Happy Holidays 2013

A quick post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
My parents are arriving in less than 48 hours and therefore I don't think I will be blogging during their stay. I will recap everyone about my holidays and hope to have a new blog up on December 28th

December 4th 2013

As everyone knows I am a huge film lover - and so is Craig. Last night (Wednesday) we saw Saving Mr. Banks - really cute movie! The synopsis is how Walt Disney contacts Emma Thompson's charcter to turn Mary Poppins into a movie. Very fun film! I am a huge lover of Disney films.
What are your favorite ones?

Splendid Sunday

Wow! We have made it to another month! I just don't think I can wrap my head around this year will be over in 30 days! What a year it has been for me - Coming to England May 2012 and actually finding work and gaining a lot of experience with various departments at Durham University. I am so proud I have been able to live abroad - and not actually go broke! Though I will admit at first it felt like a vacation to be here, but I got focused - and Craig gave me some money saving tips! Today Craig and I opened Day 1 of our advent calendars :)

Mine is the snowman - and Craig is Santa!

Today we also decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments and lights!

The rest of the day we went out to Lakeland and went shopping! At first we were just suppose to look but I bought a XMAS gift for Craig (which he saw UGH!) and he bought us a really nice toaster!

To read about it click here http://www.johnlewis.com/sage-by-heston-blumenthal-smart-2-slicetoaster-silver/p489207?navAction=jump

The countdown begins! 18 days til my parents arrive - 24 days til Christmas :)

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving is always my favorite time of the year! Every year when I have been home the first thing I would do in the morning is color the Star Tribune turkey. I find coloring to be really fun! I always get excited when there is a full crowd at my parents house!  - but this year I celebrated and gave thanks to Craig who cooked an AMAZING Thanksgiving -Evening meal for us.

*Note: Couldn't find tinned pumpkin puree in shops, so I ordered Libby's pumpkin off Amazon (as well as a can opener as Craig didn't own one).

GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Wednesday November 27 2013

As many people know Craig and I love movies! Every Wednesday we head to the cinema as a date night because we don't have to pay for a ticket! He has an unlimited card - and since I am on the Orange phone network I get in free too :0) We saw The Family - good film - as Craig has said predictable but I enjoyed it! I am a huge fan of Michelle Pfieffer.

Weekend - November 23/24 2013

Greetings all! This is a quick recap of my weekend

Saturday Evening

Craig and I attended a disco/karaoke in our village. This event was the first that I have attended in the village. I have never done karaoke before and at first I was nervous, but with a little practice before we went everything went good! I sang 3 songs and nobody booed me :) A volunteer from the gym and her husband actually do this for a business on the weekends. Everyone had a great night! dancing the night away.

Sunday


We headed to Middlesbrough to enjoy a nice Sunday roast at Craig's parents home. Then in the evening we saw Chris Ramsey as a birthday present from Craig. Had the best night ever! Couldn't stop laughing. Here is a clip of him. He is from South Shields which is in the Northeast - so Craig and I could relate to his humor. I couldn't find him doing stand up this year but he has done a partnership with Nandos' (nothing like KFC but serves all chicken)

Birthday Girl Weekend

Hello to all! Sorry I haven't written my birthday blog post recently but life has been pretty busy so far at age 30 (EEEEK!). On the morning of November 20th Craig made me breakfast burritos (so delicious!) and we opened up presents from family members and friends :) I got great gifts - and even 2 books from my parents (which have arrived in good time as I just finished my kindle book) and also they bought me a birthday hat to wear which was really cool! After that we started to pack up our clothes as we were going to the Lake District also known as Windermere for 2 nights and 3 days. We had to stop at the local post office to pick up a few packages - then we headed off! The drive took about 2 hours and in that time I was able to finishing writing thank you cards (Yes - I am old fashion and write cards!).

Before we reached our hotel we decided to stop at Lakeland (Craig loves this store!) and we just walked around to see what Christmas stuff they had and also Craig was possibly looking at buying a shoe rack. We headed back on the road and went to the B&B - cute place, nice room. We walked into town which was only 10 minutes - and went around to various stores.  I had researched 3 different restaurants that I was wanting to celebrate my birthday so we checked out 2 out of 3 places (the first one we didn't care for as the menu didn't show any prices!) That night we ended up having a yummy meal at Lazy Daisy's. Funny enough we were the only two there (maybe we beat the dinner crowd!) and had a great evening.

Photo of Lake Windermere

The next day, Thursday we headed to the Motor Museum and Lakes Aquarium. Both were very fun! In the evening we went to an old style movie theater and saw Sunshine on Leith.

Friday we packed up and said our farewells to Windermere but we went to Grasmere - which has the best gingerbread ever! Then we stopped is Keswick (another place) for lunch. .                                                                          While Craig drove I took a snooze. My next blog post will have more photos of my trip. Stay tuned!

Lumiere 2013

Every two years in Durham there is an exhibit in the city called Lumiere.This is a light show around Durham area of various images/lights.  I don't believe Minneapolis has anything like this but here are the photos Craig took.

 To see more photos you can visit this website: http://www.lumiere-festival.com/

Saturday November 9 2013

Good day! This is just a blog recap post highlighting my night. Saturday night I went with Craig to the Stadium of Light to attend 2Touch's Got Talent - which was a talent show with judges just like popular talent shows on TV. There were over 300 people there and it was a really fun atmosphere! Afterwards there was a disco where we danced the night away.  Here are some photos we took.

Craig created the buzzers

Favorite act of mine - Papa smurf - he wore a blue outfit all over his body      

 

 

 

               

November

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't written recently but I started a temporary job end of October with Durham University which is going good. The role is only PT but I am really enjoying the people in the office.  I work 2-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday which is alright but I have been in contact with the agency every week in case another position may come up! on Tuesday/Thursdays I also do a lot of my SocialNicole (social media work) - and I do social media work as well MWF evenings my time. My favorite month has always been November - my birthday and thanksgiving all in the same month! Though I haven't been home for Turkey day for 2 years :( though last year I celebrated with other American students at Durham University which was really fun! Though this year it will just be a Thanksgiving between Craig and I Thursday evening. Will keep everyone posted how it goes!

On another note my parents are coming over for Christmas holidays! Which I am very excited! Still haven't heard more words from the Home Office so my parents decided to book the journey over here! It shall be fun. We will be spending 4 day/nights with Craig at his home then the next 4 nights in Newcastle. This will be my first Christmas actually away from home - which is really hard! Plus my grandma (Nina) isn't here anymore :(  Though Craig is a darling man, he has allowed me to decorate a tree (fake though), which is less messy (but you seriously can't beat the smell of the real tree!). Though I am sure we will have the Christmas music starting in December and will bake sugar cookies. 

Also for my 30th birthday (I know crazy right??) Craig and I will be staying for 2 nights in Windermere. I have really no clue what we will do - but it should be fun!

Also next Sunday November 17th Craig and I are going to see the Lumiere exhibit in Durham.

Craig just bought us tickets to see a favorite comedian of mine that is from the Northeast!
So on the 24th we will head down to York to see Chris Ramsay

Also I continue everyday (besides Sunday) going to the gym. I am really happy that West Rainton has a community gym - and all the volunteers are superb! 

Greetings

Can you believe October is almost over? Where have the days gone?! Just a quick recap of what is going on in my world. * I start a temp job tomorrow (M W F 2-5pm) with Durham University, I am still looking for more hours but it is a start! * Craig has been a baking machine - baking so many loaves and 1 carrot cake * I had my flu shot recently - and my upper right arm is still in some pain. * I am still going to the community gym every day! Though they are closed on Sundays. * Daylight savings time has started - so it gets dark at 5pm :( * No more word about my visa - still waiting * Last Wednesday Craig and I saw Fifth Estate - good film, based on the truth. I would give it 3/5 stars.

* My birthday is next month and Craig and I are going to Windermere for a few nights so that will be fun.

Well I am off to get my clothes ready for tomorrow! Bye. 

Date Night

Greetings friends! Most of you know Craig and I have date nights every Wednesday where we go to the cinema to see a film (no cost for either of us). Well because so many good films are out at the moment we decided to see a movie Sunday evening, thought it would be a nice treat after having to fill out my visa application AGAIN (we missed 1pg that required signatures).  So tonight we saw a great film called Enough Said. I really recommend this film to anyone! Sadly the main actor passed away a month or two ago due to a heart attack. 

 I give this film an A+. One of the reasons I really loved this film is because Julia Louis-Dreyfus was in it - and she was my favorite character is Seinfeld. To anyone who has never watched any of the series I highly suggest you go on Netflix or your local library!

Update

Sorry friends I haven't written lately. Nothing new has been going on. There is a possibility in the pot about a job so I am really hoping I get it! Over the weekend Craig and I saw his parents. Fall is here which means layering up, wearing mittens in the house and constantly filling up the hot water bottle.  (Apparently I get cold easily Craig says!). I can't believe we are already in the middle of October - time has sure been flying by so quick! I am still going to the gym on a daily basis. I really enjoy going all the time and the volunteers really enjoy chatting with me (while I work out!). I am still thinking of becoming a volunteer - as there are only 7 at the moment. I guess I just really need to figure out a job first.

Every Tuesday morning I am now going on a group walk in the village.  This walk just started a few weeks ago. Last week was quite fun as we found blackberry bushes!

I will do my best to start-up blogging daily! I gotta keep my friends & family informed about my journey!

Chaos - But it is all over!

Hello friends -

What a whirl wind it has been these past few weeks. Sorry I haven't had time to update you on my journey. Well to make a story short my visa expires October 3rd this year. I have filed for an extension (Craig was/is a huge help in the process!) and if I am granted this visa I get to live here for 2 more years.

In other news I have joined a club that meets every Wednesday here in West Rainton. While still looking for a job I have signed up with Jubilee Hall to get out of the house and meet some people in the community.

On Wednesday of this week we saw Runner Runner. Good film.

Summary of Minnesota Trip

Greetings friends and family! Sorry I haven't blogged lately as Craig and I have been in Minnesota for two weeks. Every day we had a full day of fun activities. I hope at some point to upload photos from Craig of our fun adventure. Here are the highlights in chronological (give or take) :

• Arrived on the 27th of August in the evening and parents took us to Bunny's. Mom purchased Craigy B a hat (photo to come soon) 
• Wednesday we had lunch at the 5-8 Club with parents. Afterwards dad dropped us off at the Mall of America. Went to local cinema and saw 'Jobs' movie - Craig liked it thought some parts of the story were missing, I on the other hand fell asleep.
• Thursday dad drove us to Mr. Gangstead's house for a quick chit chat then we (Craig and I) walk to Twins game vs. Kansas City Royals. Good seats but had to ask for seat change to be in shade (Very Hot and sunny day!) 
• Road Light Rail back to Mall of America - and did some shopping. For dinner we had my mom's Aunt Betty's baked spaghetti.
• Friday morning we left early (Craig, dad and I) for the State Fair. I was able to get 2 free admission tickets because I volunteered 9am to noon at Memorial Blood Centers booth - where we type people's blood. I was part of the PR team. This gave Craig and dad plenty of time to bond. After my shift finished we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying various food items on a stick, seeing various exhibits etc. 
• Saturday Craig and I drove over to Panera to meet Renee and her husband for a light breakfast.  They then invited us to meet them at the State Fair for the Talent Show for Sunday evening.  Once we scooted back home my mom drove us down to Guthrie theatre to see the building and park.  We then had a late lunch at Sea Change which is a fancy seafood restaurant.  Afterwards mom gave us a tour of the Minneapolis Lakes (Harriet, Calhoun, and Lake of the Isles). To end of the evening we had a fantastic meal at Steve G house.  A good friend named Sue Perkins was also there to meet Craig.
• Sunday we tried to go for a boat ride along the MIssissipi but couldn't get tickets.  So instead we went to a local bar and Grill at Seven Corners in MInneapolis.  Then my parents dropped us off at Dunwoody to catch the bus for the State Fair.  We arrived 4 hours before the show so we walked around, ate various food on a stick, etc.  Then a little before 7pm we met Rene and her family at the Talent Show. Had a great time. Fireworks at the end. We took bus back to Richfield and dad picked us up.   
•  Monday we (parents, Craig and I) went for a boat ride along the Mississippi.  After that we headed over to Minnehaha falls - which was packed with people because it was Labour Day and festivities were going on.  We had lunch at Sea Salt Eatery- which is a local seafood restaurant.  We then ended out afternoon at DQ - It was a first for Craig and he enjoyed it 110%.
• Tuesday morning my dad took us all to the Minnesota History Museum over in St. Paul.  This gave Craig an eye opener about various MN history. We really enjoyed all of the exhibits. After that we all headed to downtown Minneapolis for a light lunch at Brit's Pub.  Craig felt right at home seeing the British flags.  
• Wednesday Sept  4-6 Craig and I flew to Chicago. Summary of trip: we went on architecture tour, visited Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, We saw Blue Man Group, Went to Second City (Improv), went to Weber Grill (favorite restaurant of mine), Adler Planetarium, Stopped at Garretts Popcorn (BEST POPCORN EVER!) , and did loads of walking! Plus Craig was actually fine with taking bus rides and rides on the L.
• Once we came back we went to the Jungle theater- where Steve Gangstead (family friend) is on the advisory board.  The performance was great. Afterwards there was an after party full of various sandwiches, chips, cake/pie etc. 
• Saturday was mainly a catch up day for Craig to purchase some more presents for his family. Later that afternoon we took Marissa (a girl I was a nanny for in 2011-2012) to YogurtLab. Was really fun to see her and we enjoyed some unique flavors of frozen yogurt. 
• Sunday September 8th we had a huge party at my parents house. Most of the guests are from our neighborhood but some were my moms friends. The best part of the party was a belly dancer! Really fun. Also we celebrated all September birthdays. 
• Monday Sept 9 was my dad's birthday. We had a birthday lunch at home (mainly of leftovers from the party) and Diane and Gil came over. Craig and I gave dad his birthday presents. Was really impressed he bought my dad a tablet - a Lenovo Idea Tab. He also purchased a tea tumbler for my mom along with wristlet to hold phones.  Later that afternoon dad took us to the airport. Mom didn't want to go as it was too emotional for her. 

I believe Craig had a blast on this trip and I definitely could see him being 'American' living the dream!

Greetings from Minnesota

Hello world! This is just a quick update letting you know that Craig and I have arrived to Minnesota. Everything went fine - but our flight from Amsterdam to Chicago was delayed by an hour because of technical difficulties on the plane - it was leaking fuel on the plane.  Below is a quick rundown of what we have been up to Tuesday evening and Wednesday. I will try to keep up with blogging more posts and including photos.

• After my parents picked us up we went to a local dive we enjoy called Bunny's. My mom bought him an honorary hat (photo come soon). 

      Wednesday

• Went to 5-8 club yesterday for lunch. They have the best burgers ever! This is also similar to a dive. Click on the link to read about the history. 
• Headed out to the Mall of America (for my British friends this is bigger than the Metrocentre) 
• Bought HDMI cables at Microsoft and Best Buy so Craig can stream our favorite British TV programs on TV 
• Saw Jobs the movie. Craig enjoyed it. I thought it was alright. 
• For dinner mom made a favorite of mine, baked spaghetti

Rainy Saturday

Greetings friends! Today was a relaxed Saturday for Craigy B and I.

• Headed to Tesco to grab some breakfast before dropping off Scarlett (Craig's car) 
• This morning we had to drop off Craigy B's car to get tested. We had over an hour to kill so we walked around this shopping center.
• Went into Durham for bit of a shop (Craig actually bought a few things) and I wanted to exchange some money for Euros (in case we have some spare time in Amsterdam airport)
• Came back and watched F1 practice 
• Decided to head to movie theater and saw The Millers. Really great film. Very funny. I would see it again. Craig liked it. 
• Craig made a nice chicken korma for dinner tonight with naan bread. 
• Only tonight and tomorrow night left til we head off to Newcastle on Monday.

Orange Wednesday

Tonight was our last Orange Wednesday til the middle of September. I am a fan of Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg and we saw Two Guns. Good movie - a bit slow. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Countdown still continues! Less than 1 week til Craigy B and I leave for Minnesota

Greetings!

Afternoon or maybe morning to my USA friends and family -

I can't believe August is half way over - this month has flown by so quick. I am not sure I have told you (my readers) that Craig and I are going to Minnesota (his first time) for 2 weeks end of August to early September. I am absolutely excited to show him my life, introduce him to friends/family, where I grew up etc! I have a few activities already planned but the rest will be impromptu :)

In the mean time there is one week to go til we fly! I am staying busy with my PT social media work and doing jobs for my mom online.

I am getting quite anxious! Though this will be the first time back since Nina (grandma) died.

The Big Roundup!

Hello Folks! Wow I can't believe my last post was end of July - and now we are in August. To give you an update regarding my life and what has been going on - here goes:

            August

•  I finished my nutrition class on Coursera accredited by University of California San Francisco. It was really fun! I decided to go the 'free' route but I have a certified certificate.
• 2nd - I rode the train to Newcastle and bought Craig his birthday present (a digital picture frame)
•  4th - Craig reintroduced me to his parents. To summarize the story when I was pursuing my MA - I dated him in 2010 and I broke things off because I didn't have any other money left. Well since I moved in May 2012 Craig's choice has been to play operation 'Secret' with his parents (his choice!) and I was fine with it.  But when I met them again I think they were a bit surprised. Everything went great! I met Julie and Les (friends of Craig's parents at the caravan).  We went out for lunch at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. Really fun.
  
• 7th was Orange Wednesday and we saw this British movie. I didn't really know anything about it but it was funny. Not sure if it will come to the USA. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• On the 8th we went to Thursday night group to see his friends. We met up at Nando's and I had a chicken salad. 
• 10th - Craig's birthday! In the morning I gave him the digital picture frame and he liked it! I was having a hard time programming it - so he figured it out immediately! I left him for an hour to go to the gym (I go every day). After I returned we headed into Durham to exchange some money, have a drink at Starbucks and just stroll around. Went to Tesco's for some sandwich meat and bread. Had lunch. Then headed down to the caravan (RV park) to stay over night. Once we reached our destination we unloaded the car and chatted with his parents for awhile. Craig decided he wanted to purchase his Sage Coffee Machine (see video below)  so we headed off to Northallerton.We walked around town then headed back as we had a reservation for dinner at 5:30. Craig's brother and gf celebrated with us along with Julie & Les. Fantastic atmosphere and great food! Afterwards we went back to the caravan and had cake and coffee (Craig showed off his Sage skills!)
• Sunday we headed to York. Then in the afternoon headed home
• Skyped with my mom also on Sunday. Really great to catch up with her. 

Avenue Q (July 30 2013)

Hello friends ::waves:: Last night Craigy B and I went to a theater performance called Avenue Q. For anyone who didn't hear how I got tickets please read What a Weekend post.  The Assembly Rooms Theater is an historic 220-seat proscenium arch theater in the heart of Durham City. We were about 4th row from the front.  For those that don't know Avenue Q - it is music but also with puppets! This is not a show for children. After the performance was over friends on their FB page had the opportunity ask members of the cast about their experience with the puppets etc. I had a blast! We are actually going on Saturday night (Craig purchased tickets actually before we won the scavenger hunt)

Update on Life

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged lately - just been busy with looking for a new job and daily life! Since mid June I have lost now a total of 10 pounds! So I am very happy about that. I feel so healthy increasing my veggies/fruits + I rarely eat red meat :) (ok they had burgers at this wedding I attended, and I had a burger a few days ago when Craig was defrosting the freezer). Also I am going every day to the community gym, which is great as it gets me out but I really get along with the volunteers.  It is funny when I came here last May it was hard making friends/acquaintances, and now I feel a part of a community :)

I am not sure if I have announced this to my readers but I am taking Craig back to Minnesota August 27-September 9th to see 'my life' and show him around. We already have a few things planned on the calendar such as a Twins game, State Fair that are set in stone! I am hoping he doesn't get jet lag because I will be ready for the go the following day! Oh and for sure we will be making MANY Starbucks visits (he likes his coffee!).

Bye for now ::waves::

Fashion Catwalk

As a woman I would say I am fashionably challenged.  I buy mostly comfortable clothes that fit good - but aren't super stunning.  Craigy B held a photo shoot this evening (no music included) of the various tops he has chosen for me in the past year. He may not admit it - but he is my fashionisto!
Photos are taken by Craig and you can view his blog at www.craigbutters.com