The one where we celebrate happy 1 month!!

So today is officially 1 month since we made the big move!  I can't believe how fast it has gone by!!  The rest of our stuff should arrive in a couple more weeks making our house feel even more homey. Right now I am working on making a magnetic board to hang in the kitchen.  The refrigerator is not magnetic - its one of those that looks like cabinet doors - so I can't hang any of my magnets there.  I like to collect magnets from all the places that my Puffin has taken me.  And, of course the place will never feel like home until I get pics of my Vivi Lu and Nate the Great put up!

Day by day I get more and more comfortable and constantly have FRIENDS flashbacks.  Specifically, the one when Ross looses his job and stays home all day with Joey.  Monday - pay water bill, Tuesday - pay electric bill, etc.  However mine is more like:
Monday - wash clothes, take dogs on a walk, prank call Greg, make dinner
Tuesday - vaccuum and mop, take dogs on a walk, prank call Greg, make dinner
Wednesday - wash more clothes, take dogs on a walk, prank call Greg, make dinner
Thursday - clean bathrooms, take dogs on walk, prank call Greg, make dinner
Friday - go grocery shopping, take dogs on a walk, prank call Greg, make dinner

Lol, quite a different life than what I am used to for sure!  I am getting more comfortable driving though, so hopefully I will become more adventourous.  Yesterday, I drove Kel and I to the beach and we played putt putt.  I'm pretty sure I only broke a couple of laws so - getting better!!

We have discovered many hiking trails near our house.  The scenery is gorgeous and the dogs, especially Murphy, love to get out and play in the river.  I am not sure why he seems to be the only one around here to get in it though.  The water is very mild right now, just like the temperature.  Everyone complains about how hot it is right now, but I still haven't seen anyone in the river or at the beach.  I can't figure that out.  I have been tempted a couple of times to get in, but I'm afraid there is some kind of toxic waste that we are unaware of.

I have finally figured out the grocery store and where to find my "usual"  groceries.  I cook 6 times a week, mostly so I have something to do, so if you have a recipe you want to share - send it my way!  I want to have a good arsenal so Puffin doesn't get tired of eating the same thing over and over.  I also want to prepare and freeze a bunch of meals so that he has something to eat while I am back home for a couple of weeks.  Of course, he said he'd be happy eating sandwiches every night, but I feel bad that he would have to do that.  Luckily, the house has 2 freezers (both small-like a mini fridge) so there should be enough room for me to store the meals.

That was a serious request, btw.  If you could all email me jesslynd@sbcglobal.net or FB msg me your favorite recipe(s), I would REALLY appreciate it!  It can be a main dish, side, dessert, breakfast, lunch, dinner - WHATEVER!  :)

The one where Hotel Yamaguchi is now open!

We have our first visitor! Kelvin is here and will be staying with us until he and I fly back together on August 2nd.  It's so funny how time flies.  When I first met Kel he was 9 years old! Now, he is flying across the world to hang out with me (Puffin too, I guess)!

I was so excited to see him and so happy he is here.   Not only because he reminds me of home,  but also because I now have someone to talk to. Murphy was starting to get mad that I was interrupting his afternoon nap with all my questions. Pookie and Murphy were also happy to see someone they know. Murphy jumped in his arms like a big baby and talked to him all night.  Pookie would not come to bed with us and stayed with Kel!

Poor Kel had to drag an 83lb suitcase with him full of stuff we didn't think to send with us.  I made fun of him at first, but after going through everything I am so glad I made him be a pack mule!  We can get everything here that we need, but there are a few things we have not found at the store that bum us out.

What we can't find and be glad to accept:
Ice trays
Garlic salt
 coffee creamer
Hot wing sauce
Degree deodorant
Lettuce Wrap seasoning
Sazon seasoning
Winter clothes...clothes are crazy expensive here and locals tell us they don't last
Lipton iced tea
Honey mustard


I am sure there is more that we haven't found we can't get here.  It is hard to stock a kitchen when not only do you not know the grocery store layout, but you can't find brands you know, and they call things something else.  For example, they don't used Tide, Snuggle, or Clorox here.  Surf is their big brand laundry detergent.  They don't have Cascade, Dawn, Hefty, Glad, Kraft, etc.  Some brands they do carry, but they have different names.  WalMart owns ASDA which carries ASDA or "great value" products. Lays potato chips is Walkers...no sour cream and onion or BBQ though.  Here they eat Prawn Cocktail, Cheese and Onion, and of course Vinegar chips! It gets overwhelming when you are looking for something and you can't find what you are familiar with.  It also gets annoying when Puffin calls them by their names here, and I don't know what hes talking about! lol For instance, ice cream...of course there is no bluebell...not even blue bunny or dryers.  Unsure of what to get, I grabbed a random brand and Greg grabbed the store brand ice cream.  The store brand was horribly sweet...like eating chilled cake frosting!  The brand I grabbed, Mackie' was much better. It was no bluebell and tastes more like cream than vanilla, but still pretty good.

Tonight we venture out to the store to stock up again.  It is VERY expensive to eat out here and there is no such thing as a quick bite!  Obviously, I have nothing else to do so I don't mind cooking a lot.  My next challenge - finding something Kelvin will eat and keeping him full!


PS- wash cloths are face cloths!! :)

The one with Culture Shock!!

Well, it finally hit me and I went completely CRAZZZY!!!  Greg and I had made the decision years ago that if we were ever presented with this opportunity we wouldn't hesitate to accept it - and we didn't! We jumped in with both feet and smiles from ear to ear!  I knew it would be hard to be away from family, my sisters especially, and I knew it would be different, but I was ready....or so I thought!
The first week was wonderful! It was fun and exciting and I couldn't wait for my puppies to join me.  I didn't mind that Greg had to go into the office the day after we got here because I was ready to brave the new world! 
That lasted for about 7 days.  We moved to a different hotel that would allow pets - it was a Hilton resort, but the room was small, furniture old, and bed UNCOMFORTABLE!  But, I didn't care about any of that because I had my babies to look forward to. 
The day after they got here, I realized how crappy this "resort" was and the culture shock hit me like a ton of bricks!  I immediately became depressed and homesick.  I am not a person who normally cries easily, but I could not turn off the water works.  I was like this for days-which totally freaked Greg out.  In the 10 years we have been together, he has never seen me this way.  I was crying so much that I was hyperventilating and vomiting.  I could not sleep at night and had no appetite.  I started questioning our decision to move over to the UK and hoping that I would wake up and it would all have been a dream.  I was not myself and niether Greg or I knew what to do about it.  Greg offered to send me back home and he would stay here and work-but there was no way I could do that.  My husband is my best friend and the center of my life.  I would never know how to live away from him and wouldn't ever want to. 
So, he started doing some research and found out that I was experiencing a severe case of culture shock.  It's an actual psychological illness.  I had always heard people talk about it but I didn't realize it was a legit thing.  And to be honest, since we were not moving to a 3rd world country AND since we were so eager to move, I didn't think it would be a problem. 

There are five stages of culture shock and I think I have finally worked through the worse ones. I got this from http://moving.about.com/od/internationalmoves/a/culture_shock.htm

Symptoms of Culture Shock

Signs and symptoms of culture shock are:

• a feeling of sadness and loneliness, (had it)
• an over-concern about your health,
• headaches, pains, and allergies  (had it)
• insomnia or sleeping too much (had it)
• feelings of anger, depression, vulnerability (had it-BAD)
• idealizing your own culture  (ooooh yeah! had it)
• trying too hard to adapt by becoming obsessed with the new culture (pfft!)
• the smallest problems seem overwhelming  (check!)
• feeling shy or insecure  (double check!)
• become obsessed with cleanliness  (yeah right)
• overwhelming sense of homesickness (definitely!)
• feeling lost or confused  (yes!)
• questioning your decision to move to this place  (a doozy!)

 

The Culture Shock Model

Step 1: The Honeymoon Stage
Like any new experience, there's a feeling of euphoria when you first arrive to a new country and you're in awe of the differences you see and experience. You feel excited, stimulated, enriched. During this stage, you still feel close to everything familiar back home.  Step 2: The Distress StageEverything you're experiencing no longer feels new; in fact, it's starting to feel like a thick wall that's preventing you from experiencing things. You feel confused, alone and realize that the familiar support systems are not easily accessible. (the homesickness begins)  Step 3: Re-integration StageDuring this stage, you start refusing to accept the differences you encounter. You're angry, frustrated and even feel hostile to those around you. You start to idealize life "back home" and compare your current culture to what is familiar. You dislike the culture, the language, the food. You reject it as inferior. You may even develop some prejudices towards the new culture. Don't worry. This is absolutely normal. You're adjusting. This is actually a pretty common reaction to anything new. Think back to when you started a new job or moved to a new house or a new city or when you moved in with someone. Any adjustment can cause you to look back in awe and wonder why you made the decision to change.  This stage SUCKS!! and I was completely crazy!  Step 4: Autonomy StageThis is the first stage in acceptance. I like to think of it as the emergence stage when you start to rise above the clouds and finally begin to feel like yourself again. You start to accept the differences and feel like you can begin to live with them. You feel more confident and better able to cope with any problems that may arise. You no longer feel isolated and instead you're able to look at the world around you and appreciate where you are.  I think I am here!  Step 5: Independence StageYou are yourself again! You embrace the new culture and see everything in a new, yet realistic light. You feel comfortable, confident, able to make decisions based on your own preferences. You no longer feel alone and isolated. You appreciate both the differences and similarities of your new culture. You start to feel at home.  Can't wait to be here!! :)




So, once I read this and realized what I was going through was normal and seeing what it was doing to my poor husband- who was not only starting a new job, but also dealing with adjusting himself AND constantly worrying about me- I knew I could get myself out of it!  I had my amazing husband, my puppies, and most importantly I knew that Jesus always has my back.  When Greg was at work and I was lonely, I prayed.  When I was shy and scared to be around or talk to people, I prayed.  When I was too nervous to go out by myself, I prayed.  When I wanted my mommy, I prayed.  When I was homesick, I prayed.  When I saw my husband was overwhelmed and needed me to be strong, I prayed.  And day by day I started to feel stronger.  Yes, I still miss my sisters and I miss knowing EVERYTHING about my surrounding and where I live, but it no longer feels like a pain that I can't overcome.  I feel lucky-most people experiencing culture shock are depressed and sick for months.  I knew that could NOT be me.  I promised my husband that I could do this and I was NOT going to let him down!  He accepted this opportunity to make our life better and to be a better provider.  The experience is not one that everyone gets and I am not going to be what keeps him from it.

so, I made myself talk to strangers - which even at home is not something I am comfortable doing.  I went out by myself.  I went to the gym A LOT and signed up for classes.  I learned how to drive - which even when I was back at home, looking forward to moving, I told Greg I would NOT be doing while we lived here!!  I found organizations to join like American Women in Aberdeen.  I sent out my resume and applied to be a Supply teacher (substitute) at the international school. I took the puppies exploring around the city and the MANY parks and trails.

So besides the obvious (missing family, job, etc) these are the some things that drive me cray cray over here.
1. Aberdeen is the Energy Capital of Europe - that being said and considering the hundreds of thousands of foreigners who are here on work visas from ALL over the world, you would THINK that it would be easier to get settled.  There are SO many hoops you have to jump through to get a home, bank account, car, etc. 
2.  Since there are SO many people coming in and out of this city - MODERNIZE IT!!!  Take advantage of all the people and the potential money they could bring!
3.  The hot and cold water come out on two different sides of the faucet, so its hard to get not too cold, or not too hot water.
4. The basic TV is AWFUL!  To get good TV, cable is a MUST!  Even locals hate their own TV and say the only good shows are the American shows.

Things that I like about Aberdeen:
1. They LOVE dogs here!  My puppies can go everywhere with me!
2.  Even when it rains, it is BEAUTIFUL here!
3. My bum is getting hard and my waist is getting smaller bc I have to walk everywhere!
4. There is so much history here and places to visit
5. I get to travel through Europe!!!

I know I haven't fully transitioned, but as each day passes I feel like I am getting stronger and more independent.  I thank God that I wake up and go to sleep happy and beside my husband every night.  I thank Him for the technology we have so that I can talk to my family any time I want to and for sisters that set me straight when I need it.  I thank Him for allowing us to be able to send my puppies over to keep me company.  I thank Him for my loving husband who tries so hard to make me happy and is allowing me to go home and visit as much as I want.  And I think Him for giving me the comfort of knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13


PS: The tights underneath the shorts IS a "fashion trend" eek!

The one with a walk in the park!

Pookie and Murphy made the trip like champs! They seemed a little out of it when the van doors slid open. I don't think they were exprightg to see me. Once they realized it was me, those tails started waggin!

We switched hotels yesterday to a place that accomodates pets. It is a Hilton resort and the grounds, lobby, and bar are gorgeous, but our room is awful. The toilet doesn't flush, the bed creaks all night and you can feel the springs poking you, and the walls are paper thin so the screaming kids and slamming doors cause the dogs to bark.  We are stuck here for 8 more nights until our rental Iis ready, so we will just have to make the best of it!  There are other dogs in the hotel but they are more like stuffed animals. They sit next to their owners in the restaurant without making a noise. This morning I was taking the dogs out and the housekeeper came around the corner and scared Murphy. Murphy barked at her and she literally took off running. So much for a smooth start!

To keep them out of trouble I took them on several long walks today.  There are many gorgeous parks near the hotel and a pretty path right behind the hotel. Here are the pics from todays walks.

The one with the weekend fun - Exploring Aberdeen

This weekend was full of adventure and walking as we explored our new home! Saturday began with a trip to the bank to open an account-which has proven to be just as much of a task as applying for a visa! Though we thought we were prepared witha letter Greg's office put together proving our income, etc. we were denied bc of minor technicalities.  For example, the letter said "Greg" instead of "Gregory" and did not include details on who will be paying our rent. We thought that part to be a little interesting as we were simply trying to open an account...not take out a mortgage. Needless to say without a bank account we are still without a car and I am still without a phone.

After the bank, Puffin took me to what I like to call the "real" grocery store.  All the grocery stores downtown are the size of a drugstore back home.  While walking to the beach we ran into an ASDA superstore. ASDA is the Wal-Mart of the UK.  It was not as big as a super Walmart, but bigger than a Kroger.  There they had groceries, clothes, car stuff, electronics, etc. however they still don't carry the   abundance of different brands like in the US.  The grocery store pics are from one of the smaller stores downtown called Sainsbury.  Sainsbury is the HEB of the UK and does come in superstore size. :)

 Haggis and cracked Pepper Crisps

Shrimp cocktail crisps

Jack and Coke....premixed :)

Eggs (NOT refrigerated)

Cilantro! Yay! So glad to see it but confused as to why they call it coriander?

Puffin in produce section.

After we finished checking out the grocery store we walked down to the beach.  When the sun decides to grace us, the water is a very pretty blue and the cliffs are a perfect backdrop.  Most of the time however, it is grey and VERY windy there.  There were people playing ON the beach with their kids and puppies, but no one was in the water.  Many people were walking up and down the beach with ice cream?!   They have a boardwalk type set up with many small coffee shops, burger joints, etc. and there is also an amusement park that had bowling, putt-putt, arcades, and a couple small roller coasters.

On Sunday we took a bus out to Harthill Castle for Expro's 40th Anniversary "Scottish BBQ". They had a roasted pig, steak, burgers and hot dogs. I had a hot dog-but it was NOT a hot dog! I didnt know that it was possible to screw up a hot dog, but these Scots have proved me wrong! Greg and I cant wait to show them what a real BBQ is!

We weren't able to go inside the castle, but the grounds were amazing.   It was raining the majority of the time we were out there, so we would run out and take pics when it slowed down.  I, of course, did not pack my raincoat OR an umbrella in my suitcase so I got wet.  I have learned that scarves do make nice head coverings in the rain!

Me and Puffin at Harthill Castle

I am definitely wishing we had planned a little bit more when we were packing.  The movers went through our stuff so quickly that Greg and I were just grabbing clothes and putting them in suitcases! I have about 4 pairs of shorts with me-that's right, shorts!  I have a feeling I will never wear thos here! Unless, I start dressing like the locals and take up wearing tights underneath my shorts.  Do they do that bc even for them it's cold, or bc their legs are so white?  Stay tuned friends, I will have an answer for that!

The one where we made it!

After a looohooong flight, we finally made it to Aberdeen!  We made quite a scene trying to cram ALL of our luggage into the itty bitty "van" at the airport.  The hotel we are staying in now is right in the middle of downtown.  On Tuesday, when my puppies get here, we will have change to a hotel that allows pets.  Neither of the hotels are extended stay, so we are being forced to eat out for every meal...yuck! I am already very eager to get into our lease!
It is pretty chilly here. Yesterday I was in capris and a jean jacket and with the wind chill I was cold.  (Yes, mommy-you were right!) I definitely will not be wearing shorts!

Poor Greg had to go to work today.  I think my jet lag kept him up last night more than his own. At 1am I was starving! The crunching of the onion flavored "crisps" he had bought earlier woke him up. When I leaned over to give him a kiss, he wafted my onion stench away.  I laughed for a solid 3minutes, which then made him think I had lost it.

Tonight we will venture out to the grocery store and to hopefully get me a phone, open a bank account, and possibly look at some cars. We are facing many obstacles since you can't get a phone or car without a bank account, and you can't get a bank account without a permanent address.  We are hoping that a letter from his HR department will help us out.

Well, here's to my first blog! Stay tuned as I have never before been so excited to go to the grocery store! I will be sure to take lotsa pics!