It's Not Crazy...It's "Challenging"

Back home, Stegen was always a little too "chill" for me. He was the anti-planner, the "eh, whatever", and the embodiment of an island man..."Everyting irie, mon!" While I've wanted to strangle him and his "chillness" a few times back home, I realized I wouldn't have survived today without it.

We slept for 18 hours last night and when I woke up and saw that it was 13:27, I had to undo the 24 hour clock on my phone to make sure it really meant 1:27pm!! We were supposed to pick up our rental car at 11am! Needless to say, panic ensued, but somehow, we managed to get the kids dressed, sorta fed, and out of the door in 30 minutes. It was a freezing cold and drizzly day, but there were people walking around with short-sleeves and no umbrella! I realized we'd either need to learn to love it, or go shopping for a new wardrobe. Here we are waiting outside of our flat for our taxi to arrive:

We picked up our rental car, gawked at how tiny it was (VW Golf), and Stegen attempted to not crash as we navigated our way back to Maidenhead on the opposite side of the road, driving on the opposite side of the car. I've never needed an "OS" bar more than I did today!! The roads are extremely narrow, cars are parked on these narrow roads making them even more narrow, the signs are still difficult to understand, and it was raining! It was really strange sitting in the "passenger" seat, which back home is the driver seat--I kept moving my feet around, unconsciously, like I was accelerating and braking. I'm not going to lie, there was a lot of yelping, cursing, and all-over freaking out during our 5 minute drive back to town. It's a good thing Stegen is so relaxed...had I been driving, we wouldn't have made it back home! (FYI, I decided not to add my name to the rental car...it's probably best for our family and the rest of the drivers in England.)

We stopped by Sainsbury's, which is right next door to Stegen's Adobe office and has a similar feel to Safeway back home. After going through the most confusing parking garage ever, we made it to a parking space and began our adventure grocery shopping. I told myself I wouldn't continue to compare things to how they are back home, but I have to comment on how difficult this experience was. Back home, I know all the brands and can associate them with their known level of quality. Here, there wasn't a brand I recognized! Also, everything was sold in small quantities (or maybe they're just normal quantities and we're used to giant ones). What they label as "family-sized" is our normal size. Bacon was sold in slices of 8...yeah, I'll take 4 packs. I'll need to figure things out soon because our bill for a few days of food was out of this world! Maybe our Costco trip tomorrow will solve a few of these problems. Side note, anything turkey related is hard to find and super expensive, but they do have cool devices called the "Fast Track", which you can rent to scan your groceries as you go through the store and save time at the register! You win some, you lose some.

Once we left the store, we spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to load the groceries into the trunk...according to Stegen, it was "stuck." There were no buttons in the car to help us pop the trunk, either. Finally, we realized we had to tilt the VW sign in to get it open. Where's a car manual when you need one?

"It's stuck!"

"Ahh, got it."

"Yeeee!"

We made it home safely with our expensive groceries (all while Stegen continued to remind me to chill out) and ate a dinner consisting of rotisserie chicken, instant rice (it took us a good 5 minutes to figure out how to turn on the "cooker"), and canned green beans. I'll figure out the cooking thing eventually. We had the TV on for the kids on the BBC owned kids' channel CBeeBies (get it?) and at 19:00 (aka 7:00pm) on the dot, this happened:

The kids' station goes to "sleep" for the rest of the night!!

Well, we're headed to open up a bank account tomorrow (hopefully) and make a trip to Costco. Stegen suggested that I pick up a few bottles of wine for myself while we're there...I wonder why he would say that? Ha! Anyway, here's a bit of good news, Stegen got his new company phone today--iPhone 5s with Vodafone, which used to be part of the same parent company as Verizon Wireless. We're even more official now!

Goodbye US, Hello UK!

 Let me start by declaring just how dang tired I am right now. This post will most likely be photo-heavy, since I can't guarantee I can be witty right now...much less spell anything correctly. We rushed around on Wednesday morning trying to get some last minute things taken care of. I even got yelled at by my (dear) mother to get off the computer and stop blogging. I tried explaining to her that I really wanted to get some pictures up before hopping on the plane and got quite a stare-down. Ahh...to live with my parents again. Anyway, somehow we got our luggage repacked, ate lunch, and zipped over to SFO with plenty of time to spare. 

My parents, my aunt Joyce, Marcus, Jaelyn, and my sister all joined us at the airport for one last goodbye. I've seen people have tearful departures before, but experiencing it first hand was harder than I could have ever imagined. I wasn't even on the plane yet and I was already feeling the pangs of homesickness. I felt like I started regressing and becoming a 2 year old child again--snot dripping down my nose, wailing inconsolably, and calling for my "mommy." It wasn't pretty.

My dad's best attempt at taking a "normal" picture

 

 Me and Mom

We got through security with only one hiccup--I somehow packed 4 new tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste in our carry-on luggage. Oops! Anyway, with priority boarding and the awesome crew members of British Airways, we were in our seats and ready for takeoff in minutes.

The flight was surprisingly uneventful and both kids were model flyers. I didn't even have to break out my baby Dramamine to dope up the little guy! This is basically what they did the entire 10 hour flight:

For about an hour, the kids were awake to watch some shows and eat.

 Audrey getting her tea sipping form down

Before we knew it (seriously, the landing took us by surprise), we had touched down at London Heathrow Airport! We couldn't leave without snapping some pictures with the most attentive flight crew we've ever flown with (ok, maybe they're tied with Quantas when I flew to Australia).

 Right out of customs, our taxi driver was waiting for us. His Mercedes van was pretty awesome...I think I need one.

We got to our corporate housing in Maidenhead quickly and tried to settle into our new space. 

Maybe it was the unfamiliar furniture, or the half shower door that allowed water to spray everywhere...or maybe it was just the fact that the Disney Junior app wasn't working... whatever the reason, the homesickness hit me hard. What did we just do?! When can we go home?! I want my mommmmmyyyyy. 

Thankfully, Stegen reminded me that I needed to "get it together" for the sake of our children. We left the flat and went for a walk to High Street, which is about a 5 minute walk away. Every town has a "High Street" and this serves as their downtown where most of their stores and restaurants are. We met some very nice people on our outing and I started feeling better about being away from home.

 Stegen, Audrey, and Dorian on Maidenhead High Street

We picked up some McDonald's and Oatmeal aka Oat So Simple porridge. I don't know if this "Chicken Legend" sandwich is a UK special menu item, but I hope not. It was pretty good!

 
It's about 7:30pm over here in England and we're going on 2 hours of sleep in the last 24 hours. It's time to sign off, but before I do, here's how kids dealt with the jet-lag...Good night!

We Love Our Apples

Talk about a whirlwind! Monday and Tuesday were jam packed with moving tasks. The moving company came early Monday morning and set right to work getting our air shipment packed and loaded. It was interesting seeing the actual shipment crate and being able to gauge just how much we could truly pack into 95 cubic feet. The foreman of the moving crew, Raul, was kind enough to work his tetris magic and work with me until we had packed it to the max. We still won't have everything that we need for the first 12 weeks there, but we'll have more than I thought we would! Here's Raul signing off on the inventory for our completed air shipment on Monday. (Side note: Raul's new baby grandson was also named Dorian! What are the chances?)

After the air shipment was sealed off, the crew set off on wrapping everything else for sea shipment loading on Tuesday. These guys made packing look way too easy! After a full day of emotional trauma from seeing our stuff slowly removed from our house, we cleaned up for a wonderful going-away dinner at our favorite thai restaurant, Mortar Pestle. The owner, Apple, threw us an amazing party, serving up every dish that any of us have ever fallen in love with on her menu over the years. The tables were always covered with food!! Apple and Angie, you've become a part of this family and we will miss you both. Safe travels back to Thailand, Angie. And Apple, Dorian is looking forward to giving you hugs again upon our return!

You might think the best part of the dinner was all the food, but surprisingly, it wasn't. If you know my family, you know that we can't ALL be together without some argument ensuing. Well, mark it on your calendars, people! The ENTIRE family was there to celebrate with us--even family we haven't seen in months! No arguments, no complaints...just smiles (well, and tears)! Here was our attempt at a panoramic group picture. 

The Wu's gave us a red envelope with GBP! How thoughtful!! Thank you Wu family!!

That night, we realized we loved another "Apple." My in-laws couldn't be there with us at our dinner, but with the touch of a few buttons, we were connected. We love you Mom and Dad!!!! We're so sorry we couldn't all be together for our last few days in the US, but we know we'll see you soon in England. 

GG FaceTime-ing with Audrey

Anyway, time is short since we're headed to the airport soon. The movers finished up Tuesday afternoon and now the house is empty. Good thing our dear friend Steven came to visit and ease the pain. We love you Steven!!!!!!!

Tim making custom crates for our mirrors

Empty house

Our next post with be from England! Rushing off to get ready now. So long America!!

Home to House In a Day

Well, we didn't end up snuggling and sobbing while watching The Little Mermaid on our last night in the house that we spent two years making into a home. Instead, my dear friend Jamie paid us a surprise visit and turned an otherwise dark and sad night into a celebration. We had dinner, walked around the house reminiscing (while she made fun of all the random things I was making the movers pack to bring with us), and ultimately did a little sobbing anyway. Jamie, we love you. Please make sure you don't steal anymore baby onesies. Also, if you're ever waiting in the parking lot of Chipotle, make sure you lock your car door...otherwise, "Hey, boo" might happen to you!! 

We spent a restless final night at home and got up early for dim sum with the family. My sweet grandpa (aka Yeh Yeh) treated us to a yummy brunch and I can assure you that Stegen and I ate enough so that we wouldn't miss it in case there aren't any good dim sum joints in England! It wasn't our going away party, but the reality of our imminent departure still hung heavy over our brunch. My grandpa and I have developed a very close relationship over the last two years...I'm sure going to miss him.

Five hours later (because dim sum always takes an obscene amount of time!), my parents (God bless them) took the kids while Stegen and I got to work on the house. We had quite a few things in our agenda: pack our suitcases to live out of for 4 weeks, decide what to put into the air shipment, take everything off of the walls, organize all important paperwork for travel, finish moving things to storage, find keys and remotes for our tenants, shred stuff, clear out the pantry (!), wash EVERYTHING, fold EVERYTHING, and try to remember if there was anything we were forgetting to do.

Long story short, we worked non-stop until midnight, went to my mom's to sleep (yes, I did what I said I'd never do again...moved back home with my parents!), and are heading back to meet the movers in about a half hour. The whole process was awful, especially trying to figure out just the right amount of things we'd need before our air shipment arrives and planning for weather we know nothing about. Here's Stegen getting ready to conquer the nasty task of packing our suitcases.

In a day, Stegen and I, sadly, turned our beautiful home into a house. We had to take a moment and let it sink in...this is it. Two and a half years of TLC to make this house a home and we undid it in the blink of an eye. As sad as I was to see it all dismantled, I must say that I learned something valuable yesterday: Stegen and I make an amazing team. Under all of the stress bearing down on us, we moved through the day like a well oiled machine--hugging, high-fiving, and rocking out to Pandora's 80's station along the way. I love you, Stegen, and I can't wait to make a new home with you in England!

Texas Roadhouse Takeout & Other Goodbyes

These last few days have been filled with boring errands and awesome friends. The kids and I ran around town getting things done during the day, and when evening came, we were ready to visit with good friends to say our 'til-next-time's. On Thursday, we got to visit with Leah Remini...oops, I mean my friend Drea (who totally looks like the celebrity!) and Audrey's long lost sister, Jaelyn. Here they are after enjoying some fro-yo at YogurtLand.

 Attached at the hip since Day 1 of dance class!

After Thursday flew by, the dreaded Friday was upon us for Audrey to be a kindergartener at Delaine Eastin for the last time. She was pretty bummed when she woke up in the morning and got a little weepy, but jog-a-thon was happening that day and thankfully, a pair of bright, new running shoes were enough to distract her for a while. She had a blast and ran 17 full laps! Her post-workout treat was a giant popsicle and one of her favorite storybooks, autographed by her entire class. Sandy, if you're reading this, please know that we appreciate all the extra love you gave to Audrey this last month of Kinder. You are an amazing teacher and an awesome friend. We love you!

Audrey & Mrs. Burback (Sandy) on her last day of school

 Friday night brought new experiences and good, old friends. Will and Anne (Audrey's Godparents) swung by to bring us Texas Roadhouse takeout. Who knew you could do that?! I could've been enjoying endless amounts of fluffy dinner rolls with cinnamon butter from the comfort of my couch this whole time! Anyway, we semi-successfully got the kids down for bed and the four of us enjoyed our Texas Roadhouse and fancy after-dinner chocolates. Will and Anne, we love you both and will see you in 9 months! Disneyland Paris, here we come!

 Will, Stegen, and Anne

Eight hours after our "date night" with Will and Anne, we were up and at it again! This morning we met up with my sister from another mister and her beautiful family for breakfast. Marissa, I love you. Please don't forget me...mainly because I won't let you. As I type this, Stegen is researching all the different ways that I can constantly be in contact with you, without having to file for bankruptcy. You are a constant reminder that friends are the family you choose for yourself. Love you and hugs to Jeremy and Rynnie!

 Audrey & Rynnie

Well, our adult and kid playdates are over for the weekend, and Stegen and I are hunkering down to finish off what's left to go to storage before our movers come bright and early Monday morning. Tonight is the last night we'll be sleeping in this house...time to pop in The Little Mermaid, try not to cry, and enjoy one last snuggle under this roof.

Sound Advice

Stegen and I have been very fortunate to meet some pretty awesome people through CrossFit. Of the many people we've become good friends with, Jor and Sandi definitely hold a special place in our hearts. As we were driving to say goodbye to Sandi yesterday, I received an email from Jor, who I like to refer to as "The Crazy Uncle." I wanted to share his thoughtful words of advice for us on our blog, so that I would always remember how much he's helped us since the beginning of this exciting journey.

"Hey Jenise,

Know you are busy with getting ready and all that. Want to give you a piece of advice that you can put on the shelf for later if and when it comes up.

This is a true story.

When I entered into the program to go to Japan we had training first in Seattle then in Tokyo before we went our separate ways. There was this one dude that had been in the program before so this was his second time.  He was an odd fellow (or should I say bloke since that is what you will be calling fellows for the next few years?).  Kind of kept to himself.

At any rate, one day out of nowhere he is sitting near a group of us and he turns to us and tells us some advice (not that we even asked for it). He said that if we get homesick and lonely or depressed.  He recommended we go to the market and get some floor polish and polish the floors.

Yeah, I know, we all kind of looked at him odd.  But he continued.  He said at that time do something mundane that you would do at home.  Something familiar. Okay, so we all kind of just nodded at him and went on with our discussions.

So….I end up in Onomichi, a small little town on a waterway out in the middle of nowhere.  Quaint and double the culture shock since not only was I in Japan but coming from living in L.A. to living in a small countryside town…let’s just say double whammy on the culture shock. And yeah, I got homesick.  So what did I do?  I got some floor polish and polished the hardwood floors in my small apartment.  You know what?  That action did center me and make me feel familiar and not so lost.

So, file this away, when you are there and you get feeling lost and uncertain and homesick…do something familiar as if you were back home.  Believe it or not.  It works. As for that dude…sometimes you can be shown the light in the strangest of places if you only look at it right.
 
Thnx/BR/Jor"

Jor with his beautiful family

Jor, I appreciate our countless conversations about life. I'll always look back on our time in England and remember that without your reassurances, Stegen and I wouldn't have taken the leap with as much confidence as we have. And thanks for the advice above...I might need to write you again when I'm in tears and polishing away. Take care of yourself and the rest of the 6:30 crew.

And then there's Sandi...ah, where to start? Most people know her as the "Barbie Lady", published author, and Guinness World Record holder/owner of Sandi Holder's Doll Attic. Others in the fitness world know her for her complete body transformation and motivational food posts.

Yep, she's done some pretty amazing things--but to me, she's just Sandi...one of the most caring people that I know. We got a chance to visit her at her Doll Attic yesterday and share some tearful goodbyes. Sandi, we love you and know that we'll see you in England soon. Thank you for everything...including my "zoodler." Hugs to you and Cary.

GMME A (HAND)

It's official...we no longer own any cars. Today we sold our wonderfully amazing Odyssey and left with a rental car for our last week in America. I still remember our hesitation when going to the Honda dealership to "just look" at what the crazy van people were all worked up about. We were way too cool to drive a van...puh-lease. Three hours later, we left the building with our silver Odyssey and all sorts of bells and whistles, just in time to prep it for Audrey's arrival into this world. 

We joked about how we didn't know anything about parenting and that one day, we'd be so busy getting kids in the mom-van while loading groceries and balancing coffee, that we'd need a license plate asking for help without actually having to verbalize it. GMME A (HAND) was created, available, and purchased! Since then, we've gotten various interpretations of the message ("Gimme a high five!", "Gimme a hand" as in applause), but I'd say my Uncle Charles' was the best. When we first slapped the plates on the car, he went out while we were all having dinner and used some masking tape to cover up four of the five fingers on the hand...I'm sure you can guess which finger he left standing. That guy...

This is going to sound crazy, but I can honestly say that we will miss this car dearly. It has safely taken both of our babies home from the hospital and has gotten us around on quite a few amazing adventures over the years. We couldn't let every piece of it go today, though, so we kept our GMME A (HAND) plates and 100% plan on using them when we return!

One last thing, our final departure date has been verified and plane tickets have been purchased. We'll be flying out on the evening of October 9th...just one week left to go!