A Bank Holiday - I won't Forget!

Greetings friends! Today is a Bank Holiday! I don't really know the meaning but it means a day off for Craigy B and I from work.  Back home is Memorial Day where we honor our men/women who have/are serving for our country - and we usually have a BBQ consisting of Potato Salad, Burgers etc.  Well - My day was quite the adventure! Craig is not just a baker, IT guru, cook, F1 wannabe driver, but can now be considered a motivational speaker! You heard that right! I nearly passed out today (out of breath) but Craig kept the energy up and inspired me to continue onwards!

An Outline of my day is as follows:

* Got up and out of bed a little after 7am
 * Had breakfast, watched TV, and went online
* Started to get all dressed and boots on ready for our adventure to Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook Monument.  Wore my Timberland's as they have better grip than my sneakers.
* Car journey was 45 minutes - where we listened to various musicians on his MP3 player - Also the top was down on Scarlett (his car). 
* Before we reached our destination we stopped at a local convenience store to get sandwiches and bottle of water for each of us.
* Apparently we were not the only ones that had the same idea today - as the parking lot was jammed packed! But found a spot.
- I have never in my life hiked up a mountain like hill.  I know my mom has when she goes to Red Mountain Spa - but it looks quite scary from the bottom. 
*During my journey upwards - I was out of breath a few times, so we had plenty of opportunity to rest.  Roseberry Topping is a national park - which is maintained well - but you really need to watch where you step because if you don't you might twist your ankle. The stone steps were steep and even when we got to the top it was even scary looking down.

* Though Craig, a Pro he is - had no problem at all! All right for some! As I mentioned before he was a huge help to me - saying take it slow, make sure your footing is right, and don't rush! He kept me sane! There were times that I said I feel like I am going to die or I don't want to do this.  I seriously was scared that I might have slipped and hurt myself.

Here are snapshots that Craig took today

Craig and I shared a Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake

One of many rest stops

Roseberry Topping

Afterwards we hopped back in the car and headed to Great Ayton - where we had a nice ice cream, and walked around town.  A very cute town indeed.

This shop has been opened since when Craig's mom was little

After our quick snack we headed to Captain Cook's monument - it was up a big hill but the path was easier to walk in my opinion.

Afterwards we hopped back in Scarlett - headed into Middlesbrough and went to Stewart's Park. We walked around - made a stop at a local cafe there and shared a piece of cake, a juice box each.


We then came home - baked a Chicken, Bacon and Leek pie with diced onions and a mustard sauce
Sadly no photo was taken - but the pie was devoured by the both of us!

I am guaranteed to sleep good tonight for sure - after all this walking + Fresh Air

When I grow Up

A few days ago I was listening to a radio program about people calling to mention what they wanted to be when they grew up. Gosh I can recall so many different jobs - a vet, teacher, a Radio DJ when I was in high school or even be a world traveler writing shoestring on a budget books for young adults. Any of these positions I would have loved to go into but either it wouldn't pay enough or it would require math/science (which I don't like!). Since I graduated from Augsburg I have worked in various industries: telecommunications, legal services, higher education, a CPA firm, social media agency, and various self employment.  I thought it was fun trying out various jobs to see what I would like - but I am still trying to find that position that scream "Katie this job is for you!" Does that job exist? In 2011 I started my own dog sitting business, YourpuppyNanny and even though I didn't have a lot of clients - I had a passion for dogs and taking care of them. Ok I didn't thrive with loads of cash - but I was happy! When I was a nanny watching other people's kids that was a blast! But that didn't foot the bills as my parents would probably say. I can say one thing I am doing now that I am PASSIONATE about is continuing my social media work for SocialNicole LLC.

I have come to that point of time in my life - where I think I should start focusing on saving for my retirement and be financially responsible.  Never in my life have I bought elaborate things. I am always careful with my money - I always pay off my credit card and continue to pay my student loans. 

But when does it come in life where you want to follow your passion - but it doesn't pay great. I don't know how my parents would think of that. In America you need to secure a good job to have great healthcare and 401K etc.

Sometimes I wonder what if I did this again.....

One Year ago - from Today

One year ago today (May 15, 2012) I arrived to England on an adventure with a certain amount of money, no job prospects and knowing nobody besides Craig.  During my time here there has been ups and downs, but Craig has been my rock and kept me sane from this journey (Hey it has been really tough!). Everyday I get excited I have made this jump but it has been hard being away from family and friends. During my year I have been able to pursue different jobs and met many great people.  I really don't know what it would be like if I decided to live down in London per say - as I bet my money would drain out.  I am proud to say I haven't gone bankrupt! Ok so these jobs don't pay the greatest wages but I am getting experience.  I don't know where this journey will take me - but I embrace my options. A few good friends of mine who worked here (from Pakistan) enjoyed being here - but family is who they missed the most. As my readers may not know I am an only child and my parents are my rock! I don't want to get sappy here.  I am so happy to have shown them I am capable of finding work on my own.

Let the journey prosper as I go forward.....

I'm Back!

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't posted since I left for my grandmas funeral - but things have been quite busy for me. My flights went great - I didn't have any problems! Craig met me at the airport.

Here are pictures mom took of my family relatives:

Uncle Bobby

Cousins: Steen and Anamarie

Moi

Mom and I

Uncle Bobby and I

Uncle Bobby and I

Steve Gangstead and I

Renee and I

Renee and I again

Aunt Barb and cousin Jane

Aunt Virginia, Me and Aunt Jane

Aunt Jane and I

Jane and I

Aunt Jane and I

Cousin Time: L to R - Me, Amy, Lisa, Anamarie, Jane and Steen

L:R - Uncle Peter, Mom, Aunt Jane and Uncle Bobby

One of the many floral arrangements for Nina's funeral

Sharon and Jerry (Jerry is Nina's nephew from Texas)

Amy and Paula