I have been in the UK for a bit over a year now. While I do love it here, I still miss home sometimes. The recent losses in my life have made living here even more difficult. Some days I struggle to find the positive.
On that note, it’s also not generally in my nature to be depressed, or angry, or pessimistic (ok, so maybe a little pessimistic). I try to keep things light. I don’t want to be a sourpuss, with bitchy resting face. So I sat down and decided to think of some really positive things that I am enjoying in my life RIGHT THIS SECOND. And, at each subsequent second during the typing of this blog post.
1. England is GORGEOUS. I’m serious. It is one of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever been. And every part of it that I’ve been to is beautiful – even the closer quarters of the city of London. But I’ve been many places in the north of England, I’ve been to Scotland, and I’ve been to Wales. I’ve been blown away by the scenery. I’ve been on the school run and actually gasped at the way the clouds seem close enough to touch, or the sun shines on the bottom of them and makes the sky light up in oranges, reds, and yellows. Everything is green. Everything is gorgeous.
In Aber Falls, North Wales
Aber Falls, North Wales
2. I am in a constant state of amusement and/or befuddlement at the way modern life is lived here. This really is fun – trying to figure out why people still iron everything (because the washers and dryers are so tiny that they leave major creases and wrinkles in the clothing). Or, why there are two buttons to flush a toilet. It doesn’t matter which you choose, one of them won’t work, and the best option is to always push both buttons down at the same time. The good thing is that there are almost never flush handles, so all of you sick, disgusting people who flush the toilet with your shoes would be out of luck (you know who you are!).
3. Everything is a Monty Python sketch. Ok, not everything, but enough to make me widen my eyes in wonder and then laugh. I thought the whole “It’s only a Flesh Wound” sketch from Holy Grail was a gross exaggeration. Then I watched a stoic British man break his leg, brush off all offers of assistance, sit on the side of the gymnasium watching us finish our workout, then walk to the parking lot with us, and insisted on carrying his own bag! It was only after he got home that he realized he might need to get to the A&E. So, there you have it. Monty Python is true. TRUE!
4. Roller Derby. Yes, Roller Derby. My lovely friend Rachael inspired me to try out with her, and we did it together, and then a bunch of other things happened. But I am still skating 8 months later, and hope to actually bout soon. I’ve learned a lot about myself on this journey. I will blog more about derby later. It’s enough that it needs its own post.
Those are a few of my favorite things, or at least things that I find amusing and enigmatic about the United Kingdom. There will be more, I promise. I’m off to skate now!
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