Day 14: Transitioning

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In two weeks and a day (due to the time change), we’ll be living in Holland. A big change for us as we’ve never lived overseas. And we’re excited and nervous and overwhelmed and anxious and want to go and wish we could stay. Yin and yang, all mixed together.

So much to do and today was the day to push through as many tasks as possible so that I can play freely tomorrow! I got several errands done since I was awake and out of bed by 5:30 am! C went on a playdate all day and the other two are off at camp. I arranged for a (mini) bus to pick us up from the airport and began to discuss furniture rental plans for the new place. I returned stuff all over town and shopped for our going away party this weekend. Should be fun!

C had a playdate at Adventure Land in Berkeley, which was a magical place for kids to build forts with real hammers, saws, nails and wood, in a dusty playing field with recycled materials. They didn’t want to leave!

It felt like his birthday today, because his friend came over after the play date to watch a movie and rest before they headed out to a night time game of mini-golf. On C’s bucket list was to play at night with all the lights and it being dark. We sure had fun and he won a free game for hitting the little ball in the tiniest of holes at the end. He was so proud of his effort and very happy.

And on a different note, I felt a bit sad today for a couple moments. Like when I went to buy milk and the expiration date was past the date that we move. And when I was shopping at Costco, seeing the same faces I’ve seen for 10+ years, and enjoying the comforts of big shopping, I kept feeling that it’s going to be different. And driving by our church and really missing it and the people. Just a couple tears for 15 seconds – just feeling the transition and ok with it but feeling the separation and change. It’s what we want but it’s still an a adjustment. But, its all good…

Are we there yet?!?!?

10Jul2012

Day 15: 2 weeks from Tomorrow!

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The transition is creeping closer yet I’m still living in the moment. The laundry and chaos surrounds me, yet I’m present and juggling the massive details of this international move – I hope all the pieces come together ok, and if they don’t we’ll still get on a plane in 2 weeks. So what, right?!?

Today I woke up early and sent emails and called Holland to arrange for someone to pick us up from the airport and to see if we could furnish our house before we arrive. Wish us luck — hope to have some answers tomorrow. Jeff worked on setting up our phones with success. We bought Magic Jack – which allows you to still call our house line that will now be connected through our computer and callers will not be charged international rates. How cool is that? Let’s just hope that our family and friends are respectful of the 9 hour time difference!

C and I sat on the couch to watch a movie together that he wanted to share with me, but I was unsuccessful at sitting still and not being distracted by my yellow pad of to do’s, my google calendar and list and phone flashing in front of me!! I so wanted to be still in the moment, but that didn’t work so well and he caught me!! I’ll try again!

At 9:45 am, we went to pick up C’s friend and we all went to the park so I could play volleyball with my girls once again. It was a great day to be outside. They had a potluck going away lunch for me afterwards which was pretty cool. I’m going to miss my weekly playdates in the grass!

Pat came over in the afternoon to check out the house. She is going to be my house sitter while I’m gone and we walked through the details before rushing out once again. She also is helping me by taking all my donations to the PEO Nearly New Shop tomorrow. One less thing on my list!! Thanks, Pat!!

Flowers from Ling’s garden

At 5 pm, I dropped off C’s friend, scheduled an appointment, dropped off my ring for repairs, picked up a gift and headed over to my going away party with my PEO Sisters at 6:30 pm. Marcia hosted a wonderful gathering and I was so touched that so many came to spend time together and to send me off. There were so many delicious appetizers and desserts, I should have taken a picture! I am so lucky to have such great women friends.

Another full day. Remember – you can do more than you think you can in a day!

The turtle came out tonight at Marcia and Rob’s. It made me smile. I’m getting old – I like watching the birds in Cabo, and the Turtles in Saratoga!! Goodnight. xo

9Jul2012

Day 16: Happy

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I had so much fun in Cabo with Stacey and friends, doing yoga and paddle boarding, eating sashimi and sushi, dancing at Cabo Wabo, and hanging by the pool and in the hot tub. It was very relaxing and I have a perm-a-grin on my face.

I am going to miss my friends when we move, even though I know we’ll still see each other and pick up where we leave off the next time we see each other!

Me and Stacey, near and far…I miss you my friend!

8Jul2012

Day 17: SUP Yoga in Cabo

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I can’t believe Jeff let me go to Cabo for 5 days when we’re moving in 17!! I can’t believe I’m having so much fun and relaxing with friends when I “should be” stressing and worrying about all the last minute details to wrap up before the big move. But I kinda believe in living in the moment and that you’ll use all the time you have and fill it whether you have a week or a month – and everything usually gets done, so why stress? When I get home, I have my list and I’ll be busy from 7 am to
Midnight+ every night so why worry now?

Today we rented paddle boards and did SUP yoga on the Sea of Cortez for 3 hours!! We had so much fun paddling and falling in and laughing and taking pictures with the Go Pro camera. It was a perfect day.

7Jul2012

Day 18: Beautiful Things

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Photo blog today…no words are necessary.

7Jul2012

Day 19: Cabo

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We did 2 1/2 hours of yoga today in the hot sun. I thought I was gonna pass out, but I didn’t give up. I think I found what I want to get better at when we move to Holland.

After yoga, we had a fabulous Mexican Lunch, followed by sitting in the pool and relaxing.

The real yoginis were ready for a second round of power yoga with handstands and headstands, scorpions and running men. I got tired just watching!! J.k… They are crazy and amazing!!

Dinner at Edith’s was delicious. The seafood and guacamole, margaritas and dessert filled us up.

To burn off calories, we stopped at Cabo Wabo and danced the night away!

Time for bed so we can do it again tomorrow!!

5Jul2012

Day 20: Namaste

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Here I Am, in Cabo with Stacey and friends for a yoga fitness retreat and some R&R. Thanks to April and Julie and Kathi and Jeff for picking up my slack. And to Stacey for bringing me with her!!

Life is good!

5Jul2012

Day 21: 3 Weeks Until We Move!

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So 3 weeks from today we’ll be on an airplane to the Netherlands. I think it was about 4 months ago that this crazy idea began to germinate. We’ve done so much to prepare and most of the big items are done. When I agreed to this idea of being expats, I told my husband that I am happy to go and that I wanted to do everything I could beforehand to enjoy all the goodness that surrounds me. The crazy thing is I think I’ve packed more excitement into the past 4 months than I have in years. I’m thankful for this amazing gift of appreciation and time and awareness and for my supportive family and friends. I’m awestruck to say the least!!

When I started this blog 100+ days ago and called it: Here I Am, it was to commit to being fully present and living life in the moment. I like this feeling. I feel fulfilled and wish everyone the same joy. Remind me of this if I ever falter.

Being here and being the Fourth of July and attending the USA gymnastics Olympic trials this week and playing outside makes me aware of how much I love being an American. I love the flag, our patriotism, our national anthem, even our money. I’m aware that I will miss our American Holidays even though I look forward to the European ones. I’m excited and accept the changes that are to come and know this is an amazing opportunity yet I’m aware of the costs even though I know I’m coming back one day. Ying and yang. It’s all good.

The kids and I took all the coins we’ve been saving around the house and brought them to the Coinstar machine to be sorted and counted. We had over $200 in random coins! It was fun for them to feed the machine and watch the ticker count away. They were happy because they got to divide up the proceeds.

So with that, I hope you celebrated with BBQs and watermelon, friendship and sparklers, fireworks and dessert and had an amazing day!

P.S. I’m taking a fitness vacation over the next few days and may not have internet access, so will catch up again as I can. xo

3Jul2012

Day 22: Lucky

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“One of these days my luck is bound to change but for now I’ll savor the moment and the chocolate gelato.” – Emily Dodson, FB status 7/3/12

This is how I feel lately – just incredibly lucky and I know it won’t last forever, but for now the ride is so good, I want to savor every moment and don’t want to stop!

My doctor said I need to exercise at least 15 minutes a day to help with stress and to stay healthy. So I listened today and played volleyball with my friends for two hours. Does that mean I’m done for the week? J.k. I don’t know what I loved the most, being outside in the sunshine and not packing or cleaning, actually playing grass volleyball while watching my kids run around the park, or just hanging out with my girlfriends? I guess it was just an awesome triple play of goodness!!

2Jul2012

Day 23: Transitions

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Today my baby became a teenager. That feels like a big change. It’s a title change and it means he’s close to driving age. I’m feeling it!

We had so much fun going to see our friends before they flew back to Texas. We laughed and were silly while enjoying Psycho Donuts in San Jose. Our family has a tradition of getting donuts on birthdays and special occasions and today didn’t disappoint!

After we said our goodbyes, we went home to plan the rest of the (birth)day. I dropped CJ and two friends off at the movie theater to see Men In Black 3 in 3D. Another first… Dropping kids off at the theater and coming back afterwards to pick them up. It worked out fine, by the way – I survived and let the leash out a bit more!!

While the big boys were at the movies, the little ones and I went to get our nails done. Poor little C had to sit and wait with his lunch and an iPod touch to entertain him. It felt so good to sit down and relax for an hour!!

We picked up the boys from the theater and they came back over to play Mine Craft on the computer. Lots of screen time today – but that’s what teen boys crave! Typically he can play for 30 minutes to an hour each day on weekends, but today there were no limits. I liked how they were taking turns and sharing best practices and server id’s and plans to play together online when we move.

For dinner, CJ wanted to try out The Counter on Santana Row. They make custom burgers where you pick all the parts- protein, cheese, toppings, sauce, type of bun and how you’d like it prepared. Most people rave about this place and we’ve been wanting to try it for ever! We all enjoyed being together more than we liked the food, unfortunately, but at least we can check it off the list.

So to be honest, all of us were so tired today and I didn’t really feel like going out for dinner, but we did anyway. And afterwards we would usually go walk around and stroll, but we were fully baked and ready to head home. But… there was still one more thing to complete the birthday tradition… Can you guess what that would be?

I was hoping we could skip it and chalk it up to making new traditions, but that wasn’t going to happen!! There’s something to be said for some rituals and the birthday boy still wanted his cake, and preferably red velvet cake to be specific! And so off we went for one more stop!

It was so worth the effort and the work to see his smile and to sing happy birthday with his grandparents on the phone with us to celebrate our teenager.

And then I thought ok, time for bed (my bed) but that would be wishful thinking!!! He wanted to sleep outside tonight in the back yard in a tent!!! Oh my goodness… I had said sure earlier in the week but didn’t think much about it and hoped he’d change his mind, but no!! Bring out the lantern and sleeping bag and pillow and matt and book and all that good stuff. You only turn 13 once and we’re moving in 23 days so tonight was the night!!! Oh my lucky stars!!

Happy Birthday, CJ! I hope you’ve loved your special day. xo