Bit by bit.....

Somehow the title of this post seems to work for many areas in my life right now. What made me think of this is that at E's nursery they are taking in a bit of uniform each day this week. The thinking is that by learning to put on each part of the uniform little by little, the kids will not feel worried about uniform dressing, and they will be used to it by the time that school starts next week. On Tuesday the kids took their jumpers or sweatshirts, today was plimsoles (small indoor pe shoes), and tomorrow will be backpacs and pencil cases. E's backpack came with a pencil case that attaches to an inside pocket. Gosh, I hope I wasn't to buy another one (guess I could pick one up this weekend!). E seems to like this and it is easier then my telling him to practice! We had another easy day of drop off and pick up. He really seems to like being there and the staff really seem to like the kids. It is bright and cheerful and the staff wear bright pink polo shirts.
In terms of other bits....today was a half day for the girls and staff alike. Margaret, Joan (French, Spanish, Italian AND german-how amazing is that!) and I went for tapas today for lunch. There is an amazing tapas bar in the Complex in Belfast. We each ordered two tapas and then picked from each others plates. I think we had: tortilla espanola, pollo con limon, chorizo con vino, una ensalada de tomate con goat cheese, serano ham and cheese on toast points, and smoked salmon on toast. Very tasty. Not being ones to pass up chocolate-we had orange and chocolate cheesecake and tea (or cafe!) and orange tart. So very good.
The final bits of daily life are coming together and I am starting to feel like I know a bit about living here. (Not tons mind you, but a bit!). I know how to get the bus and train into town, how to get the train to where I meet my ride for school and home again. How to get to Carrick to see the castle and shopping, etc. I am, as I have posted very found of grocery with Mr. Tesco, but have found a like soul in Margaret as we both love to grocery shop IRL (in real life). The girls come tomorrow for class and I'm a bit worried, which I know is normal.
Hugs and Love from the Belfast duo!
ML and EE

School and Daycare

Tomorrow marks my second week of school here in Belfast. Nevermimd that I don't see kids until this Thursday (which is okay with me). Ethan starts his new daycare tomorrow. Daycare here is known as nursery, and E's is fantastic. Not only is it two houses away from us-they have an amazing set up. The primary nursery building is painted in soft pastels and E's room is set up as a pre-school with lots of stations and activities. The kids have breakfast and lunch there. After lunch they move across the street to the "afterschool club" where the p1 and p2 kids go after school. In the afterschool house there is a homework room, a book room, arts and craftsroom, a big back garden etc. The staff seems very friendly and they also do walking trips to the beach, library and the like. On Sept 7th, he starts primary school in P1 (much like K at home). Can I tell you how much I love school uniforms here! E's uniform is a green polo with the school crest, a grey pants, grey sweatshirt, socks, black school shoes. The uniform even has a school coat and bookbag. Once again everythign has the school crest. It just looks so "smart" as the people here would say. We've got shorts with knee socks to start out the year. Doesnt' that just sound so very, very British?! Anyway, it's off to bed with me as I don't think I've had a solid night sleep in the three weeks we've been here and it is so causing me to be moody.
xoxo
DM and EE

Changes and a little bit homesick.

Day two of the inservice days went well. More meetings, more dept meetings, and time to work in classrooms. Very much the same format as school at home. We had lunch at the health club in Hollywood near school. I had a very good lime chili chicken sandwhich. It seems that lime chili is very big here at the moment. I've got a day of lesson plans finished. I'd like to have one more finished so that the first two days can be as non-stressed as they can. My time table here is different everyday, and with nine periods a day, it may be six months before I know what is going on! For example, on Thursday's I start with a double period of lower sixth, then move on to see two groups of second year, a group of third year, and a group of fourth year. And Thursday's my easy day. Oh, my! I think once I get going it will be okay.
Today E and I got a chance to sleep in a bit. We had toaster pancakes for breakfast. Pancakes here are a bit different, but Sainsbury's (grocery) sells packets of "American Pancakes". If only I could find Mrs. Butterworths. It seems that you just toast them and then add butter or jam. French toast is a bit different as well. Kids eat it with-ketchup! Go figure! After our somewhat American breakfast we went to the post office, the library to exchange books, and then to the butcher for chicken and sausage rolls. I love the library ladies. They are so interested in the fact that we are American and are always so friendly to Mr. E. The one always remembers his name and knows that he likes Balamorey books. In fact, now that he has checked out all the ones that they have, she has ordered three more! We've been here three weeks and the "newness" has worn off a bit. I am homesick and find that little things are starting to get to me. I know that this is normal per the Fulbright orientation. I just wish that I had some more American interaction. Thank Heavens for skype-I think it keeps me sane!
love from Nore Iron!
ML and EE

Day One

Happy Thursday everyone! Today was our first of three teacher days. This AM I took the train to the next station, walked about a block and then went to Margaret's house. We took her boys to daycare adn then went on to school. This AM started with coffee in the workroom and then an opening meeting where the teachers were given congrats about test scores. The scores were so good that we were given an extra half day off. That means that fall break will start at noon and not the end of the day! Woo hoo! Student's here take three different tests in what would be our high school. AT the end of the fifth year, there is a test called GCSE. Student's only take the test in subjects that they choose to study. Students can leave school after this. Those who want to go to university take a two year programme called A Levels. Most students would only take three A level classes. These classes would have something to do with what they hope to study in university. At the end of the first year there are exams called AS levels. Students continue on to take their A Level exams at the end of their second "sixth form" year. Grades from these exams are what helps them to get into college. I am teaching students from form 1 (age 11) to second sixth form (age 18).
This afternoon we had lunch in an old primary school turned cafe. Very yummy! The school also breaks daily for 15 minutes for snack or tea. STudents and teachers both have this time. This afternoon there was a meeting about assembly which students attend at least twice a week. During this time there is a topic, as well as a hymm etc. Tomorrow we're in for more meetings and then time to work in our rooms.
hugs,
dm and ee

Woohoo! A working computer!

While working on the computer on Sat. Night, I noticed an odd smell. Then the computer went blank! Oh, no-could it be that my major way of communicating with the world was gone? 3.5 days later, thank to Alan, Carol's machine has a new power source and I have a working computer again! I can't tell you how happy this makes me, as not only do I depend upon the computer for news, AIM, e-mail and the like, I use Skype for my round the world phone calls! So, you can see why I am thrilled to be online and in touch again!
In other news, tomorrow (not today) is the first new teacher day. As I did not have school today, I took E to the childminders and then went off to do a few "day before school" things. I went into the city centre (center for my Indiana readers :), and went to Lush for some "Honey I washed the Kids" soap (amazing stuff) as well as a mobar bath melt. I then went to Eason's for a school diary for the year. I got a bright red one. I was only sad that they didn't have them in Charlie and Lola! On, then to Waterstones where I bought books that I really don't need. I can't help it having a stockpile of books makes me feel better. On to Boots, the chemist for some MORE bath products. They have a line of products from the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Gardens. Really lovely scrubs and lotions. You can never have too many bath products or books when starting something new and kind of stressful! I went to Mothercare (somewhat of BabyGap meets Babies R Us) to get Mr. E a pair of Postman Pat jammies (E is wearing said jammies at this very moment!). Finally, I went to Marks and Spencer's food hall (imagine Dillards having a grocery with very yummy things) to get E some low fat, no artificial colors, kiddy lunches and a lunch box. I also got myself some dark chocolate-orange biscuits. Ace! I'll write tomorrow night about day one:)
hugs and kisses to all at home!
dm

School Starts on Tuesday

Where has the summer gone? In someways it has been very long as I was waiting to get here! In other ways, it seems like it just started. Carol started school last Monday and the kids came on Wed. She is doing well. I start on Tues. with an afternoon meeting for new teachers. All staff meetings are the rest of the week. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. E will not start til the 7th of Sept. which feels like a very long way away right now. We went downtown today to do a bit of shopping. I still need to get a planner and an alarm clock. I went back to Lush-gosh i LOVE that place! Today was a freebe day and I walked out with two new (and free) products in addition to my usual stuff. I was very good and did not buy a thing at all in the BBC store. We had a snack at Marks and Spencer (one of my fav places) and then walked to the Disney store so that E could get his costume. He picked PowerRangers. He's so happy to have something to dress up in again. Such a drama king! Walked past my usual bookstore and tried out a new one. I think I'll be visiting them both (oh no!) as they are so very different. I'm off to read E his new Alfie book!
xoxo,
dm and e

Thanks Mr. Tesco

I've fallen in love with a man that I've only met three times! He is wonderful, always on time (or a ltitle early) and comes with wonderful things to eat! It's too bad he works for the local market, or he might just be the perfect man! Tesco here is much like Kroger at home, with the added bonus of a delivery service. To do my shopping I just go to the website, type in what I need, pay and pick a time for the goodies to come. Not only can you pick the day but also the time (a two hour block). When Mr. Tesco comes you simply sign the bill and then bring the bags inside. I'm thinking that someone in Madison really needs to provide this!
In other news, we go to meet E's headmaster tomorrow. We're taking a wooden puzzle of the US as a gift to the school. After the meeting E will have a trial day at the new childminders. I'll leave him for an hour or so and then pick him up. I'm thinking of going to the library for the hour that he is there. His uniform is so cute, and I hope to have my camera dock working by the first day so that I can post a picture!
Looking forard to seeing Mr. Tesco tomorrow!
Michele

Old McDonald had a farm.........

We have had such a wonderful day today! Katherine (of Fred and Katherine fame) picked us up this AM to go visit a working farm near Belfast. It was amazing. E got to feed a baby goat from a bottle, see and pet cows, pigs, sheep, deer, rabbits and the like. The most amazing thing to me was watching him very sweetly hold a baby chick. He was so amazing and tender with it. The boys also enjoyed playing in a hay loft and using the slides there. Thanks to K and her amazing boys for taking us along. K also packed an amazing picnic and we were met by their family friends for lunch. In other news, Carol started school today and I've been a bit on pins and needles about that. I also find that I am feeling a bit like an overworried mother thinking about my students today. Without a doubt they are in excellent hands, but it is hard to let go a bit. After Mr. E asking for almost a week we are ordering Pizza Hut for tea tonight. PH here is FAR more expensive then at home so I don't think it'll be a weekly treat by any means. Still, it will be nice to have something that reminds us of home. The woman who did our culture shock class in DC talked about the "honeymoon" period ending after one or two weeks and I think we're there. It's not that things areanything but great here, but I'm really starting to miss home.
Mr E is getting along well and is playing playstation with the little boys from next door. He seems to blend in well where ever we go and another mother commented today about how social he is. He really is a great kid. Last night he had tea with the family next door and then played there for about two hours. I'm glad that he is making friends.
hugs to everyone at home,
ml and bl

Children's TV

When we lived in the States E's babysitter and I often had talks about the quality of the children's shows in the UK. Pam's sister has lived in the uk for 20 years and so her children have grown up there. Being here only over a week, I have to agree with Pam's thoughts-the kids programmes here are great! E really enjoys watching BBC children's TV. Our fav's at the moment are Charlie and Lola, which we can get back home on Disney channel, Big Cook Little Cook, and yesterday at a friend's suggestion, we picked up a PC Plum video. We'll watch it tonight. E also likes Postman Pat and got his first video yesterday as well at the BBC store. In other news, I've discovered the most amazing place called Lush. It's somewhat Bath and Body store, but everything is all natural and the products are amazing. Last night I used the MMM marshmellow float (Which has cocoa butter in it). It makes amazing pink bubbles and turns the water a very girly pink. I also have a "happy pill" in waiting. It is a large bath tablet in orange and lemon that does citrus sented bubbles. Such fun! They have a website www.lush.com but it looks like the closest us store to us is chicago. oh, well. i can alway sinternet shop!
tl,
ml

And yet more food.........

When we were getting ready to move the the UK, I had this crazy idea that I would be able to diet here. I was so very wrong. In the last two days we've been invited to tea at two different houses. On Sat. night we went to tea at the neighbors house and had a wonderful time. Louise and Paul have two little boys, 4, and 8. E had a wonderful time playing with them, and then after a tea of chicken, veg, and apple pie with heavy cream we went for a walk on the beach. After the beach we let the children play at the playground. Even playground words are different: merry go rounds are round-a bouts, and jungle gyms are climbing frames. Swings are just that, swings! Yesterday we went to lunch at Carol's sister, Rosemary's house. Her family is wonderful as well. We got to met her DH, two children, SIL Janice who is training to be a midwife (how cool is that?!), her children, and family friends Healther, JAmes, and Matthew. We had a lovely roast chicken, veg, pie, yummy lemon roll, tea and sarnies and fruit. We didn't get home from "lunch" til almost eight pm! People have been so kind about welcoming us here. It really has made being so far away from home a very positive thing. Last night very late I had a nice talk with ANgy our media person at school and our dear friend Pam. I can't decide if talking to people at home makes me feel better or a bit homesick. I start school next Tuesday and we're going to meet the childminder tomorrow. I need to go downtown to do some shopping and I'd also like to take E to the children's museum in Belfast before we get back to school. In some ways I'm looking forward to going back to work and in others I'm getting very comfy with my daily life here at "home".
Til later,
ML

Swimming and cake

Yesterday the Llama family headed out with Margaret and her fam to go swimming in a town about 25 minutes away. The pool was amazing with a baby/child pool that had a fountain, slide etc, and was on two levels, one for babes and one for older kids. Can you guess which one the baby llama had to be in? We had tea at the pool center (kind of like the new gym at Hanover College) and while the kids had cookies, the adults had 15s. These cookies (think something like rice crispie treats) get their names from the fact that you need 15 of each item: 15 marshmallows, 15 digestive and 15 cherries. Add a tin on sweetened condensed milk, roll into a log, pop in the fridge and then slice. VERY yummy. After our snack we went to eat past at their house and then a friend called to see if we'd like to go for pudding at their house (pudding is dessert). We had the most wonderful time sitting in their garden while the boys played with their four boys and friends. E had a blast. We also had the most wonderful cheesecake and homemade icecream. Amazing! (Katherine does catering and has her own business) We got home about 11 PM and the BL and I just went right to sleep. See, I do have a good reason for not posting last night! We've been invited to go to a working farm for a picnic with this family next Wednesday.

On having a backyard (garden)

At home we have a large front yard but because it faces a very busy street, it is not the ideal place for Mr. E to play without an adult. Here we have a small back garden (same idea) that is totally enclosed. E is out there playing right now. He feels so very proud that he can be outside by himself and I love the fact that he can't get out! I have a feeling he'll be back there quite a bit! We're going swimming today with Margaret and her boys. It feels like late Oct./early Nov. weather here now, so the idea of going swimming seems really odd to me. The pool, which is indoors, has a great kids pool and play area. We're off in a little bit to go to the libary and the chemist (drug store) and latter to do some more shopping. I've been doing laundry all day (from 4 am) and have just put the last load into the washer. Doing laundry here takes much longer than at home. It's fine, it just means that I'll have to do it more often. I'll try to write again tonight.
ml

Castles, Sticky Toffee Pudding and the TRain

This morning we got up and decided to head into Carrickfergus to take back a pair of E's uniform pants that will soon be too smalll. I was amazed at how easy this was-didn't even need the paperwork! We now have another pair in the correct size. I'm thinking of going to Marks and Spencers to get another pair next week but I'm not sure. Anyway, after getting the uniform pants, we walked down to Carrickfergus castle which dates, I believe, to the 10th century. We toured the castle and then walked down to (i know, i know) McDonalds for a couple of Happy Meals. Having finished lunch I promised that we'd stop at a bakery for a treat. We'd passed two yummy looking ones on the way to the castle. Somehow we managed to get to the train station by another street, so no goodies today.
The Tesco man, called Mr. Tesco, came EARLY today with my weekly order of groceries. I can't tell you how nice it is to place the order online and then have it show up within a two hour period of your choice. Not too much is different from my list back home, but I am amazed with the fresh pasta/fresh take out (they'd say take away here)meals that you can get. We also love chocolate covered digestive biscuits (cookies). On my friend Margaret's advice, I ordered two mini sticky toffee puddings. They come in a tub (pot here) and you put one in the microwave and then turn upside down on a plate. Very yummy. Imagine something like upsidedown cake with a very thick toffee sauce. I'm pretty sure that it's not low cal!
Tonight we're just hanging out at the house, and watching a movie. (Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body-hi Jill!). Funny thing that I learned this week-Oprah is on TV here :) In other notes, E has started calling me Mum about 20 percent of the time.
xoxo,
ml and bl

A very quiet day here.

We spent the day at home watching too many DVD's and hanging out on the computer. We did walk to the school so that E could see it up close, however it's not open right now. We went to the local "chippy" and had fish and chips for tea tonight. i just got off the phone with mom and dad and now i really miss home. i miss home.
ml

Learning to use the bus......

Yesterday we decided to be brave and take the bus into town. Margaret had shown me where to get the bus-right in front of the house more or less-and where we wanted to go. There is a great open air group of shops right on Royal Ave in the city center. Imagine all the shops from the mall, but right there on the street. We had a wonderful time. Mr. E is very pleased to have is very first Big Cook , Little Cook dvd from the bbc kids show. We also went to Marks and Spencer, both the store and the food hall. Got the rest of e's uniform at MS and then took a look through the food hall in the basement. Very cool. There is an amazing bookstore and a more amazing three story Boots that i'll have to save for a day when i'm alone. While there is a ToysRUs here, the local store is called ELc-Early Learning Centre-which is amazing. Last night we went for tea at MArgaret and Al's house. Very yummy. Well, the baby llama is awake so i shall go til tonight.
hugs,
ml

School Uniforms and such......

We had another crazy night last night-so tonight we're trying a bit of benedryl to help us sleep at the right times. that said, things continue to go well. i was VERY tired today, mayble because of lack of sleep the last couple of days. oh well. on to the big news: We went today to get E's school uniform. He's not fond of the idea that he'll have to wear one, but i thought it was something right out of a Harry Potter/Noel Strattfield book. We went to the uniform shop which was on the second floor of the building and they had EVERYTHING with the school logo on it. I had planned to get 5 of everything so that i'd only have to do wash on weekends, but margaret and the shop assistand talked me out of it. that would never happen in the states-they'd try to tell me i needed more than i would. so, we now have two greenisland primary sweatshirts, three green polos, two pair of trousers, four pair of socks, and the cutest backpack with the school crest as well as the school coat. pjxxiii are you all listening to the cool stuff they have here? next we were on to clarks for shoes where we got some school shoes with footballs on them (soccer balls) and a pair of plimsoles (slip on gym sneakers). the only things we need now are a pe kit bag and a pe kit (UNIFORM). See, everything here has a uniform :). we had lunch at th emall at KFC and then on home. i'm exhausted by all of this. we're going to try to take the bus into town to do some shopping tomorrow: pe bag, kit, and word tin. i still cant' post pix, but allen, margaret's dh is coming by soon to help with that.#
hugs from here!
ml and bl

Day 2

Well, it's day two here in Belfast. We had a hard time sleeping last night. We crashed at about five and then everything was good til about 10. E got up at 12 and we watched tv til 2. After that we both went back to sleep til -ready for this?-12:15 . oh, dear, there was a note under the door from margaret and family asking us to brunch at 1 pm. ran and got ready feeling very much unsure how to do normal things-plugging in the hair dryer etc. got e dressed and ready. we had a wonderful time at margarets house having brunch with her family (her two boys are so very cute) and her friend andi. then maggie and family took us to the park and on to the beach. ethan got to wear his "wellies" for the first time today -they are so cute, they have frog faces on them. for those back home, wellies are rain boots. i feel like i've had a personal victory, as i've used the oven with some success! we had pizza for tea tonight and then chocolate chip cookies. e is now upstairs watching scooby-doo and i'm having a bit of a computer bread while doing some laundry for tomorrow. i'll try to download some photos tonight or tomorrow. we feel so lucky to have margaret and family here to help us. they are just wonderful. tomorrow we're off to get e's school uniform!
love from here,
michele and ethan

Here we are

Well the day has finally come-we're made it to the belfast area. forgive the lack of caps or correct grammar, but i can't find tons of stuff on this keyboard, despite the fact that it looks just like mine at home. the week in dc was grand, but i'm so glad to be here and somewhat at home. carol's house is really lovely-the colors are very warm, and the kitchen is great.
We flew in from boston last night into the early morning, and mr. e did a wonderful job of sleeping all the way there. once in dublin we had a lovely lady help us find the correct bus, as she was waiting on the same one. margaret, who must be an angel, picked us up at the bus, showed us round, took us to breakfast and the market and then a quick tour of the house. she is awesome. thanks, margaret for everything. i had a tesco grocery drop planned for tonight, and it came right on time. very good news. i am sad to say that any plans i had of dropping weight here will be most hard to do, as the food is fab. i don't know how i've lived 32 years withotu chocolate covered digestives -those whould be cookies to you and me ;) the little one is upstairs watching charlie and lola. as his dvds will not work here, we got a charlie and lola here as well as scoobie-doo. i'll write more tomorrow-and i hope our bodies finally figure out that it's night time here-even if it is the middle of the day back home1