Well, I've been meaning to blog for some time now but I got pregnant and then got REALLY tired. Oh my goodness. Running after my son and keeping up the house have me in bed by 8pm most days. I know, really exciting stuff.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what needs to get accomplished before our little girl arrives. We moved to Switzerland August 25, 2010 when I was 31 weeks pregnant with my son (where I am right now with this baby). I had a full, ugly pregnant cry when the relocation lady told me our things would take 8-12 weeks to arrive from Singapore. I thought about all the things I wanted to get done before the baby arrived and how circumstances being what they were, I had to accept that it was probably not going to happen. So, I focused on what could be done. I painted walls, finished our family scrapbook for the year and read books on babies. Thankfully, our things arrived, my mother-in-law flew in and within a week, the house was unpacked and put together. My son came at 42 weeks instead of 40 so I even had some time to relax!
This time around, I don't have the same energy. The urge to nest is making an endless list in my head yet I can only accomplish a few of the "to-do" tasks everyday before I crash. It's making me a little nuts! All the little girl's things are neatly sitting in her room ready for me to wash bedding and clothes, hang pictures and make sure we have all the things she will need for her first few months of life (which I know is really just mom and some warm clothes). The list goes on and on.
So, I've decided I can't keep driving myself so crazy with this list. I have to start focusing on what can get done each day and know that it will all be in place on time. What's important is saving lots of energy for my family and making sure I'm in a good place to bring this baby into the world. She'll have clothes, she'll have food and most importantly she'll have love.
Now if only we could decide on a name. AHHH.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
International Women's Day
My experience today was especially fitting for today, International Women's Day.
The day was going ok. I went to class, took the baby to a doctor's appointment and then spent the day playing. Our usual playmates were sick so in the afternoon, we went to visit our neighbor. Some of our friends were over and it was time for me to head home and bathe and feed my son. As we walked out the door, I accidentally slammed his tiny fingers in the door!!! It caught his hand right at the door hinges and he started wailing. We all ran to comfort him and tears immediately filled my eyes. I felt sooooo bad!! He calmed down as soon as the pain was gone but I was a different story. I felt awful for causing my son pain and was trying so hard to stop my tears in front of everyone but was having trouble. The women began sharing stories of times they accidentally hurt their children (or other people's children) and the tears turned into laughter. My neighbor later came to check on me and I was reminded of all the women in my life who have been (and are still) mentors, teachers and most importantly, friends to me in the most meaningful ways.
I think about my junior high and high school voice and choir teacher who pushed me towards excellence even when it was so hard. My lifelong besties who I could share everything with and who stuck by me when I was growing into the adult I would become. The amazing women I worked with who managed life and work with confidence and ease. The women who became wives and mothers around the same time as me who walk through the challenges of marriage and motherhood with me each day. My life coach who is my cheerleader (and friend) who has helped me achieve healing from past pain and continues to push me towards achieving my goals. The women who have adopted me overseas (my true extended family) who are incredible mothers and friends and help me navigate through the muddy waters of living in different cultures while establishing my home and family. My mother, sister, grandmothers, aunties and mother-in-law who are a constant support system and are always there for me through good and bad. The women of faith who pray for me and my family as we face challenges and are blessed.
All the women I know have overcome challenges and are moving through their lives with grace and gusto. Today I am especially thankful to have them as examples of faith, hope and strength. I know that when you look at the women in your life you will say the same.
To all the women I know, thank you for being such an integral part of my life and helping shape who I am. I am thankful for you and celebrate you today.
The day was going ok. I went to class, took the baby to a doctor's appointment and then spent the day playing. Our usual playmates were sick so in the afternoon, we went to visit our neighbor. Some of our friends were over and it was time for me to head home and bathe and feed my son. As we walked out the door, I accidentally slammed his tiny fingers in the door!!! It caught his hand right at the door hinges and he started wailing. We all ran to comfort him and tears immediately filled my eyes. I felt sooooo bad!! He calmed down as soon as the pain was gone but I was a different story. I felt awful for causing my son pain and was trying so hard to stop my tears in front of everyone but was having trouble. The women began sharing stories of times they accidentally hurt their children (or other people's children) and the tears turned into laughter. My neighbor later came to check on me and I was reminded of all the women in my life who have been (and are still) mentors, teachers and most importantly, friends to me in the most meaningful ways.
I think about my junior high and high school voice and choir teacher who pushed me towards excellence even when it was so hard. My lifelong besties who I could share everything with and who stuck by me when I was growing into the adult I would become. The amazing women I worked with who managed life and work with confidence and ease. The women who became wives and mothers around the same time as me who walk through the challenges of marriage and motherhood with me each day. My life coach who is my cheerleader (and friend) who has helped me achieve healing from past pain and continues to push me towards achieving my goals. The women who have adopted me overseas (my true extended family) who are incredible mothers and friends and help me navigate through the muddy waters of living in different cultures while establishing my home and family. My mother, sister, grandmothers, aunties and mother-in-law who are a constant support system and are always there for me through good and bad. The women of faith who pray for me and my family as we face challenges and are blessed.
All the women I know have overcome challenges and are moving through their lives with grace and gusto. Today I am especially thankful to have them as examples of faith, hope and strength. I know that when you look at the women in your life you will say the same.
To all the women I know, thank you for being such an integral part of my life and helping shape who I am. I am thankful for you and celebrate you today.
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Little Complaining Goes A Long Way
Michael and I got engaged Labor Day weekend in 2008. At that point, I assumed I would move to Austin, TX where Michael was working and owned a house. We decided we'd get married on Valentine's Day 2009 since it fell on a Saturday that year. It wasn't long after that Michael was offered a job in Singapore and was scheduled to start working there in January 2009. So, to handle all the official business of name changing and what not, we had a small legal ceremony November 14, 2008 and by the end of December we had chosen our home in Singapore and were preparing for our life overseas.
I didn't think too much about how drastically my life would change. My hubby worked long hours in Texas but only traveled twice a year and was usually home by 6 or 7pm. Completely manageable. His new job, however, required 50% travel and crazy long working hours. I was unprepared for the amount of time I would spend alone in my new home. Having left a job I loved to become a stay at home wife and having so much time to myself was a major adjustment. I needed to find ways to occupy my time that were meaningful to me while trying to navigate a new culture. I also had to learn a true respect and acceptance of my husband's working hours and work happily with the time we did have together instead of with an attitude of "it's not enough". This took some serious thought and effort on my part and the first year was very tough for me emotionally. Eventually, I was able to strike a good balance and a good attitude about the whole thing (mostly).
When we moved to Switzerland, I thought I knew what to expect. I was 7 months pregnant and extremely focused on our impending arrival. I figured Michael would work the same hours and be gone just as much but I had a bundle of joy to tend to so it was all good. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of time my friends would be gone in Basel. People are allotted a lot of vacation time in Switzerland so I found that there would be weeks where everyone left town (including my hubby on business trips) for a few weeks except me!! In Singapore it was ok because I could leave too. I could travel with my hubby or do my own thing no problem. But now I had a baby and couldn't just leave at the drop of a hat.
I would mention this to my husband, how much I hated being left alone with the baby while everyone else was on vacation and he was traveling. After a while, it turned into down right complaining and as we were approaching the first long holiday of the year I'm sure it was worse (OK, I know it was worse). Finally he said, "well, plan a vacation and we'll go too." YAY!!!!!!!!!!! So, all that long story to say, this is how we ended up in Morocco this week.
As our week here comes to a close, I was just thinking about all this and how thankful I am that we are here together and I'm not home alone with my precious son missing my friends and husband and wishing we were somewhere else. It only took me 18 months in Switzerland to figure out how to better strategically plan our vacation time but as I'm learning on this expat journey, learning things takes time and that process is not always easy.
I hate to get gushy on everybody but today I am so thankful for my husband who is so dedicated to his work but also 110% dedicated to his family. He has a lot on his plate to balance and does it with love and ease. I am also thankful for my son who is an amazing explorer and adventurer. He has enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. I know when things aren't easy, I can think on these memories we've made this week and remember how truly blessed I am.
Morocco, we will miss you. Switzerland, I hope you've warmed up at least a little you chilly country you.
I didn't think too much about how drastically my life would change. My hubby worked long hours in Texas but only traveled twice a year and was usually home by 6 or 7pm. Completely manageable. His new job, however, required 50% travel and crazy long working hours. I was unprepared for the amount of time I would spend alone in my new home. Having left a job I loved to become a stay at home wife and having so much time to myself was a major adjustment. I needed to find ways to occupy my time that were meaningful to me while trying to navigate a new culture. I also had to learn a true respect and acceptance of my husband's working hours and work happily with the time we did have together instead of with an attitude of "it's not enough". This took some serious thought and effort on my part and the first year was very tough for me emotionally. Eventually, I was able to strike a good balance and a good attitude about the whole thing (mostly).
When we moved to Switzerland, I thought I knew what to expect. I was 7 months pregnant and extremely focused on our impending arrival. I figured Michael would work the same hours and be gone just as much but I had a bundle of joy to tend to so it was all good. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of time my friends would be gone in Basel. People are allotted a lot of vacation time in Switzerland so I found that there would be weeks where everyone left town (including my hubby on business trips) for a few weeks except me!! In Singapore it was ok because I could leave too. I could travel with my hubby or do my own thing no problem. But now I had a baby and couldn't just leave at the drop of a hat.
I would mention this to my husband, how much I hated being left alone with the baby while everyone else was on vacation and he was traveling. After a while, it turned into down right complaining and as we were approaching the first long holiday of the year I'm sure it was worse (OK, I know it was worse). Finally he said, "well, plan a vacation and we'll go too." YAY!!!!!!!!!!! So, all that long story to say, this is how we ended up in Morocco this week.
As our week here comes to a close, I was just thinking about all this and how thankful I am that we are here together and I'm not home alone with my precious son missing my friends and husband and wishing we were somewhere else. It only took me 18 months in Switzerland to figure out how to better strategically plan our vacation time but as I'm learning on this expat journey, learning things takes time and that process is not always easy.
I hate to get gushy on everybody but today I am so thankful for my husband who is so dedicated to his work but also 110% dedicated to his family. He has a lot on his plate to balance and does it with love and ease. I am also thankful for my son who is an amazing explorer and adventurer. He has enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. I know when things aren't easy, I can think on these memories we've made this week and remember how truly blessed I am.
Morocco, we will miss you. Switzerland, I hope you've warmed up at least a little you chilly country you.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thoughts About Vacation
This trip to Morocco has magnified what was and what is now and they are so different. The first major difference is packing. We traveled a lot last year but mostly to the US and places in Europe. Our major trip was to Greece but the baby was barely crawling so we could still kind of lay around. The climate in Greece was also very warm, so there was no guess work in what to bring (shorts and t-shirts and some swim diapers). This trip we were in the city and now at the seaside, a temperature shift of about 15 degrees. It's made having the right clothes (and enough of them) a challenge (not to mention we were in full winter mode in Switzerland). Also, we flew on Easy Jet (the only direct way to get from Basel to Marrakech), which is a budget airline (much like Southwest) except you have to pay for the amount of luggage you bring. You'd think a baby, being a smaller person, would need less luggage space but it is completely the opposite. He needs a 100 more things than any adult would require like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, all types of baby medications in case he gets a fever or has diaper rash, toys, and the list goes on. Packing for this trip was definitely a challenge.
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| A small sampling of Mickey's clothes |
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| Just a few baby necessities |
The next major difference has been the way we enjoy where we are staying. We are currently in a lovely 2 bedroom villa overlooking the ocean. We have a private pool (which is a bit too chilly to swim in) and the doors to our place open all the way. Normally I would have these doors wide open but since the pool starts right at these doors, they must remain closed. Our baby WILL fall in. We have to keep most things out of his little baby grasp (like the phones, drinking glasses, remote controls) and attempt to make sure he's not destroying anything that doesn't belong to us (sometimes that is a real challenge). 16 months is a great age but Mickey is into everything!
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| If only they'd open these doors! |
The last major difference is there is no longer flexibility to our vacation schedule. Our little guy wakes up, takes naps, eats and goes to bed on cue. This makes sleeping in, eating whenever you're hungry and enjoying your time late into the night almost impossible (sleeping in? What's that?). There are times I really miss those things.
On the flip side...we have a very patient baby most of the time and he's rolled with the punches on this trip. He's eaten a lot of strange food at random times, napped in cars and charmed the pants off all of the strangers we've met along the way. He even slept until 7am today! So, things are definitely different but I wouldn't change it for anything. Life has changed for the better by adding our little Mickey to the mix. Things as we knew it will never be the same, vacations and all.
Now that I've shared a little bit about how I used to and am now vacationing, here's a glimpse into how Mickey likes to vacation:
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| Reading "Brown Bear" over and over (with sound effects) |
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| Exploring cabinets |
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| Climbing in and out of cabinets to hide toys |
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| Cartoon watching |
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| Deciding what to eat from the room service menu |
And after all the fun has been had, the only thing left is a much-needed nap...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Morocco Days 1-3
On Saturday we boarded a plane to Morocco. It is a major holiday week in Basel so we decided to use the time to get away. It was great to land in a place where it was 70 degrees instead of 30 (although I think the weather in Basel has much improved since we've left. Hmph). Morocco is a place I never thought I'd visit and knew very little about, so this was definitely going to be an adventure.
We decided to spend the first 3 days of our trip in the city of Marrakech. I had read that there were a lot of interesting things to see and do there. We stayed in the Medina (also known as the "old city") in a traditional Moroccan Riad. When we arrived, the Medina seemed so hectic. It was full of people going about their daily lives of shopping, cooking and visiting. The streets were tiny and very maze-like. As we walked to our Riad (you had to walk because a normal sized car could not fit through these streets), I was wondering where the heck we were going and how were we ever going to find this place again. Along the streets were all these doors that seemed very random to me. We later found out these are all houses. The place where we stayed was one of these random doors but the door opened up to a beautiful, tranquil hotel with 12 rooms and a pool in the middle of it all. It was basically a bed and breakfast but Moroccan style.
We spent one day with a tour guide who took us to all the major sites. It was a fascinating day. Marrakech is so intricate. We visited the Botanical Gardens, the street markets and the Djemma el Fna square. The markets were especially interesting because our guide said everything is made in Morocco and as we walked deeper into the stalls, you saw all the goods being made. There was everything from tanning leather to painting pictures. This is where all the local people shop for shoes, clothes, dishes and other necessities so it was a busy place. The colors were incredible and I was amazed at the sheer volume of stuff within such small spaces.
Our second day was spent visiting the Ourika River Valley. I wasn't sure how the day was going to go because it was a lot of time in the car. I'm so glad we went. This was my favorite day so far. We went from a dusty, desert city to a lush valley with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background. Along the drive we saw the Berber people (considered the first people in Morocco) tending to their animals and homes. We saw a lot of women farming and donkeys carrying cart loads of goods. There were handicrafts for sale on the side of the road and lots of goats, camels and horses to see (Mickey's favorite!).
We arrived yesterday in the seaside city of Essaouira where we will spend a few days relaxing and visiting the beach. We accidentally left our stroller in the back of a taxi yesterday so we won't be doing any long walking treks (and yay! I get to go stroller shopping when we get home) but that's ok. We are definitely enjoying the beauty of the ocean and having some down time together. Hopefully the second half of our trip is as wonderful as the first. Pictures and an update to come.
xoxo
We decided to spend the first 3 days of our trip in the city of Marrakech. I had read that there were a lot of interesting things to see and do there. We stayed in the Medina (also known as the "old city") in a traditional Moroccan Riad. When we arrived, the Medina seemed so hectic. It was full of people going about their daily lives of shopping, cooking and visiting. The streets were tiny and very maze-like. As we walked to our Riad (you had to walk because a normal sized car could not fit through these streets), I was wondering where the heck we were going and how were we ever going to find this place again. Along the streets were all these doors that seemed very random to me. We later found out these are all houses. The place where we stayed was one of these random doors but the door opened up to a beautiful, tranquil hotel with 12 rooms and a pool in the middle of it all. It was basically a bed and breakfast but Moroccan style.
We spent one day with a tour guide who took us to all the major sites. It was a fascinating day. Marrakech is so intricate. We visited the Botanical Gardens, the street markets and the Djemma el Fna square. The markets were especially interesting because our guide said everything is made in Morocco and as we walked deeper into the stalls, you saw all the goods being made. There was everything from tanning leather to painting pictures. This is where all the local people shop for shoes, clothes, dishes and other necessities so it was a busy place. The colors were incredible and I was amazed at the sheer volume of stuff within such small spaces.
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| Exploring the native plant life |
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| The Markets |
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| All Olives!!! |
Our second day was spent visiting the Ourika River Valley. I wasn't sure how the day was going to go because it was a lot of time in the car. I'm so glad we went. This was my favorite day so far. We went from a dusty, desert city to a lush valley with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background. Along the drive we saw the Berber people (considered the first people in Morocco) tending to their animals and homes. We saw a lot of women farming and donkeys carrying cart loads of goods. There were handicrafts for sale on the side of the road and lots of goats, camels and horses to see (Mickey's favorite!).
We arrived yesterday in the seaside city of Essaouira where we will spend a few days relaxing and visiting the beach. We accidentally left our stroller in the back of a taxi yesterday so we won't be doing any long walking treks (and yay! I get to go stroller shopping when we get home) but that's ok. We are definitely enjoying the beauty of the ocean and having some down time together. Hopefully the second half of our trip is as wonderful as the first. Pictures and an update to come.
xoxo
Friday, February 10, 2012
What I'm Obsessed With (this week)
I have no great updates to report about my weight loss goals this week. Boo :-(. Actually, I'm not that sad about it because I am exercising and eating well and generally feeling good about things. I also think I can contribute some of my lack of progress to what I'm obsessed with this week: Chicken noodle soup! Yum.
I'm not sure if I've written about this before, but for so long here in Basel I missed canned soup. It's not something readily available in the grocery store. It sounds silly but there is nothing like a good can of Campbell's soup when you have a cold or a flu and want something warm and comforting. I can order canned soup from a website here. It costs $7.50 for a small can. Pllleasssse. No one needs canned soup that bad! So, I started making my own. Chicken stock and all. After eating my own soup for a while, I brought back a few cans of Campbell's from the US. I'm no great cook but bleh! My soup tasted much better to me (maybe it's the "love" I added along with blood, sweat and tears). It also brought me so much joy to watch my son lap it up and ask for "mo" knowing I had made it. :-)
Two weeks ago when I was sick, I really wanted soup but wasn't even interested in the other can we had in the pantry and had no energy to cook up a pot. So, this week I made a huge pot with the intention to freeze it. There is just one problem. I can't stop eating it!!! It has been my breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. I think I have 1 bowl left that I could freeze...or maybe I'll eat it for dinner. I'm sure the sodium is killing my diet (although since it's homemade, it doesn't have all the added salt and preservatives) but I don't care. It is YUMMY!
Also, my son has started to really get into Elmo. I show him some of the videos on my phone from YouTube and now whenever he sees my phone he asks for "em-o." Some of the current songs with various artists are really good. This week I am obsessed with will.i.am's "What I am." I love his serious face, the characters' little head bobs and I especially love the words. Check it out here:
"What I am"
I'm serious. It will brighten your day!!
I'm not sure if I've written about this before, but for so long here in Basel I missed canned soup. It's not something readily available in the grocery store. It sounds silly but there is nothing like a good can of Campbell's soup when you have a cold or a flu and want something warm and comforting. I can order canned soup from a website here. It costs $7.50 for a small can. Pllleasssse. No one needs canned soup that bad! So, I started making my own. Chicken stock and all. After eating my own soup for a while, I brought back a few cans of Campbell's from the US. I'm no great cook but bleh! My soup tasted much better to me (maybe it's the "love" I added along with blood, sweat and tears). It also brought me so much joy to watch my son lap it up and ask for "mo" knowing I had made it. :-)
Two weeks ago when I was sick, I really wanted soup but wasn't even interested in the other can we had in the pantry and had no energy to cook up a pot. So, this week I made a huge pot with the intention to freeze it. There is just one problem. I can't stop eating it!!! It has been my breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. I think I have 1 bowl left that I could freeze...or maybe I'll eat it for dinner. I'm sure the sodium is killing my diet (although since it's homemade, it doesn't have all the added salt and preservatives) but I don't care. It is YUMMY!
Also, my son has started to really get into Elmo. I show him some of the videos on my phone from YouTube and now whenever he sees my phone he asks for "em-o." Some of the current songs with various artists are really good. This week I am obsessed with will.i.am's "What I am." I love his serious face, the characters' little head bobs and I especially love the words. Check it out here:
"What I am"
I'm serious. It will brighten your day!!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 12 already???
I looked at my calendar today and realized it's already day 12 of my 100 day challenge. It's been a little bit of a roller coaster ride while I've been trying to figure out what works for me and what I really want out of this experience. The short term goal is to lose weight but my long term goals are to learn how to eat in a balanced way (not depriving and being satisfied) and continue exercising for physical health (not just to lose weight). I think it's going to take me more than 100 days to really get it but I'm off to a decent start.
In the last 12 days I've learned these few things about myself:
#1. If I deprive myself of things I want to eat, I swing the other way and end up eating WAY more than I would if I just had what I wanted in the first place. Overeating is not usually a problem for me, but I find it becomes a problem when I try to limit my diet to certain foods. I just need some pizza once a week. Even if it's homemade with tons of veggies or on an english muffin. I NEED it! :-)
#2. (and probably most important) I make the best choices when I exercise!!! After a good workout, I don't want to ruin all my hard work so I make good choices or I feel like I can cut myself some slack because I exercised. It's a win-win. I just feel better.
So, my goal this upcoming week is to make sure I get in some really good exercise. I had a great workout today. 45 minutes on the elliptical and 30 tough minutes with my trainer. I am looking forward to more days like today.
Weight stats:
Day 1: 127.8
Day 12: 127
Almost a pound. I'll take it!
In the last 12 days I've learned these few things about myself:
#1. If I deprive myself of things I want to eat, I swing the other way and end up eating WAY more than I would if I just had what I wanted in the first place. Overeating is not usually a problem for me, but I find it becomes a problem when I try to limit my diet to certain foods. I just need some pizza once a week. Even if it's homemade with tons of veggies or on an english muffin. I NEED it! :-)
#2. (and probably most important) I make the best choices when I exercise!!! After a good workout, I don't want to ruin all my hard work so I make good choices or I feel like I can cut myself some slack because I exercised. It's a win-win. I just feel better.
So, my goal this upcoming week is to make sure I get in some really good exercise. I had a great workout today. 45 minutes on the elliptical and 30 tough minutes with my trainer. I am looking forward to more days like today.
Weight stats:
Day 1: 127.8
Day 12: 127
Almost a pound. I'll take it!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Travel Log #1: Dubai
I realize I've done a pretty terrible job of posting about my travels. It's been a more than interesting 3 years and I've been to places in the world I never thought I'd go. So, mainly to maintain my memories, I'll start at the beginning and post occasionally about where we've gone and what my experience was like.
We had just moved to Singapore and had literally been in the country for 3 days before my hubby had to take a business trip. I can't even remember where he was going but he was gone for at least 10 days. We lived in a 4-story, 100 year old house that had been remodeled and was gorgeous. However, it was old. It was impossible to keep cool, there were lots of lizards IN the house and it rattled every time a car drove by. Even though I had lived alone for at least 3 years, being in this house alone at night scared me to death. I tried my best to do everything to stay in bed but by midnight I found myself on the couch with the tv and all the lights in the house on.
One night during my husband's trip, around 2am, I was on the phone with a friend from the US. Suddenly I heard a huge CRASH and the noise continued for a few seconds. Immediately my heart started pounding out of my chest. I got weak in the knees as I thought someone was breaking into the house. Here I am in a new country all alone. I don't even know how to call the police. I tried to maintain my composure and continued talking to my friend as I started to roam the house. I was completely terrified! Turns out, the wind had blown one of the windows open and it was banging open and closed. Phew. It took my heart at least 15 minutes to return to a normal beat and I spent the whole night awake.
My husband came home to a scared insomniac and I told him he better take me on his next trip or I was going home (My husbands' version of this story is that he suggested I go with him on his next trip). Thankfully, he did take me and that's how I ended up visiting Dubai.
Dubai is an amazing and very different city. There is the Dubai Creek that runs through the middle of the city and then there is the Persian Gulf. When our plane landed, I was blown away at how close we were in proximity to Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. All these places you hear about in the news. I was in the Middle East. I was excited and a little scared too.
Since my hubby was working, I had to entertain myself. Dubai really isn't a place where a woman can walk down the street on her own. So, I asked my hubby to book me a site seeing tour. I was thinking I'd be on a double decker bus with the rest of the tourists. The morning of the tour, the hotel lobby called to say my ride had arrived. I walked down to find a beautiful Mercedes with tinted windows and a man in a suit who was going to drive me around the city for the next 5 hours!!! I am laughing as I write this because at first it was so awkward. The man was very nice and it all ended up fine. Here are just a few highlights:
When I wasn't touring the city, I was mostly laying by the hotel pool. It was March and the weather was beautiful! My hubby took some time out of work to take me to the Gold souk (market) where there were soooooo many jewelry stores and stands, all gold. I was in heaven. Then we had a wonderful traditional Middle Eastern dinner with belly dancing included (not us dancing).
Dubai was the first place in the world I really stepped out on my own. Although my hubby was with me, he was there to work so I was truly my own travel companion. I remember feeling lonely, missing my friends and wondering if I could really handle what I had gotten myself into. But there was also a part of me that started to grow. A little spark was lit inside that said "what else is out there in this great big world?" My interest was piqued and Dubai was just the beginning...
We had just moved to Singapore and had literally been in the country for 3 days before my hubby had to take a business trip. I can't even remember where he was going but he was gone for at least 10 days. We lived in a 4-story, 100 year old house that had been remodeled and was gorgeous. However, it was old. It was impossible to keep cool, there were lots of lizards IN the house and it rattled every time a car drove by. Even though I had lived alone for at least 3 years, being in this house alone at night scared me to death. I tried my best to do everything to stay in bed but by midnight I found myself on the couch with the tv and all the lights in the house on.
One night during my husband's trip, around 2am, I was on the phone with a friend from the US. Suddenly I heard a huge CRASH and the noise continued for a few seconds. Immediately my heart started pounding out of my chest. I got weak in the knees as I thought someone was breaking into the house. Here I am in a new country all alone. I don't even know how to call the police. I tried to maintain my composure and continued talking to my friend as I started to roam the house. I was completely terrified! Turns out, the wind had blown one of the windows open and it was banging open and closed. Phew. It took my heart at least 15 minutes to return to a normal beat and I spent the whole night awake.
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| The view from the hotel lounge |
Dubai is an amazing and very different city. There is the Dubai Creek that runs through the middle of the city and then there is the Persian Gulf. When our plane landed, I was blown away at how close we were in proximity to Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. All these places you hear about in the news. I was in the Middle East. I was excited and a little scared too.
Since my hubby was working, I had to entertain myself. Dubai really isn't a place where a woman can walk down the street on her own. So, I asked my hubby to book me a site seeing tour. I was thinking I'd be on a double decker bus with the rest of the tourists. The morning of the tour, the hotel lobby called to say my ride had arrived. I walked down to find a beautiful Mercedes with tinted windows and a man in a suit who was going to drive me around the city for the next 5 hours!!! I am laughing as I write this because at first it was so awkward. The man was very nice and it all ended up fine. Here are just a few highlights:
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| The world's only 7 star hotel |
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| The world's tallest building |
When I wasn't touring the city, I was mostly laying by the hotel pool. It was March and the weather was beautiful! My hubby took some time out of work to take me to the Gold souk (market) where there were soooooo many jewelry stores and stands, all gold. I was in heaven. Then we had a wonderful traditional Middle Eastern dinner with belly dancing included (not us dancing).Dubai was the first place in the world I really stepped out on my own. Although my hubby was with me, he was there to work so I was truly my own travel companion. I remember feeling lonely, missing my friends and wondering if I could really handle what I had gotten myself into. But there was also a part of me that started to grow. A little spark was lit inside that said "what else is out there in this great big world?" My interest was piqued and Dubai was just the beginning...
Monday, January 30, 2012
SNOW!
It's snowing outside!! OK, not tons of snow. It's more like slush but it's white and pretty and I'm ok with it melting as soon as it hits the ground. Since I'm recovering from my cold/flu from hell, I dropped my bubby off at daycare and have spent the day inside getting things done around the house. I paid bills, washed and folded many loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, made spaghetti sauce and started my homemade chicken stock for the chicken noodle soup we will enjoy later for dinner. Yum. Then I sat down to take a break and was so happy to see the white, fluffy, cold stuff falling from the sky.
Basel has a nice, mild climate. It gets cold and snows but snow doesn't stay on the ground long. Last year, it started snowing almost immediately after my son was born in November. Living in Singapore for 2 years where the only cold breeze came from air conditioning, it really felt like winter to me. We had a white Thanksgiving and a white Christmas. A first for me being a California girl. I loved it!
But what I loved most was the snuggly, new baby I had in my arms. Since we were fairly new in town and didn't have much to do or places to go, I spent most of my days holding my newborn, watching tv and watching the snow fall. It was the coziest winter of my life (so far). I look back on our first winter here in Basel with such fondness. Now, I couldn't get my son to sit and watch a 10 minute video if I tried. He's too busy exploring his new legs and trying to get in, on or under everything! How fast he's grown from a bundle of snuggles to a strong, busy little boy (who still enjoys the occasional snuggle).
I've purchased his snow suit for this year and am looking forward to the new memories that will be made with this new snow. Hopefully tomorrow it will stay on the ground just long enough to make a snow angel or two.
Basel has a nice, mild climate. It gets cold and snows but snow doesn't stay on the ground long. Last year, it started snowing almost immediately after my son was born in November. Living in Singapore for 2 years where the only cold breeze came from air conditioning, it really felt like winter to me. We had a white Thanksgiving and a white Christmas. A first for me being a California girl. I loved it!
But what I loved most was the snuggly, new baby I had in my arms. Since we were fairly new in town and didn't have much to do or places to go, I spent most of my days holding my newborn, watching tv and watching the snow fall. It was the coziest winter of my life (so far). I look back on our first winter here in Basel with such fondness. Now, I couldn't get my son to sit and watch a 10 minute video if I tried. He's too busy exploring his new legs and trying to get in, on or under everything! How fast he's grown from a bundle of snuggles to a strong, busy little boy (who still enjoys the occasional snuggle).
I've purchased his snow suit for this year and am looking forward to the new memories that will be made with this new snow. Hopefully tomorrow it will stay on the ground just long enough to make a snow angel or two.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Day in Bed
Today is a kind of day I haven't had in what feels like forever: A whole day in bed...sick. It's unfortunate that I feel lousy, but having my husband home to watch the little one while I try to rest feels like a luxury. I even slept in until 9:30am, which is AMAZING because I am an early riser and have trouble sleeping in (on the rare days my son allows a few more minutes of zzz's, and those are very rare).
I am trying to be a good patient and really stay in bed but it's so tough. I start looking around the room and thinking about all the things that could get done. Right now I am staring at some baby onesies that are drying and telling myself I should fold them and put them away. There is a strange guilt I feel just staying in bed. I should be with my family, I should be organizing this or that, I should..., I should..., I should...the list is never ending. I have to quiet that guilt and know that all those things can wait until tomorrow. The longer I am sick, the longer those things will not get done so rest has to be my #1 priority.
My husband gets the award for #1 Nurse! He's made sure I've stayed fed, hydrated and medicated all day and has been keeping our little guy occupied, which is a big task. He's doing all of this while jet lagged, having just returned home yesterday from Singapore. I'm so thankful for him!
I better get back under the covers before my nurse scolds me. Must. Get. Rest.
I am trying to be a good patient and really stay in bed but it's so tough. I start looking around the room and thinking about all the things that could get done. Right now I am staring at some baby onesies that are drying and telling myself I should fold them and put them away. There is a strange guilt I feel just staying in bed. I should be with my family, I should be organizing this or that, I should..., I should..., I should...the list is never ending. I have to quiet that guilt and know that all those things can wait until tomorrow. The longer I am sick, the longer those things will not get done so rest has to be my #1 priority.
My husband gets the award for #1 Nurse! He's made sure I've stayed fed, hydrated and medicated all day and has been keeping our little guy occupied, which is a big task. He's doing all of this while jet lagged, having just returned home yesterday from Singapore. I'm so thankful for him!
I better get back under the covers before my nurse scolds me. Must. Get. Rest.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut!
The title says it all. I've now completed my 13th week of German lessons and am still a horrible German speaker. I had higher hopes for more comprehension and better speaking abilities but at the end of my course (3 weeks to go!), I will just be glad to have completed the class. German is a tough language and I never thought it would be something I would be learning. 5 days a week, 90 minutes a day has been a real challenge. Not having a "leave the house" job in the past 3 years, I forgot what it was like to get up and go somewhere everyday. Getting me and my son out of the house with breakfast eaten, clothes on, snacks, diapers, school materials, homework done and bundled up for the winter all by 7:40am took some getting used to. I am ready to return to the days of staying in my pajamas just a little longer and not gulping down my morning cup of coffee.
However, I am debating whether to take the next course. At first I think I must be crazy. There have been many days I contemplated quitting. A lot of English is spoken here in Basel and you can get by without German. But then I think about how much of the world has opened up for me here because I can understand even just a little bit of what is being said. I can read billboards and signs on the tram and even vaguely understand what some of my mail says (which is a big improvement!). The time spent learning the basics has been worth it, even if I can only get a few sentences into a conversation before switching to English.
I have 3 more weeks to decide what to do. If I stop, I'm afraid I'll lose what I've learned and I don't want that. But if I stop, it might make life a little easier. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions. I'll keep you all posted.
:-)
However, I am debating whether to take the next course. At first I think I must be crazy. There have been many days I contemplated quitting. A lot of English is spoken here in Basel and you can get by without German. But then I think about how much of the world has opened up for me here because I can understand even just a little bit of what is being said. I can read billboards and signs on the tram and even vaguely understand what some of my mail says (which is a big improvement!). The time spent learning the basics has been worth it, even if I can only get a few sentences into a conversation before switching to English.
I have 3 more weeks to decide what to do. If I stop, I'm afraid I'll lose what I've learned and I don't want that. But if I stop, it might make life a little easier. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions. I'll keep you all posted.
:-)
Monday, January 23, 2012
100 Days
I am putting aside laundry and the housework waiting for me to end my blogging hiatus. I blogged about how busy November was and then December seemed to be even busier. We traveled to the US for the holidays and it has almost taken me and the baby 4 weeks to recover. This week I finally feel like my energy level and sleep patterns are back to normal. Not sure when we'll be doing that again because UGH! That's all I have to say about that.
So...at the end of last year, I was rockin' the gym and healthy eating and weighed in at 127. This was very exciting for me. Getting below 130 was a major victory because it seemed like it took me forever. It basically took me a whole year after my son's birth to get down to that number. Then I went to the US and ate everything I love and miss. January 1 my weight was 131. (Too much InNOut) :-( I've been eating a little better since returning to Switzerland and am happy to say I weighed 127.6 this morning. Yay! However, my goal is 115. So, here is the point of my post:
I watched a few episodes of MTV's "I Used to be Fat." It's where teenagers who have 80-100+ pounds to lose spend their summer exercising and learning how to eat healthy to reach their weight loss goal before they go to college. It was so inspiring. These kids (I can say kids because I'm almost twice their age, right?) worked so hard to achieve their goals and the results at the end of their 100 days were amazing! It was the motivation I needed to get off the couch and back to the gym. I decided to give myself 100 days of really putting in my best effort to reach my weight loss goal. With 1 day down and 99 to go, I am feeling very positive.
I want to share just a little bit about why this is so important to me. About 4 years ago when I was dating my husband, my weight reached the highest it had been before pregnancy. I was inspired to make big changes in my life. So, I started waking up at 4:30am to be at the gym by 5am so I could workout before I had to be at work at 7am. I tracked every calorie I put in my mouth. I worked on the 18th floor of City Hall and started walking the stairs twice a day. The only time I would "cheat" was once a month when my now hubby would visit or when I would visit him in Texas.
The biggest change in all of that for me was FOOD. Food. It can be such a blessing and a curse. Since I had limited calories, I was focused on low calorie everything! My favorite meal was a fat-free hot dog on a whole wheat bun with spicy mustard and 14 fat free pringles. Yum! I had it all down to a science. But now, things are very different. Swiss people have a much different philosophy about food. They believe you should eat the full fat, full calorie food but eat less. I know it might be better for you (you see a lot less processed food) but sometimes I JUST WANT A PRINGLE!!! Low calorie yumminess like snacks and ice cream (and FiberOne and fat free milk) are just not available here. Baked chips don't exist in Switzerland (why??? They are so yummy!). It has taken me some time to come to terms with the food options here. The cold, hard truth is that in order for me to achieve the results I want, I have to give up some things that I really like. Maybe not give up entirely, but give up the frequency with which I like to enjoy them. I have to put the "diet" mentality to rest and adopt a whole foods approach: fruits, veggies, protein with the occasional splurge added.
I could go on and on and on about this. It has been on my mind for weeks now and I am just coming to accept that I have to take a different approach. I am ready to move forward with what options I have available. It just has to be done. So, off I go to the grocery store for my veggies and protein. Day 99 will be a success!
So...at the end of last year, I was rockin' the gym and healthy eating and weighed in at 127. This was very exciting for me. Getting below 130 was a major victory because it seemed like it took me forever. It basically took me a whole year after my son's birth to get down to that number. Then I went to the US and ate everything I love and miss. January 1 my weight was 131. (Too much InNOut) :-( I've been eating a little better since returning to Switzerland and am happy to say I weighed 127.6 this morning. Yay! However, my goal is 115. So, here is the point of my post:
I watched a few episodes of MTV's "I Used to be Fat." It's where teenagers who have 80-100+ pounds to lose spend their summer exercising and learning how to eat healthy to reach their weight loss goal before they go to college. It was so inspiring. These kids (I can say kids because I'm almost twice their age, right?) worked so hard to achieve their goals and the results at the end of their 100 days were amazing! It was the motivation I needed to get off the couch and back to the gym. I decided to give myself 100 days of really putting in my best effort to reach my weight loss goal. With 1 day down and 99 to go, I am feeling very positive.
I want to share just a little bit about why this is so important to me. About 4 years ago when I was dating my husband, my weight reached the highest it had been before pregnancy. I was inspired to make big changes in my life. So, I started waking up at 4:30am to be at the gym by 5am so I could workout before I had to be at work at 7am. I tracked every calorie I put in my mouth. I worked on the 18th floor of City Hall and started walking the stairs twice a day. The only time I would "cheat" was once a month when my now hubby would visit or when I would visit him in Texas.
The biggest change in all of that for me was FOOD. Food. It can be such a blessing and a curse. Since I had limited calories, I was focused on low calorie everything! My favorite meal was a fat-free hot dog on a whole wheat bun with spicy mustard and 14 fat free pringles. Yum! I had it all down to a science. But now, things are very different. Swiss people have a much different philosophy about food. They believe you should eat the full fat, full calorie food but eat less. I know it might be better for you (you see a lot less processed food) but sometimes I JUST WANT A PRINGLE!!! Low calorie yumminess like snacks and ice cream (and FiberOne and fat free milk) are just not available here. Baked chips don't exist in Switzerland (why??? They are so yummy!). It has taken me some time to come to terms with the food options here. The cold, hard truth is that in order for me to achieve the results I want, I have to give up some things that I really like. Maybe not give up entirely, but give up the frequency with which I like to enjoy them. I have to put the "diet" mentality to rest and adopt a whole foods approach: fruits, veggies, protein with the occasional splurge added.
I could go on and on and on about this. It has been on my mind for weeks now and I am just coming to accept that I have to take a different approach. I am ready to move forward with what options I have available. It just has to be done. So, off I go to the grocery store for my veggies and protein. Day 99 will be a success!
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