ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdomanother one of my crazy plans
QUOTE (Amber&Neil @ Jan 1 2008, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was thinking about the same thing devilette. Waiting until Neil has a US passport so we don't have to do this ####### again. I definately want to move back to the UK eventually. At least if we wait a few more years we won't have to go through all of this again!



We're moving back soon and there is now way in hell I would move back without a US passport. It is worth the wait. Time really does fly. yes.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-01-02 09:20:00
United KingdomSunday Roast
QUOTE (Widge @ Jan 14 2008, 01:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hows about ............................... you get Neil to cook Sunday dinner ........... at least that way he will only have himself to blame if he doesn't like it whistling.gif



That's my thought exactly. If he's that picky he can cook his own grub! My lovely OH makes a fab Sunday roast. I just encourage him by telling how gorgeous it is and then I don't ever have to cook it. tongue.gif Roast parsnips are my fav too. He made some amazing ones yesterday after watching Jamie Oliver's Christmas show!
Lou LouFemale02008-01-14 08:55:00
United Kingdombritish tv
QUOTE (Gwen666 @ Jan 27 2008, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Darren7226 @ Jan 27 2008, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone im still liveing in the uk FOR NOW ANYWAY but for anyone that does not know the bbc now has something called the i player to download or buy shows that have already been aired. i have not tryed it my self as yet

This is the link to the site u start with www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer

caution not sure if compatible widows vista or mac


iPlayer is locked down to only UK IP's, you can't use it in the US.

which is a pity, because the quality is quite good.


Changing to a UK IP is pretty simple if you Google.
Lou LouFemale02008-01-28 12:16:00
United Kingdombritish tv
QUOTE (paulinespens @ Dec 24 2007, 04:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
UK nova not taking any more subscribers crying.gif


You have to keep trying. They dump dead accounts regularly. I've heard early in the morning is a good time to try.
Lou LouFemale02007-12-24 21:22:00
United Kingdombritish tv
UKNova. good.gif
Lou LouFemale02007-12-24 15:55:00
United KingdomAppliation is at VSC
Good luck. smile.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-01-30 21:35:00
United KingdomBecause it's almost here
QUOTE (devilette @ Jan 30 2008, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Isn't it only for the Irish?

Never heard of anyone doing it while I lived in England...


Most people 'celebrate' it in England too. Just go into any supermarket on that day and there will be special deals on mixes, lemons and sugar!

Lemon and sugar topper here too. Couldn't do the syrup thing. Way too sweet. dead.gif

Thanks for the tip off. I had totally forgotten.

And on that note, please remember that Mother's Day is on March 2nd in the UK. I'm planning to send my stuff out soon. You haven't got a card? Make one or buy one at a site like Etsy. When the US Mother's Day comes around buy one and save it for next year.
Lou LouFemale02008-01-30 21:34:00
United KingdomCan Tesco Conquer America Documentary?
Did anyone see this program? I'm downloading it as I type. Although I don't hold out much hope as it's a Tonight documentary and they're not exactly cutting edge journalism. I'm curious to see how Tesco is doing though. I will have probably left the US by the time they make it to the East coast. I'm going to miss Trader Joe's more than I miss Tesco, I'm afraid to admit! blush.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-02-09 17:51:00
United KingdomEasier for Brits to adjust?
QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Jan 2 2008, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm moving to Wisconsin, the winters are -15C


A lot of WI gets a helluvalot colder than that! Not sure where you're gonna be tho...

For example, our high tomorrow in VT is -15C (it's -17C right now) with a night low of -20C plus windchill and this is only the start of the cold for January. I thought WI is as cold as VT, easily, but maybe someone in WI can verfiy that?! We can gets weeks of -20C and it is hell!
Lou LouFemale02008-01-02 19:08:00
United KingdomEasier for Brits to adjust?
QUOTE (devilette @ Jan 2 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt and Sarah @ Jan 2 2008, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, this is my perspective as an American whose fiance is moving to Texas in April. FYI, I'm currently in England for the holidays so we have both experienced each other's worlds to a good extent.

What I think you will like:

Everything in America is 1/2 price! (and you make about the same average wages). Sarah loves getting her hair and nails done twice as much. Gym memberships, cars, houses, restaurants, even Starbucks are much cheaper.

Everything is convenient - more brands to choose from at the supermarket (many have "international" aisles with British brands as well), you don't even have to get out of your car for the pharmacy, bank, dry cleaning and a coffee.

It's sunny most of the time, puts you in a all-around good mood

Our cars are automatic mostly, one less thing for you to worry about while you are learning how to drive on the wrong side of the road!

Service - you will get water, chips and salsa or bread as soon as you sit down at your table in a restaurant. They will keep coming back and ask if you want more tea/water/soda. Your check comes promptly. Why? Because they are working for mostly tips, more incentive to be attentive to you, and get you on your way for the next customers smile.gif

Space - since we have a lot more of it, houses are bigger, rooms are bigger, cars are bigger, roads are wider, everything is more spread out

You will be fascinated a little things, like white picket fences, school buses, American trucks (lorries), cheerleaders, traffic signs, learning our slang (your bonnet and boot or our hood and trunk)

What you won't like:

You and your accent will be a novelty to everyone you meet, sometimes they will patronize you...."what do you mean you don't have BASEBALL in England? EVERYONE has baseball!" Americans like to assume that you have everything we have.

It can get HOT. I mean unimaginably HOT in the summer, depending on where you are at.

It's going to piss you off that frequently Americans think that we are the best at everthing and rule the world although most Americans don't even know where Phoenix, Arizona is.

Lack of national health service (insurance is all privatized in the US but most employers offer insurance as a perk of employment)

You may feel starved of heritage and ancient history like 1,000 year old cathedrals. We think that anything that is 100+ years old is really, really old

Apart from that, she feels that everything is really a plus and is very much looking forward to her April journey to Dallas and our June 7 wedding!


Most of what you said is true, for non metro areas. Things are not half price in NYC, LA, Chicago or other metro areas. Nor can you drive thru places. It's only sunny all the time in Southern areas.

I'm curious how she will feel about all of that after living here for a year. It's very different.


I agree. I was raising my eyebrows at the list of 'likes' cos in fact hardly any of it is true where I live in VT, and quite frankly I'm relieved about that too. tongue.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-01-02 19:01:00
United KingdomSo anyone thought of moving back/already moved back???
I'm up for citizenship this year and from then on we are planning to go back but we don't know where yet. We don't need to rush. The ole man is taking early retirement and may go back to school so that will determine what happens from there. I'm ready to leave VT and the winters, that's for sure!
Lou LouFemale02008-02-19 15:23:00
United KingdomSurvived first year.
Great post. I've been here nearly 4 years and I still get that blank look. I don't change my pronunciation tho. I refuse to!

I find I have less to do here, but I guess that depends on where you live in the country.

I can get good bangers. You just have to keep searching. wink.gif

Here's to the next year. good.gif
Lou LouFemale02007-12-03 08:51:00
United KingdomBest American banks
I have an account with a credit union and Citizen's Bank which are #######, by the way. I can't sing praises highly enough for First Direct back home. I have their new saver account at 8% and their online e-saver account at 5%. Can't get close to that here.
Lou LouFemale02008-03-12 14:19:00
United KingdomTesco's Fresh and Easy Stores
They'd be pretty dumb to stock UK stuff that their mostly US customers are not familiar with. Expats will not make them money and the success they need over here. As greeneyedgirlfl stated, if there is no demand, there will be no stock. There was a documentary about it the other week. After all the companies that have tried to move over here, and failed, I hope Tesco find the formula they need to succeed. But I won't be holding my breath. I think a Tesco would thrive in FL though!!
Lou LouFemale02008-03-09 11:45:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Yeh I feel pretty grateful sitting here in my air conditioned office at home in VT while my folks are stifled in London. Actually, I do worry about them as they're not getting any younger :unsure: The heatwave in Europe in 2003 killed 27,000 people. The summers over there are becoming a serious problem.
Lou LouFemale02006-07-19 13:22:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

I've got to admit....I'm really nervous about this final interview...even more so than I was for the K-1 interview. But as Andrew keeps saying, how can they turn us away after coming this far? The only thing that worries me is that I never changed my last name and we don't have wedding rings since we couldn't really afford to buy rings at this point in the game. We're also living with my parents at the moment to help save money so we have no joint utilities or signed leases or anything. We do, however, have a joint bank account and he is also on my car insurance. I also have proof that I have payed for large expenses for him such as college courses. So hopefully that small bit will be enough. I'm just tired of having to "prove" our love...I'm sure you all agree with me 100% on that one.


Don't worry about the name change. I haven't changed mine and there was no question about it. We're not in the middle ages any more so name changes are not needed to prove a valid marriage. If they ask about rings tell them exactly why you don't have any. I don't have an engagement ring or anything like that and I even forgot to wear my wedding ring at the interview as I hardly ever wear it :blush: I'm sure you'll have a letter from your parents saying that you both live under their roof so they won't be worried about that either. The interview is a piece of cake so try not to stress. I found the whole thing a big anti climax really....and now I'm getting through removal of conditions. Time flies so fast once it's all over.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-11 08:42:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

I was never taken to the dreaded back room *insert sinister music*. I feel as though I've missed out somehow.


Probably because you were a K3.
Lou LouFemale02006-05-07 08:22:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

So don't panic if you're told you have to go to the back room - I had to and our case is as straight-forward as they come.


Everyone who's entering on a visa is invited to the back room to get it processed, so yes, it's very normal and to be expected by all.
Lou LouFemale02006-05-05 18:12:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
They may not have the variety of flavors, but Lays actually are part of Walkers (or the other way round) so he won't be that deprived. For me it was an ideal opportunity to wean myself off the ####### I used to eat in the UK and vow never to eat any of the ####### in the US cos it seems far, far worse. So far, so good!
Lou LouFemale02006-05-04 21:31:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

obgyn? I have had three caesareans with my children and yes there's lot of paperwork with all that (I think). But I thought getting copies of these records would be important etc. As for injections, we're not worried about them.

Alison.


Well, if the only way to get them is to pay the fee, I guess that's what you need to do if you feel it is important. As regards to the varicella for you and your kids, just call around doctors to get the best quote if money is a factor.
Lou LouFemale02006-03-08 15:08:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
[quote name='Lou Lou' post='65437' date='Mar 8 2006, 01:47 PM']
Alison, you haven't had the vaccination as it's not available in the UK. You could either wait and have it done in the US or prove immunity by a titre test. Most doctors in the US will provide that service, you don't need a civil surgeon to do it. You should have records of your kids having chicken pox from your doctor? If not, get hold of it! As for the birthing records, I'm not sure if you have already contacted the NHS for your records and they will charge you a fee? Unless there is a specific reason to get them, I wouldn't worry too much about them.
[/quote]

I know that the UK don't supply it. I was just saying that I don't even know if I have had it when I was younger. What's a titre test? I remember seeing the doctor when Claire had chicken pox but never took Dominic to the doctor when he had them last August because there had been a few kids off with chicken pox and he just caught it as they were starting their summer holidays. I have contacted the hospital and I do have to pay a fee. Well if Scott and I would like to have a baby, I don't fancy going through more paperwork with doctors and midwives and so on.

Alison.
[/quote]

A titre test is a simple blood test to prove immunity rather than getting an injection. Good for those who hate injections or for people like me who refuse to pump myself full of chemicals! You may choose to get titres for your kids as well if you didn't want them to be injected. Personally, I am against it, but you make your own choice of course.

If you had another baby in the US there is no doubt you obgyn. would produce their own mountain of paperwork so there would be no way of avoiding it. If you didn't have a straightforward birth or something, and you'd be wanting to provide them with information that would be another matter but they wouldn't do much with the papers except file them away and forget about them.


Whoops buggered up the quotes...sorry!
Lou LouFemale02006-03-08 14:35:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

Bleh, poor guy. He HATES needles.

Anyone have any other suggestions?


Get titre tests to prove he has immunity. It would be foolish to have the jabs all over again. I got them done at a private clinic in the UK for a reasonbale price so call around and compare UK and US prices for them. That is appalling what the clinic has done, but not very surprising either.


Hi. Okay, me and my two kiddo's are having our last Hepatitis B injections beginning of May just before we leave but I have a few questions. Well I don't know if I've had the chicken pox injection and the kids have had chicken pox, Claire when she was 3 and Dominic last August. Do we need to get the varicella injections done but where do we go because Scott and his family have never had the doctor in their lives and don't even know where the nearest one is and who is the cheapest? Other question is, I'd like to have my hospital records of when I had the kids but I don't want to pay a huge fee to have them photocopied? What do I do???

Alison.



Alison, you haven't had the vaccination as it's not available in the UK. You could either wait and have it done in the US or prove immunity by a titre test. Most doctors in the US will provide that service, you don't need a civil surgeon to do it. You should have records of your kids having chicken pox from your doctor? If not, get hold of it! As for the birthing records, I'm not sure if you have already contacted the NHS for your records and they will charge you a fee? Unless there is a specific reason to get them, I wouldn't worry too much about them.
Lou LouFemale02006-03-08 13:47:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

tamarae, I called Birmingham a few weeks after my appointment and they posted a photocopy of the DS-3025 to me.

On a similar note, I called a few surgeons in Chicago today to enquire about transferring my vaccinations to the I-693A form. They all said it would cost $200 which is bullocks, how else can I get this done? Keep trying more places?

Yorkie



This was just for the form? Or were they confused and think you need the full medical again? If it's just for the form, call around and get the best price. Or shout out to toher people in your state who have been through the same thing. My supplement cost $35 and a whole lotta hassle.
Lou LouFemale02006-03-08 08:40:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread

Just wanted to write in quickly to say that Andrew arrived safe and sound on Sunday night. His POE was JFK and he did in fact receive the temporary work visa.....and.....we're getting married tonight!!!!!!!! Wish us luck....Weebeansy!



Oh blimey get off the computer and have some fun! Have a great time tonight :dance:
Lou LouFemale02006-03-07 11:40:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
There's no worries about the AOS. It really is as easy as the visa interview and somewhat of an anti-climax apart from the relief of not having to deal with them for a few yews. But beware, that time creeps up too!
Lou LouFemale02006-03-07 10:00:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
The one thing to remember is the only constant guarantee in life is change. When you can accept that it does make it easier :yes:
Lou LouFemale02006-03-03 10:53:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
Tax year is 1 April to 31 March as far as I know. Am self employed and that's the dates I filed this year online.
Lou LouFemale02006-02-05 18:15:00
United KingdomLondon Embassy Graduates Thread
It will be an absolute breeze. Good luck! :thumbs:
Lou LouFemale02006-01-28 14:56:00
United KingdomToo Soon For Return Visit?
My BIL flies to London for two weeks every single month and has no problem. I'd have a problem with that schedule if I was him though. sad.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-04-16 09:54:00
United KingdomPoint of Entry at O'Hare, Chicago
If it's any consolation I got pretty grilled when I entered Philly on a K1 4 years ago. But then again I have never had an easy time going through Philly until I got a GC, and now they are nice as pie.
Lou LouFemale02008-03-23 17:08:00
United KingdomUS/UK equivalents
I really thought I would miss Boots but I don't miss it one bit any more. The amount of high end products you can get at great prices just pushes Boots way out of the market for me. Plus I have started buying handmade beauty products from places like Etsy. Really top quality stuff there too. There's also Bath & Body works, and with their sale twice a year they are a HUGE bargain. All I'm pissed off about is spray deodorant. I don't understand why they don't have decent stuff here. Yes, they have spray deodorant but it's nasty, powdery, and looks like something that left a rust ring on my grannie's bath tub back in 1974. I don't dig the blocks or gel.
Lou LouFemale02008-03-27 12:02:00
United KingdomNew UK coins
Love the look of the new coins. good.gif

Am I the only saddo who just can't handle US money? I've been living here 4 years, regularly visiting for over 15, and I still can't get a grip with the cash. Whenever I am in a shop I always use large notes cos I can't stand to count out all those one dollar bills, or even worse work out the difference with those tiny little coins. My mother is a maths teacher, I did pretty well at school with maths, but come to counting US money in front of a stranger and I freeze! blush.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-04-21 07:36:00
United Kingdomtransfering funds to US
Another vote for XE! Total pain in the ####### to set up but once that is done you're all set!
Lou LouFemale02008-03-12 14:23:00
United KingdomBritish TV Shows
The Canadian channels show quite a few Brit shows too. Dr Who, Torchwood, loads of Brit films, documentaries, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and the yearly Brit Awards.
Lou LouFemale02007-12-24 15:58:00
United KingdomPataks sauces

I love how Brits think that Anglicized Indian food is REAL Indian food...hehehe :lol:



I certainly don't! But it's sure better than what Indian food passes for over here. Half the Indian dishes in the UK are simply that. Indian UK food. I know real Indian food for sure :yes:
Lou LouFemale02006-03-10 08:15:00
United KingdomPataks sauces


Yeh the Pataks stuff is not as good as at home. I think it's made for a US palatte so they've toned it all down as the poor buggers can't cope with real food ;)

I gave up and make it from scratch with all the proper spices. Of course it takes longer, but it tastes sooo much better. We also have a good Indian take out and I ask them to make it English hot rather than American hot and they get it just right now :yes:

Isn't the Patak's sold in US and Canada imported from UK?


Yes, but it's definitely different ingredients and different curries. I've even done a comparison with one bought in the UK :yes:

that reminds me... we live in texas, and my husband likes all the hot chilis such as haberneros, sorrentos etc (i dont know which are the hotter ones)... i wonder if he will find a vindaloo hot or not in england considering hes used to hot peppers here. Isnt there a hotter curry than a vindaloo? (im determined to get him to try the hottest thing there is england!) :devil: :innocent:


Yeh, the Phal is hotter than a vindaloo. Way hotter in my opinion but I guess it depends where you get it. You were in the curry capital of the UK. Lucky you :thumbs: :yes:
Lou LouFemale02006-03-09 12:57:00
United KingdomPataks sauces
Yeh the Pataks stuff is not as good as at home. I think it's made for a US palatte so they've toned it all down as the poor buggers can't cope with real food ;)

I gave up and make it from scratch with all the proper spices. Of course it takes longer, but it tastes sooo much better. We also have a good Indian take out and I ask them to make it English hot rather than American hot and they get it just right now :yes:
Lou LouFemale02006-03-09 10:45:00
United KingdomUK driving license
Don't worry about your test. You can guarantee you'll be able to drive better than most kids that have a license over here. In my test they didn't even ask me to get in reverse gear. helpsmilie.gif ohmy.gif
Lou LouFemale02008-10-05 21:51:00
United KingdomWhat do you miss the most?
The first few years here there were a variety of things I missed but now I would say having just one decent supermarket whatever it is would be at the top of my list. Oh, and somewhere nice to buy clothes. I still can't find good looking, well made clothes and always shop back in the UK.
Lou LouFemale02008-10-16 18:18:00
United KingdomWedding Registries - did anyone use them for gifts for the wedding?
I think the Amazon wish list is a good idea cos you're not restricted to one store and it's not a typical begging list like you see on some invites. That way people could buy you a washing machine, or just a simple CD depending on how big their pocket is.

We didn't have any guests so our prezzie worries were nil which is just what we wanted. I think if we had guests I would have been too embarrassed to receive gifts and would have asked for them to donate to something instead. But we're just a bunch of old hippies here :blush: . At our age, if we haven't already set up house with all the usual gumpf I'd be wondering what the hell we were doing up until then.

If you are already set up and just want the frills, I think lists on sites like Etsy and DaWanda are a great idea. I keep one going for the OH so he doesn't eff up when it comes to birthdays and such. :whistle:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-10 09:59:00