A year already?

I'm approaching a year in Knoxville, a year as a resident of the United States of America. I always think it's funny how time seems to fly when you're looking back, perhaps because you only remember special moments. You don't remember those mundane days that seem to last forever when you're counting down to something with anticipation. What I'm trying to say is that I think this past year has flown by. 

This past year as been full of many milestones; the arrival of my permanent resident card, getting a job, learning to drive, moving into our own apartment. They're all little steps in the much larger plan of Adam and I getting established here. Of building a life here. And I'm coming to realize that they're will be many, many more steps for us to take. 

This time last year, we were really only concerned with being together again. When we got married in 2009, we were under the impression that we wouldn't have to live apart again. Those almost 10 months of separation were very painful for me, especially in the beginning, it's difficult to be a wife without a husband.So when I was finally approved and on a plane, it seemed to us like the nightmare was finally over, we were together and we'd live happily ever after, the end. Of course, life doesn't work like that. There are many difficulties to be faced, which can make or break a person and a marriage. We've really struggled with the fact that Adam and I live on two different schedules. I keep bankers hours whilst he works second shift; 4pm-3am, so we really don't have much time to spend together. And even on weekends, his body clock keeps him sleeping in late whilst I struggle to sleep past 9am. The fact that there is a "Shermeen of the past" reminding me to just be glad that we're in the same country, doesn't do much to abate my frustrations. 

We're actually hoping that Adam can find a new job here in Knoxville, one that will put him on a better shift and put more money in our bank account for the future. We're also seriously discussing moving somewhere else in the US, Adam has spoken to a couple recruiters and found really good welding jobs in AL and MS. Of course, we don't want to move. Knoxville has grown on us (though it's no London), I really like the people I work with and Adams parents are here. At present, we're just trying to work towards being able to buy a home of our own and start a family but none of those things can happen unless we can start bringing in more money. 

I'm actually excited about the future. I'm excited that we have possibilities and though we don't know what the future holds, we do know that we'll be facing it together. Which really makes all the difference. 

But this isn't supposed to be about the future, it's supposed to be about the past year in Knoxville. Thus;

Following the long but wonderful vlog from Eve over at Queen's English, I thought I'd do the same. Eve moved to NC about a week before I moved to TN and she recently took questions which she answered in video form. So, to get me to do another vlog (it's been over a year) I thought I'd ask my readers (are you there?) and FB followers to post questions about my past year. Anything you like, post it here or on Sherms In The Middle FB page. I'll give it a couple days and then answer them on video and post it here for all to see. 

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.