england - the third week: is this even real?

Well, it has been quite awhile. With every intention of keeping myself updating through the trials and tribulations of immigration, I found myself absorbed in a seemingly inpenetrable bubble of stress while filling out forms and attending biometrics screenings; writing took an obvious back-burner to the nervous breaking pot simmering for weeks.

The important thing is that I am here; my Ancestry visa (allowing me 5 years in the country) went through without a hitch, and I've been an expat on English soil since February 27th, 2010. I'm down to my last 2 packs of Canadian cigarettes, and the Tim Hortons tea-bag supply ran out mere days ago. This entry is going to be in simple point form; I will delve into a full entry later in the week, I hope.

• Brits drink more tea than anyone I know. That includes myself on home soil. I did not know this was possible.
• For a country notorious for its foul weather, I'm quite happy to say that England has been sunny almost every day, all day since I've arrived.
• Central heating is my enemy. The Boy has it set to turn on at specific times, none of which include 1:00 p.m. when I am waking up with frostbite.
• British 'bargain stores' (comparable to Bargain Giant, Dollarama, etc.) are nothing like ours. The items are actually of good quality, and you can decorate your entire home by spending 40 quid at Pound Stretcher... or Wilkensons... or Home Bargains.
• While duvets might not be my best friend, the variety of pretty covers and pillows that cost less than 20 pounds is mind blowing. My Canadians with a flare for decorating would go mad.
• Everyone here wears leggings and boots. I do mean everyone.
• Middle-aged women in the UK take MUCH more pride in their appearance than those back home.
• Sainsbury's chocolate chip cookies = life.
• ASDA (the UK's Walmart) makes pizza. It is the best fresh pizza you will ever eat.
• Beef in the UK, however, leaves much to be desired.
• British in-laws are not as awful as everyone seems to think. The Boy has got the cutest parents on earth.
• It still confuses me when I realize I am having a discussion with The Boy's sister (our roomate) about her day trip to Belgium. It can be visited - in one day. WTF?
• Drivers in England are the most polite people on the road. Honestly. The traffic, however, is horrendous.
• I have done more laundry since I got here than I've done in my entire life, to date.
• This country is every bit as amazing as I thought it would be.