Hello all! My name is Erin. I've been lurking on this forum for a while now, and I figured I ought to introduce myself and chime in here and there.
I'm a university student in Tucson, Arizona studying to be an elementary school teacher. I met my boyfriend (soon to be fiance when I visit him this winter) a few years ago online in a game and forum. We were friends for a while, but after months of talking nonstop, it developed into more.
He lives and works in Southampton currently. He has visited me twice for a few weeks since last autumn, and I spent two months in England with him this summer. We agreed we would decide how the distance would end by the conclusion of my summer visit after I had some time in England.
And I loved it there! I really thought I would die with all the rain, being from the desert and all, but I truly loved it. I definitely had moments where I just wanted to throw a tantrum in the grocery store when I couldn't find some of my favorite items. And there were so many times when I thought my head would explode with all these British words and phrases I had never heard in my life (you'd think after extensive Harry Potter and Downton Abbey marathons, as well as speaking to my boyfriend, that I would have learned everything by now). Nonetheless, I really like a lot of things about the culture, history, scenery, and people.
Anyway, right now we're planning on getting married next winter when I finish school. Then of course we'll go through the fun process of the visa application and hopefully have me over there in early 2014.
It really is scary to think about! As much as I liked England, I would like it more if I could just transplant some of my family and friends as my next door neighbors!
It's been great to read posts by all of you and know that I'm not alone in my current situation, and to know what may lie ahead for me.
