Enough About Food, Let's Talk About Us

Redacted Recipes is not a confessional blog. We write about the food we make and the food we've eaten in restaurants and sometimes Jack writes about food in the context of growing up in the north of England. We often sprinkle anecdotes about ourselves and friends and family into posts because they give context to the food we're writing about, but we've never been prone to journal-like posts about how we're feeling or rants about about politics and religion. We do that elsewhere.

But those of you who have been reading Redacted Recipes for a while will have gleaned a fair amount of information about us by now. You know that I have three wonderful children, one of whom is vegetarian, and you know I turned fifty this year. You know we like Radiohead, and that we drove across the country in May. You know that we are members of a CSA and that we blame Tammy of Food on the Food for seducing us into joining. You know that Jack and I met through the internet, and that the first four years of our relationship was transatlantic. You know that he landed a contract here in New York and that we've been living happily together in Brooklyn for the last six years. Given that you know these things and that we're facing a big change, we felt it would be decidedly odd not to acknowledge our situation-- partly because it will change the nature of the posts in this blog, and partly because we have come to think of many of you as friends.

In January of this year we had to come to grips with the fact that Jack's work visa expires at the end of this month. We had to face the fact that his employer chose not to sponsor him for a green card and we had to look at options and make hard decisions. It's not the right time for Ann to relocate to the UK and (our ultimate plan) and take a lower-paying job, and it's not optimal for Jack to stay here unemployed until he can legally work. And so we decided to go back to being transatlantic for the next few years.

Without wanting to seem too pathetic, it's going to be a month of farewells. In addition to Jack's leaving, Ann's youngest daughter, Sophie, will be spending the first semester of her senior high school year in an international school in Italy, and her older daughter will head back off to college. It will be a bit quiet here in Brooklyn, for sure.

On the up side, Jack will be posting about all things food-related in the UK and will probably be eating a lot of curry again. Both of us will be posting about the challenges of cooking for one while still keeping it interesting-- something Jack does far better than Ann, who likes an audience when she cooks and tends to eat rather haphazardly on her own (left-over rice for breakfast, anyone?). And we'll have wonderful romantic visits with each other.

On the down side, well, we all know what the down side is. We will miss joy of the small daily domestic routines we've gotten used to, and we will miss each other terribly.

We just thought you should know.

Comments

[Psychgrad]

I'm sure this was a tough decision for you both. I feel annoyed about visa issues on your behalf. I don't know what else to say - it just sucks all around. Ann - I hope you'll be planning a big trip. England/Italy - 2008.

[Manggy]

Thanks for sharing this, you guys. I feel like you're part of my online family, and it breaks my heart to hear these changes coming, and so quickly at that! It's empty nest syndrome on hyperdrive. But you guys are tough and resourceful, I'm sure you'll patiently wait for the day when the ultimate plan comes to fruition.

Besides, when I do visit the east coast, Ann will have no one to focus her attention on but ME! Ha ha ha ha. And as for London? I'll save up my paychecks, mate :) (Always the selfish one, I am...) :P

[Manggy]

(By the way, I hadn't seen the bottom two pics before. So romantic - cute, respectively!)

[Deeba]

Well Ann...that made for wonderful reading. Thank you for opening the window for us. All the best for your transatlantic life ahead. Life is so full of difficult choices; just makes it easier if you have a soul-mate (& may I cheekily add, some blog friends who hang around).Cheers dear Ann...all the best to you, Jack & your wonderful 3 girls! (I am one of 3 sisters too)

[Cakespy]

Ohhhh no! Jack, the States will miss you terribly--you've made the US a better place! But here's to hearing about the romantic visits and all of the wonderful food from both sides.

[Johanna]

Oh I was really sad to read this - I have had my own long distance romance and it is no fun - why do customs make it so hard to love someone? On the up side, I am sure there will be some wonderful trips ahead for both of you. Good luck with sharing your journeys and eating solo!

[Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)]

Ann and Jack, you have to believe that the universe brought you together and will find a way to keep you together. We are here for both of you.

[grace]

oh me. what a bummer. i have no doubt it'll be a struggle, but i also have no doubt that everyone will get through it and be stronger for it. not to sound cliche, but hang in there! :)

[Bellini Valli]

Love conquers all as they say. This is a huge change for you all but think of all you'll have to share in this new (but temporary) faze:D

[Lisa]

Looking forward to some good curry with you in London Jack, and loving sister time in Brooklyn with you Ann. Safe travels and love to you Jack. Love and adventure to beautiful Sophie and Nora. xo

[Patricia Scarpin]

Thank you for sharing such a huge thing with all of us. My heart goes out to you and I know you will make this work - there's love and that's what brings people closer. Ocean or no ocean.

[Julie]

That just sucks. You and Jack belong on the same side of the Atlantic -- whichever it is. I hope a resolution presents itself shortly.

(Wonderful pictures!)

[Elle]

Awww man, that really sucks. In a big way! Here's hoping that something good comes up to keep you both together. If not now, then soon!

[Rosa]

Great to learn more about you!

Yes, it really sucks! I hope you'll both find a solution...

Cheers,

Rosa

[Aran]

Even though those are probably the circumstances you would have chosen if you could, life does things like that sometimes and I'm sure you guys will make it work transatlantic. And then just think of the opportunities you will have to fly to Europe to see him!

[adele]

I'm sorry. The US immigration system is not a happy one, to say the least.

I wish you both the best of luck.

[Sophie]

I'm going to miss both of you like crazy.

I already am, and I haven't even been in Italy for 24 hours.

But don't worry, I won't let things get too quiet...afterall, that's what we have phones and computers for =)

xox

[Tartelette]

Ann and Jack, I truly think you guys are wonderful for going through with this decision. A side of me is feeling really sad and I even have a little pinch in my heart for you guys but another side of me is feeling so fulfilled to see how strong two loves can be once united. You guys are a true example of life nowadays and how to make it work even when it seems to suck. Love you!
P.S: love the picture montage :)

[Pasticcera]

Oh dear, I had forgotten that the transatlantic realtionship was a possibility hovering over you two. Jack had mentioned the looming spector when we skied with him last winter. Well, I imagine this blog will take a few twists and turns with the two of you on this latest passage of changes. We'll all be here for the ride. Thanks for letting us know. Buona fortuna!!!!

[Poonam]

I feel sad. Good luck! And thanks for stopping by!

[Marla]

I wish you joyful moments that make the stretches easier to bear. I love you both and your story constantly renews my faith in the power of love. Peace.

[Donna]

Thanks for telling us. Best to you both, and I'm sure that soon you will be back in the same place.

[ann]

Oh no! That sounds so difficult, and here I am sniffling and feeling sorry for myself because Isaac's gone to England for two weeks! Buh. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help out, I still owe you a drink, don't I?

[melissa]

Ann, Jack, I wish you all the best. I second what Lydia said. The universe drew you to one another and whatever you need to go through you will go through.

I was there myself, for a few years, seeing my husband very rarely, though that distance closed in 2002. It was very hard. But we're still here and happy and more in love than ever and I know you guys have the same.

Look forward to seeing where your journeys (and cooking!) lead you.

[Tammy]

That sucks. Really sucks. But, oh, the conjugal visits!!