In Training

Long time, no post

I know, I know.  It's been practically forever!  I've been enjoying my time with my husband very much, but also I've been interviewing for a new job and I got it.  I didn't want to leave where I was - I wasn't looking to - but the new job contacted me (very sneaky, what) and it's better pay, better benefits, no commuting (almost thirty miles a day five days a week will get to you, especially when I go back to school early next year).  It's a better opportunity for my family.  I'm sad to leave but excited for a new start!

Busy busy busy with training the new person they hired to take my place, going to softball games at night, working out the details with my new work, etc.

So before you scold, I have good reasons for being out of touch!  All the kinks will work out in the next few weeks, I promise.  :o)

Are you Russian/French/Chinese?

Many people have asked Royal if he was Australian in the many times he's visited the United States.  We get a kick out of that one, but it's understandable considering a lot of Americans only hear the posh British accents on t.v. or in movies.  Royal doesn't sound posh.

When they do ask if he's British, it's always in that scared tone that goes up at the end like they think they're about to offend him with guessing the wrong nationality. 

Then there was our waitress the other night.  Halfway through our meal she came to refill our drinks and asked,

"Are you Dutch?"

**UPDATE** 5/23/08

I was just kidding about the accents/languages I used in the title of this post... but then, no joke, someone actually asked Royal if he was Russian yesterday!!  It was great! 
Pat asked in the comments, but I'll just answer up here - Royal is from South England, a town on the coast  :o)

BFBS Big Salute

That would be the British Forces Broadcasting Service Big Salute.  100% of the money they are raising goes to five different forces charities - British Limbless Ex-Serviceman's Association, Combat Stress, Headley Court, St. Dunstan's, and Veterans' Aid - check out the above website to get the links. 

Anyone in the world can donate, just click on the link!  Click it!

Several U.K. celebrities have come forward to help support the troops.  Sir Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor, Al Murray, James Blunt and the Osbournes are all on board to help.

Sir Michael found fame following his performance as an upper-class British army officer in the 1964 film Zulu. The much-loved film charts the battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus.

Sir Michael is donating two signed Zulu film posters to the auction.
Sir Michael said:

"My thoughts and best wishes are always with them because I used to be, and always will be, one of them."

Very, very cool. 

And see, I knew I liked that Ewan for a reason!

Thanks to Rogue Gunner for the Michael Caine link. 

Introducing the Brit to Softball

What is the best way?  I say throw him in a game and see if he swims!  Heh. 

Royal made it through customs and immigration just fine and we've had a great week together.  A friend of my Dad's asked Royal if he'd like to play on their church slow pitch softball team while he's in town (my Dad and younger brother play as well).  Royal, being sickeningly athletic, said sure.  And, oh yeah, they asked and he said sure the day of the game.  I found out we were going about two hours before game time. 

The man knows basically nothing about softball.  He has a great arm and can hit the ball out of the park, which I already knew from playing catch in the past, but that's where it ends.

Not only did I play fast pitch softball for over eight years, but for as long as I can remember my Dad taught me the ins and outs (pun intended!) of the game.  Everything.  So while all the strangers were warming up I was watching and shooting off tidbit after tidbit of what to and what not to do.