Day 230: Sick Day

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Charlie was sick before we left for our trip, but rallied through. When his ear was hurting on the plane, I knew he really was still sick. Luckily it felt better today, but he was still under the weather (isn’t that a funny expression?) and Jeff and I are a bit sick too with itchy ears, throats, and achy heads. So the three of us stayed home today…

And tried to rest.

I got to actually enjoy my little boy, who isn’t that little any more. He invited me to make a leprechaun trap. He’s hoping to catch the sneaky little guy on St. Patrick’s Day and has quite the plan. I loved hearing his ideas and seeing his imagination and creativity.

After the trap was complete and set up in a good spot, it was time for a snuggle. He wanted me to sit with him and watch a movie. The movie he picked was Brave. Have you seen it? It was such a great movie that changes the princess story to something that I love – the main character was a strong, independent, sporty woman with her own destiny, writing her own life script, with her wild and crazy hair and choosing her own path and partner. I could relate! I also loved the mother/daughter role and how they learned together. But most of all I just loved having time with my little buddy!

I Am happy we were home sick, yet hope we will be better tomorrow! Stay healthy! xo

11Mar2013

Day 229: Istanbul, Day 3 – And Home Again

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We like to travel and we like to go for a few days and then come home again. We pack as much as we can into 3 days and then we’re exhausted and ready to come home again. I wonder if this is a good travel strategy.

Today was our last day in Istanbul. We visited two fascinating landmarks,the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, and walked through the gardens of Topkapi Palace. We visited and shopped at a unique pottery shop and brought home a couple colorful, handmade Turkish pieces. We got such a laugh out of the Turkish ice cream vendor who entertained us for several minutes on the street. Again, it’s the little things that bring such joy .

Prayer beads on the floor in the women’s only section of the Blue Mosque.

Part of the ceiling in the Blue Mosque.

The Underground Cisterns. It was dark and eerie, and really cool, especially with the fish swimming in the water. If you go, look for the Medusa heads.

The upside down Medusa head in the Cistern.

Colorful Turkish pottery.

Ice cream time.

Saying goodbye to our friends always makes me sad. Topkapi Palace Gardens.

But seeing this guy made me laugh! What the heck??

Back on the Amsterdam train to bring us home again.

We had a great trip with our worldly little travelers, and spending time together with our friends. I am thankful that we were able to see another part of our big, wonderful, diverse world.

Life is good.

10Mar2013

Day 228: Istanbul – Day 2

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Everyone said that we would love Istanbul and everyone was right.

We wandered all over the city today, along with our friends, and the sun was shining!

Life is good!

Stone remains of the basilica near the entrance to the Hagia Sophia.

Church + Mosque + Museum = One Love
Blue skies from the Blue mosque courtyard

A wild turkey in Turkey, outside the Blue Mosque

Arasta Bazaar spices
Galata Tower at sunset

Vitamin Shop!
Flaming dinner on the rooftop overlooking the Blue Mosque.

9Mar2013

Day 227: Istanbul

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If you don’t have a dream or two or three, please hurry up and get one, have one, and/or make one up. I dreamed of doing something fun and different with my husband, and it changed my life dramatically. I was dreaming that we could do something together, and shazam! Welcome to Istanbul! How did I get here?

I didn’t exactly dream of going to Istanbul one day, but I was seeking excitement and something new to learn and experience together besides housework, homework, and take-home-work. And now all these great things are happening. I also have a very, very, good friend that I love to see as often as possible and wherever possible, and she was planning a trip to Istanbul. I like to invite myself to go wherever she is going, if its possible for me to join her, since I can’t live right next door to her anymore.

So Here I Am…on a new adventure In Istanbul with my family and waiting for her to arrive!

Istanbul is a magical city with so much to see and smell and take in. I’ll share some pictures from our first day here. I especially loved all the colors, walking through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Markets, and being on and near the water. What a cool experience! I was only afraid of losing each other and getting pick-pocketed because it was so crowded, but all was well! The worst part was all the vendors trying to talk to us and lure us into their shops. That part was quite repetitive and annoying.

Spice Market where we got some Turkish Delight

Jellyfish in the dark blue water of the Bosporus.

Walking across the Galata Bridge with all the fisherman.

in Asia, looking across the Bosporus with the Kiz Kulesi Tower.

Hagia Sophia at night, in the rain. So spectacular looking and we haven’t even been in yet!

Sweet dreams!

8Mar2013

Day 226: Celebrate Women

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My husband brought me flowers today to celebrate women. I guess it’s International Women’s Day today.

What a great day to be a woman!

There are so many interesting and inspiring and loving and beautiful women in my life. I am so blessed and grateful for all those who share their light and struggles and grace and love and laughs and stories and life with me. I have so much to learn from you beautiful souls. We have so much to share. We are blessed.

I hope you take a minute to say a prayer and acknowledge one or two or three special women in your life.

I love you my mama!
I love you Jubees!
I love you Kimmy!
I love you Tricia!
I love you sister cousins!
I love you my nieces!
I love you girlfriends!
I love you aunties!
I love you little ones!

Namaste.

7Mar2013

Day 225: Water + Yoga + SUP + Friends = Joy

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I look like a frog, but I’m a happy frog. This is what savasna looks like when you’re trying not to touch the freezing cold water.

Can you imagine doing yoga on the water? It’s the coolest feeling.

Imagine your gaze looking softly in front of you and a beautiful white swan is dancing on the water. Imagine looking up at the sky instead of a ceiling.
Imagine breathing in fresh air while focusing on one thing, your breathe.
And when you’re focused on your breathe, you’re not really worried about falling in.
And while you’re stretching and practicing, you get to enjoy the sounds of the water lapping at your board.

Mixing water play with yoga practice is awesome. I hope if this sounds interesting to you, that you will try it one day. You won’t be able to stop smiling.

After we were done doing yoga, we took that relaxed feeling out for a paddle together. I was in the moment, loving life, thankful to Morene for loving SUP and sharing her passion across Amsterdam. I was thankful to Deborah for teaching SUP yoga, and to Jeff for supporting my passion and letting me buy a new Boga board for Holland touring. I can’t wait to put my own in the water!

Namaste.

6Mar2013

Day 224: Running and the Crocus Flowers

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I am so inspired by other people.

Jeff went for a four mile run today. I tried to get out of it. I cleaned instead. I’m good at cleaning and decluttering and procrastinating, yet I didn’t feel good about choosing not to go for a run with him, especially since I had the time.

I called Joseine instead. She told me about her long walk with her sister and how she wasn’t going to go walking today, but her sister talked her into it. She felt so happy afterwards and was glad she went.

Inspired? Yes.

But I found more excuses, I mean piles of laundry to wash and sort and fold, and papers to organize, and two errands to run. And felt the guilt.

At 2:20 pm, my house was really decluttered, and I finally chose to run, before picking up the kids from school. Did I tell you I like to procrastinate until the very last minute?

I just have to say, there has never been a day when I put on my running shoes and actually got out the door and regretted it. So why is it so hard to clear my head and actually get my butt moving? I don’t understand why I procrastinate so much. And I’d think I’d learn by now to just get it over with(I mean enjoy it) first thing in the morning. Isn’t it weird how you know something or how to do something, but the act of doing is much harder than the act of knowing?? Argh… One of those yin and yang things right? Tell me you do this too… Any tricks you practice?

Besides the joy of running 3+ miles, I also got to enjoy seeing these colorful and bright crocus flowers. Aren’t they just gorgeous? I’ve never noticed them before. The crocus is a light and airy flower that is bright and fun. It represents cheerfulness because of its color and texture. Just look at the lines on the petals? And these pictures are taken with my old iPhone!

Do you feel cheerful now? I do. :-). Namaste.

5Mar2013

Day 223: Bring on Spring!

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Everyone is sharing and talking about the weather. The sun has been out for two days and everyone and everything is happy, including the flowers and ladybugs and butterflies that are now appearing again. People are out sitting on park benches and smiling and enjoying the nice weather. I love it and am smiling too.

I’m filling up my cup while I can.

More of nature’s surprises.

Today I Am… missing and remembering my grandpa who died on this day 17 years ago. xo

4Mar2013

Day 222: Sunshine, Coffee & Yoga

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Three things made me happy right at the beginning of the day.

First thing this morning, I woke up to find the guest room filled with bright light and the sun was beginning to rise.

Seeing and feeling the sun shine fills me up.

The second thing that made me smile, was a morning ritual. Jeff makes me a cappuccino every morning, so while I’m waking up the kids and starting a load of laundry, I can smell the coffee from upstairs and its ready for me when I come down. I think this is one of the greatest things ever and I am always so thankful that he does this for me. It’s the little things that create huge amounts of joy for me and make me feel loved.

The third thing that started my day off positively after dropping the kids off at school, was my yoga class. I absolutely love yoga and don’t know why I don’t do it everyday. Its especially a great way to start a Monday. When I arrived, I was the only one not speaking (and understanding) Dutch and I felt a little sad to not understand what everyone was saying and sharing with one another. It was only chit chat before class started, but I so desperately wanted to be part of a conversation, yet I couldn’t share anything. I let that feeling go and just focused on relaxing and stretching before class started and had a great practice. Afterwards, during tea with the classmates, a few new friends spoke with me in English and I no longer felt alone. And as I was getting ready to leave, my teacher gave me a hug when saying goodbye, and told me she was glad I came again and that she enjoys having me in her class. She made my day too…another simple and free joy.

I hope your day was filled with peace, love and joy…sunshine, coffee and yoga!

Namaste.

3Mar2013

Day 221: International Sports

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We are all relaxing on the couch, after a long weekend of basketball, basketball, and more basketball.

The kids had a basketball tournament that started on Friday night and ended today at 5:30 pm.

Juliana’s team took first place, and Christian’s team took fourth.

Here’s what I loved about the tournament:

1. Watching the kids play, of course.

2. Observing the games and cheering and laughing and bonding with the other parents.

3. Seeing the kids cheer for one another, and giving each other high fives.

4. Watching our school teams support each other – girls watching the boys games and the girls watching the boys.

5. Listening to Juliana’s team cheer and sing and dance after they won.

6. Looking at the team rosters from the various international teams and seeing the same cultural diversity across teams.

7. Christian was hanging out with the boys from the Germany team, as he stayed over night at their homes during the Bonn games. He now has friends from other schools in Europe.

8. The mandatory social dance on Saturday night and Juliana meeting someone from San Jose, who was wearing a Sharks hat. Small world.

9. Seeing girls be aggressive and play hard, focused and fighting for the ball.

10. Watching my kids grow up, hanging out for hours between games on their own, being responsible for their own belongings and wanting to take the bus back to school to be with their friends instead of driving back with us. They’re practicing their independence in a safe environment.

Sports are so good for many reasons and watching my kids play in an international environment with teams from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark is still amazing to me. These children come from all over the world and most are expats, just like my kids and they’re all brought together through the love of sports. I love that they chose to participate and were picked to play on their teams.

Life is good!