John and I arrived yesterday afternoon. The wake is tomorrow and the funeral mass/burial is Monday. The kids are with our wonderful friends in La Paz, but it's strange to be on a different continent than your babies!
John's dad is doing well, considering. His mom fell apart a bit at the airport but she's doing pretty darn well too. They're the best in-laws a woman could ask for.
We're heading to John's sister's place tonight. His brother is coming into town any minute and we refuse to take up so much space at John's parents...they (John's parents) were trying to tell us they'd sleep on an air mattress so we'd all fit here. Puhleeze!! Cuqui has plenty of space and we'll all get some decent sleep over a stressful weekend. We're just waiting to see Jorge and Rosie when they get here with their babes - John has yet to meet little Manuel who turns one in a few months.
I'll not likely blog for a few days but I'll be back when I'm back in Bolivia!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today was a day for giving thanks but it was a day for grieving for us as well. John got a phone call from his dad today with the news that his grandmother, Abuela Luisa, had passed away. She was 93 and had been in ill health for a while but that never lessens the sadness. She was a ferociously strong woman who had raised her five sons all alone after losing her husband at a young age in Cuba. John and I head to Florida tomorrow to attend her funeral.
We did give thanks for the years we had with Abuela Luisa. We spent a little time with her just a few weeks ago, and we give thanks for that opportunity too.
On a much brighter side of life, it's my beautiful, passionate, ferociously protective sister Cindy's birthday today!! She earned the nickname "Bulldog" because she's always there when we need the support. Nobody messes with Cindy's family!! I miss her terribly and wish her the greatest birthday ever!
Our turkey dinner went very well. With the sad news of the day coming in just as we were carving the turkey, it did make for a cool meal but it was delicious none the less. We had 22 people here, welcoming the nearest and dearest Bolivians to join us for our feast. John's driver, his children and grandmother along with our maid and the two maids of John's office mates sat at our table and gave thanks. It was a bit of a job to get the maids to sit with us but they finally relented. The three of them are simply wonderful.
A little later on, we went to another friend's house for (more) dessert. We didn't stay long as we had so much to do at home to prep for our trip. Good friends are going to care for the kids until Dominga can stay here with them. I won't be gone from here for long, John continues on from Miami to a speaking engagement later next week.
Again, hope your Turkey Day was full of thanks! I'm certainly thankful for you! :-)
We did give thanks for the years we had with Abuela Luisa. We spent a little time with her just a few weeks ago, and we give thanks for that opportunity too.
On a much brighter side of life, it's my beautiful, passionate, ferociously protective sister Cindy's birthday today!! She earned the nickname "Bulldog" because she's always there when we need the support. Nobody messes with Cindy's family!! I miss her terribly and wish her the greatest birthday ever!
Our turkey dinner went very well. With the sad news of the day coming in just as we were carving the turkey, it did make for a cool meal but it was delicious none the less. We had 22 people here, welcoming the nearest and dearest Bolivians to join us for our feast. John's driver, his children and grandmother along with our maid and the two maids of John's office mates sat at our table and gave thanks. It was a bit of a job to get the maids to sit with us but they finally relented. The three of them are simply wonderful.
A little later on, we went to another friend's house for (more) dessert. We didn't stay long as we had so much to do at home to prep for our trip. Good friends are going to care for the kids until Dominga can stay here with them. I won't be gone from here for long, John continues on from Miami to a speaking engagement later next week.
Again, hope your Turkey Day was full of thanks! I'm certainly thankful for you! :-)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Turkey Stress
I have two turkeys to cook and only one oven. Our future house (looks like it will be ready in early February now) has two ovens...I was savouring that thought at 5:30 this morning. So now I sit at the computer trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to cook these turkeys without one getting dried out and cold. Hmmmmm.
Yesterday was another busy one. John informed me yesterday morning that the doc and the nurse practitioner at the Embassy clinic wanted me to come by and talk. I quickly jumped into the shower, got dressed and drove in with him.
It was a good chat, we talked about hours and a start date for me, along with what I might expect for an orientation. I am so looking forward to working there, if all goes extremely well, there's a chance I'll change to more hours next year.
After the pseudo interview, I completed the finance paperwork for final reimbursement for our evacuation. Hopefully the finance people will take less than forever (which is their norm lately) to fill our coffers. Which in turn will greatly lessen our credit card debt!!
Yesterday afternoon, I had a two hour facial. For under $30!! It included a scalp, neck and foot massage. I could do this on a regular basis.
Then I walked across the street and picked up a receipt book (on my "to do" list) for all those party purchases from places that don't normally give you a receipt, like the market place.
Last evening we had dinner with the visiting German attache and his American wife - yeah, we could talk in English! We went to the same restaurant we've been to for the last three meals out...great food but I'm liking the idea of a little variety now!
Today is prep day for Thanksgiving, hence the turkey dilemma. Back to problem solving that!
Yesterday was another busy one. John informed me yesterday morning that the doc and the nurse practitioner at the Embassy clinic wanted me to come by and talk. I quickly jumped into the shower, got dressed and drove in with him.
It was a good chat, we talked about hours and a start date for me, along with what I might expect for an orientation. I am so looking forward to working there, if all goes extremely well, there's a chance I'll change to more hours next year.
After the pseudo interview, I completed the finance paperwork for final reimbursement for our evacuation. Hopefully the finance people will take less than forever (which is their norm lately) to fill our coffers. Which in turn will greatly lessen our credit card debt!!
Yesterday afternoon, I had a two hour facial. For under $30!! It included a scalp, neck and foot massage. I could do this on a regular basis.
Then I walked across the street and picked up a receipt book (on my "to do" list) for all those party purchases from places that don't normally give you a receipt, like the market place.
Last evening we had dinner with the visiting German attache and his American wife - yeah, we could talk in English! We went to the same restaurant we've been to for the last three meals out...great food but I'm liking the idea of a little variety now!
Today is prep day for Thanksgiving, hence the turkey dilemma. Back to problem solving that!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Some Missions Accomplished
Because of my two hour nap yesterday, I didn't get to bed until midnight. Slept poorly until 7:15 then tickled Jake awake.
The kids made it onto the school bus eventually, it is Monday after all. Then John decided he'd get up and shower. He is totally hooked on this goofy Nintendo DS game of Jake's - he was up after I went to sleep, still playing it!
I received a call from Jake just as I was going to grab my own shower...he has swimming today, could I please bring him his bathing suit and towel (goggles if I can find them, though that was highly doubtful!) Thankfully, John had a decent idea of where the goggles were so I threw all three things in a bag before getting back to my shower. Swim class wasn't until after lunch.
After dropping off his swim stuff at around 10, I returned home and started digging into the office. I sorted, I organized and I got through to the wood top of my desk. It's so pretty!
As the girls are having massages this afternoon, I left some boxes to be stored upstairs at the bottom of the stairs for them to take up. They grumbled when they got home but acquiesced. Smart move 'cause I'm paying for the massages.
So my office looks fabulous (not looking at the stack of boxes against the far wall), my desk looks even better and Lisette's having the first of the two massages. Yes, she came here and it's under $30/hour.
Oh, our backyard is back to normal...the Embassy folks came and took away the huge tent/tables/chairs, etc.
I love a day when a bunch of things get done!
The kids made it onto the school bus eventually, it is Monday after all. Then John decided he'd get up and shower. He is totally hooked on this goofy Nintendo DS game of Jake's - he was up after I went to sleep, still playing it!
I received a call from Jake just as I was going to grab my own shower...he has swimming today, could I please bring him his bathing suit and towel (goggles if I can find them, though that was highly doubtful!) Thankfully, John had a decent idea of where the goggles were so I threw all three things in a bag before getting back to my shower. Swim class wasn't until after lunch.
After dropping off his swim stuff at around 10, I returned home and started digging into the office. I sorted, I organized and I got through to the wood top of my desk. It's so pretty!
As the girls are having massages this afternoon, I left some boxes to be stored upstairs at the bottom of the stairs for them to take up. They grumbled when they got home but acquiesced. Smart move 'cause I'm paying for the massages.
So my office looks fabulous (not looking at the stack of boxes against the far wall), my desk looks even better and Lisette's having the first of the two massages. Yes, she came here and it's under $30/hour.
Oh, our backyard is back to normal...the Embassy folks came and took away the huge tent/tables/chairs, etc.
I love a day when a bunch of things get done!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Lessons Learned
We had our shindig last night. A bit of an international affair, with Bolivians, Brazilians and Argentines. It was supposed to start at 3, most people showed up around 4:15, 4:30. Our hired BBQ guy began to get nervous that the meat was getting cold by 5, so we finally corralled everyone to eat around then. Lesson #1 - don't have the hot food be ready too soon after the expected start time!
Booze was plentiful, I didn't indulge a lot for multiple reasons but there was much enjoyment of a large assortment of beverages. The food was excellent, the company was delightful and the conversation was mostly lighthearted. We had a bit of a philosophical discussion near the end of the evening about love and relationships but then never quite got around to completing it - very fun!
Dominga was here and working her tush off. I had earlier suggested to John that we hire help for Dominga, serving and cleaning up but he felt she could handle it. 20 people later, she worked like a dog! I pointed out the error of John's way, rather delicately and we agreed that next time, we'd hire an extra person (Lesson #2). We paid Dominga her extra wage and then some.
So, overall a success. The weather complicated things a tiny bit - first it rained but we were all already under our big Embassy tent. Then by the end of the meal, the sun had gone down and it became pretty chilly. We retired up to the dining room for dessert and coffee. The other American ladies helped me quickly make the table and they did a smash up job considering most of my linen is still in boxes. That was lesson #3, have the inside entertaining area prepared, just in case.
We played a small game with some "door prizes" and I tried to steal Christine's but she wouldn't budge. Grrrr. ;-) I'm in dire need of a crystal ice bucket. I ended up with a lovely (truly) huge thermos. Carlene went home with some "Amor" incense - lucky Aaron!
After John drove the last couple home, he, Lisette and I cuddled into our bed and watched "V for Vendetta" while we waited for Nicole to get home from her fiesta. It was nice to snuggle with my baby girl after a long day - never far from my mind is that she'll be flying the nest in a matter of months.
Booze was plentiful, I didn't indulge a lot for multiple reasons but there was much enjoyment of a large assortment of beverages. The food was excellent, the company was delightful and the conversation was mostly lighthearted. We had a bit of a philosophical discussion near the end of the evening about love and relationships but then never quite got around to completing it - very fun!
Dominga was here and working her tush off. I had earlier suggested to John that we hire help for Dominga, serving and cleaning up but he felt she could handle it. 20 people later, she worked like a dog! I pointed out the error of John's way, rather delicately and we agreed that next time, we'd hire an extra person (Lesson #2). We paid Dominga her extra wage and then some.
So, overall a success. The weather complicated things a tiny bit - first it rained but we were all already under our big Embassy tent. Then by the end of the meal, the sun had gone down and it became pretty chilly. We retired up to the dining room for dessert and coffee. The other American ladies helped me quickly make the table and they did a smash up job considering most of my linen is still in boxes. That was lesson #3, have the inside entertaining area prepared, just in case.
We played a small game with some "door prizes" and I tried to steal Christine's but she wouldn't budge. Grrrr. ;-) I'm in dire need of a crystal ice bucket. I ended up with a lovely (truly) huge thermos. Carlene went home with some "Amor" incense - lucky Aaron!
After John drove the last couple home, he, Lisette and I cuddled into our bed and watched "V for Vendetta" while we waited for Nicole to get home from her fiesta. It was nice to snuggle with my baby girl after a long day - never far from my mind is that she'll be flying the nest in a matter of months.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Busy Weekend
We're hosting a party, the kids have three parties in total to go to, one sleepover plus a Christmas Bazaar. I'm tired and it's barely begun.
Health-wise I'm feeling pretty good - knock on wood! Been very busy unpacking/hiding boxes. I have a list a mile long for tomorrow to do so hopefully I'll stay healthy.
We've got lots of Thanksgiving plans to figure out too. We're going to have a dinner here but we're also going to our dear friend's for a turkey. Not sure how it's all going to work out but we'll see!
Yesterday I went to the Bolivian Air Force Spouses' Tea - very interesting. My fellow DAO (Defense Attache Office)spouse, Carlene, went with me. That's a very good thing for a few reasons, her Spanish is soooo much better than mine plus she's a hoot! Considering the rather strong email John sent out last week that's making the rounds of the Bolivian government, I also wanted all the support I could find!
Her and I joked about me trying to get through the receiving line without giving my name then we sat with a small group of foreign (I think they were almost all Argentine) attache spouses. We were pretty much ignored from there on out by the Bolivians. It was fun though. The one Peruvian lady had a pretty X-rated wind-up toy that kept us amused for some time. These are some awesome women! :-)
John and Aaron picked us up from the Air Force Club and took us out for dinner. I stuck strictly to the soup, my stomach was thankful.
Bedtime came shortly after we got home. My stomach issues may have calmed a bit but I'm still getting tired easily!
Health-wise I'm feeling pretty good - knock on wood! Been very busy unpacking/hiding boxes. I have a list a mile long for tomorrow to do so hopefully I'll stay healthy.
We've got lots of Thanksgiving plans to figure out too. We're going to have a dinner here but we're also going to our dear friend's for a turkey. Not sure how it's all going to work out but we'll see!
Yesterday I went to the Bolivian Air Force Spouses' Tea - very interesting. My fellow DAO (Defense Attache Office)spouse, Carlene, went with me. That's a very good thing for a few reasons, her Spanish is soooo much better than mine plus she's a hoot! Considering the rather strong email John sent out last week that's making the rounds of the Bolivian government, I also wanted all the support I could find!
Her and I joked about me trying to get through the receiving line without giving my name then we sat with a small group of foreign (I think they were almost all Argentine) attache spouses. We were pretty much ignored from there on out by the Bolivians. It was fun though. The one Peruvian lady had a pretty X-rated wind-up toy that kept us amused for some time. These are some awesome women! :-)
John and Aaron picked us up from the Air Force Club and took us out for dinner. I stuck strictly to the soup, my stomach was thankful.
Bedtime came shortly after we got home. My stomach issues may have calmed a bit but I'm still getting tired easily!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Chili Cook-Off
John emailed me with the news that the Marines are having a Chili Cook-off in a few weeks, he might represent his office as one of the judges. I, in turn, emailed the Marine Sergeant with the following question ~
Am I eligible to be in the cook off if I'm sleeping with one of the judges? :-)
His very quick Marine reply ~
Ma’am (Very Marinish)
Alls’ fair in love and war.
I don’t see a reason why not….
I may be married to an Air Force stud but ya gotta love Marines!
Am I eligible to be in the cook off if I'm sleeping with one of the judges? :-)
His very quick Marine reply ~
Ma’am (Very Marinish)
Alls’ fair in love and war.
I don’t see a reason why not….
I may be married to an Air Force stud but ya gotta love Marines!
More Boxes
Our household goods were delivered today. A good thing 'cause I felt like dog doo doo yesterday. I went back on Diamox (for altitude adjustment) and that seemed to do the trick. Still easily tired but feeling a heck of a lot more healthy.
As we are planning to throw a shindig in a few days, it helps motivate us to unpack faster. I did notice that there were a whole lot of boxes going into the attic for Christmas...they are going to be joined by the whole lot of stuff I bought in Florida for Christmas too. Good thing this is such a big house, lots of places to decorate!
John came home early to help start unpacking, the girls should be home shortly. Jake gets a bye for a few hours due to his after school activities. Again, God bless Dominga...we unpacked half a dozen kitchen boxes before I bailed with exhaustion. Oxygen, please?
Politically, things are very quiet. John stirred the pot with an email last week but the sky hasn't fallen yet. He has a habit of pointing out truths that some people would rather not hear. Direct, yes, diplomatic, maybe not so much! :-)
As we are planning to throw a shindig in a few days, it helps motivate us to unpack faster. I did notice that there were a whole lot of boxes going into the attic for Christmas...they are going to be joined by the whole lot of stuff I bought in Florida for Christmas too. Good thing this is such a big house, lots of places to decorate!
John came home early to help start unpacking, the girls should be home shortly. Jake gets a bye for a few hours due to his after school activities. Again, God bless Dominga...we unpacked half a dozen kitchen boxes before I bailed with exhaustion. Oxygen, please?
Politically, things are very quiet. John stirred the pot with an email last week but the sky hasn't fallen yet. He has a habit of pointing out truths that some people would rather not hear. Direct, yes, diplomatic, maybe not so much! :-)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Settling Back In
We're getting there, but the nasty cold John shared with us is getting in the way! I spent pretty much the whole day in bed yesterday, congested, feverish and quite miserable. This morning I woke up feeling much better, showered and unpacked my first suitcase. Unfortunately, Jake is missing school today due to a fever and a sore throat. :-( Last night he was quite pathetic, asking "Can I have some chicken soup tomorrow?" as he went to bed, a little teary-eyed. Could I have refused him anything?
The girls got unpacked yesterday and headed out to school with John this morning. I got up a few minutes after they left but I got the impression they were excited to get back but apprehensive as to how much work they were going to have to do to catch up. They'll manage just fine, they're smart little cookies.
Oh, and settling in is so much easier with a full-time maid! Grin :-)!
The girls got unpacked yesterday and headed out to school with John this morning. I got up a few minutes after they left but I got the impression they were excited to get back but apprehensive as to how much work they were going to have to do to catch up. They'll manage just fine, they're smart little cookies.
Oh, and settling in is so much easier with a full-time maid! Grin :-)!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
HOME!!
We're back! Our flight last night was quiet...after an Ambien, I slept fairly well. The kids seemed to sleep well too. We all handled the change in altitude a little better than the first time, although Lisette had a bit of stronger reaction than the rest of us but she wasn't near as bad as in August.
Found out our water had been turned off yesterday, seems the Embassy was too busy promoting democracy to pay our bill. Bummer. But it was working today thanks to a water pump hooked up to a cistern. Thank goodness we've had our Hep A shots.
I think we got back to the house at around 8, I immediately hit the bed and slept for another 5 hours. A warm shower helped revive me and off to a social event - we waste no time!
This afternoon was a BBQ at the Marine House, the girls only stayed a little while because all of their friends are in Cochabamba at a sports tournament. Seems we did come back a little too late. :-( We were welcomed home with open arms and lots of hugs. Even a family who had visa problems managed to get back before us!
Buddy was thrilled to see us, Dominga was happy too! Our household goods shipment will be delivered next week and my future job will be posted on Monday. No rest for the wicked!
Found out our water had been turned off yesterday, seems the Embassy was too busy promoting democracy to pay our bill. Bummer. But it was working today thanks to a water pump hooked up to a cistern. Thank goodness we've had our Hep A shots.
I think we got back to the house at around 8, I immediately hit the bed and slept for another 5 hours. A warm shower helped revive me and off to a social event - we waste no time!
This afternoon was a BBQ at the Marine House, the girls only stayed a little while because all of their friends are in Cochabamba at a sports tournament. Seems we did come back a little too late. :-( We were welcomed home with open arms and lots of hugs. Even a family who had visa problems managed to get back before us!
Buddy was thrilled to see us, Dominga was happy too! Our household goods shipment will be delivered next week and my future job will be posted on Monday. No rest for the wicked!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sleepy Time
The only ones up are Lisette and I. We're staying in Miami until John arrives a little later this week. Seems we are catching up on sleep lost while in Navarre! I've been sleeping like a baby these last two nights, maybe it has something to do with the calmness of Juan and Carmen's house!
The plan had been to fly out last night to La Paz but then John was going to have to leave us in Bolivia to come here for a conference on Thursday and Friday so yesterday morning I suggested to him that we stay put and wait for him here. He had meetings he couldn't miss this morning so we only would have had a few days to spend with him before he left, some filled with meetings and potential altitude sickness. He was too sad at the idea of not seeing us this morning at first so the idea was shelved. Then he called later and said, sure, stay put. So we are.
We went to see "Madagascar 2" yet again yesterday with Cuqui (John's sister), her kiddos and Carmen...laughed just as much the second time around! Then hung out here with the cousins and after they left, Nicole took a nap while Lisette and I zipped over to a Chinese restaurant for take out. Yum!
The plan had been to fly out last night to La Paz but then John was going to have to leave us in Bolivia to come here for a conference on Thursday and Friday so yesterday morning I suggested to him that we stay put and wait for him here. He had meetings he couldn't miss this morning so we only would have had a few days to spend with him before he left, some filled with meetings and potential altitude sickness. He was too sad at the idea of not seeing us this morning at first so the idea was shelved. Then he called later and said, sure, stay put. So we are.
We went to see "Madagascar 2" yet again yesterday with Cuqui (John's sister), her kiddos and Carmen...laughed just as much the second time around! Then hung out here with the cousins and after they left, Nicole took a nap while Lisette and I zipped over to a Chinese restaurant for take out. Yum!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Happy Birthday Jake!!!!!
My baby is double digits. I have no more single digit children. That's not fair. The great thing is he's wonderful and intelligent and loving and sensitive and beautiful. The best thing is he's a momma's boy. I'm planning on keeping him that way.
This morning, John called before Jake was awake and didn't want to disturb him. Shortly thereafter, Jake woke up and wondered over to my bed with a nose bleed. Once we got that under control, I called John at work so he could wish our baby a happy birthday. John is more than a little upset that he couldn't be with him on his birthday. Funny, it's always been John who was away for birthdays, holidays, vacations and unfortunately it was our turn this year.
Jake got lots of calls from family, got to skip school and hang out with his friend who was allowed to skip too. Hope that teacher isn't reading this! :-) We celebrated with going to see "Madagascar 2" - hilarious! - pizza at home, with a home baked chocolate cake for dessert. Great day all round. But the best part was a surprise visit from John's brother Jorge and his wife, Rosie, daughter, Miranda and two sons, Jonathan and Manuel!! Manuel's only 10 months old and it was our first time meeting him! What a fabulous gift!!
Tonight, Jake's sleeping over at his friend's, Lisette hanging out at Dylan's and Nicole has a houseful of friends over to watch scary movies - though they all went on a beach walk right now...peace and quiet!
This morning, John called before Jake was awake and didn't want to disturb him. Shortly thereafter, Jake woke up and wondered over to my bed with a nose bleed. Once we got that under control, I called John at work so he could wish our baby a happy birthday. John is more than a little upset that he couldn't be with him on his birthday. Funny, it's always been John who was away for birthdays, holidays, vacations and unfortunately it was our turn this year.
Jake got lots of calls from family, got to skip school and hang out with his friend who was allowed to skip too. Hope that teacher isn't reading this! :-) We celebrated with going to see "Madagascar 2" - hilarious! - pizza at home, with a home baked chocolate cake for dessert. Great day all round. But the best part was a surprise visit from John's brother Jorge and his wife, Rosie, daughter, Miranda and two sons, Jonathan and Manuel!! Manuel's only 10 months old and it was our first time meeting him! What a fabulous gift!!
Tonight, Jake's sleeping over at his friend's, Lisette hanging out at Dylan's and Nicole has a houseful of friends over to watch scary movies - though they all went on a beach walk right now...peace and quiet!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Time Running Out
I am sooooo excited about getting back to Bolivia but now I'm facing having to leave my wonderful friends here in Florida. Ya just can't win, ya know?
Today I got a bunch of stuff done. I delivered cookies to the high school for the girls' Spanish class, returned the small rental car for a minivan so our luggage will fit, got my hair cut, took Jake to hang out with his friend and went to see "The Duchess" with Nicola. Tonight, Lisette went to see Dylan's band play in the "Battle of the Bands" while Nicole went to the boys' Varsity Soccer game.
So busy day, busy evening and now I'm tired. 'Night! :-)
Today I got a bunch of stuff done. I delivered cookies to the high school for the girls' Spanish class, returned the small rental car for a minivan so our luggage will fit, got my hair cut, took Jake to hang out with his friend and went to see "The Duchess" with Nicola. Tonight, Lisette went to see Dylan's band play in the "Battle of the Bands" while Nicole went to the boys' Varsity Soccer game.
So busy day, busy evening and now I'm tired. 'Night! :-)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Continuation of Our Species
Rather impossible to think of it in those terms when you find out you're going to be a Great Aunt Shelley!!! My sister is definitely not thinking, just feeling - and that's positively the best way to approach grandparenthood...what a rush!
I couldn't be happier for Nick and Natasha, and I'm beyond thrilled for Kim. I have a feeling 2010 is going to be a very, very good year!
It's time for me to stop using exclamation points...but it is a rather exclamatory (is that a word) day.
After my wake up call (thank you Nick - great way to wake up) I spent the morning preparing for and then watching our express shipment get packed. It's supposed to arrive by December 1st. We'll see.
This afternoon was an early release for Jake, I picked him up along with my friend's daughter Katrina. I then picked up Katrina's sister Elena at their house, took Elena to her orthodontic appointment and then took the bunch of them out for lunch.
Tonight was Jake's last Hapkido class before our return to La Paz. It was a good class. His classmates did 10 push-ups in his honour. Fortunately (unfortunately, according to Jake) he had to do 21 push-ups for two other birthday hapkido troopers.
The girls spent the evening out with friends. Nicole's home now but Lisette isn't expected quite yet. Jake's tucked into bed. We're halfway packed, at least. I'm going to a Great Aunt. :-)
I couldn't be happier for Nick and Natasha, and I'm beyond thrilled for Kim. I have a feeling 2010 is going to be a very, very good year!
It's time for me to stop using exclamation points...but it is a rather exclamatory (is that a word) day.
After my wake up call (thank you Nick - great way to wake up) I spent the morning preparing for and then watching our express shipment get packed. It's supposed to arrive by December 1st. We'll see.
This afternoon was an early release for Jake, I picked him up along with my friend's daughter Katrina. I then picked up Katrina's sister Elena at their house, took Elena to her orthodontic appointment and then took the bunch of them out for lunch.
Tonight was Jake's last Hapkido class before our return to La Paz. It was a good class. His classmates did 10 push-ups in his honour. Fortunately (unfortunately, according to Jake) he had to do 21 push-ups for two other birthday hapkido troopers.
The girls spent the evening out with friends. Nicole's home now but Lisette isn't expected quite yet. Jake's tucked into bed. We're halfway packed, at least. I'm going to a Great Aunt. :-)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Tuesday
Barack Obama just won the presidency of the United States. Stunning! What an amazing day in the history of this country...it says a lot of how far this young country has come in just my lifetime. I'm very proud of my adopted home, we are an amazing nation. Perhaps this election will take us farther than we can even imagine today, inside and outside of our borders.
It's been exciting to watch Lisette's involvement and attention to the political machine especially over the last 10 months or so. Next time around, she'll be one of our young voters and she'll take the responsibility with intelligence and compassion.
John called a few minutes ago. He had spent the evening at the Ambassador's residence which the Embassy had turned into an Election Central, full of TVs and political analysts...a wonderful show of our democratic process. He was excited with how well it was put together for the international community that showed up.
So now our "new age" will begin. Keeping the faith. God Bless the USA.
It's been exciting to watch Lisette's involvement and attention to the political machine especially over the last 10 months or so. Next time around, she'll be one of our young voters and she'll take the responsibility with intelligence and compassion.
John called a few minutes ago. He had spent the evening at the Ambassador's residence which the Embassy had turned into an Election Central, full of TVs and political analysts...a wonderful show of our democratic process. He was excited with how well it was put together for the international community that showed up.
So now our "new age" will begin. Keeping the faith. God Bless the USA.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday, Sun Day
It was a gorgeous day today! Sunny and mid-70s so Jake and I had a perfect walk on the beach.
First of all, I took a sleeping pill last night and had the best sleep I've had in ages. It was much needed but I still feel unsettled and it's truly making me unhappy.
This morning, we skipped church (shame) and enjoyed the extra hour the time change allowed for. Nicole and Xandra were dropped off at around 10:30 by Amanda with my "granddaughter" Nicanda (thank you Dr. Build-a-Bear!)
Lunch was out at the beach. Delicious burgers for the kids and fish sticks for me. All the better reason for a healthy walk down the beach afterward. My stomach was very unhappy with me. Skipping church doesn't go well with gluttony. Double jeopardy.
This afternoon I got a call from John's parents. Good news in the form of his mom...she'll be home when we fly through Miami so we'll get the chance to spend time with her. Juan will be out of town and we thought she'd be with him. That cheered me! :-)
First of all, I took a sleeping pill last night and had the best sleep I've had in ages. It was much needed but I still feel unsettled and it's truly making me unhappy.
This morning, we skipped church (shame) and enjoyed the extra hour the time change allowed for. Nicole and Xandra were dropped off at around 10:30 by Amanda with my "granddaughter" Nicanda (thank you Dr. Build-a-Bear!)
Lunch was out at the beach. Delicious burgers for the kids and fish sticks for me. All the better reason for a healthy walk down the beach afterward. My stomach was very unhappy with me. Skipping church doesn't go well with gluttony. Double jeopardy.
This afternoon I got a call from John's parents. Good news in the form of his mom...she'll be home when we fly through Miami so we'll get the chance to spend time with her. Juan will be out of town and we thought she'd be with him. That cheered me! :-)
Bringing Up the Rear
We'll be some of the last people to return to La Paz from the Embassy...bummer. I believe most families have already gotten back.
John won the costume contest at the Halloween party at the Marine House last night. No surprise there, he does make the very best pirate! Looking forward to seeing the t-shirt he won, help him drink his beer and party like it's 2008 at the Marine BBQ after we get home.
I didn't sleep well last night, was up way too early for my taste this morning but otherwise it was a very good day. Grabbed some groceries, had the car washed during lunch, got Lisette her hairspray so she'd be gorgeous for the Homecoming Dance (was there ever a doubt, really?) and delivered Nicole and Xandra to their sleepovers. Jake and I just hung out this evening, watching TV and having a nap (me).
Lisette should be home shortly and I'll cuddle up with some Ambien to ensure a better snooze.
John won the costume contest at the Halloween party at the Marine House last night. No surprise there, he does make the very best pirate! Looking forward to seeing the t-shirt he won, help him drink his beer and party like it's 2008 at the Marine BBQ after we get home.
I didn't sleep well last night, was up way too early for my taste this morning but otherwise it was a very good day. Grabbed some groceries, had the car washed during lunch, got Lisette her hairspray so she'd be gorgeous for the Homecoming Dance (was there ever a doubt, really?) and delivered Nicole and Xandra to their sleepovers. Jake and I just hung out this evening, watching TV and having a nap (me).
Lisette should be home shortly and I'll cuddle up with some Ambien to ensure a better snooze.
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