Ready for a Saturday

It doesn't seem like my life should be too busy, but I certainly feel like it is!  I had a good reminder today from a friend to take it easier on myself and not expect myself to adjust to so many changes in a short time.  I'll work on it.

Between meeting with a group for my current class, running some errands, and writing up my weekly assignment for the class, I had four hours of Anna time!

She entertained herself with my sandals.

Just too sweet.

A slight pouty moment

And she decided the most fun toy she has is the tissue box,
which she proceeded to empty and refill several times.

This was a more challenging babysit for me, since it was longer, and I had a headache.  But she was a good little girl for the most part.  She wasn't happy with anything I wanted to feed her though, and I did end up wearing a little bit of apple sauce.  Thanks to those fast little baby arms, my reflexes are improving!  As soon as her mommy walked through the door, Anna was all smiles and reaching for her.  I'm telling myself that was purely because she loves her mommy so much, and not because she was so desperate to be saved from me!

My other entertainment today came in the form a phone call.  I had two calls from the same number.  I answered the second call, saying, "This is Hope."  A guy responded, "What?"  I repeated, "This is Hope."  "Help?" "NO.  This is HOPE."  The guy said, "I think I have the wrong number."  I've been getting lots of calls for the woman who had the number before me.  I figured maybe he was trying to reach her and I could let him know she didn't have this number anymore.  Still, I don't entirely know why, but I asked, "Who are you trying to reach?"

 His reply to my question was, "I don't know her name.  I only know her screen-name."

Ooooookay then.  I responded, "Yes, you definitely have the wrong number.  Goodbye."

Completely unrelated story: The other day, I was behind an SUV and I could see a little pony-tailed head bobbing in the middle of the back seat.  I assumed it was a child in a car-seat.  The ponytail started bouncing quite vigorously.  I thought, "Wow, that kid must be hyper!"  Then a golden retriever poked his/her head out of the window and I realized it wasn't a pony tail, but a "puppy" tail instead, attached to a very happy dog on a car ride!

Vacation Bible School

Last night, I truly felt like I had achieved greatness.  I taught two classes of about 15 kids each about making friends cross culturally.  The kids were grades 3 and 4, and Kindergarten to grade 2.  I find it easier to speak to an entire congregation.

I really had no idea how to speak to these kids.  What ages would they be? What is their comprehension level?  How long will they listen?  Do they even know where the UK is?  I don't know anything about primary school kids!

I started with a trip to Barnes and Noble to look through the kids books.  I didn't even know what I was looking for, but I figured at the very least, I could read a story.  None of the books caught my imagination, but the trip was helpful.  By looking at the books, grouped according to age and grade, I could get a feel for the average comprehension of the kids.

My sister gave me the next idea.  I was trying to think of a way to talk about the mix of cultures in the UK, and Joy suggested using tea as a snack and forming my talk around it.  Why, Eureka!  With Joy's inspiration, I decided to name my talk "Three cups of Tea."  :)

I pulled together numerous props, including two tea pots, 2 mint tea cups, and one proper tea cup.  I planned a very picture filled slideshow.  I racked my brain for creative ways to simply share my message of crossing cultural boundaries.  And Wednesday came.

My presentation touched on iconic London images, a little bit of personal history, and then I started to make tea for samples.  I first gave the kids "American" tea, which is sweet tea, served cold.  Next, I served them black tea, complete with shortbread biscuits.  I explained to them the role of tea in British culture, amid comments of "My grandma makes this kind of tea too!" and "We have an exchange student with us.  He's from across the ocean."  Next, I made and served Moroccan mint tea with plain tea biscuits.  As they sampled that tea, some were excited and some were very dubious.  After talking a bit more, I closed by asking them about the teas.  I didn't ask anything profound, but I wanted them to note how the teas were similar and how they were different.  I asked if they liked all of them and got the range of answers one would expect.  I tried to use that to illustrate that we can build bridges of friendship by focusing on what is similar, even when things seem very different, and we can also disagree on some things too.

Then the first group left, and the second group came and I started all over again.  My favorite moment with the younger group was when this dark haired little girl raised her hand and asked if she could have her tea in the proper tea cup.

By 8:30, I had packed up my supplies and was ready to start the hour drive home, exhausted.  Two thirty minute presentations for kids tired me out more than an entire Sunday morning.  Still, they were well behaved kids and I am glad I faced this challenge!

Adoring Aunt of Anna

I got to babysit for a little while today.  I took my camera along and before I knew it, I'd taken over fifty pictures.  Oh well, Gran and Pap probably need to see some more pictures of their little angel.  It's easy to take so many pictures, partly because she's so adorable, but also because she moves too quickly and I take more to keep up with her!

Where's my belly?

Daddy!  Outside?

Who's that?  I have a TWIN?

Chilling with Momma.

What a bundle of love.  She scoots up and down stairs and has started balancing herself really well.  No walking yet but we will see when she takes those first steps.

A Perfect Dinner Spot

Yesterday, we had temperatures reaching the 80s (26C and above).  I needed an evening of homework catch up, so I planned to be at home.  It has also been a busy week, and I think I just needed some time to relax as well.  

Before starting my work, I made an easy dinner of spaghetti and moved out to the balcony.  The tree across the street has gorgeous flowers on it and it made for a pretty view while I basked in the evening sun.  I felt quite European, especially when I realized my clothes were still drying on the drying rack on my balcony as well!  After missing dryers for three years for their convenience, I am trying to be a little bit eco-friendly and use the drying rack when the sun is out.  

After the gorgeous day, I was surprised to be woken in the night by the loud booms of a terrific thunderstorm.  I woke with a start and then felt silly, realizing, "It's only thunder."  Despite England's reputation for rain, I can only think of two or three times in my three years there when I heard thunder.  

The rain is still falling this morning.  It's still warm enough that I haven't bothered to close any windows.  I love the smell and sound of rain.  It's lulling me into a slow Saturday morning.  I had a good lie-in, having set no alarm for this morning.  Now that I've had my granola and yogurt brekkie, I'm ready for some reflection, journalling, Pinterest, and Planet Earth.  :)

If you haven't watched Planet Earth, you really should.  I love BCC documentaries.  They are so well done and just fascinating.  I became an avid watcher of the Frozen Planet series when it aired in the UK.  At the moment, David Attenborough's wonderful voice is telling me about a place I would never explore: underwater caves.  My sense of adventure stops at deep water and dark places.  

Little Ones!

Our family met up for a birthday dinner out, a fairly rare occasion.  Normally, we celebrate our birthdays with a big family meal at the farm, but this was easier to arrange and a special treat.  While we were at the restaurant, I couldn't help but think how much these little one's have changed our family dynamics.  There are now three great-grandchildren for Nan and Pap to enjoy.  Truthfully, we all enjoy them!

We all thought Anna was eating her cheesy biscuit really well.  Until we saw the floor around her!  Her buddy Kolt was so happy to see her and kept trying to give her things from her diaper bag, which Anna would promptly try to give to someone else.  I suppose we can be glad that they both prefer to give rather than take!  

Twenty Eight

Well, I am now officially 28.

I'm not too concerned about now being in my late twenties.  On my birthday, I had to stop at the bank that is on a nearby college campus.  The teller didn't recognise me and asked if I had a good spring break.  I didn't bother correcting her with a reminder that college is more than five years in my past.

My actual birthday started off a little rough, with a low of missing a call from my parents.  I didn't hear the phone because I was driving and the windows were down.  I pulled into my destination a whole two minutes after they called and saw the missed call.  :(

The day got better though when a good friend came over and took me out to lunch.  In the evening, Joy and Anna spoiled me with presents, dinner, and "Sinfully chocolate" ice cream cake.  Joy even had a present for me from Mom and Dad, an edible arrangement of fruit.  It was pretty complicated balancing the arrangement and Anna for a photo op!

We even celebrated with an Anna sign :)  The next pictures will be for her first birthday!

The day ended much much better than it began.  Thanks, Joyful and Anna banana!  :)  

Spring is nearly here!

February 10, 2012

March 19, 2012

My Almost-Nephews

On Thursday, I was able to meet up with Amy Jo and her cute little hooligans.  The boys (ages three and nearly two) are getting used to me, which means they are talking more around me and are more playful.  Amy was also watching her niece and nephew, which meant we had our hands full for a bit!  It was one of those glorious Pennsylvania days, which meant the kiddos got to play outside.

Watching this little one set up his baseball (which his brother kept insisting was a golf ball), I couldn't believe that nearly two years ago, I saw him when he was 12 hours old.  

In the evening, the boys had a much needed bath.  Amy's sister came by, and she took Collin from the bath to put him in his pjs.  As Amy started to wrap Gavin in his towel, he pointed to me and said, "No, Mommy, I want that one!" We had a good laugh as he repeated it several times.  Apparently the boys are used to me, but haven't yet learned my name!  

New York

(Just a little note to point out that this is blog post 300!)

My good friends know me well.  For my birthday, four of us (we each live in different cities) converged in NYC for a fun weekend.  I have many memories of feeling slightly scared by NYC.  It always seemed so huge and overwhelming.  After living in some of the world's major cities for about four years throughout the last six years, NYC no longer feels scary!  Instead, it felt really good to be walking in a city again.  And after some cities I've lived and visited, it was delightfully easy to navigate the grid pattern streets.

We went to see the Lion King on Broadway, which was a very special experience.  I love Africa so much and after growing up on Rogers and Hammerstein musicals, I will always love a good song and dance routine.  

It was such a fun mini-break.  I took the bus, which was a rather lengthy 5 hours, but it was so much nicer than driving.  I was back to walking once I was in the city.  It was a little crazy because of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations and parades, but overall that added to a rather festive feeling for the weekend.  The city went green in a new way!

A "Giant" Woe

Nothing is in the right place in the grocery store!  I needed to do some grocery shopping today, so one of my many errands was Giant.  I walked into Giant, and I realized I still feel disoriented in grocery stores here for some reason.  I do not understand this.  I honestly do not feel like I am justified in being so confused by things here in the USA.  Yes, I was in London for three years.  But it's London.  It's not like I was in the Amazon.

But I do feel confused and sometimes overwhelmed by it.  It's nothing anyone can change, I know that.  It will just take a little more time.  But I noticed it more so when I walked into the store and my first thought was to turn around and leave.  It's ok.  I don't really need food anyway.  I laughed at myself and made myself "keep calm and carry on." And almost ran into someone with my cart.  But that's beside the point.

Green seedless grapes were $.99.  I was very happy, once I saw what they would normally cost.  I almost bought some for Laura and then remembered that she's in England and I'm not.  So then I checked with my sister, but she didn't need any either.  I bought two bags (one to freeze...yummy frozen grapes!) and continued on my way.  I walked in the candy aisle just to tempt myself.  I saw peanut butter Snickers.  Is that possible? I didn't know they made those!  I exercised self control and went on my way to find hand-soap.

I could not find it.  I walked up and down aisles, reading signs....finally found it.  Went on to get my last few things and then was searching for carrots only to realize that they were back at the end of the store where I got the grapes.  Grrrr....back to the beginning.  On the way there, I remembered I needed bin liners for the kitchen trash bins.  I found those easily enough and went down the aisle.

There is an aisle for bin liners?  There are oodles.  I just want ones like I have at home.  What kind do I have at home?  It's a yellow box.  They are ALL yellow boxes, Hope.  Red handle ties.  Hmm...that narrows it down to about twenty kinds.  (I stare at the boxes for a little bit.)  You know what, I don't need bin liners.  I have enough at home.  I'll figure it out another day.   

I left without making a selection.  I know, it's such a silly thing.  But I didn't want to buy really expensive ones when cheaper ones work just as well but I didn't want the really cheap-o ones that might break and then all of a sudden, I was upset over rubbish bin liners.

After I paid and packed my groceries into my bag, I left just wanting to go home.  On my way to the truck, I walked through the outdoor cafe, past a guy wearing a Giant uniform shirt who was apparently on break.  He caught my eye and said, "How you doing?"

I'm not really sure if he meant that as a "How YOU doing, honey?" or a "Are you ok? You look like you might be talking to yourself and on the verge of a breakdown as you walk out of the grocery store and just thought I would be cordial and see how you are doing..."  Either way, I responded with a "Fine, thanks," as I kept walking.  I was thinking, "If you only knew I just freaked out over hand-soap and trash liners and carrots being in the wrong place..."

It got a little worse when I pulled out the parking lot.  I stayed at the stop sign for a little while longer than normal.  I was turning into a one way system, and for some reason, I could not think of which way I should turn!  Pity the person behind me.  I figured it out and made a right turn.  My bottom lip may have been quivering by the time I pulled the main road.

I walked into the house thinking I never wanted to leave again, but that's just my dramatic self indulging in a little pity party.  I did leave in about two hours for a Zumba class at the gym.  I'm so glad I did.  I absolutely loved the class.  It was so fun and just the ticket to cheer me up.  Some of the moves are "Bollywood" inspired and reminded me of my Bhangra class from London.  Now, it's time for a much needed sleep.  Tomorrow is another day.

Flavors, Seasons, and Transitions

Today is absolutely one of my favorite kind of Pennsylvanian days.  Breeze blowing, blue skies, sunshine and 65 degrees out.

I visited a church with a friend today and it was a lovely visit indeed.  Dorothy and her friend took me out to lunch afterwards, to a little place called Kimberly's Cafe in Carlisle after the service.  Breakfast all day.  Lovely.

Once home, I ran a few errands with Joyful and Munchkin and Traci.  I needed to get a cafetiere.  Trust me, this was a need.  I've missed making my coffee this way.  So, thanks to Ross, I'm now set with a 8 cup cafetiere for $9.99.  Can't beat that.  We stopped by a little drive-through for some Italian Ice to celebrate the beautiful spring day.  Joyful and I are creatures of habit.  Mango Italian Ice.  It doesn't get better.

Once I got home, in a fit of post illness energy, I cleaned both the kitchen and bathroom.  If it strikes again, the carpet will be my next target.  Something about spring demands clean floors dried by the crisp breeze.

But it was too pretty to stay inside.  Now, I'm settled out on the balcony.  I should get a lounge chair for out here sometime.  Today, I've piled three blankets on the floor, propped a pillow against the wall, and nudged the screen up enough to allow my computer cable to stretch from the bedroom out to me.

No one sees me as they pass by.  I like that about balconies.  I have always loved watching people and I've never felt the need to be involved in what is going on.  It's fascinating enough just to watch.  Perhaps that is what drew me to anthropology, my passion for observing.  As people pass by, they are either in cars or running.  I can't help but think about Laura's passionate view on running: The only time to run is when someone is chasing you! 

Instead, I'm perched, hidden away on my balcony, enjoying a big glass of Diet Pepsi and chopped up cantaloupe in one of my oversized Whittard's of Chelsea mugs.  I am savoring the fruit as well as the fact that I can eat and drink without feeling ill.

Last night I finished a beautiful book called Four Seasons in Rome.  I love the way it was written, the detail observed.  Sometimes when I read, I can tell the author is like me.  We share a love of words.  Not just any words.    As Julia Ormond says to Harrison Ford in the 1995 film Sabrina, "More isn't always better, Linus.  Sometimes, it's just more."  Writing should never be about just a word count or a completed assignment, but it is about weaving the right words together to make the image you want to convey.  Anthony Doerr does that so well in Four Seasons  in Rome.  When I read a book like this, I feel like I've read poetry.

The author and his wife and twin boys moved to Rome for a year while he worked on a book.  Four Seasons in Rome is about that year in Rome.  Perhaps some of why I loved it was being able to picture many of the places he visited.  He shares much of their adjustment to life in Rome as well.  The book alternates between larger world encounters and the simple day to day of his family.  I have to share on little except, just to encourage you all to read this too!  He writes about his wife giving their son his first taste of chocolate:

"On Easter Sunday we melt the shell of an infant-sized chocolate egg and dip strawberries in it and set them on foil to dry.  Only in Italy would the chocolate from an egg containing two red plastic robots taste good enough to make you want to cry.  Shauna dips a finger in the warm chocolate and slips it into Henry's mouth, and his face seems to crack open with wonder.  He looks at his mother as if to say, You've been putting green beans on my tray and the world includes this?"  (Kindle location 1499).

Three sentences have stayed with me more than most.  Doerr wrote, "Not knowing is always more thrilling than knowing.  Not-knowing is where hope and art and possibility and invention come from.  It is not-knowing, that old, old thing, that allows everything to be renewed" (Kindle location 1911).  I love that.

In this time of not-knowing, I think I need that reminder.  Today I was tempted to hop on a plane and decide I'll spend my days working on a beach resort in Bali, or somewhere exotic.  (Don't worry, family, I'm not.)  This not-knowing can be a bit overwhelming if I let it.  I struggle with my own love of the thrill of not-knowing and also sometimes wanting the stability of a completely known life.  But I'd rather let "hope and possibility and invention" come into the next step I take.

Puppy Loves

I love my dear little puppies.  (Technically, only the one is mine, but still I love Patches too.  Patches is my sister's dog, but we've had both since we were teens.)  It has been really wonderful to be back and able to see these two little loves.  I wish dearly that my current housing allowed me to bring Mischief to live with me, but it is strictly verboten.  My sister and her husband have been taking wonderful care of her since I've been out of the country.  Perhaps the next place I live...

By last night, I felt like I was nearly insane after two days in bed.  I went up to my sister's house for a little bit.  When I left, it was time for the dogs to go in their crates for the night.  I wish I had been able to take pictures.

This little sweet bundle of terror, also known as Patches, knew it was bedtime.  She dashed over to Mischief's crate, which is the larger of the two since Mis is the larger of the two dogs, and dove into it.  She spun around and lay down, head perched on paws, completely alert and looking straight at me.  Her sweet little white face looked at me with a doggie angelic expression.  She seemed to be saying, I'm in bed.  Really.  That's what you said.  

I leaned down and said, "Patches, that's Mischief's bed and you know it.  Come on, girl.  Come here."  Haha.  That did nothing to move Patches, either emotionally or physically.  Big brown eyes looked back innocently.  Meanwhile, Mischief looked at me.  

I'm sure she was thinking, Really?  You thought that would work?  This is what I have to deal with every day.  EVERY. DAY.  And she thinks it's funny every time.

I didn't want to pull Patches out of Mischief's bed, so I resorted to trickery.  I decided to play on Patches' diva personality.  This little one cannot stand someone else getting attention if she's not also getting spoiled as well.  So, I started giving Mischief a good back and ear scratch.  In about ten seconds, Patches was out of the bed and at my other hand, pushing herself underneath it so I would do the same for her.  If I stopped, she would sink down on her short little legs, poised to dash back into the kennel.  It was so cute.  It was a battle of the wits between me and a ten pound Jack Russell Terrier.  Just for that, I gave them both a few extra minutes of love.  

I think I won the battle in the end, although I'm actually not sure who got the last laugh!  I kept scratching Patchie's ears with one hand and nudged Mis into her bed.  She slowly walked in, turned around, and flopped down with a sigh.  Why all the drama?  Let an old dog sleep.  As soon as I closed the door on her crate, I looked at Patches.  She looked right back and bolted straight into her kennel.  I will admit she surprised me with that move.  Given her playfulness, I half expected that I would be chasing her around the room to get her into her crate.  What a silly little sweetheart.  

Whew.

Wednesday seemed like it would be a good day.  It mostly was.  I ran lots of errands and felt like I got a lot done, from getting my puppy her new medicine to find some pretty plates on the clearance shelves at Marshall's.  

I am actually not in dire need of plates, but they are set of four (salad and dinner plates) and I just loved the color.  So, I got 'em.  And they match my India tablecloth pretty well!

But by the evening, I was not feeling so good.  I apparently caught a tummy virus that has been going around.  After being awake most of the night (I will spare you the details), I cancelled my appointments for Thursday and stayed in bed for the entire day.  I think I ate a grand total of seven animal crackers.  Despite sleeping most of the day, I slept through the night as well.  My slight fever went away and everything is staying in my tummy, although I still have a headache and body achy-ness.  I'm sticking to ginger ale and digestive biscuits (which were a little treat brought from London), but I think I'm on the mend.  

35

35 days into my return to the USA.  I still have moments where I can't quite believe I'm here.  I have many more moments when I wonder why I'm here.   And many, many more moments when I wonder what is next.  

I've not settled into a proper schedule yet.  Each day is a little different, depending on what needs to be done.  The first night Mom and Dad were gone, I couldn't believe how empty the house seemed.  My practical side kicked in and I started moving my things into the master bedroom, making the bed with my own sheets (micro-fleece...bliss), unpacking all of my clothes into the much bigger closet, and just settling in a bit more.  After a few days, I took all of the leftover meat products up to my sister's house.  The kitchen is now fully vegetarian!  

I spent several wonderful hours today reconnecting with two good friends in Lancaster.  It felt so strange to be driving in Lancaster again.  We had a great lunch along with good conversations.  As I drove home, I couldn't help but think that I am exceptionally lucky when it comes to friendships.  

I haven't quite figured myself out.  In some ways, I really like the solitude.  Maybe I should say, "On some days." Others it feels too quiet.  Life is a little boring when there is too much solitude and yet it's too hectic without solitude.  Fortunately, with my sister just around the corner, I've had a good balance.  I've been able to spend a lot of evenings with Joy and Anna while Jeremy is away.  It's been so fun to get to be with them.

Tonight, Anna proved herself to be a carnivore of the worst kind.  As she was crawling around the family room, entertaining herself with her toys, she found a stink bug and popped it in her mouth!  Our little love bug ate a stink bug!  Technically, I guess she didn't eat it because Joy noticed her doing this and fished it out of her mouth, but eww.  She made a very unappreciative face.  I can only assume that means they taste as bad as they smell.  She recovered her appetite as soon as she saw her momma's bowl of mint ice cream!

Anna is definitely getting ready to visit her grandparents.  She is prepared to try all sorts of new foods.  She clearly enjoys exploration and adventure and those little legs are ready to move quickly!  She also is ready to don appropriate apparel for camouflage in the bush, as you can tell by her pj's.