It's always so nice coming back to the States. John and I arrived Sunday night, the 4th. We spent the night at a hotel by the airport then drove to Georgia on Monday morning. It was hard to turn off of I-10 and head north instead of carrying on until we hit Tallahassee! Lisette (and we) had to wait another 24 hours.
Our house is adorable and I spent the first day nesting myself into a frenzy. I found it hard to keep focused that this is likely going to be a second home and therefore doesn't need to be settled into as quickly. Still, we already had a couch and an entertainment center so we obviously needed a TV! So we hit Best Buy and found one on clearance.
Parents Weekend was great! Seeing Lisette was even better!! She's blossoming. I keep saying that because it's incredible how true it is. I knew she was ready but it still is a little shocking how grown up she's become in just two months. She's making some really good choices and other than needing to give her car a bath, she's got it pretty much together. It's fun and heartbreaking to watch her independence. :-)
We're back in our house, ordered a bedroom set, a dining set and an extra bed/couch for the den. I've got the kitchen off to a decent start, our old pots and pans will go a long way to getting it functional though. Perhaps I'll send them up from La Paz sometime soon.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to talk Lisette into coming back with us! :-(
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Odds and Ends
Last night I bought my ticket to go see my baby girl for Parents Weekend!
Strange sight - saw a pizza delivery guy get a ride from a police officer on his motorcycle.
John's on his way to Dayton, Ohio to run the 13th Air Force Marathon. It happens to land on the 13th anniversary of the accident that took his leg!
John opened a "cause" site on Facebook for his run. Just asking for thoughts and prayers, not money. It's already hit 239 members, many of whom we don't even know!
I'm homesick for both the States and Canada!
Strange sight - saw a pizza delivery guy get a ride from a police officer on his motorcycle.
John's on his way to Dayton, Ohio to run the 13th Air Force Marathon. It happens to land on the 13th anniversary of the accident that took his leg!
John opened a "cause" site on Facebook for his run. Just asking for thoughts and prayers, not money. It's already hit 239 members, many of whom we don't even know!
I'm homesick for both the States and Canada!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Eight Years Later
We had a moment of silence in the Embassy this morning. Hard to believe it's been eight years but then again, so much has changed since then...good and bad.
On a much lighter note - dropped John off at a function this evening (a guy thing) and the house number was 7. We found the street, it was a short one and noticed the first number was 70 which concerned us...the next one was 100...beside it was number 7. Go figure. Weird place we live in.
Have a fabulous weekend!! Love to you all!!
On a much lighter note - dropped John off at a function this evening (a guy thing) and the house number was 7. We found the street, it was a short one and noticed the first number was 70 which concerned us...the next one was 100...beside it was number 7. Go figure. Weird place we live in.
Have a fabulous weekend!! Love to you all!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Well, All WAS Quiet...
This has been a quiet Saturday but our friend took Buddy for a walk with her Golden Retriever only to find her SUV vandalized when she returned to our house. John and Joanne are outside dealing with it - I had just opened up my blog to write when Joanne rang our doorbell. Living in a big city... :-(
Thankfully it looks like the buttheads got nothing. Probably they were interrupted. We live on the crossroads of two pretty busy streets. They ended up cutting her battery cable, most likely so they might be able to come back later and finish the job but good ole duct tape repaired the cable enough so that she could start the car and drive it home. I followed her, just in case and found out she lives in the prettiest house I have seen!!! It looks like a doll house or a playhouse that's been blown up to adult size!
So now the four of us (John, Nicole, Jake and I - missing Lisette!) are chilling out, watching TV and enjoying our long weekend. Hope yours is as eventful/uneventful as you'd like it to be!!
Thankfully it looks like the buttheads got nothing. Probably they were interrupted. We live on the crossroads of two pretty busy streets. They ended up cutting her battery cable, most likely so they might be able to come back later and finish the job but good ole duct tape repaired the cable enough so that she could start the car and drive it home. I followed her, just in case and found out she lives in the prettiest house I have seen!!! It looks like a doll house or a playhouse that's been blown up to adult size!
So now the four of us (John, Nicole, Jake and I - missing Lisette!) are chilling out, watching TV and enjoying our long weekend. Hope yours is as eventful/uneventful as you'd like it to be!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Time Flies
Before much too much time goes by, it behooves me to update my blog!
The return trip from Italy included a quick stop in Hamilton. The main reason being that I had become the great aunt to a perfect little baby boy! Nolan is the most precious and beloved son of my darling Nicholas and his beautiful wife Natasha. Am I gushing? Heck ya!
The remainder of July and into August was back to work and prepping for the kids to return to school. On August 15th, John and I flew back to Miami with Lisette. Spending the next week setting Lisette up at Florida State University was one of the most depressing time of my life. As with any other dark period, one just plugs on through and tries to look at the bright side. I was happy to at least have the chance to build her her "nest" in her dorm room. It was thrilling to see her bond with her new car - a 2003 VW Beetle (adorable!) although she tried to kill us in it a few times. I'm thinking that was about it as far as a silver lining. Thank goodness for Vonage and Facebook. We're keeping in touch daily. :-)
The other thing we did while back in the States in August was settle things on a house in Georgia. On August 31st, via Power of Attorney, we closed on a lovely lakehouse in Lake Park. The property is right beside John's brother so it makes a perfect getaway place or even a permanent address depending on what happens in our future!
The kids left here in La Paz are both home sick with the flu. John of course thinks it's swine flu but that's John. LOL It doesn't really matter because we don't have access to the blood test to identify it anyway. Supposedly Evo Morales is suffering from the flu and his doc put him on Tamiflu (what we have available for our H1N1 flu patients). Interestingly, Tamiflu can cause some psychotic reactions...no, I won't go anywhere with that. Ha!
So now I'm working full-time and still loving it. Technically, I'm supposed to be working four days a week but until we have the new nurse onboard, I'm filling in the days. School started for me again this past Monday. I'm taking 9 credit hours again but they're split 3/6 over the semester...three credit hours the first half makes life much more reasonable!
John will be running the Air Force Marathon in a few weeks. It falls on the anniversary of his accident which makes it impossible to pass up. I'm excited for him but he has recently relieved my mind by promising that this is his last full marathon. He's not getting any younger and his knee gives him problems to begin with. Still, make sure you're cheering him on this September 19th! Oh, that's "Talk Like a Pirate" day too!
The return trip from Italy included a quick stop in Hamilton. The main reason being that I had become the great aunt to a perfect little baby boy! Nolan is the most precious and beloved son of my darling Nicholas and his beautiful wife Natasha. Am I gushing? Heck ya!
The remainder of July and into August was back to work and prepping for the kids to return to school. On August 15th, John and I flew back to Miami with Lisette. Spending the next week setting Lisette up at Florida State University was one of the most depressing time of my life. As with any other dark period, one just plugs on through and tries to look at the bright side. I was happy to at least have the chance to build her her "nest" in her dorm room. It was thrilling to see her bond with her new car - a 2003 VW Beetle (adorable!) although she tried to kill us in it a few times. I'm thinking that was about it as far as a silver lining. Thank goodness for Vonage and Facebook. We're keeping in touch daily. :-)
The other thing we did while back in the States in August was settle things on a house in Georgia. On August 31st, via Power of Attorney, we closed on a lovely lakehouse in Lake Park. The property is right beside John's brother so it makes a perfect getaway place or even a permanent address depending on what happens in our future!
The kids left here in La Paz are both home sick with the flu. John of course thinks it's swine flu but that's John. LOL It doesn't really matter because we don't have access to the blood test to identify it anyway. Supposedly Evo Morales is suffering from the flu and his doc put him on Tamiflu (what we have available for our H1N1 flu patients). Interestingly, Tamiflu can cause some psychotic reactions...no, I won't go anywhere with that. Ha!
So now I'm working full-time and still loving it. Technically, I'm supposed to be working four days a week but until we have the new nurse onboard, I'm filling in the days. School started for me again this past Monday. I'm taking 9 credit hours again but they're split 3/6 over the semester...three credit hours the first half makes life much more reasonable!
John will be running the Air Force Marathon in a few weeks. It falls on the anniversary of his accident which makes it impossible to pass up. I'm excited for him but he has recently relieved my mind by promising that this is his last full marathon. He's not getting any younger and his knee gives him problems to begin with. Still, make sure you're cheering him on this September 19th! Oh, that's "Talk Like a Pirate" day too!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Back Home
Well, the original idea was to keep a running diary of our trip to Italy. The largest obstacle to that goal was lack of Internet access at many of the places we stayed.
Our trip was fabulous. Definitely what we all needed. John grew a beard (sort of) which I loved, surprising because I'm not a big fan of facial hair. He looked so relaxed in it though! I got a really good tan for the first time in probably 20 years! The kids got along great considering they were squished in the back seat of a medium sized station wagon for too many hours at a time. Thankfully, they often had the opportunity to get away from each when it was absolutely necessary.
Our favourite stay was outside of Assisi. It was incredibly beautiful, peaceful and we went and saw so much!
Here's the Italy vacation in a nutshell ~
June 16th - arrive in Rome, drive to Naples
June 17th - visited the Cuma ruins
June 18th - Pompei!
June 19th - chill day, saw "Up" at Naval base
June 20th - moved down to Amalfi coast house
June 21st - chilled at Amalfi house
June 22nd - drove down the Amalfi coast, sightseeing day
June 23rd - chilled and sunbathed
June 24th - harrowing scooter ride to Vietri!
June 25th - kidnapped Lisette and John to Sorrento
June 26th - crazy day on the Meditteranean in a rented motorboat
June 27th - drove all the way up to Umbria house
June 28th - medieval fair in medieval village
June 29th - Assisi
June 30th - Lisette and I hit Deruta for ceramics
July 1st - Sienna and the "Il Palio" time trial
July 2nd - Pisa and Florence (warning - don't try to do both in one day!)
July 3rd - chilling, sunbathing, laundry and repacking
July 4th - return to Naples, fireworks at Carney Park, John loses work cell (Yeah!)
July 5th - chill, chill, chill
July 6th - drive to Taormina, Sicily
July 7th - Greek ruins, Taormina
July 8th - return to Rome, dealt with gas strike and our pseudo 21st anniversary!
July 9th - Rome, beautiful Rome
July 10th - flight from Rome to Buffalo
It was awesome.
Our trip was fabulous. Definitely what we all needed. John grew a beard (sort of) which I loved, surprising because I'm not a big fan of facial hair. He looked so relaxed in it though! I got a really good tan for the first time in probably 20 years! The kids got along great considering they were squished in the back seat of a medium sized station wagon for too many hours at a time. Thankfully, they often had the opportunity to get away from each when it was absolutely necessary.
Our favourite stay was outside of Assisi. It was incredibly beautiful, peaceful and we went and saw so much!
Here's the Italy vacation in a nutshell ~
June 16th - arrive in Rome, drive to Naples
June 17th - visited the Cuma ruins
June 18th - Pompei!
June 19th - chill day, saw "Up" at Naval base
June 20th - moved down to Amalfi coast house
June 21st - chilled at Amalfi house
June 22nd - drove down the Amalfi coast, sightseeing day
June 23rd - chilled and sunbathed
June 24th - harrowing scooter ride to Vietri!
June 25th - kidnapped Lisette and John to Sorrento
June 26th - crazy day on the Meditteranean in a rented motorboat
June 27th - drove all the way up to Umbria house
June 28th - medieval fair in medieval village
June 29th - Assisi
June 30th - Lisette and I hit Deruta for ceramics
July 1st - Sienna and the "Il Palio" time trial
July 2nd - Pisa and Florence (warning - don't try to do both in one day!)
July 3rd - chilling, sunbathing, laundry and repacking
July 4th - return to Naples, fireworks at Carney Park, John loses work cell (Yeah!)
July 5th - chill, chill, chill
July 6th - drive to Taormina, Sicily
July 7th - Greek ruins, Taormina
July 8th - return to Rome, dealt with gas strike and our pseudo 21st anniversary!
July 9th - Rome, beautiful Rome
July 10th - flight from Rome to Buffalo
It was awesome.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Amalfi Coast
Today was a blast! The girls and I went on a scooter ride down the Amalfi Coast to Vietri. Nicole clung to me like the little monkey she can be and Lisette followed beautifully on her pink scooter like the goddess she can be. It was a long ride, over an hour, but we arrived unscathed...John's heart could rest awhile while we shopped. Besides, the view was worth his angina. :-)
The bad news from Vietri - the shop where I bought all my dishes seven years ago was closed while the owners on vacation! AHHHH! Bad timing! Oh, well, I found some other things I wanted. Just have to come back I suppose!
The ride back was a little more interesting. Lisette got bitten by something but kept the scooter under control. She's got about six bites on her back and she was near tears, poor baby! We arrived in the town of Amalfi just in time. The threatening clouds simply burst for about an hour. We had a snack and then did a tiny bit of shopping (honest, John!) and stayed dry. Nicole bought a towel for our scooter seats and we got back on the road.
We pulled in with about five minutes to spare, the scooters were due back at six. Whew! It was a beautiful and fun day!
One other close call, I had talked to Nicole about leaning into a curve with me...we were approaching a turn and I had my eye on a van that was approaching from the other direction. Unfortunately, I wasn't watching the turn close enough and almost hit the wall. While I was saying, "#%$#&^!!!" in my head, Nicole told me later she was just screaming "LEAN!" in hers. LOL
The bad news from Vietri - the shop where I bought all my dishes seven years ago was closed while the owners on vacation! AHHHH! Bad timing! Oh, well, I found some other things I wanted. Just have to come back I suppose!
The ride back was a little more interesting. Lisette got bitten by something but kept the scooter under control. She's got about six bites on her back and she was near tears, poor baby! We arrived in the town of Amalfi just in time. The threatening clouds simply burst for about an hour. We had a snack and then did a tiny bit of shopping (honest, John!) and stayed dry. Nicole bought a towel for our scooter seats and we got back on the road.
We pulled in with about five minutes to spare, the scooters were due back at six. Whew! It was a beautiful and fun day!
One other close call, I had talked to Nicole about leaning into a curve with me...we were approaching a turn and I had my eye on a van that was approaching from the other direction. Unfortunately, I wasn't watching the turn close enough and almost hit the wall. While I was saying, "#%$#&^!!!" in my head, Nicole told me later she was just screaming "LEAN!" in hers. LOL
Friday, June 19, 2009
Pompei is Simply Incredible
I finally went. After living in Naples for two years, I kept missing the opportunity to go or just put it off too many times. Now I can't wait to go back again. My family is tired of me saying "that was so awesome!" It was though. We spent about three hours there and I could have stayed for three days. I know people had said how big it was but I just never imagined it was THAT big. Wow.
That was yesterday. We moved into a new hotel, just slightly more expensive but tons nicer. Then we had lunch at the new hotel. It was delicious but brutally expensive. Off to Pompei after lunch at Lisette's urging. We're all still fighting the time change so not much energy. I'm so glad we went!
Dinner last night was at an old haunt. It was closed on Wednesday and we were worried it wasn't still running. It was and the same waiter was there too! The food was incredible - just like we remembered. The name of the place was Cerberos - it's on a hill overlooking the bay of Naples...we watched the sunset. Sigh.
Today we were up a little earlier. We had a day planned around the Navy base. John was the only one who hadn't seen "Up" so we went to see that. Then we bought some groceries before heading to Carney Park (the US sports complex) where John, Nicole and Jake went to the pool (Lisette had stayed at the hotel when we dropped off groceries) and I went to the Laundromat. Not too exotic but necessary! :-)
We grabbed some pizza at Carney Park for dinner then when all the clothes were dry, we came back here to the hotel. I submitted my final essay for my English Composition II class. Not sure if I'll make an A on this class - too much going on this last month.
Tomorrow's going to be a busy day. Maybe we'll finally be up in time for breakfast here. We should - it's free and food has gotten expensive here!!! It's still worth it though! Ha!
That was yesterday. We moved into a new hotel, just slightly more expensive but tons nicer. Then we had lunch at the new hotel. It was delicious but brutally expensive. Off to Pompei after lunch at Lisette's urging. We're all still fighting the time change so not much energy. I'm so glad we went!
Dinner last night was at an old haunt. It was closed on Wednesday and we were worried it wasn't still running. It was and the same waiter was there too! The food was incredible - just like we remembered. The name of the place was Cerberos - it's on a hill overlooking the bay of Naples...we watched the sunset. Sigh.
Today we were up a little earlier. We had a day planned around the Navy base. John was the only one who hadn't seen "Up" so we went to see that. Then we bought some groceries before heading to Carney Park (the US sports complex) where John, Nicole and Jake went to the pool (Lisette had stayed at the hotel when we dropped off groceries) and I went to the Laundromat. Not too exotic but necessary! :-)
We grabbed some pizza at Carney Park for dinner then when all the clothes were dry, we came back here to the hotel. I submitted my final essay for my English Composition II class. Not sure if I'll make an A on this class - too much going on this last month.
Tomorrow's going to be a busy day. Maybe we'll finally be up in time for breakfast here. We should - it's free and food has gotten expensive here!!! It's still worth it though! Ha!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Bella Napoli
Wow! It's been forever since I blogged - I had a hard time remembering my login info!
We're in ITALY! Staying in a less than ideal hotel but moving to a beautiful place tomorrow. We arrived on Tuesday morning (yesterday) and fought to stay awake all day. We drove by a few places from times past then visited the Navy base to pick up some "essentials"...funny how we actually spent time on an American base while here in Naples but we miss that kind of stuff too!
Jake was especially miserable yesterday but woke up all smiles this morning. A good night sleep does wonders. Meanwhile I froze last night and woke up with a nasty sore throat. Much better by mid-day.
We went to the Cuma ruins today. It's my favourite place in the Naples area. We took some pictures of the kids posed the same way/same place as in 2002. My camera battery is dead so I'll post pics when I can. The Cuma ruins is a former Greek altar to Apollo. There's also Sybil's cave there...I need to look that lady up, Lisette knew all about her. Smart girl.
We tried to go to three different restaurants that were our faves when we lived here. None of them were still there. Sad, this place is a ghost-town in some areas. I guess the recession has been hitting here pretty hard. We ended up having dinner near our old house, in a restaurant that was there but we only used to pick up pizza there. It was a delicious dinner! I just hope we all don't weigh a thousand pounds before we leave!!
I'll try to keep up the blog while I'm here. Ciao!
We're in ITALY! Staying in a less than ideal hotel but moving to a beautiful place tomorrow. We arrived on Tuesday morning (yesterday) and fought to stay awake all day. We drove by a few places from times past then visited the Navy base to pick up some "essentials"...funny how we actually spent time on an American base while here in Naples but we miss that kind of stuff too!
Jake was especially miserable yesterday but woke up all smiles this morning. A good night sleep does wonders. Meanwhile I froze last night and woke up with a nasty sore throat. Much better by mid-day.
We went to the Cuma ruins today. It's my favourite place in the Naples area. We took some pictures of the kids posed the same way/same place as in 2002. My camera battery is dead so I'll post pics when I can. The Cuma ruins is a former Greek altar to Apollo. There's also Sybil's cave there...I need to look that lady up, Lisette knew all about her. Smart girl.
We tried to go to three different restaurants that were our faves when we lived here. None of them were still there. Sad, this place is a ghost-town in some areas. I guess the recession has been hitting here pretty hard. We ended up having dinner near our old house, in a restaurant that was there but we only used to pick up pizza there. It was a delicious dinner! I just hope we all don't weigh a thousand pounds before we leave!!
I'll try to keep up the blog while I'm here. Ciao!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Funnish Weekend
It's been another busy few weeks and my work hours are about to increase as the wonderful nurse who normally works the full-time position is leaving! AHHHHH! So I'll fill in the gaps a bit until we hire another RN.
Friday I worked in the morning then taught a CPR class in the afternoon at USAID, their building is a little closer to home than the Embassy. It was a long day though and our finale was Lisette's final chorus concert in high school. :-(
Yesterday morning was the Book Club meeting here at our house. It was fun, though I read the book years ago and never got around to skimming over it before the meeting. I wasn't much help during the discussion! The ladies did manage to talk John and I into attending a ball last night. We'd deftly avoided buying tickets but we were invited to sit at the "fun" table so we bought some excess tickets and went.
Diana and Holly took me with them to the beauty salon for a pedicure and hair styling...that was fun! Then I had to get home and figure out what to wear. John helped me decide. The dinner was yummy, we rubbed elbows with lots of Ambassadors and even ran into a few fellow Attaches and their spouses. The dancing was good, funny how the whole world knows the dance for "YMCA"! I bid on a painting at their short but mostly ugly auction but was outbid. Whew! ?-)
We got home around 12:30 and had some drinks with our table buddies before they headed home and we crashed. Altogether a nice evening!
Friday I worked in the morning then taught a CPR class in the afternoon at USAID, their building is a little closer to home than the Embassy. It was a long day though and our finale was Lisette's final chorus concert in high school. :-(
Yesterday morning was the Book Club meeting here at our house. It was fun, though I read the book years ago and never got around to skimming over it before the meeting. I wasn't much help during the discussion! The ladies did manage to talk John and I into attending a ball last night. We'd deftly avoided buying tickets but we were invited to sit at the "fun" table so we bought some excess tickets and went.
Diana and Holly took me with them to the beauty salon for a pedicure and hair styling...that was fun! Then I had to get home and figure out what to wear. John helped me decide. The dinner was yummy, we rubbed elbows with lots of Ambassadors and even ran into a few fellow Attaches and their spouses. The dancing was good, funny how the whole world knows the dance for "YMCA"! I bid on a painting at their short but mostly ugly auction but was outbid. Whew! ?-)
We got home around 12:30 and had some drinks with our table buddies before they headed home and we crashed. Altogether a nice evening!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Ah, The Joys of Motherhood
Lisette was up barfing all night. She went running before dinner, watched part of the third Lord of the Rings movie with us for a bit then complained her stomach hurt and she was going to bed. Shortly thereafter the vomiting began. I curled up beside her for awhile last night, worried about who will look after her when she's sick next year at university. John said she just isn't allowed to get sick there. As she has a fever now, it's doubtful that it was simply something she ate. Bummer, viruses are contagious. Wonder how long it will be until one of us is puking too.
She's still in bed with a big bowl and a glass of ginger ale beside her. Poor baby.
On another front, I am utterly shocked that John hasn't spilled the beans on our trip this summer. He keeps saying these leading questions in front of the kids, I'm ready to pop him one. Then he just looks at me all, "oops" and I just have to shake my head in wonder. Just over a month to go - cannot wait to get out of here!!!
Former President Jimmy Carter came to visit last week. He hung out with Morales and promised to go picking coca leaves with him next time he's here. Seriously. Then, the day after Mr. Carter leaves, Morales is calling for "muerte yanqui" in front of a crowd of cocaleros (coca growers). For non-Spanish speakers, "muerte yanqui" means "death to the yankee". Nice, huh? This is his usual comment so no reason for alarm, just interesting how he speaks out of both sides of his mouth constantly!
Okay, enough venting. It is another gorgeous day here. I opened Lisette's window to let her get some fresh air. The sun is shining and it perfectly warm in the sunshine and nicely cool in the shade. The gardener is here keeping our yard simply stunning. This is the nicest house we've ever lived in. We're all enjoying our home and our friends, the kids are happy (even barfy girl other than at this moment! Ha!) and I'm so getting used to be pampered by our maid and cook. Yup, those are the things that will be hard to give up.
She's still in bed with a big bowl and a glass of ginger ale beside her. Poor baby.
On another front, I am utterly shocked that John hasn't spilled the beans on our trip this summer. He keeps saying these leading questions in front of the kids, I'm ready to pop him one. Then he just looks at me all, "oops" and I just have to shake my head in wonder. Just over a month to go - cannot wait to get out of here!!!
Former President Jimmy Carter came to visit last week. He hung out with Morales and promised to go picking coca leaves with him next time he's here. Seriously. Then, the day after Mr. Carter leaves, Morales is calling for "muerte yanqui" in front of a crowd of cocaleros (coca growers). For non-Spanish speakers, "muerte yanqui" means "death to the yankee". Nice, huh? This is his usual comment so no reason for alarm, just interesting how he speaks out of both sides of his mouth constantly!
Okay, enough venting. It is another gorgeous day here. I opened Lisette's window to let her get some fresh air. The sun is shining and it perfectly warm in the sunshine and nicely cool in the shade. The gardener is here keeping our yard simply stunning. This is the nicest house we've ever lived in. We're all enjoying our home and our friends, the kids are happy (even barfy girl other than at this moment! Ha!) and I'm so getting used to be pampered by our maid and cook. Yup, those are the things that will be hard to give up.
Friday, May 1, 2009
April
April was a highly stressful month around here. The first half was rather mellow, I got to travel to Santa Cruz and teach CPR in Spanish, there was Lisette's Senior Trip and Spring Break where we just relaxed. Preparing for the Hippie Party on the 18th was mostly fun but a little stressful.
From about 2:30AM after the party, the entire month took a turn for the worst. The party was so great, it probably made what happened after that seem that much worse.
It's a long story, but John's driver Felix got jumped by a bunch of teenage boys that night. They never did catch him (fast guy!) but they chased him both on foot and by car. It was very scary. It comes down to these kids being rich, Bolivian brats who have basically been buying themselves out of trouble but now they've taken on a U.S. Embassy employee who has the backing of our government. Two of the boys go to our kids' school. It's been an interesting and mostly disgusting process to watch as it's progressed. John's been dragged into it but his stance has been simply to support Felix in whatever he chooses to do.
Then there's the killings in Santa Cruz of the supposed "terrorists". Watching this Bolivian government's response to what they've done has been amusing at best and horrifying as well. The Embassy has increased its alertness to potential civil unrest but again, the Bolivians are generally such a peaceful people we certainly hope that the situation remains isolated. Unfortunately, with this happening right after what happened to Felix, I had an antiBolivia week or two.
On the brighter side of life, the High School had its Talent Show last week and their Theatre production last night. Lisette shone in both, winning third place for her singing routine in the Talent Show and having us roaring with laughter during her skits last evening. I'll post a picture of her Talent Show performance. The man in the picture will be her principal, Mr. Kirby. It was awesome!
Here's to a peaceful and happy May!
From about 2:30AM after the party, the entire month took a turn for the worst. The party was so great, it probably made what happened after that seem that much worse.
It's a long story, but John's driver Felix got jumped by a bunch of teenage boys that night. They never did catch him (fast guy!) but they chased him both on foot and by car. It was very scary. It comes down to these kids being rich, Bolivian brats who have basically been buying themselves out of trouble but now they've taken on a U.S. Embassy employee who has the backing of our government. Two of the boys go to our kids' school. It's been an interesting and mostly disgusting process to watch as it's progressed. John's been dragged into it but his stance has been simply to support Felix in whatever he chooses to do.
Then there's the killings in Santa Cruz of the supposed "terrorists". Watching this Bolivian government's response to what they've done has been amusing at best and horrifying as well. The Embassy has increased its alertness to potential civil unrest but again, the Bolivians are generally such a peaceful people we certainly hope that the situation remains isolated. Unfortunately, with this happening right after what happened to Felix, I had an antiBolivia week or two.
On the brighter side of life, the High School had its Talent Show last week and their Theatre production last night. Lisette shone in both, winning third place for her singing routine in the Talent Show and having us roaring with laughter during her skits last evening. I'll post a picture of her Talent Show performance. The man in the picture will be her principal, Mr. Kirby. It was awesome!
Here's to a peaceful and happy May!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Being a Hippie is So Groovy!
The party was last Saturday. It was awesome! Thanks to Cuqui who planted the idea with her own Christmas/Groovy party. Everything went off without a hitch and I had a blast. The food was great, the drinks were great, the costumes were fabulous, the band was amazing. And on and on. It seems that everyone had a super time, most comments touched on it being the best party anyone had been to since arriving here. Wahoo. I was so busy having a good time, it was hard to notice anyone not having a blast. Even the teenagers seemed to have enjoyed themselves. One of the personal highlights for me, was having the crowd sing "Happy Birthday" to me in English, then Spanish, and then in Portuguese. Great, great people!
The party started at 8 and went until about 2:30ish. The food outlasted the guests and at the end, I had my feet up sitting cross ways on a plush chair right beside the bar. That's the life!
Don't miss the pictures on my Facebook page!
The party started at 8 and went until about 2:30ish. The food outlasted the guests and at the end, I had my feet up sitting cross ways on a plush chair right beside the bar. That's the life!
Don't miss the pictures on my Facebook page!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Social Week
It's been a busy week and it's only getting busier. I can't believe Easter was just this past Sunday!
Tuesday, John and I hosted the General Membership Tea for ABIA (American British International Association). Luckily, we only provided the location, dishes and wine glasses to the affair, the wine and cheese came from the association. It was quite successful by all accounts, we had around 50 people show.
Yesterday was Chem Exam day. Finished and handed in! Then I edited my final English essay and handed that in too. John was home most of the day, he has a cellulitis infection on his nose! It was yucky but after a few days of antibiotics, he's much better. Let me tell you, you get some strange infections up here!
I worked today but have a dinner to go to this evening. Tomorrow is work around the house day, I need to get caught up on a bunch of errands. More social events to attend this weekend, maybe I can sleep in on Sunday though!!
Tuesday, John and I hosted the General Membership Tea for ABIA (American British International Association). Luckily, we only provided the location, dishes and wine glasses to the affair, the wine and cheese came from the association. It was quite successful by all accounts, we had around 50 people show.
Yesterday was Chem Exam day. Finished and handed in! Then I edited my final English essay and handed that in too. John was home most of the day, he has a cellulitis infection on his nose! It was yucky but after a few days of antibiotics, he's much better. Let me tell you, you get some strange infections up here!
I worked today but have a dinner to go to this evening. Tomorrow is work around the house day, I need to get caught up on a bunch of errands. More social events to attend this weekend, maybe I can sleep in on Sunday though!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!!
Lisette is home, we had a houseful of people for Easter lunch and I was able to drink Diet Coke for the first time in 40 days! Yeah!
No pictures, I'm not sure where my camera is. Last time I saw it, it was going into Nicole's purse. Hmmmm.
Everyone slept in this morning. Well, the Easter Bunny was up early but then she went back to bed for an hour or so. I did suffer from some "Evo's Revenge" this morning but a few Pepto-Bismol's helped. Nothing was getting between me and my Diet Coke anyway!
I finished my English essay rough draft tonight so now I just have to wait for some critiquing from my fellow students, hand in the final draft by the end of the week and I'm done English I!! I have a Chemistry exam to complete by Thursday but I got a 96 on my prep test so hopefully the exam will go smoothly. After that, I'm done Chem!! If all goes well, I'll have an A in all my classes this term. Yeah me! :-)
No pictures, I'm not sure where my camera is. Last time I saw it, it was going into Nicole's purse. Hmmmm.
Everyone slept in this morning. Well, the Easter Bunny was up early but then she went back to bed for an hour or so. I did suffer from some "Evo's Revenge" this morning but a few Pepto-Bismol's helped. Nothing was getting between me and my Diet Coke anyway!
I finished my English essay rough draft tonight so now I just have to wait for some critiquing from my fellow students, hand in the final draft by the end of the week and I'm done English I!! I have a Chemistry exam to complete by Thursday but I got a 96 on my prep test so hopefully the exam will go smoothly. After that, I'm done Chem!! If all goes well, I'll have an A in all my classes this term. Yeah me! :-)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Spring Break
I've heard from Lisette twice. Once was for money. Hmmm. A sign of things to come, perhaps? :-) Sounds like she's having a blast in Cordoba.
Jake has been spending way too many hours playing the Wii. John and I just tried out Guitar Hero (my first shot at it) and we suck...like, really bad. It is fun though, except for the part when Jake is trying to help. He's not helping.
Nicole and I went out for lunch today. I drove us down by the Embassy to the one and only Subway. Other than Burger King, it's the only North American restaurant in town, actually, in the country. Not even McDonalds though rumour has it there will be a McD's in Santa Cruz by summer. Subway was yummy, nice fresh bread but somehow it just didn't taste the same. Oh well.
I'm almost done this semester of classes and still contemplating if I'm going to squish in my last English class before our summer trip. Probably should. Chem has been brutal this last month but I managed to get in the last paper 15 minutes before it was due today. I actually completed it yesterday but had to put it into a document to send it to my professors. That took forever! One more exam and I'm done Chem, one more essay and I'm done Eng I. The countdown begins!
Tomorrow I'm hoping to drag my lazy family out for a Good Friday hike in the tradition of my side of the family! Since both the kids were finally up at 1 today (I was too busy with Chem to kick them out of bed earlier) - it could be quite a feat to get them moving tomorrow.
Hope your Good Friday is...well, good!!
Jake has been spending way too many hours playing the Wii. John and I just tried out Guitar Hero (my first shot at it) and we suck...like, really bad. It is fun though, except for the part when Jake is trying to help. He's not helping.
Nicole and I went out for lunch today. I drove us down by the Embassy to the one and only Subway. Other than Burger King, it's the only North American restaurant in town, actually, in the country. Not even McDonalds though rumour has it there will be a McD's in Santa Cruz by summer. Subway was yummy, nice fresh bread but somehow it just didn't taste the same. Oh well.
I'm almost done this semester of classes and still contemplating if I'm going to squish in my last English class before our summer trip. Probably should. Chem has been brutal this last month but I managed to get in the last paper 15 minutes before it was due today. I actually completed it yesterday but had to put it into a document to send it to my professors. That took forever! One more exam and I'm done Chem, one more essay and I'm done Eng I. The countdown begins!
Tomorrow I'm hoping to drag my lazy family out for a Good Friday hike in the tradition of my side of the family! Since both the kids were finally up at 1 today (I was too busy with Chem to kick them out of bed earlier) - it could be quite a feat to get them moving tomorrow.
Hope your Good Friday is...well, good!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Two Posts in Two Days!
Wow! That hasn't happened in a long time! :-)
I had a busy day though I didn't really expect to! I woke up at around 8:30, considered sleeping for another 30 minutes then decided to get up and shower. While I was in the shower, I remembered I had an Attache Spouses' Tea to go to at 9:30! Yikes! I made it just in time, thankfully it was close by. Lots of fun and I came home with a birthday gift and a raffle win. Cool!
At home, there were two guys from the Embassy doing the inventory of all our furniture, etc. Jake was here with his two friends still. Their maid ended up spraining her ankle so the boys stayed here for the day - it was a good thing, Jake had a blast.
I studied some Chemistry then headed to the Embassy to go and choose the last of our furniture from the warehouse. That took a couple of hours in total then I dragged John home just before 5. I've been studying Chem since getting home. Jake went home with Christine for a sleepover...same boys! Nicole's waiting for a phone call to go out for dinner with a girlfriend. Lisette emailed me - short but sweet, sounds like she's having fun!
Now, time for Chem class! Talk to you soon!!
I had a busy day though I didn't really expect to! I woke up at around 8:30, considered sleeping for another 30 minutes then decided to get up and shower. While I was in the shower, I remembered I had an Attache Spouses' Tea to go to at 9:30! Yikes! I made it just in time, thankfully it was close by. Lots of fun and I came home with a birthday gift and a raffle win. Cool!
At home, there were two guys from the Embassy doing the inventory of all our furniture, etc. Jake was here with his two friends still. Their maid ended up spraining her ankle so the boys stayed here for the day - it was a good thing, Jake had a blast.
I studied some Chemistry then headed to the Embassy to go and choose the last of our furniture from the warehouse. That took a couple of hours in total then I dragged John home just before 5. I've been studying Chem since getting home. Jake went home with Christine for a sleepover...same boys! Nicole's waiting for a phone call to go out for dinner with a girlfriend. Lisette emailed me - short but sweet, sounds like she's having fun!
Now, time for Chem class! Talk to you soon!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
When Does the Train Slow Down?
I keep saying that and I keep expecting a quieter week but it just doesn't happen! This last week I worked full-time including an overnight trip to Santa Cruz to teach CPR...IN SPANISH! Thankfully one of the Security Officers came with me and worked as my interpreter. It went well and everyone passed the test.
The nice part of the trip to Santa Cruz was that John came along too. We visited the NAS (Narcotic Affairs Section) and were briefed on what they do in Bolivia. Very interesting, especially because I barely had a clue what they do!
Friday was a great day too - my birthday! John had an Attache function at lunchtime but I was working and the doc closed up the clinic so all of us could go out for lunch! Have I mentioned how much I love my coworkers? They really are awesome.
The kids and John went out for dinner with me. I'll post a picture. I ate a less than delicious fondue with Nicole but my company was perfect. Usually this is one of my favourite restaurants but we ordered something different and it was yucky. Oh well! We still managed to stuff ourselves (easier to do at 12,000 feet!) so we couldn't manage the dessert Nicole and her friend Eva had baked me earlier in the afternoon. Chocolate cake! It had to wait until Saturday.
Yesterday morning Lisette headed out with her Senior class to Cordoba, Argentina for their senior trip. Haven't heard from her since she boarded the bus in Tarija but we didn't expect her cell phone would work in Argentina. I figure no news is probably good news until she can find a way to contact us. Makes me uneasy to be out of touch with my baby though!!
Jake has two friends sleeping over tonight. My day has been so quiet that hearing them in the next room is just funny!
This is the kids' Spring Break, I won't be working much and I'm trying to get ahead in my classes so I can just relax with them. I'll let you know how that works out!!
The nice part of the trip to Santa Cruz was that John came along too. We visited the NAS (Narcotic Affairs Section) and were briefed on what they do in Bolivia. Very interesting, especially because I barely had a clue what they do!
Friday was a great day too - my birthday! John had an Attache function at lunchtime but I was working and the doc closed up the clinic so all of us could go out for lunch! Have I mentioned how much I love my coworkers? They really are awesome.
The kids and John went out for dinner with me. I'll post a picture. I ate a less than delicious fondue with Nicole but my company was perfect. Usually this is one of my favourite restaurants but we ordered something different and it was yucky. Oh well! We still managed to stuff ourselves (easier to do at 12,000 feet!) so we couldn't manage the dessert Nicole and her friend Eva had baked me earlier in the afternoon. Chocolate cake! It had to wait until Saturday.
Yesterday morning Lisette headed out with her Senior class to Cordoba, Argentina for their senior trip. Haven't heard from her since she boarded the bus in Tarija but we didn't expect her cell phone would work in Argentina. I figure no news is probably good news until she can find a way to contact us. Makes me uneasy to be out of touch with my baby though!!
Jake has two friends sleeping over tonight. My day has been so quiet that hearing them in the next room is just funny!
This is the kids' Spring Break, I won't be working much and I'm trying to get ahead in my classes so I can just relax with them. I'll let you know how that works out!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Busier Than Usual Week
It's been nuts. Not ugly but there's been no time to notice the roses much less smell them.
I worked all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday plus Friday morning. I had Chem class Monday night (which ended up being canceled after an hour of trying to fix a computer glitch) then English Tuesday night. We had twenty people over for drinks and light hors d'ouevres Wednesday night. Thursday night was an Attache reception at the German Ambassador's residence (incredible house!!) and then last night was a reception at the Colombian Ambassador's residence.
The reception last night was at 7:30PM. At 7:05 I was throwing things out of my closet and simply couldn't find anything to wear. It wasn't ugly but my frustration level was rising. Finally I told John I was going to sit this one out. Turned out most of the Attache spouses did the same. Whew! The Attache functions are mostly voluntary for the wives/husbands so it wasn't a big deal. John was home just after 10 and I had a chance to catch my breath.
This afternoon was the first meeting of our Book Club. There were only five of us here but it was a lot of fun. I kept the menu very simple and the guests provided the dessert. Perfecto!
Now we have two events to go to this evening. Tomorrow is going to be a VERY quiet day!!!
I worked all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday plus Friday morning. I had Chem class Monday night (which ended up being canceled after an hour of trying to fix a computer glitch) then English Tuesday night. We had twenty people over for drinks and light hors d'ouevres Wednesday night. Thursday night was an Attache reception at the German Ambassador's residence (incredible house!!) and then last night was a reception at the Colombian Ambassador's residence.
The reception last night was at 7:30PM. At 7:05 I was throwing things out of my closet and simply couldn't find anything to wear. It wasn't ugly but my frustration level was rising. Finally I told John I was going to sit this one out. Turned out most of the Attache spouses did the same. Whew! The Attache functions are mostly voluntary for the wives/husbands so it wasn't a big deal. John was home just after 10 and I had a chance to catch my breath.
This afternoon was the first meeting of our Book Club. There were only five of us here but it was a lot of fun. I kept the menu very simple and the guests provided the dessert. Perfecto!
Now we have two events to go to this evening. Tomorrow is going to be a VERY quiet day!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Writing Maniac
My English professor gives us a great deal of writing assignments. This week involves seven different ones. Today I completed five of them, one was a thousand word essay! Whew!
I'm actually in class right now - but it's kind of boring since I've already done most of the work. Thankfully it's over in fifteen minutes. Part of the problem is it's done as a chat session but the chat posting is slooowwww.
John is busy shopping for me in the States. The list is fairly short at this point because there's been so many trips back. He is buying me what I want for my birthday though! Yeah! I won't tell you what it is so one of us will be surprised! Ha!
Well, class is wrapping up and I have a little guy to cuddle so Goodnight!
I'm actually in class right now - but it's kind of boring since I've already done most of the work. Thankfully it's over in fifteen minutes. Part of the problem is it's done as a chat session but the chat posting is slooowwww.
John is busy shopping for me in the States. The list is fairly short at this point because there's been so many trips back. He is buying me what I want for my birthday though! Yeah! I won't tell you what it is so one of us will be surprised! Ha!
Well, class is wrapping up and I have a little guy to cuddle so Goodnight!
Monday, March 16, 2009
All Alone
If you don't count my three children and my 80 lb Labrador...but my Johnny has flown the coup yet again. He's in Florida for the week speaking at a military school. Lucky him. Sunshine and shopping. Well, we've had lots of sunshine here but it's not FLORIDA sunshine. Obvious difference, right?
This week I have 5 different writings due for English. It's giving me a bit of a rash. Nicole thinks I should write about how she's maintained for years that her "real mother" is black and living back in Africa. It would make for an interesting essay! LOL
Today was a quiet one, the kids all went to school finally...we've had a bit of a run on sick kids. I worked on getting my school stuff back in order and spent a great deal of time working on our summer vacation. I'm feeling guilty about spending so much money on our trip but Lisette deserves it. She's saved us more money than we're spending by getting her scholarships. She still doesn't know where or what we're doing. There's no way Nicole could deal with her graduation trip being a surprise but Lisette hasn't asked once.
Well, I'm going to crash into bed. When I'm done all my English writing I'll be back here!
This week I have 5 different writings due for English. It's giving me a bit of a rash. Nicole thinks I should write about how she's maintained for years that her "real mother" is black and living back in Africa. It would make for an interesting essay! LOL
Today was a quiet one, the kids all went to school finally...we've had a bit of a run on sick kids. I worked on getting my school stuff back in order and spent a great deal of time working on our summer vacation. I'm feeling guilty about spending so much money on our trip but Lisette deserves it. She's saved us more money than we're spending by getting her scholarships. She still doesn't know where or what we're doing. There's no way Nicole could deal with her graduation trip being a surprise but Lisette hasn't asked once.
Well, I'm going to crash into bed. When I'm done all my English writing I'll be back here!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Squeeze Play
Trying to squeeze in another blog entry before another whole week goes by!
So last weekend was party weekend and then unpacking weekend. Monday was more of the same (the unpacking part) then work, schoolwork, bank headache, more work then more parties starting Thursday night. We had 12 people over for dinner and it was a blast. Friday night was Happy Hour at my wonderful friend Kim's. That was a blast too and DELICIOUS food! Tonight we had a Bolivian couple over for dinner, an older couple and super nice. Thankfully they spoke some English but I did get in a lot of Spanish practice too. I've had more wine over the last three days than I've had in a while but I didn't overindulge - I couldn't or I'd be dead!
Another Embassy person was sent home PNG'd (Persona Non Grata) again this week, accused of something the guy had nothing to do with. Okay, I just erased a whole rant against Evo but he's simply not worth the space on this page. Besides, I'm SUPPOSED to be a diplomat! Ha!
The kids now all have orthodontia. Lisette and Nicole have braces on their top teeth, the bottom are coming. Jake has a palette spreader which is driving him nuts but I think his speech impediment is adorable!!
No other news, life is busy as usual. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having two full-time maids?? OMG, it is so awesome. If only they were Kathys, that would be too painfully perfect. :-)
So last weekend was party weekend and then unpacking weekend. Monday was more of the same (the unpacking part) then work, schoolwork, bank headache, more work then more parties starting Thursday night. We had 12 people over for dinner and it was a blast. Friday night was Happy Hour at my wonderful friend Kim's. That was a blast too and DELICIOUS food! Tonight we had a Bolivian couple over for dinner, an older couple and super nice. Thankfully they spoke some English but I did get in a lot of Spanish practice too. I've had more wine over the last three days than I've had in a while but I didn't overindulge - I couldn't or I'd be dead!
Another Embassy person was sent home PNG'd (Persona Non Grata) again this week, accused of something the guy had nothing to do with. Okay, I just erased a whole rant against Evo but he's simply not worth the space on this page. Besides, I'm SUPPOSED to be a diplomat! Ha!
The kids now all have orthodontia. Lisette and Nicole have braces on their top teeth, the bottom are coming. Jake has a palette spreader which is driving him nuts but I think his speech impediment is adorable!!
No other news, life is busy as usual. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having two full-time maids?? OMG, it is so awesome. If only they were Kathys, that would be too painfully perfect. :-)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Back "Home"
My week in Miami was great - lots done and time with family. I spent too much money but I figure I don't buy much here so it all evens out, right? :-)
I got home to La Paz Friday morning at about 6:30. John was sweet enough to come with the driver to meet me - the flight was early and he was bummed not to be there on time but I was thrilled to see him. I slept pretty well on the plane but overnight flights are always tough to recover from. There was no time to recover on Friday!
The kids hadn't left for school by the time we got home so I got to give some hugs and kisses plus a few of the gifts I got them before they hopped on the school bus. John and I followed shortly thereafter because it was "International Day" at the elementary school. There was a parade and we got to see Jake square dance - it looked like sooooo much fun!! Then there was the Tour of Nations in the gym to walk around. I finally made it into my bed by 10:30 and slept until 1:30...about 6 hours short of a good sleep for me!
The Attache Spouses had a tea at 3:30 - Carlene and I had quite a time finding the place but we eventually did with the help of John on the phone. How DID we manage before cell phones?? The tea was very nice and I drank two cups of strong coffee to get through it without falling asleep sitting up.
Back home for a mad dash to be ready for the formal Marine Dining Out affair. I couldn't find the dress I wanted to wear so settled for option number 2. Then my hair wouldn't behave, my new bra perplexed me (sorry if that's TMI!) and my shoes were driving me nuts. Somehow Nicole, Lisette and I got there in time. John had to leave for the hotel early - he was the Guest of Honour!
It was awesome! Great food, great music, great fun. I even came away with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a "Thank You" for my service as a military spouse. John did a super job in his speech plus he did a beautiful toast to the fallen Marines.
Nicole is supposed to be sending me the pictures she took - I'll post them when I get them!
Meanwhile, I've spent the last two days unpacking. Same old, same old. :-)
I got home to La Paz Friday morning at about 6:30. John was sweet enough to come with the driver to meet me - the flight was early and he was bummed not to be there on time but I was thrilled to see him. I slept pretty well on the plane but overnight flights are always tough to recover from. There was no time to recover on Friday!
The kids hadn't left for school by the time we got home so I got to give some hugs and kisses plus a few of the gifts I got them before they hopped on the school bus. John and I followed shortly thereafter because it was "International Day" at the elementary school. There was a parade and we got to see Jake square dance - it looked like sooooo much fun!! Then there was the Tour of Nations in the gym to walk around. I finally made it into my bed by 10:30 and slept until 1:30...about 6 hours short of a good sleep for me!
The Attache Spouses had a tea at 3:30 - Carlene and I had quite a time finding the place but we eventually did with the help of John on the phone. How DID we manage before cell phones?? The tea was very nice and I drank two cups of strong coffee to get through it without falling asleep sitting up.
Back home for a mad dash to be ready for the formal Marine Dining Out affair. I couldn't find the dress I wanted to wear so settled for option number 2. Then my hair wouldn't behave, my new bra perplexed me (sorry if that's TMI!) and my shoes were driving me nuts. Somehow Nicole, Lisette and I got there in time. John had to leave for the hotel early - he was the Guest of Honour!
It was awesome! Great food, great music, great fun. I even came away with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a "Thank You" for my service as a military spouse. John did a super job in his speech plus he did a beautiful toast to the fallen Marines.
Nicole is supposed to be sending me the pictures she took - I'll post them when I get them!
Meanwhile, I've spent the last two days unpacking. Same old, same old. :-)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
My Baby's Going to University
First she turns 18 then she asks us to pay her deposit on university. Sigh. Lisette's decided to attend FSU - Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. We still haven't heard if she's been accepted into the Musical Theatre program but she's come to the decision that she wants to go there no matter what her major will be. They have everything she wants even if she takes her second choice in a major.
When I spoke to her on the phone, I asked how sure she was - she said, 100%. Can't beat that! So John paid the deposit. Wow. My baby's going to be a Seminole!!! I couldn't be more proud of my beautiful, brilliant, sweet sweet baby girl!
When I spoke to her on the phone, I asked how sure she was - she said, 100%. Can't beat that! So John paid the deposit. Wow. My baby's going to be a Seminole!!! I couldn't be more proud of my beautiful, brilliant, sweet sweet baby girl!
Hello Again!
Wow! I've been remiss with my blog but with good reason! My baby turned 18 on the 22nd of February! That happened to be during Carnivale in Bolivia - something they take very seriously across the entire country. It involves parties, music, dancing, water balloons, firecrackers and decorating your car with a ton of streamers.
Lisette's birthday was filled with parties, especially for her and Nicole. They attended a two-day party event and were allowed to celebrate until 2AM each evening. That about killed John and I!
Since Lisette's birthday we've been incredibly busy moving into our new home. The 17th home of our family since our wedding just over 20 years ago. Yes, we're getting pretty good at it and yes, we're getting pretty tired of it too.
Friday morning I flew to Miami for a nursing convention and to complete a CPR instructor course. Friday night was the family's first night to sleep in the new house. That is very weird for me. My family has a new residence and I haven't lived there with them. I was feeling guilty for leaving John there to unpack but then he reminded me of how many times I've unpacked without him. Hmmmm. Good point.
So I'm in Miami, staying at Cuqui and Rich's (John's sister and her husband.) I've had dinner with John's mom and dad and I'll see them again tomorrow. It's good to be "home"!
Lisette's birthday was filled with parties, especially for her and Nicole. They attended a two-day party event and were allowed to celebrate until 2AM each evening. That about killed John and I!
Since Lisette's birthday we've been incredibly busy moving into our new home. The 17th home of our family since our wedding just over 20 years ago. Yes, we're getting pretty good at it and yes, we're getting pretty tired of it too.
Friday morning I flew to Miami for a nursing convention and to complete a CPR instructor course. Friday night was the family's first night to sleep in the new house. That is very weird for me. My family has a new residence and I haven't lived there with them. I was feeling guilty for leaving John there to unpack but then he reminded me of how many times I've unpacked without him. Hmmmm. Good point.
So I'm in Miami, staying at Cuqui and Rich's (John's sister and her husband.) I've had dinner with John's mom and dad and I'll see them again tomorrow. It's good to be "home"!
Monday, February 16, 2009
I'm Going Nuclear!
I had a chemistry test yesterday and today my professor emailed us students with the news that they were changing which chapter we were going to study this week. Instead of Acids and Bases, we were going to study Nuclear Chemistry...to give us a break because we were all brain dead. This didn't sound like a break to me!
Yesterday I also took a history test. I was in a rush to take it before we had guests over, completely forgot to take the pretest and got my worst score yet - an 86. I've been depressed about it all day. About the history test and the chem test which wasn't nearly as easy as the first one. My only saving Grace today was the 98 that I got on my short essays. The girls were rolling their eyes at me this afternoon as I groaned about my 86. No pity!
John and I went to see the DATT house again today and made a list of the things that still need to be done, a few things that have to be changed and a screw up or two. Considering the length of the list, it might mean John will be moving us while I'm in Miami...how cool would that be??? Payback could be awesome, or disastrous! LOL
Yesterday I also took a history test. I was in a rush to take it before we had guests over, completely forgot to take the pretest and got my worst score yet - an 86. I've been depressed about it all day. About the history test and the chem test which wasn't nearly as easy as the first one. My only saving Grace today was the 98 that I got on my short essays. The girls were rolling their eyes at me this afternoon as I groaned about my 86. No pity!
John and I went to see the DATT house again today and made a list of the things that still need to be done, a few things that have to be changed and a screw up or two. Considering the length of the list, it might mean John will be moving us while I'm in Miami...how cool would that be??? Payback could be awesome, or disastrous! LOL
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
My plan was to blog every other day but yesterday I was busy - work then this party. Ladies Night at the Marine House...with the Marines in drag. Who would possibly miss the chance to see that???
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
When Will My Life Be Serene?
A lot of it is my fault. I started back to work, though part time. At the same time, I started back to school, though part time.
This week, I'll work 2.5 days. I have three essays and a Chemistry test due by Sunday. Lisette has decided her 18th Birthday party should be this Saturday instead of next because of Carnival down here - too much interference. Which is a good choice...however. Now I'm scrambling to get the tent/tables/chairs plus the BBQ guy and a server (yeah, I know, rough life). Mind you, Saturday is Valentine's Day too. I'm hitting up John's secretary for some help as my Spanish speaking husband is away, again. Then there's the cake and the champagne (just a wee bit for her to celebrate with) to buy, and we'll be decorating all day Saturday while my essays lay unwritten. And what's today? Wednesday already!!!
I'm praying all will fall into place and I'll just keep a bottle of that champagne for myself to soothe the pain of my baby girl becoming an adult!
This week, I'll work 2.5 days. I have three essays and a Chemistry test due by Sunday. Lisette has decided her 18th Birthday party should be this Saturday instead of next because of Carnival down here - too much interference. Which is a good choice...however. Now I'm scrambling to get the tent/tables/chairs plus the BBQ guy and a server (yeah, I know, rough life). Mind you, Saturday is Valentine's Day too. I'm hitting up John's secretary for some help as my Spanish speaking husband is away, again. Then there's the cake and the champagne (just a wee bit for her to celebrate with) to buy, and we'll be decorating all day Saturday while my essays lay unwritten. And what's today? Wednesday already!!!
I'm praying all will fall into place and I'll just keep a bottle of that champagne for myself to soothe the pain of my baby girl becoming an adult!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Back From the Brink of Death
John left yesterday morning for DC. He got up at 3:20ish, I was up at 3:30 and spent the majority of time between 3:30 and 5:30 in the bathroom. Once was to puke up my toenails, or at least that's what it felt like. By the time I barfed, John was on his way and was no help whatsoever. Poor me.
We call it "Evo's Revenge" since he doesn't like us much it makes sense. Well, Evo was extremely pissed at me yesterday. Don't really know why. I barely survived on a bottle of water, a can of Gingerale and some Imodium. By dinnertime I chanced some chicken soup (no chicken, a little bit of noodle) and then by bedtime I was still so shaky I had a wee bit of cereal.
My babies took good care of me. My history professor gave me an extra day to take my weekly test. My husband was nowhere to be found...he didn't have a great day either so I can't squawk too much about him. My bed was comfy and cozy.
This morning I feel 100% better. Amazing what a difference 24 hours makes!! Now for history...
We call it "Evo's Revenge" since he doesn't like us much it makes sense. Well, Evo was extremely pissed at me yesterday. Don't really know why. I barely survived on a bottle of water, a can of Gingerale and some Imodium. By dinnertime I chanced some chicken soup (no chicken, a little bit of noodle) and then by bedtime I was still so shaky I had a wee bit of cereal.
My babies took good care of me. My history professor gave me an extra day to take my weekly test. My husband was nowhere to be found...he didn't have a great day either so I can't squawk too much about him. My bed was comfy and cozy.
This morning I feel 100% better. Amazing what a difference 24 hours makes!! Now for history...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Payback
Actually, I felt pretty good this morning although I woke up in the middle of the night with a "too much wine" headache but I fell back asleep and woke up refreshed!
The problem started with drinking a glass and a half of wine at Kim's house before going out for dinner. More wine at dinner - both the wine and the food were so good! Then off the Marine House for another glass of wine (not so good this time) but by then I was...super happy.
We had a great time! I've mentioned before what great people we work with at the Embassy and their families. Lucky, lucky us.
Today was a bit busy too. The girls had different things/times to be at school for, cheerleading (Nicole) and theatre (Nicole and Lisette). Jake spent some time with John today clearing out a bunch of toys. We went to see the house - it's still coming along beautifully.
We're looking for a second maid, this new house is humongo! So I made a phone call about one but it doesn't look like it's the right fit. Monday I'll try to track down another one that might work well.
Tonight, Nicole is at a movie with friends and Lisette is at a "Senior Girls Night Out" which sounds like a great time! I'm ready to fall into bed!
The problem started with drinking a glass and a half of wine at Kim's house before going out for dinner. More wine at dinner - both the wine and the food were so good! Then off the Marine House for another glass of wine (not so good this time) but by then I was...super happy.
We had a great time! I've mentioned before what great people we work with at the Embassy and their families. Lucky, lucky us.
Today was a bit busy too. The girls had different things/times to be at school for, cheerleading (Nicole) and theatre (Nicole and Lisette). Jake spent some time with John today clearing out a bunch of toys. We went to see the house - it's still coming along beautifully.
We're looking for a second maid, this new house is humongo! So I made a phone call about one but it doesn't look like it's the right fit. Monday I'll try to track down another one that might work well.
Tonight, Nicole is at a movie with friends and Lisette is at a "Senior Girls Night Out" which sounds like a great time! I'm ready to fall into bed!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Funky Friday
It's been a good week! I got my husband and baby girl back, I finished my homework early and work has been busy but not too busy.
The weather has been a bit schizophrenic but overall quite stunning. We found out our move date was being moved back a bit, I had a small hissy fit about it and we came to a compromise.
Jake's been home sick with a sore throat and yesterday had a fever but seems to be making good progress today. Just in time to organize his toys with John this weekend! Yeah! Little does he know that that's my evil plan for him!
Last night I met John at the Embassy, we grabbed a quick soup/sandwich dinner and then went to the airport to greet a new Argentine attache and his family. We didn't stay long because John's still recovering his altitude "legs".
Tonight we're having dinner with friends and then heading to an Embassy party. Woo Hoo, will the fun never end?
The weather has been a bit schizophrenic but overall quite stunning. We found out our move date was being moved back a bit, I had a small hissy fit about it and we came to a compromise.
Jake's been home sick with a sore throat and yesterday had a fever but seems to be making good progress today. Just in time to organize his toys with John this weekend! Yeah! Little does he know that that's my evil plan for him!
Last night I met John at the Embassy, we grabbed a quick soup/sandwich dinner and then went to the airport to greet a new Argentine attache and his family. We didn't stay long because John's still recovering his altitude "legs".
Tonight we're having dinner with friends and then heading to an Embassy party. Woo Hoo, will the fun never end?
Monday, February 2, 2009
One More Beautiful Day
Can't complain about our weather lately! Although it's not warm enough to go swimming, it's been sunny and perfect out day after day!
I finally got around to writing my essay yesterday...I sent it to Nicole for feedback and she gave me an A+++++ or something like that - we shall see. Then I started studying for my history test, the brutal chapters. Unfortunately I only got an 86 on the test, the class average was only 72. Again, brutal chapters.
Nicole had a bunch of friends over for the Super Bowl. Poor Jake was banned from the family room so he couldn't watch it. I offered to take him over to the Marine House where a few of his friends were attending a Super Bowl party but he wasn't interested. So he played with his toys while I studied and we listened to the cheering and the groans from upstairs which signified what team was ahead...most of the kids were routing for Pittsburgh!
Lisette had her UCF and FSU auditions this weekend. She felt good about both auditions. Sounds like there was a monstrous amount of kids auditioning for FSU which has her rather concerned. John wasn't impressed with UCF and we both think Lisette should stick to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) program rather than a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) which is much more restricted in what classes she can take. But that's all up to Lisette - she'll be making her decision in the next month. Meanwhile, I'll stick to my denial that my baby's flying from the nest. :-(
I finally got around to writing my essay yesterday...I sent it to Nicole for feedback and she gave me an A+++++ or something like that - we shall see. Then I started studying for my history test, the brutal chapters. Unfortunately I only got an 86 on the test, the class average was only 72. Again, brutal chapters.
Nicole had a bunch of friends over for the Super Bowl. Poor Jake was banned from the family room so he couldn't watch it. I offered to take him over to the Marine House where a few of his friends were attending a Super Bowl party but he wasn't interested. So he played with his toys while I studied and we listened to the cheering and the groans from upstairs which signified what team was ahead...most of the kids were routing for Pittsburgh!
Lisette had her UCF and FSU auditions this weekend. She felt good about both auditions. Sounds like there was a monstrous amount of kids auditioning for FSU which has her rather concerned. John wasn't impressed with UCF and we both think Lisette should stick to a BA (Bachelor of Arts) program rather than a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) which is much more restricted in what classes she can take. But that's all up to Lisette - she'll be making her decision in the next month. Meanwhile, I'll stick to my denial that my baby's flying from the nest. :-(
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Gorgeous Saturday!!
Another picture perfect day. Jake had Boy Scouts this morning. While he did that I scooted over to buy a birthday gift for a little girl in his class. I thought to call a friend to see if she'd like to meet me at our "almost there" house...she did but not until 11:30. Okay!
Diana brought some other of the Embassy ladies (all terrific!) with her as she was out and about with them when I called. We toured the house and then decided that it was time for lunch! It worked out that Jake went home with his friend Manny so I joined the gals for lunch.
I also got a phone call from Manny's mom who reminded me that I had wanted to go with her next time she went to get her haircut...was I available at 2? Sure! So after lunch Nicole and I went with Christine to get our haircut. It took FOREVER so we finally picked up Jake at 4:30...his birthday party was at 5. So we zipped home, changed and finally found the birthday party house at around 5:20.
Nicole begged for Burger King for dinner (yuck!) and I talked her into Cafe Beirut...great burgers! It was a total teen hangout so I felt ancient but the food was good.
Home from there at around 6:30...I finally had a chance to sit down and check my email. Now it's almost 8:30, I just got home from picking Jake up and dropping Nicole off at her birthday party! Whew!
Guess what? Not a word written yet on my essay!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Diana brought some other of the Embassy ladies (all terrific!) with her as she was out and about with them when I called. We toured the house and then decided that it was time for lunch! It worked out that Jake went home with his friend Manny so I joined the gals for lunch.
I also got a phone call from Manny's mom who reminded me that I had wanted to go with her next time she went to get her haircut...was I available at 2? Sure! So after lunch Nicole and I went with Christine to get our haircut. It took FOREVER so we finally picked up Jake at 4:30...his birthday party was at 5. So we zipped home, changed and finally found the birthday party house at around 5:20.
Nicole begged for Burger King for dinner (yuck!) and I talked her into Cafe Beirut...great burgers! It was a total teen hangout so I felt ancient but the food was good.
Home from there at around 6:30...I finally had a chance to sit down and check my email. Now it's almost 8:30, I just got home from picking Jake up and dropping Nicole off at her birthday party! Whew!
Guess what? Not a word written yet on my essay!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
TGIF or maybe not
I have an essay to write this weekend (that's what the "maybe not" is about) which isn't so bad because I enjoy writing but I'm terrified it's not going to be in the correct format or whatever. The directions are less than clear. The other thing I'm not looking forward to this weekend is taking a history test. The two chapters this week were sooooooo boring to read. Now I have to go over them again before the test, I usually take about 6 hours (I'm not kidding) to write notes about each page, which isn't too bad when they're interesting!
This week has been super busy. Again, between school and work I have little time for chilling out. With John away, that obviously makes it a little worse. Jake started After School Activities - he's taking Chess, Rock Cimbing and Boy Scouts. They have a Climbing Wall at the school and his first class was very cool! He loved Chess in Argentina but wasn't thrilled with his first class here. Boy Scouts starts tomorrow and that's something "Daddy's" going to be taking over so I can study...or chill.
I screwed up this week but it may pay off later. On Wednesday night I was cursing my Chemistry class while trying to complete the homework package. A bunch of the questions were from chapters we hadn't even covered yet but they had switched around some chapter orders so I just plugged away, teaching myself out of the textbook when necessary. Finally submitted it all Thursday morning only to find out it isn't due until FEB 12TH!!!! Sheesh. Atleast my Chem homework is done for awhile!
Today was mostly a day off though I went in for a few hours. The sun is shining, it's a gorgeous day out. Tonight I'm going to a dinner and show with a bunch of friends - tomorrow, back to school!
This week has been super busy. Again, between school and work I have little time for chilling out. With John away, that obviously makes it a little worse. Jake started After School Activities - he's taking Chess, Rock Cimbing and Boy Scouts. They have a Climbing Wall at the school and his first class was very cool! He loved Chess in Argentina but wasn't thrilled with his first class here. Boy Scouts starts tomorrow and that's something "Daddy's" going to be taking over so I can study...or chill.
I screwed up this week but it may pay off later. On Wednesday night I was cursing my Chemistry class while trying to complete the homework package. A bunch of the questions were from chapters we hadn't even covered yet but they had switched around some chapter orders so I just plugged away, teaching myself out of the textbook when necessary. Finally submitted it all Thursday morning only to find out it isn't due until FEB 12TH!!!! Sheesh. Atleast my Chem homework is done for awhile!
Today was mostly a day off though I went in for a few hours. The sun is shining, it's a gorgeous day out. Tonight I'm going to a dinner and show with a bunch of friends - tomorrow, back to school!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mellow Sunday
I've probably used that title for another Sunday but that's what it was today!
The vote for the constitution was today so there's was to be no driving for us. BTW, looks like the new constitution got the votes it needed. I'm just grateful this isn't my country. Though there definitely needed to be someone in power to bring the indigenous people up, unfortunately this isn't a president who will work for all the people.
Nicole, Jake and I just hung out. I finished my Chemistry exam...here's hoping, I think I did well!
I cooked a beef stew for dinner. With Dominga doing 90% of the cooking around here, it was nice to get back into the kitchen. It turned out really good, not fabulous but definitely yummy. We had bought fresh rolls yesterday which I tossed in a freezer bag to keep soft. The air is so dry here, things get stale fast. They went perfectly with the stew.
John called a bunch of times, just for this and that but it's always good to hear his voice. I got a quick note from Haley (12 yr old niece) on Facebook saying, "We have your family" - she's such a hoot!
So now it's all quiet in the house and I'm ready for bed! Ciao!
The vote for the constitution was today so there's was to be no driving for us. BTW, looks like the new constitution got the votes it needed. I'm just grateful this isn't my country. Though there definitely needed to be someone in power to bring the indigenous people up, unfortunately this isn't a president who will work for all the people.
Nicole, Jake and I just hung out. I finished my Chemistry exam...here's hoping, I think I did well!
I cooked a beef stew for dinner. With Dominga doing 90% of the cooking around here, it was nice to get back into the kitchen. It turned out really good, not fabulous but definitely yummy. We had bought fresh rolls yesterday which I tossed in a freezer bag to keep soft. The air is so dry here, things get stale fast. They went perfectly with the stew.
John called a bunch of times, just for this and that but it's always good to hear his voice. I got a quick note from Haley (12 yr old niece) on Facebook saying, "We have your family" - she's such a hoot!
So now it's all quiet in the house and I'm ready for bed! Ciao!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Interesting Weekend Ahead
Federal voting in Bolivia is on Sundays. I think that's a great idea - no excuse not to cast your vote on a weekend. Here's how La Paz looks on this voting weekend. No alcohol will be sold after midnight tonight. Mind you, a friend told me he was told by the liquor store owner that, "no, can't sell liquor after midnight Saturday but, yes, I'll sell you liquor after midnight Saturday." The Embassy note read that there should be no consumption of liquor in Bolivia after midnight so it's a bit confusing to begin with.
Secondly, you can't drive anywhere...vehicles are not permitted on the roads. There are some passes permitted upon request (the Embassy has a few vehicles with these passes if we need to go somewhere) but basically the roads are off limits to cars. No taxis, no buses, nada. Interesting, huh? Welcome to Bolivia...a different world.
So tomorrow is the big day. They're voting on the new constitution which Evo has vowed he'll implement via presidential decree if it doesn't pass. Be thankful for where you live, it's got it's own issues but it ain't here. :-)
On a more positive note, Lisette had her first audition yesterday. She was at the University of Miami and it sounds like she did great! On the low end of great was her vocal audition, but her monologues and the dance portion went awesome! UM's program is very small, I think John said there were only about 6 spots. She won't find out anything for another month. Next week - University of Central Florida and Florida State University! Go get 'em Lisette!!
Secondly, you can't drive anywhere...vehicles are not permitted on the roads. There are some passes permitted upon request (the Embassy has a few vehicles with these passes if we need to go somewhere) but basically the roads are off limits to cars. No taxis, no buses, nada. Interesting, huh? Welcome to Bolivia...a different world.
So tomorrow is the big day. They're voting on the new constitution which Evo has vowed he'll implement via presidential decree if it doesn't pass. Be thankful for where you live, it's got it's own issues but it ain't here. :-)
On a more positive note, Lisette had her first audition yesterday. She was at the University of Miami and it sounds like she did great! On the low end of great was her vocal audition, but her monologues and the dance portion went awesome! UM's program is very small, I think John said there were only about 6 spots. She won't find out anything for another month. Next week - University of Central Florida and Florida State University! Go get 'em Lisette!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Happy MLK Jr Day!
Hmmm. Monday...holiday, but not for the kids! Perfect! ;-)
John and I slept in but then I got up, showered and headed right to work on my Chemistry studies. Again, it's a good thing I like Chemistry because the work is hard to focus on.
Then John interrupted me because he was hungry so off we went to have lunch at a popular diner five minutes away. We ran into some other folks from the Embassy but dined alone. After lunch we checked on the progress of the house, I was delighted with the closet system they put in the girls' rooms. I think I'm finally accepting that it won't be ready until March though they're still saying mid-February.
A quick stop at the grocery store and we were home in time for the kids to get back from school. Nicole brought home friends to work on a science project and I got back to work on my Chemistry.
Now, I'm ready for the class tonight plus I've been getting my reading done for World Civilizations tomorrow night. Oh, and I got a 90 on my test last night - not bad but not great!
John and I slept in but then I got up, showered and headed right to work on my Chemistry studies. Again, it's a good thing I like Chemistry because the work is hard to focus on.
Then John interrupted me because he was hungry so off we went to have lunch at a popular diner five minutes away. We ran into some other folks from the Embassy but dined alone. After lunch we checked on the progress of the house, I was delighted with the closet system they put in the girls' rooms. I think I'm finally accepting that it won't be ready until March though they're still saying mid-February.
A quick stop at the grocery store and we were home in time for the kids to get back from school. Nicole brought home friends to work on a science project and I got back to work on my Chemistry.
Now, I'm ready for the class tonight plus I've been getting my reading done for World Civilizations tomorrow night. Oh, and I got a 90 on my test last night - not bad but not great!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Trying to Get Organized
I really wanted to get ahead in my schoolwork this week but I've failed miserably. The required papers were written, the test was taken but the other work that needed to be done before my school week starts anew remains undone. This will be my New Years Resolution! To get more organized with school and with Spanish class.
Friday was a fun day for me. I slept in a little then showered and went shopping a bit before meeting a girlfriend for lunch. Lunch lasted almost 3 hours! It was a lot of fun. Then I zipped home, checked on the kids and went to meet John and his office crew at a restaurant - they were having an "office meeting" with beers on the side. After about an hour or so with them, it was Happy Hour with a bunch of ladies from the Embassy - luckily it was taking place at the same restaurant! I had to leave a little early as John and I had a dinner date with Lisette to celebrate her scholarships.
Dinner was at a Sushi restaurant (Lisette's favourite!) and it was great to spend time with just the three of us.
Saturday began with Lisette going to voice lessons and me dragging the rest of the family out to see a horseback riding club. We ended up having a blast. The place is very family oriented, both Nicole and Jake got to ride a couple of the horses. The girls haven't ridden since 2003 so it was neat to see Nicole remembering her lessons! Jake has never really ridden and he absolutely loved it!
Back home for lunch and to pick up Lisette for a quick visit to our future house. Jake didn't want to go - he wants it to be a surprise when we move in. Alrighty then!
The house is really coming along but I'm not convinced it'll be ready in the next few weeks like they're saying. However, the more carpet they tear up, the happier I am - so far, 2 out of 3 stories have gorgeous hardwood floors!
Back home to finally take down all our Christmas decorations and put them away. The kids were a great help with very little fussing. John was relatively absent from the process - I'll give him the excuse of his sore back though!
Last night we went out for dinner with friends to a very cool Spanish tapas joint. In typical Spanish style, it was a four hour meal! So much laughter, I'm sure we annoyed our neighbouring tables.
Today was very mellow. We slept waaaay in after our fun night. Then I finally got down to business with schoolwork - in between loads of laundry. So test taken and now I'm going to cuddle with my World Civilization book in bed!
Friday was a fun day for me. I slept in a little then showered and went shopping a bit before meeting a girlfriend for lunch. Lunch lasted almost 3 hours! It was a lot of fun. Then I zipped home, checked on the kids and went to meet John and his office crew at a restaurant - they were having an "office meeting" with beers on the side. After about an hour or so with them, it was Happy Hour with a bunch of ladies from the Embassy - luckily it was taking place at the same restaurant! I had to leave a little early as John and I had a dinner date with Lisette to celebrate her scholarships.
Dinner was at a Sushi restaurant (Lisette's favourite!) and it was great to spend time with just the three of us.
Saturday began with Lisette going to voice lessons and me dragging the rest of the family out to see a horseback riding club. We ended up having a blast. The place is very family oriented, both Nicole and Jake got to ride a couple of the horses. The girls haven't ridden since 2003 so it was neat to see Nicole remembering her lessons! Jake has never really ridden and he absolutely loved it!
Back home for lunch and to pick up Lisette for a quick visit to our future house. Jake didn't want to go - he wants it to be a surprise when we move in. Alrighty then!
The house is really coming along but I'm not convinced it'll be ready in the next few weeks like they're saying. However, the more carpet they tear up, the happier I am - so far, 2 out of 3 stories have gorgeous hardwood floors!
Back home to finally take down all our Christmas decorations and put them away. The kids were a great help with very little fussing. John was relatively absent from the process - I'll give him the excuse of his sore back though!
Last night we went out for dinner with friends to a very cool Spanish tapas joint. In typical Spanish style, it was a four hour meal! So much laughter, I'm sure we annoyed our neighbouring tables.
Today was very mellow. We slept waaaay in after our fun night. Then I finally got down to business with schoolwork - in between loads of laundry. So test taken and now I'm going to cuddle with my World Civilization book in bed!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I Remembered!
I was just about to close up the computer when I remembered that I have a blog! These work hours on top of school hours are messing with my fun! Although work hours tend to be more fun than work for the most part...today was more work than fun.
We arrived home on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were work days, then I had to go in for a few hours Wednesday afternoon and then worked again today. Plus most of my homework is due tonight - all that writing for World Civilizations. Somehow I signed myself up to organize a book club at the Embassy too.
Busy, busy but I prefer it that way, atleast for now. It also helps that I got my first paycheck! :-)
Huge news from last night - Lisette has been offered a $9,600 scholarship from Florida State University! That brings her scholarship total to over $25,000!!! As you can imagine, we're so proud of her we could bust! Thankfully, FSU is her first choice but she knows that her options are still open to choose a different school.
So my homework for tonight is done, John just left to pick up Lisette after her workout, Jake is tucked in and I'm going to call it an early evening. And no work for me tomorrow!!
We arrived home on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were work days, then I had to go in for a few hours Wednesday afternoon and then worked again today. Plus most of my homework is due tonight - all that writing for World Civilizations. Somehow I signed myself up to organize a book club at the Embassy too.
Busy, busy but I prefer it that way, atleast for now. It also helps that I got my first paycheck! :-)
Huge news from last night - Lisette has been offered a $9,600 scholarship from Florida State University! That brings her scholarship total to over $25,000!!! As you can imagine, we're so proud of her we could bust! Thankfully, FSU is her first choice but she knows that her options are still open to choose a different school.
So my homework for tonight is done, John just left to pick up Lisette after her workout, Jake is tucked in and I'm going to call it an early evening. And no work for me tomorrow!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Back From Tarija!
It was a wonderful yet short vacation! Tarija is a beautiful city, nestled in the mountains with delicious wineries and stunning landscapes. It has the Bolivian hospitality, a gorgeous hotel (where we stayed) and the weather cooperated!! We expected rain daily but we ended up with mostly clear days and some wet nights...as we spent every evening at the hotel, that was fine!
Tomorrow is going to be a crazy, full day so I'm going to go cuddle with my husband and watch a few minutes of the Golden Globes and then I'm hitting the sack!
Tomorrow is going to be a crazy, full day so I'm going to go cuddle with my husband and watch a few minutes of the Golden Globes and then I'm hitting the sack!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Life's Way Busy
Work takes up a lot of my time. Plus I just started two online classes. Then there's the whole three kids, a husband and a dog gig. Sorry I've been away for so long!
Jorge is home and doing okay. John spoke to him today and said he still sounds pretty confused. His short term memory sucks and he had to learn his way around his house again.
Yesterday was John and my 20th wedding anniversary! We're celebrating with the kids in Tarija, a small city in southern Bolivia. We just arrived yesterday and enjoyed the hotel grounds we're staying at today. The heated pool was great but we all spent a little too much time in the sun. The worst hit is Jake - his back is badly burnt. He sat in a cool tub for quite awhile this evening and John lathered his back with lotion tonight. I've been pushing fluids into him all day. We'll be avoiding the sun tomorrow...we were expecting clouds and rain for our whole trip - ooops!
Jorge is home and doing okay. John spoke to him today and said he still sounds pretty confused. His short term memory sucks and he had to learn his way around his house again.
Yesterday was John and my 20th wedding anniversary! We're celebrating with the kids in Tarija, a small city in southern Bolivia. We just arrived yesterday and enjoyed the hotel grounds we're staying at today. The heated pool was great but we all spent a little too much time in the sun. The worst hit is Jake - his back is badly burnt. He sat in a cool tub for quite awhile this evening and John lathered his back with lotion tonight. I've been pushing fluids into him all day. We'll be avoiding the sun tomorrow...we were expecting clouds and rain for our whole trip - ooops!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
ICU Psychosis
Jorge is having bouts of delusion. This isn't uncommon, we call it "ICU Psychosis" - considering an ICU patient like Jorge is medicated, sedated, traumatized and stimulated 24 hrs a day, it's not unlikely to cause psychological reactions. These reactions are not permanent although he could end up suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For now, he's freaking the family out and pretty much amusing me with the stories of his delusions. I'm convinced this is temporary because he has periods when he's perfectly oriented to time, place and person. Brain damage isn't fleeting, you don't go in and out of it. Thursday, Jorge thought he was the president of the U.S., demanding to speak to Dick Cheney. Pretty cool, if you're going to be delusional, you might as well have delusions of grandeur!
So he's now out of ICU, into a "Step Down" unit next door. This should help with the psychosis, less stimuli and more time with family to keep him oriented. I suggested they bring in family photos to help keep him in the here and now. Less TV, more sleep. John's other brother Mike and sister Cuqui arrived back yesterday, great additional support for everone.
Around here it's been pretty quiet. Yesterday afternoon I took Jake with me to a Marine promotion ceremony. That was very cool. Then I went out for dinner with friends. One friend was a patient of mine last week, that's something to get used to. The Embassy community is small so I'll have plenty of friend/patients that I'll be socializing with as well as treating. Patient confidentiality is at a whole new level! As everyone tends to know everyone else's business, the harmless question of "Is so-and-so okay?" brings me to a screeching mental stop. If the questioner knows too much it can really become a tap dance. I'm learning to subtly change the subject.
I'm trying to think of something to do today other than hang out in my pajamas but I'm failing miserably. But the sun is shining and the day is beckoning. Next step, get the kids out of bed!
So he's now out of ICU, into a "Step Down" unit next door. This should help with the psychosis, less stimuli and more time with family to keep him oriented. I suggested they bring in family photos to help keep him in the here and now. Less TV, more sleep. John's other brother Mike and sister Cuqui arrived back yesterday, great additional support for everone.
Around here it's been pretty quiet. Yesterday afternoon I took Jake with me to a Marine promotion ceremony. That was very cool. Then I went out for dinner with friends. One friend was a patient of mine last week, that's something to get used to. The Embassy community is small so I'll have plenty of friend/patients that I'll be socializing with as well as treating. Patient confidentiality is at a whole new level! As everyone tends to know everyone else's business, the harmless question of "Is so-and-so okay?" brings me to a screeching mental stop. If the questioner knows too much it can really become a tap dance. I'm learning to subtly change the subject.
I'm trying to think of something to do today other than hang out in my pajamas but I'm failing miserably. But the sun is shining and the day is beckoning. Next step, get the kids out of bed!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Farewell to 2008!
Our 2008 looked something like this ~
January found us living in Lorton, Virginia. John and I were attending Attache training, the girls were at South County High School and Jake was at Silverbrook Elementary School. This was the farthest north we'd ever lived as a family.
February was great! Our first real snowstorm and the kids' first snow day from school. I relearned about driving in the snow. Kim and Cindy came to visit with Cindy's new puppy Sadie. Sadie was adorable though insistent on proving how un-housetrained she was!
March was crazy busy. We finally got our household goods shipment from Argentina - real beds!!! After three months on an airmattress, you can imagine! Nicole's friend Matt came to visit from Buenos Aires and we took him with us to Navarre for Spring Break. John couldn't come so I was stuck "babysitting" two pairs of teenagers as Dylan and Lisette were inseparable.
April kept us busy too. Jake was playing lacrosse, Nicole was starting goalie for the SCHS JV soccer team and Lisette was either rehearsing or attending SAT prep class. My mom and my aunt Mary came to visit us on their way back from snowbirding in Florida. But my favourite part of this month was a week spent in Pennsylvania with our Attache class, learning high-speed, defensivee driving maneuvers, self-defense techniques and getting qualified in three different firearms. Crazy!!
May started off with Lisette taking her SAT exam right in the middle of her play performances. Then accepting an acting camp scholarship for Lisette. Getting our clearances for the move to Bolivia. Catching our collective breaths before the big summer move.
June meant a trip to Hamilton to get my Lasik done! It went so smoothly. Unfortunately, while I was there we were informed that Jake wasn't accepted into the American school in La Paz. That headache started fast and furious and lasted almost two months. The kids finished up their school. Then John and I took a quick trip to Florida to be there for his old squadron's change of command. Jake had his psycho-educational evaluation along with a long list of other demands by the school here.
July brought us back to Florida for a triple university tour. We all fell in love with FSU and were disappointed with Flagler. UCF remained middle of the road. Just before we left to FL, Lisette attended her acting camp and the final performance was awesome! When we got back to Virginia, we found out that Jake had passed his evaluation with ease. Picture my tongue stuck out at the school here. Then the moving began. John was in Bolivia the first half of the month. He got back just in time to be there for the movers but not for the prep. Hmmmm. Kim and my mom were here for that! The flew out to Miami on Nicole's birthday.
August meant we arrived in Bolivia! 08-08-08 was our arrival date, cool huh? Initially we were housed in a beautiful apartment with a gorgeous view of the mountains. We're surrounded by mountains but the apartment sat up on a rise so the view was tremendous. The altitude hit Lisette the hardest but I was the first to catch Evo's revenge. Unfortunately, it hit on moving day. We were moved to our present "Soprano House" a week after arrival. It a big, beautiful three bedroom home with another breathtaking view. So here we settled and the kids started school and I began lifestyle I should be accustomed to. Ha!
September was interesting. As Evo's detractors raged a siege on some outlying provinces, he turned his attention to the US Embassy. He kicked out our Ambassador, claiming he had proof of wrong-doing (he says things like that ALL the time but never does show the "proof") and then blamed the US for all of the strife in his country. Some semi-organized demonstrators showed up at the Embassy, more threats were made and actions seemed worrisome so the State Department gave an Authorized Departure order. The kids and I were headed to Florida. We settled in a beach house, the kids were enrolled in their old schools, Nicole got a tan and we spent lots of time with some dear friends.
October brought the bad news that the evacuation order hadn't been lifted. Evo was still being a butthead (is that not a diplomatic thing to say?) so we were best kept at a distance. John came to us for a visit, we celebrated his birthday, we attended the closing ceremonies of his first AF squadron, I spent too much time shopping (back-in-the-states-itis), we saw a ton of movies. Then, we were allowed back home!
November meant celebrating Jake's birthday at the opening night of "Madagascar 2", saying farewell to our Florida friends AGAIN and then chillin' for a week in Miami before suffering altitude sickness all over again. But it was worth it! We were home! Settling back to home, school and work was great. I applied for the Nursing position at the Health Unit and applied for admittance to an online university to complete my BSN degree. I was accepted time two. Thanksgiving was here with our Defense Attache office friends and families. Sadly, John's 93 yr.old grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving. John and I flew to Miami for her funeral and to celebrate the life of one of the strongest woman I've known.
Finally, December. I started work and fell in love with it! It's great to work so close to John. Early in the month we found out there were problems with the Express Shipment we had coming from Florida. Remember all that shopping I had done? Most of it was Christmas gifts and the expected delivery date was Dec. 1st. Well, it's now 2009 and we don't have it yet. The rest of December flew by, with work and Christmas preparations. Christmas day dawned and the gift pickings were modest compared to most years but we had a great day. December 27th brought devastating news. John's brother Jorge had suffered a near fatal heart attack. John flew out on the 28th and was there yesterday when Jorge finally woke up after being taken off the ventilator.
January 1, 2009 brings us dreams for the future, expectations of happiness and a vision of joys to come. May it do the same for you and may all of our hopes come alive!
January found us living in Lorton, Virginia. John and I were attending Attache training, the girls were at South County High School and Jake was at Silverbrook Elementary School. This was the farthest north we'd ever lived as a family.
February was great! Our first real snowstorm and the kids' first snow day from school. I relearned about driving in the snow. Kim and Cindy came to visit with Cindy's new puppy Sadie. Sadie was adorable though insistent on proving how un-housetrained she was!
March was crazy busy. We finally got our household goods shipment from Argentina - real beds!!! After three months on an airmattress, you can imagine! Nicole's friend Matt came to visit from Buenos Aires and we took him with us to Navarre for Spring Break. John couldn't come so I was stuck "babysitting" two pairs of teenagers as Dylan and Lisette were inseparable.
April kept us busy too. Jake was playing lacrosse, Nicole was starting goalie for the SCHS JV soccer team and Lisette was either rehearsing or attending SAT prep class. My mom and my aunt Mary came to visit us on their way back from snowbirding in Florida. But my favourite part of this month was a week spent in Pennsylvania with our Attache class, learning high-speed, defensivee driving maneuvers, self-defense techniques and getting qualified in three different firearms. Crazy!!
May started off with Lisette taking her SAT exam right in the middle of her play performances. Then accepting an acting camp scholarship for Lisette. Getting our clearances for the move to Bolivia. Catching our collective breaths before the big summer move.
June meant a trip to Hamilton to get my Lasik done! It went so smoothly. Unfortunately, while I was there we were informed that Jake wasn't accepted into the American school in La Paz. That headache started fast and furious and lasted almost two months. The kids finished up their school. Then John and I took a quick trip to Florida to be there for his old squadron's change of command. Jake had his psycho-educational evaluation along with a long list of other demands by the school here.
July brought us back to Florida for a triple university tour. We all fell in love with FSU and were disappointed with Flagler. UCF remained middle of the road. Just before we left to FL, Lisette attended her acting camp and the final performance was awesome! When we got back to Virginia, we found out that Jake had passed his evaluation with ease. Picture my tongue stuck out at the school here. Then the moving began. John was in Bolivia the first half of the month. He got back just in time to be there for the movers but not for the prep. Hmmmm. Kim and my mom were here for that! The flew out to Miami on Nicole's birthday.
August meant we arrived in Bolivia! 08-08-08 was our arrival date, cool huh? Initially we were housed in a beautiful apartment with a gorgeous view of the mountains. We're surrounded by mountains but the apartment sat up on a rise so the view was tremendous. The altitude hit Lisette the hardest but I was the first to catch Evo's revenge. Unfortunately, it hit on moving day. We were moved to our present "Soprano House" a week after arrival. It a big, beautiful three bedroom home with another breathtaking view. So here we settled and the kids started school and I began lifestyle I should be accustomed to. Ha!
September was interesting. As Evo's detractors raged a siege on some outlying provinces, he turned his attention to the US Embassy. He kicked out our Ambassador, claiming he had proof of wrong-doing (he says things like that ALL the time but never does show the "proof") and then blamed the US for all of the strife in his country. Some semi-organized demonstrators showed up at the Embassy, more threats were made and actions seemed worrisome so the State Department gave an Authorized Departure order. The kids and I were headed to Florida. We settled in a beach house, the kids were enrolled in their old schools, Nicole got a tan and we spent lots of time with some dear friends.
October brought the bad news that the evacuation order hadn't been lifted. Evo was still being a butthead (is that not a diplomatic thing to say?) so we were best kept at a distance. John came to us for a visit, we celebrated his birthday, we attended the closing ceremonies of his first AF squadron, I spent too much time shopping (back-in-the-states-itis), we saw a ton of movies. Then, we were allowed back home!
November meant celebrating Jake's birthday at the opening night of "Madagascar 2", saying farewell to our Florida friends AGAIN and then chillin' for a week in Miami before suffering altitude sickness all over again. But it was worth it! We were home! Settling back to home, school and work was great. I applied for the Nursing position at the Health Unit and applied for admittance to an online university to complete my BSN degree. I was accepted time two. Thanksgiving was here with our Defense Attache office friends and families. Sadly, John's 93 yr.old grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving. John and I flew to Miami for her funeral and to celebrate the life of one of the strongest woman I've known.
Finally, December. I started work and fell in love with it! It's great to work so close to John. Early in the month we found out there were problems with the Express Shipment we had coming from Florida. Remember all that shopping I had done? Most of it was Christmas gifts and the expected delivery date was Dec. 1st. Well, it's now 2009 and we don't have it yet. The rest of December flew by, with work and Christmas preparations. Christmas day dawned and the gift pickings were modest compared to most years but we had a great day. December 27th brought devastating news. John's brother Jorge had suffered a near fatal heart attack. John flew out on the 28th and was there yesterday when Jorge finally woke up after being taken off the ventilator.
January 1, 2009 brings us dreams for the future, expectations of happiness and a vision of joys to come. May it do the same for you and may all of our hopes come alive!
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