Stepping out of my comfort zone

For those who know me, you know how hard this is for me to "step outside my box". I am extremely structured, organized and planned with everything I do. Some may remember my 10 year plan I wrote back in college. So this move was a big jump for me. Not knowing where everything is, how things are done, and exactly how to do everything, is killing me. I have learned things about my washer and dryer, who knew this was going to be a problem? I've learned the garbage rules, now I just need my husband to follow them before we get a note from the garbage men. I am starting to understand signs and rules for riding my bike, but still have lots to learn. But one thing I am not prepared for, but is necessary, is finding someone to watch my kids occasionally. I am very spoiled that I have always had family or friends around to watch my kids. I have never had to rely on a "typical" babysitter. Unfortunately, having three kids really limits what you can do around here. Going out to eat is a two to three hour process, Brooklyn might be able to handle this, but the boys, forget it. We also have been invited to a BBQ that would be more fun if it were just the adults. Also, I am sure down the line there will be work related functions that will not include the kids. So it is necessary that I have someone in place before the need arises. I do have a number for a girl who comes highly recommended from a co-worker of Jason's. She starts college in the fall and helps out with a local girl scout troup. I just need to find the nerve to call her. Sounds silly I know, but this is very hard for me. It's like pulling off a bandaid. You know you have to do it and once it is done you wonder what all the fuss was about. What is even more funny is that this is only the first step, what am I going to be like when I actually leave the kids with her for the first time?

You are going where?

Jason left this morning to Newcastle, The United Kingdom. Who leaves his family in a new country by themselves after living there only two weeks? Maybe I am being silly, but I've never really been comfortable on my own. This probably has something to do with never living alone, but never the less, I don't like it. He is only gone a couple days, and we did stock up on food so I could avoid taking the three kids to the market by myself, but still. Well, we will see how well I sleep tonight. I have told Brooklyn she could sleep with me, this is as much for me as for her. I know she is only six, but knowing that someone is there is comforting. Who knows, this could be a good thing. Back in the states he would be gone for weeks at a time and I loved it. The kids and I work well being just the four of us. The house stays cleaner and our schedule is kept easier. I'll report back on how it goes.

Experiences

Our first trip to the doctor was a pleasant one. Dr. Ebbers was very nice and we easily understood eachother. Brooklyn has Scarlet Fever and is now on 10 days of antibiotics. Hopefully the boys will dodge this bullet. We came home and I started dinner. Our new staple meal...Grilled Sate Chicken with either roasted potatoes or steamed rice and a vegetable.
After dinner it was off to C1000, first time by myself. It was nice walking through town to the market. Even more nice was to walk around the store, seeing what it had to offer without being hounded by my children. It was good to experience this new world without worrying about the kids.

Keeping busy

I have often heard people with blogs say that they are hard to keep up with. I now understand and agree completely. With so much going on, it's hard to find the time to sit and reflect. We are completely unpacked now. It feels good to see our house turn into a home. We try to take nightly family bike rides. Whether we have a destination or end up lost on a path, it's good family time. Unfortunately, we have hit a bump in the road. Brooklyn is sick. This all started Friday; sore throat, rash and vomiting. Sounds like strep or something of the sort. The problem is, we are not registered with a GP nor do we have proof of insurance. But after last night of non stop vomiting every twenty minutes for three and a half hours, we said "screw this, we are taking her in." So off we go to a German/Dutch doctor that we know nothing about. The clinic we are going to was recommended by our neighbor. It is an international clinic and is supposed to be more like what we are used to rather than going to the local neighborhood doctor (which was not recommended by our neighbor). Hopefully we nip this sickness in the bud before it runs through the entire family.

We are here!

Well actually we have been here a few days but now we actually have internet access. Our flight went suprisingly well. The kids slept through most of it. Getting our luggage was a bit of a trip, but we made it. It's amazing how many boxes are in our home but we are working hard on clearing them out. All we really have left to organize is our room. I can't wait to get rid of the "box smell".
I have my bike now and have been practicing. My history is not to good with bikes, so before I put my childrens' lives at risk by attatching them to my bike, I have some work to do. Everyone bikes everywhere here. Some people don't even own a car, they simply bike. The way of Dutch living is different, but not bad. It will take some time to adjust, but I am sure it will happen.

The kids are loving it so far, hopefully their journey remains smooth. My goal is to keep my kids happy and make this an experience they will learn from and remember for the rest of their lives.

Today things seem real, there is no turning back!

Jason called today. All of our belongings are in our new place in Wassenaar. Jason is working as fast as possible to turn a house full of boxes into our home. The hope is that it can look as welcoming and "normal" for the kids as possible when they walk through the door for the first time. We all know how important first impressions are, it can make or break the deal. This deal has to make it for the next 2 years. So the beds are made and the furniture is in it's place (at least till I see it and change everything around). We are getting excited to be in our new home and be together as a family again. Though always in the back of our minds is everyone we are leaving behind and how much they will be missed. Only four more days until take off!