The Great Teakettle Debate

A and I have been having a series of discussions regarding what sorts of things of mine I’d like to bring with me after we marry and I relocate to live with him in the UK. We already have an outline of our plan, and a pretty good idea of how this will work in our case. However, there is one little item that has set off quite a lively and ongoing debate between us. A teakettle of all things!

Now this requires some defining. When I say teakettle… this is what I mean:





When A thinks of kettles for preparing tea… this more like what he has in mind:





What I can’t get him to understand… is that I LIKE my whistling non-electric teakettle! It’s not that I’m attached to the particular one I own at the moment… it’s that I’m attached to the concept. I wouldn’t know how to effectively explain my rationale to someone who doesn’t use these. A says they are soooooo inefficient. I love the way they whistle when the water is boiled and ready. Plus, in my opinion (and no offense to anyone who has an electric kettle!!), you can get such pretty or sleek looking whistling teakettles. It’s not as much about the look of it though for me. I think it’s more of a comfort… a cozy association from many years of tradition and use.

The debate will no doubt continue for a time until we resolve it. It’s not a serious matter for us as there are certainly more important things in life. My closing argument for today, while not necessarily rational, is nonetheless illustrated when I say that a whistling teakettle makes me feel something like this…

Things Mothers Hold Onto…

Today I was visiting my mother, and she presented me with a box of things that she’d kept from when I was a baby. Amongst the various mementos were two smaller boxes that each contained several greeting cards and short letters full of well-wishes and congratulations and even messages for newborn me. So many of them were lovingly written by grandparents, great-grandparents, and other family and family friends. It’s hard to describe the burst of nostalgia for days gone by, but it’s certainly something I will always treasure. One of the more special finds was a handkerchief that had been stitched into a baby bonnet and presented at my birth by someone very dear (and sadly long-departed). It came with a small typed poem that described how this handkerchief would one day be the ‘something old’ to have for my wedding day. (!) I’m sure one can imagine the catch in my voice and the tear that formed as I struggled to find the right words…

Mothers everywhere, there is something to be said for setting aside a few keepsakes for your children.


I think if I ever have a moment where I am not feeling so special ~ all I have to do is open this box…


Thank you, Mom x

Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate it... discreetly or otherwise! ;)

The Little Engine That Might...

I've long been the sort of girl that took a small measure of personal satisfaction with the fact that I don't invest my money in what I drive. This is evidenced by the car park at my office... my home... or really any parking lot in which you find my four wheels. I drive a well cared for cosmetic total loss. Riddled with hail dents, the fender I managed to bash on the side of my garage the first time I used it, any number of door dings, a hit and run dent it received to the front bumper while parked on my birthday, and more. It is beautifully enhanced with special decorations left anonymously by birds, faded decals and interior, and occasionally covered in ice, snow, mud, slush, or other remnants of the day. On some days when I've been particularly neglectful and have left bags, books, letters, drink containers and the like strewn about, A tells me it's like driving in a skip. (Apparently British word for trash container... charming, I know~).

I've invested a fair amount of money into its upkeep. Don't get me wrong... I love new cars! I just choose to spend my income differently with the view that it's simply transportation. It may not be the nicest thing I own or invest in... but it's paid for. It's served me well for years and I've remained loyal. I'm loyal to my car like I'm loyal to my doctor, my dentist, my hairdresser, until recently my accountant... you get the idea.

In this past year+, I'm afraid the news hasn't been good. It appears my car has suffered some setbacks in its overall health and performance. I've managed to replace the transmission, the alternator, the battery, the air conditioning, the brakes, and I'm sure there is something else I'm forgetting. Two weeks ago when it wouldn't start on a cold morning, I remembered thinking that there couldn't possibly be any more parts left to replace! (Turns out it was merely flooded and therefore an easy fix).

Is it too much to ask that after all I've put into it - that it last me just approximately 7 1/2 more months?

I really don't know what I'd do if my little car didn't make it and ended up in the great scrap-yard beyond. I can't exactly buy a new one for a term of 7 months! I also think 7 months is *just* too long for a rental.

Well, I shan't borrow trouble...


I think I can... I think I can...

The Tax Man Goeth...

I spoke with my accountant (whom I've been with for years) this week briefly in preparation for our annual appointment. I gave my good news and inquired about continuing as my accountant for the indefinite future and assisting me with filing tax returns in the US from across the pond. Mind you, this wasn't me springing a big surprise. One year ago, as A and I were already discussing our future plans, I had mentioned the (at that point nearly definite) possibility that I may be ending up overseas. There were indications then of (I thought) interest in learning this area of tax law and continuing our taxing relationship (sorry for the bad pun... couldn't help myself).

Well, consider myself unceremoniously dumped...!


Luckily, I know this girl... who knows this tax guy...