I watch too many romantic movies!

Jaffa cakes.. hmmm... I don't eat a lot of sweets/junk food. Not sure about the orange filling! Oh well. Probably for the best, since I'm really trying to LOSE weight right now! lol Thanks for the explanations, though.

Carey- I will rent a room from a friend of a friend type thing. Hopefully the pound will stay low like it is now, so if it's 300£ that's only like $450/mo. We'll see. I'll then use that as a home base and do lots of side trips to see friends and be a tourist! I will have to use some of my savings this summer, but I guess it's like an investment.... I think the visitor's visa is like $100. I'd rather not spend the extra cash if it's really not necessary.

Continued strength to you Josy. I think taking all the time you need, like Carey said, is the best thing to do. You really don't have to worry about THEM. This is really about YOU! Whatever you need to do, do it!

Well, kids are back to class today, then tutoring after school. Then I'm meeting a friend from out of town for dinner (she's here for a business trip). Just going to be a long day.... Hope you all enjoy your Tuesday.

We understand, Becca.  Sorry again about Tim's uncle passing. 

And Josy, you know where I am if you need me as well.  We're all here for ya, lady.  And remember what I said last night.  *HUGE hugs*

STILL not feeling well, Carey?  Goodness.  Maybe do what my Dr. tells me to do....take 1500mg of vitamin C pills...it'll knock it out of you.

Beth, don't work too hard this week, hon....but knowing that a possible two month trip to the UK is drawing near must be AMAZING!  If you're in the south of England, let me know.....you can hang out with Ian and I for a bit.

Speaking of him.....I still get this angry/tense feeling whenever I speak to him.  Mind you, you can't judge much from just text when you're talking to someone, but it still seems odd.  And since I've got a ghetto internet connection, my MSN messed up last night and I didn't know it.  We were discussing wedding colors and getting flags for our centerpieces, when I thought he had fallen asleep because I kept sending him messages with no response.  Then an hour later, he just went offline.  I thought he got my messages, when I went onto MySpace to see his status was "vexed."  So I texted him and he said he LOVES being ignored.  So he got all angry and jumped to conclusions.  *sighs*  I just don't get it, really.  And unfortunately I can't really talk to him about this stuff until the weekend, which we won't have as much time to talk because I'm spending the day with my Mom on Saturday getting things for favors and centerpieces and whatnot.  And he's busy with work all the time, his back is still hurting from his lumbar puncture last week, and he just spent the weekend in London, then next weekend is going to Germany and The Netherlands to visit friends of ours.  I just feel like, is all the work and planning I'm doing going to be worth it?  If we have this tense feelings between us, are they going to go away soon, because I hate this.....and he's so damn stubborn that I wanna smack him sometimes.   I feel stupid being all "AHHH!!" about this because others here are dealing with bigger issues.

My Mom thinks he might be getting cold feet....but I asked him if he's scared of his life changing after we're married...and he said "No, because life is only going to change for the better I think."  *shrugs*

Great....I'm crying.  SO not what I wanted to do this morning.

Anywho, I just wanted to vent.  Thank you for letting me get it off my chest.

I hope you ladies have a nice day.  I've got today off (thank goodness) and I have to do some MAJOR grocery shopping.

Josy, how you holding up today?  You stick in there. If you need anything, just let me know!

Beth, I'm actually jealous. I'll be moving to England soon, but I would LOVE to be able to go there during the summer as a vacation! Unfortunately I'll be thrown right in to the realities of having to find a job and the cold weather. Blech. Can you believe that in 4 years I have yet to experience England in the summer time??? It's always been in the winter.

Patty, I SO know what you mean about the frustration with technology causing confussion in your relationship. That used to happen to us ALL the time. We both used to get so mad at eachother because you can't tell what's going on and your mind starts thinking they're doing it intentionally, etc. Don't worry. It will pass and it WILL get better. The tense feelings will seem silly when you are together. There are so many little things in an LDR that can make you feel like throwing up the surrender flag, but it always passes and Ian sounds like he really loves you. Don't take his sadness or frustration at the LDR personally.

How is every one else doing? I hope Jamie is adjusting okay. I assume since we haven't heard much that she is very busy and doing well. . Brittany and Becca, hope you're enjoying yourselves! (Brittany is still in NI, right?).

I've been kind of blah lately, for lack of a better word. That's always how it is when I'm not with DH. It's like life seems less fun an somewhat pointless. Work is boring and although I'm enjoying being allowed to go to sleep as early as I like again, the excitement and contentment is gone and is replaced by boredom and anxiety. I want to keep myself busy by going out and doing fun things and spending money, but I have to save it now for the visa . I have a really hard time getting myself motivated or getting up enough energy to do anything other than work, go home and have dinner, and go to bed. I keep saying I'll work out more but since it's been dark and cold in the mornings I haven't done a thing. Beth, how do you keep motivated with the running?? I'm thinking of getting a pilates DVD. Even though I hate videos, I can do it at home and hopefully can learn it well enough to do it without the video. My sister got a Wii Fit, but again I feel like I've hardly had time to do it. I'm such a slacker!

Anyways, happy Tuesday!!

I am doing ok ladies...haven't been around much been reading though:)

I think I just feel bad because all my girls here are having such a rough time...I don't want to make anyone feel bad by talking about us being together

It's going really good though...I was sick last week and of course gave it to him so he's been really really sick  the past few days.  But other than that it's been great:) Everything is so different here that it really takes a lot of adjusting.  Every little thing is hard, it's like being a kid all over again.  All the things you take for granted like going to the grocery store can prove to be a bit overwhelming haha but I am managing.  We are adjusting well to life together.  It's so nice not to have to freaking IM everyday.  It's better than anything I ever imagined in my head.

 I'm kind of glad I'm here on a fiance visa because there is no pressure for me to find a job, I am definately not ready for that yet.  But I will be soon.  I'm applying for my driving permit this week which will help free me up a lot.  That is a very scary thing in itself so if I can do that I can do anything:)

Well almost time for the boy to come home from work so guess I should finish up my wifely duties like dinner (tea) hahaha oh yes the life of the ordinary housewife! That is quite the adjustment in itself. 

Hope everyone can find a reason to smile today!!

Jamie! I'm so glad to hear that you are happy and adjusting well. Good luck with the driver's test. My goodness. I have to admit that really scares me! The thought of driving on the *wrong* side of the road! After driving for so long here, you build up a lot of instincts that I think in a crash or emergency, would end up kicking in! I would be like Cameron Diaz when she drives into town!

Becca- also glad to hear it's going well for you.

Chi-chi, I would gladly trade 2 months in the summer for knowing I was going permanently- even in the winter!! Though it is nice to know I won't have to do any work at all and can just enjoy myself! It will be very hard to leave to come back here for another year, though..... As for the running, I did go through a bit of a lazy spell this fall. I was on/off with it, mainly due to not having any time and being completely exhausted from all the working. I'm happy to be back into the habit now. But, for ex., I wanted to go today, but schedule-wise it's just not going to work out unless I do it after 9 tonight! Tomorrow will be tricky, too. Might have to get up super early to get out there. I think it will be pouring rain, though. Gak! I have signed up for a half marathon that a friend is flying in from London to do with me (the full, though!) That is a great motivator in itself. Not going to lose face in front of someone else! lol

patty- sorry about the miscommunication issues. I am beginning to hate chat myself. It really can cause some troubles! However, I did find out in the end that it really was just the chat and not US that had the problem in the end, thank goodness. I had all sorts of things conjured up in my head about what the other person was thinking/meaning, that in the end were just me overanalyzing and misinterpreting stuff!

Ok, lunchtime over.

Beth - if I am in England at all over the summer (which is not very likely, I dont think), we will have to hook up for some drinks. (notice how my mind always goes to drinks, not food or shopping or anything else. Drinks. I am missing the pubs still!)  I, too, have never been there in the Summer.  I think that I would LOVE England in the summer though - not too hot, and everyone freaks out and hangs out outside anytime the sun comes out! OH I want to go to Brighton in the summer... *sigh*   Remind me again, for the millionth time, where you will be living, Patty?

I feel like I'm getting sicker, but have taken Dr. David's orders of loading up on fruit and veg and I think I will pick up some vitamin C, also.  

Patty, I feel like I am in your head right now - I totally get where you are coming from. My theory is that when this tense-ness rears it's head its always a result of frustration - you are frustrated, he is frustrated, you miss him, he misses you, and then a WEDDING on top of it.  You want to be together to plan this stuff, but you are doing the best you can still being so far apart and now you have the stupid computer/internet getting in your way!   Is all the work and planning going to be worth it??  You know the answer to that no matter how you are feeling at the moment.  I am shocked that your mom said he may be getting cold feet - gasp!  That seems horribly innapropriate for her to say; you certainly dont need anyone else planting thoughts in your head!  What are her feelings about you moving, anyway?

I just realized what little sense I am making, but I'll keep going anyway...

Jamie, we need to hear how happy you are!  A good reminder of what we are striving towards!  Good luck with the driving. Eeek!!

Chi chi - I am feeling exactly the same way. Blah. "Things are never as much fun as they would be if he were here. If I were there, we would be doing this or that". It sucks the life out of you almost!   And re: pilates, I LOVE it!  I have a video that I should do more often - it really makes me feel better afterwards, but I always seem to find a reason not to do it.  The Windsor Pilates videos are good if you are looking for something to try.  There are a million out there though!

Oh and I finally got some feedback (after I stopped asking for it of course) ... but what I got was that his friends said "she has great teeth and big boobs". Fair enough

Oh and I finally got some feedback (after I stopped asking for it of course) ... but what I got was that his friends said "she has great teeth and big boobs". Fair enough

LOL! Well that's quite the compliment from English lads I suppose! Good for you!

I just have to mention that I called someone a bloke today and didnt even catch myself.  Now everyone is making fun of me... 

I'll make a good Brit one day!

Carey and Chi_Chi..maybe we're triplets?  lol  Thank you to EVERYONE for offering their kind words.  I know in the end all the planning and everything that Ian and I have been through will be worth it.....it's just frustrating at the moment.  And my Mom only mentioned the "cold feet" bit because of how he's been acting the past month (he was overly stressed out about his medical situation, which I don't blame him....now I don't know what's up).  I woke up today and thought "Goodness, I have so much to do between now and moving!"  I don't know what to focus on next, really.  Between the wedding, packing, getting rid of things, getting things together for the visa.  Normally I wouldn't tackle it all at once (and I don't really think any human being would) but unfortunately, I have no choice, really.

And Carey, I'll be living in Romsey (which is near Southampton) for the summer I think and then Ian and I will be moving to the Portsmouth area.  P.S.  You WILL make a great Brit.   And I hope you feel better REAL soon.

Jamie-don't be silly about not wanting to share your news and happiness with us.  We WANT to hear how things are going with you.  And you are an inspiration to us all.....anyone that can prove that LDRs end in happiness is good for us.  And let us know how the driving goes!

How's everyone else doing then?  How's the weather?  I heard it's pretty chilly everywhere at the moment.  It's currently snowing here but it's 30 degrees F.  Huh.  *shrugs*

Alright, I'm off to wait for the man.  And speak of the devil, he JUST logged online.  Hopefully this conversation goes better than last night.

The weather is actually pretty warm here - probably about 40 degrees F.  No complaints from me (except that I'm STARVING TO DEATH)

I need some help here, (and its great we are all over the country!)... David has been hinting at making a trip to the States in Feb/March, and I assumed he just meant coming to see me, but today he asked me if I would be able to get away for a weekend.  So... the way this usually works is I decide where we should go and then I do a bunch of research and sell him on it and basically force him to buy his ticket since he will wait until the last minute if I let him (good ol' teamwork).  But, where do we want to go??  Together, we've done New York, Boston, Chicago and Denver of course. I'd love to go to San Francisco, but feel like it isnt fair to ask him to go any further West than Denver.  We've discussed Washington DC before (I have been there as a child and LOVED it!), but would it be just too cold to even bother at that time of the year??  Ideally, he likes to fly Virgin Atlantic and they do fly to Miami, which sounds nice in the winter, but I am not sure its my kind of place... Any other suggestions?  Maybe Canada??  Basically, it needs to be on this continent because I dont have the vacation time to spend losing a day in transatlantic travel.  United and BA are having great sales at the moment that look like they expire on Jan 27, so I have a little time to force... er I mean, kindly urge him to make a solid plan

ATLANTA!

Hmmm....Orlando was nice.  *thinks to old vacation spots as a child*  I've been to Myrtle Beach, or you could go to Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hill in the Carolinas?  You can see the the Wright brothers flew the first plane.  No?  lol  

Atlanta is pretty nice as well (lol...and I was writing this while Beth was replying!)....or you guys could go to New Orleans?  

I am DEFINATELY having a technologically difficult day. As I mentioned, since DH left I've been a little down in the dumps. I'm not much of a talker and really don't like talking on the phone most of the time, so it doesn't help when that is what our relationship thrives on.   We just spent most of my lunch hour talking about how annoying and frustrating the other person was, all the while laughing and still being lovey dovey. It bugs me so much though! He thinks I should just "change my state" and get over it, but I have a really hard time with that. He described it perfectly - it's like my brain is numb because I'm so depressed. I manage alright, but like I've described before I seem to have little or no interest in most things at the moment. Especially when my job is SO boring and all I do is stare at the computer trying to find things to keep me entertained! I think that's the hardest part, because I sit here all day (which is the primary time of day I get to talk to him) and I have absolutely nothing I want to talk about. AHH. Sorry. Done venting.

Jamie, please do tell. Give us all of your stories and your take on life and adjusting.

Carey, I was going to suggest Cali so I'm not much help. I live in AZ so southern California is the closest and easiest place for me to visit that I actually find interesting. There's always Mexico too, but that's more expensive and either further to travel. I would LOVE to do NYC - I've only been once and didn't get to do it properly. DH and I actually just went on our honeymoon to New Orleans. It's not the typical romantic place, but it was a ton of fun. You kind of have to take it for what it is - there is still a lot of damage and there are lots of hustlers because of all the tourists, but we did a swamp tour and a city tour (saw Katrina damage and the above ground graveyards, etc). We stayed in the French Quarter (got a good deal on Hotwire for the Holiday Inn - although it was noisy and if you can splurge on a nicer hotel DO IT) so we got to walk around every day and explore the antique shops, coffee shops, restaurants. And at night there are plenty of bars, etc. and you can walk around the streets with your drinks! So that's one to consider. DC would be fun, but yes probably very cold. Maybe you could go visit Beth in Atlanta!!

It's pretty warm here today in AZ. We've been having rain on and off the last few weeks but today is sunny and warm - probably 60's? Just checked - it's actually 54, but it feels really nice outside in the sun!

Patty, trust me - planning a wedding adds so much more frustration and fighting power to a LDR from my experience. It will be over soon enough.

*UPDATE: just saw CKG and Beths posts. hahaha!

Oh New Orleans!  I have been there before and LOVED it.  Never been to Atlanta - he would be shocked by the accents! My dad is from North Carolina and we used to go all the time as a kid, but I have never been to the outter banks (is that what they are called??), that could be slushy and romantic 
I think I'll take his Washington DC hint and send him so info about there and then include a little bit about Southern hospitality

Your hubby sounds like David - he tells me "chin up" when I tell him how down I am, so I dont tell him anymore.  I think he doesnt like to be the reason I am upset and doesnt know how else to handle it.  You could start a 365 blog like Beth, Patty and I.  It gives you something to do and forces you to focus on your current environment rather on the future one, which helps sometimes.

Chi_Chi, vent away, love!  That's what we're here for.

And I understand where you're coming from.  The whole waiting process and being away from the one you truly love is rough.  Life doesn't seem as meaningful because everything seems like it would be better if you were doing things with him (this is exactly like what you said to Carey basicly). But it's like, life is about to happen for you..it's RIGHT THERE...but it's JUST out of reach.  And even though you want to like everything that goes on right now, you don't have the motivation because you can't stop thinking about how life will be once it "starts", if that makes any sense?  It'll get better though, I'm sure.  How long are you waiting to save up to apply for the visa?  And I THINK, from what I've read here, they look more at his finances than yours.  

And Carey is right about the 365 blog..lol.  I'm obsessed with mine now.  I seriously take like, 10 photos a day but only pick one.   And I LOVE looking at the blogs.