One thing that has really hit me this week is how difficult this is. I mean, I knew that it was not going to be easy, but I suppose I assumed that our shipment of stuff would be here by now. I assumed that when I was bored I would take a jaunty walk around Huddersfield, pop into the Café Society for an allergy free snack then set off home and bake something to keep myself busy….at other times I would be blogging and looking for a job.

Well – our shipment has not arrived yet and I am going stir crazy. I keep going out and wanting to purchase things I see, only to remember that the exact same thing may be floating over the Atlantic at this very moment towards me. Then I put it down an walk away – between the tight budget we have out ourselves on and frustration I may be going stark raving mad.

I was thinking that perhaps I could go out with girlfriends for a cheer me up and then remembered that I know no-one in this city and the closest person I have known long enough to consider the type of girlfriend who would put up with my whinging (see below) is a 4 hour train ride away in the London area.

But it is not all gloomy. When I am able to get the willpower to force myself out of the house (like I did today, hence my writing this on my iPhone at the Kingsgate mall), I go out…and walk around….and get frustrated I should not buy anything because 1)where would I put it (again see below), 2)do I have a duplicate so do I really need two? and 3)what a waste of money – we really don’t NEED it.

And living like that is driving me nutty – I mean that’s how I do groceries for God’s sake. That and feeling guilty for late night online hopping once in a while to just cheer me up. For some reason that does not feel like I am spending – £10 online seems to be negligible compared to £3.99 in real life….apparently.

But enough of my whinging (yes, that word again) – this post is supposed to be about what I have learnt.

1)West Yorkshire seems to consistently have bad weather. Maybe I am just lucky, but it is always snowing or pouring. I crave a moment of sunshine that I used to at least get mid-snow in Toronto. It seems every time I get ready to leave the house it decides to pour. And my brolly is still packed in one of the three suitcases that are still waiting for the bloody chest of drawers to be delivered (please God tomorrow).

2)English people are still mentally separated a la the War of the Roses….eg Lancashire vs Yorkshire. I live in Yorkshire. Half hour train’s ride away is Manchester which is in Lancashire. Completely different accents and some different slang…eg. Mc Doh’s is Yorkshire slang. Mackey D’s is Lancashire…and Mickey D’s is Canadian. Crazy people – just all it Mc Donald’s dammit! Don’t even get me started on the South vs the North, Ireland, Wales or Scotland!

Other slang I have discovered (although some are familiar to me and may be straight forward):

- whinging = whining eg quit your whinging!
- brolly = umbrella (this I knew but apparently Luv Luv did not till recently)
-rubbish = garbage
-innit = isn’t it – for affirmation e.g. That’s my brolly innit?

And I am sure many more can come to mind if I sat here a bit longer.

3) The English slaughter the Queen’s English daily. Grammar on a conversational basis is all wrong. “That’s just wrong, that is!”

4) British “ladies” between the ages of 16 and 25(ish?) wear way, way, way too much makeup an probably wake up two hours in advance to make their hair stick straight and shiny….and how they keep it that way in this weather I would LOVE to know! And yes, I realise that was a huge stereotype!

5) British free tv sucks *ss period. At least it is free rubbish!! :p

6) I have discovered a new baking guru – her name is Mary Berry. I love her – so sweet and so much fun! I watched her life story today – she has been through so much but is still suh a lovely lady. Think I am in love…and will be searching out a few of her recipes. Wish I could meet her and do a whole “convert to allergy free” baking session with her for a day or two! Of course my Mom would HAVE to be invited!

7) British business & daily life moves MUCH slower than that in Toronto. And it gets dark much sooner (4 pm!!!)

Other than that, I guess the move has gone well – I know we’re to get most supplies, what I cannot get in shops I get online….my cousin Kathryn and other friends across here have given me some good tips and all I have to do now is have patience (waiting for my stuff to reach) and keep busy (easier said than done!).

I will continue to keep you updated – any tips to help me out are welcome! Any visitors are as well…