Thursday, July 28, 2011

Proctoring and GM

This week I have been staying in Sacramento. I have been Proctoring for the Bar Exam.  The bar exam is taken twice a year once in July and then again in February.  They hire in people to monitor those taking exams, I am being paid good money to sit in a hotel room and stare at someone for around 7hrs a day. I sit in a big arm chair with a few pillows to prop me up and then drift off into my own little world.  There area  few more things I have to do, like time the examinee and hand out the exam materials and read the exam guidelines.  A bunch of paper work but for the most part its just sitting. Most will take their exam in a hall. The students with us at the hotel as they have special requirements, all different ranging from being pregnant and diabetes to mobility issues. 

As I said I am staying  in Sacramento at Grandma's as GM lives round the corner from the hotel.   I have had a really nice time at GMs. To be honest I was nervous at first, I have only ever spent time with GM at gatherings and not had the chance to really spend time with GM.  GM is very sweet so I have no reason to be nervious, I think I was afraid I wouldn't be liked!  But anyway, I needn't have been, I have been thoroughly spoilt and looked after by GM. Every morning there is hot water ready for my tea, bread waiting for me to put into the toasters and fruit in a bowl waiting at the breakfast table.  GM has aslo been supplying me with packed lunches and yummy dinners.  We have had some lovely evenings together getting to know each other better. I am very fortunate to have such a loving family.



The down side to being in Sac is that I have been away from Aaron for 4 days now. It has been very hard. I almost packed it in yesterday, reasoning that the money wasn't worth being apart from each other.  But I got myself together and we managed to work things out so that Aaron will be with me tomorrow (Friday) I am so excited to see him.  I dont think I will do this again.  I do not like be apart, I feel incomplete with out him. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

New life to an old blog

Inspired once again by my sister in law I am picking up writing a blog I started back in 2009.

Like Myra I have a unique perspective on life in two countries.

It was my father inlaw who suggested this idea to me a few years ago. After he, Aaron and I were in London together he mentioned if it wasn't for me being a native Londoner things would have been very different. He had bumped into a American couple who had spent over $100 that day on public transport buying single fares were ever they went. We had spent $10 each on a card that allowed you unlimited travel. The birth of a great Idea. So I thought I would write about London and life in the UK, how to travel, live and vacation on a budget. It has just taken a while to be consistent.



I would welcome your support, comments, questions and suggestions.

www.looktolondon.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Friends, work and Family


Its Monday, Mondays are usually my day for catch up housework, errands and me time. This morning was no different. I had a eye appointment, my yearly check up and contact lens. All is good and then I had some blood work done to check on my blood sugar levels over the last 3 months. I had to fast and so now I'm starving, its 11am and I'm only just eating now. A herb turkey and red pepper sandwich on fresh homemade bread. Not home made by me a I might add. A bakery in town. Talking about fresh food recently I have really come to appreciate that I can go down the road and buy a dozen fresh organic eggs and while I am purchasing the eggs I can see the chickens walking around near by. We used to do that as kids, buy local produce from people door steps, its really nice to be able to do that again

I have a few jobs at the moment, one coming up next week is only for the week and I am going to have to stay in Sacramento, I have never been away from Aaron for that long, I'm not looking forward to sleeping alone, but I am hoping that I will be so tired that I will hit the hay pretty fast. On the up side, I am staying at Grandmas home. I am looking forward to spending more time with Grandma. I a little nervous!! I dont know why as Grandma is so sweet and I love her to bits, but still I am a little nervous. I will be working at the Hilton, proctoring. Which basically means watching people take their Barr exam. It happens twice a year lasts for one week and is long hours I hear and good money.

I have also become the companion of an elderly sister in my cong. She has been a regular pioneer forever and is now 89yrs old. She is the most zealous, positive wonderful sister with a stubborn streak. Fran is very independent, has raised 6 children and has been widowed for a while now. Unfortunately Fran s memory has been going and she gets very confused. She can no longer drive for her own safety and this is very frustrating for her. I feel honored to assist this faithful sister. I know that I will be so encouraged by Fran. I am looking forward to spending more time with her and taking care of such a faithful, precious older sister. I willl include pictures and updates about Fran later.


I have been missing my friends and Family back home. Want to send my love to you all. I have some cards winging their way to you over land and sea. Check your post next week guys.

Stay strong, not much longer and we will see the end of this system and begin a new day without the influence satan. How wonderful that will be. I loved the watchtower this Sunday. Make Jehovah the most important person in your life and nothing can break us.

Keep us in your prayer as we will you x