That’s it. I’m moving to England.

I have very few regrets in life, and I try to keep it that way. But lately I’ve been getting all these strange signs that I live in the wrong place.

I love my job that’s only 10 minutes away. I love that I’ve never seriously worried about hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes here. I love that all my friends are in the same area, and I love the selection of fast food and restaurants. But I need to move to the UK.

England, in particular.

First off, the weather. Yes, I’m very grateful that I do not live in constant humidity, and as expressed, don’t have erratic weather concerns. However, it’s too sunny here. I don’t love sunshine. All right, I don’t love sunshine in large doses over 75 degrees. I love our falls and winters when you have to bundle up in lots of layers and wear scarves and hats and gloves. I love the rain. I could live with lots of rain and wind. English weather (at least while we were there) was perfection. Even in the moors, where it was freezing. I loved it.

Also–and this is a big blow–CN Blue just had their first European tour where they performed live in London on the 22nd. This is almost as bad as when The Scarlet Pimpernel musical came to London ON MY BIRTHDAY one year and I was not there to see it. For those of you not aware (meaning everyone other than Lauren and my family) CN Blue is a Korean band whose lead singer has performed in several big dramas. (You’re Beautiful, chiefly.) Evidently I need to live closer to London so I can take day trips there for performances when I’m not busy helping my British husband on his sheep farm. Because, seriously. I thought I was virtually alone in my Korean band obsession, but that concert was sold. out. And the screaming fans from the videos I saw confirmed that I am really, really not alone. I’m over-the-moon happy for CNBlue, but for myself… *weeps* WHY WAS I NOT THERE!?!?

And THEN…. AND THEN… I found out that my faaaavourite ever ice cream flavour (Haagen-Daz Midnight Cookies and Cream) which was discontinued here in the States as a limited edition is sold in the UK as a regular flavour!! Although it’s called Chocolate Midnight Cookies there. Somehow that sounds even more delicious.

All the most wonderful things are in England. Except for me.

I will end my mournful post with two words.

Dan Stevens.

(I totally saw the two newest episodes of Downton Abbey. *boast* *boast* *boast*)

Windsor Castle and a Very Scrummy Lunch

Avoiding emails is bad. I stopped checking them consistently because there were too many to deal with, but you know what? Ignoring them just makes them increase! Who knew? (Answer: Anyone with common sense–not me.) Finally got them under 200 again! Woo! Small victory.

But that’s not what you’re here for.

Guess what??

ENGLAND PICTURE POST!!!

Now that I have your attention…

That is my suitcase. Captain Ricardo, usually just “Reecarrrrdoh!” with a Spanish accent. I packed it very full and each time I had to open it, a clothing explosion occurred. My toast tag made it almost definite that no one would mistakenly steal my suitcase, and pig rabbit sealed the deal. Piggy bunny came to England with me! *girly giggles*

And guess what? I like airplane food. More than that, I love it! I don’t have to cook, a British man named “Scott” in a shiny purple vest brings it to me, it’s hot, it’s comforting… what’s not to love? I must clarify; the salad wasn’t hot. It was fresh and cool and lovely.

Our first peek at England outside the airport–this trip. We have seen Heathrow/London before, but it was not as extensive.

An English lane. A real. English. lane.

In Windsor, before we did any major sightseeing, it was time to fill our tummies. Bella Italia did the trick. Yes, our first meal in England was Italian food. But look at those pizza dough bread batons and garlic dipping sauce! Who’s complaining?? Certainly not our ten-hour-flight-veteran selves!

Windsor Castle! And I’m sure some of those people are native Brits.

St. George’s Gate, of St. George and the Dragon! We have this incredible picture book of this story. Or we did… I hope we do! It’s one of my favourites because Una is coloured with this gorgeous, wispy dress of white and silver.

An arrow slat, for inflicting violence upon opposing forces! I love a good arrow slat. They make a castle so much more… castley!

Windsor Castle never had a real moat. They called it a “dry moat” because it had no water, and at some point a garden was put in there. It’s a beautiful garden; it really is. But it’s not a moat. Not even a little bit.

I took some “postcard pictures” that day.

Ooooh guardy guard, ooooh guardy guard! How you embody England! Oh guardy guard, oh guardy guard! How you embody England! Your coat is reeeeed, your hat is big… I’m too tired to make the song rhyme.

Our Starbucks are DEPRIVED!! Look at this goodness! Marshmallow twizzles!! WHERE ARE MY MARSHMALLOW TWIZZLES, HUH!? I have to go to England for them! And if you’re curious, these are exactly what they look like. Marshmallows on a stick, covered in chocolate and chocolate stars. Pure. Sugar. Goodness.

The best thing about England is that no matter where you go, it’s assumed you’ll require tea. And we required tea. Lots of it. So each hotel has a tea service readied for your arrival! I love England. Love it.

What having money looks like in England.

JUST to prove I was there. I’m breaking the “never wear sunglasses in a picture” rule. *is ashamed* And that blustery day did a number on my hair. England did many strange things to my hair. It still hasn’t recovered.

Listen to this stuff

Here are some songs that will console you while I’m in a faraway country. Listen, watch, and think of me fondly.

Speaking of which…

1. Think of Me

2. What Sara and I are Like on Vacation

3. Since I Love Korean Stuff You Should Sing This in My Honor

I even found you the one with romanized lyrics so you can totally learn it for reals, yeah? Or just do what I do and go around singing, “MEEESSSING YEW, AHM MEESSSING YYYEEEW!!”

4. An Educational and Britishy Song

This whole song is just made of epic win, but my favourite parts HAVE to be, “People hated us, and we hated them tooo!” and “Me, I would have been more at home in a… *inappropriately high note* zoo-oooo!” I sing that last line at work all the time. Makes my coworkers go, “What? o.O”

5. Because It’s Phil and Lord of the Rings

This will be the audio of choice during very long car (and possibly train) rides. So if you want to listen along, you may think of me listening too. In a country you wish you were visiting. But can’t, because you are not me. Wow, I should stop being so smug. I’m going to lose all my readers to envy. I’M SORRY, COME BACK, I LOVE YOOOOU!!!!

On Holiday!!

Monday, the 21st of May, I’ll be leaving for a three week holiday to the UK with my best friend and her parents. We’ll be predominately in England, but we hope to travel into Scotland by way of train. Due to my blissful departure, (I say that as if this entire week isn’t going to be off-the-wall hectic and stressful) I will be even more absent from my blog than I have been.

When I return, I hope to have a working computer. But I won’t know for sure until Best Buy gets back to me… or my mother who will direct the news to me via international phone. Which I still need to set up.

I’m very frightened of how many emails I’ll have. It was up to 180 last time I checked, and that was from being out sick for a mere four days. *shudder*

But just so you don’t feel left out, I’m giving you images of some of the grandest things I’m looking forward to on this trip. (Meaning, I want to make you all jealous. Bwahahahaha!!!)

Longleat Maze, Safari, and Orangery

Lyme Park of Pemberly renown

Highclere Castle, site of Downton Abbey

Coombe Abbey; 12th century Cistercian abbey we’re staying in

…IN LONDON.

I’d say I’ll miss you all, but considering where I’ll be and what I’ll be doing………

Oh fine. I’ll miss you all. “ARE YOU HAPPEH NOW??”

If anyone gets that quote, I’ll be stunned. Really. I challenge you all to figure it out in my absence. Get back to me with your best guesses. Hehehe.