Decade of birth
1970s
Dream job
Food critic
Where do you see yourself in three years?
Married and in Pharmacy School
What do you spend most of your money on?
Cosmetics: drugstore, Nars, MAC; Food
Favorite way to procrastinate
Watching YouTube videos
Shy or extrovert
Shy
Mac or PC
Mac
How many books do you own
50
Fanta or Tango
None, yuck
Worst school subject
Calculus
Best school subject
Anthropology
Pet hate
duckfaces
Currently have a crush?
Yes… :)
A country you want to explore
Japan
What will you do after filling out this questionnaire
Sleep
Most cherished life experience
Living a year in West Africa
Favourite place to be
In HopAlong's arms (cheezy but true)
Drink you always order
Arnold Palmer
Blue or black ink
Black
Currently addicted to…
Youtube makeup tutorials and reviews
Something that excites you
Dancing
I get many compliments for
My hair
Early bird or night owl
Night Owl
Something you do not understand
text speak
A trait you dislike in people
selfishness
A trait you admire in people
Empathy and open-mindedness
Something you want RIGHT now
For HopAlong to be here :(
Worst feeling in the world
Rejection and failure
I get criticized for
My negativity
Showing posts with label Me me me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Me me me. Show all posts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Four Stages
There are four stages to culture shock and living abroad...
1) The honeymoon stage
Symptoms of the honeymoon stage:
-Excitement and euphoria
-General anticipation of everything that you are about to experience
-Everything and everyone you encounter is new and many times exciting
-You’ll probably be eager to learn the language spoken in your host country During the honeymoon stage you will be poised to take on the challenges of living broad.
Examples of my honeymoon stage:
Grim Reminder of Home
Diamond in the Rough
2) Frustration Stage
After the honeymoon stage your initial excitement may wane. You also may start to feel frustration; this is the onset of the frustration stage. Frustration can occur for various reasons.
Symptoms of the frustration stage:
-Some of your initial excitement dissipates
-Feelings of anxiety, anger and homesickness creep in
-You might reject your new environment and begin to have a lack of interest in your new surroundings
-You’ll become frustrated with trying to speak a foreign language
Examples of my frustration stage:
The Irony of the Peacline
The Day After
No Cake
Royal Mail vs. USPS
What I Miss About San Francisco
3) Understanding Stage
The understanding stage arrives when you develop a more balanced view of your experience abroad.
Characteristics of the understanding stage
-You become more familiar with the culture, people, food and language of your host country
-You will have made friends
-You become less homesick
-You’ll be more comfortable with speaking and listening to the language spoken in your host country
-You become more comfortable and relaxed in your new environment
-You better handle the situations you previously found frustrating
I think I have reached the Understanding Stage. I have been thinking about where Craig and I should move permanently. I know before I wanted us to live in San Francisco but then I've got to thinking about how we will both benefit for our future and what is best for us and our family in the long run (socially, financially, etc). I have been weighing the pros and cons between the UK and America. I realize it is inconvenient here, but people have seemed to survive without satiating their sundae cravings at 2am when everything is closed. I mean do I really need a sundae at that hour? Don't think so. Yes, the royal mail drives me up the wall, but in reality, I wouldn't be dealing with them on a daily basis. My statement, "You are not allowed to get sick after 5:30PM and Sundays because the pharmacy is closed." As I think about it, it can wait until tomorrow when the pharmacy is open, if it can't then you can go to the ER. It's free ANYWAY!!!! Well not exactly free, you pay health tax but at least you won't be charged $200 just for walking through the doors of the ER, and whatever they add on the tab like lab tests/xrays as they do in America. These are little things I have mentioned (healthcare isn't exactly little), and I can easily get over it.
So...I am vascillating and can't make up my mind. The pros and cons are still circling in my head. I haven't been sleeping well for the past few days because there is too much on my mind. Thinking about the aforementioned, counting down the days when I have to leave my soulmate for a long while, and prepping/researching the visa process in both countries. I feel so overwhelmed.
But I digress. I almost forgot about the last stage...
4) Acclimation Stage
During the acclimation stage you will begin to feel like you really belong in your new environment.
Characteristics of the acclimation stage
-You’ll be able to compare the good and bad of your host country with the good and bad of your home country
-You feel less like a foreigner and more like your host country is your second home
-You laugh about things that frustrated you at earlier stages of cultural shock
-Once you reach the acclimation, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you -can live successfully in two cultures; this is a huge milestone.
Obviously, I haven't gotten to this stage yet and I won't be here long enough to experience this stage. Maybe someday perhaps. ;)
1) The honeymoon stage
Symptoms of the honeymoon stage:
-Excitement and euphoria
-General anticipation of everything that you are about to experience
-Everything and everyone you encounter is new and many times exciting
-You’ll probably be eager to learn the language spoken in your host country During the honeymoon stage you will be poised to take on the challenges of living broad.
Examples of my honeymoon stage:
Grim Reminder of Home
Diamond in the Rough
2) Frustration Stage
After the honeymoon stage your initial excitement may wane. You also may start to feel frustration; this is the onset of the frustration stage. Frustration can occur for various reasons.
Symptoms of the frustration stage:
-Some of your initial excitement dissipates
-Feelings of anxiety, anger and homesickness creep in
-You might reject your new environment and begin to have a lack of interest in your new surroundings
-You’ll become frustrated with trying to speak a foreign language
Examples of my frustration stage:
The Irony of the Peacline
The Day After
No Cake
Royal Mail vs. USPS
What I Miss About San Francisco
3) Understanding Stage
The understanding stage arrives when you develop a more balanced view of your experience abroad.
Characteristics of the understanding stage
-You become more familiar with the culture, people, food and language of your host country
-You will have made friends
-You become less homesick
-You’ll be more comfortable with speaking and listening to the language spoken in your host country
-You become more comfortable and relaxed in your new environment
-You better handle the situations you previously found frustrating
I think I have reached the Understanding Stage. I have been thinking about where Craig and I should move permanently. I know before I wanted us to live in San Francisco but then I've got to thinking about how we will both benefit for our future and what is best for us and our family in the long run (socially, financially, etc). I have been weighing the pros and cons between the UK and America. I realize it is inconvenient here, but people have seemed to survive without satiating their sundae cravings at 2am when everything is closed. I mean do I really need a sundae at that hour? Don't think so. Yes, the royal mail drives me up the wall, but in reality, I wouldn't be dealing with them on a daily basis. My statement, "You are not allowed to get sick after 5:30PM and Sundays because the pharmacy is closed." As I think about it, it can wait until tomorrow when the pharmacy is open, if it can't then you can go to the ER. It's free ANYWAY!!!! Well not exactly free, you pay health tax but at least you won't be charged $200 just for walking through the doors of the ER, and whatever they add on the tab like lab tests/xrays as they do in America. These are little things I have mentioned (healthcare isn't exactly little), and I can easily get over it.
So...I am vascillating and can't make up my mind. The pros and cons are still circling in my head. I haven't been sleeping well for the past few days because there is too much on my mind. Thinking about the aforementioned, counting down the days when I have to leave my soulmate for a long while, and prepping/researching the visa process in both countries. I feel so overwhelmed.
But I digress. I almost forgot about the last stage...
4) Acclimation Stage
During the acclimation stage you will begin to feel like you really belong in your new environment.
Characteristics of the acclimation stage
-You’ll be able to compare the good and bad of your host country with the good and bad of your home country
-You feel less like a foreigner and more like your host country is your second home
-You laugh about things that frustrated you at earlier stages of cultural shock
-Once you reach the acclimation, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you -can live successfully in two cultures; this is a huge milestone.
Obviously, I haven't gotten to this stage yet and I won't be here long enough to experience this stage. Maybe someday perhaps. ;)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Activity Report
Weather: Intermittent pissing of rain
Food: Honey Nut Cornflakes & Milk, 2 Ham and Mustard Sandwiches, a bowl of tomato soup, 1 blue Riband, and a soon freshly baked chocolate fudge brownie
Activities: Sat my ass on the recliner mesmerized by Welsh television, went to the bathroom, Annoyed a sleeping man
Mood: Extremely, mind numbingly BORED!!!!
Food: Honey Nut Cornflakes & Milk, 2 Ham and Mustard Sandwiches, a bowl of tomato soup, 1 blue Riband, and a soon freshly baked chocolate fudge brownie
Activities: Sat my ass on the recliner mesmerized by Welsh television, went to the bathroom, Annoyed a sleeping man
Mood: Extremely, mind numbingly BORED!!!!
Friday, June 20, 2008
A Grim Reminder of Home
I went to the post office today to pick up a parcel. Instead of the usual goodies my parents send me while I'm abroad, I get a stack of work related letters and bills. The letters from work immediately gave me feelings of anxiety and I can feel a wave of nausea from the pit of my stomach which begs the question...
Is it worth it to go back? I have been in the UK for almost 2 months now. Riding on the bus the other day in the middle of rush hour, I was surprised how people were generally mellow, calm, and quiet. I remember coming home from work on BART where everyone in the same boat was either, frantic on the cellphone talking about work, stressed out, or generally apathetic, tired and miserable.
I asked FH if this was usual, and he said more or less. People here just don't give a shit. At the end of the day, they leave work at work. They don't talk about work when they are at home. Also, he doesn't think they have as much stake as Americans in losing their job. They don't have to worry about losing their health insurance because they are covered by the NHS. I experienced the NHS firsthand when I was in that motorcycle accident four days into being here. They were very thorough...did xrays, cat scans, lab tests, administered drugs. And at the end there was no bill at all, you just walk out. I was amazed. All the while I was worried at how I was going to pay for all this.
Also they have a great social welfare system. If they lose their job, whether it be laid off, quit, or fired, they still get a check. Nobody ends up homeless here. If you see a homeless person on the street it's because they want to be there because they have subsidised housing from the government (nobody is ever refused). Yes, you pay taxes up the ying yang but I wonder if it's all worth it, living a stress free life, well not completely stress free but less than Americans have to fret over.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Cheezy
Wedding reception with a playlist stuck in the 80's: Grease Lightening, Saturday Night Fever, and a finale of New York, New York. I don't get it. What is also perplexing is the row boat thing. It seems they do this in a lot of British weddings. They sit on the floor in a single line and pretend to rock the boat. Hurm...
When I get married, I just want a small intimate sit down dinner with immediate family. Just enjoy good food, good company, and get to know one another without screaming each other down over blaring cheesey music. Possibly a swing band for dancing. Simple, nice, classy.
But I digress! Craig and I were buzzed out of our minds after pints of guinness, white russians, baileys, and some mysterious green liquid in a shot glass. We left the reception. On the way there, I was complaining because I had to walk 10 miles on uneven pavement in heels. Hard to get a cab at this hour. Craig just stopped me on the street and gave me a passionate kiss. I melted. He probably just did it to shut me up...lol. He wanted to carry me home but I was afraid he would break his back so I endured the pain.
We went home and looked up places on the net for take aways that deliver at 2am. Shit out of luck about this town. Very few places are open at wee hours of the night. With my elephantastic memory and search engine skills, I found a kebab place on Botanic Avenue that delivers until 4am. In just 15 minutes, we were stuffing pakora and kebabs with chili sauce down our fat necks.
When we were finished, we stripped off our clothes and devoured each other on the couch.
When I get married, I just want a small intimate sit down dinner with immediate family. Just enjoy good food, good company, and get to know one another without screaming each other down over blaring cheesey music. Possibly a swing band for dancing. Simple, nice, classy.
But I digress! Craig and I were buzzed out of our minds after pints of guinness, white russians, baileys, and some mysterious green liquid in a shot glass. We left the reception. On the way there, I was complaining because I had to walk 10 miles on uneven pavement in heels. Hard to get a cab at this hour. Craig just stopped me on the street and gave me a passionate kiss. I melted. He probably just did it to shut me up...lol. He wanted to carry me home but I was afraid he would break his back so I endured the pain.
We went home and looked up places on the net for take aways that deliver at 2am. Shit out of luck about this town. Very few places are open at wee hours of the night. With my elephantastic memory and search engine skills, I found a kebab place on Botanic Avenue that delivers until 4am. In just 15 minutes, we were stuffing pakora and kebabs with chili sauce down our fat necks.
When we were finished, we stripped off our clothes and devoured each other on the couch.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Nervous
I am a ball of nervous energy. I have less than an hour to get ready for Craig's friend's wedding reception. I am sure I will get a lot of "What the fuck is she doing here?" stares.
Did I mention that this is a Protestant wedding? Should be interesting...
Did I mention that this is a Protestant wedding? Should be interesting...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Fuck All
Awww! I am sad that our Johnny is leaving us forever! He cleared his room today. This means we have the house to ourselves for 3 months! YAY!
I have done absolutely nothing today but sleep in our luxurious double bed. I figure if I sleep, I can't spend any more money. I woke up from my sleep thinking I was home in California. Once I realized I was 5000 miles away, I started to freak out and have a panic attack, and then I realized that Craig was at work and he won't be home for another 5 hours, which made me panic even more. So I pulled the covers over my head and slept again.
Now it is off to Centra yet again for basic provisions that have run out like milk, juice, eggs, bread...I might as well live in Centra.
I have done absolutely nothing today but sleep in our luxurious double bed. I figure if I sleep, I can't spend any more money. I woke up from my sleep thinking I was home in California. Once I realized I was 5000 miles away, I started to freak out and have a panic attack, and then I realized that Craig was at work and he won't be home for another 5 hours, which made me panic even more. So I pulled the covers over my head and slept again.
Now it is off to Centra yet again for basic provisions that have run out like milk, juice, eggs, bread...I might as well live in Centra.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Starting to Sink In...
I'm moving to another country with 12K in my pocket. I am restless and losing sleep. There are a lot of "what ifs" going through my mind. What if our relationship doesn't work out in the end? What if I'm flat broke? What if I get sick? What if...what if?
If "what ifs" prevented us from doing the things we wanted to do, then what's the point of living your life? Living in fear is a terrible way to live. What a waste of time thinking of what may or may not happen. Especially things that you have on control over and for the things that you think don't have control over, chances 10/10there is a solution. Just think there are other people who have a worse off and don't have this kind of opportunity extended to them. And here I am bitching and whining. I tend to magnify the negative too much. If I keep focusing on the negative it will get to Craig (he hates it when I'm like this) and will ultimately be the main cause of the downfall of our relationship. Just think a year and half of hardwork, tears, longing put into this relationship because of my irrational thoughts. It would be a damn shame because what we have so far is damn good.
What happened to the girl who spent a year living in Africa and travelling to Cuba?I have seemed to lost my sense of adventure and vigor for life somewhere in the midst of the daily mundane. Sitting in endless hours commuting on a bus to work and endless hours lost in a sea of cubicles. Doing what people expected me to do despite the fact in my soul and heart, I didn't want to do them. It just wasn't me.
Whatever happens at the end of this journey, good or bad, at least I'll look back and say that I lived my life the way I know I should. I hope it will shed insight into who I am and what I really want without outside influence. Maybe this journey will never end and it will be full of little discoveries along the way where I share my happiness, discoveries, trials, and tribulations with someone who I wholeheartedly love.
If "what ifs" prevented us from doing the things we wanted to do, then what's the point of living your life? Living in fear is a terrible way to live. What a waste of time thinking of what may or may not happen. Especially things that you have on control over and for the things that you think don't have control over, chances 10/10there is a solution. Just think there are other people who have a worse off and don't have this kind of opportunity extended to them. And here I am bitching and whining. I tend to magnify the negative too much. If I keep focusing on the negative it will get to Craig (he hates it when I'm like this) and will ultimately be the main cause of the downfall of our relationship. Just think a year and half of hardwork, tears, longing put into this relationship because of my irrational thoughts. It would be a damn shame because what we have so far is damn good.
What happened to the girl who spent a year living in Africa and travelling to Cuba?I have seemed to lost my sense of adventure and vigor for life somewhere in the midst of the daily mundane. Sitting in endless hours commuting on a bus to work and endless hours lost in a sea of cubicles. Doing what people expected me to do despite the fact in my soul and heart, I didn't want to do them. It just wasn't me.
Whatever happens at the end of this journey, good or bad, at least I'll look back and say that I lived my life the way I know I should. I hope it will shed insight into who I am and what I really want without outside influence. Maybe this journey will never end and it will be full of little discoveries along the way where I share my happiness, discoveries, trials, and tribulations with someone who I wholeheartedly love.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bittersweet Anticipation
Nine Days until I see my sweetie! I can't tell if I am excited, scared, happy, sad...I am feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now.
I was crying all night because I was missing him. May sound cheesey but my heart felt like it was about to explode thinking about him. How we laugh together until our sides hurt and can't breathe, running my fingers through his 'bear suit' (how I affectionately refer to him being a hairy guy), watching him sleep and looking at how cute his unusually big toe is, motorcycle rides and how at stoplights he reaches behind with his left hand to caress my calf, eating out and sneaking tastes off each other plates, the list goes on...
I love him fiercely and intensely but why so morose? If anything, I should be jumping for joy that I will see him VERY soon. Not just visit but live with him for a few months.
Why the tears and longing? It just doesn't make sense. Maybe I'm setting myself up for the impending heartbreak for when I leave which is always the way it ends when see each other.
I was crying all night because I was missing him. May sound cheesey but my heart felt like it was about to explode thinking about him. How we laugh together until our sides hurt and can't breathe, running my fingers through his 'bear suit' (how I affectionately refer to him being a hairy guy), watching him sleep and looking at how cute his unusually big toe is, motorcycle rides and how at stoplights he reaches behind with his left hand to caress my calf, eating out and sneaking tastes off each other plates, the list goes on...
I love him fiercely and intensely but why so morose? If anything, I should be jumping for joy that I will see him VERY soon. Not just visit but live with him for a few months.
Why the tears and longing? It just doesn't make sense. Maybe I'm setting myself up for the impending heartbreak for when I leave which is always the way it ends when see each other.
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