Hello,
Just wanted to 'come out' and say hello 'cuz I figured it was time to stop lurking.
Then again, that isn't entirely true as this is probably my 4th post. I asked about healthcare because I am caring for my disabled mother, who was a victim of brainstroke. And I think I also asked for tips and links on money-saving ideas, in regards to living in the UK. (Thanks for the replies, by the way! I need to learn how to survive as a poor person so every bit of advice or info you can send my way is a godsend.)
Ok. It's time to introduce myself but I'll try to keep it simple.
I am of Eurasian heritage although I don't look it. My mother is Austrian/Chinese, and my dad is American of Black African roots. Actually, I am a bit yellowy, come to think of it!
Although I went to American school, was surrounded by American folks, grew up on burgers and pizza's AND watched Hee Haw and Sgt. Bilko on television.......I never lived in the USA. Most of my life was spent in the little kingdom of Okinawa. An island south of Japan, with 60,000 American military personnel on it. (Amazing it never sank!) I have also spent time in Hong Kong and was working in Tokyo just before we came here to the UK. Oh, and in case you wonder, I hold a British National Overseas passport as does my mother. (Don't even ask)
Wait, there's more! I met my husband through work, and we married five years ago. He's of Hungarian/Irish descent but has been in England since he was knee-high to a praying mantis. (never mind) Anyway, we also have two teenage daughters from his previous marriage, but they live in London with their mother....and only visit us once in a while.
We moved here because my husband's employment contract ran out. He could have found another job in Japan (he's a computer programming/website-making person) but because of his children needing him and also the slowly deteriorating situation of my mother, we felt it would be wiser to 'go home.'
My dad is still alive and wobbling around in Connecticut, where he retired to a few years ago. (Dad was an emtertainer.)
I am an only child-----so it's pretty rough sometimes, dealing with my mother's situation. She has been living with us for five years. She had her stroke the exact same year I got married........sigh.
Now we are living in Canterbury and I am turning into a kind of human pretzel trying to get things sorted out for my mother, let alone for myself. We've been here for almost four months but it feels like ten years.......in a way. As mom and I have weird visas, we're not allowed access to any public funds (i.e. real help from social services) for at least one year until I can apply for residency. It will only be after I become a resident that we can get our hot little hands on things like regular helpers, homecare and other types of stuff.
Also, we are still unemployed although my husband has found a couple of good odd jobs to keep him busy until Feb. In my case, I am unable to work because I have to look after mum until we get proper help. So far, we seem to be on all sorts of waiting lists, so I guess something will come along someday.
I just hope I'm still alive by then.
To cope, I've been reading your posts and enjoying the spirit of camraderie that imbues this site. Uk-yankee has been very helpful for me, thank you guys for "being." My other coping mechanism is to drown myself in British TV. Not very healthy, I know. But it does help the time go by more quickly.
If any of you ever get together around my neighborhood, I would love to come out and meet y'all. Although I look after mom, a few hours away doesn't hurt. So long as I don't stay away too long.
Well, now that I've put you to sleep with all this babbling....duhhh, I think it's time to make like a banana peel and slip outta here.
But, not before wishing everyone the happiest, bestest, most wunnerful hunny-filled holiday season.
Have a good one and stay safe.
Rachelle