Going to America

First off I'd like to say that it's only since moving to England that I find myself saying America and American. I'd been one of those people who said 'United States' in deference to the other Americas about- central, south, etc. But if you say 'United States' here it makes you look like kind of a twat. (US is okay however.)

Anyway, in less than a week I'll be flying back to the US for my first visit since I moved here 2 years ago. It will be interesting, but not too much so, as most of the people I'd have liked to see have all moved far away from Boise (NATE). Everything is mostly taken care of although there is too much last-minute work for me to possibly finish last-minute. I'm going to have a hard time not bringing work with me - especially as a few of the days I'm on holiday I HAVE set aside for work, just other kinds. (Some conference days, and making some contacts at BSU, which are what's paying for all the plane tickets hotel etc... hey free vacation for a couple days work? OK!)

Ever since last Friday I've been thinking pretty constantly about all the US food I've not had in 2 years or longer. It's not even food I necessarily want or even LIKE. It's just that I've realized that soon, they will be within my grasp, and I COULD have them if I wanted them.

Egg nog!
Beef jerky!
Hot pockets!
Pizza bagels!
Hamburger Helper!
Peanut Butter M&Ms!
Some Dude's Fry Sauce!
Frozen wontons from Winco!
Kraft box macaroni and cheese!
Paul's Market restaurant style salsa!

I don't even LIKE most of that stuff, but I keep THINKING about them. OK, the last two ARE things I like and will probably have when I'm back... although I'll feel a bit guilty about the mac and cheese. But the rest of that stuff, no way.

I'm definitely going to Mongolian BBQ though. Maybe twice.

Mmm, scrummy!

I don't mind most English slang I come across, but I just can't get behind this one.



It's supposed to be scrumptious+yummy (I think) but that is really not how it sounds. Might as well call it skeezy pizza or something.


Also, for some reasons lately I've been thinking about how the UK really doesn't have many vending machines. In the US they're sitting all over the place, but most of the time here you have to park someplace, go into the store, etc. The only place I've really seen vending machines are inside one or two of the buildings at work. No quick soda fixes here! (Probably better that way really.)

Everything You've Heard About English Weather is True

This is the current view from the kitchen window.

The weather changes so quickly and so much that I have to go out bundled up against the wind and cold, carrying a bag big enough to shove all my clothes in when it gets hot, plus an umbrella for when it starts raining. And that's just for mornings.

On the other hand, English chocolate is very good.

By the way, if anyone who's been to London or anywhere in England wants to give me advice on fun things to do and see, that would be awwwwwesome.


Not much of a blog post, I know. Sorry. I just wanted to remind everyone that I'm here.