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ABOUT ME
Christina age 35
From Michigan, USA
Moved to South Yorkshire 18 July, 2001
Married to Jamie on 6 Oct, 2001
Two smart step kids: Luke 15, Jodie 11
Two black cats: Mia (golden eyes) Steph (green eyes)
Housewife (but for 16 hours a week that I work a normal job)
Hate housework
Love my family
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How did I get here you ask??
It was early March I believe, 2001. I was working third shift at a hospital er in Grand Rapids Michigan. The ER could be many things, busy, interesting and yes BORING. All our computers were connected to the internet, and since I did patient registration, when there were no patients there wasn't much to do. I was playing a quick game of Euchre on Yahoo! when I met my hubby. He was my partner in this particular game, and I think we lost. We just seemed to hit it off, and when ever I went online, either at home or at work, he was there in some way. I'd have an email from him, or I'd get an Instant Message. We soon became good friends.
I started to open up to him, and we both learned many things about each other. It's strange really, I in no way was looking to start a romance in this fashion, but it happened. He started phoning me, and I him and we fell in love. I was about to make the biggest decision of my life. I wanted to meet him. It would be extremely expensive, but I felt so strange inside, like if I didn't see him soon, I'd explode. So, I moved home with my mother, sold many of my things, bought a plane ticket and went there in July 2001.
Seeing him for the first time was such a relief. He was more handsome than I'd imagined, but I was sure he'd hate me (lifetime member of the *No Selfesteem Club*!!) The flight was long, and I thought I'd never get here. I was completely nervous, and customs was horrid!! We were married that October. Now, in all honesty, I lied to my mother. I told her I'd met him in Michigan, when he was visiting friends (truth was he'd NEVER been to the USA). She wouldn't have understood, and I knew this was something I had to do. I told her the truth after the wedding, and she laughed. Not really knowing what to expect, or what was going to happen once I got here I was properly prepared for the Immigration process. But, things worked out fine. I now have Permission To Remain as a Spouse until spring 2003. Then I apply again to remain indeffinitely.
Adjusting To UK Life
I've been in the UK since 18 July 2001. It's not easy. I guess I always assumed that because we spoke the same language (not so true since Ive been here) that the two countries would be a bit more similar. Aside from the obvious, like driving on the other side of the road and car, there are many things here that baffle me. I didn't know until I came here that a lot of people don't own clothes dryers - such as us! I've had to learn to cope with this. I went from doing My laundry with a washer and dryer, to doing laundry for 4 with no dryer. In the summer, this isn't such a problem - hang them outside (weather permitting). But in the winter, it's quite a chore. I have a clothes rack now, that I put up infront of the radiator. It takes a tremendous amount of time to dry them this way, so I also place clothes on the other radiators through out the house. Only one problem with this - Jamie's allergies. When the clothes dry in this way it puts the detergent and fabric softener into the air, which makes him sneeze.
Food is another difference that I've had to adjust to. Sure, there are McDonalds, Burgerking etc...but things I took for granted back home just can't be found here. I've gotten a package or two from my mother and when my sister came for the wedding she brought me TWO 5lb blocks of Velveeta Cheese, lol!
  
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