After my little bout of feeling all 'woe is me' last month I have decided that there is no use in moping around the place wondering what is going to happen.

I took it upon myself to email OH employers and ask them about GC sponsorship. I know we should have got something written into his contract before coming over here but we can't change the past so no point complaining about it now.

I have decided that I am going to become a PTO parent and am going to volunteer at the kids school a few days a week, most likely in the library to begin with. Both kids will be at school from next Tuesday as daughter is starting KG, so I need to do something! Kids have been signed up for swimming lessons and daughter is going to be starting cheerleading next week. Neither she nor I have any experience of cheerleading so this is going to prove very interesting. She may hate it, she may love it. Just have to wait and see. We won't know if we don't try.

In any event we are getting out there and meeting people and not just meeting up with the fellow British Expats that are in our town. (The Expats are lovely but I'm sure there are lots of lovely Americans here too. I just have to meet them!)

I have contacted the local community newspaper to see if I can write the odd column for them about being an Expat in town. I am pretty sure no one gets paid for being a contributing columnist so I don't think there will be an issue with my visa. If people do get paid then obviously I won't do it. I have submitted a sample column to them and now just waiting to hear back.

So even though I can be painfully shy, I have decided that I have to put myself out there and force myself to do new things and meet new people. Just hope it all works out!

I like your attitude

Go for it girl!! Good for you

Proud of you, When I was an Army wife, we'd try to adhere to the old saying "Bloom where you are planted."

Thanks everyone. I feel a bit nervous and a little sick at the thought of volunteering and meeting all these new people but I need to get over it. After all you only meet a new person once so the 2nd time I meet them will be fine, just got to get past the fear!

You will be fine Sarah, just think, all those 'new' people will be thrilled to have a Brit join them, most people do like listening to the accent

I'm going to be thinking about doing just what you are as soon as mine is back in school, just another couple weeks

Great news Sarah..it's amazing what doors open up once we start getting involved. I've made a lot of friends and been given a lot of different opportunities though volunteering and "getting out there."
I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Well I am handing in my PTO volunteer form at the ice cream social on Monday at the Elementary school and the cheerleading clinic starts next Friday with the first game the following day so I am not going to have much longer to wait until I get the chance to volunteer. One of the requirements of the cheerleading is that you commit to at least 2 hours volunteering at the concessions or donate another $25 to the CDC (Carmel Dads Club) that run the cheerleading (and loads of other sports and activities for kids)

I am sure I'll be fine. I'm sure I will.

Well done, Sarah! The other Moms will love the 'novelty value' of a UK Mom with accent on the committee! I was room parent for my younger son's class, the first year we moved to the U.S It also gives you a good insight into how the school works, the teacher relationships etc. Plus your kid will love seeing you in the library or whatever!

All depends on what age your kids are...I have been 'told' in no uncertain terms NOT to volunteer at my Sons school....can't imagine why!

Well done you what a great attitude.

OMG Sarah - that is such a great attitude to have, when I was here on an H4 I volunteered with the local high school track meets (God I don't even have kids) as much as anything it was having something to do that was "mine" and completely un-related to DH's work etc.

Also if you do get "published" we will all want to read it!!! you know how nosey we are!

Great job Sarah I met my friends through the school and also when I went to work a couple of years later. I did the PTO thing too I only lasted a year, but it makes some good contacts and also lets you know who to avoid

Oh yes, I agree! This was 6 years ago, when my son was in First grade! I woukld not be greeted so warmly now! I think Sarah's child is kindy age, so should be fine for her!

Yeah they will be Kindergarten (daughter) and 1st Grade (son).