It's OVER!

One of my oldest friends has let me down and I think it's over between us. For 27 or 28 years we have always been there for each other. We have always been inseparable. It just really breaks my heart. Where did we go wrong? How could this all happen?

I knew there was something wrong about two years ago. My friend's attitude changed and it started getting a little wiry and had a change of attitude.  I really thought it was a phase. Apparently not! This change is here to stay and I am not happy at all!

This hair has got to go!

Stressful Shopping

Since moving to the Uk in January I have done the bulk of my grocery shopping on base at the commissary. It's not my first choice but it is nice being able to use my coupons and get all the items I am used to from home. Plus, hitting the commissary is easy since I am on base about 3 times a day. But I really do prefer buying my fruit, veg and meat products from a local grocery store. My personal preference is Waitrose. It's located in Ely right at the city centre. We go to Ely at least once a week and it give me a chance to pop in and grab some yummy goods. There is also a place in Ely called Tesco. Waitrose is very much like Publix's or Harris Teeter while Tesco is equal to Walmart (although Asda is the UK Walmart and I haven't been to one yet). There is something about Tesco that stresses me out. No...let me rephrase that; Shopping in the UK stresses me out!!!

Everyone in this country is in a hurry and on a mission. You never see anyone in a UK grocery store (at least the ones I have been in so far) with a grocery list or reading labels. A lot of times I am gently nudged out of the way by a stranger wanting to be where I am standing. No one smiles or says hello. DO NOT GET ME WRONG: there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of the above. I personally enjoy strolling around the grocery store checking things off my list, finding the best deal and checking out new stuff. I am also way to nice to knock people's carts out of the way. Maybe I can find a training course that will teach me to shop a little more aggressively?

One more little thing I need to get off my chest: the UK shopping carts. Have you ever been to Ikea? While at Ikea have you ever grabbed one of their shopping carts to push around and fill with your finds? The shopping carts go sideways not forward and are a BITCH to push around a crowded store. I really, really dislike them can you tell?

Today, since Mike is home sick, I decided to run to Tesco and pick up some things for the weekend. I honestly thought it wouldn't be bad since it was before noon on a Friday. Silly me for thinking most people would be working! Tesco is so much like Walmart in that respect. The parking lot is always full and you wonder who in the World is working! I ended up being there for one hour. The aisles were packed with people sliding around their junky UK carts. By the time I made it to the car I could feel my heart racing!

I'm not sure I will be going to Tesco again! Or should I force myself to go there weekly as a type of therapy? Check back and see if I have what it takes to shop with the locals!

Just Some Random Photos

Not much has been happening in the LeCroy house since my sister Megan left two weeks ago. Mike and I both got sick right as she was about to leave and it took me 10 days to get better. Never in my LIFE have I ever had such a horrible sinus infection. Thankfully we are all healthy at the moment. I am hoping for some nice weather soon so we can go on another adventure. Of course nice weather just means nothing more than a light sprinkle and 32 degrees!

Please enjoy some of my random favorite pictures of the moment.

Funny Dreams

Aren't dreams wonderful? My entire life has been filled with strange, full color, creative dreams. Last night I had two great dreams that made me giggle when I woke up. In one dream I got on a scale and weighed 139.5 lb.! hahahahaha! I haven't weighed 140 since...hummm...maybe 2004 or 2005? We don't even own a scale and I let go of my number obsession in 2005. Mike and I have been talking a lot lately about how we have shed a few pounds since arriving in the UK. There are not many fast food establishments for us to frequent and we eat at home most every night. Not to mention we have three flights of stairs we walk up and down a million times a day! This dream almost makes me want to step on a scale to see my current weight. Stay tuned to see if I get brave enough.

My second dream involved a visit to a small factory in Parkersburg, WV that made chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies for Easter. The factory only operated two weeks a year and I had to place an order for my bunnies. They made marshmallow bunnies in lots of shapes that I don't think would be possible in reality. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten chocolate before bed last night! I wish the factory really existed!

Liam's Favorite Dinner

There's nothing better than the smell and taste of a chicken roasting in the oven. This has become Liam's favourite meal. It always turns out so beautiful, tasty, and impressive. If you haven't roasted your own chicken before I suggest you give it a go. Your guests will not be disappointed.

1 Whole Free Range Chicken
1 stick soft unsalted butter
1 Lemon
Fresh Thyme
Salt
Pepper
Garlic

I make a compound butter with some thyme, salt, pepper, garlic and lemon zest. Loosen the chicken's skin and place the butter under the skin. Make sure to push the butter all over under the skin. Cut the lemon in half or quarters and place in the cavity with some sprigs of thyme and whole garlic gloves. Salt and pepper the outside of the bird and place in the oven. Don't forget to let the chicken rest when it comes out of the oven.

Really?

Before reading this post I suggest you read this article about super model Gisele Bundchen's recent child birth experience.

I always give credit were credit is due. All natural child birth is an area that deserves an award or a big fat diamond in my opinion. Over the years I have acquired a large group of friends that have chosen to have their wee ones with no pain medicine. They are truly amazing women! Even I considered this option for Liam's birth but decided to go with a light epidural instead. I really hate to fail and knew I would not be able to live with myself if I was reduced to begging a nurse for an epidural.

After reading this article and Gisele's comments I had a laugh. Being one of the most gorgeous women in the world with one of the hottest men by your side isn't enough? Nope! You also have the biggest pain tolerance in the World and can give birth without blinking an eye. NOT FAIR!

Now I have to get pregnant and see if I can have a pain free child birth! Yes...I am really that competitive!