Damn the Catch-Up, I'm Pushing Forward!

I was going to spend a lot of time playing catch-up with you all about all of the things that were happening, but I have come to the conclusion that I never actually will be able to catch up. So, the short version. We got back from the Grand Canyon, spent time with family, and left. First to Houston, where we spent the night with Jim and Erin, and their two lovely girls, both of whom fell in love with Stephen, then the next day on to London.

Jet lag was not bad, all things considered. Ash caught it the hardest of all of us. She was barely coherent the first day. We wandered a bit, then went to Herne Bay for dinner and a walk by the ocean. Stephen and Ashley played rough-and-tumble on the beach, while I picked up rocks and put them in Stephen's pockets. We went home about 20 pounds heavier from all of the rocks that we (meaning I) found. They are flint, which washes up onto the beach and has historically been used to build with. A lot of the very old buildings in Canterbury are made of flint. I love flint.

The weekend was catching up and getting used to the lay of the land. We walked a lot, trying to get Ashley especially comfortable with where things were. Monday was the meeting with her Headmaster. The decision was made to advance her a year into the 6th form, rather than hold her back a year. It was a good decision, since it meant there were no uniforms and she would have a lot more autonomy, which were the two things she was the most concerned about.

Tuesday we went to London to look for shoes, which was entirely unsuccessful. Doc Martin didn't have the right shoes in her size. Birkinstock didn't have any winter boots. It was still fun, though, and we met up with Stephen's mum for dinner. Ashley really likes her.

Ash started school on Wednesday, and thus far, she is liking it. She says there is a lot that is different, they treat her a lot more like an adult, and the classes go much faster. She came home with a friend, which was slightly surprising, and also embarrassing, since there really is no furniture in the house.

Stephen started his new job just this last Monday, and thus far he likes it. They have let him off pretty easy, not overwhelming him with too much to do, which I suppose is a nice thing. I have been able to walk up and have lunch with him, which is even nicer, I think.

I had a meeting with the department head yesterday, and everything is set to go. My tutors have been hand picked, as will be the school which I teach in in January. He likes me, and we apparently share a lot of the same educational philosophies... but he admitted that I am the first international student to come mid course and finish this degree. I'm a guinea pig. Exciting.

Last bit of news... we will have internet at the house in 6 days. That means I'll be able to keep better in touch with all of you. You are missed!