House Hunters International??

I wish it were that easy. Three houses, a quick discussion and then a decision. All in thirty-minutes! Well, 20-minutes when you factor in commercials. Definitely not our case.

We were informed that houses and flats for let (rent) are very tight, right now. Not many people are moving and giving up what they have. Our situation made it even tighter. We really need a second room for baby (and guests) and we also really wanted a small garden so that the dogs could go in and out as they pleased. Also, something with a ten-minute or less walk to a tube station was a must.

We met with our realtor (well, I'm sure he has a different title, here), Erryl, on Thursday morning. Erryl is actually kind of a niche in a weird real estate system.

Here in the UK, realtors are called estate agents. Estate agents are sometimes not a trustworthy crowd. Not all. But, as Erryl put it, "You have to watch out for the sharks." Erryl is more of what we are used to in the US. He searches for properties that fit our needs and then has to schedule appointments with these estate agents to view each one. He is familiar with most of London, but may not know about the property. So, we have to rely on the fact that the estate agent understands our standards and what we need. Though, he's sort of a middle man... Erryl was our best bet to see different areas and give an honest opinion about each area and flat. He is paid by Scott's company to help find us something, so he's not pushing us to take something just to make a commission.

We had been emailing Erryl prior to our meeting. As our day drew near, Erryl informed us that there were no availabilities in the areas we were hoping to look (and had discussed with him earlier). The main problem is finding a place that will let to pet owners. But, he found us several things to look at in the Chiswick area (pronounced Chis-ick). At this time, he also mentioned that he wanted to show us a town called Cobham. Cobham is out side of London and close to Surrey (if not Surrey). Also on the list was Richmond, Kew, Ealing, Acton and St. Margaret's. I was not happy about Cobham. I knew I would like it, but I didn't want Scott to have that kind of commute.

Our first day was spent mostly in Chiswick, as that is where about 70% of the properties were. We found Chiswick's high street (an area's main drag) to be very neighborhood like and lots of shopping. Scott, also, had a fairly close walk to the nearest tube. It seems to be a good area for people our age with children.

We, on that day, found a place that we were pretty set on. It's a ground floor conversion (a house that is now a two floor flat). We would have the lower floor and the garden. In fact, about half of what we looked at were conversions. We were the first to look at the property and expressed to the estate agent that we were interested. This sort of means that we have the first right to make an offer. I believe if she gets another before hearing from us, then she has to contact Erryl. We knew that this place would not last long and were anxious to get through the next day. Oh yeah, we did find a great place in Putney. But, the Putney area didn't seem as charming as Chiswick. So, I guess you could call Putney a second choice.

So, day two. Because there are so few places available currently, Eryll had to resort to searching with Foxton's. Foxton's is the largest estate agency in London. If you google real estate (or similar) in London, Foxton's is the first hit you get. Though they are large, according to Erryl, they are not reputable. He only uses them as a last resort. The majority of the properties that we looked at this day were almost all Foxton's. And let me just say, they were all very disgusting and quite sad. Erryl was very disappointed and wouldn't even take us into some of them. These seemed to be in areas that were all, should I say... on the line? Also, the flats themselves were all very unkept... even the vacant ones. We finally had one glimmer of hope at the last Foxton's property in St. Margarets. It was a newly updated 3-story flat with a great use of space and large closets. The draw back was that it was on an extremely busy street that had traffic 24-hours. Big deal, right? Well, yeah... when you don't have air conditioning and have to open the windows, it is. But, finally it was a relief to know that the entire day hadn't been a waste, we did find something that could kind of be a third choice.

So... off to the country we go. Cobham was about a 30-minute drive from St. Margarets. The high street was great - much more there than I was expecting. The country side was still part of the town. Great parks and walking areas and a refurbished mill that still operates on the weekends. As it turns out, Scott's commute would only be about 30-minutes longer because of fewer stops on the train.

We only had one house to look at in Cobham and made our way there. About a 15-minute walk from high street, and shorter walk to the train. The house was great. Just on the market. Only four-years old and much more like what Americans are accustomed to. Still a very English floorplan, but very bright with tons of windows and wooden shutters. A larger garden with deck and a garage. Though, it was a short walk to high street, a car would still be a little more necessary since things were a little more spread out.

After seeing this place, we went back to town and had a coffee. Many calculations later, commute debates, etc., we decided on Cobham. So, Erryl called and put our offer in and we headed back to London. Keep in mind that this is Friday and that we are in a panic to hear something because if this fell through, we didn't want to lose the house in Chiswick. Which we heard was about to receive an offer.

Finally about 6:00PM, we heard from Eryll. The property estate agent on the Cobham house called him and told him that the woman decided she wanted to pull the house off the market. Her agent was furious as she should be. A total waste of her agents time, Erryl's time and our time. Luckily, Erryl immediately called the agent for the Chiswick house and told them we wanted it prior to calling us. We are first in line and we've offered asking price. So, now all we have to do is wait. Since it was so late in the day, I'm sure we won't know anything until Monday. So, stay tuned! AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED!!

Just Shy of a Week

Six days later and I am doing much, much better. We settled into our new place a few days ago and I've been able to breathe a little easier. We are staying in an apartment that is in a hotel high rise. It's small, but the amenities are nice, but still very hotel-like. The location is on the Albert Embankment, on the south side of the Thames. We can throw a stone across the river and hit Parliament and Big Ben. There's not much in the area, but we are a block from a great pub and a few more blocks to a row of restaurants that are built into the bridge under a train. Railway arches, I think they are called. Also in one of these arches is a large Vespa dealership. I'm sure Scott wants to walk up there during business hours to take a peek.

In the few days we've been here, I haven't been doing too much. The first full day, I rode the bus over to Trafalgar Square to meet Scott for lunch. Quick ride, about fifteen-minutes. After lunch, I walked with him to his office. It's in a really neat area called Seven Dials in Covent Garden. Very small streets, lots of shops... clothes a lot younger than I would wear, but love to look at. Some neat pubs and such. Saw his office, bought a couple pairs of shoes (hopefully they turn out to be comfortable ones) and then took the bus back "home." Traffic in Trafalgar Square was horrible. Not sure if it's prime tourist season or if it had something to do with Election Day... or maybe a combination. But, the ride back took a good half hour or more.

The next day, I stayed home to wait on the dogs arrival. We weren't sure what time they would arrive, but we didn't want to miss the delivery service. They showed up about lunchtime, a few hours early than we anticipated. All was good, they seemed happy to see us. Happier to go to the park. Extremely content to just curl up and go to sleep. Which, by the way... they still are. Other than the occasional potty break outside, they've been sound asleep. More sound than usual. Guess dogs suffer jet lag, too. We have also found them sleeping together a few times. Nothing they ever did before. I guess they now know the other one is comfort for them. It was a little snug in that bed last night. All four of us piled into a queen... not the king we are used to.

Today is Saturday. We had planned to go to Kew Gardens to see a photography exhibit, but the weather was a little damp. Since the exhibit is here for a few months, I told Scott we would go on a nice day. I can't go to Kew without my camera, and didn't want to chance taking it in the rain. So, instead, we ventured over to Oxford Street and went to John Lewis. I would compare it to maybe Macy's in NYC. Had a nice little lunch there, did a touch of shopping and then walked down to Selfridges. By this time, my baby aches were kicking in and I didn't really have much in me to walk around, but I can't wait to go back. Their home department was right up my alley. VERY COOL stuff. I'm sure out of my price range, but definitely worth going back and stealing some ideas.

I'm finding that I can only walk around and be out about three hours before I can't take it anymore. The doctor kept telling me that my fibroids would probably cause me some pain during my pregnancy, and I'm finally feeling it. So, my goal next week is to figure out how to get in with a midwife or doctor or whatever I'll be seeing. Looking forward to something stronger than tylenol.

I also want to make note of things I prefer here versus home. AND things I so desperately want to change for London/UK. First I'll start with some of the things that are great. Prepared food here is awesome. On a few nights we've been too tired to cook, so we've grabbed a few different prepared items. All delicious, all fresh. Everyone is very friendly, especially here in our hotel. I think we are becoming the favorites... although, I think the dogs have a lot to do with that. Fashion is fun, right now - especially for the young. I'm seeing things that I like and wish I were young and thin enough to wear.

Things I so desperately want to change. Quality and pride in construction. Everything that we've been to that has been remodeled or updated is totally half-ass. After doing a lot of remodeling on our own house, I can look at these things and tell that this isn't an expensive thing to do (or FINISH), I guess the same standards are just not there. Oh, and I HATE the washing machines here. If you aren't familiar, it's one unit. It washes, then it dries. The one in our apartment holds about five items and takes about two-hours just to wash. Then another two to dry. After all that time you would think the clothes would be the cleanest ever. No. My whites now seem to be gray, errr grey. I'm hoping the model in our next place will be a little better. I'm sure bleach exists in the UK, but I haven't found any, yet.

Okay, I think that's all for today. We start looking for permanent housing at the end of the week. So far on the list are West Kensington, Clapham, Maida Vale. If you have suggestions, shout them out!

it's an adventure, it's an adventure, it's an adventure

If you are a facebook friend, then you know we had a rough start here in London.

I didn't get a wink of sleep on the plane, so I arrived a bit tired and out of sorts. About an hour later, we arrived at the place we were to call home for the next four to eight weeks. This "home" was provided to us while we search for something more permanent.

The pictures we were shown looked great and they took pets (which seemed to be an issue). When we pulled up, I was impressed. An old building that was clean and kept, so far so good. Entered the lobby and my impression dimmed a little. The stroll down the hall to our room, my impression dimmed even more and by the time we entered our apartment, the light was totally out.

I, most times, have to adapt to the charm of other countries, mostly their amenities. I don't always see it right off the bat. I kept telling myself that as we strolled down the hall to our room. But, the dirty walls were having a hard time convincing me that this was some type of antiqued finish. I'll keep it short, but this place was dirty enough that I knew I couldn't take my shoes off there, much less sleep in that bed. This was definitely not old world charm. It was disgusting. This made any roadside Motel 6 look 5-star. I wasn't expecting large. I wasn't expecting new. I wasn't expecting stylish or posh. I was, however, expecting clean.

Maybe it was the lack of sleep, maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, maybe the fear of change... or all combined, perhaps. But, it lead to a break down. I told a friend that I never knew I was capable of crying so many tears. I was ready to head back to Heathrow and catch the next flight home. I didn't want to leave Scott behind, but I knew I couldn't stay there.

Of course we got here on a Sunday, and Monday was a bank holiday... so, we were on our own. Scott immediately got online and found us a place to stay for a few days until the relocation people were back in their office. We were able to delay the pet transportation for a few days until we knew what our situation would be. And we checked out of St. Mark's a few hours after arriving.

The place we've been staying at is clean, but it is not an apartment as advertised. It's a hotel room, basically... but, without service. I guess that's how they can call it an apartment. BUT... it's clean! And that's all I care about. Today, Scott got in touch with the relocation people and they found us another place on the Thames. We went and looked before booking. For the first time, I felt some relief. It was a nice place and we will be able to check-in tomorrow. The dogs should arrive on Friday.

Though I feel relief, I'm still not totally convinced we've made the right move. The emotion creeps back in at night, when Scott has fallen asleep and I can't. I sit here and worry about the dogs' flight over, giving birth here, being alone during the day. Mostly the being alone part. Everyone knows that I'm a talker, and though I am one, I have a hard time approaching strangers.

I read these expat forums and see how lonely some of these American women are in a foreign land... and some have been here for years. Though these forums are a wealth of information, but I sometimes think they cause me to worry more.

The new place doesn't offer much around it, but we did find a pub down the way. I expect I'll be a regular there during our stay since the food was very good. Possibly the best salad I've had in a long time. Maybe the permanent location will be in an area that has more neighborhood shops, and places to sit... maybe meet a few people. Once the baby gets here, I don't see myself maneuvering the tube very well with a stroller. It's amazing how many stations don't offer any type of handicap access. I've always thought that the UK was more forward than we in areas like that. They are certainly more green. And they definitely worry about fires, here. I mean... one big fire over 300 years ago and you gotta put fire doors on everything?

Okay, well it is late. I need to get up early and get our bags packed. Again. Maybe this BBC documentary on sandwiches will help me fall asleep a little faster.

Bye-bye, Stuff...

Why do some find it so hard to let go of things? Well, I'm one of those people. No, I'm not one of those you would find on the show "Hoarders" or "Clean House." But, I do have my share of ridiculous things that have sat in a closet and/or drawer for years and years.

This week we are having a garage sale to clear out things we don't want to store. I'm quite proud of myself. I've actually parted with some things that I thought I would have a hard time with. But, it's no miracle. I still have things I know I will never use or pass down since we are having a son. Still I cling to them.

The one thing that sticks out most in my mind is a pail. I received this pail for my 12th birthday. It has balloons on the side and my name on the top of the lid. I don't remember who gave it to me or what was in it, but to this day I still have it. In my defense, I have always put it to use. It holds other tidbits, neatly in the top of our guest closet. Still I know Container Store has something that would be larger and more useful for closet storage. But, it wouldn't be as cute.

Cards... this could possibly be the hardest for me to part with. There are several reasons I like cards. For one, I like old cards and I hope that the ones I choose to keep will one day be some that someone stumbles upon in some junk store and falls in love with. Just like some of the old vintage ones I've stumbled across and purchased.

The second reason is that sometimes it's nice to have something like the handwriting of someone that is no longer with us. I'm glad I kept those. And every ten years or so, when analyzing my box of cards, it's a warm feeling to run across those, maybe a little sad... Either way, it's a step back and a way to remember a loved one or close friend.

Third, I like to keep most of the ones from my mother, they always contain an encouraging word, support and love.

Last, I keep most of the ones that Scott gives me. Why? Because he will always write the things he won't usually say. I like to revisit those the most.

It's been a long emotional week for me. I'm sure most of it is hormones. Plus, I'm extremely tired. However, sorting through everything you own and remembering where and when you acquired most things can a little stirring. Maybe I'll feel a little differently tomorrow with all that green in my hand. Time to start new memories...

Just as long as they don't need to be dusted.

Things Are Moving... and I Guess That Includes Us

Thanks to my husband, Scott. It's definitely not his company or me.

Let's see, we now have an appointment this week to take our fingerprints and retina scan. After this appointment, we mail our passports to the consulate in NY where they issue a work visa. This normally is several week long process, but again... we're dealing with HR people at Scott's office. These will now have a rush put on them. Not at our expense. We should have our visas back by the time we leave.

Oh... and his company is telling him not to book a flight until we have our visas in hand. Which means we might have to book the day before we leave (hopefully not)! But, hey... it's not our money (see a pattern?). At least that's my attitude since they seem to have no sense of urgency.

We have the movers scheduled to come two different days. One day will be for air and boat shipments. The other day will be the majority of our "stuff" that will remain here in storage.

We kind of have a date for the dogs to leave. This will be about one or two days after we leave. We think we are going to board them at the vet. This way they will receive their last rabies shot prior to leaving. The pet relocation will pick them up from that location and we should see them the day after we arrive.

I have my last appointment with my doctor the Tuesday before we leave. Here, I have to get all my records in order and have with me so that I can meet with a "consult" and be assigned to a midwife as soon as we get there. Yes, a midwife.

Oh, and since I have to have something to stress about every week, this one is my new obsession. I'll save all that for another blog.

And here it is.

The thing everyone has been asking....

The question we keep shrugging off.

When are you leaving????

Well, the answer to that question (assuming we get our visas back in hand by the beginning of next week) will be May 1. Yes, that's right. May Day. Scott also likes to mention that we will be taking advantage of British Bank Holidays right off the bat, he'll not have to go into work until Tuesday. Guess that means I will be familiarizing myself with a map of London that day or BBC-tv.

Two Weeks Out...

I don't have much to report this week, as far as the move is concerned. Even though we are only two weeks out (maybe not even that far), we still have none of the following:

-plane tickets

-moving date set

-work visas

-a moving date for the dogs

-a date for a garage sale

I feel certain that things will fall into place. I mean, they have to, right? We have pressure to be out of our house by May 1st. That is the day our tenant moves in. I doubt they want to bunk with us, so it could be that we are staying a couple days with my mother.

Speaking of mothers. I can't express enough gratitude to my mother for the job(s) she is undertaking while we are gone. She and Mark have, without hesitation, offered to manage our house. Meaning that the tenant calls them for everything, taking care of repairs, driving by occasionally to check things, responsible for collecting rent, getting the check to the bank and also we are having our mail forwarded to them. Oh, and during all of this... Mother and Mark have sold their house and are in the process of buying a new one. Obviously my mother can handle stress. Where do I get the lack of that???

Just so you know, my list above is being attended to. Oh, and it's not entirely an oversight on our part. We have started discussions with the moving company. They were out over a month ago to assess our storage needs. Submitted a quote to Scott's company and got approval. However, it seems that Scott's company signed off on some things that are our responsibility. We had no idea of this, since we were never sent the quote. So... here, two weeks out, they (Scott's company) finally decide to look it over and let us know our responsibilities.

I've discovered that when we need information from Scott's company or HR department, there is NO RUSH. However, when they need something from us - they need it in five minutes. It took them five months to create an expense code for our pet transportation. Meaning that we were finally allowed to talk with the pet movers a few weeks ago for the first time. Good thing we kind of already knew some of the things the dogs should have been to the vet for or we would have to find a place for Pip and Vegas to stay for SIX MONTHS. I told Scott that I'm glad it's not me talking with them, because I would have "shown my ass" months ago. I'm trying not to be that way. Really, I'm not. Despite what some of you may think.

Shut up, Caine.

Practice Run

Scott and I decided it would be a great idea to take a quick vacation before our move. We haven't had a REAL vacation in three years. In fact, it was the last time we went to London. I don't know why we let so many years slip by before taking one. One reason was that my job didn't allow me to travel during the really affordable travel times. Another reason is that I tend to stress. Have I mentioned that?? Please, don't roll your eyes at me. I can't help it... maybe I can seek therapy for this. However, it does affect on our destination decisions. Honestly, I don't care where on earth we go, but there is a catch (and this is what causes the stress)... we must get there on a direct flight. That's the main thing. In fact, it's the only thing I ask for. This is probably why we've been to Cabo so many times, and why we chose to go there.... again. A quick two point five hour flight, easy to drive around, great resorts, and an even quicker flight home. Easy breezy.

I did have one other request this year. I wanted a room with our own private pool. This meant going to a different resort than we usually go. Scott had always wanted to stay at the One & Only Palmilla, so after checking to see if they had such a room with a pool, we booked it.

All I have to say is (and I'm putting my gay face on for this one) FABULOUSSSSSSSSSS! Because of Scott's job, we've had the opportunity to stay at some GREAT places at reasonable rates, but this place was by far the best. In fact, it was so great, we only left to eat lunch or dinner. We were just feet from the ocean, where we saw gray whales and dolphins swim by, massive waves crashing against rocks, sailboats, seabirds and a beach wedding. Plus, I've never experienced such personal service at any hotel or resort. My only complaint was that we didn't stay longer.

I also considered this my practice run for our next flight which will be the big one. Though I've traveled overseas a few times and countless times to Mexico, I never take notes. This time was a little different. The main thing we've decided is that Wednesday seems to be the day to fly. Both airports were very slow and our flight back might have had thirty people on it. The second thing is that I am checking into Global Entry (globalentry.gov). I can't wait to walk past some of these long lines (and wave at the suckas!) at check-in, entry and customs. I'll let you know the fee and if it's worth it. The last thing is that I will be asking my doctor if he can give me something to sleep while in my "condition." If the couple in front of me want to make the Mile High Club, I want to say good for them! I'll take my pill and go to sleep versus sitting there and making faces at them the entire time while they proceed to bounce around in their chairs bumping my expanding belly with my drink tray.