Happiness Factor - Distance from London

Yay, I love polls.

1. Are you happy in the UK?

a) I love it here! The best thing I ever did!
   

2. Where in the UK do you live?

e) Too far from London to even consider going there for just a day. I'd have to plan to stay overnight.  

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?

d) North of London (Yorkshire)
 
Good grief, all compared to London. It isn't the center of the universe you know.  

4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?

d) I've met a couple of Americans who I've run in to (recruitment agency, nightclub, pub etc etc) but never heard an accent and there aren't enough up here to be common so I guess you could say I'm the areas 'token' American.

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?

i) other - just started a permenant job a couple of months ago. At this time I'm still unsure of how I feel about it.

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?

e) several times a day


7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?

   e) have never met anyone from these web sites - YET!

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?

a) yes
ii) as an adult, either on my own  (student living in France)

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?

  21. Which is just my luck. I finally turn legal to drink back home and then I move to a country where the legal age is 18.  
10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?

d) no

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
   
d) No children yet, but perhaps in a few years
   

12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
       
e) We don't get along at all - well, Jon doesn't so by default I don't either.

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
 
a) leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did; it was the biggest change I made, not seeing them all the time - but having done it before I knew what to expect and after nearly a year I've come to enjoy living my own life.
   
14. How long have you lived here?
 
d) 7-12 months - Nearly a year! Yay!
   

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
   
e) never, would never consider it

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?

a) yes
       
ii) It was never permanent...It would be better for both of us to live closer to my family. But not for a few more years. I love living here and the experience I'm getting from it.
         
17. What do you think about the food here?
       
b) I'm always up to try something new, and British food is fine
         
18. Groceries... choose all that apply

b) You get care packages from your family in the US
iii) sometimes I get a couple of favorites for fun
c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
i) Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites
         
However, I do hate grocery shopping but thats only because our local grocery store is in the city centre, therefore always packed and it's simply exhausting.

19. TV habits

b) I'm a real sucker for certain US shows and am really glad they show them here. I only fill in my spare TV-watching time with British shows, which I could take or leave
     

20. Male or female?
     
a) Female
   

21. How often do you go back to the US?
   
    g) haven't been back at all since I've moved here

22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

At this time I'm not sure. Can't go back for the holidays but we are having family visit us.


What sign are you?

Cancer all the way, baby.

1. Are you happy in the UK?
   Most days are really good. There are moments, but none I can't overcome.
   
2. Where in the UK do you live?
  Too far from London to even consider going there for just a day. I'd have to plan to stay overnight.

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
   d) North of London
   
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
   I know one or two and I'm sure there are others because I overhear accents and I know they aren't tourists
   
5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
   Have had the same job for years and love it
   
6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
    several times a day
   
7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
   once (or a few times) a month
   
8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   no

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   31-40
   

10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    a) yes, with one
   
11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
    I have a child or children from a previous relationship
          there are only 2 and they are living with us
         
12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
       a) Yes, they are fabulous!
       
13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
    My sister and I are an emotionally close family, but we never did see each other all the time either, so staying in touch isn't all that different now
   
14. How long have you lived here?
    1-2 years (almost 2 years!  Woo Hoo)
 
15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
    a) yes, definitely
   
16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
  no, I'm settled here and it would be too tiring to go through all that paperwork again (Brit hubby would move back tomorrow)
       
17. What do you think about the food here?
     I'm always up to try something new, and British food is fine
       
18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US sometimes a couple of favorites (hubby travels sometimes to US)
   
b) You get care packages from your family in the US
      sometimes I get a couple of favorites for fun

    c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites
         
19. TV habits
     I'm a real sucker for certain US shows and am really glad they show them here. I only fill in my spare TV-watching time with British shows.
     
20. Male or female?
     Female
     
21. How often do you go back to the US?
    haven't been back at all since I've moved here

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?
Full blooded Scorpio  

Good grief, all compared to London. It isn't the center of the universe you know.  

Yes...but the theory goes, "The further away from London you live, the happier you are." I wondered if that was true. (The other questions are more of experience, background and how one deals with change, which I think are MORE contributing factors to happiness and settling in.)

I don't know where I heard the location theory, maybe even something I dreamed up, but, well, actually, for us living here in the UK, London does seem to be an epicenter...certainly for get-togethers and meeting points. Not to denigrate any other location. City life and quality of surroundings may have been a good thing to add.

Anyway, Ashley, not to harp on your comment (I'm sure others wondered the same too)...thanks for making it and giving me a chance to explain further. Making London as the epicenter is actually the purpose of the questions. The other questions just fill in some gaps.

Hey Lisa, how bout a "where do you live, ie in your own house, flat, with roomates, with family, etc" question?

Just what makes the Happiness Factor?

1. Are you happy in the UK?
   c) It's alright. I can take it or leave it.

I am starting to have good days where I love it here and bad days where I don't feel exactly home yet or belong but its getting better now. Compared to about 2 months ago, I am starting to feel my outlook on life becoming more positive day by day.

2. Where in the UK do you live?
   d) In the countryside and a bit too far to travel into London on a daily basis. It might take me two hours to drive there.

About 2.5 hours from Heathrow, that's all I know. But most likely would have to stay over night, if we ever considered having to go their for the day and enjoy the city.  

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
   d) North of London

East Midlands area, I am between the city of Nottingham and about 30 miles from Sheffield.
 
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
       b) I know one or two and I'm sure there are others because I overhear accents and I know they aren't tourists

Yes, I have been corresponding and telephoning with one american expat who recently moved in March 2003, and lives about 13 miles from me. The ironic of it all is that she, too was from the state I was from, living not too far from my old hometown.  

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
   h) I plan to work when my circumstances change (children go off to school, etc.)

I do plan to start working around Jan 2004, my husband and I figure that should be enough time to get my feet on the ground enough to look for a job and start roaming about this country side on my own.

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
   c) once (or a few times) a week
   
7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
     e) have never met anyone from these web sites

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   b) no

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   d) 31-40
   
10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    d) no

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
   b) my partner has a child or children from a previous relationship
   ii) none are living with us
Yes, three girls who in their 20's and all grown.
We don't have any children yet of our own, but have been trying but with no luck.

12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?

Partner's parents are both deceased. His distant aunts, cousins and uncles, he hasn't really talk to them for years and just recently called two aunts.

However, as far as his daughters (one with a granddaughter), they have not been supportive of this marriage and purposely lost contact with their father (ie. not answering calls, emails and even moved and changed telephone numbers). They never called or sent a card for Father's day or his birthday (which recently passed). This really hurts me when I see how much this action has crushed my husband (especially not having to see his granddaughter). I have come from a step family, where my mother remarried, but I NEVER allowed anyone to come between my mom and I (whether I like the person or not). His daughters don't have to like me, in order, to continue their relationship with their father. Anyway, enough ranting and raving onto the other question.

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
    a) leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did; it was the biggest change I made, not seeing them all the time

We keep in contact with each other about weekly basis to keep up with each other's lives.

14. How long have you lived here?
    c) 4-6 months

It will be 7 months October 14th.     

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?

I haven't even thought about it to consider applying for dual citizenship. I want to take things one step at a time.   

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
       
Our originally plan was to go back when hubby retired, however, we have been flexible enough that in 3-4 years, if I haven't adjusted and I am not truly happy to living life here then we will think about moving back to the US.

17. What do you think about the food here?
       b) I'm always up to try something new, and British food is fine

I think British food (at least where I am in the country) is alot fresher especially fish,veggies, and fruits. And for the first time in my life, I don't mind making food by scratch...my Betty Crocker cook book comes in mighty handy.
       
18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
          iii) sometimes a couple of favorites
    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
          ii) it's a "holiday" package, usually
           c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          i) Products here fill most my needs however, there a times I wish I had some American productsavailable here

19. TV habits
     d) I don't watch TV, neither really matters, however, I do occasionally find a show I watch but there are times I bored out of my mind.

20. Male or female?
     a) Female
21. How often do you go back to the US?
   g) haven't been back at all since I've moved here

22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

I plan to visit the US once a year.

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz..]

What sign are you?
I am a fickle Libra (with a Scorpio Rising) making me an emotional fickle Libra.

1. Are you happy in the UK?  
   b) Most days are really good. There are moments, but none I can't overcome.

2. Where in the UK do you live?
       c) In the commuter belt. I can take a train into the city without having to transfer. It takes me less than an hour.
   
3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
   b) South of London
   
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
   a) yes, quite a few, actually
   
5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
      f) I'm too busy to work fulltime, so I volunteer as much as I can
     i) other (please explain) I also do a bit of part-time work - one or two days a week.

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
   c) once (or a few times) a week
 
7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
   a) a couple times a year, or even less
 
8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   b) no

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   d) 31-40
 
10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    N/A

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
N/A

 12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
N/A

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
     b) we're an emotionally close family, but we never did see each other all the time either, so staying in touch isn't all that different now

14. How long have you lived here?
    d) 7-12 months
 
15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
If we stayed here permanently, perhaps.

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
N/A

17. What do you think about the food here?
           b) I'm always up to try something new, and British food is fine
         
18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
                     iii) sometimes a couple of favorites
    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
                     iii) sometimes I get a couple of favorites for fun
    c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          i) Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites
 
19. TV habits
     b) I'm a real sucker for certain US shows and am really glad they show them here. I only fill in my spare TV-watching time with British shows, which I could take or leave
 
20. Male or female?
     a) Female

21. How often do you go back to the US?
    c) 1-2 times a year
 
22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?
Capricorn

Fun Quiz!
Stephanie

. Are you happy in the UK?

A & B. For the most part I love it, but it would be fair to say I've had my moments!

2. Where in the UK do you live?

E.  Way too far, or maybe not far enough, I prefer the country

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
E.  West



4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
B.

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?

A. I have a job that I love the work, but very unhappy with salary and some conditions, so I'll be leaving it at the end of the month and will start working at the local hospital. Plans are to do nursing course in '04

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?

d or e, depends on other commitments

7. Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee

A.

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
B. No

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?

E

10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before.

D. No

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation

B and ii

12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family

A.  everyone should have in-laws as good as mine!!!

13. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family

A. I'm an only child,,it was very hard

14. How long have you lived here

F. 4 yrs

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship

A. just recently received my British Citizenship certificate. I still "feel" American, it just makes travelling easier, don't have to stand in those horrible long lines at Heathrow/Gatwick anymore 'cos I can use the British passport and  hubby can come through the "Americans" line at NYC because I have to use the American passport there.  I've heard that having dual is known as the "golden passport".

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US

B and i

17. What do you think about the food here

B

18. Groceries... choose all that apply

A and ii

19. TV habits

A

20. Male or female?
     a) Female

21. How often do you go back to the US

Once or twice a year, depends on the fares.

What sign are you?

I'm a Leo, but more of a mousey one not a strong Lion King type

. Are you happy in the UK?
   
   d) It's been really hard to make the adjustment. Most times I just want to give up and go back home
 

2. Where in the UK do you live?
   
   e) Too far from London to even consider going there for just a day. I'd have to plan to stay overnight.

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
 
   d) North of London
 

4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
   
   b) I know one or two and I'm sure there are others because I overhear accents and I know they aren't tourists
   

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
     
   i) other (please explain) - Yea I work, Hate the job (it's boring as HELL... O   But the people are cool, I get to go to the gym and work out on my lunch break with them, and I can't really complain too much about the wages. It's just freakin booooring  :-/ (I need a challenge basically)

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
 
   d) once a day


7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
   
   b) once (or a few times) a month
   

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   a) yes
     

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   
   c) 24-30
 

10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    a) yes, with one
   

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
       
d) No children yet, but perhaps in a few years
   

12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
       a) Yes, they are fabulous!
            "They are Londoner's and love a good drink"  
     

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
    a) leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did; it was the biggest change I made, not seeing them all the time
   

14. How long have you lived here?
   
    e) 1-2 years
   
15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
   
    b) still thinking about it, but probably
   

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
    a) Possibly yes, in a few years
               

17. What do you think about the food here?
             
        c) It's taken me a while to get used to it, but I manage
                (I cook my own stuff majority of the time)

18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
          i) in the extreme
       
    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
          I would get a care package but my sister is too
         damn LAZY  to send it.. hahaha  
   
  c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
     
          ii) I wish a number of American products were available here, but I can get by on what few items I get from the US to compensate.
       

19. TV habits
           b) I'm a real sucker for certain US shows and am really glad they show them here. I only fill in my spare TV-watching time with British shows, which I could take or leave
     

20. Male or female?
     a) Female
   

21. How often do you go back to the US?
   
    c) 1-2 times a year
   



And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?

CANCER !!   cool and crabby     hehehe  

To add my answers to the questions added - we haven't been back to the US so far, but are planning a trip in November.  My husband is just itching to go spend Turkey Day with my mother (as well as a visit to Disney World!).  After this trip, though, have no idea when the next one would be.

1. Are you happy in the UK?
       b) Most days are really good. There are moments, but none I can't overcome.
   
2. Where in the UK do you live?
   d) In the countryside and a bit too far to travel into London on a daily basis. It might take me three -four hours to drive there, but about 2 hours by train.

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
      d) North of London
   
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
   c) Not a soul. I'm the area's "token" American, though I do speak to americans about once a week at work.

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
   a) Have had the same job for a year and (often) love it
   
6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
   
   c) once (or several times) a week

7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
   
   e) have never met anyone from these web sites

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   a) yes
          ii) as an adult, on my own (ie student)
   
9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   c) 24-30

10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    d) no

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
    d) No children yet, but perhaps in a few years
   
12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
       b) They are very supportive and we're good friends

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
    a) leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did; it was the biggest change I made, not seeing them all the time

14. How long have you lived here?
    f) 3-5 years

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
         b) still thinking about it, but probably
     
16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
    b) no
          i) I'm really happy here and have no plans to return to the US
         
17. What do you think about the food here?
        b) I'm always up to try something new, and British food is fine

18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
          iii) sometimes a couple of favorites
    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
          ii) it's a "holiday" package, usually
    c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          i) Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites
           
19. TV habits
     e. I am completly satisfied with the current offerings on TV here

20. Male or female?
     a) Female

21. How often do you go back to the US?
         c) 1-2 times a year

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?   For purely scientific study I am Scorpio, but (according to the british astriological calander) I am on the day it starts, ergo I might be the one before , but can never remember what it is, so I generally stick with Scorpio.

Hey Lisa, how bout a "where do you live, ie in your own house, flat, with roomates, with family, etc" question?

That's a really good one, wench. But my mind is racing with all sorts of possibilities. House v flat, rent v own, big v small and everything in between!

I woke this morning with the thought I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Saturday I woke with this "Hey! I wonder!" excitement and now I want to keep the ball rolling and follow through with compiling the results. Guilt has stepped in. If you will allow me a bit of time (not excessive, I promise!) to get a quiet moment to compile this stuff, I will get around to it! Fascinating reads, really!

Thought also occurred to me that if anyone wants to take this info and compile, you are welcome to do so! It's interesting to me to know a "Happiness Factor". Also, a housing survey would be a great addition. I just fear I may have promised results of something more quickly than I can physically deliver right now.

If no one wants to take this on, then I will try to have something within the next month.

And wench, you're quite welcome to do a housing survey! We can tack the answers along with the happiness one.

I normally don't like doing these things (less is better is what I try to live by... ) BUT...... I thought being I've been M.I.A. for several months and a little bored I thought why not....

1. Are you happy in the UK?

*  Not particularly...but **LOVE** the travelling we do through Europe.    
 
2. Where in the UK do you live?

* East London, Isle of Dogs, near Canary Wharf or on the Thames overlooking the Cutty is several ways to describe it.  If E. London doesn't ring a bell I move on the IofD so and so on.........

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?

* East London
 
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?

* Yes, one of my dearest friends Tammy

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?

* Nope, lady of leisure at this time.  Does sending care packages and letters of support to our troops count!!  Well it counts in my eyes.

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?

* Used to be addicted to it when I just moved here.  Lessened as I got use to the area, got engaged, etc.
 
7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?

* Yes, a couple of times.  1st annual UKY bar-b-Q and the Ripper Walk
 
8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?

* Yes
 
9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?

* 31
 
10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
 
* Yep, one-year.  Did the transatlantic commuting thing..
 
11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
     
* Well he's not a Brit so I guess I can't answer that question.  But being me of course I will...  Offspring - currently working on the situation  
     
12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
   
* Another partnered with a Brit - hey this is discrimination what about if your partner is not a Brit!!!  
 
13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
   
* Extremely close.  Only girl in my family.  Have a huge Italian and Irish family so family is  **always** around me.  Do not like having any family around but have learned to deal with it.  Besides my husband is now my family.
     
14. How long have you lived here?
 
*Too long (for me).  Nah actually love it when we're travelling.  2 years in January.
     
15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
   
* Me, anyone who knows me knows that answer.  For those who don't put it to you this way, would feel like I'm betraying my country and "who I am"..    
 
16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?

* Nope.  Will be here for about 4 more years -     (But during that time we plan to do a lot of travelling and take advantage of living in Europe.)
       
17. What do you think about the food here?
   
* Hate it.  Too greasy, to fattening and clogs all the arteries.
     
18. Groceries... choose all that apply

* You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy  
*  Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites  
     
19. TV habits

* Fox New (24 hours a day), Sex-in-the-City, The Sopranos, and Alias.  (Sex and Sop. my best friend tapes it for me from the states and sends them to me so I don't have to wait.  the season behind part..although it has gotten better only a couple of episodes behind I think.  Don't know though lost all sense after I got married and didn't keep up on my shows)
 
20. Male or female?
 
* Female  
     
21. How often do you go back to the US?
     
* As often as I can.  When my honey sees that I'm getting **homesick** he sends me off to NY.
 
22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

Gonna answer it anyway.  Will be back for the holidays this year and probably for the summer of next.  (Although London's summer this year was the same as NY and I can even probably say a little better - but still can't beat the fact that I live (or use to live, now my parents do) 5 minutes from the beach.  Ain't no beach here, just the muddy ol' Thames.)

1. Are you happy in the UK?
   b) Most days are really good. There are moments, but none I can't overcome.  (Definitely happier since moving further out).
   
2. Where in the UK do you live?
   c) In the commuter belt. 45 miles from central London.
   
3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
   c) South-East England, situated at the head of the Blackwater estuary.  

     
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
   c) Not a soul. I'm the area's "token" American

5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
   i) other (please explain) I drive into Hornchurch once a week to help out at hubby’s office (bookkeeping).  And I also work for the local Parish Council as their Administrator.  And I volunteer when needed at the kids schools.  

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?
   e) several times a day
   
7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?
   a) several times a year

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   a) yes
   i) as a child with my family

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?
   d) 31-40
   
10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?
    a) yes
   
11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply
    c) I have children from a previous relationship
    i) all three are living with us
         
12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?
    a) Yes, they are fabulous!

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
    a) leaving them was the hardest thing I ever did; it was the biggest change I made, not seeing them all the time

14. How long have you lived here?
    e) 1-2 years

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?
    c) one day I want to, the next day I don't. Not sure.
   
16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?
        b) no

17. What do you think about the food here?
        c) It's taken me a while to get used to it, but I manage

18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
           i) in the extreme
    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
         iii) sometimes I get a couple of favorites for fun
    c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          ii) I wish a number of American products were available here, but I can get by on what few items I get from the US to compensate.
 
19. TV habits
     d) I don't watch TV, neither really matters

20. Male or female?
     a) Female

21. How often do you go back to the US?
    c) 1-2 times a year
     
22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?  Gemini

I also think this near-total London-centrism is one reason I have so rarely consulted the site, though I find it fairly helpful and amusing when I do.

From the wilds of Yorkshire, making regular trips to ... GASP! ... Newcastle, and various villages, towns, and cities in Northumberland (check a map),
Traci

Why thank you.........thank you very much "Traci" for imparting that pearl of wisdom that Newcastle is indeed in Northumberland (stupid me....I actually thought it was an annex of Chelsea until I checked the aforementioned map!) Please count me as one who hopes those "rare consultations" to our humble yet apparently uninformed site become more frequent, because God knows I just love a good geography lesson. Have a great day!

1. Are you happy in the UK?
   a) I love it here! The best thing I ever did!
Okay - I'm not prepared to say it's the best thing I've ever done at this point - we've only been here since June!  But at the same time, I think it was a good decision for my husband and I to move here, and I certainly don't regret it - it's been a fun summer, with more fun to come!

2. Where in the UK do you live?

   b) In a London suburb. I can take the tube to get into the city, on a good day taking less than a half hour to travel the distance

It's probably closer to 50 minutes, if I'm truthful.  We're in zone 3.

3.  What (approximate) area of the UK do you live in?
   
   North London
   
   
4. Are there other Americans living near you that you see from time to time?
 
   b) I know one or two and I'm sure there are others because I overhear accents and I know they aren't tourists
 
5. Do you have a job, or are you volunteering with local charities?
 
   h) I plan to work when my circumstances change (children go off to school, etc.)
 
I found out I was pregnant right as we were moving over here, so I just didn't have the drive to find a job.  I may try to get something part time, but to be honest, I'm enjoying all the flexibility I have.

6. How often do you come to web sites like UK Yankee?

   b) once (or a few times) a month
   c) once (or a few times) a week

7.  Do you get together with people from web sites like UK Yankee?

   e) have never met anyone from these web sites

8. Have you ever lived outside the US before coming here?
   a) yes
          ii) as an adult, either on my own (ie work or student) or with a spouse

I worked in France for a year about 12 years ago.

9. How old were you when you moved here (this time, if it's been more than once)?

   d) 31-40


10. If you came to the UK solely for the purpose of living with your British partner, have you been married (or had a long-term living-together relationship) before?

N/A - my husband is American and was offered a transfer to his firm's UK office.

11. If partnered with a Brit, describe your offspring situation answer as many as apply

N/A - but I am preggers!

12. If partnered with a Brit, do you get along with your partner's family?

N/A - but my husband has a cousin here and we love to visit her in Suffolk!

13. How close do you consider your own family ties?
   
    b) we're an emotionally close family, but we never did see each other all the time either, so staying in touch isn't all that different now
   
We didn't live near our families before we moved either, but we adore them and love seeing them and visiting with them when we can.

14. How long have you lived here?

    c) 4-6 months

15. Have you, or do you plan to, apply for dual citizenship?

    e) never, would never consider it

Well, never say never, but I can't think why I would want to do it, since, in all liklihood, we will eventually be moving back to the States in +- four years.

16. Are you in the process of, or are you planning to, do the paperwork to return to the US?

    b) no
         
I guess I should have but a)yes, as we are here due to my husband's employment on a work visa.  We will return eventually, we just have no firm plans when.

17. What do you think about the food here?

        a) British food is the best I've ever had....love it!

Okay - this is another answer that is too much of an extreme for me, but I am quite happy with the food here.  But like everywhere, when it's good it's good, when it sucks, it sucks.  Anyone else gone to a pub for their Sunday Roast and felt like a TV dinner would have been a better investment?  But overall, the variety of food is really great.  No complaints.

18. Groceries... choose all that apply
    a) You stock up on American food when you visit the US (or buy from UK online shops)
          iii) sometimes a couple of favorites

    b) You get care packages from your family in the US
          iii) sometimes I get a couple of favorites for fun

    c) You find the grocery selection here enough to satisfy
          i) Products here fill most my needs and I hardly pine for American favorites

I actually love grocery shopping here.  Could it be because I'm a cheese freak?  And my husband loves his dairy as well!  It's actually quite dangerous for us!

19. TV habits

     d) I don't watch TV, neither really matters

This is not because I don't like watching, we just haven't purchased one yet.  When we first arrived, our short let had a TV and we enjoyed many of the shows.  There are some shows that I miss, but it's not a big deal.  Sometimes I get on televisionwithoutpity.com to enjoy their snarky recaps for some of the reality and WB type shows.

20. Male or female?
     a) Female


21. How often do you go back to the US?

    g) haven't been back at all since I've moved here

We had planned to go back for the Christmas holidays, but it's too near my due date, so we're stuck until next spring or summer.  I would guess we'll go back once or twice a year in future.

22. If you haven't lived here that long to really judge how often, please answer question 21 on how many visits you're PLANNING to take back to the US.

And now for the completely scientific portion of this quiz...
What sign are you?

Capricorn!  And hoping our wee one holds off until they are out of the Capricorn zone and into the Age of Aquarious, baby!

One other note.  We're in London because that is the location of my husband's job.  That's not to say we wouldn't be happy elsewhere farther out - it's just the cards that were dealt us, and we're making the most of it.