One of the best presents was Trisha making it to Brighton. Just in the nick of time! In a week we recieved comformation she was coming, then three days later there she was in the living room. Being that is was her first flight alone, across the Altantic no less....she did great. Brave, if you ask me. Although jet lagged, she couldnt contain her excitement. She made it!!! All those months of hard work at BP's paid off. Her dream fullfilled.
We were equally estatic that the fourth to our trio was here. And bearing some gifts from home, like my winter jacket and some of Stefs shoes. Trisha was obviously feeling a bit like a fantasy....all these old building, british accents...O and the sea that storms outside of flat. Its a bit overwhemling. But she loves it.
Trisha has been adjusting beautifully to life in the UK. Shes settled into the room with me, tight but wonderfully cozy. We've showed her around and shes seen the sights. And after a couple of weeks vacation...shes now looking for jobs. Its a bad time of the year to be looking for employment...and as me and the other girls experienced.....its hell handing out endless resumes on foot with only discouraging outcomes. Have no fear, I know this girlie will find a job soon.
Christmas morning started with a breakfast feast Canada style. Eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns, and coffee with bailys. Our parents sent presents in the mail, which means we all had something to open. Christies parents got us a Canada scarf and mitts! Warm and now we can flash our flags about. My parents got us warm pjs and slippers. To which, we do not take off. Those slippers and pjs are on the second we enter the flat. My parents spoiled me as always, got me a beautiful Belle figurin to put in my room. It makes the room feel like mine.
After breakfast we went down to the pier. Brighton's christmas tradition? Hundreds of people going for a swim in the ocean! It was quite the turnout, and WOW they looked cold. Then us girls settled in for the Christmas Vacation movie and got ready for dinnner.
We were all a bit nervous about how to pull off a Christmas feast. Thank God for our mothers and skype....passing down their years of Christmas meal wisdom down to us. We decided on a Ham, stuffing, yams, beans and pumpkin pie. For breakfast I wanted to make my mothers wifesaver...but the UK has never heard of cheese slices. Go figure.
Shopping was difficult. Its hard when you dont have all the ingredients you grew up knowing easily accessible. Breadcrumbs? Nah....I guess will dry out some bread. Poultry seasoning?....three different shops. Pre made Pie Crust?......I guess will try and make it ourselves. Eggnog?....not a chance.
However we made due. Stef made a lovely pumpkin pie...even the crust was a amazing. A real suzy homemaker. The Ham while a bit crisp was delicious. And the stuffing...although not the same as moms....was edible. However, there was alot of wine involved...maybe thats why everything was so delicious.
Christie unfortunatly had to work quite late...but she made great money which makes it better. Stefs friend from work is from Austrailia so she came over. As well as our flatmate upstairs Zaid from the US. It was nice having company over, getting all dressed up, and listening to Christmas music. Much wine and cheer, a successful Christmas indeed.
Boxing day Stef and Trisha went to London...to show Trish around and see their cousin Ashley. Trish obviously LOVED london and they had an amazing time. However, on boxing day the streets were crowded with people everywhere. Well, sounds the same as home.
After Christmas is was back to work as usual. All of us have intrgrated into our jobs, so we actually have friends to go out with. Its nice to have people show you around, and having drinks in pubs after a long day at work. I could get used to this British lifestyle.
Both Christie and Stef had to work new years. But thanks to my lovely manager I had new years eve and new years day off. BOO YAH! Me and Trish deicded we wouldnt go crazy clubbing this year. We wanted it to be casual. Thankfully, our flatmates upstair Zaid and Nils were down for some beer pong. After we met up with Christie and Stef at a lounge and rang in the new years with a shot.
It was wonderful ringing in the New Year with these girls. It was a long year of endless hours working, saving money, sacrificing and making our dream come alive. And here we are....2012 in Brighton. We've backpacked Europe, overcome amazing obstacles and had the most incredible experiences. Now that we have settled into our flat, have jobs and an income, the Inpoditus epidemic is over (Look it up, its not a good time).....2012 will not disappoint. We are so blessed.
Now, 2012 we are in a routine of working and meeting new people. Money sucks, but at least we have enough to live and buy a few new clothes. We have already decided our next trip will be Dublin for St. Pattys day. A couple of Christies friends from back home our going to join so it will be an AMAZING time.
The best part of the new year? MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!! She is coming to see me Jan 29 till Feb 4. Ive booked off the time and have already started planning her trip. I am SOOOOO excited I dont even know how to put it in words.
Well, till next time loves. Happy New Year. I hope this year will bring you much love, happiness and amazing experiences.
