Time Is Running Out

As Luke pointed out in today's Skype session, this coming Wednesday (May 26th) means two weeks until I'm on my way across the pond. This realization was met with heavy breathing and a little bit of panic. I have a lot to get done in the next two weeks, especially considering this coming weekend I'm going to be down in the Deep South for the wedding of a family friend. Time is running out!!!

In my few weeks since school let out I've gotten a lot accomplished, and yet I still feel so behind. I've been to the dentist and eye doctor. Where I got my teeth cleaned and was told by the doctor my eyes are "immaculate ". I am having trouble setting up an appointment with the general practitioner. Instead I talk to this receptionist who is going on a power trip and tells me she'll get back to me later. I've acquired photocopies of a good portion of my medical records and spoken to my bank about closing my accounts. Not to mention a trip to the post office to send three boxes of books off to Southam, which cost nearly $200. I used the flat rate boxes and figured they'd be around $20 a piece, boy was I mistaken. No more using the post to send boxes for me. Instead I think I'll add an extra bag to my flight itinerary.

I've gone though all my old CDs and imported them into my iTunes. After which I threw away all the mixed CDs and gave the rest away. All of my winter clothes have been Space Bag'd and are ready to be put in a suitcase - with the exception of a few wooly hats and my ski gear, which I have not yet been able to find. I've gone through boxes of old toys and photos. Given a lot of stuff to charity and trying to sell what I can on eBay.

Every day I've been working but everyday it seems I think of one more thing I should get done. Moving is no fun! But the end result will be fun, so I must keep focused on that.

Erin x

The Big Move

For years I have been talking about that one day when I would move over to England. I don't know if it comes from the fact that my grandmother moved from over there in the mid-50s or that all my favourite childhood stories were of English origin - either way I've always felt a strong affinity for the country.

These past nine months have been especially taxing for me, what with me living in Las Vegas and Luke in Manchester. Having a long-distance relationship is no picnic let me tell you

Classes have now ended, all I have left now is a series of final exams. I graduate this upcoming Saturday, the 8th of May. Then one month and one day after I graduate I'll be on a plane heading to London-Heathrow. When I exit through that arrivals gate and see Luke standing there, all the waiting will have been worth it!

People have asked me if I'm scared or nervous to be moving 'across the pond'. My short answer is no, not really. At least not as much as people would expect me to be.

I feel like I've been preparing for this day for a long time. Living in France for 8 months also helped, as I know what it is like to be away from my family and friends and deal with the time change. I think my two months spent living with Luke and his family (at the end of summer and for Christmas) have also helped me get a rough idea of what life is going to be like.

The plan is we're going to live at his house in Manchester for a month or so, since the house is completely paid for. Then we'll move down to Warwickshire. We'll live with his parents in Southam for a few months until we get settled and then probably get a place in either Leamington Spa or Warwick.

So that is the plan thus far and I couldn't be more excited to begin this new chapter of my life. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss all my family and close friends dearly but I can visit often and I'll welcome them as visitors!

Click on each map for a larger image.

A Map of England

Manchester is the larger city circled at the top

& Warwick is the red dot circled at the bottom

A Map of Warwickshire

Leamington Spa & Warwick are the red dots labeled red dots,

Southam is unlabeled

Erin x