A Glimpse

Not only do I want to capture special events, accomplishments, milestones, and travel on this here blog,  but I would like to remember just a glimpse of what daily life held. So, divided up into categories, here goes, in no particular order:

Daily Commute: Our two feet are our transportation. Garrick works in the Roundel, about a 30-second walk from our sea-side flat. I work on Union Street, about a 3.5-minute walk. Compared to a 40-minute drive down Highway 9 in traffic, we're not complaining.

Groceries: We don't have a lot of options in a 3-street town, but Tesco is our most convenient grocery store. With 6 aisles it leaves much to be desired, and it's the most expensive Tesco in Scotland. When I'm organized, I order groceries Tesco online to be delivered, and if I'm feeling particularly motivated, I'll trek out to the large grocery store at the edge of town, Morrisons. They have a not-so-classy café to stop at while shopping, and their lattes are drinkable.

Work Days: We maintain a 9-5, Monday-Friday work week. Of course Garrick reads and studies his many languages on the weekends and evenings, but this is generally our structure. Working so close to one another, we often meet for coffee, lunch, or a brief chat during the day.

Weather: June in Scotland. I'm not quite sure to describe this, but maybe just explaining yesterday's weather will help. We woke up to pouring rain, by noon it was cloudy and muggy, and the afternoon was beautifully sunny and warm. Put this on a daily repeat, and there you have it.

Friends: We don't lack them. We're blessed to know some of the finest folk from all over the world, well, mostly North America (shout out to our Canadian friends!), and a few lovely Scots. Often we have people over for dinner, games, or bonfires, and likewise, we receive similar invitations. Sometimes we even leave Fife and sightsee together.

Down Days: Despite how it may appear, we don't spend all of our time exploring ruined castles and drinking coffee. Expat life is not always easy. It's difficult to miss your family and friends. And sometimes you just want to go to Target. I've found that living in a different country exposes your character in ways you may not like. Growth is not a choice, it's demanded. My relationship with God grounds my soul. Garrick's ears are probably worn out from all of my much needed verbal-processing. Friends here become family. You feel weaker than you ever have, and then after you've made it through your first year, realize that you are actually stronger. The choice to leave our home and move here is undoubtedly the best decision we've made.

Hobbies: We love to read, cycle, beach comb, sit around bonfires, bathe, listen to music, play cribbage, bake, cook, eat, drink French press coffee, blog, play the piano, clean, watch the Simpsons, attempt to knit, and be social. Obviously, a few of those are specific to one of us; I'll leave it to your imagination.

Anything else you'd like to know, just ask. As always, thanks for reading.