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! 

I like to be in America...

...Westside Story style..

You'll have to forgive me guys, it's been some time since I've sat in front of a computer and this keypad is taking a little getting used to. There are a few differences to our British one AND there is no sign for pound sterling..what the?

Anyway, as most of you know, I know reside in Knoxville, TN. I'm still struggling with wrapping my head around the fact that I'm not just on vacation, that I'm going to be living here for the forseeable future. That I'm going to be building a life here. I lay in bed this morning thinking about my England home, thinking about what the building looks like. Wish I had taken the time to snap a picture before I scurried away in the early hours of the morning. I'm constantly thinking about people back home, friends and family. Random people I would often see in the neighbourhood. Wondering if they even notice my absence. The world keeps on spinning. People keep on living their lives, just with one less person in it...Me.

I have been in the USA for just over a week now. I have;
*just received my social security number! Woo hoo!
*eaten at Dennys (not as awesome as I rememebr)
*had some great BBQ
*eaten beef jerky for the first time
*had my first s'more
*got a touch screen phone (I broke, it just looks so pretty)
*had an awesome weekend away with the husband
*learned to live with a kitty around
*fallen in love with the two new dogs my in-law have
*drunk red wine with my MIL
*gone for a walk in the woods with the husband (I freaked a little)
*kept in contact with my friends (thanks FB)
*had lots of hugs and kisses with the husband...which was the whole point of moving in the first place.

I'm gonna try and remember the details so that I can update via email on my phone. I know this is a really short post BUT remember to keep in contact with me on Facebook. I think I have a few new requests to accept but I should get to that today. I hope all my blogger friends are well xx

Sherms in the Middle of leaving home

My goodness, I have a lot to catch blogger up on. It's been awhile but for right n0w, I have to go get on a plane. So far my emotions are good, I didn't cry yesterday when saying goodbye to some of my family. My nephew almost reduced me to tears, I'm REALLY gonna miss him. I just have to get over the hurdle that is my mother breaking down at the airport and I'll be good. I'm saving all my tears for Adam.
Hopefully, the next time I update will be from TN...seriously? xx

Just in case you don't know the song that inspired my title...shame on you! ♥

Nothing like a good cuppa tea ♥

I'm loving these mugs, very British, so I won't ever forget where I'm from. Even though I didn't go in for all the William and Kate fanfare, I did want a mug and my best friend purchased the above right beauty for me. As well as another British mug complete with a money tin, so I can drink tea and save up my pennies for a journey back home. Loving these British leaving gifts. She also got me a pair of British socks, will have to post a picture when I wear them.

Sherms in the Middle of Leaving London

I haven't written a proper post in awhile, I think since the interview everything has been going full speed in the lead up to my leaving England. I don't think I've had much time to really sit and think about how I'll feel once I leave, which is a good thing because it won't do me any good to get all upset. 

Even though we've waited more than eight months for this day to arrive, it still feels so sudden. Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing the husband and starting to build a life together there but it just feels like everything is happening so fast. I suppose it's because I didn't really allow myself to believe that I would be approved until I actually had my passport with the visa in my hand. I am excited for the future, for all the possibilities. But I'm sad too because there are so many people I'm going to miss and so many things I'm going to miss out on.

I spent my last weekend in London with my niece and nephew, they had an extended sleep over, Friday through Sunday. I'd spent a little time with them during the week, I went to watch my niece do gymnastics and my nephew play football. The Friday evening they came over and we ate pizza and watched Despicable Me; honestly, if you haven't seen that movie, go and rent it. It is a children's movie but it is hilarious. Nowadays you find so many kids movies have adult undertones, little suggestive phrases that are meant to go over the children's heads but make the parents laugh. I'm not a fan of those. But this is a classic, funny kids movie.

Saturday we baked cupcakes which I let the kids decorate and of course, being the competitive little bunnies that they are, they wanted to see who's cupcake everyone would prefer. I had some good friends come over to say goodbye and my aunt and uncle stopped by too. The weekend was more fun that emotional, like I said I'm trying to keep it all together. Bless my niece, she is convinced I'm not leaving. She keeps saying that she told them not to let me in. Then she had a plan to hide my passport and front door keys. Finally she settled on coming in my suitcase. I'm not really sure if she understands that when she comes over to Grandma's next, I won't be there. 

 
 

I'm still trying to pack my suitcases and figure out what I can take with me now and what I'll need to leave behind for the time being. Hopefully over the next few days I can get my ducks in a row because I really don't have much time left! Yee! 

I'm gonna go and visit my God Mother today to say goodbye. I have to head over to the doctors surgery to order a repeat prescription for my pill. Lots more washing and packing clothes. And more goodbyes I guess. Enjoy the pictures and I'm gonna try and post another vlog answer later tonight or tomorrow.

My V-log part I

The first installment of my Sherms in the Middle vlog. Today's questions come from Sarah over at The Ex-Pat Bride.

Day 16 of my 30 Day Blogging Challenge

Day 16: Another picture of yourself

Gosh I look fat. Not liking this picture but there you have it, this is what I look like today. My hair is all kinky cause I've had it in braids for the past two days. Tomorrow, I'm gonna get my next fix of the creamy crack! xx