Something not so good about living in Scotland

Being a mom with a child that goes to playgroups/nursery/school/ etc means your child will become exposed to new germs for the first time.  Which means, that I being a foreigner am also exposed to those germs for the first time!  I cant recall being ill so much when I lived in the states.  This season here has been particularly bad as I have caught a horrible cough/cold that I havent been able to shake.  I finally went to the Doctor when I started vomitting, a month or two after my son first got ill and I picked up the bug.  He got antibiotics straight away. I was told adults dont get antibiotics typically as we have stronger immune systems, hence my waiting so long to go back (thanks NHS)  I have now had two courses of antibiotics and still not over it.  I have been so ill that I didnt notice I had a secondary infection.  When I went back they tested me and determined I had a chest infection as well as some sort of urine/bladder/ kidney infection. (again, thanks NHS for the clarity). 

I am not at my most positive with this post, but I am tire od not being able to sleep from coughing, or choking and struggling to breath.  Not nice.

One thing I have noticed though is how lucky I am to have my husband by my side.  He has been a big help taking care of my son when I could not.  Through all of this I have learned how truly blessed I am.

I am still not well and will be ringing the doctor to follow up and hope to find some resolve. 

So this part of living in Scotland, I do not like.

a collage- Bedtime routine

Tonight while putting my son to bed, I decided to photograph for a little family history.  Every evening he has a routine. 1. Potty 2. Wash Hands 3. Brush Teeth 4. Tuck in 5. Quiet time for reading/playing 6. Eventually sleep.

Before we go, we turn on the stereo and switch to USB. We have a memory stick filled with Audio Books.  (Winnie the Pooh, Goldilocks, Paddington, Gruffalo, Peter Pan--to name a few.) Then turn on the night light, give some water (aka 'juice') and head out.   After about twenty minutes or so, he usually falls asleep.

The pajama pants he is wearing that you can see in the photo on the left are from our first visit to the United States.  The airline lost our luggage, and my friends Lisa and Greg gave me some of their kid's clothes. I look at him in them now and I can recall him at around age 10 months-- with the pajama bottoms rolled up three or four times.  Which would be upto the top of his knees about now.  In four months time he will be 4 years old.  Hard to believe.

We had a quick game of peek-a-boo as it never gets old! 

My view as I head out.  I will try and capture a photo with my phone tonight when I go up... It would be nice to have one of him sleeping!  On that note... time for me to make the rounds before I head off to make Zzz's!

the final straw

I have been living in the UK for nearly four years now.  I must say in that time I have been disgusted with the way businesses treat its customers.  Restaurants, Banks, Grocery Stores, Post Offices, NHS, Local City Councils, and yes... even the Mobil Phone Companies. 

As a customer if the business or service provider makes a mistake that inconveniences you in some way-- TOO BAD. You put up, and shut up.  The only company I have see offer a discount for an inconvenience is the Grocery Stores-- usually offering 10% off next order in way of a coupon.  A good start.  The problem with me, and others like me is I have been VALUED as a customer somewhere else, and I know what it feels like to be in a professional respectful good and services partnership.  I am officially spoiled for knowing that good, even GREAT customer service exists.  Where your money means something to the person recieving it other than a paycheck.  There are a few 'good eggs' in the basket... just too bad it is a small minority. 

Why should I as a customer be treated poorly if I make a mistake, and be left to channel through out of country call centres or automated voice mail at a fee to me in cost of the call, or given a weak, scripted apology to try and appease me as a customer.  How about restitution for loss of service, or giving Customer Loyalty or Appreciation. 


I dont care if I am greeted the minute I walk into a shop, but I do want to be acknowledged.  If I am in a restaurant, I dont want to have to wave my hand and hope to get your attention, I want to be checked on and have dishes cleared away as a courtesy whereas space is usually at a premium.  If I phone up with a complaint on my bill, about an overcharge... I think an apology in writing with some sort of appreciation isnt unheard of. After all, you tied up my money and caused me a disservice.  Or, If I order a movie from somewhere, whether it be from a mail order company or from an at home service provider, if the movie is faulty in any way, how about a refund and as a show of good faith in a credit towards my next purchase.  WHAT? It cant be done? 


Well, Big Business Folks that is where you are wrong.  I have seen it, on a mass scale and the companies are not hurting, in fact they are doing well.  WHY?  It is because these businesses know that it is easier to keep a current customer happy rather than all the money and marketing it takes to find new customers. Yes, It is called Customer Retention.  Standing behind the goods or services you are marketing.  If a electronic toy runs out of batteries, do you go buy a new toy?  No- you replace the batteries.  It saves money and the child is happy that the toy is working again.   See, it is simple.  In fact, most kids get attached to a specific toy and are happy with how it works and dont need a new toy.  It is only when a toy is damaged beyond repair or lost that a new toy should suffice.  As a customer, I tend to pay for insurance in these cases.  The insurance company is a representative of  the main business.  So, if you are unhappy with the insurance company and how they handle your claim... who is it that is going to get the blame?!  Yup the business they represent.


Which brings me to Vodafone.  Your lack of respect for me as a customer, is going to cause you to lose me as a customer.  There is some good that is coming from this though.  It is prompting me to take action.  I wont stand for being under valued as a customer, client, patient, etc. I will be bringing about change, the only way I know how... talking about it.  I want to insight businesses to treat the consumer with understanding and respect with simple solutions.

The key word here is Accountability.  Promising things, giving them for a little while... and then hoping you will forget and let the standards go.  The 'Put up and Shut up' style of business doesnt work for me.  Lets strive for Better Business, fair and equal treatment... including good customer service relations.  Look for the group on Facebook to be called Better Business Agency.  A guide to Standards in Excellence for businesses.  A place for the consumer to document their grievance, and I will post a few scenarios of how the situation could have been handled differently.  Keeping a customer starts with the first line of defense.  Lets tell Businesses in the UK, how we want to be treated.

Thank you for listening, and hope to you join my group... it only helps it we as consumers speak out.

Walk into town...

Yesterday while we were walking into town for a birhtday party for a family friend, I took some random shots as we were walking about.  It was a lovely day--bright and full of sunshine during our walk. 

I love the plane in this one, remember, you can click to enlarge the photo to get better detail.

This shot makes me think of how Dundee may have been back in the day!

Looking Downhill towards across the Tay.

I love Architecture, and these windows are full of great characteristic detail.  Love them!

Coffee Houses make great meeting places!

My son goes to Preschool/Nursery in the afternoon, and we walk down to his school on the outskirts of town, everyday.  It is mainly all downhill, and a bear to walk back.  I did it once, and found that I had very little time to myself before I was needing to come pick my son back up.  So, I investigated the local eateries, and found the Chambers Coffee House a great place to hang out.  It is close, and most days quiet in the little corner nook I now call my own for about an hour and a half Monday thru Friday!  A friendly little place.

Yesterday, My husband took off from work as he had two dentist appointments at opposite ends of the day.  So, he stayed and joined my son and I in our daily routine.  We walked into town, and ushered him into school, and to his room, etc.  My son happily showed my husband his peg and grabbed his bag to change his shoes.  Sadly they werent there, but that is another story!  We got my son settled and then headed to the coffeehouse, where we went in and met some friends of ours for a catch up.

My friend, Brooke while we were talking was working on a lovely blanket made from sock yarn. It is just lovely.  The colors, the feel of the texture... I will be investigated the yarn, as it was so lightweight, yet you could tell it would be a nice, cozy place to snuggle under!  Here is a quick snap I took, and i must say, I love her color choices!

Brooke and Shaun's lovely little one was with them, and I must say, he is adorable. 

Here are a few shots of him!

A very happy little boy!

I love the color of his hair... just gorgeous!

Crazy Craft Club

This craft club started over the summer on Thursday afternoons and moved to nights when my son started Preschool.  Tonight there were four of us all coming from different parts of the world.  England, Scotland, China, and America.  It is interesting to see how each of us started with identical canvas and how each item came to be. 

Ten year anniversary of 11th September 2001

photo from REUTERS/DoD/Tech. Sgt. Cedric H. Rudisill/Handout

This is what I remember.  I could smell it from where I was.  Everyone focuses on the first two planes that hit the twin towers.  Well there were two more planes.  One in DC, and the one that crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.  It was a day that people all over the world will remember for a long, long time.

I worked for an Airline that flew for United Airlines at the time. I was off at home due to a work related injury.  I was just falling asleep that morning after taking medication too help with the pain and enable some much needed sleep.  I received a phone ca11 from my stepmother shouting into the phone hysterically turn on the TV.  I was dazed and said, "I am just falling asleep why do I need to turn on the TV?"  as I grabbed for the remote. I turned on the TV and put it on one of the main channels and as she was telling me about the first plane hitting, I see the footage on the news of the first plane crash into the building.  It was very surreal.  My Dad and Stepmom were gridlocked as they were heading out of town in their RV to go on holiday.  I know took them hours to get  home. It was hard for me to comprehend that there was a terrorist attack.  Little did I know it was just beginning.

At the time I was dating my husband, who lived in Scotland, United Kingdom.  I phoned him up just after hanging up with my parents and told him what had happened.  He was working in Leith, Edinburgh at that time.  He and his staff went to find a TV.  The rest of the day we chatted via Instant Message.  They found a TV just in time to see the 2nd plane crash into the world trade center.  I think shock and disbelief in watching that was felt around the world.

I am still reeling from everything happening in NYC when I hear reports of a fire at the pentagon.  I had a friend staying with me helping me out while I was dealing with injuries and she was working at Pentagon Row that day.  I phoned her and told her to get out.  She then noticed the smoke filling up the workplace. Her house had burned down as a child and she thought the building she was in was on fire.  She made it out of the building safely, and then said there was so much smoke she could barely see.  She made it to her car, but with all the confusion and chaos with what was happening... It took her HOURS to make the fifteen minute journey back to my house.  

I remember having to go out to my car and get my map book to help her navigate through all the road closings to get back.  When I stepped out the front door, the smell... with the breeze coming from that direction, I could smell the distant smell of jet fuel burning.  Working for an airline, and being on the tarmac so close to the planes, you know that smell.  I immediately felt my stomach churn and felt the bile come to the back of my throat.  I told her I think it was a plane that hit and not a bomb that caused the fire.  That theory was confirmed for me shortly after getting back in the house.

While I am on the phone with my friend, I see the first building fall and I am stunned.  There are reports that not all aircraft are accounted for and suspect that there is another plane.  It is announced that all planes are to be grounded and airspace will be shut down.  I hear there is suspicions that the government may send US military to shoot down anything in the restriced air zones.  There are reports of car bombs in Dc that turned out to be fake.  I vaguely remember another story that turned out to be false reporting of a bomb or fire nearby at the Mall in DC.   I am now curled up on the sofa, waiting for my friend to make it back watching the news on TV.  Who they suspect, are people still alive after the collapse of the building, the show people covered in ash walking around on the street.  Then live shot of the 2nd  building collapsing.  It is hard to believe even now. 

Shortly there after were the reports of the last plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. I think it was somewhere near 11 am.  Despite the shock and the adrenaline pumping news casts, I was struggling to stay awake. I drifted in and out until my friend arrived and watched the news a bit more, and slept fitfully. 

The only other thing I remember from that time was how I felt when the announced America's borders were closed.  Having a loved one on another continent terrified me, it may have been a little selfish, but I believed home was when he and I were together, and the thought of not being able to see one another for who knows how long was an extra added punch with everything else going on.  AS the events unfolded along with speculations, the odd bit of facts and all the conspiracy theories all I could feel was anger. 

Ten years on and I still feel a lot of anger, but also a lot of sadness.  I just wish there was a better solution We are still occupying on foriegn soil and nothing seems to have changed.  I think because the people who want this war have still not changed their viewpoints and dont have value of anyone but their own group of culture, and even then it is a small percentage that feel this way.  I am not there, I can not see with my own eyes.  I personally have a hard time understanding how someone can have such a skewed view that they can hate that deeply and be justified in their religious teachings to take another life.  I dont understand how any religion could support such hatred and violence. 

I digress though, as that is not what today is about.  Today is about remembering.  I do remember, and I shall not forget. The total number of dead in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania was 2,977 people, not including 19 hijackers.

Another thing I remember... Happy Birthday Samuel P. Warren. RIP 11/Sep/1911- 7/Dec/2000)  Today you would have been 100 years old.  I love you and miss you.

Family Projects... 3Sep2011, Sunday

Well, part of my life in Scotland would be had no matter where I lived!  I am a parent and we try to do things together whenever we can.  Whether it be going out somewhere, or doing something at home.  My son is nearing the end of his third year, so we are doing skill based projects at home.  Here are a few photos:

after drawing together and gluing bits of paper, we decided to make some Gluten free treats:

and sometimes we have accidents.  I happened to cause this one while we were reclaiming one of my husbands shirts to use for crafts... it seems that while using the stitch ripper to remove the buttons, I got a little overzealous!

Well, that is a start of showing you a little of what my family does together.  Incidently, I am healing up just fine!

little boy and his owl.

I went to another Craft fair to take photos and try not to spend money,

but this little owl, I could not resist. My son saw it as I was unwrapping it and

claimed it for his own.  I lost out on the owl.  Right after this photo he ran

and put it on his bed.  Cheeky monkey!

KID FREE Craft Day

Katelyn of MadBrilliantIdeas came by today and we crafted. 

Here are some photos of what Katelyn made, she usually

makes bags, coin purses, monster pillows and other assorted crafts.

Finish Toffo below...

Here is a painting I did with the leftovers:

I also painted and then decorated a canvas, however,

I can not post photos of what I accomplished as

it is a Christmas Gift for Beckie, and well...

she reads this blog. Dagnabit!

Grocery shopping/bringing home messages.

Over here, most people in the UK use some means of public transportation.  In some cases it can be costly if you are travelling to and from by taxi/cab.  So, the use of online delivery for groceries is a way of life for me.  With recent technology, I even have an application for it on my android phone! 

I tend to shop at two grocery stores teh most.  Either Tesco or Sainsburys.  I just found out about http://www.mysupermarket.com/ , which is a website that will tell you about deals you missed, or healthier alternatives, or even if other grocery stores in the area are selling what you want for less money.  A pretty good idea.  I havent figured out if I am still able to accumulate club card or Nectar points, etc through the website.  Great Idea though!

I will say it is nicer sitting down and thinking through meals and menus for the week, rather than going in and buying loads of things I wouldnt do to marketing or... my child trying to sneak something in the cart.  Okay, if I am honest... it is usually my husband doing this! Either way, it helps keep the budget on track and with 'favorites' it can be done in a matter of minutes.  I do miss shopping and being able to pick my own produce, but if I dont like what is brought, the delivery man will take it back and a refund given. 

Just so handy.  I know some of the larger cities in the US do this as well, but on a bigger scale here. 

Communication and Pronunciation...

One of the things that has taken awhile is geting used ot hearing things pronounced differently. The other is different words with different names.  If I say to my husband... can you pass me my purse? He will hand me my wallet.  If I say pointing at a pile of folded clothes, hand me those pants... he will hand me a pair of underwear.  Are you getting the picture?  Jersey for Sweater, Vest for onsie or undershirt, waistcoat for vest... and so on!

Now a word or two that can get you into trouble here... bum for bottom, not bum as in vagrant. Oh... and NEVER EVER say that your fanny aches.  Fanny is not a word word in the UK for your butt--nope it is slang for vagina.  Yup... you will get some strange looks.  Another one to be careful of saying is the phrase; 'Toss the Salad'... it is sexual inuendo here.  Whereas fag is another word for cigarette. fag ends = cigarette butts. 

There are words I hear that I have to stop and mentally translate into american in my head before I can continue... the person can be five sentences ahead and I am still working on the word that sounded wrong and replaying the first sentance in my head so I can comprehend it.  I dont watch the news here because I get lost! Deciphering accents and then name pronunciations... it is just too distracting.  Say for example there is a news story about something to do with Maryland, it would be pronounced in the UK as 'MARY-Land', not 'Meryland'.  Oh, and forget about any Spanish words being pronounced properly.   Tortilla, Jalepeno, guacamole to name a few.  Just sounds odd.   I think Dora the Explorer needs to do a food episode for the masses here! 

Life is amusing at times with what pops up!  As Always, if anyone would like to add some words and/or share a story, please do!

One of the things I enjoy about living in the UK...

Butchers and Fishmongers.

There is nothing better than being able to go in and get what you want, how you want it.  You can even get halal, or kosher if you wish. 

Just as in a grocery store, the butcher prepares time saving, pre-prepared parcels of meat like Beef Olives.  This was a new dish to me.  It is a thin cut of steak with a stuffing inside of it that you cook in the over usually with onions and gravy.  I prefer the oat stuffing, but generally known for being stuffed with a pork sausage.  It is a pleasant change from a meatloaf when you want a hot meal to warm your toes!

Which leads me to another pleasantry:  Bakeries

There is a local bakery that has an internal cafe that I quite enjoy going for lunch.  I have never been able to eat lunch meat and that knocks out about 95% of cafes and restaurants for me at lunchtime!  This bakery has a lovely steak pie that is heaven on my tastebuds!  I never tire of it!  If my husband is with me he likes going for the 'afters' aka desserts!  Coffee Towers, and Fudge Donuts are his favorites.  In truth, most of the desserts here are too sweet for me, so I tend to pass.  Hard to believe, I know!  Just not my sort of treats!


It is just nice to not have to buy these items in a supermarket but able to buy them direct from a specialist.  I like that it hasnt been taken over by Corporate Suits!  So, if you come to visit and have access to preparing a meal, please buy something from the local shoppes!  Odds are, you wont be disappointed!

Fast Food and Restaurant Chains

One thing everyone will agree upon when they find out I am American is that Americans know how to do Restaurant Food.  I hate to say it, but I agree.  I miss places like Chili's, and Outback Steakhouse, along with Wendy's and just about any hamburger place from Fuddruckers to Five Guys.

That being said, I have come across McDonald's, Burger King, Subway,  and KFC in the town I live in for when I am feeling nostalgic for Amercian junk food.  I hate to say it though, it isnt the same. Lets take KFC for example, they have french fries instead of wedges, no biscuits and NO MASHED POTATOES!  Here is the kicker, they have the GRAVY!  If you are found of the lovely dish they serve in the bowl in the states with either rice or potatoes, you are sadly out of luck.  As I am, seeing as it was one of my menu favorites, along with Honey boneless BBQ wings.  KFC wont let all you pepsi drinkers down though, as they do have it, but remember to ask for ice, and a full cup at that!  So, even though it is familiar--it just isnt the same. 

I must say I eat more heathily as I prepared 90% of my meals at home!  Back to the basics here!

FOOD: Shopping for groceries, Sounds Easy Right?!

One of my first experiences here that presented a challenge for me was going grocery shopping. Doesn't sound so difficult, but I would get so frustrated trying to find what I needed.  For Example, at first, it took me forever in the canned (tinned) tomato aisle.  My poor husband would get phonecalls, and I would ask him what I knew I wanted, but to him, it was completely different!  I knew I couldnt ask for help from someone in the store, if my husband didnt have a clue, how would they!?  Not only that, after I started home delivery,  everything being weighted with a different measurement messed me up, many a time!  Let me see if I can translate for you readers so you can understand.

USA Terminology                                                      UK Terminology
Tomato Paste                                                              Tomato Puree
Tomato Sauce                                                             Tomato Passata
Eggplant                                                                      Aubergine
Zuchini                                                                        Courgette
Snow Peas                                                                   Mange Tout
Ketchup                                                                       Red Sauce
Cilantro                                                                       Coriander
Okra                                                                            Bhindi


Imagine asking for Squash, and getting sent to the Juice Aisle.  Little language differences! 

There are more food differences, and as I recall them, I will add them to the list!  Who knows, maybe it will help someone else making the move from the US to the UK!  Some things I will add to the list, even though they arent that hard to find in the supermarket, they just might have a nickname that can stump you!

Another thing I noticed is when ordering at a restaurant, I spied a chicken dish topped with chili sauce.  Imagine my horrible surprise when I took a bit to find a minty flavored sweet sauce and NOT a spicy chili sauce.  My poor taste buds didnt forgive me for days!  In fact, I tend to prefer restaurants these days where I know I wont get any surprises, like Indian Cuisine, Chinese, or PIZZA!

Feel free to comment below on differences you may know about that I have not yet added, and I will put it on the list.

First post on a new blog.

I have another journal, under another name.  I created that journal July 15th 2001.  It seems a lifetime ago.  I was a student, off work due to injuries sustained on the job while working in the airline industry. 

A friend gave me the idea to start again.  I am a 'grown up' now!  The life I lead is so very different.  I will do my best to share my life with you. 

About me, I like my creative side and try to keep active, whether from doing something with my hands, or from reading a book.  Recently I have gotten back into crocheting.  I can only do it for so long before old injuries (yup, from 2001) tell me it is time to take a break!  I am not great at anything in particular, but do a few things rather well!  My interests are varied, and my time--which is rather limited.  Reason being, I am a 'domestic goddess' aka "Stay at home Mom"! 

I do love to travel, and had majored in Travel and Tourism, while minoring in Nursing.  My plans were to become a travel agent for those with special needs.  I got the surprise of my life when I 'fell'* pregnant.  My life changed dramatically so, all at once.  Nov 2007, I got married on a Wednesday, and moved on the Sunday to another country!  Did I happen to mention that I was 6 month's pregnant at the time?  My family will tell you I never do anything in the right order, or for that matter EASY!  After dating my now husband for 8 years, it was time!  We did get married exactly one year from getting engaged.  Little did I  know that my coming over to go househunting would end up to tell me just exactly how big a house I was going to need.

Life has been interesting since then.  Adapting to many things at once, such as: being a wife, becoming a mother, and living life as a foreigner. 

I am going to try and document my life as best as I can... as honestly as I can.  Sometimes the truth is hard, especially when coming from yourself!

*A term that has always amused me, How do you 'fall' into pregnancy?!