meet a few new people. It snowed on the way home and I was a bit sad about that as I do not miss the cold and snow from Iowa or Wisconsin.

I have also been able to watch Alex referee some rugby games. It was quite enjoyable actually. I am not a sports fan and don't exactly understand the rules, but it was interesting to watch in person. Gordon went with us on Saturday morning so I would have someone to stand with and chat to. He explained what was going on but mostly we just chatted and half paid attention. Of course I watched Alex the whole time instead of the game. He makes a cute ref when he uses his authoritative voice. The only downside of the experience was the wind and cold. Overall it was tolerable though, except when the sun was covered. Sunday it was just Alex and I. The match he was to ref got canceled so he ended up being an assistant ref/linesmen. It was nice because he got to watch the line near me so we had the opportunity to chat a bit throughout. It was sunnier that day but still a bit cold. I got to use the nice hand warmer Alex bought me. They worked very well. I also drank some tea to stay warm.

The only other thing we have done was play some geeky games with a few of the guys on Tuesday. That and plan ahead for fun things we will do. At night we usually watch something together after some of the family goes to bed. Its mostly been Red Dwarf since I have not seen th whole series. I enjoy it and Alex is pleased because it is a rather geeky show.

Today Alex is at school and will return shortly. We are going rock climbing with Grant. I probably will just watch due to my back being a bit sore today. I do look forward to it though. Friday we have a birthday party to go to. That will be the first official time we have been out in a pub since I have arrived. I look forward to tasting some good cider.

So there you have it. Probably a bit of a dull read. Sorry. I know people were curious though so I am fine with letting everyone in. I have been having a wonderful time overall. Just getting into the swing of things and enjoying the comfort of being here has been enough to keep me happy. Alex is taking very good care of me and making sure I have what I need and that my back is protected. It's really nice to be doing day to day things. Thats the best part really. I have been job looking a bit. Have not found much. I am getting all organized so I can apply apply apply next week. Even to things I am not sure I have a chance for.....but more on that in another entry.

 I must go eat something and prepare for my rock climbing adventure. Til next time, keep it real folks.