Me and Tony Blair

Okay, so I know I look a little serious, but I was trying to get these two men to smile, and it just wasn't happening. So, if you can't win, join them, right? I don't know what they have to be so sour about.... ha ha

We had a wonderful time entertaining the kids at the Tussaud's Wax Museum in London yesterday. It seems that the kids did not know a lot of the figures there, so we had a few lessons on world leaders, sports figures, and superheroes. Kobe DID NOT like the Incredible Hulk AT ALL. (see picture) There are so many things to do here, we will never see them all. We love public transport so far. The train station is less than a mile from the house and takes us right into London in less than 30 minutes. We have moved this far around the world to experience new cultures, new food, and exciting venues, but spend the majority of our time searching for "American" things to make us feel at home. So far, we've discovered Ed's Diner (50's style), Hard Rock Cafe (blame the tourist in me), Tony Roma's (I'm sure it's better in America), and the Texas Embassy Cantina for Mexican food. We're pathetic, I know. Apparently, the most popular dish here in London is tikka masala, which is chunks of chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and then baked in a tandoor oven in a spicy sauce. Masala literally means mixture of spices. Anyway, I'll let you know when I try it and if I like it.

Did I Say Something Wrong?

English is NOT the same language over here. I'm following my brother's advice..."Don't change who you are, or how you speak, just get your point across and still be you." I think it's wonderful advice, and I was a bit concerned about my inability to acquire any resemblance of a British accent. However, in using my colloquial American way of speaking, I am finding that I must be funny. Here are the words that just don't work here:

You can imagine the face of the car salesman when I asked him to "pop the hood"....apparently, it's a bonnet here. Yes, a bonnet! (And the trunk is called a boot.)

The kids will speak of getting their pants dirty, but pants here are UNDERWEAR. I hope we get used to this one before school starts, or the kids will be in loads of trouble.

As anyone will tell you, Jeppesens are big fans of amusement parks. We've already visited two local ones this week, and purchased season passes. Upon entering the parks, you will find signs that read, "Queue here". (A queue is a line....go figure.)

I haven't yet figured this one out, but while on the phone the other day, a guy told me his computer had just crashed and I inadvertently said, "Uh oh." He laughed for a while. Anyone get this one?

When you ask someone to call you, you say "ring me" or "phone me".

My mother raised me to speak of using the "facilities, restrooms, etc." It was a nicer way to speak of not so nice places. Apparently here, they're just "toilets". Sorry, Mom. And if you happen to be in the train stations, they cost 20 pence.

The kids get the biggest kick out of food names. Their favorite line is "French fries are called chips, and chips are called crisps." It is true.

I don't know how many raised eyebrows I've gotten when I've asked for the trash can. They're called bins and they're really hard to find! (Don't get me started on the recycling subject...I'll save that for another day.)

I can't begin to count the times I've heard cheers, and I will admit I had to look this one up. I thought it meant goodbye, but apparently it means thank you. Why is this language so difficult?

When leaving or entering the motorway (highway, interstate) you are on a sliproad. Whatever.

There are hundreds more, and I'm getting a headache. Blimey! I think I'll stick with my brother's advice! :)

Finally Here

I can't believe we've been here for a couple of weeks already. The first week we threw ourselves into the tourist world and went sightseeing. Trips down to London were inevitable as we had three birthdays in the family last week. Each child wanted to do something special, and since we had decided to pack no gifts--we made a few trips to Hamley's---a huge toy store. I'm just starting to shed the tourist skin and try to incorporate myself into being a local, although I'm afraid I stick out like a sore thumb. Learning to drive was the most heart-pounding, nerve sweating, mind-boggling thing I've learned to do in ALL MY LIFE. Our first day here, Dave had to leave us at the house to pick up a rental car. We were unsure how he would get home driving, but he was brave and set out to retrieve transportation for his family. As he arrived home with the minivan (*cough*) with his eyes glazed over, we didn't think it was necessary to ask how the driving went. He'd made it home and we didn't want to know how. Although the white knuckle days are over, we are amazed at how efficiently the British drive. We actually prefer roundabouts to normal intersections now, and are thoroughly enjoying the lack of road rage here. Everyone on the road seems so friendly and accepting. No more dirty looks as you move into their lane, no horn honking as you cut in line, just friendly waves and thank you's. It's a beautiful place to drive.

Last Day in America

It's been a long couple of months getting ready for this move, and we're finally here. The past two weeks have been incredibly hectic with all the packing, moving, getting things to storage, and saying goodbyes. I guess it's a good thing we've been so busy, because if I'd had time to think I would've been really sad leaving this area. We've been in Glen Allen for 12 years this June and loved every day of it. It's hard to believe all that's transpired since we took our first job with Capital One and dragged our little family here from Idaho. Our last two children know nothing but Virginia. It's a place we're proud to call home.

It's official! We're moving across the pond. Leaving one lily pad for another.