Well, we have well and truly got into the holiday spirit having had our first Thanksgiving day! Steve has been off since Wednesday lunchtime when we took delivery of our new car (Tigger) - strange that these two things happened at the same time!!!
Actually, really enjoying the car as it's a compact SUV which means we are small and nippy amongst these huge beasts on the road. I managed to get out and about on my own - just up to the supermarket - but it was good to get out onto the roads and I kept to the right side all the way!!!
On Thursday morning we were up and at our neighbours for 10:30 as we were eating our thanksgiving meal at 12. The boys were delighted as Angie's nephew (Laine) who is 10 was there so they all had a great day together.
We had the most delicious meal together and the boys got to try some new dishes. Angie had her Mum, brother, sister in law, 2 nieces, 1 nephew and three other friends there as well as us. Steve found a new audience to tell his stories to so we ended up staying until nearly 6pm.
I spent my time chatting to the ladies and going through the papers in preparation for Black Friday. Black Friday is basically a crazy sale day that starts at 4am. People here will queue/camp outside shops all night to get in to get a bargain and they have some really crazy deals here such as iPhone's for 99 cents. You do have to be first tin the line at 4am to get that kind of deal though.
The next day we were up at 6;20 am (well, the boys and I were) so after breakfast and dog walk we headed off to Fry's electronics. Steve needed to get a number of items for his new network and I did the boring shop of vacuum cleaner, toaster, coffee maker, home phones and hand held blender - which I just used to make smoothies for the boys and myself - very nice they are too!!
Having done a massive essentials shop at Fry's (nearly three hours in there!) we headed next door to get a bed for Tom from a shop called the Dump. It basically sells all the bits of furniture that were not sold in not in other stores - good for a bargain basically. We had been looking at beds for a few days now and it is not straightforward like buying one in the UK. You can't just buy a bed - you buy the frame and then the slats and mattress is extra on top and all in all seems quite expensive. Anyway, we found a bed which included the slats and were able to order a mattress to go on top.
By the time we had finished all of this it was early afternoon and my feet were killing me. We needed to drop our haul at the apartment before heading off for the next store (Toys R Us) for the boys. The local outlet mall was completely packed so we dipped into the toy shop and I brought 4 lamps in the sale at another store and then we left as it really was quite mad.
I wanted to go and sign up for our local Life time fitness club as this had been recommended to us by our landlady and I had also got an offer though that had to be used by yesterday where we pay no joining fee.
The club (no point just calling it a gym) was amazing. We had to be taken on a tour by a nice man called Chris in a suit. They don't just have a list of gym membership fees - this is serious stuff and requires being shown around before you even get to talk prices! It has a huge wall climbing area, two full size basketball courts, squash courts, childcare area with indoor gym (like Playday's had), computer and gaming area and out door play area and another smaller gym for scooter hockey whatever that is! At this point the boys were already dead keen but Steve and i both started to get an uneasy feeling of this is going to be pricey!!! Downstairs they also have a full hair and beauty salon, 6 full size outdoor tennis courts, indoor pools with slides and hot tubs, massive outdoor pool with the same and a cafe.
Upstairs is like a field of gym equipment - hundreds of bikes, treadmills, StairMasters and weights machines. On top of that two huge dance studios - one with 80 spin bikes in it! I was now planning how to convince Steve, that despite the cost it would be so worthwhile for us to join as a family!
So finally tour done we head back to Chris's office to talk money and fill in the forms. I had in my head that for our family it would cost between $350 and $450 per month and Steve had an even higher figure in his head - I mean when you see these facilities they are incredible. So you can imagine how we felt when Chris told us that to be members of the gym with full and free access to any of the areas (plus FREE childcare for up to 2 ours per day) would cost us, as a family, $130 per month!!!!
We managed to not appear over excited by all this but signed up, booked in for our initial assessments on Sunday 5th December and headed out the door at which point we both giggled!!! Unbelievable!!
I think we were all pretty exhausted yesterday so today the plan is to chill out a bit and try and get our Christmas cards done. We also need to head off to Southlake to get Tom's new glasses and some new clothes for the boys to wear to school next week. I also plan to start packing up. Can't believe that it is now a matter of days and we will be there. No sign of our container although it has arrived in Houston last week but with the Thanksgiving holiday in between it looks unlikely we will have our furniture by next Wednesday. We may have to camp out for a bit but we also have the apartment until the 15th so we can live between the two if needs be.
Well, that's it folks. We see there is snow there - must be lovely - wonder if you will have a white Christmas? It has finally got much colder here although I hear from the locals this is just a blip and things will get warmer again next week. I don't mind once our things arrive because at least we will have the things we need!!!
I suspect I may not be blogging again until we are in Shady Glen so watch this space late next week!
Love to you all, Bex
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Dog skating...please turn your volume down or you will hear me shouting!!!!
A beautiful Southlake weekend...
This weekend just gone we got ourselves into the Christmas spirit 'Southlake stylie'. One thing I had read up about Southlake before we moved here was that they had a lovely turning on the Christmas lights celebration so this had been something I had wanted to do for a while.
However, more important tasks occurred in the morning when my lovely neighbour, Angela, took me to the local supermarket to give me the low down on buying food in the USA - and very useful it was!!!
I know some of you may find this strange but we ended up spending over two hours there - can't imagine doing that in Tesco's I am sure! Angela is clearly a foodie - so you can imagine we had plenty to discuss. Having spent that time with her I am now really looking forward to our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow! It really does take some local knowledge to get the right brands of things, to know what is a good buy etc,etc. We have been finding the food shopping more expensive then we had budgeted for but obviously we had been buying the wrong things. I am now fully confident that I can shop to budget! The boys made chocolate chip cookies that afternoon from the famous American cookie dough and we brought a glass jar to put them in and then gave them to Angela to say thanks. The boys have been doing quite a bit of cooking - in fact as I write William is making scrambled eggs and bacon (turkey bacon that is) for our breakfast.
Here is a photo of the extensive British range at the supermarket:
So feeling very pleased with myself we headed out to Southlake for the turning on of the lights festivities. We were a bit early so I managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping time in my new favourite store called Crate and Barrel (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/). Brought a wonderful little brie baker which I know I will get lots of use out of!
We then went and make appointments for the boys to have a cool haircut at a really old fashioned barbers/men's club called the Boardroom (http://www.theboardroomsalon.com/). Seeing as nothing had actually started we decided to grab a quick bite at the Rockfish cafe. It was really busy so we sat outside to eat. It makes me laugh as all the locals had their coats on and woolly hats and there we were in just long sleeved tops!
Here are some photos from the goings on in the square. I have more coming but have a small technical fault - my husband - well, not him - his PC!!! Steve's photos now added at the bottom of these...
I have to say it was such a lovely evening. The lights were incredible and there were so many art and craft activities the children could do. Plus there were free hot chocolate stands on every corner, free popcorn and free carriage rides. We queued up for a while but Steve was not into it and as it took ages we ended up leaving - that plus the manic group of kids next to us was driving us insane!!!
On Monday, we went to Shady glen to meet our landlady and to go though things at the house. It's looking much emptier now but still feels very homely. I am so excited that a week today we will be there!!! Our container arrived in Houston yesterday so wouldn't it be great if the delivery of the container coincides with us getting the keys? - I live in hope - or I sleep on the floor!!!
The boys will be starting school on the 2nd - not sure who is looking forward to it most! The is a cut through to the school from Shady Glen which means I can walk the boys to school and it should take 15 minutes. I am really pleased about that as I think it will be great to have that time to wake up in the morning. They start at 7:45 so will be getting up earlier from now on. In fact, I have decided we all need to start training for the earlier hour this week so it's not too much of a shock!!
Things have been pretty quiet here this week and the boys have had time off from schooling. All the kids here are on holiday for a week so makes it hard to get the boys to concentrate their minds. Too much skateboarding to do!!!
Here is a short video of the boys learning their craft.
We have also developed a new way of dog walking. I run and the boys skateboard but Tom now has Rudy pulling him along - a job he/they seem to enjoy.
Steve has headed off this morning to pick up my new car - a VW Tiguan (brand new!). Tiggy I shall call it!! I have to say I can't decide if I am looking forward to being mobile or dreading driving here. I will do a solo flight later today and let you know how I get on!!!
So tomorrow we will experience our first Thanksgiving - I am really looking forward to it. Then on Friday there is something called Black Friday. It's kind of like our January sales but most shops open at 4am in the morning. We plan to head off to Fry's Electronics as we need to buy items such as a vacuum cleaner, toaster and home phone for the new house. Hopefully we can get some bargains! I think the boys will enjoy the middle of the night experience. I expect an early Friday night...zzzzzzzzz.
Well that's it for now. I will blog again soon. It is lovely to do but does take some time. Will be nice when I have all day to do nothing and I can blog to my heart's content!!!!
Take care y'all and speak soon.
Love, Bex
However, more important tasks occurred in the morning when my lovely neighbour, Angela, took me to the local supermarket to give me the low down on buying food in the USA - and very useful it was!!!
I know some of you may find this strange but we ended up spending over two hours there - can't imagine doing that in Tesco's I am sure! Angela is clearly a foodie - so you can imagine we had plenty to discuss. Having spent that time with her I am now really looking forward to our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow! It really does take some local knowledge to get the right brands of things, to know what is a good buy etc,etc. We have been finding the food shopping more expensive then we had budgeted for but obviously we had been buying the wrong things. I am now fully confident that I can shop to budget! The boys made chocolate chip cookies that afternoon from the famous American cookie dough and we brought a glass jar to put them in and then gave them to Angela to say thanks. The boys have been doing quite a bit of cooking - in fact as I write William is making scrambled eggs and bacon (turkey bacon that is) for our breakfast.
Here is a photo of the extensive British range at the supermarket:
So feeling very pleased with myself we headed out to Southlake for the turning on of the lights festivities. We were a bit early so I managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping time in my new favourite store called Crate and Barrel (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/). Brought a wonderful little brie baker which I know I will get lots of use out of!
We then went and make appointments for the boys to have a cool haircut at a really old fashioned barbers/men's club called the Boardroom (http://www.theboardroomsalon.com/). Seeing as nothing had actually started we decided to grab a quick bite at the Rockfish cafe. It was really busy so we sat outside to eat. It makes me laugh as all the locals had their coats on and woolly hats and there we were in just long sleeved tops!
Here are some photos from the goings on in the square. I have more coming but have a small technical fault - my husband - well, not him - his PC!!! Steve's photos now added at the bottom of these...
On Monday, we went to Shady glen to meet our landlady and to go though things at the house. It's looking much emptier now but still feels very homely. I am so excited that a week today we will be there!!! Our container arrived in Houston yesterday so wouldn't it be great if the delivery of the container coincides with us getting the keys? - I live in hope - or I sleep on the floor!!!
The boys will be starting school on the 2nd - not sure who is looking forward to it most! The is a cut through to the school from Shady Glen which means I can walk the boys to school and it should take 15 minutes. I am really pleased about that as I think it will be great to have that time to wake up in the morning. They start at 7:45 so will be getting up earlier from now on. In fact, I have decided we all need to start training for the earlier hour this week so it's not too much of a shock!!
Things have been pretty quiet here this week and the boys have had time off from schooling. All the kids here are on holiday for a week so makes it hard to get the boys to concentrate their minds. Too much skateboarding to do!!!
Here is a short video of the boys learning their craft.
We have also developed a new way of dog walking. I run and the boys skateboard but Tom now has Rudy pulling him along - a job he/they seem to enjoy.
Steve has headed off this morning to pick up my new car - a VW Tiguan (brand new!). Tiggy I shall call it!! I have to say I can't decide if I am looking forward to being mobile or dreading driving here. I will do a solo flight later today and let you know how I get on!!!
So tomorrow we will experience our first Thanksgiving - I am really looking forward to it. Then on Friday there is something called Black Friday. It's kind of like our January sales but most shops open at 4am in the morning. We plan to head off to Fry's Electronics as we need to buy items such as a vacuum cleaner, toaster and home phone for the new house. Hopefully we can get some bargains! I think the boys will enjoy the middle of the night experience. I expect an early Friday night...zzzzzzzzz.
Well that's it for now. I will blog again soon. It is lovely to do but does take some time. Will be nice when I have all day to do nothing and I can blog to my heart's content!!!!
Take care y'all and speak soon.
Love, Bex
Thursday, 18 November 2010
School visit...
This morning we met with Mrs Voight the Principal of the boys new school - Heritage Elementary. Our meeting was at 8am as they start school at 7:45 am - imagine!!!
The meeting was to determine whose class the boys would be in and to pick up the standard supplies required.
William will be in grade 4 (year 5 equivalent) and his teacher is Mrs Petman and Tom will be in grade 2 (year 3 equivalent) and his teacher is Mrs Kue.
It looks like the boys will start December the 2nd. They are all very friendly at the school and I even got a hug from the Principle as I left - something I am going to have to get used to here. Lots of people are very friendly and I do feel very British (stiff upper lip and all that) at times!
The boys each came away with a massive box of stationery and a school T shirt to be worn on the final Friday of each month which is their 'spirit' day. $150 lighter we left with two very excited children. I think it was a mixture of all that stationery to play with (and for Mummy to label) and the fact that it was time spent outside of the apartment.
Here are some photos of the boys with their haul.
Just one final thing to note...
I have long nails. Steve noticed them the other day. Not only are they long but he noted that there was no dirt under them. Can't say this observation makes me feel happy but I look forward to short dirty nails again! Bxxxx
The meeting was to determine whose class the boys would be in and to pick up the standard supplies required.
William will be in grade 4 (year 5 equivalent) and his teacher is Mrs Petman and Tom will be in grade 2 (year 3 equivalent) and his teacher is Mrs Kue.
It looks like the boys will start December the 2nd. They are all very friendly at the school and I even got a hug from the Principle as I left - something I am going to have to get used to here. Lots of people are very friendly and I do feel very British (stiff upper lip and all that) at times!
The boys each came away with a massive box of stationery and a school T shirt to be worn on the final Friday of each month which is their 'spirit' day. $150 lighter we left with two very excited children. I think it was a mixture of all that stationery to play with (and for Mummy to label) and the fact that it was time spent outside of the apartment.
Here are some photos of the boys with their haul.
Just one final thing to note...
I have long nails. Steve noticed them the other day. Not only are they long but he noted that there was no dirt under them. Can't say this observation makes me feel happy but I look forward to short dirty nails again! Bxxxx
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Monday, 15 November 2010
Jobs done this weekend...
Been to the British Emporium and stocked up on bubble bath, Walkers salt and vinegar crisps, Bisto gravy, pork sausages and a slab of beans (12 cans per customer please!)...
The British Emporium is great as it has loads of items that you may be missing ranging from Branston Pickle to Cornish pasties! It's great but boy do you pay a premium! The sausages were about £5.00 for 6 sausages which Steve and the boys had - they were the nearest to the British banger so far. The beans, however, were much cheaper from here - certainly we will be visiting again!
We then headed off to Southlake to try and get me a mobile phone. This has been niggling at me as I hate to not have a phone on me at all time - sad I know! From my point of view though if something should happen (child falls off skateboard and breaks arm/dog bitten by snake) I need to know I can contact Steve immediately- or emergency services depending on severity! My iPhone is still operational here but is in airplane mode and not that easy to get to get out of airplane mode and into normal mode- it also costs a fortune so whilst I still may do a bit of texting from it (I am in contract until April next year) I don't want to make or receive any calls as it will cost a fortune!
So, off we went to my favourite place in Texas (Southlake - very posh and full of high maintenance women but lovely shops). We managed to stop off at Staples on the way as I have loads of filing to do and with the amount of bureaucracy here (see below) I need to know where to find things straight away.
I also stopped at the Pottery Barn and managed to buy a much needed teapot as I have been making tea in our small measuring jug - funny how the little things can make you happy. Here is said tea pot with the new 'English cuppa' sized mugs we brought.
We then headed off to the Verizon shop to try and sort out a phone for me.
On the way we came across this convoy - something to do with the local football team I think.
By now it was mid afternoon and the boys were, quite frankly, bored. The shop was heaving but a very nice young man called Lance came to our rescue and we explained what we wanted. The reason we were looking at Verizon was that they can get Skype on your mobile which would be great for me to catch up with you lot on Skype from the UK and NZ as it is free to call me on my phone.
It took about an hour to get though all the requirements and to start sorting getting the mobile bundled onto the home package Verizon are providing us at Shady Glen. At this point though, to coin a phrase, "the computer says no".
No credit history means nothing in the US is simple! So despite, having arrived armed with passports and drivers licenses, the people on the phone (whoever they are) decided they need a copy of Steve's social security card. Now, I had looked at this before we had left to go phone shopping but it clearly said "do not take out with you leave at home". So with strained smiles we left the shop and Steve agreed to drop us home so I could start cooking tea and that he would then go back with his social security card.
This was at 5:30 pm. At 6:30 pm Steve calls the apartment to say not to wait for him for dinner as he was still waiting to be seen. At 7 pm he rang again to tell me he had left the building, without the phone. Apparently, after photocopying his social security card and sending that off to the powers that be they then said he needed to pay an additional $400.00 as some sort of security at which point Steve went *POP* and left.
Very depressing to say the least! Anyway, not to go on about it too much we started again at Grapevine Mills Mall yesterday but this time looking at a pre-paid phone. I will skim the details but again it took around 2 hours to sort out - this time some issues with connecting the phone. So, finally, after a weekend of stress and strain, I now own a USA mobile which is a Samsung Intercept android phone - whatever one of those is when it's at home. The guy in the shop and Steve were talking about it excitedly so I assume it's something good. I just keep smiling and looking as though I know what that it!
The main thing is I now have a phone that costs $25 per month for unlimited texts, email and data and comes with 300 free minutes - a bargain I say! I can get email, Facebook, texts, calls and most importantly I have Skype on it which means if you ring me on Skype - not even my Skype in number - just normal Skype, if I am not at my pc it comes in on my mobile at no cost to anyone - how cool is that!!!!
Right, that enough on phones! We met our neighbours last night - Angela and Jonathan - and they have very kindly asked us around for Thanksgiving dinner the week after this week. We may just go for a drink as it sounds like they have loads of family going - and being British we don't wish to impose! But Angela has arranged to pick me up on Saturday morning and show me all the best places to food shop - sounds like heaven to me!!!
That's all for now - love to you all!
Bex
We then headed off to Southlake to try and get me a mobile phone. This has been niggling at me as I hate to not have a phone on me at all time - sad I know! From my point of view though if something should happen (child falls off skateboard and breaks arm/dog bitten by snake) I need to know I can contact Steve immediately- or emergency services depending on severity! My iPhone is still operational here but is in airplane mode and not that easy to get to get out of airplane mode and into normal mode- it also costs a fortune so whilst I still may do a bit of texting from it (I am in contract until April next year) I don't want to make or receive any calls as it will cost a fortune!
So, off we went to my favourite place in Texas (Southlake - very posh and full of high maintenance women but lovely shops). We managed to stop off at Staples on the way as I have loads of filing to do and with the amount of bureaucracy here (see below) I need to know where to find things straight away.
I also stopped at the Pottery Barn and managed to buy a much needed teapot as I have been making tea in our small measuring jug - funny how the little things can make you happy. Here is said tea pot with the new 'English cuppa' sized mugs we brought.
On the way we came across this convoy - something to do with the local football team I think.
By now it was mid afternoon and the boys were, quite frankly, bored. The shop was heaving but a very nice young man called Lance came to our rescue and we explained what we wanted. The reason we were looking at Verizon was that they can get Skype on your mobile which would be great for me to catch up with you lot on Skype from the UK and NZ as it is free to call me on my phone.
It took about an hour to get though all the requirements and to start sorting getting the mobile bundled onto the home package Verizon are providing us at Shady Glen. At this point though, to coin a phrase, "the computer says no".
No credit history means nothing in the US is simple! So despite, having arrived armed with passports and drivers licenses, the people on the phone (whoever they are) decided they need a copy of Steve's social security card. Now, I had looked at this before we had left to go phone shopping but it clearly said "do not take out with you leave at home". So with strained smiles we left the shop and Steve agreed to drop us home so I could start cooking tea and that he would then go back with his social security card.
This was at 5:30 pm. At 6:30 pm Steve calls the apartment to say not to wait for him for dinner as he was still waiting to be seen. At 7 pm he rang again to tell me he had left the building, without the phone. Apparently, after photocopying his social security card and sending that off to the powers that be they then said he needed to pay an additional $400.00 as some sort of security at which point Steve went *POP* and left.
Very depressing to say the least! Anyway, not to go on about it too much we started again at Grapevine Mills Mall yesterday but this time looking at a pre-paid phone. I will skim the details but again it took around 2 hours to sort out - this time some issues with connecting the phone. So, finally, after a weekend of stress and strain, I now own a USA mobile which is a Samsung Intercept android phone - whatever one of those is when it's at home. The guy in the shop and Steve were talking about it excitedly so I assume it's something good. I just keep smiling and looking as though I know what that it!
The main thing is I now have a phone that costs $25 per month for unlimited texts, email and data and comes with 300 free minutes - a bargain I say! I can get email, Facebook, texts, calls and most importantly I have Skype on it which means if you ring me on Skype - not even my Skype in number - just normal Skype, if I am not at my pc it comes in on my mobile at no cost to anyone - how cool is that!!!!
Right, that enough on phones! We met our neighbours last night - Angela and Jonathan - and they have very kindly asked us around for Thanksgiving dinner the week after this week. We may just go for a drink as it sounds like they have loads of family going - and being British we don't wish to impose! But Angela has arranged to pick me up on Saturday morning and show me all the best places to food shop - sounds like heaven to me!!!
That's all for now - love to you all!
Bex
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Meeting the natives...
We have been invited to have drinks at Steve's office tonight so I will finally meet some of his colleagues, some of whom are English.
Not sure what the boys will make of it but they will be taking their DSi's so they will have their electronic nanny with them.
Not sure that this is the type of event to get tipsy at and dance on the tables (normal Newnham night!) but it is exciting to get out and meet some real people after being here in the apartment for a week with just the boys for company!
Now I have the agonising decision on what to wear! Well, not really as I don't have much with me but should I go smart casual or just casual? Casual being the operative word for my entire wardrobe! Don't worry, I am not really giving it much thought but it's something different to think about.
We may be catching up with some other work colleagues at the weekend which would be nice as I do have a few burning questions such as where can I buy a booster seat and are there any local bus services?
I am still without a car and will be for some time as I need a social security number and that can take weeks and I haven't even filled out a form for that yet!
We are leasing cars and these are on order but will be a few more weeks I think. Once they arrive, I will have to sit the Texan drivers test. This will be my third country I have sat a drivers license in!
I still need to get a mobile phone as well but again not a lot I can do cooped up in an apartment and Steve is busy working so is unable to taxi me around. Maybe this weekend as again, it is not straightforward! We are trying to get one bundled with our Verizon home package and get a phone that will allow Skype.
Oh well...In three weeks time we will be in our own place and I will have a car and this will all be but a distant memory.
This week we have been just getting into a routine of getting up, walking the dog, playtime and school work. The boys are giggling their heads off at how easy their grade work is. Makes me feel slightly nervous! At this rate they will be the youngest high school kids in Dallas!
Yesterday it was quite warm here so we had a go at the swimming pool. It was pretty cold but the hot tub was lovely!
Earlier in the week we went out for dinner to a place called Saltwater Willy's that we had passed on numerous occasions even when we were visiting. The cornbread we were served at the beginning of the meal was so sweet that William decided to keep his for pudding! I am struggling with all the added sugar here. Still means I will be eating lots of food cooked from scratch and plenty of veg!
I signed up today for weight watchers online. Need to shift these last few pounds and I have no idea what foods over here contain. I was slightly horrified that a slice of pizza was 14 points! I had 2 of those last night for tea.
I had my first apartment phone call this morning too - thanks Mum and Dad - it was great to hear familiar voices. It took 2 guys from AT & T quite a while yesterday to get Internet and phone working at the same time. Mind you they seemed pretty interested in just listening to our accents and talking football.
Here are some photos taken from our nature walk today. The boys were doing some sketching of trees and bulrushes.
Well, that's it for now. We are going to go to the British Emporium this weekend so will be good to get some more English goodies. Sausages the other day didn't do it for us. Steve reckons there was too much meat and we needed sausages with more eyeballs, tails and cereal in them to taste like a proper English banger!
Love to you all and catch up soon,
Love Bex and the boys xxx
Not sure what the boys will make of it but they will be taking their DSi's so they will have their electronic nanny with them.
Not sure that this is the type of event to get tipsy at and dance on the tables (normal Newnham night!) but it is exciting to get out and meet some real people after being here in the apartment for a week with just the boys for company!
Now I have the agonising decision on what to wear! Well, not really as I don't have much with me but should I go smart casual or just casual? Casual being the operative word for my entire wardrobe! Don't worry, I am not really giving it much thought but it's something different to think about.
We may be catching up with some other work colleagues at the weekend which would be nice as I do have a few burning questions such as where can I buy a booster seat and are there any local bus services?
I am still without a car and will be for some time as I need a social security number and that can take weeks and I haven't even filled out a form for that yet!
We are leasing cars and these are on order but will be a few more weeks I think. Once they arrive, I will have to sit the Texan drivers test. This will be my third country I have sat a drivers license in!
I still need to get a mobile phone as well but again not a lot I can do cooped up in an apartment and Steve is busy working so is unable to taxi me around. Maybe this weekend as again, it is not straightforward! We are trying to get one bundled with our Verizon home package and get a phone that will allow Skype.
Oh well...In three weeks time we will be in our own place and I will have a car and this will all be but a distant memory.
This week we have been just getting into a routine of getting up, walking the dog, playtime and school work. The boys are giggling their heads off at how easy their grade work is. Makes me feel slightly nervous! At this rate they will be the youngest high school kids in Dallas!
Yesterday it was quite warm here so we had a go at the swimming pool. It was pretty cold but the hot tub was lovely!
Earlier in the week we went out for dinner to a place called Saltwater Willy's that we had passed on numerous occasions even when we were visiting. The cornbread we were served at the beginning of the meal was so sweet that William decided to keep his for pudding! I am struggling with all the added sugar here. Still means I will be eating lots of food cooked from scratch and plenty of veg!
I signed up today for weight watchers online. Need to shift these last few pounds and I have no idea what foods over here contain. I was slightly horrified that a slice of pizza was 14 points! I had 2 of those last night for tea.
I had my first apartment phone call this morning too - thanks Mum and Dad - it was great to hear familiar voices. It took 2 guys from AT & T quite a while yesterday to get Internet and phone working at the same time. Mind you they seemed pretty interested in just listening to our accents and talking football.
Here are some photos taken from our nature walk today. The boys were doing some sketching of trees and bulrushes.
Well, that's it for now. We are going to go to the British Emporium this weekend so will be good to get some more English goodies. Sausages the other day didn't do it for us. Steve reckons there was too much meat and we needed sausages with more eyeballs, tails and cereal in them to taste like a proper English banger!
Love to you all and catch up soon,
Love Bex and the boys xxx
Monday, 8 November 2010
Strange things to note...
Bubble bath is really expensive and clearly not something Americans use - I think this is something to do with the fact that many bath's are spa baths. (big hint for Christmas presents)
I have watched a bunch of Americans dance to Lady Gaga in an electrical goods store - these are seriously happy folk.
There appears to be a lot of spitting going on which is really disgusting.
Most food items are sweetened including butter - have found limited stocks of English goods so happy about that.
The steak here is delicious.
Steve and I have brought some 'English bangers' from the Farmers market. I wonder if they will do it for us or not?
The sky is clear blue again! No sign of a cloud. I bet that can get seriously boring!!!
I failed to have nice roast potatoes yesterday - not sure if it was the cook or the tools!
That's all for now. Bxxx
I have watched a bunch of Americans dance to Lady Gaga in an electrical goods store - these are seriously happy folk.
There appears to be a lot of spitting going on which is really disgusting.
Most food items are sweetened including butter - have found limited stocks of English goods so happy about that.
The steak here is delicious.
Steve and I have brought some 'English bangers' from the Farmers market. I wonder if they will do it for us or not?
The sky is clear blue again! No sign of a cloud. I bet that can get seriously boring!!!
I failed to have nice roast potatoes yesterday - not sure if it was the cook or the tools!
That's all for now. Bxxx
Saturday, 6 November 2010
We have arrived and I have started to recover...
We are here! Finally and after all the stresses of recent weeks. I am, to say the least, completely exhausted. I am not sure if my body wants me to get a cold or some other lurgy but I can feel something coming on; only to be expected I guess!
Steve is delighted to have us all here - he was even enjoying my hen pecking yesterday - long may it last!!! He has brought both boys a really nice skateboard each which they were practicing madly on yesterday. There is quite a group of similar aged children here at the Verde Riverwalk (http://www.verderiverwalk.com/Community/LiveAt-VerdeRiverwalk.aspx). The boys were out playing soccer with them late yesterday afternoon but they are both too shy to skate with them yet - apparently there are some real professional skaters down there, according to Tom.
Here are the boys practicing yesterday:
Here is a view from our balcony yesterday morning:
Whilst the boys were playing with the traffic - literally - although the drivers here are very careful when children are about - I had a peaceful morning getting all domestic and doing washing, making breakfast and putting clothes away. Normally boring jobs but I welcomed back these tasks as it means normality and routine!!!
Having done my house wife bit I took myself off for a long soak in the bath and read my book - it was lovely.
We then decided to have the tour of the apartment facilities. We saw the clubhouse (apparently making s'mores outside tonight whatever they are), the gym - looks nice but I am yet to make it in there, the pool - far too cold to get in and then we headed off down the running trail that takes you around the fishing lakes.
Rudy was delighted and ran at 100 miles an hour towards the lake but we managed to stop him in time. A wet dog in the apartment would not be good!!! Plus there are turtles in there and I have no idea what he would make of them because they are pretty big!
We got back just before midday as we had an appointment to view a house which Steve had been to see. In fact Steve has been viewing lots oh house in my absence and I had been looking at the video he had taken. We are able to stay in the apartment until mid December which is great and it is a fantastic bolt hole but the reality of longer term apartment living does not really appeal.
It's cheaper to live in an apartment and you get use of all the wonderful facilities. It is also very social and secure. However, just being here for two days has put me off. Having a dog in an apartment is not impossible, many people do. However, it is a pain when you have been used to letting your dog out wherever you want. Today I was standing outside in the dark at 7am with my pj's and boots on whilst Rudy did his business. I am now the mad English woman of Verde Riverwalk but actually this side of apartment living is a pain.
I will yearn for my own space I know.
We all loved the house and the area it is in. Steve had already been to check out the local school - Heritage Elementary - which is a blue ribbon school and is ranked 56th in the USA or some such thing. Steve was holding court with 9 ladies in the office this week apparently when he dropped by to double check it was the catchment school for the house. He thinks it's great and they will be delighted to take the boys from next week! That won't happen as there is the question of transport but also I want to spend some family time together. Maybe later this month once I am going mad!
So, that's it we have signed the lease and will pay the deposit next week. We could keep looking but having been here before I think we have a pretty good idea of where we want to be and which are the best schools and Heritage is one of them.
The added bonus is that the lady doesn't want to move out until late November so we will be there from 1st December. She is also leaving quite a few things for us to use like the white ware, pool table (very happy boys) and some of the furniture which means that we don't have to buy much ourselves other than a bed for the guest room.
Our goods are due to arrive in Houston on the 24th November so fingers crossed the timings will all work out and we will be in the house, with our own things, by December 1st!
Here is the outside of the house and the link to blurb about the house.
http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/TX/Grapevine/3256-Shady-Glen-Dr-402_11457992.htm
The house was on the market for sale but the lady really wants to hang onto it so renting it out for a while suits her better - which suits us too!
Once we got back from seeing the house we all chilled out for a bit and the boys carried on with skateboarding practice until the school bus arrived back and the kids returned from school.
We headed off to the Mall late afternoon and grabbed some dinner there and the boys did a bit of shopping but by 8:30 pm I was fading fast so we headed home and to bed.
Now, I must go and make some breakfast as the boys are hungry again. Ah normal life! All our love to you all and please keep your emails and Skyping coming through. We have managed to speak to a few people which has been great! All well here and hope all well with you too! Lots of love, Bex, Steve (who sensibly is still asleep) and Will, Tom and Rudy xxxxxxxxx
Steve is delighted to have us all here - he was even enjoying my hen pecking yesterday - long may it last!!! He has brought both boys a really nice skateboard each which they were practicing madly on yesterday. There is quite a group of similar aged children here at the Verde Riverwalk (http://www.verderiverwalk.com/Community/LiveAt-VerdeRiverwalk.aspx). The boys were out playing soccer with them late yesterday afternoon but they are both too shy to skate with them yet - apparently there are some real professional skaters down there, according to Tom.
Here are the boys practicing yesterday:
Here is a view from our balcony yesterday morning:
Whilst the boys were playing with the traffic - literally - although the drivers here are very careful when children are about - I had a peaceful morning getting all domestic and doing washing, making breakfast and putting clothes away. Normally boring jobs but I welcomed back these tasks as it means normality and routine!!!
Having done my house wife bit I took myself off for a long soak in the bath and read my book - it was lovely.
We then decided to have the tour of the apartment facilities. We saw the clubhouse (apparently making s'mores outside tonight whatever they are), the gym - looks nice but I am yet to make it in there, the pool - far too cold to get in and then we headed off down the running trail that takes you around the fishing lakes.
Rudy was delighted and ran at 100 miles an hour towards the lake but we managed to stop him in time. A wet dog in the apartment would not be good!!! Plus there are turtles in there and I have no idea what he would make of them because they are pretty big!
It's cheaper to live in an apartment and you get use of all the wonderful facilities. It is also very social and secure. However, just being here for two days has put me off. Having a dog in an apartment is not impossible, many people do. However, it is a pain when you have been used to letting your dog out wherever you want. Today I was standing outside in the dark at 7am with my pj's and boots on whilst Rudy did his business. I am now the mad English woman of Verde Riverwalk but actually this side of apartment living is a pain.
I will yearn for my own space I know.
We all loved the house and the area it is in. Steve had already been to check out the local school - Heritage Elementary - which is a blue ribbon school and is ranked 56th in the USA or some such thing. Steve was holding court with 9 ladies in the office this week apparently when he dropped by to double check it was the catchment school for the house. He thinks it's great and they will be delighted to take the boys from next week! That won't happen as there is the question of transport but also I want to spend some family time together. Maybe later this month once I am going mad!
So, that's it we have signed the lease and will pay the deposit next week. We could keep looking but having been here before I think we have a pretty good idea of where we want to be and which are the best schools and Heritage is one of them.
The added bonus is that the lady doesn't want to move out until late November so we will be there from 1st December. She is also leaving quite a few things for us to use like the white ware, pool table (very happy boys) and some of the furniture which means that we don't have to buy much ourselves other than a bed for the guest room.
Our goods are due to arrive in Houston on the 24th November so fingers crossed the timings will all work out and we will be in the house, with our own things, by December 1st!
Here is the outside of the house and the link to blurb about the house.
http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/TX/Grapevine/3256-Shady-Glen-Dr-402_11457992.htm
The house was on the market for sale but the lady really wants to hang onto it so renting it out for a while suits her better - which suits us too!
Once we got back from seeing the house we all chilled out for a bit and the boys carried on with skateboarding practice until the school bus arrived back and the kids returned from school.
We headed off to the Mall late afternoon and grabbed some dinner there and the boys did a bit of shopping but by 8:30 pm I was fading fast so we headed home and to bed.
Now, I must go and make some breakfast as the boys are hungry again. Ah normal life! All our love to you all and please keep your emails and Skyping coming through. We have managed to speak to a few people which has been great! All well here and hope all well with you too! Lots of love, Bex, Steve (who sensibly is still asleep) and Will, Tom and Rudy xxxxxxxxx
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