Office pools are weird here.

Hmm, I tried to post this last week... Oh well, better late than never!

Just a short one, because it's really Anna's turn to write... On Friday I joined my first English office pool. I paid my pound and drew a horse out of a hat for The Grand National.

I had no idea what the Grand National was, but it's actually a pretty crazy horse race with like 40 riders, covering 5 miles with something like 30 jumps. It was crazy to watch, about half of the jockeys get thrown from their horses (including mine, on like the 4th jump.) So yeah, I didn't win, but it was interesting to say the least.

Other than that, work continues to go well... I think I'm getting a good grasp on things now, and my staff will double in size (to 2) starting tomorrow. I'm really loving this new job so far, and I hope it continues.

Oh, and we bought a car this weekend! Can't pick it up until Thursday, but it's a Honda Jazz (or a Fit in the US.) I managed the test drive without harming persons or property, so I think I'm ready for my first expedition to the office on Friday. I did make the sales guy nervous at one point for being too close to the curb, but it's good to keep car salesmen on their toes, right? I'm sure I'll get the hang of it... Though I do plan on taking the "quiet route" to the office as directed by Sandie, at least until I get comfortable. It takes a bit longer, but just seems easier in general.

Full week ahead... New employee tomorrow, new car on Thursday, and Friday I get interviewed to obtain a national insurance number! Exciting!

That's my best thing

"A dog is the most enthusiastic thing on the planet, if you go - do you wanna do this? It goes - definitely, that's my best thing." - Derek

That quote is from the latest TV show I have binge-watched, Derek. It's another Ricky Gervais show which makes 4 of his I truly love- Extras, Life's Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, and now Derek. Derek, however, isn't just silly comedy- It's set in a senior living home (tug at my heart strings) and combines silly comedy with the importance of caring for and respecting the aged. The quote is from an episode where they bring shelter animals to the senior-living home- needless to say I cried like a baby.
 
It has been a while since I've blogged, mostly due to being busy- but in part due to being sick for a couple of days. I'm feeling great now, but my poor husband is down and out and spending the day in bed. As Mum says, we've got to get used to these British bugs. 

To pick up from Sean's last post, Chadwick is here! The poor thing made the journey well, as far as we could tell. He smelled a bit funny for a few days, but now has his usual kitters scent and is up to his old antics. He does miss his nighttime playmate, Uncle Nigel, and reminds us of this frequently in the form of loud meows at 2am. 

British Cat Beds aren't so bad...

It's been rather sunny here. Really! Even today, I went out without a jacket or umbrella!  It was remarkable! Perhaps Sean and I have reversed some old British rain curse by moving here. I challenge you to come up with a better (or more scientific) explanation.

Honest to goodness British sunlight

We've settled into a nice routine at present, Sean heads to work in the morning, I work on job applications and gather meal supplies and make daily trips to the bank to transfer money from our US account, Sean returns home, we talk about the day, and lastly (if we've both behaved ourselves) we sometimes head to The Assembly Rooms for a refreshment. (Don't worry, Dad- sometimes I do order half pints!)

Our local

 Perhaps my favourite news of late is our newly acquired memberships! Sean and I are now proud members of The National Trust and I have also joined the Ramblers! We really look forward to exploring Britain's sites and pathways. I even purchased proper shoes for my rambles (and Mum- I did get ones that come up to my ankles!)

The beginnings of many adventures

As Sean had a very long drive home from work on Friday, we opted to take the train into London yesterday morning for a walk along the Thames. Here were some of our views:

A familiar view

In front of The Garden Museum

The Imperial War Museum

Well, another week is upon us. Hopefully this one won't require a second trip to the Job Centre regarding our National Insurance Numbers- although the trip did give us the chance to see Mum's old stomping grounds of Tooting! We did purchase a car last week and this will be Sean's first full week of driving. He is becoming a roundabout master and can tell you the difference between puffin, zebra, and pelican crosswalks. (I didn't make that up.)

Jeff, Our Honda Jazz

Who wants a hairc- wait, what?

We've passed this place a few times now, and finally took a picture this evening. I don't even know.

Needless to say, this will not be my barber of choice.

Anyway, long before our journey past the above establishment, I had my first day of work! Things went very well, especially because my work day started with a mandatory cup of tea:

Anyway, it was a fantastic first day. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I was able to begin to get a grasp on the types of projects I'll be handling. I'm really excited, because while the IT infrastructure is relatively solid, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Oh, and I got this swanky badge too!

Well, our little pain in the ass Chadwick will be boarding his plane in a few more hours. We're a little nervous about his flight, but we look forward to reuniting with him tomorrow. Wish him luck in his travels!