Day 21: Three Weeks and A Little Off

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Amsterdam, Central Station

We left Sunnyvale three weeks ago today and by all means, I think we’ve done a good job getting settled pretty quickly and efficiently, until today.

Today just didn’t feel right and we had a few things go wrong and a few plans changed. No big deal, but you know the feeling when you just feel off? That was our day.

We made plans to meet up with the Peterson’s today, but both Scott and CJ weren’t feeling so hot. We were going to meet at the Nemo
Museum, but then plans changed.

Instead we went over to the music shop to buy CJ a musical keyboard. I had promised we would buy him one for his birthday when we moved here and we finally had a break in our schedule to get over to the music shop. All went well until we got home. The stairs at our house are very small and narrow and curve upwards. I was bringing up the keyboard stand in it’s box and missed the last small step and stumbled, spraining my big toe and bruising my right hip. I hate getting hurt and hate falling. This put me in a sad mood. We ended up hanging out for another hour or so, for me to recover and to give CJ some time to play on his new toy.

It was so hot and humid today and sitting around the house all day with three kids wasn’t in the plans either. My foot felt a little better so we decided to take the tram to Central Station and see the Nemo anyway.

I was so glad we actually got out to enjoy the day, even if it was later than we had thought. Central Station was busy as ever and the sun was shining brightly. We started to walk over towards the Nemo and enjoyed seeing the floating Chinese restaurant and the brand new Starbucks in the Double Tree building. There was a walking bridge that pedestrians and cyclists could use to get over to the Nemo. While we were walking, we had an incident. Juliana fell on the non-slip, sand-paper like surface with a little help from a “friend” and skinned her knee so bad and so deep. When I knelt down to help her, I fell over from the pain in my big toe that I was ignoring. We were a mess. And I didn’t carry the first aid kit today because we were just going to an indoor museum, and didn’t think we would need it. So much for our plans.

I ran over to a little floating boat bar and asked for a napkin and perhaps a large bandage. The man was so sweet and told me to bring her in. I cleaned her up with what he had and offered him a tip. He would not accept my money. I was thankful for his kindness and help.

He didn’t have the right type of bandage so we walked back to the Starbucks to cool off and for a drink and to see if they had a first aid kit. They were so helpful and sweet to us and bandaged up her knee for me. I was so thankful and appreciative, especially because they spoke English too and could understand me. That was comforting.

By this time, Nemo was about to close and I was just done with that idea. We made our way back at rush hour to the tram and endured a jam-packed filled ride, along with three loud, smelly, uncivilized drunk men that scared us and made us almost get off. But if we would have gotten off, we wouldn’t have seats for the two injured girls, so we just rode it out. Go with the flow, right?

Tomorrow is another day. And our shipment arrives from over the seas and I can’t wait to see all our stuff, especially my comfy rocking chair.

Hope you had a good day!! And Happy Birthday to my favorite little 6 year old!! Miss you.

3Aug2012

Day 9: Wired

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Can I just tell you how happy I am to be sitting on my couch with the TV on, my connected computer on my lap, kids in bed and my husband by my side? This is comfort to me. I AM Content.

I don’t know about you, but having internet connectivity is like having electricity. Sure, you could live without it, but WHY? I love having access to information and I love connecting with loved ones, and now that I am over seas and across time zones, the internet provides a way of connecting and being in touch with the world. I actually got to watch some of the Olympics. That’s HUGE to me! So glad the Ziggo guy showed up on time today and provided internet and cable connectivity. Happy. hApPy. happy.

Ok enough about my obsession with connectivity – I want to share my gratitude again. You see Anita and Gerard came over today and spent the entire day with us. Gerard took the day off from work so that he could bring his trailer and help us shop and pack and deliver our loot. He also brought tools and a drill to help with the assembly! We took two cars and a small trailer and the kids and ventured to IKEA for a 5 1/2 hour shopping extravaganza! Now we typically don’t like IKEA, but here it provides a one stop shop. However, not speaking the language makes it especially hard to translate and connect with the local workers. Having Anita to write down all the codes and prices and locations was so helpful. I just let go and let her take care of me. That’s not comfortable for me. I like to be in control. I like to be doing the giving and don’t particularly like asking for or receiving help. I want to be the giver. Yet today, it was her turn and I was so happy she was there by my side. She knew what mattress sizes I needed and what size sheets would fit, and what type of comforters we would need for summer and winter weather, and had suggestions to offer around every corner. We all meandered through the maze that is IKEA, writing orders and filling our bags and baskets until we stopped to refuel in the food court. 5 1/2 hours later we were done for the day because we had to hurry back to meet the Ziggo guy. Missing our appointment was not an option!

We made it back home by 5 pm, and Anita and Gerard got to work assembling stools and benches and dressers and bookcases. Jeff started assembling the bed frame for C’S bed, while I made coffee for everyone and picked up the empty boxes and plastic wrap and providing assistance as I could. Little C proved to be quite handy and helpful with a screwdriver and was a fast learner. He loves to be helpful and to work with us. I love that!

While we were assembling furniture, we were also getting hungry! I stepped out of my comfort zone again and drove for the first time in a foreign country to the local Indonesian restaurant to pick up some Rendang, Nasi Goreng, Bami, Soya Chicken, Marinated eggs, Sayer Lodeh, Kru Pruk, Green Beans, and pickled veggies. Mmmm… sayer Lodeh is a dish that my Opa used to make when I was a little girl. I used to eat that until I was stuffed and couldn’t eat any more but would still go back for one more serving, it was that good. Having it again makes me so happy. This is the restaurant we visited the first night in town and the guy remembered me and at the end of placing my order, he gave me a side of the sayer lodeh just for me, without me even asking. How sweet is that? Not only because I love it so much but because he remembered me. He saw me and knew who I was… that’s huge! I’m a local! And I drove to our local Indonesian restaurant?? I’m excited by the little things in life like good food and good people.

Well dinner didn’t disappoint. It was so nice to have family with us again and to share a family meal. After dinner, they finished building a book shelf and moving the mattresses in from the porch before the rain came. They stayed longer than I thought they would as they had a birthday party to attend.( I still can’t believe they gave up their whole day for us – thank you! )

Another learning — parties here start between 8 and 9 pm usually, after dinner and usually go until 1 or 2 in the morning and this is normal! Who knew? I better start practicing staying up late and not falling asleep at the table! Haha — ya, that’s happened before, just ask Stacey!

Today was a very good day, thanks to Gerard and Anita! Thank you! Our house is starting to feel like a home.

1Aug2012

Day 7: Fun in the Sun

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When the sun is shining, everyone. We tells you to go outside. It’s like the sun shining is a novelty and we better hurry up and enjoy it while it lasts. I kinda like that mentality… To enjoy the moment because it might not last.

And so we did. The big kids walked with Jeff to buy train passes for the day. He went off to work and they walked home alone. Baby steps of freedom in a new land. Once we finished. Lunch and cleaning up, we actually walked down town to do some bike shopping. We also had to return a bank card we found stuck in the ticket stand. We shopped around and then toothere train to Amsterdam.

Our adventures today took us to Starbucks, to my PEO sister’s bookstore, and to the Museumplein to play outside and read our new books.We waited for Jeff to join us and then we went to meet Beth from PEO. We walked to her beautiful home and met her husband. Such a gorgeous house and the kids were so excited to catch a glimpse of the Olympics! We still don’t have cable or Internet! They took us out for delicious Italian food and we enjoyed a great conversation together. Afterwards they drove us home and thank goodness! The sunny day turned into torrential showers. Its so nice to make new friends in a new city. So thankful.

Lesson Learned: always carry a raincoat! The weather can change dramatically in a day.

(no pictures again as I onlyiPads theipad and not my computer to share today’s images.)

27Jul2012

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam and Amstelveen

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We arrived safely and happily in Amsterdam today. Everything went smoothly. All the luggage was gathered and accounted for and we walked right through customs in less than 2 minutes! We reserved a mini bus to pick us up with all our luggage and the driver was right near the bus stand waiting for us, as expected. I love when things go as planned!!

He drove us to our new home where Lion was already waiting for us, with the doors and windows open and airing out the place. I believe it was 29 degrees celsius which is hot for here. There were flowers on the table from the furniture rental place, a bottle of wine from the home owner and a bottle of champagne from the realtor. We also had our first piece of mail addressed to the Hartley Family from Dorine and Nadja!

Once we got all the bags in the house, Lion took me and the two younger travelers to the Albert Hijn for groceries and assundries and to buy me some fresh flowers. It was wonderful since he drove us and I didn’t have to make several trips, even though it is in walking distance from our home. He helped me to read the labels, use our new bank card with a chip and pin, and use a euro coin to release the shopping cart. The kids were fascinated and C was picking out affordable cereal so I think he was happy too!

We rested shortly and then walked to dinner at an Indonesian restaurant where we enjoyed rending, sayer lodeh, noodles, rice, and mixed veggies. It was delicious, but the kids were fading fast! We hurried them thru and made one more stop at Dirk’s for bathroom soap as I missed that the first time around. I noticed that workers and shoppers don’t seem to greet one another and hardly even smile. It was especially apparent when we were so lucky to drop a set of 6 glasses out of our basket and they crashed all over the floor and no one hardly looked up, offered any help, or yelled at us. Nothing happened and it felt surreal. Nothing happened as we checked out either with glass every where. Nothing happened when the next set of customers kicked the glass pile either!! Why? I have no idea yet as to what to expect. I just wanted to hurry out of there!!

We walked back home with our paid for Dirk’s bag and were greeted by our first set of neighbors. They invited us in for a drink and we visited for a short while as we were waiting for the plumber to arrive. Its nice to have some friendly faces right next door, who invited us I. And shared some small plastic bowls for cereal in the morning.

And so now we are settling in for the night before 9 pm. Little C is sleeping in our room b/c the sun is too hot and shining directly in his room. Slap lekker! xo

24Jul2012

Day 1: Farewell

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I am… Loved
I am… Tired
I am…Content
I am… Sad
I am…Happy
I am… Anxious
I am… Excited
I am… Scared
I am…Curious
I am…Thankful
I am…Done

We are (almost all) packed and ready to go in the morning. I am so thankful for all my friend’s who stopped by and shared well wishes and hugs this week. I am thankful for my family who has helped us pack and clean and feed and spoil us. Come visit us in Holland and keep in touch!! xo

Best Friends

19Jul2012

Day 6: Oma and Opa Arrived

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Oma and Opa arrived today to stay with us until we leave. We get to sit and drink coffee together and cook and clean and shop and play sudoku.

We have big plans! Like finishing up packing and paperwork and cleaning out the garage and going to the goodwill and maybe kayaking and paddle boarding one more time!

I’m going to enjoy every minute.

16Jul2012

Day 9: Tears Sprung Today

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What a day… the chaos of the handyman putting in the new key pad lock and fixing the fence and vents, while Stacey came by to pick up her volleyball net, and Kelly came to pick up C to take him for a day out for a great day at Great America, and Julie came by for a cup of coffee and a singing re-do jam session to Adele, and the kids danced and sang and we cleaned up the house before the cleaning team arrived and I sliced by finger open while cleaning out a camping suitcase that had an unprotected razor and bled for 45 minutes, and the crying session – all of this before 11:30 am. How was your morning?

And I wasn’t ready to be sad just quite yet, but when I held K who is only 2 and I thought about not seeing her for a year and how much babies change in a year, the tears came as she kissed my face and then threw her head back and came up again to smother me with little kisses. And the tears kept coming… sad to miss out on seeing her every couple of months and wondering how her voice and hair and body and personality will change in such a short bit. I was only joking when I said I’ll see you again when you’re 13!! We’ll be back WAY before then!!

And then it was time to laugh and hug my sisters and dog pile on the bed for a group hug with my nieces and kids. And we didn’t want to say goodbye, and we just hung out in the boys room for like forever just sitting and looking at each other and laughing and wiping tears while C asked us why we had to move? Trying to comfort the little ones and knowing it’s ok to move but still feeling it was a bit challenging. We finally moved to the front yard and said our goodbyes and took pictures and hugged and kissed and cried. I’m going to miss them so much – we’re so used to seeing each other every other month or two — a year is a pretty long time to be away in family terms… I hope they come visit us in Amstelveen.

After they left, I didn’t have much time to be sad, because Julie was still here and I sliced my finger open while trying to get one more chore done!! I thought I was going to have to go to the ER, but I don’t have time for that. Luckily, the stupid finger stopped bleeding and I just had to give up a shower and going out to the Habit for lunch with Julie and our kids. She ended up going to pick up food for us and brought it back here and we sat out back to eat, while we waited for the housecleaners to show up. Their car broke down earlier and they wanted to reschedule… but after decluttering and cleaning for the cleaning people, I didn’t want to redo all that work again another day. All worked out well and the clutter and chaos are gone.

The good thing that came from being patient, is that Julie ended up taking C with her boys to a fun drop in day camp and J and I were able to get in some girl time shopping together – just the two of us, which I had promised to do this weekend. We had so much fun just being together and picking out some new clothes for her and a suitcase for me.

The day turned out well and I’m so emotionally tired and exhausted, that I’m writing my blog early tonight in hopes of getting to bed early before the news comes on! Good night, friends. I miss you Kimmy and Trish and kiddos and hope you had a good drive home. xoxoxoxo

6Jun2012

Day 49 – Beach Day

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Oh my goodness, I don’t know how so many things are able to get done in one day, but I’m not complaining!!

This Chihualy Glass exhibit was donated to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. It is so beautiful and we were lucky enough to see one of his shows in San Francisco. The kids were amazed, as were we! He is amazing.

1) J had an MRI this morning at 8 am for her broken arm that’s not healing right. Hopefully it’s nothing and just needs some physical therapy – that’s what I’m hoping. We’ll find out more tomorrow. Just glad we have great doctors and facilities to care for her. She had to sit in the MRI tube for 30 minutes without moving. I got to stand and watch her. But I couldn’t stand still – so I did Yoga for her entertainment, until she started laughing. That wouldn’t be good if she moved her arm!!

2) After the doctor’s visit, we headed over to Safeway to shop for lunch and dinner at the beach! Safeway had all these nice, prepackaged salads that were just right for today. And having chips and chocolate chip cookies, are good ol’ fashioned beach food, right? The more snacks, the better?

3) We packed up the van, fed April’s cat, loaded my SUP board, got gas and we on the road to the beach for the entire day.

Beautiful and windy day at Manresa State Beach.

4) After a bit of a mixup, we met up with several friends at Manresa State Beach. Any day at the beach is a good day for me. Unfortunately, it was too windy and choppy and cold for me to bring out my paddle board. The kids didn’t seem to mind though. They had fun boogy boarding and digging deep holes and kicking a soccer ball around. I loved catching up with the Callaways and Hasletons and friends. The Callaways moved back to Utah last year, and they were back in California for a visit. It was nice to hear their perspective on moving and keeping your friends and making new ones.

5) After the visit at Manresa, we drove up Highway 1 to Costanoa to meet up with April and Julie and their families, who are camping there. Just driving up HWY 1 is a gift – we saw kite surfers and beautiful fields and ocean views. We shared a potluck dinner, the kids played wiffel ball baseball, and we made s’mores and ate more than we should. But, boy was it fun! I love camping and sitting by the campfire and just being togetgher, but just couldn’t get it all together to stay overnight. We stayed until 9 pm and then drove back over the hill to Sunnyvale. Some things, just have to give… bummer!

Roasting s’mores by the campfire! Mmm… my favorite!!

Phew! I sure enjoyed my day “off!” The kids were super happy and I loved hanging out with them and friends.

Oh, and Jeff ordered our tickets today to Holland – we’re still on track for leaving in 49 days, oh my!! It’ll all get done…and I still plan to pack in as much fun as possible!

29May2012

Day 57 – Really Relocating?!?

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Oh what a journey — if only all the answers could be found in a nice little glossy covered pamphlet!

Today I had someone come to our house to conduct a survey of our belongings to help us with the relocation. For some reason, this really bothered me. We walked through the house, trying to identify what we’d like to move and how much of it we’d like to move. This would seem like a simple task, but it felt really strange and I’ll explain why.

We’ve agreed to go for one year – since we’re planning to go for one year, we don’t need to bring all our stuff with us. We’re keeping our house as is – meaning we’re not planning on taking our furniture or beds but mainly our clothes and our shoes, and our comfort items – oh yeah, and the mini van! We’re not taking all of our personal belongings – and when we walked by my treasured family canvases that are in the main living areas of our house – it felt weird to think of leaving them and felt weird to think of taking them. So I felt this kind of limbo feeling.

And for the other stuff – if we don’t need it with us for a year, it made me think if we need it at all? I mean, I guess when we come back we’ll need all the electronic devices that we can’t use in Europe – like the microwave, coffee grinder, and toaster oven. But what about the ten thousand pieces of plastic dishes and toys and stuff? And all the baskets and bags and dinglehoppers? Hmm…

So there was all this yin and yang stuff pulling at me today. I felt a sense of freedom from my stuff and a sense of loss from leaving my stuff. I felt for my sisters who have gone through life changes and had to let go of their stuff – does it feel liberating to not have your stuff? Do you miss your stuff? After all, it’s just stuff – but that stuff provides a sense of comfort and attachment – and freedom and loss. So weird!! Can you relate?

It’ll all work itself out – just feels a little weird today. Tomorrow I’ll be excited again to start cleaning out my stuff and keep to my minimalist plan. If you have any advice or have been there, done that, I’d love to hear what you have learned along the way. Namaste.