Countdown...just under 6 weeks before I fly to the UK. I'm doing alright with the preparations. I haven't done a whole lot yet in terms of sorting through stuff and sending some boxes over early, but I've managed a lot of other logistics. Mom's moving to Phoenix at the same time as I leave, so we'll be busy, busy bees here in the coming weeks.

Abby, as you can see, is non-plussed and enjoying sunning herself outside...

And she's booked

Booked my flight today for the UK. Air New Zealand. After researching (ugh, I just don't really like researching - so much work, so many details!) a few options, I've opted for flying direct to Heathrow from LAX on Monday, April 7. I will arrive mid-morning on April 8 and from there I think I'll rent a car and drive to Manchester (207 miles).

Once there (or in a surrounding town as it's so large), I'll find a place to stay for a couple of nights while I get my head sorted and jet-lag dealt with. From previous experience many years ago, flying east is really hard on you because you fly through the night (and if you're me, you don't sleep well on planes) and then arrive smack middle of the day at your destination where you have to try to function somehow until bedtime. Anyway, I won't book a hotel ahead of time since I don't know how I'll be physically feeling. If I'm just a mess, I will stop sooner than Manchester.

Why not fly to Manchester, you ask? Well, it means connecting somewhere (no nonstop from Los Angeles) and worrying about the time between flights (where I could probably almost drive to Manchester), luggage being transported and just my own mental worries. Like I said, I analyzed the different options and went with this one. I'll probably reserve a rental car before I get there, though.

There are several boroughs of Manchester from which to choose from in terms of living, but my initial thoughts are of Stockport. My new manager mentioned me working eastern Manchester because there's motorway access and Stockport is on the east side. But I'll do some checking closer to the time and then set up a couple appointments with leasing agents for after I arrive. My goal is to find a place available right then that I can move into. Something partially furnished would be nice but I'm open to both fully furnished (ugh, I want my own bed linens, thank you) or not at all furnished (there's an Ikea right there in Manchester!).

I have some family in Bury and a great aunt (my father's aunt) replied to a recent letter I sent agreeing to let me ship a couple boxes ahead of time surface mail (slower and cheaper) so I can gather a few more personal items than I probably would otherwise take (books, shoes, some photos and other little items) so that'll be nice. The items (if I ever get my ass into gear and start sorting through my stuff) would arrive not too long after I do, so it may feel like home sooner rather than later. I hope so, anyway!

Quinn's website

Kelly and Jon have designed a website for Quinn, which is so much fun. I love the Movies page, you can actually play every movie at the same time if you really want your A.D.D. kick in!

PS Saw Kelly yesterday and she looks just beautiful, healthy and happy! YAY!

some random thoughts

As I took Abby for her once a month walk (yeah, I'm pretty lazy), several thoughts went through my head. Among them:

...how does a person who actually works 40 hours plan a move overseas (by "a person" I mean someone other then me).

...Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites - I don't get what Johnny Fairplay was doing last night and that one fan IS the Incredible Hulk.

...Rich and I never took the dance lessons we had planned (that was a sad thought).

...will Abby be okay without me for four months (read: will I be okay without Abby for 4 months?)

...things keep falling into place so easily regarding the move which is so nice.

...back to Survivor: Eliza really is annoying and thank Goodness Rich showed me where I can watch online once I'm across the pond lest I miss any episodes or future seasons.

Manchester, here I come!

9 years, 7 jobs, 5 homes, 4 years of college, 3 cars, 1 dog later (not in that order)...

you just never know what turns life will take and mine has taken and interesting and exciting one! I am scheduled to return to the UK to LIVE and WORK! My company has the same products and services in the UK as here, though they are a bit further behind in their growth and brand recognition. After some initial emails and phone calls, I've been offered a position with them (in Sales) with my territory being Manchester! I have accepted and am delighted to be returning "home" after over 9 years here state-side.

The start date of my new job is April 21 so the current plan is to finish up my job here on March 27. I don't think I'll get to the UK too soon before my start date because I don’t know where I'm going to live. Once I start my job I'll have a car, laptop and phone. Once I have the car, I can explore areas and get to know the city, the territory I will be working and hopefully find the right place for me to live. A few months after arriving, my dog will join me! Once I have found my feet, I can't wait to travel south to see my friends, though I think Allie will be closer to me than I ever would have hoped!

I'm excited but nervous, it's been years and I know things have changed besides the obvious…I've only been to Manchester once before (and liked it!), this is an exciting career opportunity but I don’t yet know how the business differs and I'm older (a bit wiser) and have changed a lot myself. Thankfully, I think I'll like the North and have nothing against the cold and damp! But I can't say I'll become a fan of Manchester United…it still bores me!

If anyone is familiar with Manchester, can you tell me what areas are desirable to live in? Or better yet what areas to avoid?