In this post....why it takes two years to find a job
Even prior to arriving here in the UK, I had aspirations of going back to work. Nothing full-time, heaven knows I often feel overwhelmed in my current (unpaid) position as mom, chef, calendar manager, housecleaner, laundry queen, homework tutor, travel planner, appointment maker, thing finder and stuff getter.
When we applied to the school the children currently attend, I proudly added "interested in substitute teaching...hold a Master's degree in education" to the application email. Great help that was. No one inquired about my experience.
Therefore, it was my goal, after settling down our family in this new country, to pursuit some sort of work or volunteer occupation. After all, settling in would only take a few weeks, right?!
Not for our family. We arrived in March of 2011. We settled, with some difficulties and frustrations, into a townhome that we didn't love. We embraced it, however, and made the best of it. The children did not get spots at schools which meant that I home schooled them that spring. Only our daughter found a place at a sweet British school around the corner for the end of the school year (end of May - mid July). We returned for a long visit home to MN that summer. Upon returning to London in August of 2011, the big adjustment was to the new school. A large school is a complicated, interesting place, and it takes a while to figure out the system, the activities, the organization of family life within that school. Once we had that settled, January 2012 presented us with a letter of renewal for our tenancy in the townhouse. Hmmmm. We had embraced it! We had made the best of it! But...we really didn't have to stay there, now did we? We didn't own the place! So I decided to just look at what was out there. And wow, some very interesting and appealing places were out there! Next thing we know, we are planning a move for the first week of April. Upsetting the family again!!
In the meantime, husband had a job change - same company, just a different position and a different location. Praise God, the location happened to be very near our new townhouse. Once again, after we moved, feeling just settled, it was time for our MN summer home visit!! This takes us to late August 2012. This is when I learn that I have a recurrent hernia. And with navigating the medical systems here (private or public?), it took time. These silly hernias turned out to be a type which needs sooner rather than later surgery. Ugh!! In October 2012 I had two hernias repaired. Hopefully for the last time.
All of this is to say that it was not until January 2013 that I actually felt ready to pursuit employment. A chance meeting with the principal of the school set the process in motion. There was a great deal of paperwork, training, background checks, a medical examination and other miscellaneous requirements to complete. Hooray, finally, I'm happy to report that I think I'm cleared to work! It won't be often, as I plan to only sub in my areas of licensure. However, to start off with, occasional work will be much welcomed.
I am looking forward to helping at the school and ensuring that the curriculum set forth by the classroom teacher is continued as smoothly as possible in his or her absence.
This morning I went to New Scotland Yard and had a full set of fingerprints done. Not digitally either, like those cool little scanning machines they have at airport security (we have to be fingerprinted in this way every time we re-enter the UK). These fingerprints were old-school, with real ink on all of my fingers! You should have seen my hands afterwards! Yuck! And now they get sent to the FBI. How cool is that?
Yes, folks, this is why it has taken two years to get back into subbing. I'm super excited about it and hope it will go great!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
BEST girls weekend in London
In this post: how six "mums" had the best long weekend in London
Ok moms out there, how much do you appreciate get-aways with girlfriends? If you're like me, these occurrences don't make the calendar too often. That makes them all the more precious. It's not easy to get away. If you've got kids at home and you are the one running the household activities, it's a real challenge.
Recently six moms came together in London (hailing from 3 different countries). We're all from the Twin Cities, MN but two of us are living in Europe at the moment.
Here's what we did!
I'll provide the approximate timing to give you an idea for planning. Getting around this city often takes much longer than one would think!
Friday - arrival to Heathrow about 12:00/12:30. Settle into lodging about 2:00. Departure to hit the city of London about 3:30. We started at Westminster, eyeing The Eye, lingering on Westminster Bridge to take in the Houses of Parliament, exploring Westminster Abbey - the cloisters area was open. We snuck back there and tried to peek into as many hidden corners of the Abbey as possible. Choral boys rehearsed in the background and we seemed to be walking in another world, stepping upon the gravestones of all those important people who are lain in the floors.
Then we walked up Whitehall past 10 Downing Street to the Horse Guards Parade (photo opp with cheeky guard). From here we walked to Trafalgar Square and even spent about 45 minutes in the National Galleries, taking in some Turner, Remrandts and VanGoghs among others that I am too dumb to recall. Continuing on Pall Mall with glimpses of St James Palace (hoping to see Charles and Camilla but they didn't show). Then we walked up Old Bond Street and drooled over the luxury shops, taking us up to Oxford Street (we vowed to come back later and spent thousands). We spent some time browsing in Selfridges (I love that place!) before heading to our dinner destination: Roti Chai on Portman Mews. Caution - Do Not Walk Into the Invisible Glass Door like I did. Ouch. Ok, it's not invisible, I'm just a klutz! Once recovered from my head injury, I must say I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious. Perhaps a bit over priced for the small portions, but really delicious. They need more vegetarian options. Try the Rose Lemonade, it was delightful. For those who had an overnight flight, this was More Than Enough sightseeing and walking for the 1st day in London!!
Saturday - Saturday we went to the Portobello Road (Notting Hill) market. There is something for everyone here - antiques, collectibles, clothing, food, trinkets, souvenirs, bookstores, unique gifts.... I recommend starting at Ladbroke Grove and heading south to Notting Hill tube station. We timed it so that we arrived at Kensington Gardens for Afternoon Tea at the Orangery at 14:00. A gorgeous setting and for 19.95, I think it is a nice price as well. After our tea, we walked to South Kensington and visited the Victoria & Albert Museum from about 4:30 to 5:30, then continued to Harrod's (looking not buying, but again, vowing to come back and spend thousands). We finished the day with dinner at some Lebanese Restaurant on Brompton Road (Al-Azeer) or something, I don't remember the name, but the food was decent and great prices too. There were nice wrap sandwiches for as little as three pounds.
Sunday - Day trip to Cambridge. We took a 9:30 train to Cambridge, arriving before 11am. Walking to the city centre, we came upon the Market near the Tourist Office. We booked a 1:00 two-hour walking tour and then had enough time to get some nibbles for lunch from the market. The walking tour was well worth it. Our guide was funny and informative. I tried to bombard him with as many questions as possible. The city is fascinating and I was clueless! I secretly hoped that my IQ might be improved just from being in a city with so many intelligent people. I had no idea there were 31 colleges that made up Cambridge University. After the walking tour, we went to an Evensung service at the King's College Chapel. Like our guide had warned, yes, the hair on the back of my neck did stand up. Absolutely breathtaking. I am not sure I took in a breath during the whole service, it's just one big trance. Well after some religion we thought we'd better balance things out and head to a local pub. Problem is, we couldn't find a table at The Eagle (the boys from the choir were hogging some of them). We decided we had better see the river Cam before dark. Venturing towards the famous Mathematical Bridge, we went on a whim and actually PUNTED. Now don't ask me what this is, I'd never done it before, I thought punting had to do with American Football. This punting was 6 silly middle aged ladies giggling in a flat boat being pushed along the river by a handsome school boy. We got to see several of the colleges from the view of the river, bombard the schoolboy with questions about living in such a smart community, and passed under The Bridge of Sighs. Ahhhhh. It was lovely. Pricey but I have to say it was worth it. Alighting from the river we didn't have much time until our evening train! Not even enough time to get a Cambridge postcard! It's still on the must buy list! We ate at home Sunday evening, the ladies kind enough to say nice things about my homemade then frozen vegetarian moussaka, one of my favorite dishes discovered here in London. The evening ended with one poor soul getting locked in the bathroom. Oh the joys of old and not working so properly homes....
Monday - Once the house was clear (from smaller beings who went off to school) we lingered sipping coffee and tea and trying to decide what to do with ourselves. The decision was made to head to Covent Garden, where we circled for hours up and down the little streets, drinking Monmouth Coffees and using the "Testers" at Neal's Yard Remedies, and longing over Orla Kiely items and stopping One Last Time at Cath Kidston. Eventually we hit the massive Cool Brittania where they have every souvenir you can imagine and some you would have never thought of. Next massive shop stop was the seven level Sports Direct (Lilly Whites), located at Picadilly Circus. A great place to go if you want to find some football related items (aka soccer jerseys, jackets, etc). We meandered up Regent's Street to visit Liberty and Sweaty Betty. The plan was to take the tube up to Primrose Hill where we had a dinner reservation; however, we got a good dose of London Transport when we came to Oxford Circus Tube Station and saw the hundreds - could it have been thousands? - of people waiting (and queuing very politely) to get into the station ("Crowd Control" for the platforms down below" the announcer said). At that point we decided we would never make it to Primrose, feet were feeling heavy, tummies rumbling and thoughts turning to the all-too-near-reality that our fantasy time was soon over. Therefore we did what every good Londoner would do. We jumped on a bus and went to our local pub. This pub, The Clifton, is a gem. With a Zagat rating of 23, the local pub turns out some tasty menu items from the kitchen. Our waiter was a delight who pleasantly accepted all our questions and order changes with a smile. Lots of fish and chips with mushy peas were consumed. What better way to end our time in London?
Tuesday.....well, unfortunately, Tuesday contains one item. Departure. An arranged car came and whisked our fun to an end as the London memories began to settle into our hearts.
It was good times, girls!
Ok moms out there, how much do you appreciate get-aways with girlfriends? If you're like me, these occurrences don't make the calendar too often. That makes them all the more precious. It's not easy to get away. If you've got kids at home and you are the one running the household activities, it's a real challenge.
Recently six moms came together in London (hailing from 3 different countries). We're all from the Twin Cities, MN but two of us are living in Europe at the moment.
Here's what we did!
I'll provide the approximate timing to give you an idea for planning. Getting around this city often takes much longer than one would think!
Friday - arrival to Heathrow about 12:00/12:30. Settle into lodging about 2:00. Departure to hit the city of London about 3:30. We started at Westminster, eyeing The Eye, lingering on Westminster Bridge to take in the Houses of Parliament, exploring Westminster Abbey - the cloisters area was open. We snuck back there and tried to peek into as many hidden corners of the Abbey as possible. Choral boys rehearsed in the background and we seemed to be walking in another world, stepping upon the gravestones of all those important people who are lain in the floors.
Then we walked up Whitehall past 10 Downing Street to the Horse Guards Parade (photo opp with cheeky guard). From here we walked to Trafalgar Square and even spent about 45 minutes in the National Galleries, taking in some Turner, Remrandts and VanGoghs among others that I am too dumb to recall. Continuing on Pall Mall with glimpses of St James Palace (hoping to see Charles and Camilla but they didn't show). Then we walked up Old Bond Street and drooled over the luxury shops, taking us up to Oxford Street (we vowed to come back later and spent thousands). We spent some time browsing in Selfridges (I love that place!) before heading to our dinner destination: Roti Chai on Portman Mews. Caution - Do Not Walk Into the Invisible Glass Door like I did. Ouch. Ok, it's not invisible, I'm just a klutz! Once recovered from my head injury, I must say I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious. Perhaps a bit over priced for the small portions, but really delicious. They need more vegetarian options. Try the Rose Lemonade, it was delightful. For those who had an overnight flight, this was More Than Enough sightseeing and walking for the 1st day in London!!
Saturday - Saturday we went to the Portobello Road (Notting Hill) market. There is something for everyone here - antiques, collectibles, clothing, food, trinkets, souvenirs, bookstores, unique gifts.... I recommend starting at Ladbroke Grove and heading south to Notting Hill tube station. We timed it so that we arrived at Kensington Gardens for Afternoon Tea at the Orangery at 14:00. A gorgeous setting and for 19.95, I think it is a nice price as well. After our tea, we walked to South Kensington and visited the Victoria & Albert Museum from about 4:30 to 5:30, then continued to Harrod's (looking not buying, but again, vowing to come back and spend thousands). We finished the day with dinner at some Lebanese Restaurant on Brompton Road (Al-Azeer) or something, I don't remember the name, but the food was decent and great prices too. There were nice wrap sandwiches for as little as three pounds.
Sunday - Day trip to Cambridge. We took a 9:30 train to Cambridge, arriving before 11am. Walking to the city centre, we came upon the Market near the Tourist Office. We booked a 1:00 two-hour walking tour and then had enough time to get some nibbles for lunch from the market. The walking tour was well worth it. Our guide was funny and informative. I tried to bombard him with as many questions as possible. The city is fascinating and I was clueless! I secretly hoped that my IQ might be improved just from being in a city with so many intelligent people. I had no idea there were 31 colleges that made up Cambridge University. After the walking tour, we went to an Evensung service at the King's College Chapel. Like our guide had warned, yes, the hair on the back of my neck did stand up. Absolutely breathtaking. I am not sure I took in a breath during the whole service, it's just one big trance. Well after some religion we thought we'd better balance things out and head to a local pub. Problem is, we couldn't find a table at The Eagle (the boys from the choir were hogging some of them). We decided we had better see the river Cam before dark. Venturing towards the famous Mathematical Bridge, we went on a whim and actually PUNTED. Now don't ask me what this is, I'd never done it before, I thought punting had to do with American Football. This punting was 6 silly middle aged ladies giggling in a flat boat being pushed along the river by a handsome school boy. We got to see several of the colleges from the view of the river, bombard the schoolboy with questions about living in such a smart community, and passed under The Bridge of Sighs. Ahhhhh. It was lovely. Pricey but I have to say it was worth it. Alighting from the river we didn't have much time until our evening train! Not even enough time to get a Cambridge postcard! It's still on the must buy list! We ate at home Sunday evening, the ladies kind enough to say nice things about my homemade then frozen vegetarian moussaka, one of my favorite dishes discovered here in London. The evening ended with one poor soul getting locked in the bathroom. Oh the joys of old and not working so properly homes....
Monday - Once the house was clear (from smaller beings who went off to school) we lingered sipping coffee and tea and trying to decide what to do with ourselves. The decision was made to head to Covent Garden, where we circled for hours up and down the little streets, drinking Monmouth Coffees and using the "Testers" at Neal's Yard Remedies, and longing over Orla Kiely items and stopping One Last Time at Cath Kidston. Eventually we hit the massive Cool Brittania where they have every souvenir you can imagine and some you would have never thought of. Next massive shop stop was the seven level Sports Direct (Lilly Whites), located at Picadilly Circus. A great place to go if you want to find some football related items (aka soccer jerseys, jackets, etc). We meandered up Regent's Street to visit Liberty and Sweaty Betty. The plan was to take the tube up to Primrose Hill where we had a dinner reservation; however, we got a good dose of London Transport when we came to Oxford Circus Tube Station and saw the hundreds - could it have been thousands? - of people waiting (and queuing very politely) to get into the station ("Crowd Control" for the platforms down below" the announcer said). At that point we decided we would never make it to Primrose, feet were feeling heavy, tummies rumbling and thoughts turning to the all-too-near-reality that our fantasy time was soon over. Therefore we did what every good Londoner would do. We jumped on a bus and went to our local pub. This pub, The Clifton, is a gem. With a Zagat rating of 23, the local pub turns out some tasty menu items from the kitchen. Our waiter was a delight who pleasantly accepted all our questions and order changes with a smile. Lots of fish and chips with mushy peas were consumed. What better way to end our time in London?
Tuesday.....well, unfortunately, Tuesday contains one item. Departure. An arranged car came and whisked our fun to an end as the London memories began to settle into our hearts.
It was good times, girls!
Friday, March 8, 2013
WHAT is PGL?
In this post: just what is PGL?
In the UK schools, the joke goes that PGL stand for Parents Get Lost, because school kids go for a week at a time, leaving parents at home - alone. But Parents don't always stay home....
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| I had just as much fun as they did |
Over the week-long February break (called "half-term" here in the UK), the kids and I ventured out on a 3 day "Family PGL weekend".
Not everyone knows what PGL really is, especially if you're outside the UK. Even some people in the UK have never heard of PGL. So what is it?
Well, PGL is mostly an adventure camp. You do rope climbing, obstacle courses, vertical climbs, high ropes, archery, kayaking, and other adventure activities in a school-camp-like setting. Geared towards school groups, PGL also offers summer camps, family weekends, and outside-of-the-box opportunities for businesses to build their staff relationships (aka "team bonding"!).
PGL was established in 1957 by Peter Gordon Lawrence. The UK's leading provider of school activity courses and adventure holidays mainly in the UK, there are also locations in France and Spain. It began when Lawrence started leading canoe trips to young adult groups and grew into what it is today.
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| It is harder than it looks. Our eight year old could not step off the platform |
Not wanting to go far during our February break because Dad wouldn't be joining us, and also not wanting to drag the kids on another day trip to "sightsee", I was looking for something different. Something FUN, something outdoors, something that didn't require tons of planning on my behalf. The PGL family weekend checked all the boxes.
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| Can you see the bonding between these happy siblings? |
We all LOVED it. But it is not for everyone. The dorm like bunk-lodging might turn some of you off immediately. If you need luxury accommodation, this is not for you. The kids and I were housed in a room with 4 bunkbeds (8 beds), toilet, simple sink and 3 shower stalls. They provided the bedding.
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| what kid doesn't like going off to camp? |
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by our group leader, Rachel. We were shown to our room and then directed to a large hall, a gorgeous former hunting mansion where most of our group meetings would take place. There were board games set up to play and tea and coffee available. A couple of other families were there already. Dinner was served at 18h followed by "get to know you games" in the hall. Cheesy as they were ("name that tune while I gargle", "make a tower with shoes", "paper airplane contest") it did indeed allow us to mingle with the others in our group. There were 9 families. Being solo with my kids, I was pleased to learn I was not alone. One Dad was doing a father-son weekend with his 2 boys. A mom from London was celebrating her daughter's birthday (daughter's choice) and let her daughter bring a couple friends. One mom lived near the camp and brought her 2 children (recently divorced). The other 5 groups were 2 parent families with 1-4 children. All the kids were probably 8 and up. I wouldn't recommend PGL for smaller children, you'll just be sitting in your room while the activities are going on.
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| Caythorpe Hall where most of our large group activities took place |
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| board games upon arrival |
Saturday was a full day with four 1.5 hour sessions including High Ropes, Giant Swing, Sensory Trail, and Archery. We were placed in groups of about 10. Our group was the four of us and a family of 6. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served cafeteria style offering about 3 choices for main dish, one being vegetarian. The food was satisfying. I didn't cook it, and so it tasted even better. The kids enjoyed it, and there was a nice variety. Not bad for camp food.
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| Cafeteria |
Sunday morning there were 2 sessions: Vertical Challenge and Challenge Course. After lunch, we taxied back to the station and returned home to London!!
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| getting ready to be hoisted up for the Giant Swing. Grandma VanAmber would really love this one! |
The videos show a bit more of the FUN:
For more information or to book a PGL family adventure (weekend or weeklong) or maybe send the kids to camp!:
http://www.pgl.co.uk/PglWeb/families/default
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