I am pleased to report that I am kind of online. I have a very skittish connection depending on what various unsecured networks I can connect to around me. Now normally I would not indulge in such illegalities, but August in Brussles is desperate times. If you ever want to move abroad, DO NOT do it in the summer months or you will spend countless hours of angst over the fact that everyone is on holiday. Cable guy? Holiday. Language teacher? Holiday. School personnel? Holiday. Not to mention the fact that everyone else who is in town seems to be taking a partial holiday and working even less hours than they already do.
I've been thinking these last couple of days that although I have been sharing many of our "highs" here in Belgium, I haven't been sharing any of the "lows." Now don't get me wrong, I'm loving it here, but I can't even begin to pretend that we are living some magical existence. Rather, my friend Normal Life has followed us here, and is enjoying quite a few laughs at my expense. I'll expound....
We got all moved in last Saturday, and it was 1am before Ryan and I got our bed put together. The sound of Landon throwing up was our lovely wake-up call Sunday morning. As we were getting in bed Sunday night, Brayden "tucked us in" with the sounds of him puking in the toilet. Best part of all followed Tuesday night when after 24 hours of no throwing up, Brayden threw up in his bed and all over himself. Have I mentioned that I don't have a washing machine yet?? Hellloooo Laundromat!
We have been having some electrical problems. The lights in our main bathroom haven't been functional for 4.5 of the 5 days we've been here and when Ryan tried to fix it last night, sparks flew...LITERALLY....and I think he blew a fuse. We played with the breakers, and got some of our power restored, but all of the outlets and light switches on the west side of the house are out. That includes the water heater in our main bathroom (it has it's own unit attached to the wall). Nothing like a cold shower to get you perkin' in the morning.
And if that wasn't enough....
Somewhere in our move - and I still don't know when this happened - I lost my stroller. My fabulous, wonderful, best-friend-in-the-whole-wide-world Maclaren Quest. Considering my stroller is the only "wheels" I have, it is quite dear to me. Or rather, was dear to me. I have combed my tracks and found it nowhere. Now I need to try and replace it (at 3 times it's original cost I'm sure). Taking my double on the metro is just not the same.
So, if you ever have one of those days when you are combing others' blogs, coveting particular aspects of their desirable lives (as I often do...) look elsewhere. Here in Belgium it's just Normal Life.
11 comments:
ooh bummer. times like 3 or 4. luckily in a few years all you'll remember are the fun parts!
I am glad you have at least semi-sporadic web access. I know I have found myself occasionally on other's networks accidentally. My laptop tends to try and find the best, closest signal and doesn't inform me of when that changes. I so feel for you with all the vomiting and no washer.
Your lost stroller... hmm that seems really big to have 'disappeared' so I might suspect foul play there. So sorry. I hope this week goes better for you. Lots of prayers sent your way.:)
Oooh Lisa, I just love, love, love you!! You had me laughing and crying at the same time! The comic cracked me up! I just think you are too dang cute!! :)
Love the posts from Belgium! Hang in there... normal life can be so weird. :)
I still can't picture you without a smile... even with all the throw up and loss of electricity (that's not to say you smiled the whole time... but just that that's the only way I picture you... tee hee). Okay, so you are experiencing normal life... but you're still in a more exotic place! So that still counts for total non-lameness. You are still cool to me!
Man oh man, I love me some illegal internet usage!! I'm so glad you get at least a little internet outlet each day!!
If it makes you feel better, I'm pretty sure all the Italians are on holiday, too. Annoying.
I was so sad to hear from Michael (he checked my email for me a couple days ago - sorry I didn't manage to write back) that your kids are/were sick. Total bummer. I hope they're doing better. No worries at all about the boxes. We are in no rush whatsoever. Thanks again for being willing to take care of all that when things were so SO crazy for you guys. I can't believe all the house problems. I wish we were there to help somehow. :)
We miss you guys!
Jen
Hello Lisa,
I saw your blog on Kathlene Skabelund's blogroll. What a coincidence to find your blog. I really understand what's going on in your life. I'm from the States and basically follow my husband around the world too. Right now we live in Istanbul and will be here for the next two years. My blog is bunsyadventure.blogspot.com
Let's be friends!
Ugh... your beloved stroller?! And all the kids being sick, no no no fun. I have missed talking to you and hearing what you are up to, I am glad you gave us an update. I can't wait for you to get your phone going (and I am sure you can't wait either!)
"They" say that trials come in three's. Throwing up kids, electrial problems and lost stroller. Okay. You are done for a while. Your little family is never far from our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to talking to you all soon! Hang in there!
glad to see you have some internet uage...sorry to hear that normal life found you,you'll beat it though
I can't even pretend to be as strong as you are with the throw up, lost stroller and electric issues. When you mentioned Ryan trying to fix the electric stuff, I had a brief daydream/nightmare of my husband trying to fix the electrical issues... he's not the most handy, and I can't even begin to think of what would happen with his temper, lack of superior skills, and foreign outlets/currents.
Sorry to hear of the stroller. I can't imagine what happenend... maybe you'll see it at church... with someone that helped you move ( just kidding!..)
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