Two years ago today…
japra | Feb 16, 2009 | Comments 16
We didn’t take that much with us when we moved from Texas. That’s less than half a shipping container. But boy, I wish I had brought more of my art stuff.
…we walked through passport control in Gatwick Airport and the immigration officer said: “Welcome Home.”
After two years, England definitely feels like home. This weekend, I drove 40 minutes out to Roxi’s best friend’s house and noticed that I feel very comfortable driving in the right side of the car on the left side of the road. We finally are used to the short store hours, the slower pace of life, the accent (LOL), our timed water heater, the smaller ‘fridge, our tiny appliances, skeleton keys… and now I’m starting to think our house here is too big (at about 1500 square feet). Oh dear.
Thank you, England, for welcoming us and sharing your rich history.
Filed Under: Blog
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I am so glad you feel welcome here. Can you not get your art stuff sent over?
Tawny–I was so blase about packing up our stuff, so focused on downsizing so that we could fit into a tiny flat in London, that I confidently crossed off jewellery desk, rolling mill, drill press, shear, kiln, etc etc off my list. I know where they are in my storage unit in Texas… in the back of a 25-foot room. Boo! But I am thinking about breaking down and buying new stuff. :-)
Well, you know that you can always buy carefully selected new stuff. It's worth it besides paints and other art supplies just don't last…brushes get damaged, the other liquid products can't be brought over without some difficulty.
If you have a desire to express yourself through art, don't let anything hold you back. I'm always returning to painting…and it personal expression for me…maybe it's more than that for you…pursue your dream! <3
Okay, I don’t know why, but this made me cry.
Welcome home.
Happy 2 year Anniversary! In my mind this is the true way to travel, to live and really experience a country…you’re one of the fortunate (and brave).
Coincidentally, my wife and I just celebrated the 2 year anniversary of our move–from Washington DC to Cambridge (though her family is in texas) and we too have come to love it here, making it very difficult to decide on when to return home. We have to decide soon whethe to extend my 3 year work permit–sigh.
Cynthia–I finally have the time and brainpower to get back to my art. So you are a mind reader! I have started accumulating the tools I need to get back to work. What a relief!
Chris–Perhaps you were sympathising with my lack of art supplies? ;-) Thank you, friend.
Christine–Well, it sure has been nice to have friends like you along for company! Thanks for visiting me here every day :-)
John–Oh my goodness! I am so glad you stopped by and commented. I just popped over to you blog and am going to go back over and read more after I post this comment. I can understand why you and your wife love Cambridge! It is just so lovely there. Washington DC is also a beautiful place. We lived in Falls Church for a brief time more than 10 years ago. Coming from Texas, I appreciated the fall colours and the snow. PS “Howdy” to your wife! How is she getting along without proper Tex-Mex?
So happy to hear you are assembling some art supplies. Now get to work, so we can see the fruits of your labours.
I’m so eager to go back to England. Will have to wait at least another 16 months…
You seem content living here. Love all your photos esp. Barcelona. Love your blog.
Finally able to catch up! Happy England Anniversary to you.
It was Presidents Day here…now don’t go wobbly on me! (Seriously, it’s okay to love the mother country.) Mimsy
Congrats! The first few months are the hardest, missing every single thing from home. Every little thing you do is new and has a steep learning curve. Then it all tips…and you feel at home.
xoxo
Fantastic Forrest–I’ve been working on it: Where I talk about art :-)
Adventure Mother–Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by :-) Yes, we are very happy here in England.
Laurie–Thanks, hon!!
Mimsy–You are funny :-)
Pigtown-Design–I went through big time culture shock! But everything seems so normal now. I am sure I will go through reverse culture shock when we move back. Haha!
I don’t know how you deal with the language barrier (ha ha). I’d be stumbling around asking “Does anybody here speak Southern? I need a biscuit not a cookie!”
Trying to Remember It All–Lol! I did have a hard time for the first couple of months, especially in the grocery stores where they would ask me all sorts of questions. I knew they were speaking English, I could hear the words, I just didn’t know what they meant! I smiled and nodded a lot. It is much better now that my ear is tuned. There are so many accents here!