Safari Kubwa: September 2011

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Waiting Game!

Have you ever wanted something so badly you could almost taste it? Wanted something so badly that without that certain ‘thing’ life just wouldn’t make sense; in fact life only seems to make sense with that said thing in your life.

In saying the journey to medical school has been a long one, would be nothing short of an understatement. It has been a long two or three years of simply “waiting”.

Waiting for the right time to apply. Waiting for the bank and finances to comply. Waiting for one door to open, to have your dream right in front of you, and then have the door slam in your face.

It has been a lot of waiting and learning how to be patient and truly trust that God has everything planned out (even when things didn’t go the way we planned!!). A lot of waiting and trusting in God when everything seemed to just crumble at our feet; there certainly was a point where it seemed no door would ever open.

I remember when we found out Dave got into medical school and how excited we were. And just as quickly as the excitement came it went; we realized that that was not the year for medical school and that we had to wait some more. (But we now can see how those negative moments, and the many uncertainties, have lead to greater positive moments and are the reasons that we are in England today!)

My husband has waited and sacrificed a great deal (both for me, for himself and for our family as a whole) so that we could be on this journey.

Today a package arrived for him (I think he walked home faster then he has ever walked home before lol) and I could not be more excited for him.

Excited to see what arrived today!

I think the notion of becoming Dr. Dave (as my Mom loves to call him) is finally kicking in (although the pressure, to succeed, to still be the provider and provide stability for our family, and whether the choices we make right now for our family are the right ones, is still astronomical for him).

But I think he is doing a phenomenal job and I know his hard work and dedication will all pay off!

Here is the play by play of Dave getting his much deserved Stethoscope:

"Thanks Mama and Papa....It really works and I couldn't have done this without your support and love!"

The Eagle has FINALLY landed in Newcastle!

We have been missing home and our families! Today while I was home looking at pictures and past family events a special parcel arrived!!!

After almost 9 weeks (perhaps more), old addresses, and trying to track these packages down they FINALLY arrived today! Although, they look as though they have been through the ringer (squashed, torn, battered...pretty sure one was even sat on!)

It is such a great day for these guys to arrive:

1. Because we were certain they were long lost!
2. We were tired of holding our letting agents mail as ransom (our packages have been in the back of his car for almost two weeks).
3. We were desperatlely craving Mac and Cheese (Oh Kraft dinner how we love you!)
4. I finally have my boots here!!!
5. I am teaching a grade 6 class tomorrow that wants to know everything about Cananda. Thank goodness for a Mama who knows my heart...I ask for some stickers and a puzzle and she sends so much more!!!!! Teaching resources....puzzles about the provinces, flags, stickers, Canadian dollars and books about ice hockey (which they asked speficially about last week).
6. It was just what we needed today: especially the card!!!!

Thanks Mama and Papa!!! We miss you all like mad and cannot wait for you to come visit!

(Disclaimer: The pictures looks fuzzy because I edited out our address (well the hotels address) and our parents address!)

The first sad looking package....but I was excited to see my snowflake box peeking out!

The second sad looking package....the paper was basically off of this one!

Yeah...definitely someone sat on you!

'Oh Canada'

Yeah for Kraft dinner and my boots!

Teaching Resources!!!!

Cannot wait to read this book (about magic hockey skates) to my kids.

Monday, 26 September 2011

Tynemouth Market and Touring Tynemouth

A few weeks ago our friend Julie (who is simply amazing) suggested that she take myself and Kimmy (another wonderful friend) to the Tynemouth Market. I was so excited to just have a day out and tour with the girls and perhaps hunt for some treasures!

First I should mention that I love antiques, love garage sales and love just spending the time trying to hunt for that next great find. I once read an article where a woman purchased a life vest for 10. cents at a garage sale and years later learned that the vest she bought (and still had) was an original from the Titanic. She ended up selling that vest for over $1 million dollars!!! So secretly, I am continually searching for that next "vest" with the hopes that we can at least pay for medical school!!! Dave however sees these "markets" as another way to trick Nicci into spending money on items that we DO NOT NEED lol! He might be on to something!!!

So here are the pictures that document our day both shopping our hearts out and exploring the town of "Tynemouth"!!

I truly have come to treasure the time I get to spend not only in England (I still wake up and have to remind myself that we LIVE here and aren't just visiting) but with some great friends. I honestly do not know what I would do without Kimmy and Jules and all the other friends we have come to know. Our life is a crazy roller coaster at times (moving every year for the next three or four years!!!) and I am so thankful to have good friends to share this journey with! Especially knowing that they too are going through many of the same struggles and hurtles!

Welcome to the Market (You literally step off the Metro into the Market on either side of you)

Kimmy and I so excited!

In Tynemouth at the Priory Castle

I LOVE this picture of Jule and I

Eating Lunch at the Priory! Very British.

Jules amazing photography skills! Everyone, and I mean everyone, has TOMS in England. Kimmy and I on the road in Tynemouth.

Two very lovely ladies!

Army men representing various wars.

One of the many stands that my brother-in-law (Kevin) would be drooling over.

I thought of Kevin and the many collections he has at home!

Again, for Kevin!

This was such a beautiful school! Yes, I am a dork!

This ones for you Grandpa...we wont ever forget!

The cutest little shop!

Excited for more finds! And on the hunt for lanterns for Jules wedding.

Fall has arrived.

My favorite section of the store! So many cute things and ideas.

I LOVED this little "surfs up" sign.

Eating lunch!

Fish, chips and Mushy Peas (I didn't eat those).

Where we had lunch!

Friday, 23 September 2011

Pancrepe Saturday!

Every saturday since we have been married (minus many of the Saturdays working, living with Dave's family in Windsor, etc.) 'pancake saturday' has become a date we both look forward to.

With the craziness that is Med. School we quickly learned that we need to utilize any free time that may come our way. This means that if the only time I get to spend with Dave is on the walk home from school (meeting him after class and walking home together) then we take it!!!

So every saturday morning we wake up together and create our pancake breakfast. Usually this involves chocolate chips, maple syrup, butter, and of course whip cream. However, living in England has presented us with many new challenges!

First, as we searched the local grocery store for pancake mix we were amazed to find the mix, instead of being in a box which will last us through many 'pancake saturdays', we find a small plastic jug that makes two big pancakes (definitely a 'one time' deal).

Just add milk and shake!

Now when we say 'pancakes' we aren't saying the traditional buttermilk, big and fluffly pancake....instead you get a mix between a flat pancake and a crepe...thus the term 'Pancrepe Saturdays' is born. But thankfully, Dave has never really enjoyed the ideal "big fluffy pancake" so he is happy with his pancrepes!

Secondly, it is almost impossible to locate chocolate chips (However, friends directed us to a store that sells many items from home...I call it the 'Magical store' hahaha they can get whatever you need!). This was a HUGE issue for me. However, I have transitioned from a 'chocolate chip pancake' into a "strawberry, whip cream pancrepe'. I know, so many challenges we have to endure!

Whether we are having our date morning with pancrepes or pancakes, it is one tradition we truly enjoy as a couple (I am hoping it's not just because we get to have a delicious breakfast every saturday!!).

No matter where we are, or what ingredients we cannot find, we will continue to some how make our 'pancrepe saturdays' work. Although cheesy perhaps, they remind us of home and bring a sense of comfort and normalcy to our busy and ever changing lives!