Across The Pond: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Someone got the good genes

two posts in one day?

what is happening?

Had to share this cover my little brother and his friend did..

because, and i might be biased,

i think he is the cutest thing ever.

and i love this song.

The Million dollar Question

What are your future plans? Will you stay in the UK/move back to the states/Could you see yourself being that LA girl again?

This is the million dollar question.

A question I get asked every day.

A question i ask myself every day.

I have these moments...

these wave of moments,

where i get a pit in my stomach,

and lump in my throat as i look back on my life in southern California..

Last night this moment happened..

I lied awake in bed planning what my visit home will look like this summer..

where I will take stephen..

all the places I wanted to show him.

I mentally walked..

ok drove..

through my home state.

It started in my suburban town..

directly over the canyon from malibu..

40 minutes north of hollywood..

It sits nestled beneath mountain tops..

and on a cul de sac is my home.

Where i spent ages 2-21 residing.

Complete with memories I will never forget,

and ones i wish I could..

and a pool.

that glorious pool.

This is where I start..

where I begin..

we end in Laguna beach..

having taken the 101 fwy to the 405 S

(aka the fiery pits of traffic hell)

until you land in Newport..

on PCH..

and take that stretch down to Laguna..

because that is the best way to get there..

You enter in looking over outstretched cliffs and blue water.

You pass the the gated hillside communities..

where I once worked..

So-Cal is home.

and always will be.

But no,

I don't think I will move back there anytime in the near or distant future..

(but don't hold me to it because life has a funny way of changing your plans..clearly..)

I spent a lifetime living and breathing that lovely, intoxicating, and addicting LA smog..

And as much I love it..

yearn for it in moments..

I don't think i could live that pace of life again..

Because when you breath a bit of fresh air for awhile,

going back can be suffocating..

My California friends would gasp at this..

how could i ever want to live anywhere else but God's own paradise ?

And I get it..

you have the beaches, the mountains, the desert, wine country, skiing, all within a short distance of each other.

All wrapped up in the perfect climate.

I will admit,

when I walk down the streets of Scotland,

i have this horrible shallow thoughts that pops into my head..

thoughts like "gosh everyone looks homeless...i wish i could walk out my door and see some color and life in people"

Because we all know,

you don't leave your house in LA unless you are dressed to the nines with a full face of makeup on..

even if dressed to the nines means spending three hours looking like you "just rolled out of bed"

That lifestyle can spur you into being the best version of yourself..

but also the worst.

And call me crazy, but if Stephen and I get married (ah i said it)

I don't think someone who was raised out here in Britain..

would ever be able to tolerate the sort of lifestyle that LA calls for.

The pressure would be intense to say the least.

BUT

Yes.

I will move back to the states.

I fully intend on settling in the USA and living there permanently.

give me 2-3 more years and ill be back.

we can have a party.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Your Questions..answered. Part I

How did I decide to move to England?

I woke up one day, in my Irvine, California apartment..

my golden retriever puppy was snuggled up next to me..
(he now resides with his his amazing adoptive parents btw)

and i wondered if i would ever live a life without stainless steel appliances and granite countertops..

if my life, somehow, could be without my most prized possessions (ie my williams sonoma food processor)

or if every day, for the rest of my life, i would be trying to keep up with the joneses.

And truth be told, I would have stayed in that place.

Unhappy, but comfortable.

If I am being honest I have my ex to thank for the move to England,

because unlike myself,

he no longer could deal with the mundane.

He said to me one day,

"what about getting our masters in England?"

I laughed.
"ya sure why not?"

Chalked it up to another fanciful idea.

Next thing I knew it was less than a year later and we were booking flights for London.

I think my family didn't believe it would actually happen..

and neither did I.

No one thought I would last.

I was too "LA"

I liked my central air and heat

and had never taken public transport in my life.

But here I am, a year and a half later, graduated, and against all odds

and everyone's expectations,

STILL in the UK.

What was your living situation like when you moved to England? did you live on or off campus?

The first two days we were in Nottingham we lived in a Bed and Breakfast. no joke.

We came with no prospect of housing.

Because, at this time, I wasn't single, housing was more difficult to come by on campus.

Non existent really.

We took the first 48 hours (with high levels of jet lag) to find a place as quickly as possible.

(you cannot reserve a property from out of the country, you have to view it in person in order to secure it)

We went to a bunch of "letting offices" aka renting offices that work on behalf of the landlord,

to help us find a home.

We ideally wanted a place that was furnished, but because our Visas were late,

and term time had already begun,

this proved really difficult.
Especially because we wanted to be walking distance to the university.

We finally found a three bedroom/one bath house close to the Uni,

slightly over our budget,

and partially furnished (it had beds and some dishware..).

cue salvation army.

When my ex and I separated,

I applied for post grad housing on one of the two campuses.

These were dorms JUST for post graduates and had a shared kitchen and en suite bathrooms

(i refuse to share bathrooms with strangers..it's one of my quirks)

Thankfully, at this time, people were moving out and i managed to snatch up one of the available rooms.

Everything was included in my rent (utilities, internet, etc).

I LOVED this place.

It was a place that was just mine.

And if you are studying abroad alone,

i highly recommend living on campus,

its a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Was it difficult to meet people/make friends?

I was really self conscious about being American..

I mean, lets be honest,

we arnt exactly the most loved population of people in Europe..

we are known for being obnoxious, loud, and arrogant.

I never wanted to come off that way..

which i think made me more quiet then i normally am in social situations.

Stephen still says to this day that my family sounds SO much more american than i do..

and i really think its because i was so conscious of my accent and how i came across to people.

I tried to use the words AWESOME and LIKE sparingly.

All that being said, the people in my program could not have been more welcoming.

Because it was so small (15 of us total) it made it easy to make friends.

There were a few i was closer to then others,

but all together the people i worked with were amazing.

And when you are at one of the larger internationally ranked universities,

you are going to have A LOT more international students, so it's easy to find a place to fit in.

What about you? for those who have studied abroad..what was your experience like? good or bad? I

I have heard very few horror stories..

I know for me..

the decision changed my life..

for the better.

Friday, January 27, 2012

The weekend is here..thank goodness.

Good news guys,

My visa application to stay and work in the UK for two more years has been approved!

I'll explain why this is exciting, and so dang relieving in a post next week..

because a lot of you asked about how i live here, what i do here, and if/when i am going to be going back to the USA.

Questions that I get asked at least once a day by someone in my real life, or through this blog..

So check back next week for that ish..

(like you werent going to come back anyway..puhlease..)

right..?

Here are some of your new best friends..

If you are lucky.

************

o.m.g Debbie.

Like, words cant even describe how freaking funny and amazing this girl is..

I found her blog so randomly on twitter when i saw this post about how to sponsor a blog

(a must read btw)

and I was all, this girl knows whats up..

and then i proceeded to laugh out loud at her posts.

If you like it over here..

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I am from Los Angeles btw

wine tasting in the "bu" (Malibu...)

For those of you who are new(er) here..

and don't already know..

I am from Los Angeles, California..

born and raised.

holler.
(we say that there sometimes..)

I didn't leave LA until I was 21..

where I moved 1.5 hours (without traffic..)

south to Orange County

(I know, soo far..)

I lived in the oc for four years until I moved to England.
(I am now in Scotland btw..)

While some of my LA charm has slowly worn away and been replaced by

lack of road rage, lack of car in general..heavy coats, thermal socks, and the occasional seasonal depression..

I'm still that LA girl..

who "won't go west of vermont"

wants to go on puppy play dates,

and loves a good tan.

I know the Sh*t girls say videos are like, so yesterday..

and are being totally over done to the point where people are over it..

but i was sent this yesterday

and im sure my blog wont be the only one you see it on..

and most of you wont think its funny..

but if you want a glimpse into my old life..

here it is..

and hand to God..

i have said or have had friends say 99% of these things..

i'm not proud of it.

and since we are getting to know each other a bit better..

I figured i'd start a FAQ's page..

you know, as a reference point..

in addition to answering some of your burning questions in a post.

So let me have it..

ask me the things you want to know in the comment section..

comments that ask questions will not be visible so you can freely ask away.

Enjoy.

*ps

Your comments on yesterdays post made my life...and just showed exactly what i was talking about in the post. So thank you.

*comments closed now on this post*

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

a single act or product of thinking- thoughts on blogging.

Once upon a time I had tan skin and spent my days taking my golden retriever to the beach.

I studied psychology and worked on my “active listening” skills.

I read

I prayed

I drove my 2005 black Honda accord down the 405 freeway daily

and watched countless hours of reality tv shows on my flat screen tv.

I was young.

I was married.

I had a lot of friends.

Then, in the time it takes to cough,

Or breath,

Or blink..

My life changed.

I moved to England.

I was alone.

In a foreign country.
No tv, car, dishwasher, or clothes dryer..
you know, the necessities...

Just me,

And all the problems that I could fit into my large suitcase.

I started a blog..

This blog.

To document my life..

To hold onto those I left behind..

To tell them my stories in hopes that they wouldn’t forget me..

but some forgot anyway.

And others who once stood on the sidelines of my life came to the forefront.

Then one day..

I met “you”

The world of blogging.

A world where friendships are formed…

Where people come together to encourage, support, and care for one another..

Where comments really say “you matter”

“I get it”

“me too…”

Even if they don’t say that at all…

I had encountered a world where e-harmony got together with facebook and live-journal and made a baby.

You could write about your day, while peering into other people's lives,

And get to know them on a deeper level,

All the while connecting from another country where you don’t quite fit in.

While in England i found myself at a crossroads..

where my world had changed again..

I thought about closing my blog down..

My life had become too controversial..

My real life friends were giving me the side eye..

What would those who didn’t “know me” say?

And then I wrote it down..

And hundreds of people stepped in..

To offer their unyielding support.

E mails, comments, care packages..

From all over the world.

Saying “you matter”

I don’t always blog the “deep thoughts of the day”

Because in a world where there is so much hate and evil broadcasted over the internet and television daily…sometimes it's nice to read or write a “I thought this outfit was cute” post..

No matter how superficial or mind numbing it may be.

There are moments where I use this blog as an outlet..a diary..

And moments where id rather look at the funny/random aspects of my life and jot it down in hopes it makes someone else smile that day.

There are moments where I use this blog to connect people..

As a way of paying it forward..

Because I have been lucky enough to meet women that I would call my best friends through blogging..

And maybe…hopefully.. you will too…

I find it amazing that when I move back to the states..

No matter which state I move to..

I will mostly like “know” one person living there.

Everyone has their own views and opinions of this space we claim on the web..

How we should run it, how much time we should spend on it, sponsoring, commenting, photographs, anonymous writers, design, giveaways, etc…

I've let some people recently make me question why I am here..

How I run my piece of this puzzle..

And then I sat down to write thank you cards..
(real ones..with an old fashioned pen and paper)

To those who have sent me care packages..

And I realised I was writing notes to people who have never met me..

Girls who have taken time out of their day and money out of their wallets to send me my favourite American snacks or a “just because” gift.

Not because I asked..

Or because I require all of my friends to send me gifts..

(just some..)

But because through blogging we have made connections that transcend the bounds of the blogspot.com

In our sorrow, joy, and top buns..we’ve found friendship..

And maybe we’ve found ourselves too.

This is why I blog.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Under the weather?

So i'm slightly under the weather today..

why do people say under the weather?

Every time i say it i find myself trying to figure out how that saying got started..

And when I feel sick i really should refrain from social networking sites..

because i find myself wanting to punch walls because of things people are saying/doing..

do any of you have those days?

Where you read blogs/fb feed/etc and you're like

why am i reading this overly dramatic post?

(you're thinking that right now arnt you...?)

why are you on my facebook?

oh good for you, you found a box of kittens and saved a flower that was close to being smashed by a giant rainbow..

AND you wont the lottery??

AWESOME.

clearly its time for me to be subdued in bed.

Thank goodness for Sarahs post,

that saved the blog universe today with its beauty.

And thank goodness for Jess,

who i am turning you over to..

because i refuse to leave you with this whiny post..

the type of post that makes me want to punch walls..

how ironic.

(please tell me you all have days like this..)

I am telling you though,

Jess's blog is AWESOME.

and her pictures are glorious.

I have mentioned her on this blog before,

so she is now a two time across the pond winner.

::::applause::::

**************

"I'm a fifth generation cowgirl from the budding metropolis

(insert heavy sarcasm)

of Coarsegold California.

I'm mildly obsessed with diet coke, fresh basil, Jane Austen movie adaptations, Audrey Hepburn,

reading, and our fluffy puppy Watson.

I've been married to the love of my life for two years,

and there's been lots of adventure to show for it.

Among our favorite activities are cuddling, popcorn eating, and

cinema watching (are we seeing a trend here?).

This is our life,

let's be friends."

BLOG

*****

PS: have any of you native english speakers done a teaching abroad program? where you go somewhere for 6 months to a year to teach english? ie: asia, italy, greece, france etc? if so, e mail me. megkristine@gmail.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

Weekend view

dont be fooled by that sun burst..sun in winter=colder not warmer.

We went to go see The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo this weekend

it was brilliant..obviously..

well done USA in keeping it just as amazing as the swedish version..

and Rooney Mara?

Incredible.

Getting your nip pierced for a film definitely should score you an Oscar..

but that's just my opinion.

Stephen came out of the bathroom while we were waiting to go into the film..

he was all,

"that bathroom is so strange, there are tiny mirrors in the tile around the ur-anal and it's......"

I obviously stopped listening after the pronunciation of urinal.

I mean, its one thing to already have to refer to the restroom as toilet to avoid getting weird looks.

but ur-anal.

too far.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Sponsors..I'm Open

I am currently holding spots for FEBRUARY sponsors.

Spots are limited,

so get em while their hot

(of course im going to use a food reference in conjunction with a sponsor post)

E-mail me for more information..

you can click the contact tab to send a message directly to my e mail

(fancy)

Hope you all are enjoying your Saturday!

I am currently watching back to back episodes of the new tv show "Homeland"

has anyone see it?

LOVE.

I also finished watching the first season of American Horror Story..

(yes, i have some time on my hands..what? its cold outside..)

Anyway,

it gave me nightmares.

But i loved it.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Make new friends- California addition

Next week i'm going to be writing a little post on why i blog..

what keeps me here..

it'll be thrilling, i'm sure..

but part of why i blog is because i have made such amazing friends..

its the best part of blogging..

the relationships you build..

so go.

build them.
water them..
watch them grow..

nevermind. just go make friends.

**************

Nicole is about to join me in expat life..

not like literally join me..

her, me, and Stephen in our one bedroom flat,

that wouldn't be awkward..

but she is a northern California girl

about to spend 6 months in Spain..

(basically its my goal to get every single one of you to Europe..)

"Hi, I'm Nicole. I blog at La Mia Vita. I'm a 2nd grade teacher, love taking pictures, learning to cook, traveling and exploring. I live in amazing San Francisco but in one week I am moving (all by myself) to Barcelona, Spain to learn Spanish and teach English for 6 months. I'm excited (and nervous) to blog about my new adventures!"

BLOG

******

Repping Southern Cali (where all the cool people live..)

is Hollie..

and she represents so-cal well with her blonde hair, sense of style, and slightly tanned complexion

darn you Hollie.

"I'm a twenty something San Diegan who blogs about anything from my love of fashion and style, to funny stuff around the web, to what's inspiring me or to my day to day experiences. It's my blog and I'll do what I want! ;) Kidding! I keep it random. Or maybe it sounds better if I say I like to keep my readers on their toes, so they never know what to expect :) Or maybe you should come see and find out for yourself."

BLOG

********

Devon is another San Diegan (hey Dev, you and Hollie should be bffs)

I am now moving this blog into an internet matchmaking site..

for friends..

Devon and her hubby are super surfer hot,

and they do what I wish I could do,

but my lack of coordination and fear of drowning prevent me..

(surfing people...surfing)

"Hey everyone, I’m Devon. You can find me over at The Mermaid Chronicles. I am a surfer and ex-preschool teacher turned freelance writer. I write about my life with my new husband, Scott, and our adventures surfing at home in San Diego and around the world. We have no kids and no pets (yet) so our eyes are constantly on the horizon looking for waves and adventures. I also write about the ocean and the way it makes me feel like me. I just started posting a story about our family vacation sailing The West Indies (ups, downs and all), so come check it out! I love making new blogger friends!"

BLOG

*************

so I didn't even think when I had scheduled to show off these ladies that they were all from California..

I wish I could say I was that clever..

but i'm totally not.

I never said neuroscientists were smart..

Thursday, January 19, 2012

awkwardfamilyphoto.com

insert awkward caption here

My family graduation photo folks..

in all of its glory..

Its one of those photos where you could see it and be like,

huh, that's cute..

im not sure if her brother is being funny..

or he isn't normal/he is a closet sociopath..

or they forced them into that pose..

They definitely didn't tell us the pose like that..

in fact the photographer said,

"you sure you want to pose like that?"

and shane was all

"yes, of course I do."

She (photographer) did however place my moms arm on me like that..

which totally looks natural..

and that "diploma" im holding?

a fake.

I knew when i put it on facebook the majority of my friends would be like

omg..shane totally did that on purpose

(which he did guys.. don't worry)

but then there were the select few who clearly don't know us well,

(read: the friends you add because you knew them 15 years ago in junior high but as soon as you add them you instantly unsubscribe from their feed)

who were all

"that's pretty"

really?

I think it should be mounted over a fireplace, personally.

Feel free to add your captions for it below.

My favorite comment so far from facebook:

"This is tender. It also looks like a picture straight out of an early 90's church directory...in the best possible way"- Ahnika

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Conversations

Conversations that happen when an irish man dates an american...or just me.

me: did you finish going to the bathroom? i need to take a bath
stephen: yes, but wait a second..
me: what are you doing in there?
stephen: nothing..just wait
me: did you poop on the floor?
stephen: noooo. what are you saying?
me: what are you doing with a plastic bag? i can hear it
stephen: nothing..just wait
me: did you clog the toilet??
stephen: Nooo..stop asking me questions
me: did you poop on the floor and are cleaning it up with a plastic bag?
stephen: what are the likes of you? really.
me: dont get all irish on me
stephen: what are you gonna do?
me: get american on your ass
stephen: ok sorry.
me: what are you doing in there?
stephen: oh my gosh, just give me a second pet and then you can come in
me: can i come in now?
stephen: ok yes.

me: ohhh babe..sorry for accusing you of pooping on the floor. you’re the best.
stephen: you are crazy.

stephen: you are really chammin over there arnt you?
me: i didnt say anything..
stephen: no..your chewing..its so loud
me: im eating flaming hot cheetos
stephen: why so loudly?
me: because they are crunchy?
stephen: but can you close your mouth to eat them?
me: no. they are flaming hot.
stephen: so?
me: if i close my mouth, my mouth gets too hot. i have to let air in.
stephen: right..
me: flaming hot cheetos makes me cough
stephen: isnt that my bag of cheetos?
me: yes. but i ate it.
stephen: well then im going to get one of yours.
me: no, thats my bag.
stephen: but you ate one of mine..
me: i know..and now you dont have anymore left..that sucks.
stephen: but you have one of yours left..
me: but thats mine.
stephen: so basically if we get 5, 10, or 100 bags of flaming hot cheetos from the import store they are all yours?
me: correct. good talk.

me: i want to make an egg salad sandwhich for lunch
stephen: but we dont have any salad
me: ya i just want egg salad
stephen: but we dont have lettuce
me: thats okay. I just want the egg salad sandwhich
stephen: without salad?
me: yea. just the sandwhich. no salad on the side.
stephen: why are you calling it egg salad?
me: what is happening with this conversation?
stephen: what is egg salad?
me: egg, mayo, on bread...
stephen: so no salad?
me: right.
stephen: then why are you calling it an egg salad sandwhich if there is no salad on it?
me: a. its called lettuce, and b. because im american.

see other conversations here, here, here and here

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Currently Representing Los Angeles for me...

I feel like i cant even properly introduce my friend Ashley to you,

she was my FIRST blogger bff..

I found her blog through the blog guidebook

she had been nominated as one of the top blogs...

I went to her page and was like YES.

(that doesn't sound creepy at all)

I was so new to blogging,

and didn't realize that actual solid friendship could be made..

until Ashley.

I think you all will feel the same way about her as I do..

except now i sorta hate her because she just moved to Los Angeles, CA (my real home)

and is frolicking on the beach while im hibernating in the cold..

I never said my love was unconditional..

********

So it's no secret that I love Megan from the bottom of my heart.

Back when I started my little blog, she was one of the first blogs I found and we instantly connected.

These days I like to call her my Bonnie Lass...because she is in Scotland and all.

I have had to suppress the urge to send her various renditions of

"you take the high road"more than once. And my husband kind of has a man crush on Stephen.

Megan kind of has a knack for connecting to people in a hilarious but really close way--

which is why we ALL feel like we are BFF's with her.

Lately, I have been OH SO thankful for her because I recently moved to her hometown.

REALLY recently. Like 7 days ago.

I have been relying on her to tell me where to go, eat, shop and be.

And so far we have had a grand time in this crazy city!

It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived (and thats us saying a lot since for the past year and a half my husband and I have moved every 3 months for his job!).

The city is just so fun, and the things people say are more than hilarious!

I would love to meet you, so please stop by and say hello!

Who knows?-- I might be moving to a city near you at some point!

our first trip to the beach this past weekend--- megan's old stompin' grounds!

BLOG

ETSY

Monday, January 16, 2012

Sh*t girls say, boys say, they dont say, say.

Okay,

So i know the Sh*t girls says sensation has probably been seen by most of you..

if you haven't seen it

stop where you are right now and go

here and here

It must be an American girl thing

because Stephen laughed so hard (too hard),

and i think found some peace in knowing I'm not the only girl

who eats chips like a horse,

and goes "I know right?!" all.of.the.time.

And i have also said "ice cream makes me cough"

and the occasional "hot cheetos make me cough"

which they do!

I digress

I LOVE this Sh*t Nobody says video..

It makes me laugh out loud every time..

as far as sh*t you will never hear me say?

please tell me about the dreams you had last night

i miss my co-pay

lets take the stairs instead of the elevator

I love listening to you talk about your dreams of becoming an actor (clearly this is for people who live/once lived in LA)

ill have the side of vegetables instead of fries

race you up the stairs!

pale is the new tan

lets never get a place with a dishwasher again

i miss public transportation

buses are cool

i miss my pager

constipation is overrated

i cant wait to have a baby turn me into a human slow cooker

hold the mayo

i wish i could pull off being a hipster

Friday, January 13, 2012

People You Should Know...like now.

For your weekend reading pleasure,

I bring you three amazing blogging women

(because women usually are the ones blogging..unless you count the occasional posts from animals and babys..so they say..)

********

I don't think you can get much better then a quick witted mommy blogger. There are a few that roam the blogging seas and Chelsea is one of them.
And it always helps when the mom and children are really attractive.
What?
You know its true.

"Hello! I’m Chelsea and you can find me over at The Curly Cues. I am a wife and part-time working mom of a 20-month-old girl with crazy hair and a crazier personality. I just announced that we will become a family of four this summer, so if you like watching someone slowly get fatter and fatter, I’m your girl! I like to pretend I am a photographer, so I am making due with my point and shoot until I can afford something swanky. I like books, nerdy things, and anything miniature. Lets be friends! Come visit, unless you hate babies (weirdo)."

BLOG

******

Anna is my Brazilian bomb shell fellow expat living in America (California to be exact..holler). she sends me Brazilian candy and a rain boot Christmas ornament because she saw it and "thought of me"

I mean really?

"Hi Megan's lovely readers,

My name is Ana and I'm a 20-something Brazilian newlywed living in Northern California.

I married the sweetest man last year and have been blogging about our journey ever since.

That includes from our trips to the new recipes we try, the ups and downs of married life

and everything else in between. I hope you stop by to say hello!"

BLOG
ETSY

******

I have been blog friends with Emily for a long time..

she leaves the best comments

and her life just really fascinates me..

which caused me to send her lengthy harassing e mails once or twice..

"Hey hey hey, I'm Emily with Amazing Grapes. I thought I'd tap into my inner Megan with that pose...I think I nailed it.

I'm a talker of all things in life. I went from being a Sergeant at a men's maximum security prison to a jewelry wearing, nail polish and make up loving girly girl who travels to Hawaii to visit my love all while fine tuning my picture taking skills. I jab about my travels, my love of all things photography and anything else that keeps the boat floatin’. "

BLOG

*******

This weekend i'll be gettin my tan on,
eating my daily veg
and going for long walks.
(insert sarcasm)

i joke.

please.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

When phones took over the world

i have high hopes for the next generation

shane was scared of his tiny room in the old irish cottage..so he slept with the door open and the lights on. he is 22. nuff said.

Stephens dad...its just too good.

i think these glasses frame my face really well.

he was really warm.

thus concludes our holiday journey through the UK..

we started for a brief second in London England

drove 3 hours to Nottingham, England where i graduated

then drove 6 hours north to Glasgow Scotland where stephen and I live

then drove one hour to Edinburgh Scotland for a few days

drove back to Glasgow for a few days where we visited Loch Lomond

Then we took the Ferry Boat over to Belfast Ireland,

and drove 2 hours North to Stephens hometown of Kilkeel.

We spent a week in Northern Ireland for Christmas.

We took the Ferry boat back to Scotland.

Spent the next couple of days in Glasgow

with a short trip to St. Andrews..

On the 3rd of January we took the megabus to Edinburgh

where the train station shut down due to high wind damage..

we were re-routed to another station

and took the train 5 hours to London..

on the train shane showed me the weather forecast in Southern California..

as a result of exhaustion from seeing 10,000 castles (my mom is the epitome of an american tourist)

i broke down and started crying on the train.

then i started laughing.

basically i went a little hysterical.

i hit the wall going 90.

I'm okay now.

My brother and mom flew back on the 4th of January..

and i cried for 24 hours.

Basically this is just to tell you i took all forms of public transportation..

and we all know how much i LOVE public transportation...

i'm still waiting for my award.

most importantly,
i asked my brother the other day to ship me taco bell hot sauce packets.
Things are getting desperate over here...

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

an Irish Accent VLOG!

So I totally secretly video taped stephen doing the accent vlog..

which is sorta evil..

but mainly genius.

Things you should note before watching

1. i made my little brother give me his christmas sweater that he bought as a joke to wear on christmas, and now i actually wear it.

2. our dead tree in the background

3. stephen just got off work and is wearing an old hoodie that he wore to paint our living room in..hence the awesome paint stains..i swear that it is not a lame tie dye hoodie.

4. he is utterly embarrassed i did this to him..

i told him it for was the ladies and i couldnt deprive them any longer.

We all have to make sacrifices.
I think he understands now.
5. Excuse the like 1 full minute just on my face..i was waiting for him to enter the room..it's called being sneaky.

translation at the end: "aw pet, that's not fair..I'm a mess"

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Conversations- International family affair addition Part II

it was shanes idea to pose this way...obviously...

high tea

mom: the rain drops are much bigger out here
me: that is snow
mom: oh. interesting.

::shane seeing a pretty girl:::

Shane: i cant hang out with you because people think you're my girlfriend.

:::my dad is Jewish and my mom is christian::::

mom: you know the word jewelry came from the word Jew
me and Shane: uhm pretty sure that's not true..
mom: yes it is.
me and Shane: look it up
mom: i mean that the word Jew came from Jewelry because they were rich and had lots of jewelry
me and Shane: no..that's even more incorrect.

Shane: do you have a clothes dryer?
me: nope
shane: but it says on this washer machine its also a dryer?
me: whaaat??
shane: see?
me: Stephen is a dirty liar.
me: babe?!
Stephen: yes?
me: that washer is ALSO a dryer! isn't this exciting news??
Stephen: I know it is...
me: why didn't u tell me all those hundreds of times i complained about hanging clothes to dry?????
Stephen: because it is SO expensive to run the dryer
me: you LIED to me
Stephen: no...i just never told you...
me: why do you hate me?

mom: meg, how do you work the shower?
me: pull this string, press this button, turn this knob, and then a stream of water will come out, like your standing under a leaky faucet. enjoy.

:::in nottinghan::::

shane: hellooooo pretty ladies

:::in glasgow:::

shane: helloooo pretty ladies

:::in Edinburgh::::

shane: hellooooo pretty ladies

:::in Kilkeel Ireland:::

shane: hellooooo pretty ladies

Stephen: mum, did you know Americans LOVE bathrooms? they have a bathroom for every bedroom.
me: fact
my mom: its kinda true..we have two bedrooms and three bathrooms in our condo..but we only have one bathtub
stephens mum: we only have one tub too. but i mainly use it for peein.
my mom: ......peein?
stephens mum: yea.
my mom: you pee in the bath?
stephens mum: what?? no!
Stephen: (laughing) for PAIN
my mom: oh thank goodness.