ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomWorst Mistake Ever...

Well can I ask a silly question pls? what happens to the stuff in the brown envelope ? will the guy at POE keep it all or give it back to me? I am not there yet but just wandering?

Lina (UKC)



as far as I am aware, the contents of the brown envelope are sent to USCIS for filing. They can refer to these documents again in the future when you apply for AOS.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-24 17:34:00
United KingdomWorst Mistake Ever...

haha I totally warned him about the brown envelope- its so stressed DO NOT OPEN, but Rich has always been one of those 25 year old kids and just had to open the present from the courier!! :bonk:

update tho- he got an email back from the embassy saying that they were going to reseal the envelope and send it back the day they recieve it... we sent it back by courier today, should be at the embassy on Monday so we should get it on Tuesday or Wednesday- meaning Rich shuld make his flght on Wednesday afternoon!! Oh seriously, I hope this works out!! :star:



have faith. If the embassy know you are on a deadline, they will absolutely try to ensure that its met. I have no doubt that Rich will make his flight on Wednesday :-)
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-22 10:56:00
United KingdomWorst Mistake Ever...

Hey guys,
Rich had his visa interview Monday, was approved and the courier dropped his passport off yesterday. When the courier dropped it off he said to Rich "Ive never seen one of these bulky envelopes before, wonder why you got that??", and silly Rich, the excited kid, just had to open everything up. He opened up the mysterious confidential brown envelope, even though we have been warned 1000 times about not opening it-somehow that slipped by him...

Rich called the embassy this morning, and spoke to a really rude man (he was like "you opened the brown envelope, WHAT?!"),He told Rich it would take 2 weeks to get the envelope re-sealed and the visa/passport back to him.

Since the guy was so rude when he talked to him, Rich decided to call the extortion line again and see if he would get any other response- he talked to a really nice lady who was really helpful and said that the embassy will see that Rich's travel date is next Wednesday (!!!) and would possibly try to get the envelope back to him on time.

We've emailed the embassy, but it takes 4-5 days to get a reply so who knows what is going to happen. The courier is coming tomorrow to pick up his brown envelope, and our fate is basically in the embassy's hands-I just feel so devastated right now. Had this not have happened, Rch and I would just be ridiculously happy right now, but instead we're in limbo... I just wish I knew what was going to happen- has anyone heard of situations like this at the London Embassy?? Any stories would be great, I just feel so down right now. :(



I did the same thing too !!! Dont wait for the embassy to reply. Send the opened envelope back through the courier to the embassy, and include a letter about what happened. Apologise profusely for the error and tell them when your flight is and if they can help you then you will be forever grateful, blah blah. My lawyer advised me to do this and it worked a treat. I had the resealed envelope back within 4 days, delivered by SMS Courier (god love them) on the morning of my flight to the US. Dont panic - all the embassy do is check the contents and re-seal. Keep in contact with SMS too and try them every day to see if they have been given the envelope back to deliver. Make sure you mark the envelope URGENT (the one with your letter explaining what happened in) and mark clearly when your flight date is. The embassy will really try to turn it around for you if they see when the travel date is and you grovel lots in the letter !!! good luck
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-21 09:11:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK
QUOTE (essjay @ Aug 18 2007, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ahhh!!! Now that is the key.... I am always being criticised for keeping boxes and then there being no room in cupboards. The KK's were obviously causing a huge problem which you gallantly resolved with no thought for your own personal wellbeing laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif

Well Done You!! good.gif


It was indeed a brave and gallant act, but I did not do this simply to be praised as a hero. It was in my opinion, the only action to be taken at that time, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-19 07:39:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK
QUOTE (essjay @ Aug 18 2007, 04:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ Aug 18 2007, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (essjay @ Aug 15 2007, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ Aug 15 2007, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Very large Tesco branches have in-store Krispy Kremes, and so do Selfridges. I have to admit that I love those donuts so much that I actually ate 9 in one sitting. Im usually a good healthy eater with the odd chocolate bar, but once I have a krispy kreme, I have to keep on going. Its lucky I dont really put on weight. I tend to avoid them in the US otherwise they would be my staple diet.



9??? blink.gif blink.gif

How??



Well there was a dozen to start off with and when I found the box there were 9 remaining. I ate them all during two back to backs of Charmed. The standard ones arent really that big and before I knew it I had eaten 9. Didnt feel sick at all but vowed not to go near a Krispy Kreme here in the future cause I would eat loads again. The sugar and fat content is horrifying but it was just the once so I don't think there is any real damage done.




laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif Well if there were only 9 left..... Would be a waste not to finish them off laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif



exactly...and the box was taking up too much space in the kitchen so they simply had to go.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-18 05:44:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK

Very large Tesco branches have in-store Krispy Kremes, and so do Selfridges. I have to admit that I love those donuts so much that I actually ate 9 in one sitting. Im usually a good healthy eater with the odd chocolate bar, but once I have a krispy kreme, I have to keep on going. Its lucky I dont really put on weight. I tend to avoid them in the US otherwise they would be my staple diet.



9??? :blink: :blink:

How??



Well there was a dozen to start off with and when I found the box there were 9 remaining. I ate them all during two back to backs of Charmed. The standard ones arent really that big and before I knew it I had eaten 9. Didnt feel sick at all but vowed not to go near a Krispy Kreme here in the future cause I would eat loads again. The sugar and fat content is horrifying but it was just the once so I don't think there is any real damage done.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-17 20:16:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK
Very large Tesco branches have in-store Krispy Kremes, and so do Selfridges. I have to admit that I love those donuts so much that I actually ate 9 in one sitting. Im usually a good healthy eater with the odd chocolate bar, but once I have a krispy kreme, I have to keep on going. Its lucky I dont really put on weight. I tend to avoid them in the US otherwise they would be my staple diet.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-15 08:57:00
United KingdomUS Banks - WTF???
thanks everyone for the advice - I think I will cancel the order for the checks and change banks. It seems there are better banks out there.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-30 19:42:00
United KingdomUS Banks - WTF???
I just had to telephone Chevy Chase bank to ask for more checks (god knows why checks are so important here cause in the UK they are only ever used by people over 60). I am being charged $34 to reorder check books. I can't believe they have the audacity to charge for something that Natwest sends out as a matter of course since they monitor the checks you use. Also, Chevy Chase cannot seem to cope with international banking. Natwest of course set it up in 4 mins flat. Does anyone know of a good US bank (Im in Virginia) that can actually operate in a manner that a UK bank does, and that has the capacity for online international banking and doesnt charge for checks? Id be grateful for the name!!
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-30 14:09:00
United KingdomSometimes the little things make you think
My house in the UK was your standard 3 bed semi with a small garden and a tiny kitchen. When we bought our current home here in VA, it took me ages to get used to the 3000 or so sq feet. It definitely has trebled my cleaning time, but its great having family from London here as there is so much room and extra bathrooms for them all. I don't know about everyone here but I had one bathroom in the UK as do most of my family. Im planning on buying a 12 foot christmas tree this year - if I had bought that in London it would have been through the roof somewhere. My cats love it though (I took them with me from the UK) - they run up and down the stairs and slide along the floors.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-26 22:05:00
United KingdomCome on England !!!
So where will the English in the US be watching the semi against France? I am biting my nails already. Does anyone know of somewhere in the DC metro area that will be showing the game? Oh how I miss a packed pub in London, with beer being spilled everywhere, and a 20 minute crowd surge to get to the loo.....
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-07 08:07:00
United KingdomI miss England
Things like the rugby world cup final have had me thinking about home. There is nowhere here in the US that will have the atmosphere that a London pub will have when cheering on England. I will always miss bread, chocolate, my hairdresser etc, and I will always long for a night out with the girls, or sunday dinner at mum's, but I still get these things, only less frequently. As long as I can afford to keep nipping across the pond a couple of times a year, I am happy. The US is great and I have settled really well. I have an amazing husband and great friends, and everything i need. I will always miss England though !
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-10-19 12:33:00
United KingdomPubs Near to the Embassy
I used to work near the US Embassy in Mayfair, and one of my favourite spots was The Punch Bowl (about a five minute walk from the Embassy). Its on Farm Street, so basically when you leave the Embassy turn right and keep walking (past all the shops until you come to the junction with South Street. Turn left on South Street, walk past the school and the pub is right there on the left hand side. If you do go in, the landlord's name is Greg and he is a jolly nice bloke. They also do a lovely lunch especially the pie and mash or the fish and chips. Oh how I long for the fish and chips....
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-08 22:02:00
United KingdomQueen Elizabeth II becomes Britain's oldest monarch
Im not an avid supporter of the royal family by any means, but they do bring in millions of pounds a year through tourism revenue. Yes they live a privileged life, but that comes at a price. They are forever in the spotlight, with every move scrutinised. They of course have public duties to perform and therefore, do have to "work". They really didn't have much choice in being born into their family but at least they are getting on with it.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-21 16:53:00
United KingdomAirport Strikes in the UK
That is really going to affect thousands of people. My parents are coming over here to the US on 31st Dec and returning home on 10th January. Usually they always take Virgin but thankfully for some reason they have booked BA this time. At least they won't be affected !! I would be horrified if they couldnt make it ! Thanks for the info.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-12-22 12:22:00
United KingdomPolice checks... how many?
The police check form asks you to list all your previous addresses so I ASSUME its a national check. I had about 6 addresses in total in the UK ranging from when I was born until I left for the US, and these were not all in the same towns or counties. I submitted my completed form to a police station that wasn't in the town where I lived (near my parents house), and they gave me a receipt. The usual wait is about 6 weeks I believe but I received mine in less than 4 weeks. I would leave as much time as possible however as I am sure there are people who have waited longer than 6 weeks !

good luck
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-22 11:04:00
United KingdomBecause it's almost here
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Feb 5 2008, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Haha, you're very welcome! laughing.gif

Believe me...if most people in the UK hadn't desired a Creme Easter egg as a kid, we'd probably just all be disappointed as adults, instead!



mmmm creme eggs. The only way to eat one: bite off the top, use your finger to scoop out the cremey bit and then devour the chocolate egg shell.... ooh i could eat one now.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 19:31:00
United KingdomAunt Bessies Frozen Yorkshire Puds
I always make my own yorkies. They rise brilliantly and are a great source of amusement with American friends who haven't had them before. The last batch of friends that we had over for dinner, when I cooked a roast, saw the yorkies and then looked up to see what my husband and I would do with them.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-05 16:43:00
United KingdomEasier for Brits to adjust?
People have always said to me here in the US that it must be very easy for me as a Brit to settle here because I speak the same language, and because the UK and the US are very similar. Whilst I love being here in the US, it really isn't similar to Britain for me. Its very hard to explain how I feel when I visit a friend in the UK, and lie silently on their sofa watching tv, not feeling anything but completely comfortable. I notice here that when you visit friends, you are expected to converse, cook, entertain etc. There isn't the very easy relaxed atmosphere I am used to. Although I have made a few close friendships here, I am aware that I am still always conscious of what I say or how I behave. I do have two British friends here and its clear that I am more relaxed with them and can be completely myself. They have each been here 25 years and still find the differences noticeable.

I miss my local pub in the UK, and silly things like walking 10 mins to Greggs Bakers to get sausage rolls and a large white loaf (in the time I have been in the US, no bread can even remotely compare to UK bread). I agree with a posting earlier that mentioned the differences in the way day to day things are done. Everything here in the US seems a little harder in terms of effort (rightly or wrongly). Waiting at the DMV for your license, finding international bank transfers are not straight forward, remembering that the car needs an inspection every year, having to walk to a mail box instead of simply having the standard oblong hole in the front door, accepting realtor fees, filing an income tax return when I have never had to do one in the UK, having two weeks paid vacation as a standard.

I still compare things to the UK and I really shouldn't do that. The US is a completely different country with its own set of rules, standards and etiquettes - some I agree with - some I find strange at best.

I regularly receive comments about my accent but they have always been positive and I am quite happy to tell people where I am from and why I am here. I find people in general friendlier than in London and I certainly feel safer if out and about in the evening. I watch the BBC news nightly and hear all the problems in the UK, but still feel my heart strings pulled when I see something familiar.

I wouldn't be here if my husband wasn't an American. The fact that being with him outweighs everything else keeps me here happily. I could be the richest, most successful person on the planet, but without him I would be the loneliest and most miserable. He is my best friend. I really enjoy being here and have a very nice and comfortable life. The thing I miss most and will always long for, is the company of my family, especially my mum. These are the hardest things to come to terms with - being so far away from the ones you love. Thank god they visit regularly and that my husband is adored by them.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-01-17 21:05:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Feb 13 2008, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ Feb 13 2008, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Feb 13 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 13 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 13 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm....doesnt that get covered in a contract? ...most companies have you sign a contract which lays out what the terms and benefits are?


All employees in the UK are required to have a written contract within 2 months of starting a position. Most contracts I have ever had were very vague and never mentioned required hours. I worked for large multi nationals - so it wasn't as if the company was small.


I worked in a nursing home owned by a national company. My hours stated on the contract were very cleverly put as minimum hours contracted for. This meant that if they were short staffed they gave me lots of hours but if they didnt need me so much then they could just put me down for minimum hours. I was contracted at the time for 18 hours but remember looking at the rota one time and I had five x 12 hour shifts in a row ohmy.gif . They told me it was holiday cover and I was expected to do it. I did work it but told them never again (being the nurse in charge I ended up doing 14 hours on most of the shifts, though only got paid for the 12 hours). Sometimes we do have to stand our ground yes.gif



I'm guessing the nursing home was in the UK? Frankly, IMO, nurses are not given the credit or salary they deserve in the UK. It is a wonder that anyone in the UK chooses to be a nurse, specifically since the salary and work hours do not correspond at all. Here in VA, nurses are commonly paid around $100,000 and rightly so. The UK needs to step up.


Yes it was in the UK. I was the only nurse on duty at any one time, in charge of 52 residents plus around 14 staff and all for about £10 an hour. Ridiculous pay for the responsibilities. I had to deal with relatives, residents, order and dispense drugs, write a report in all residents files and make out care plans and risk assessments. On top of that I had to oversee all the carers and if anything went wrong it was on my head. You can probably see how a 12 hour shift was sometimes 14, though I never got paid for the extra.
I gave up nursing about 3 years ago and started my own business dog grooming, more money, less stress and I was once again enjoying working. I hope to set up my own business dog grooming when I move to the states. I have been put off nursing for life, much too much stress for too little pay.


I don't blame you for embarking on a new career. If nurses in the UK are allowed to be so overworked and so underpaid, why should they stay in the nursing field. Its definitely a crisis and the government and employers only have themselves to blame. Well, on the upside, when you move to the US, you will probably find you can earn a lot more in nursing and have more structured hours if that was an option for you. Dog grooming is also big business here (especially here in northern VA). My neighbours certainly get their dogs groomed each week. One of my neighbours even has a bedroom just for his little dog, complete with fitted closets and a four poster doggy sized bed. wacko.gif
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 12:13:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Feb 13 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 13 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 13 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm....doesnt that get covered in a contract? ...most companies have you sign a contract which lays out what the terms and benefits are?


All employees in the UK are required to have a written contract within 2 months of starting a position. Most contracts I have ever had were very vague and never mentioned required hours. I worked for large multi nationals - so it wasn't as if the company was small.


I worked in a nursing home owned by a national company. My hours stated on the contract were very cleverly put as minimum hours contracted for. This meant that if they were short staffed they gave me lots of hours but if they didnt need me so much then they could just put me down for minimum hours. I was contracted at the time for 18 hours but remember looking at the rota one time and I had five x 12 hour shifts in a row ohmy.gif . They told me it was holiday cover and I was expected to do it. I did work it but told them never again (being the nurse in charge I ended up doing 14 hours on most of the shifts, though only got paid for the 12 hours). Sometimes we do have to stand our ground yes.gif



I'm guessing the nursing home was in the UK? Frankly, IMO, nurses are not given the credit or salary they deserve in the UK. It is a wonder that anyone in the UK chooses to be a nurse, specifically since the salary and work hours do not correspond at all. Here in VA, nurses are commonly paid around $100,000 and rightly so. The UK needs to step up.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 10:28:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (Converse34 @ Feb 13 2008, 08:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 13 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm....doesnt that get covered in a contract? ...most companies have you sign a contract which lays out what the terms and benefits are?


All employees in the UK are required to have a written contract within 2 months of starting a position. Most contracts I have ever had were very vague and never mentioned required hours. I worked for large multi nationals - so it wasn't as if the company was small.


My experience too Converse. Also, regardless of contract, I have seen people accept a position, and within a couple of months, need time off for various things including child care, responsibilities for an elder family member, personal commitments irrelevant to their role, etc. In my experience, this was mainly women, and I think employers were fearful to address the issue, particularly in this pc society.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 08:25:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
I agree. If the employer is clear about what the job entails, the onus is on the applicant to decide whether or not a certain job is for them. There shouldn't be an opportunity for any applicant to accept a job and then try to change or dictate its terms and conditions to suit their personal life.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-12 22:33:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (truffles @ Feb 11 2008, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you see post 15 by britty....i suspect maternity benefits are better in the UK...the company i worked also had a similar policy as post number 15 ....not to mention the company holding positions open for a considerable period...when you look at the employment pages in Uk papers there are loads of jobs which are to cover for maternity leave....i havent seen any adverts for jobs here in US where it is cover for maternity leave.


I do know Truffles that certain social housing associations in the UK have been known to hold positions open for up to 2 years for those on maternity leave. Of course the women are paid a much lower percentage of their standard salary, but they are able to take advantage of the ongoing private healthcare, insurance, and wait for it..... are still allowed to accrue paid time off (vacation leave) that they would have been entitled to had they still been working. This means that when they return to work after 2 years, they are entitled to around 60 days paid time off in addition to their 30 days for the year they are returning to work. This is a bit too generous IMO, and needs to be reviewed.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 21:42:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Feb 11 2008, 09:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that the fact that there are so many employee laws in the UK probably make a lot of managers think twice about employing a woman, especially for a small firm or business.
If a woman falls pregnant she is entitled to take paid leave for all her ante-natal appointments. She gets the first 6 weeks of her maternity leave paid at 90% of her regular wage and can take up to a year off, in which time the job must be held open for her when or if she decides to return. The manager/boss has to then find an employee who is willing to work for a limited time of up to a year to cover. I can see how this could be a big problem especially in an area where there is a shortage of skills. Then there’s the potential sickness leave to consider, both before and after the birth.
Some employee laws in the USA do tend to be archaic in comparison, especially the “at-will” laws that some states still support!! Where is the commitment and moral in that? How can someone put their all into a job when they know the managers can let them go for no reason at any time.
I do however think the UK laws go too far the other way, making potential employers think twice about employing someone, whether it be because of gender, race, disability or age. There are too many laws here to support these issues and employers are scared of any repercussions that may occur if there are any problems.
I ran my own business in the UK and know the laws governing employing someone. After re-reading Sir Alan’s points I can see where he is coming from, but things will not change while the laws stand as they do now. Employee laws are what makes an employer not want to take someone on, better to hire someone who they feel safe with than the most suitable candidate for the job.
If a woman is entitled to so many rights then where is the support? Why isn't the government backing up these laws by providing more child care facilities, more benefits for both the employer and employee in all this? It's ok passing these laws but they need to look at all the problems that may occur and provide solutions.
It’s all wrong!!!! mad.gif



The last company I worked for in the UK offered 6 months maternity leave at 90% of salary, and a further 6 months at 50%. You would have to go through hoops to fire anyone (and they really would have had to commit the most heinous of crimes). They offered creche facilities offsite which they paid 50% towards, and of course, women flocked there in their droves. I think its a catch 22 really - if you offer great benefits and are generous in maternity benefits, you will be targeted by hoardes of women who patiently serve out their first 12 months before immediately trying for a baby. If you don't appear to be an avid supporter of your staff planning families, you might not attract too many women.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 13:15:00
United KingdomSir Alan slams equal opportunity laws
I really think that the question of children should not be raised at all in an interview. I have certainly been asked what "my domestic future plans" were in interviews in London, and I have always been very vague with the answer. Here in the US, it is definitely a DON'T GO THERE question so you never have to skirt around the topic anyhow. I think the interviewer should make it clear what the role requires. If this involves lates night, weekends, occasional travel etc, then it is up to the job applicant to decide whether or not that is feasible for them. I have seen women take roles that required extra commitment, only to then want structured work hours, the ability to leave at a moment's notice, and tele-commuting. Most, if not all, of these women were in relationships and it puzzled me why their partners could not take on the childcare arrangements, leaving the woman to carry out the job she promised to do. Everyone knows that occasionally things crop up and we need some flexibility from our employers, but not three times a week !
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-11 08:20:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish Wedding Traditions?
QUOTE (msu17 @ Feb 13 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
UGH, I HATE that tradition. How is playing corny music and the groom going up the brides skirt in front of all their loved ones in any way appropriate. All the sexual undertones of weddings really drives me up a wall.



LOL laughing.gif laughing.gif
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 20:11:00
United KingdomBritish/Scottish Wedding Traditions?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 13 2008, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was thinking that it would be a great idea to incorporate Brit/Scottish wedding traditions into our ceremony and reception. I found various things online like wedding hats, fruit cakes etc but what are some things considered "quinessential" to a wedding in the UK?

My DF is already wearing his kilt and all that goes with it, so we got that covered. What type of foods do you serve at the ceremony? I'm having our reception in an Irish Pub, so I'm guessing they could probably come up with some of the traditional foods.

Oh, and as I'm sure someone is already going to bring this up, it is already a tradition in Nebraska to double/triple fist drinks from the free bar...so lots of alcohol is already well covered!


Being British with Irish parents, I am well versed in the requirements of a good old knees up! Standard fayre would include, and not necessarily fortunately, cheese and pineapple on cocktail sticks all inserted into a foil covered orange (bizarre I know), small link cocktail sausages, ham sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, chicken drumsticks, assorted cheeses with Branston pickle, crisps (chips), nuts, pork pie, large turkey or ham, potato salad, coleslaw, trifle, and fairy cakes with brightly coloured icing !!

Most of the wedding traditions are similar to the US including first dance, cutting the cake, tossing the bouquet etc. Not sure if the US do the "groom removing the garter from the bride's leg" in the US but that is a big one in the UK.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 17:52:00
United Kingdom'Dilapidated' shed's £150,000 tag
I bought my home in London for 70,000 pounds. You couldn't get a garage space for that now. My parents still live in central London and prices are absolutely crazy on their road. They love where they are so have no intention of selling but every day an estate agents knocks on their door stating they have buyers waiting for homes on that particular road. Frankly, I don't know how people afford to buy a home now in the UK, and I think there will come a time when first time buyers simply cannot afford anything in the UK. I don't know what will happen but with more and more people entering the UK, eventually there will simply not be enough housing to support the people living there.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-19 14:37:00
United KingdomSo anyone thought of moving back/already moved back???
We are planning to go back to the UK in five years (I miss my family and good bread) crying.gif Hubby loves the UK so happy to live there for a while. We have somewhere to live too and we both have international work contacts, and have already been assured there will be good jobs for us in the UK. Obviously I will wait for citizenship here in the US. I don't intend to stay away forever, and our perfect plan would be to spend 4 - 5 years in each country. I'm sure it doesn't work out like that but as long as we have a home in each country, and a job, we will certainly try.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-20 16:23:00
United KingdomNEWSFLASH FOR THE BRITS...
QUOTE (rene1 @ Feb 14 2008, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you can find a WORLD MARKET store they have all kinds of great British Food, pengiuns, garabaldi's, heinz custard, heinz beans, ambrosia creamed rice, all kinds of cadbury's sweets, jam, vimto bars, digestive biscuits, and my personal fav., chocolate digestives [dunked in a hot cuppa tea.] i'm getting homesick now sad.gif


World Market also sold chocolate selection boxes over christmas and I bought one for every US based Brit I know. Finding the Creme Eggs at Rite Aid was similar to the day I found Jacobs Cream Crackers at Harris Teeter. I heard angels sing and strobes of light descended upon me from the ceiling.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 22:49:00
United KingdomNEWSFLASH FOR THE BRITS...
QUOTE (Rocinante @ Feb 13 2008, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have no Rite Aid.

CVS sells the real ones too, though.


I did not know this. I have a CVS a few mins walk away kicking.gif
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 18:31:00
United KingdomNEWSFLASH FOR THE BRITS...
I was in Rite Aid this afternoon and they are stocking Cadbury's Creme Eggs !!! Not American ones, British imported ones (says it on the box) and they are 33cents each !!!! woohoo. I bought a couple and have just had one. Definitely the real deal. They are with all the Easter themed things.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 18:23:00
United KingdomAwful, cheesy pick-up lines
One of my guy mates in London always swore by his most successful pick-up. Basically, he walks over to a girl in a bar or club whilst putting on his jacket, and nonchalantly says "get your coat darlin you've got lucky tonight". The fact that it makes women laugh has meant he has had a reasonable amount of success with it.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-07 13:02:00
United KingdomLondon Mayor
As a Londoner, and having lived with the madness of that ridiculous, left winged, whining, money grabbing, useless piece of labour flesh, I am delighted that Ken Livingstone is out.

http://news.bbc.co.u...ics/7380947.stm

Nearly everyone I know voted for the Tory Boris Johnson, including friends that have been avid Labour supporters for as long as I can remember. I think as much as this result is a reflection on Livingstone and his inadequacies, it is also a reflection of how the Labour government is now so despised by the UK people in general.

It was also interesting that the BNP has won its first seat in the assembly. I don't really know anything about the party so can't comment at all on that one.

Thoughts?
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-03 07:13:00
United KingdomBritish TV Shows
We have BBC America and I am loving Doctor Who and Torchwood. I am seeing a lot more UK shows on other channels also, and found Most Haunted the other night (sorry can't remember what channel). Who can resist Derek Acora talking to his spirit guide Sam and being possessed by "Dave", a 19th century docker from Bradford? Oh its classy tv. Still miss Eastenders but I don't think I would know who is who now anyway. Absolutely pig sick of Cash in the Attic and Bargain Hunt. Oh how I wish David Dickinson would just %&^& off. Going back to London for two weeks at the end of April so will catch up on soaps then !
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-14 20:12:00
United KingdomWedding Song
I walked up the aisle to "May It Be" by Enya, and our first dance song was "You Do Something To Me" by Paul Weller.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-31 07:17:00
United KingdomWhy USA and not UK?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 23 2008, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ May 23 2008, 09:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 22 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (catrocks @ May 22 2008, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ May 22 2008, 06:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Although I am closer to my family in the UK, we made the decision to live in the US mainly due to my husband's work. I was also so tired of watching the UK go "to the dogs" with all the immigration problems, taxes, and left wing spineless government that would have me support all the freeloaders and leeches.


Haha so you decided to move to the US which has... immigration problems, unemployment problems, is going into a recession and is in the middle of a political debate where it looks like we're screwed whatever happens.... whistling.gif

Seriously though, I was kind of sick of all that stuff in the UK too, but remember that the US is certainly not without its problems.


I was thinking the same thing too! The price of gasoline causes no worry and six weeks vacation...where do you live in the US, because it sounds like you moved to some paradise I'm not aware existed!

Though I'm more worried about getting shot at than anything. I think it was a weekend or two ago there were seven shootings on one Saturday night!



The price of gas is still a heck of a lot lower than the UK so Im still not complaining on that one. I lucked out with my employer and the six weeks paid vacation, non contributory comprehensive blue cross blue shield healthcare, and the ability to work from home !! Because the US is sooooo big, immigration, certainly where I live in VA, is not so noticeable as they aren't running out of space yet like the UK. If someone tries to shoot me Im shooting back !! I like the fact that defending yourself isnt a crime here. And today is 75 degrees and sunny ! kicking.gif kicking.gif


I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. wink.gif

I find it interesting...I guess in VA there must not be as much of influx of immigrants? My neighborhood in Chicago some knowledge of Spanish is essential...most of the signs are in Spanish, and quite a few of the people don't speak a whole lot of English. That is even true for the town I grew up in back in rural Nebraska.

Though to be honest I do like living with so many ethnic options. I wouldn't want to live in a totally whitebread place anymore.


I think where I live in Northern VA, 10 minutes over the bridge to DC, house prices are a bit on the silly side so immigrants probably go to the less expensive areas to find affordable housing. There are lot of parks and open spaces here so you get the impression that its not overcrowded, although it has a high resident rate for government and military. Our crime rate is lower than that of DC and I suspect that is in part due to the fact that firearm possession is legal here, so criminals dont want to take the risk.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-23 11:58:00
United KingdomWhy USA and not UK?
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 22 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (catrocks @ May 22 2008, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (britty @ May 22 2008, 06:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Although I am closer to my family in the UK, we made the decision to live in the US mainly due to my husband's work. I was also so tired of watching the UK go "to the dogs" with all the immigration problems, taxes, and left wing spineless government that would have me support all the freeloaders and leeches.


Haha so you decided to move to the US which has... immigration problems, unemployment problems, is going into a recession and is in the middle of a political debate where it looks like we're screwed whatever happens.... whistling.gif

Seriously though, I was kind of sick of all that stuff in the UK too, but remember that the US is certainly not without its problems.


I was thinking the same thing too! The price of gasoline causes no worry and six weeks vacation...where do you live in the US, because it sounds like you moved to some paradise I'm not aware existed!

Though I'm more worried about getting shot at than anything. I think it was a weekend or two ago there were seven shootings on one Saturday night!



The price of gas is still a heck of a lot lower than the UK so Im still not complaining on that one. I lucked out with my employer and the six weeks paid vacation, non contributory comprehensive blue cross blue shield healthcare, and the ability to work from home !! Because the US is sooooo big, immigration, certainly where I live in VA, is not so noticeable as they aren't running out of space yet like the UK. If someone tries to shoot me Im shooting back !! I like the fact that defending yourself isnt a crime here. And today is 75 degrees and sunny ! kicking.gif kicking.gif
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-23 09:36:00
United KingdomWhy USA and not UK?
Although I am closer to my family in the UK, we made the decision to live in the US mainly due to my husband's work. I was also so tired of watching the UK go "to the dogs" with all the immigration problems, taxes, and left wing spineless government that would have me support all the freeloaders and leeches. Also, the crime rate in London is getting worse and criminals do what they want knowing they will get a smack on the back of the hand for their crime. I go back twice a year to visit family and friends, and family come out twice a year to visit (they love it and we intend to have them relocate here in time). The money issue was also tempting. My cash doubled overnight so that was a bonus. My job here pays 30% more than the same job in the UK which surprised me as I thought my salary may suffer here. My standard of living is higher, I eat out 4 times a week, I am able to drive around without worrying that the gas bill is going to cripple me, I can defend myself and my home in the event of attack, I have fantastic healthcare where a doctor can see me the same day, my employer gives me 6 weeks paid vacation, the weather is lovely, and of course I have hubby.
brittyFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-22 06:17:00