Settling In, Settling Down

I am finally sitting down to write a blog entry. The fact that I haven't written in so long just makes everything else more difficult. I feel like such a large amount of time has lapsed since my last post and there is so much to say. On the other hand, I didn't write sooner because I really felt like I had nothing to say. I'm a strange one.

As most of you will know, I now live in Knoxville, Tennessee. I'm not sure yet how accustomed I am to saying that, it doesn't quite roll of the tongue as easily as London, England does. I think that part of the reason I'm still wrapping my head around my new home is because I never really thought about what it would be like to live in Tennessee. I was so caught up in the drama of waiting for my visa to come through, never quite believing that it would happen. When it finally did, I was wrapped up in packing and saying goodbye to as many folks as I could. And after that, I just thought about being with my husband again.I'd never given much thought to Tennessee. In fact, I doubt it would ever be a place I would think to visit, let alone live. Of course, my family thought a great deal about racism in Tennessee and worried for my safety. Something to do with men in white sheets. But I didn't pay much thought to Tennessee life beyond the fact that it was wear my husband lived.

Since being here, I've learnt a few things about my new home;

• Number one being how to spell Tennessee correctly, all these eeee's can really trip a girl up. 
• I've come to learn that our State nickname is the "Volunteer State" and that if you live in Knoxville it is not enough to own just one orange VOLS item of clothing. College football is a big deal around here and on a game day, everyone and I do mean everyone, is wearing orange. 
• The TN state fruit is a Tomato...not as nice as a Georgia Peach or a Florida Orange. 
• The state insect is a Lighting Bug or Lady Bug/Bird...which might explain why I've seen so many of them since being here. 

I can't really tell how well I'm adjusting to being here. To begin with everything was an adventure and new. Then as things began to settle down, I just ended up feeling incredibly lonely. I missed having my friends around to call or meet up with. I missed sitting on the sofa watching Emmerdale and Eastenders with my mum. I missed having the niece and nephew wake me up really early. I missed being able to walk to the store...or walk anywhere for that fact. It began to be very difficult to adjust and I started feeling pretty down. The husbands work schedule doesn't help much either. But I knew I had to start thinking about what I could be doing to help myself settle in faster. Number one is to be working. A job would have me out the house, meeting people and hopefully making new friends. It would mean I could get driving and we could start saving up for a truck for the husband. I would be bring in money. I think I've been putting of this post because I didn't have a job. Well, now I do have a job. Starting Thursday. I haven't said anything on Facebook yet, I'll probably wait until after my first day. I'm going to be working for First Tennessee as a teller...or at least I will be once I scan and email this acceptance letter back. I am beyond excited. 


This is only the first step but it's really gonna help me to settle in here and allow Adam and I to start working towards some of our goals. Including getting our own place next year. I am super excited for that because we've never had that, to feel independent and be on our own. 


Some more firsts in TN:

• Saw Deer in the woods behind the house
• Heard Coyotes howling
• Went Black Friday shopping 
• Celebrated Thanksgiving
• GOT A JOB!

I wanted to share some pictures of my new home but I've just uploaded them to Facebook for now. Again, if you're not my friend on there; ADD ME!