London–2 Months In

Hello Hello!
I have been a REALLY bad blogger lately. Apologies for not keeping up with the blogging at all. I’ve been completely knackered by the end of my work day that the last thing I want to do is write a post. However, I am going to start writing a little at a time so that when I’m ready to post, it’s not a daunting task.
So, what have I been up to you may ask? I’ve been settling in and getting my bearings in London; getting the kids on a schedule so things work much smoother; started Zumba classes three times a week; going out & about on the weekends and dating. Yes, I said dating. I’ve been trying the dating thing while here but that is for another post so that I can go more in depth about the dating scene that I’ve been experiencing while here.
Getting my bearings have proven to not be as difficult as I though it would be but that’s probably because of the fact that I used to come here so often to visit my uncle. I guess you can say I had a leg-up on London before moving over here. What’s proved the most difficult for me though, has been making new friends. I’m not out a lot as I haven’t joined any clubs or anything of the sort so it’s difficult to make new friends. Also, I’ve found that most of the people I tend to run into are quite standoffish when I try to start a conversation with them. It’s quite frustrating really when I would like to make friends but not quite sure what the right way is to go about it all. I’m hoping that it’ll change as it is just my 2nd month here.
The kids that I work with are starting to come along well. I absolutely adore the family I’m with and so glad that they chose me as their au pair. I was extremely overwhelmed when I first started as it is a handful with 4 children (ages 9, 6, 4 and 18 months) 5 days a week for about 12-14 hours each of those days. They weren’t on a schedule that was working for me so the biggest challenge was getting them on a schedule that everybody could work with and also have them listen to me. It’s hard with children and getting them to trust and listen to a newcomer. However, I have been told by their mom that they do like me and we all get on really well. I’ve started a Star Chart as a rewards system which they have to earn each day in order to get a Friday Treat. If they miss a day, no friday treat. They seem quite keen about the idea and I think this is what I needed in order to get a bit more order with the kids as well as keep myself sane.
The kids’ mother and I get on extremely well. She’s like a second mother to me and I can talk to her about anything at all that’s on my mind. It’s really nice to know that she’s always there to talk to should I need it. We’ve discussed life, what I miss back home and even men. She’s the one I run things by every time I get asked out on a date. I let her see the guys photo and we talk about or exchanges on the phone and such. She also then gets into copper mode (yes, she works for the London police hehe) and goes crazy online. In a way, it’s great because she tends to find things on every single person that’s asked me out. It’s like seeing into the person’s closet really. It did come in handy with one guy that had asked me out as it was a complete waste and it turned out he was a liar. C’est la vie.
Overall, I’m really glad I decided to take this chance and have this experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I do miss home and I miss my family immensely but I did this for me and it feels damn good.
-Lissa x

Bad Blogger

[via: weheartit.com]

Tsk, tsk, tsk! I have been such a bad blogger as of late. I do apologize. I've been busy settling in and trying to get a routine down with the four kids who I am now an au pair for while living in the UK. Let me tell you, it's tough work. I'm also working in a volunteer teaching position as well so as you can imagine, my days are seriously busy. My weekends I'm usually out and about as it's the only real 'me time' I get. I will definitely try my best to get a post out this weekend as well as try to get Livs to finally write her first post as well!

- LadyM xx

Week 1: Kids & Banking Woes

Good evening Blogosphere!

So, as you already know, I am in London for the next 16 months (minimum). Since I've arrived, I've been trying to get settled in and allow my body to adjust to the time difference, however, my body seems to have a mind of it's own and has not taken well to the time shift. I am constantly tired during the day because back home in Canada, I would be sleeping when it is 12 noon here. It's frustrating as I started working officially on the monday after I arrived which means that I've been struggling with getting my body in order while watching four children.