An American in Leeds Revival

 

It's a country full of sheep.  

It's been over 10 years since I updated this blog. I wasn't sure it still even existed when I looked it up a couple of weeks ago. I figured some internet deity deemed it obsolete (Who blogs any more?!?) and deleted it. But nope, there it was when I searched for it. 

Two big developments since I last posted in 2016 that have rendered the title of my blog incorrect and incomplete:

  1. I moved to Bradford.
  2. I became a dual American-British citizen. 

I will possibly write about this more in the future. 

I don't know what possessed me to look up my old blog. I hadn't thought about it in years. I was halfway through putting on my 30 daily moisturisers when it popped back into my head. My original thought was "Huh, I should get rid of that thing, no one reads it any more."

Then I thought "Who cares if no one reads it any more? I've wanted to do more writing, why not start there? Less pressure!"

I started brainstorming ideas of what to write about. It was hard at first. What did I have to say now after nearly 18 years of living in the UK? 

 I started this blog in 2008 when I originally moved to Leeds. The original concept was to record my observations and musings as an American ex-pat as well as be a travelogue of the places I visited while here. I was only supposed to be here for 3 years, but the universe has a sense of humour I guess. 

But now, it's nearly 18 years later. I'm a British citizen. I've acclimated. Nothing seems odd or off kilter any more. This is just my life now. 

As I started jotting down ideas and had a long think in a sauna, I realised that I still have things to say. Reminisces of my early life here: how I struggled with basic things like washing machines, how it took me two and a half years to finish my first box of tea, learning to love the grocery store meal deal. Observations  about how frustrating dealing with the US is to me now: still! having to file a tax return every year, being on the phone with my bank for two hours explaining over and over that no, I cannot just come into a bank branch, I live 3200 miles away now, not being able to walk anywhere when I visit because of the lack of side walks. 

So, if you're an OG reader of this blog, welcome back! If you've just stumbled across me, welcome!  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Return of the Mack

Image
Remember that man I mentioned  over a year ago?  Well, reader, I married him. Then embarked on the emotional roller coaster that is a spousal visa application. Luckily, I got my visa, and was able to join him. Also luckily, he did not have a crazy wife in his attic that set the house on fire. I have returned to Leeds after being away for over a year. I've been back for just over a week, and it's been interesting getting back into my UK groove. There's the usual things, like re-programming myself to look right then left when crossing the street, and re-learning the money denominations. But, like when I first moved here in 2008, it's the little things that trip me up. How to use the washing machine. Recipes being in weights instead of volumes. Coriander instead of cilantro. One of the more illuminating things that has come to my attention to me is the importance of an address. It proves you belong to a place. The question of "Do you have a piece of official m...
Read more

Kirkstall Abbey

Image
Oh.My.Goodness. Kirkstall Abbey was AMAZING. I was in awe. I wanted to take 4 zillions pictures, at all sort of artsy angles, but due to time constraints (and due to the weather- it started raining), I couldn't. Look at that blue sky. Kirkstall Abbey was completed in the late 12th century. It was the home of an order of Cistercian Monks until 1539. It is one of the most complete medieval abbeys in Britain. I think the reason I was so awestruck is because we don't have anything this old in the States. I could feel the history of the place. Over 800 years of stories, and past lives. 800 years of change, and yet this abbey is still standing, still recognizable as an abbey. There's a cemetery hiding somewhere on the grounds as well. I will find it. I bought some paints and some paper on a whim on Saturday. I am definitely hauling myself, my camera, and my paints out to Kirkstall Abbey again. I think I've found my new favorite place. At least until I find a new favorite plac...
Read more

I am about to become trendy. And moderately angry.

This amuses me no end. But ticks me off at the same time. I will explain. A while ago, I bought a satchel . It's big enough to fit in some papers, a book, an umbrella, and my wallet. It helps me avoid dragging a bunch of junk to work that I don't need. It has a strap long enough to put it across my body, leaving my hands free to push pedestrians walking on the wrong side of the sidewalk out of the way. It also fit in with my slightly dorky academic style, which I came by honestly by the fact a) I have a PhD in virology, and b) I have a job in academia. Now, this style bag has been on the runway. And a designer, Mulberry , has made their own satchel which means soon everyone will have one. So, I'll look trendy! Not only trendy, but ahead of the curve by a few months! That's a new sensation. However, this will mean hipsters may start carrying one as well, which cheeses me off. Those of you that know me well, or happen to be in my vicinity when I mutter "fucking hip...
Read more