I ordered my mocha and stared across the table at my handsome husband this morning. Saturday is the light at the end of my 9-5 work week. I truly enjoy my job, but a day to sleep in and have a late morning coffee with my best friend can't be beat.
"This is aweful." The brown liquid had barely hit my lips and this Seattlelite knew what it was: an old shot mixed with luke warm milk, and way too much chocolate. Garrick's Americano wasn't much better.
Two dogs lay outside in the sun with their old man, one brown, one black. "I would love a dog," I tell Garrick. Suddenly, large tears swell in my eyes and it's all I can do to keep from crying in the busy coffee shop. (Why coffee like that brings customers, I'll never know.)
Suddenly, the truth escapes: I'm a little down. The terrible mocha and the cute dogs bring out feelings that are more deep rooted.
I like lists so here we go:
1) I need to play with my nephews and hang out with my family. And go to Jimmy John's. I miss home. I feel that I've been absent at a very difficult time for the rest of my family. I know that none of them resent me for being away and I feel very supported, but still, I feel guilty at times.
2) When you move across the world for a year, and then it turns in to potentially four, it's an adjustment. I'm beyond proud of Garrick for his accomplishments and grateful for my new position at the university, but I need to give myself time to be okay with calling St Andrews home for a few more years. In just 5 months, it has wedged its way into my heart with its quaint cobble-stoned streets, cute shops, and historic beauty, and I know that I will love it even more as time goes by.
3) I'm the new girl. In just a short time, a new person will be hired in the Registry office and more students will arrive in the Fall, but having an accent and meeting several new people a week can get overwhelming. I wish I could make a shirt that says, "Yes, I am American. Yes, I know that 20 is young to get married. Yes, I go to church."
4) Quid. It stresses me out.
Because I can articulate my feelings well and have two little ears that listen intently to everything I say, we left Con Panna holding hands and smiling, and vowed to never go back.
Brighter days are ahead.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Banana Pancakes
Friday is usually the winner of the "Best Day of the Week" prize. Not in St Andrews.
Our church, Trinity, begins at noon every Sunday, and we walk out of the stone, curved doorway at about 1:30. Then we would go to Janetta's for soup of the day with our friends. (Note: Cafe in the Square is far superior, but closed on Sundays.)
Lindsay had the bright idea of eating breakfast together before church instead of lunch afterward so as to give us more time in the afternoon. Three breakfasts later, it's a hit. This morning we ate chocolate chip & banana pancakes, and I lived Jack Johnson's lyrics. It just needed to rain. The french press coffee, fellowship, and seeing how many people can cram around or tiny table were also highlights.
Trinity is a fairly new gathering that meets at Holy Trinity Church. We have been warmly welcomed and integrated very quickly to the unique community. We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as the straight forward, scripture based teaching. On Friday morning we're going to a prayer meeting at 7:15 complete with bacon rolls. I don't think there's a better combination!
This Sunday was more special than most. We played Ultimate Frisbee with friends on the beach. I wore sweats and a fleece and was the perfect temperature, running around on the sun kissed sand. To conclude our day, we threw together a "barbecue" and got to know some new friends. Broiled hot dogs wrapped in pitas with mustard = our Scottish attempt at an American classic. And boy, was it good! (I'll admit a little weird, but good.)
And for these reasons, Sundays in St Andrews are without question, my favorite day of the week. But with wonderful new job, Mondays doesn't seem so bad either.
Our church, Trinity, begins at noon every Sunday, and we walk out of the stone, curved doorway at about 1:30. Then we would go to Janetta's for soup of the day with our friends. (Note: Cafe in the Square is far superior, but closed on Sundays.)
Lindsay had the bright idea of eating breakfast together before church instead of lunch afterward so as to give us more time in the afternoon. Three breakfasts later, it's a hit. This morning we ate chocolate chip & banana pancakes, and I lived Jack Johnson's lyrics. It just needed to rain. The french press coffee, fellowship, and seeing how many people can cram around or tiny table were also highlights.
Trinity is a fairly new gathering that meets at Holy Trinity Church. We have been warmly welcomed and integrated very quickly to the unique community. We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as the straight forward, scripture based teaching. On Friday morning we're going to a prayer meeting at 7:15 complete with bacon rolls. I don't think there's a better combination!
This Sunday was more special than most. We played Ultimate Frisbee with friends on the beach. I wore sweats and a fleece and was the perfect temperature, running around on the sun kissed sand. To conclude our day, we threw together a "barbecue" and got to know some new friends. Broiled hot dogs wrapped in pitas with mustard = our Scottish attempt at an American classic. And boy, was it good! (I'll admit a little weird, but good.)
And for these reasons, Sundays in St Andrews are without question, my favorite day of the week. But with wonderful new job, Mondays doesn't seem so bad either.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
PhD & CSA: Our Favorite Acronyms
It's official. Garrick and I have both had our short term dreams come true. Read on and find out about our new opportunities!
CSA (Collaborations & Study Abroad)
I said "farewell" to the Meerkats and "nice to meet you" to a wonderful new job! I am a Registry Administrator on the Collaborations & Study Abroad team at the University of St Andrews. My desk sits under a US map, I help St Andrews students on their journey to study in universities all around the world, and tea and coffee flow freely! :) The 9-5 lifestyle suits me well and practically mirrors Garrick's study hours. Being an American, I am stunned at the benefits offered to employees! If you'd like to know more, check out our web page: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad/.
PhD (Doctor in Philosophy)
In the last 5 months, Garrick adapted to a new educational system, got honours in his modules, and managed to write a PhD proposal in his spare time. Yesterday, he walked into my new office and shared the exciting news: He got in to PhD at the University of St Andrews! His proposal in a nut shell (if that's possible) looks at the reuse of the Old Testament book of Zechariah in the New Testament book of Revelation. You can comment on this blog if you'd like to ask the man himself!
I think February has set high expectations for March. We could not be more thankful and recognize God's faithfulness above all else.
CSA (Collaborations & Study Abroad)
I said "farewell" to the Meerkats and "nice to meet you" to a wonderful new job! I am a Registry Administrator on the Collaborations & Study Abroad team at the University of St Andrews. My desk sits under a US map, I help St Andrews students on their journey to study in universities all around the world, and tea and coffee flow freely! :) The 9-5 lifestyle suits me well and practically mirrors Garrick's study hours. Being an American, I am stunned at the benefits offered to employees! If you'd like to know more, check out our web page: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad/.
PhD (Doctor in Philosophy)
In the last 5 months, Garrick adapted to a new educational system, got honours in his modules, and managed to write a PhD proposal in his spare time. Yesterday, he walked into my new office and shared the exciting news: He got in to PhD at the University of St Andrews! His proposal in a nut shell (if that's possible) looks at the reuse of the Old Testament book of Zechariah in the New Testament book of Revelation. You can comment on this blog if you'd like to ask the man himself!
I think February has set high expectations for March. We could not be more thankful and recognize God's faithfulness above all else.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Travels and Visitors in January!
January has a bad reputation. Its days are short, darkness looms, and Christmas is another year away. I took all of this into consideration and planned two family-filled holidays. And now, January's gone and it's February, the month of love and my birthday!
St Ives & Cambridge
Before moving to Scotland, I was comforted in knowing that we would have family near, just a few hours south in England. So, at our first opportunity we booked an Easy Jet flight to visit some special people!
For the first part of our trip we stayed with Joan, Martin and Lisa, and their adorable son Sam. We visited St Ives on our honeymoon, and the town was just as we remember. We spent our days drinking lattes at the Golden Lion, strolling through the market, and dancing with little Sam.
As a special treat, Steve and Helen came to St Ives and took us to a fantastic Indian restaurant. Aside from the yummy cuisine, we had great conversation and truly enjoyed spending time with them.
For the last part of our holiday we traveled down to Cambridge to stay with Audrey. She has a charming flat near town and we enjoyed many cups of tea and games of Cribbage. We wandered around the historic town for an entire day. The highlights included steaming lattes and powdered sugar covered pastries, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and a beautiful walk through a treed park.
St Andrews, Dundee, Edinburgh, Anstruther, & Pittenweem
The Royal Mile is where we ended our special time together. To keep from freezing we spent lots of time at Cafe Nero and tasting many of the pubs around town. We watched the cannon go off at the Edinburgh Castle and gazed at the beauty of St Gile's Cathedral. Too soon their trip was over and we had a tearful goodbye outside of the Holiday Inn Express.
Walking away, I realized that I should consider sad goodbyes a blessing. It's never a bad thing to have people to miss. I look forward to them coming again soon!
St Ives & Cambridge
Before moving to Scotland, I was comforted in knowing that we would have family near, just a few hours south in England. So, at our first opportunity we booked an Easy Jet flight to visit some special people!
For the first part of our trip we stayed with Joan, Martin and Lisa, and their adorable son Sam. We visited St Ives on our honeymoon, and the town was just as we remember. We spent our days drinking lattes at the Golden Lion, strolling through the market, and dancing with little Sam.
As a special treat, Steve and Helen came to St Ives and took us to a fantastic Indian restaurant. Aside from the yummy cuisine, we had great conversation and truly enjoyed spending time with them.
For the last part of our holiday we traveled down to Cambridge to stay with Audrey. She has a charming flat near town and we enjoyed many cups of tea and games of Cribbage. We wandered around the historic town for an entire day. The highlights included steaming lattes and powdered sugar covered pastries, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and a beautiful walk through a treed park.
My mom and dad walked up to our flat after a full day of traveling and looked as young and beautiful as ever! It will be one of my fondest memories. They stayed at the Castlemount B&B and had 5 star service. And the location, right across from the St Andrews Castle, was breathtaking!
They spent their days eating fudge donuts from Fischer & Donaldson, climbing up St Rule's Tower, and exploring the castle ruins. They got to live our lives for a week and meet all of our new friends! On Sunday we attended our church, Trinity, and then had lunch at one of our favorite soup spots.
Here are some photos of our travels:
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Highlights of 2011 & Questions of 2012
Last year was, the most challenging, exhilarating, and adventurous year of our young lives. Here are the highlights:
1) The Hub Winter Camp
We went up to Buck Creek Camp in Enumclaw, Washington with a bunch of crazy junior high and high school students. We played four square and ate all the peanut M&M's our stomachs could stomach. Garrick and I each stayed with a cabin of students and got lots of sleep! ;) For me, it was the last retreat with all of my girls. Can't wait to come to The Hub when we're back in the states!
2) Mother's Day in Kirkland
My parents, Garrick and I had brunch at Anthony's Homeport on the Kirkland waterfront for Mother's Day. Breakfast is our favorite food and activity. Mostly because bacon, cheese, and potatoes rock. Paired with my parents, it's impossible not to have a good time. After brunch we walked around the marina and had a quick photo shoot. My dad and Garrick wanted to keep posing for more photos, but modeling isn't their strong point.
3) Biking Trip on Whidbey Island
For our 3rd Anniversary, we camped at South Whidbey State park and biked the hills, valleys, and coastline of the island. Although at one point I sat on the side of the road and threatened to call a cab, I am proud to say we did it! Garrick acquired quite the biker tan line and my legs have never looked better. Again with the our love of breakfast, we ate at the Kneed & Feed in Coupeville, home of the best cinnamon rolls! All in all, a yummy and butt-kicking anniversary.
4) Baseball
Garrick and his friend Jefff (yes with 3 f's) Rodland coached for Bellevue Baseball Club's 13U team. To say that Garrick likes baseball is not true. He loves baseball. I got to sit in the stands and chat with the team moms. This is especially fun if Garrick corrects the player who's mom I'm sitting next to. Jefff has a lovely wife Lindsay, and we had fun cheering on the team and our husbands!
5) Family
Two little boys and a red Ford truck is a recipe for cuteness. Recently we've been able to Skype with the two in the photo and Brayden makes lots of funny faces and shows us his toys, and Ryan smiles, waves, and says, "oh!" We lived with Garrick's family, in his old bedroom, for the three months before we left, only 10 minutes away from my parents. And, once a month we ate dinner & corn with my grandparents. We miss our family!
6) Going Away Parties
From The Hub sharing funny stories about Garrick, to all of my great girlfriends, we often were overwhelmed by the love we felt before we left. Can't wait to see all of you later this year! Our time apart has made us realize you're not that bad. ;)
7) Hello, St Andrews. Nice to meet you!
By far, the night we arrived in St Andrews was one of the hardest we've had here. Garrick thought it was fun to camp out on our living room floor, and I soaked my sleeping bag with tears. Garrick said about a week later that he was impressed with how fast I recovered and says I have "emotional whiplash." Whether we're playing Euchre, listening to Mark speak at Trinity, or walking on the East Sands, St Andrews is quickly becoming a place we'll miss. Because this whole blog is about our move here, I'll leave it at that.
Just four months ago we planned, packed, and planned some more for our year abroad. Scotland was all we thought about. What would our life be like? Where would I work? Who would be our new friends? What church would we go to? Would we like Scotland?
Now that we've finally settled in, it's time to start thinking about next year already. We don't know where we'll be 9 months from now, but we know we'll be together. :)
I feel like I'm performing CPR on this blog every week. Ask us anything your dying to know and we'll write a response! We need active readers!!
1) The Hub Winter Camp
2) Mother's Day in KirklandMy parents, Garrick and I had brunch at Anthony's Homeport on the Kirkland waterfront for Mother's Day. Breakfast is our favorite food and activity. Mostly because bacon, cheese, and potatoes rock. Paired with my parents, it's impossible not to have a good time. After brunch we walked around the marina and had a quick photo shoot. My dad and Garrick wanted to keep posing for more photos, but modeling isn't their strong point.
3) Biking Trip on Whidbey Island
For our 3rd Anniversary, we camped at South Whidbey State park and biked the hills, valleys, and coastline of the island. Although at one point I sat on the side of the road and threatened to call a cab, I am proud to say we did it! Garrick acquired quite the biker tan line and my legs have never looked better. Again with the our love of breakfast, we ate at the Kneed & Feed in Coupeville, home of the best cinnamon rolls! All in all, a yummy and butt-kicking anniversary. 4) Baseball
Garrick and his friend Jefff (yes with 3 f's) Rodland coached for Bellevue Baseball Club's 13U team. To say that Garrick likes baseball is not true. He loves baseball. I got to sit in the stands and chat with the team moms. This is especially fun if Garrick corrects the player who's mom I'm sitting next to. Jefff has a lovely wife Lindsay, and we had fun cheering on the team and our husbands!
5) Family
Two little boys and a red Ford truck is a recipe for cuteness. Recently we've been able to Skype with the two in the photo and Brayden makes lots of funny faces and shows us his toys, and Ryan smiles, waves, and says, "oh!" We lived with Garrick's family, in his old bedroom, for the three months before we left, only 10 minutes away from my parents. And, once a month we ate dinner & corn with my grandparents. We miss our family! 6) Going Away Parties
From The Hub sharing funny stories about Garrick, to all of my great girlfriends, we often were overwhelmed by the love we felt before we left. Can't wait to see all of you later this year! Our time apart has made us realize you're not that bad. ;)7) Hello, St Andrews. Nice to meet you!
By far, the night we arrived in St Andrews was one of the hardest we've had here. Garrick thought it was fun to camp out on our living room floor, and I soaked my sleeping bag with tears. Garrick said about a week later that he was impressed with how fast I recovered and says I have "emotional whiplash." Whether we're playing Euchre, listening to Mark speak at Trinity, or walking on the East Sands, St Andrews is quickly becoming a place we'll miss. Because this whole blog is about our move here, I'll leave it at that. Just four months ago we planned, packed, and planned some more for our year abroad. Scotland was all we thought about. What would our life be like? Where would I work? Who would be our new friends? What church would we go to? Would we like Scotland?
Now that we've finally settled in, it's time to start thinking about next year already. We don't know where we'll be 9 months from now, but we know we'll be together. :)
I feel like I'm performing CPR on this blog every week. Ask us anything your dying to know and we'll write a response! We need active readers!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Andrea vs. Wild
At 9:15 AM, I leave our flat in my "wind outfit": North Face jacket cinched around my head, wellies, and umbrella in hand. I make it one block before I decide to turn back to my warm and inviting bed. Roof tiles, branches, and garbage twirl around in the air, head-level. I don't want to make my debut in news as the girl who got knocked out by a roof tile. I try to take just one more step, and it's me versus the Scottish wind.
I lose.
Back under the covers, I phone work and the roof has come off the Meerkat enclosure. We're not opening until noon. Getting ready for work and then finding out you can go in late is almost as exciting as a school delay. Except, money is at stake.
Garrick and I walk to town around 11:30, get coffee and then I'm back behind my little desk in the gift shop, reading.
The title of our blog, "Wind, Wellies, and Water Closets," could not have been more accurate. When thinking of the title, I used wind merely for alliteration purposes and pictured more romantic wind. I don't know what that is, maybe the kind of wind that blows leaves around gracefully and wisps your hair ever so slightly. Not the kind that makes your eyes water, ties knots in your hair, and propels your neighbor's garbage at your head.
So this ends my post about the weather. And I think I need to change my blog title to, "Tornadoes, Wellies, and Water Closets." If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16385049
I lose.
Back under the covers, I phone work and the roof has come off the Meerkat enclosure. We're not opening until noon. Getting ready for work and then finding out you can go in late is almost as exciting as a school delay. Except, money is at stake.
Garrick and I walk to town around 11:30, get coffee and then I'm back behind my little desk in the gift shop, reading.
The title of our blog, "Wind, Wellies, and Water Closets," could not have been more accurate. When thinking of the title, I used wind merely for alliteration purposes and pictured more romantic wind. I don't know what that is, maybe the kind of wind that blows leaves around gracefully and wisps your hair ever so slightly. Not the kind that makes your eyes water, ties knots in your hair, and propels your neighbor's garbage at your head.
So this ends my post about the weather. And I think I need to change my blog title to, "Tornadoes, Wellies, and Water Closets." If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16385049
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A Highlands Christmas and Hogmanay!
Christmas
On December 24th, we traveled in a Mini MPV with 5 other friends to Grantown-on-Spey, a small town near Inverness. We played tetris to fit all of our baggage in the car and then drove up the A-9! We arrived at Corrimony House around noon the weekend festivities began.
On December 24th, we traveled in a Mini MPV with 5 other friends to Grantown-on-Spey, a small town near Inverness. We played tetris to fit all of our baggage in the car and then drove up the A-9! We arrived at Corrimony House around noon the weekend festivities began.
 |
| Corrimony House |
 |
| Our beautiful room |
Christmas morning Garrick, Lindsay and I woke up early and baked a breakfast casserole and cinnamon roles! We all brought a white elephant gift to exchange and Garrick got chocolate and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and I got a puzzle of the UK.
 |
| Everyone displaying their gifts! |
We hiked, relaxed, watched Star Wars and LOTR, and all helped out making food. On the last full day we drove up to Inverness and Loch Ness. Bob, Adam, and Raymond all jumped in Loch Ness and came out without a scratch from Nessie! We also visited Urqhuart Castle:
The Highlands are majestic and rugged. We will definitely go back soon, maybe in the summer next time!
Hogmanay
Hogmanay is a Scottish word for the last day of the year and usually is celebrated well into New Years Day. Garrick and I hosted appetizers, dinner, and dessert at our flat before we made our way to town. Then we stopped at different pubs along the way before counting down at the fountain!
All in all, we made the best of the holiday season here and are so grateful for new friends to celebrate with. Our families were sorely missed, however, and I am excited to announce that my parents arrive on January 22nd! We can't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)