Scotland Living with Green Garrick

Mid-fifties, breeze, sunny blue skies. Our morning walk to the grocer was pleasant and therapeutic.

We enjoyed lattes at the Morrison's cafe with most, if not all, of St Andrews' old-age pensioners. After having our groceries delivered for most the winter, pushing a cart through a grocery aisle was more fun than it should be.

On our way home, fingers white from carrying a carton of milk, I began to think of my new, green life in Scotland.

First, you should know that my husband loves scraping food out of tin cans, picking cigarette butts off the sidewalk (he was 3), and turning my hair straightener off before I use it.

At times, I can get a little annoyed when I'm cleaning the kitchen and he says from the other room, "You can recycle that!" Or, "That can go in the food waste!" For Garrick, it's a moral issue. For me, it's a way that I respect my husband. I do care for the earth, just not to the extent of washing used tin foil.

The move to the UK has been like Christmas morning for my green husband. Separate glass recycling posts and Fife Council issued food waste bins are just a few of his gifts. Creating less trash does feel good, even to me. Putting rotten spinach in the food waste doesn't mean I'm throwing my money away, because it's being "recycled." Because my marriage vows included a promise to recycle, I have adapted to a light-green lifestyle. Garrick's is more forrest green.

The other ways we live green are not only good for the environment, they save money.  We commute with our two feet and use public transportation when we leave St Andrews. Our hot water switch remains off because we have an electric shower. Washing dishes means boiling water. Clothes dry outside on the line or on our cute radiator racks.

I'll admit, walking to work in my heels and with my hair and makeup done on a rainy/windy morning does affect my mood. For once, I would like to not sport the "wind tunnel" look. But overall, I'm happy with my new lifestyle and will continue to live this way in the future.

This Seattlite is turning greener with every week spent in Scotland and every day spent with Green Garrick.

How do you live green?

6 Month Review

Today marks 6 months of Scottish living. We thought we'd do a review.

What is the most memorable part of September 4th, 2011?

G: Flying in the morning as the sun was rising and seeing Iceland. We saw the Iron Maiden tour plane at the Reykjavik airport.

A:  I remember driving in my parents Subaru down I-5 and trying to think of the right words to communicate how much I love and appreciate them. I also can still picture Garrick and I wandering around St Andrews at around 6 PM and finding Tesco. We bought pasta, Nutella, and milk. (We'd been up for over 24 hours...)

What were your first impressions of St Andrews?

G: I thought it was very beautiful, especially the ocean and the ruins. And, I thought it was isolated because you get off the train in Leuchars and there is nothing around you besides fields.

A: The stone. Whether it be the cobble-stone streets, the stone walls, the stone buildings, all I saw was stone. Also, the East Sands. This beach was my therapist for the first few days here.

What is the most difficult adjustment to living in Scotland?

G: The adjustment of a different academic system was a difficult one. The other was the pace of life. Everything happens a lot slower.

A: Even though I love it now, walking everywhere was quite exhausting at the beginning. We had to purchase many household items and a car would have made this much easier. Also, grocery shopping for the first time was like learning a new language: Beef if minced not ground, corn is tinned not canned, and tortilla chips don't exist. (Doritos don't count.)

What is one part of Scottish culture that you will take with you when you leave?

G: Stinginess. Just kidding.  My real answer is not over-working. I really enjoy taking time to relax every day.

A: Tea. Morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and evening. Drink Tea. It's not about boiling water, steeping it, and adding cream or sugar, it's a way of life. Taking time out of your day to relax, think, and enjoy a small pleasure sums up nicely the slower pace here.

What are ways you have changed?

G: I have grown a beard. I have learned to be more patient and forgiving of others. I have also learned that I miss Seattle and being around my family.

A: I am less materialistic. I don't think I've ever been addicted to "stuff," and even if I was, my budget has never allowed it. I now value relationships, laughter, time with God, walks on the beach, and serving others far more than I ever have in the past.

What are ways your spouse has changed?

G: Andrea has become more open to traveling and living abroad. She has adjusted quite nicely to living apart from her family despite how difficult it is.

A: Garrick amazes me every day. Then he stubs his toe on the same part of the bed frame every morning and I am brought back to reality. ;) Garrick has adapted to a new educational system, excelled in his classes, and has also matured as a husband. I feel very taken care of, especially being so far away from my family. He is my family.

Describe your average day.

G: My average day is putting some bread in the toaster, walking up to my office around 8:30 and some days going to class. I read, write, and study until 5:00 and then Andrea comes and picks me up and we have dinner together, hang out with friends or relax, and then go to sleep. It's a good day.

A: Garrick and I walk to town in the morning around 8:30, I walk to my office on The Scores and work through the morning. I get an hour for lunch and I enjoy meeting friends or walking around town. At 5:00 I walk to St Mary's Quad and meet Garrick at his study space. We eat dinner and usually watch a movie together.

How is the social environment?

G: It's good. There's lots of people in our similar situation so we have much in common with other students. We also get a chance to interact with locals and it's a cool opportunity. Generally, it's a very social atmosphere.

A: Abundant! From my weekly Tuesday night Bible study, to weeknight dinners with friends, I never feel alone.I have been so blessed by the sense of community that is lived out by the students and families in St Marys. I have also made some wonderful Scottish friends!

What do you miss from the states?

G: I miss my nephews and my family and BASEBALL.

A: My family is a given. Not a day goes by where they are not in the forefront of my mind. I would love to give my two little nephews some love from Auntie!! Other than that I miss Sushi and Mexican food. I also miss driving.

What do you look forward to in the next 6 months?

G: I look forward to finishing my thesis, going to Italy, and maybe back to Paris. I am excited to have people come visit us, specifically my brothers.

A: Visitors from the states including Garrick's family and cousins. Also, traveling to Italy with friends. I am excited to learn more at my job and feel proud of what I am doing there.

We can't believe we've been here 6 months and look forward to many more!

Why Con Panna Coffee Made Me Cry

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

Here are some photos of our travels:

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!!