After my first week of Slimming World I lost 4 and a half lbs! Yay!

And Again...


Deja Vu. I have an interview on Tuesday. (This isn't related to the one I had last month).

Last night I joined Slimming World. I'm really positive about it, I NEED to do something to lose weight. I've gained around 10 lbs since I moved here (Oops!) Plus I needed to lose a bit before then anyway. Today is my first official day, I'll try to keep my blog up to date on my progress :)

Celebrity Look Alike

Found on Erin's blog.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Originally uploaded by Anglophile in Essex.

Finally!

I have a job interview on Thursday...wish me luck!

Another weekend, another DVD for a fiver. I'd seen this movie before, probably on TV a few times and for the first time when I recented it from the library. So when I saw it for £5 I had to have it, it's from 1990 and not exactly well known...the type of movie I go for since it's quirky and a bit rough, and when you can find it for sale, as cheap as chips, as they say here. It's a bit of beauty and the beast, a bit of a moral tale about not conning the INS, and a bit of a romantic comedy but without a happy ending, well, kind of. Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars. I think there could have been a bit more character development and closure at the end.

I'm a Frappacino!

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Socks in the Grass

Socks in the Grass
Originally uploaded by Anglophile in Essex.

When you're unemployed you find yourself keeping busy doing random things...

Melinda & Melinda

I got this movie on Friday when Pete and I went to Chelmsford for my NI number interview. It was only a fiver, which was why I bought it in the first place. Oh, and it said it was similar to Sliding Doors. Well...as a Woody Allen movie it was as to be expected. I give it 5 stars out of 10. I wish it had more closure, and the acting wasn't wonderful. But Will Farrel was funny in it, so it was kind of worth the money and time I spent to watch it.

My first American Expat Rant

Things that annoy me about England:

1) People asking me why I moved here from Florida, and calling me stupid for doing so. Sorry, but those individual's only (if that) experience of Florida is a holiday in the sun for a fortnight. I lived there for 19 years, so I believe I have the upper ground on my judgement of the state. And, as a relatively intellegent person (university educated and all that) I think I can make my own decision on where I want live.

2) People asking me what I think of England. Every single person thinks they're the first to ask this very original question. After they discover I've been here at least ten times previously, they realize they are less innovated than they thought.

3) Rude shop assistants. I was given the evil eye at WH Smith's last week, I'm still not entirely sure why.

4) "American food." HP, the company that makes brown sauce has an "American sauce" which seems to be a combination of Ketchup and BBQ sauce. I'm not entirely sure what it could be used for, and I'm not curious enough to buy it. I love when things are called "American" when they bear only a slight resemblance to those things actually in America. MIL and I found Lipton Ice Tea at Sainsbury's right? I got it home and it takes like lemon water (apparently its pretty much diet ice tea so maybe thats why).

5) Calling things by their brand names or by color. The usual culprated that everyone knows: a vaccuum is a hoover, tape is sello tape etc. But Ketchup is red sauce...and people use it as a substitute for tomato sauce on spaghetti (WTF?)

6) Colo(u)rs in general: What I call mauve (pronounced MO-ve here) isn't a dark pink, but rather, a light purple. A beige color that I call universally "tan" is "coffee" and tan means brown.

7) Wimpy Burger: Its one of the few actual British fast food chains. Its not very good, and is the first example I found that british food is actually plain.

8) People telling me how I should look for a job. (This is by people who a) don't have jobs usually or b) haven't had to look for a job in 20 years).

Today I was called a housewife...

Today I was called a housewife, at the local doctor's office. Yeah, it was exciting. The doctors was pretty uneventful, it was my check-up to be able to complete registration with the local GP. Gotta love the NHS, it was weird going out of there without signing a bill or paying them anything.
In other news, the job hunt it slow. I wish I had an occupation to put on things other than erm "housewife." That term just makes me think of 1950s. Other than that, I'm adjusting pretty well to life here I think. I wish people called me more, it seems I'm the only one calling anyone to keep in touch. Oh well. Looking forward to the weekend since Pete's off work on Friday...but we have to go to my National Insurance number interview, so not all that exciting really. Guess that's it from me more now. I have yet to complete my emigration story about moving over...maybe I'll get around to that tomorrow ;)

Pete and I saw this movie on Friday afternoon, as part of our first date since we've been married :) We thought it was really funny in parts, but we didn't really like the ending. Though we did seem to be the only ones that were laughing, so maybe its more American humor? Not sure. Anyway I'd give it 7 out of 10 stars :)

One Week

I've been here one week today, and am finally getting over the jet lag I think! Sorry I've been so quiet, I've been trying to write up my traveling experience to post on here but the entry is only a draft for now as I add bits to it day by day. Hopefully around Tuesday it will be ready to post. But since Pete is off work til then it'll have to wait :) We're having our post-wedding party here tomorrow, 80 people are coming, praying it doesn't rain (aren't I becoming British already?!) hehe.

She's Got a Ticket to Ride...

Well, this will be my last blog entry from the States. Tomorrow I'm off to London, TO LIVE. How weird is that?! Very weird. Tomorrow is going to be absolutely manic (because I'm procrastinating tonight of course) so I'm not even going to try to get online much beyond emailing Pete early tomorrow to say I'll see him on Saturday! Wish me luck!

From Tea to Wine and Back

Sara, Tiff, and I were going to go to a tea room in Sanford yesterday, but since we didn't make reservations they couldn't let us in - which is pretty stupid. Anyway we ended up going to the Olive Garden and then to World Market, and then on to Designing Wines, in DeLand. Its this really nice little winery where you can make your own wine and sample all of theirs. We sampled a good amount of wine, and I'm feeling a bit of the effects this morning lol. I did get a bottle of peach chardonnay though, which was very nice. Not too sweet, and not too dry, yum!

Just My Luck

I was originally going to fly to London yesterday, but when booking my ticket I realized 1) it was probably too soon to book that date and 2) STA travel was being a pain and their website wasn't working and 3) I wanted the extra week to pack. I can only imagine what chaos it would have been traveling yesterday, but thankfully I didn't have to. I am, however, traveling a week from today. Actually this time next week I'll be (hopefully) on the plane and bound for London Gatwick (ah once again I'm glad I never fly into Heathrow!) So, because of new regulations I've been repacking my suitcases, well, that and because I have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF. I'm bringing an extra bag (yup paying the excess baggage fee of ::gulp: around $100) and at least one of my other bags are over the 50 lb. limit (thank you airlines for LOWERING the limit in April!) so I'll be paying the "I'm too important to listen to the rules" fee of $35 on each case I'm thinking. This moving stuff is getting expensive.

Making the Transition

Written on July 31st:

So it's the Monday after a busy week last week, and now I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs and avoiding packing. A part of me wishes I booked my flight for earlier in August, because to be honest I'm bored out of my mind here alone. I feel gross, my skin is breaking out, it's hot and humid out, and I just feel unmotivated.

My family is taking the news of my impending departure as well as to be expected. My sister, who's 12 years older than me, was shocked that I was leaving so soon. I explained to her that I was bored out of my mind, she agreed that she could understand that but I don't know. Maybe she can't. My sister and I have always had an odd relationship, with a 12 year age difference and only having the same mom I guess it's to be expected. But as I get older we're becoming more like friends, only sometimes she seems like one of those bossy "I know how you should live your life" kind of friends. My dad is taking it well, he's the one sane person I can always count on. He'll miss me but like he said I have to give it a try, and be with my husband. He also told me how my mom hated it here when they moved to Florida in 1986 and spent all day on the phone with her family in New Jersey, it was only after being down here for two years that they began to re-adjust. That's settling to know that I'm not the only person who's ever done this (and I knew I wasn't before) but knowing my parents went through something similar is comforting.

----------

I wrote that about a week ago, now I'm starting to get cold feet. I know its not like I'm going to change my mind or anything, but I'm nervous about moving. I know it'll all be ok and I'll adjust to it, but I hate the unknown, even when its semi-known. Pete's parents are throwing us a Post-Wedding BBQ on August 27th, for all the family/friends who couldn't fly over for the wedding...it should be fun :) The Friday before that Pete is taking me out on a date lol we never got to have a final date while being engaged so this is our first proper date as a married couple ;) Should be fun :)

New Layout

Just changed my layout. I'm hoping it looks ok on PC's since I'm on a Mac and Safari (web browser) always makes things look ok when they're really messed up lol. Let me know if anything looks funky ;)

I'm Moving!

After I received the approval email on Thursday July 27, I tracked my package (which consisted of the binder I sent in with most of the relative information still there, my passport (with visa!)) and it was to arrive the following day, Friday. So all Friday morning I was on the Fed Ex site trying to track it and it finally arrived at 12:30pm :) I was surprised how basic the visa looked, not sure what I was expecting but it seemed weird that a glued on piece of paper into my passport could mean so much ;) I actually took a picture of my visa, which if you're a close friend I'll let you see ;)

Before the visa actually arrived at my door, I decided to book my flight to leave. I wanted to leave kind of soon but not too soon, as I still have to pack a fair amount and want to spend time with my family. After a lot of hassle, I finally booked a one way ticket through STA travel on Virgin Atlantic for less than $600 which is by far the best deal I found :) I'll be leaving on August 18th and arriving in London on August 19th :)

Visa Approved!!!

See my expat blog for all the details :)

Still Waiting....

Still waiting, but I did receive an email notificatio from the NY Consulate telling me that my documents arrived there and are being processed, more details here.

A Two Starbucks Day

Starbucks - Up Close
Originally uploaded by princessjuls02.

Today I've had two grande white chocolate mochas from Starbucks (one iced, one hot). It's a long story. But large amounts of expresso and anxiety about waiting for a visa which will change your life, don't mix very well.

Found this widget at Jennie's blog. Then did my own.

Random Internet Quiz

Your True Love Is a Cancer

Why you'll love a Cancer: Cancer's loyal and sincere heart makes your own sensitive heart melt. Caring and devoted, a Cancer will take the lead in pursuing you - and not give up! Why a Cancer will love you: You're laid back enough to deal with Cancer's little mood swings and freak-outs. A fellow homebody, you know how make Cancer comfortable and at home with you.

What Sign Is Your True Love?

Hehe. Guess what? Pete's a Cancer.

The Waiting Game

Yesterday I sent off the supporting documents for my UK spousal visa, after submitting the application online the previous day. The British Consulate in NYC should receive the binder by today at noon, so I should know within 5 business days if I got my visa! Very nervous and excited!

I've resumed posting on my emigration blog: From Anglophile to Expat so go there for more visa updates :)

I Lost Myself In Books

Yesterday I was having a quiet evening at home, the house I share with my youngest brother since my mom passed away and my younger brother moved to the motel that my dad owns and runs. Anyway, I was chatting with Pete online when I heard the dogs barking at the front door. I promptly hold Mugsy with my legs and open it. It's my brother's girlfriend. I won't say I don't like the girl, because she's relatively nice and quiet. I remember what it was like to be in her shoes, to come into a family where everyone knows everything and you know nothing, it helps to be quiet. She asks if it was ok that she make dinner for Chris, it is their 1st year anniversary as a couple (cue the "awww!"). So she comes in with all this stuff to make baked ziti, which I ended up boiling the pasta for, printing the recipe online and then giving to her. She sprinkles petals from the front door to the kitchen, prints out a sign about following the petals and a night he will never forgot (way to much information for a sister to hold). So around 20 minutes before he gets home I promptly make myself scarce...

I go to the only place where I can spend at least two hours doing absolutely nothing and loving every bit of it, Barnes and Noble, which is probably among my top 5 list of things I'll miss about the US. Give me a Starbucks from their attached cafe and I can roam around aimlessly looking at books for hours. It was cold when I walked in, so I headed for the cafe to get a Grande White Chocolate Mocha. You know how when you've grown up in a town, you know you're bound to run into old classmates and acquaintances at popular 'hip" spots? So when I walked in to B&N I knew the chance were high to seeing a familiar face from High School, or a friend of a friend from middle school.

The truth is the person I saw was something I was thinking about lately, looking through old photos and finding some of her and I at the age of 12. In my pre-teen icky phase she seemed so much prettier than me, much more together and focused. Yesterday our eyes met at the Starbuck's counter, she was helping the people ahead of me, and I was waiting to be served. I'm not sure if she recognized me, but she looked the same, I never forget a face. But 10 years after my 12 year-old self last saw her, she seemed on the same playing feild as me. She was heavier than I thought she'd be, not obese or even fat, but like me, not thin either. If I was a more outgoing person I would have said "Hi! Remember me? From OLL and Longstreet?!" over the people in front of me. But I'm not that outgoing so I didn't, I was going to say hello when I got up there but she had done in the back. Plus I think saying hello would be awkward, if she didn't remember, because I hate when people say hello to me and I don't have fainted idea if I know them or not.

So with a lovely expresso blend in my hand I began to roam around, flipping through the Daily Mail, browsing the bargain section. It has to be said I LOVE books, especially book covers, and I judge the contents on their covers. I pick up on that seems interest, about girls living in NYC in the 1960's. I find one of those overstuffed comfy chairs and start to read the first few pages. Before doing so, I placed my coffee on the destressed wood coffee table, at which point I knew something would happen to it. Why I left it there I have no idea. So I try to get comfortable, wrap one leg under me and the other one out, then put both under me, then kick the second leg out....that's when the probable happened, the kicked leg hits the 3/4 of a grande white chocolate mocha, exploding creamy beige coffee all over the wooden coffee table and dark green carpet, I utter an appropriate, yet probably a bit too loud, curse word as the two men sitting in the overstuffed chairs faced in a square to me, make faces and return to their books. Luckily they didn't laugh. I mutter something going to get paper towels, sprint to the bathroom, and return to clean up my mess. Luckily none of the coffee damaged an of the books, there was a bit on the cover of one about Native Americans but it wiped that off. I wiped the table and carpet to the best of my ability, pretty much as good as new. With around 1/3 of white chocolate mocha left I quickly leave the seat and browse the other side of the store for while.

After about an hour and a half, resisting the urge to buy more books I won't read right now, I settle on a cute, furry, gray dog bookmark for $2. I pay for my purchase, served by the most rigid woman in the world, and return to the outside. A bit humilated, a bit tired, a bit hyped up on expresso. The key to growing up is accepting yourself, realizing that no one is better than you, laughing at yourself for mistakes and being able to enjoy your own company. Finally, I think I'm on my way.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July
Originally uploaded by princessjuls02.

Hope everyone in the US has a good Independence Day!

Home is where your story begins

Home is where your story begins
Originally uploaded by princessjuls02.

This was a wedding present from my bridesmaid Sara.

The Devil Wears Prada

Sara and I saw this movie last night. It was cute, like any other chick-lit book turned movie, it got me interested in reading the book. (I've wanted to read it for awhile but never got around to it). I think the ending could have been better, more closure perhaps. But as Sara said, it was popcorn brain candy at its finest. 7 out of 10

Three Years Ago Today...

We got engaged!!!



Also, wish a very happy birthday to Jennie and Rose!

The Lake House

I saw this movie last night with my friends Sara and Tiff (who were also my bridesmaids). We were going to see The Break-Up but Sara and I were a little late getting to the movies because we went to the Outback for dinner (Tiff didn't come because she's on a diet or something). So we went to see this movie.

I wanted to see it when I saw the previews, because I like movies like this. In my mind its a cross between my all time favorite Sliding Doors, Serendipity, and You've Got Mail. I think its based on a foreign film, so it has that slower moving pace mixed in with all that. It was a bit predictable, and like I said a bit long-winded in parts but overall I give it 7 out of 10.

More Pictures

Just Married

This is the only picture I have of us at the wedding ceremony or reception:

Wedding Announcement

We're Married!!

Hope Smells Like Lysol

Wow, the house is clean, well barring my room, which was clean earlier this week but has no regained its duty as a wedding warehouse of crap. I'm exhausted. I just did another 12 favor boxes with hershey's kisses, and should go be putting ribbons and heart stickers on little tubes of bubbles, but I need to sort out my room enough for me to sleep in.

Not sure if its wedding nerves or just poor nutrition, but I've been getting stomach aches and queesy feelings all this week. I'm really excited about Pete and his family arrives on Thursday! I'm usually excited about Pete coming to visit obviously, but the feeling has magnified 150% by the fact that its for our wedding, and that his whole immediate family, some extended members, and a few friends will be here in the coming days as well. Then the real fun starts when all my family arrives!

I may or may not update again before the "big day" but thank you all for all your lovely messages and congratulations!

Monsoon Wedding

I watched this movie this morning as I procrastinated. I like it, some people are bothered by subtitles in films but I didn't have a hard time understanding what was going on. I'm not sure if it lived up to all my expectations though, as I heard so much about this film. I think it did a really good job of illustrating the idea that wedding preparations are stressful no matter what culture you're in, something I can definitely related to at the moment. I give it a 7 out of 10 rating.

Two Weeks

So two weeks from today Pete and I will be married, which seems quite surreal but realistic all at the same time. Unfortunately he's leaving 5 days after the wedding, but I won't dwell on that until after the 'big day.' Thought it be good to do a little timeline of our relationship from the beginning, in case anyone doesn't know (not sure if there is such a person in the world, nevermind the blogging community). So here it goes, a quick and dirty version:

October or November 1998: Pete and I met online sometime probably in mid-October and chatted on the weekends a lot. In mid to late November we were debating on whether or not we wanted to be "more than friends" and we started "dating" online.

Early December 1998: My family's kitchen has a fire and I'm computer-less for over a month, at this point I didn't have Pete's phone number and had lost the address he gave me so we had no contact during that time.

Early January 1999: I got back online and explained what happened to Pete, we became closer and "a couple." At this point no one new about us in our families or anything.

Fast Forward....

October 1999: We talked on the phone for the first time, since I have a speech impediment and was very leery about talking to Pete on the phone, until we did talk on the phone and everything was fine. We started making plan for him to come over for Valentine's Day 2000. This meant actually telling our families about "us" not sure if they thought it was serious or not.

January 2000: Pete booked his flight to come over for 2 weeks in early to mid February! We'd finally meet in person!

February 4, 2000: Pete arrives in Orlando, unfortunately my mom and I are 3 hours late picking him up because we had a flat tire and didn't have the cell phone with us at the time (or did we even have one? back in the day when not everyone had them!) But we finally got there and met up with Pete :) We had a good visit, spent our first and only Valentine's day together so far! Started talking about my mom and I going to England in the summer as my 16th birthday present :)

June - July 2000: My mom and I visit Pete and his family in England. This is when everyone probably realized it was a bit serious...I think our mothers talked about "us" when they were in the car once and how both of us were pretty serious about relationships and didn't really take these things lightly ;) My mom and I got free tickets on our way back for taking a later connecting flight so we'd definitely be back woohoo!

December 2000: Pete's first Christmas in Florida with me and my family :)

June 2001: I went back to England to spend a month with Pete and his family. My mom came over for the last week of my stay...

December 2001: My first Christmas in England with Pete and his family :)

July 2002: I bought Pete a ticket to come over to visit for his birthday he was here from mid July to mid August :)

December 2002: After my first semester at college, I went over to England for two weeks after Christmas

June 2003: I went over to England for 5 weeks...the day I arrived June 28th...Pete asked me to marry him :)

December 2003: Pete came here again for Christmas :)

June 2004: I went over again for a 5 week stay...we started talking more about the wedding and what we wanted to do in the future.

December 2004: Another English Christmas :)

July 2005: I go to England after completing my internship, I was suppose to stay a month but had to come home after a week because my mom passed away, Pete came back with me for two weeks and was probably my saving grace during that time.

December 2005: I went to England for 2 weeks before Christmas :)

Now: 2 weeks until we get married!!!!!!!!!!!! After that we're still not sure but probably doing the UK immigration thing in July or so. Not too much time apart left!

Your Birthdate: May 9

You are a born idealist, with more pet causes than you can count. You prefer be around others, both when working and while relaxing. Generous and giving, you believe you can change the world one person at a time. You're open minded and tolerant. People feel like they can tell you anything. Your strength: Your go-with-the-flow flexibility Your weakness: Your flair for the over dramatic Your power color: Pine green Your power symbol: Circle Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Wedding???? What Wedding????!

Oh good god it's getting close!!



I should really blog about it but I'm way too stressed out about the issue to contemplate writing it all down. I know its the final weeks leading up to "the happiest day of our lives" or whatever and I should cherish the moments but at this point I wish it was over already!

Friends with Money

My friend Steph and I went to see this movie tonight as part of my belated birthday celebration. It was very bluntly humorous in parts but the ending was a bit random. Other than that its really difficult to describe! Rating: 5 out of 10

Working Girl

I'm currently working for the month of May at the place where I did my internship last summer. AND they're paying me. I'm working 3-4 days a week 9am - 5pm. I feel like a proper adult, and I don't think I like it lol.

In other news, my birthday is Tuesday! Which is weird, it doesn't feel like my birthday is coming up. I guess its still the year of "non-holidays" since my mom died. Or maybe I'm just getting older to where birthdays don't matter as much. It probably won't be much of a celebration, I'm not having the family party until after my brother's high school graduation (so we can do all the celebrations together as per usual with my family). And I have work that day, but I might see if my dad wants to take me to lunch or dinner that day. Pete's package for me won't arrive on time, he's getting me a DVD and the online company he orders from is CRAP and it hasn't arrive to him yet :( Oh well.

But a month and a day after my birthday is THE WEDDING!!! I haven't updated my wedding blog in ages but if you flick my Flickr badge you should be able to see some wedding planning pics...if you're not on my friends list let me know and I'll invite you to be on it (if I know you).

It finally happened

As of yesterday, I'm a college graduate...eeek!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

The cake was made by my uncle's girlfriend. Check out my Flickr badge for more details on it.

She Reminds Me

This past week has been a very stressful one for me, having pretty much everything due on Tuesday, Wednesday (especially), and Thursday. Plus I still fighting a cold/flu which it seems like I've had for ages now. I haven't been sharing my stress with others (apart from similarly stressed-looking classmates in the halls) but not with anyone close. Its something I would have complained to my mom about, and I miss the advice she would give. She would basically tell me to stop whining and get to work already, but I miss that in a way I never thought I would.

I know she's always with me, but I need reminding sometimes. Last night on the way back from a friend's house she did just that. I'm not a very religious person so I'm thinking it was fate or her spirit that did it, but whatever it was I couldn't deny it. The months before she died, my mom said she wanted to dance with me at the wedding to a particular song that she heard which summed up her feelings about me and our relationship. Last night I heard it on the radio...

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

Thanks mom :)

Graduation Ahead

I'm graduating Next Saturday! Very scary. I've been super busy the last few days and now I'm sure tired...I'll update more when I can think properly!

Stupid People with too much time on their hands

Some people just have WAY too much time on their hands: Crazy Shopping Divider Lady

I knew there was a reason I never use to watch the Dr. Phil Show...

The International City Me...

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Your personality type is RLOEN

You are moderately reserved, moody, organized, egocentric, and moderately non-intellecutal, and may prefer a city which matches those traits.

The largest representation of your personality type can be found in the these U.S. cities: Boston Area, Long Island, Greenville/Spartanburg, Washington DC, New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia Area, Los Angeles Area, Orlando, Cincinnati, Louisville and these international countries/regions Switzerland, Hungary, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ukraine, Guam, Thailand, Austria, Singapore, Portugal, Slovenia, Brazil, South Korea, Denmark, Malaysia, Philippines

What Places In The World Match Your Personality?
City Reviews at CityCulture.org

Failure to Launch

Went to see this last night with my friend Steph. It was really cute and funny, better than I expected, but then again I like obscure romantic comedies ;) 8 out of 10 stars.

Now back to the 'real world:' I have 2 papers, 3 projects, and a few finals in the next 3 weeks! But then I GRADUATE! Where has the time gone?!

It's Me!

Following Kamie's latest post, I made one too:

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's the first one without my mom, which is weird. Lots of memories of corned beef and cabbage and green milkshakes.

Us back on this day in 2003:

My Life in Lists

Found on Fiona's blog:

* Four Jobs you have had in your life... *
1. Motel Maid
2. Communications and Internet Dept Intern
3. Freelance copywriter/editor - currently with an online company.
4. Student

* Four Movies you could watch over and over...*
1. Sliding Doors
2. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
3. Love Actually
4. Four Weddings and a Funeral

* Four places you have lived...*
1. Flanders, NJ
2. Ormond Beach, FL
3. St. Augustine, FL
4. Essex, England (bi-annually for a month or so at least)

* Four TV Shows you love to watch...*
1. What Not to Wear
2. That 70's Show
3. Law and Order
4. Seinfeild

* Four places you have been on vacation.*
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Amsterdam, Holland
3. Essex, England
4. New York, New York

* Four websites you visit daily...*
1. My Forums
2. Hotmail
3. My Blog Friends
4. Flickr

* Four of your favorite foods..*
1. London Broil
2. Chinese
3. Good Pizza
4. Mexican food

* Four places you would rather be right now...*
1. With Pete
2. Somewhere relaxing
3. Getting something to Eat - I'm starving!
4. With family and friends

Pride and Prejudice...

I feel like I am living and breathing the story of Austen's most famous novel at the moment, so why not have a blog skin of it right?! This one is AWESOME! The reason why I'm living and breathing it is because I'm doing a 20 page paper on Colin Firth's role in 20th Century Adaptions of the story: the BBC/A&E 1995 Production, his minor mention in Bridget Jones Edge of Reason (the book), his role in both the Bridget Jones movies as Mark Darcy; and the impact these roles have had on the popularity of the P&P. Oh and probably a bit at the end comparing him with the Darcy character in the 2005 version :)

My Fears Have Been Confirmed...

I'm officially growing up! I'm one of those people that were born old, like my mother before me I've always had an internal wisdom and sensibility...not sure if I got that last bit from my mom though. So these recent confirmations that I am, in fact, growing up have surprised me more than I thought they ever would. Beyond graduating college, and getting married, there are little things that prove I'm suddenly being thrown into adulthood:

1. I renewed my drivers license...which means I've had it for almost 6 years! Now I'm legally allowed to drive until 2012...which seems like another century from now but alas it'll be here before I know it. Oh and what's up with the new drivers licenses by the way?! Are they high tech or what!



2. I've taken to drinking coffee...not just my usual tall, white chocolate mocha (which is more sugar and milk than java), but plain old 'two sugars and 2% milk' eat your stomach out by the age of 50 - coffee.

Oh and I applied for another credit card, which probably isn't the most grown up thing to do afterall but it might come in handy.

Describe me...

From Jennie's link: Princess Juls's Johari Window

The Johari Window was invented by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in the 1950s as a model for mapping personality awareness. By describing yourself from a fixed list of adjectives, then asking your friends and colleagues to describe you from the same list, a grid of overlap and difference can be built up.

So this is what it feels like...

Fear. Excitement. Anxiety. Joy.

I'm a big bundle of emotions as my 'college career' comes to a close and the months and days tick down until the wedding. I don't know what to think anymore.

The reality of the situation hit when I had to fill out one of those green forms to return to student service. I wrote my name, checked the "NOT RETURNING" option, and then checked the "GRADUATING" option. Oh god, it is really happening isn't it?

Later in the week, ie today, I had another milestone moment. There stacked in their box were the wedding invitations: printed, stamped, just waiting to be slapped with silver return address labels and on the journey to the great beyond. Said address labels finally arrived today, so I slapped them on quickly...but then I froze. This is the big step, no turning back now (well technically we could, but people would be really pissed off, especially those with travel arrangements already book). I finally gathered up the courage to send them, armed with 20 or so invitation sized envelopes I made my way to the blue mailbox. I paused for a minute, then quickly did the deed before I lost my nerve. I opened the little drawer, placed the stack in there, and then flicked the lid. There goes nothing...now I wait for replies.

Post-Valentine's Day

Well in a weird and ironic twist of fate, Pete's package to me arrived a day early, but my package to him has yet to get there :( Damn the USPS and royal mail! So I'm done with my Cadbury's valentines milk tray selection box, and on to the 3rd disc of season two of Sex and the City yay. Its very addictive!

Valentine's Day

So this will be my last Valentine's Day all on my lonesome, eating chocolates and watching "Sex and the City." Well, that's if my package from Pete arrives on time via the miracle of the Royal Mail and USPS. Valentine's Day has to be one of the biggest mail days of the year, especially all those boxed flowers delivered by Fed Ex. Hmph and I'm working in the mailroom on Tuesday ie V-Day...wonderful! Luckily that's my hour and a half day, then I got to class for 2 and a half hours and learn about International Communication/Media which is pretty cool. There really is no point to this post, I'm just trying to keep from becoming one of those people who leaves their blog up because they can't let go, but never updates. And those of you who do that, yes I'm talking to you! Update your blog or shut it down...when I'm bored I like to look for updates and its depressing when no one has any! Grrr. Back to my regularly scheduled Saturday night programming of watching a movie and baking cookies yum!

I'm burnt out...

And its only the first part of the semester. I just can't get motivated, I'm always tired, and basically I just don't care. It's my last semester as an undergraduate! I say that because at some point I want to go back for my master's probably, but not yet. Things are moving slowly with both school and the wedding, and I'm a bit fed up with both. I just want it to be July, want to have a job and finally be with Pete for good. I really miss him. This week is a tough week anyway, Thursday is my mom's 50th birthday and 6 months since she passed away. I miss her a lot too, but in a more final way. It's getting to where I can't really remember the physical presence of her sometimes, while at other times I can remember it specifically even to the way she coughed. I'm working on a website for her, wanted to have it done for her birthday but that won't happen, its A Great Many Things if anyone wanted to check it out and sign the guest book.

Self-Portrait

I've been pretty crap at blogging, nothing exciting to report. Just trying to get back in the swing of things with my last semester of college underway and preparing for the wedding! I was going to blog about a lot of things but never really put it down. Maybe I've out-grown this blog? The template is annoying too, have to change it but can't find one I like - bah!

Rumor Has It

Went to go see this movie with Sara on Tuesday night. We didn't know what to expect because we went to see just because I was starting at the time we got to the theater. It was really cute and funny though. I'm usually not a bit Jennifer Aniston fan but she was good in this movie. I give it an 8 out of 10.