Things are winding down these days.
- Yesterday was my last active day of work at Cisco (wasn't that active either).
- Today the kids have their last day of school for 2007.
- Luc and Nivea have left for Goa.
One more week and it will be 2008 - I am curious what the new year will bring....
But first:
- a trip to the Ardennes
- a Christmas party at our place
- several play dates lined up for Elias and Mendel
- Dec 31 in Plopsaland (no long lines apparently)
- some family visits, but limited due to the above mentioned party
HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The job thing..
After some thought, I decided that I don't want to look further within Cisco for a job. Instead I have sent my resignation to my manager and my last day of work will be the 31st of December.
On one hand I feel a bit sad to say goodbye with this part of my life. I've worked for Cisco for almost 8 years, so I have made many good friends there over the years. They have treated me well, I was able to work part time when I felt this was important, and I was recognized for my performances (most of the time).
On the other hand, I've felt for a while now that I want to do something else. I wasn't enthusiastic about my work anymore. Of course I love crafts and it would be a dream come true if I could do something in that area, however, it's not something that will give me a decent income so I think that I will just keep doing it as a hobby.
I've been seriously thinking about teaching. I will have to get a BPB (Bewijs van Pedagogische Bekwaamheid) which would allow me to teach, which I could get in 2 years if I take classes for two half days a week. I can already teach while taking these classes as well.
I checked online about what classes I can teach, and it looks like I can teach about anything out there with my current diploma (I am considering the age group 12-18). So that's encouraging.
I am going to update my resume, tweak it a bit for the "teaching" job and plan to talk to the director of the Atheneum in Keerbergen and ask her opinion about it. Would be great if they have a job opening since this is where Elias and Mendel would eventually go to.
I'm also thinking about creating web pages for local businesses. It's unbelievable how many businesses here in Belgium do not have a website. Sad really. So... maybe I could start a business on the side (and Wim would help) where we could do just that (and get payed under the table). Wim has a colleague who does this and he is earning quite a nice bit on the side this way. I have no clue how hard it would be to talk the local hairdresser or flower shop into a website though :-)
So you see... I am not heart broken, just full of ideas. Throwing them out here, but who knows what I'll end up doing ....
On one hand I feel a bit sad to say goodbye with this part of my life. I've worked for Cisco for almost 8 years, so I have made many good friends there over the years. They have treated me well, I was able to work part time when I felt this was important, and I was recognized for my performances (most of the time).
On the other hand, I've felt for a while now that I want to do something else. I wasn't enthusiastic about my work anymore. Of course I love crafts and it would be a dream come true if I could do something in that area, however, it's not something that will give me a decent income so I think that I will just keep doing it as a hobby.
I've been seriously thinking about teaching. I will have to get a BPB (Bewijs van Pedagogische Bekwaamheid) which would allow me to teach, which I could get in 2 years if I take classes for two half days a week. I can already teach while taking these classes as well.
I checked online about what classes I can teach, and it looks like I can teach about anything out there with my current diploma (I am considering the age group 12-18). So that's encouraging.
I am going to update my resume, tweak it a bit for the "teaching" job and plan to talk to the director of the Atheneum in Keerbergen and ask her opinion about it. Would be great if they have a job opening since this is where Elias and Mendel would eventually go to.
I'm also thinking about creating web pages for local businesses. It's unbelievable how many businesses here in Belgium do not have a website. Sad really. So... maybe I could start a business on the side (and Wim would help) where we could do just that (and get payed under the table). Wim has a colleague who does this and he is earning quite a nice bit on the side this way. I have no clue how hard it would be to talk the local hairdresser or flower shop into a website though :-)
So you see... I am not heart broken, just full of ideas. Throwing them out here, but who knows what I'll end up doing ....
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
It's a small world after all.
Mendel has asked me about a play date with one of the friends from her class: Stephanie.
I was trying to figure out who the mom of this little girl was, so I could approach her, but then I saw it...
Turns out that the grandma of this little girl is the same woman in the story I posted earlier: What a nerve...
Oops....
What the heck, I'm gonna ask it anyway.
I was trying to figure out who the mom of this little girl was, so I could approach her, but then I saw it...
Turns out that the grandma of this little girl is the same woman in the story I posted earlier: What a nerve...
Oops....
What the heck, I'm gonna ask it anyway.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
When it rains ... it pours.....
So, today is my birthday...
Not one I will likely forget.
Yesterday evening I received news from my manager that the transfer from CA to Belgium was rejected by the EVP. It doesn't fit in the BU plan of having development at 4 sites (2 in the US and 2 in India). What does that mean to me... that I have the option to look for a job in Cisco Brussels or somewhere/something else...
I have a few days to think about it and we will meet again over the phone to discuss further.
To get my mind off of this, Nivea and Ghislaine took me out to go shopping in Leuven. After we had lunch, we got involved in a terrible accident... a 60 year old man riding his bike felt down and did not move. We didn't see it happening but walked into the scene and rushed closer to see whether we could help. Someone had called 100 and most people were waiting, but not doing anything. Ghislaine suggested rolling the man onto his back while someone else started doing CPR. Once the paramedic entered the scene, I helped cutting open his shirt so they could use a defibrillator.
It didn't help, the man passed away....
Made me put things into perspective ... there are worse things in life than loosing a job...
Not one I will likely forget.
Yesterday evening I received news from my manager that the transfer from CA to Belgium was rejected by the EVP. It doesn't fit in the BU plan of having development at 4 sites (2 in the US and 2 in India). What does that mean to me... that I have the option to look for a job in Cisco Brussels or somewhere/something else...
I have a few days to think about it and we will meet again over the phone to discuss further.
To get my mind off of this, Nivea and Ghislaine took me out to go shopping in Leuven. After we had lunch, we got involved in a terrible accident... a 60 year old man riding his bike felt down and did not move. We didn't see it happening but walked into the scene and rushed closer to see whether we could help. Someone had called 100 and most people were waiting, but not doing anything. Ghislaine suggested rolling the man onto his back while someone else started doing CPR. Once the paramedic entered the scene, I helped cutting open his shirt so they could use a defibrillator.
It didn't help, the man passed away....
Made me put things into perspective ... there are worse things in life than loosing a job...
Monday, November 26, 2007
Mendel's dream
Mendel seems to be going through a tougher time the last few weeks.
She is missing her friends from Monticello and has asked repeatedly for Anu (Ms. Bindu's daughter).
She will come out of bed in the middle of the night, crying for her friend. She has woken up crying. She would cry at the dinner table.... really heartbreaking.
She asks me why we can not move back to America, she wants to move back for her friends, and it's so hard to tell her that we will not.
And then she found her own way....
One morning she crawled into bed with me and cheerfully told me she had had a beautiful dream. She dreamed that she had little pieces of pasta that she put in the mud and then all her friends grew out of that pasta so she was able to play with them all night.
I was so touched by her little story and am glad she has found a way to deal with her feelings.
She is missing her friends from Monticello and has asked repeatedly for Anu (Ms. Bindu's daughter).
She will come out of bed in the middle of the night, crying for her friend. She has woken up crying. She would cry at the dinner table.... really heartbreaking.
She asks me why we can not move back to America, she wants to move back for her friends, and it's so hard to tell her that we will not.
And then she found her own way....
One morning she crawled into bed with me and cheerfully told me she had had a beautiful dream. She dreamed that she had little pieces of pasta that she put in the mud and then all her friends grew out of that pasta so she was able to play with them all night.
I was so touched by her little story and am glad she has found a way to deal with her feelings.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Finally some pictures of our "troubled" kitchen.
I am glad with the result - although not entirely finished. Please don't mind the unpainted walls and wiring sticking out from the ceiling, a new house requires LOTS of work.
The breakfast nook also needs painting (it's part of the kitchen) but the lighting here is done.
I like it a lot, the lights can be bright when kids are doing homework or art, but can be turned down to a very cozy romantic glow as well.
The living room seating area
These are the sofa's that we had to wait 3 months for before they delivered them, but they're worth it.
It's finally a cozy area where we relax at night, read a book and watch some TV (Belgian TV sucks though - I want my American series back)
Elias's bedroom
Elias's bedroom is the one where everyone wants to hang out at. Maybe it's because he already has a soft rug to sit on?
A bit bare on the walls, but we're waiting till we find something just right to put there.
Mendel's bedroom
Isn't this a room for a princess?
I love it and so does Mendel.
In the corner she has a dress-up area where she stores all dresses and accessories. The walls are adorned with Disney princesses....
Our first house issue: Water Damage
So we happily painted the master bathroom last weekend (at least two accent walls) and removed the heater from the wall so we could also paint behind it.
In the evening I opened up the window in that bathroom so the paint smell could escape.
In the morning while I was still in bed, Wim told me that the heater hadn't turned on that morning and he was going to check downstairs what the problem could be.
Then I heard the rush of water .... outside ... it's raining hard ..... oh no, that's not outside, it's coming from the bathroom!!!
I rush to the bathroom (not seeing a thing because I wasn't wearing my contacts) and just hear (it was dark) the water rushing out. "WIM... WIM"... he doesn't hear me and I can't stop that water from rushing out. Then it stops.
I rush down and I see a nightmare.... the ceiling of our kitchen is dripping with water. We can see from the wetness of the ceiling that the water is spreading further and further, so Wim ended up making a hole in the ceiling so the water can get out.
What happened: the master bathroom tiles had spaces between them that weren't filled properly and the water just poured right in between.
To make a long story short: We called the builder, then our insurance, then Wim's brother (works in insurances) and then again the builder. The builder is going to give us a quote (including painting and deductible) and we'll have it fixed that way.
I am very glad the water damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling (the only one that had only 1 layer of paint) and that it didn't damage the living room ceiling.
Pff... it could have been worse... ;-)
In the evening I opened up the window in that bathroom so the paint smell could escape.
In the morning while I was still in bed, Wim told me that the heater hadn't turned on that morning and he was going to check downstairs what the problem could be.
Then I heard the rush of water .... outside ... it's raining hard ..... oh no, that's not outside, it's coming from the bathroom!!!
I rush to the bathroom (not seeing a thing because I wasn't wearing my contacts) and just hear (it was dark) the water rushing out. "WIM... WIM"... he doesn't hear me and I can't stop that water from rushing out. Then it stops.
I rush down and I see a nightmare.... the ceiling of our kitchen is dripping with water. We can see from the wetness of the ceiling that the water is spreading further and further, so Wim ended up making a hole in the ceiling so the water can get out.
What happened: the master bathroom tiles had spaces between them that weren't filled properly and the water just poured right in between.
To make a long story short: We called the builder, then our insurance, then Wim's brother (works in insurances) and then again the builder. The builder is going to give us a quote (including painting and deductible) and we'll have it fixed that way.
I am very glad the water damage was confined to the kitchen ceiling (the only one that had only 1 layer of paint) and that it didn't damage the living room ceiling.
Pff... it could have been worse... ;-)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
What a nerve....
It's 3pm on a Friday and my friend Nivea and I are waiting at the preschool door for the school bell to ring, chatting away in English.
The bell rings, the door opens, and all parent rush in to pick up their little darlings.
When I find Mendel, another mom approaches and the following conversation follows (in Dutch but I'll translate):
- other mom: Why were you speaking English outside to the other lady
- me: Because we always speak English and she is not fluent in Dutch
- other mom: Then maybe you should talk Dutch to her so she'll learn
- me: Well, we always agreed to continue talking in English so that I can still practice mine, as well as the kids.
- other mom: Well, I think this is not appropriate on a Dutch speaking school!
- me: HUH ??? < I started trembling with anger >
- me: Well, it's exactly that kind of small mindedness of Belgians that frightened me to move back to Belgium.
I could have said much more but didn't want to create to much of a scene and hurried outside to pick up Elias at the other gate.
Not wanting to scare others to move to Belgium though ;-)
The bell rings, the door opens, and all parent rush in to pick up their little darlings.
When I find Mendel, another mom approaches and the following conversation follows (in Dutch but I'll translate):
- other mom: Why were you speaking English outside to the other lady
- me:
- other mom: Then maybe you should talk Dutch to her so she'll learn
- me:
- other mom: Well, I think this is not appropriate on a Dutch speaking school!
- me: HUH ??? < I started trembling with anger >
- me: Well, it's exactly that kind of small mindedness of Belgians that frightened me to move back to Belgium.
I could have said much more but didn't want to create to much of a scene and hurried outside to pick up Elias at the other gate.
Not wanting to scare others to move to Belgium though ;-)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
How to get a cleaning lady
I am in urgent need of a cleaning lady.
Like everyone has claimed after we bought the house "how are you going to keep this place clean" - I can't do it by myself.
So, I started asking around for references and came to the conclusion that it's really hard to find someone in this area. Not enough unemployment apparently.
In cities it is easier to find someone.
From a friend, we heard you could get a cleaning lady through a program called "dienstencheques". You have to register somewhere and then you can order these dienstencheques and use them to pay a cleaning lady. They only cost 6.70 Euro (for one hour of cleaning) and are tax deductible so you end up spending only 4.69 Euro.
CHEAP !!!
So I registered and called several companys to ask whether they have someone available for cleaning, but what do I hear: it will probably take months. I register myself with 5 companies who will contact me if they find someone. At one of these I am number 27 in the list for people in Tremelo waiting for a cleaning lady. What are the chances of finding someone soon huh...
BUT I GOT LUCKY - one company called me yesterday and said they found someone living in Tremelo who wants to work an additional 4 hours on Wednesday. So she came by, I showed her the house and she will start next Wednesday. She will even try to nibble off a few hours with one of her clients on friday so she can come an additional 2 hours on Friday.
That would be perfect!!
Finally something that goes smooth....
Like everyone has claimed after we bought the house "how are you going to keep this place clean" - I can't do it by myself.
So, I started asking around for references and came to the conclusion that it's really hard to find someone in this area. Not enough unemployment apparently.
In cities it is easier to find someone.
From a friend, we heard you could get a cleaning lady through a program called "dienstencheques". You have to register somewhere and then you can order these dienstencheques and use them to pay a cleaning lady. They only cost 6.70 Euro (for one hour of cleaning) and are tax deductible so you end up spending only 4.69 Euro.
CHEAP !!!
So I registered and called several companys to ask whether they have someone available for cleaning, but what do I hear: it will probably take months. I register myself with 5 companies who will contact me if they find someone. At one of these I am number 27 in the list for people in Tremelo waiting for a cleaning lady. What are the chances of finding someone soon huh...
BUT I GOT LUCKY - one company called me yesterday and said they found someone living in Tremelo who wants to work an additional 4 hours on Wednesday. So she came by, I showed her the house and she will start next Wednesday. She will even try to nibble off a few hours with one of her clients on friday so she can come an additional 2 hours on Friday.
That would be perfect!!
Finally something that goes smooth....
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Kitchen issues are almost laughable (almost...)
October 11: Good news - the corner cabinet has arrived.
October 15: Since the kitchen company Thys doesn't want to send someone to install the corner cabinet, our contractor decided to install it himself. So he arrives at night with the cabinet, which is TOO SMALL.
It should have been 60 cm deep, instead it is only 20 cm deep. How on earth are we going to put in a mac mini and all other equipment that we had planned (and not to mention all the lost space in that corner).
Our contractor installs it anyway so that the granite guys can install the granite.
Half an hour later the granite company calls, THEY DROPPED OUR SLAB! What else can go wrong.
But hey - they will make a new one and will come on the same day, just a little later.
October 16: The granite guys came late but we don't care at this point, they made it!
They told us they have never seen a kitchen like this, where the owners (we) don't have any appliances installed. The kitchen installers (Thys) should have done that, even without a countertop. The granite guys can not install the equipment so we have to wait till October 26th for Thys to come out and do it.
However - it looks great right now with granite in place, I really like it.
BUT HEY WAIT - WHAT IS THAT??
Oh no, they cut out a regular square for the cooktop, which is not what our cooktop needs it's a built-in cooktop, not one to put on top (Thys didn't check the type of cooktop we have before passing the info to the granite guys). GRRRR...
The granite installers call the granite company and they say that someone can come over to our place and fix it here - only disadvantage is HUGE dust problem, so we will need to tape off the work area, tape off all the slides in the drawers because if not, it will make it impossible for drawers to slide ever again...
SCARY - especially since this is probably going to be done while I am in the States, meaning my mom needs to do all the clean up...
October 15: Since the kitchen company Thys doesn't want to send someone to install the corner cabinet, our contractor decided to install it himself. So he arrives at night with the cabinet, which is TOO SMALL.
It should have been 60 cm deep, instead it is only 20 cm deep. How on earth are we going to put in a mac mini and all other equipment that we had planned (and not to mention all the lost space in that corner).
Our contractor installs it anyway so that the granite guys can install the granite.
Half an hour later the granite company calls, THEY DROPPED OUR SLAB! What else can go wrong.
But hey - they will make a new one and will come on the same day, just a little later.
October 16: The granite guys came late but we don't care at this point, they made it!
They told us they have never seen a kitchen like this, where the owners (we) don't have any appliances installed. The kitchen installers (Thys) should have done that, even without a countertop. The granite guys can not install the equipment so we have to wait till October 26th for Thys to come out and do it.
However - it looks great right now with granite in place, I really like it.
BUT HEY WAIT - WHAT IS THAT??
Oh no, they cut out a regular square for the cooktop, which is not what our cooktop needs it's a built-in cooktop, not one to put on top (Thys didn't check the type of cooktop we have before passing the info to the granite guys). GRRRR...
The granite installers call the granite company and they say that someone can come over to our place and fix it here - only disadvantage is HUGE dust problem, so we will need to tape off the work area, tape off all the slides in the drawers because if not, it will make it impossible for drawers to slide ever again...
SCARY - especially since this is probably going to be done while I am in the States, meaning my mom needs to do all the clean up...
Monday, October 15, 2007
Irritated Larynx
I don't know whether it is stress related or whether I caught some bug, but for the last two weeks I don't feel too good.
It started with regular sore throat (but more painful than most times), then it got better and now it has gotten much worse to the point that I can not touch my neck because it hurts so much. My shoulders are hurting too, I have a headache and my ears are also painful.
I went to a local doctor who diagnosed an irritated larynx and he prescribed a mild allergy medicine.
Great, I come all this way to healthy Belgium to become allergic to something here???
I really hope it's just stress and that I will be better a few weeks from now (man, I am really not looking forward to the next few weeks - except from seeing our good friends of course :-) )
It started with regular sore throat (but more painful than most times), then it got better and now it has gotten much worse to the point that I can not touch my neck because it hurts so much. My shoulders are hurting too, I have a headache and my ears are also painful.
I went to a local doctor who diagnosed an irritated larynx and he prescribed a mild allergy medicine.
Great, I come all this way to healthy Belgium to become allergic to something here???
I really hope it's just stress and that I will be better a few weeks from now (man, I am really not looking forward to the next few weeks - except from seeing our good friends of course :-) )
Mendel is integrating at her new school
Mendel's teacher posts pictures of things happening in their class and as such I am showing more pics of Mendel, but I promise there are some of Elias coming soon!
Here, Mendel is eating "smoutebollen" which were a treat from the teachers. They bought it at a local Kermis and Mendel is obviously savoring every bite.
One week, the theme was pets and children were encouraged to bring pets from home to show to everyone. I knew they saw a bunny, a dog, a cavia and in this picture a cat.
Mendel loves to snuggle with all these friendly pets (since we have an unfriendly cat at home)
These next two pictures are taken in a new classroom, called the "voorleesklasje" (reading class) which is very luxurieus (lots of pillows, bed, hanging chairs, etc..). The older kids can go and read in here as well.
Here, Mendel is eating "smoutebollen" which were a treat from the teachers. They bought it at a local Kermis and Mendel is obviously savoring every bite.
One week, the theme was pets and children were encouraged to bring pets from home to show to everyone. I knew they saw a bunny, a dog, a cavia and in this picture a cat.
Mendel loves to snuggle with all these friendly pets (since we have an unfriendly cat at home)
These next two pictures are taken in a new classroom, called the "voorleesklasje" (reading class) which is very luxurieus (lots of pillows, bed, hanging chairs, etc..). The older kids can go and read in here as well.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I booked my flight to the USA
I did it, finally made a decision on whether to go to the USA or not. I'm going....
I am leaving on October 22nd, will do the oath ceremony on October 24th and than, somewhere in the next week I hope to be able to go to the Passport Agency in San Francisco for my US passport so I can leave again on November the 4th.
I called the 1-800 number at the passport agency and was told that I can only make appointments when my travel date is less than 2 weeks away.
I called the automated appointment line for the S.F. agency but the first available appointment was exactly 2 weeks out (so if traveling within 2 weeks, how on earth can the appointment be in two weeks?).
I am really puzzled how that is going to work out, but we'll see, I booked the flight with a "changeable travel date" so that I can prepone (in the best case scenario) or postpone (in the worse case).
I am leaving on October 22nd, will do the oath ceremony on October 24th and than, somewhere in the next week I hope to be able to go to the Passport Agency in San Francisco for my US passport so I can leave again on November the 4th.
I called the 1-800 number at the passport agency and was told that I can only make appointments when my travel date is less than 2 weeks away.
I called the automated appointment line for the S.F. agency but the first available appointment was exactly 2 weeks out (so if traveling within 2 weeks, how on earth can the appointment be in two weeks?).
I am really puzzled how that is going to work out, but we'll see, I booked the flight with a "changeable travel date" so that I can prepone (in the best case scenario) or postpone (in the worse case).
Monday, October 8, 2007
How to get involved in school - by hassling others...
This past week I have been hassling store owners in Tremelo in my quest to gather prices for our quiz night at school on October 20th.
Apparently most people hate doing this, but for me this was a great way to explore boutiques, furniture stores, flower shops, etc...
I found a few nice places, talked to many sales people and even managed to get tons of stuff for the quiz.
Here is a list of some of those items:
- A few coupons for a pound of free Leonidas pralines (I just have to resist the urge to put one in my own pocket :-)
- coupons for hair salons, brasseries, ...
- decorative pillows, lamps, candles, ...
- sports bags, backpacks, travel bags, ...
- kitchen items, towels, ...
- watch, puzzle, games, school materials, ...
- night gown (size 46 ;-)
- etc...
Apparently most people hate doing this, but for me this was a great way to explore boutiques, furniture stores, flower shops, etc...
I found a few nice places, talked to many sales people and even managed to get tons of stuff for the quiz.
Here is a list of some of those items:
- A few coupons for a pound of free Leonidas pralines (I just have to resist the urge to put one in my own pocket :-)
- coupons for hair salons, brasseries, ...
- decorative pillows, lamps, candles, ...
- sports bags, backpacks, travel bags, ...
- kitchen items, towels, ...
- watch, puzzle, games, school materials, ...
- night gown (size 46 ;-)
- etc...
Sleepless nights...
* If the kitchen headache isn't enough to cause sleepless nights, we now also have to deal with a problem with our mattress.
* When they delivered our bed/mattress a few weeks ago, we noticed that they had brought the wrong mattress. They acknowledged the problem and would bring us a new mattress but in the mean time (6 weeks or so), we could sleep on the wrong one. We slept GREAT.. so we really hoped the new one would be just as good or not better.
Not so... the new one is harder and Wim wakes up in the morning with a sore back. So after two nights I head back to the store and ask about whether we could get back the other one. The owner (a neighbor so that helps) explains that the core of the mattress is the same, only the cover is different, and the one we have should be the best on the market. But he is willing to put the old cover around it again so we can sleep on that one for a few nights. He wants us to be happy with the mattress (being our neighbor and all ;-) .... not the usual Belgian customer service.
* Another item causing me sleepless nights is the passport issue (on which I am now not going to elaborate because of Big Brother watching me) ... paranoia hits Belgium too....
* When they delivered our bed/mattress a few weeks ago, we noticed that they had brought the wrong mattress. They acknowledged the problem and would bring us a new mattress but in the mean time (6 weeks or so), we could sleep on the wrong one. We slept GREAT.. so we really hoped the new one would be just as good or not better.
Not so... the new one is harder and Wim wakes up in the morning with a sore back. So after two nights I head back to the store and ask about whether we could get back the other one. The owner (a neighbor so that helps) explains that the core of the mattress is the same, only the cover is different, and the one we have should be the best on the market. But he is willing to put the old cover around it again so we can sleep on that one for a few nights. He wants us to be happy with the mattress (being our neighbor and all ;-) .... not the usual Belgian customer service.
* Another item causing me sleepless nights is the passport issue (on which I am now not going to elaborate because of Big Brother watching me) ... paranoia hits Belgium too....
Friday, September 28, 2007
Fiesta Mundial
Mendel dancing an etnic dance on the Fiesta Mundial in Balen last weekend.
http://www.fiestamundial.be/
Kitchen disaster
I am getting really frustrated with the placement of our new kitchen.
Most cabinets are installed, but one cabinet is missing, the fridge isn't built in the way it should, I can't get the granite installed because of the missing cabinet and because of the granite missing, we can nt install the sink nor cooktop. Then the exhaust has a dent and needs replacement.
If the kitchen designer/salesteam would cooperate it wouldn't be so bad, but we are having some issues with them regarding the fridge not fitting.
Summary:
Tue Sept 4th:
The kitchen should have been installed on this day, but because of delays in the German factory, the installation is delayed till Sept 17th.
Mon Sept 17:
Kitchen installers (2) arrive but after putting all the cabinets in the kitchen, one of them gets really sick and needs to go to the doctor. They both leave for the day.
Tue Sept 18:
The same two guys arrive (one of them obvisouly still very sick - stomach flu) and install all the cabinets. After they are done it is very obvious that the "built-in" fridge isn't really built-in. It is sticking out more than an inch and as such you see the black side of the fridge, instead of just the inox door. The installers call the kitchen company (Thys) but they claim it is our problem because we didn't buy our fridge through them.
Wed Sept 19 - now:
Chris Bond (the builder and our contractor) is working with Thys to resolve the problem.
Wed Sept 19:
Kitchen is being measured for the granite.
Thurs Sept 20:
Check out Granite in store to verify whether we want to stay with the original design (which we do).
Wed Sept 26:
Granite guys can deliver and place the granite in the kitchen, but because of the missing cabinet they have to wait.
Thurs Sept 27:
Missing cabinet should have arrived today but is not there - this means another week without cabinet (they only deliver on Thursdays).
Most cabinets are installed, but one cabinet is missing, the fridge isn't built in the way it should, I can't get the granite installed because of the missing cabinet and because of the granite missing, we can nt install the sink nor cooktop. Then the exhaust has a dent and needs replacement.
If the kitchen designer/salesteam would cooperate it wouldn't be so bad, but we are having some issues with them regarding the fridge not fitting.
Summary:
Tue Sept 4th:
The kitchen should have been installed on this day, but because of delays in the German factory, the installation is delayed till Sept 17th.
Mon Sept 17:
Kitchen installers (2) arrive but after putting all the cabinets in the kitchen, one of them gets really sick and needs to go to the doctor. They both leave for the day.
Tue Sept 18:
The same two guys arrive (one of them obvisouly still very sick - stomach flu) and install all the cabinets. After they are done it is very obvious that the "built-in" fridge isn't really built-in. It is sticking out more than an inch and as such you see the black side of the fridge, instead of just the inox door. The installers call the kitchen company (Thys) but they claim it is our problem because we didn't buy our fridge through them.
Wed Sept 19 - now:
Chris Bond (the builder and our contractor) is working with Thys to resolve the problem.
Wed Sept 19:
Kitchen is being measured for the granite.
Thurs Sept 20:
Check out Granite in store to verify whether we want to stay with the original design (which we do).
Wed Sept 26:
Granite guys can deliver and place the granite in the kitchen, but because of the missing cabinet they have to wait.
Thurs Sept 27:
Missing cabinet should have arrived today but is not there - this means another week without cabinet (they only deliver on Thursdays).
Friday, September 21, 2007
My first MAPA meeting
of course it wasn't called MAPA but "oudervereniging".
Anyway - when I got there, most of the people there were "old timers", meaning that they have been part of this parent group for a while. I was also surprised that it weren't that many people, only 12 or so. Myself and two others were the "new ones", so we got some introduction of what this parent group is about.
The director of the school was also there, which I thought was a great opportunity to get to know her better as well, and not just be one of the many faces around school to her.
A lot of what the MAPA does, is to organize events, some to raise money, but others just for fun.
Someone is in charge for assigning volunteers to certain tasks and someone else is in charge for buying food/drinks and catering, and so on ...
I have already volunteered to visit stores/businesses in Tremelo to ask for donations as prizes for our quiz night while on the night itself I will also help out in the bar sections too.
So far, the people that I have met through this group have been very nice, and it is fun to know a few more faces around school. Someone else to say "Hi" to :-)
Anyway - when I got there, most of the people there were "old timers", meaning that they have been part of this parent group for a while. I was also surprised that it weren't that many people, only 12 or so. Myself and two others were the "new ones", so we got some introduction of what this parent group is about.
The director of the school was also there, which I thought was a great opportunity to get to know her better as well, and not just be one of the many faces around school to her.
A lot of what the MAPA does, is to organize events, some to raise money, but others just for fun.
Someone is in charge for assigning volunteers to certain tasks and someone else is in charge for buying food/drinks and catering, and so on ...
I have already volunteered to visit stores/businesses in Tremelo to ask for donations as prizes for our quiz night while on the night itself I will also help out in the bar sections too.
So far, the people that I have met through this group have been very nice, and it is fun to know a few more faces around school. Someone else to say "Hi" to :-)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Some pictures of Mendel's first week at school.
Mendel is playing with little pony's, having her lunch
and even brushes her teeth after lunch.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Two weeks into the new school year
Here we are, September 18, the kids have been going to their new school now for a little over two weeks.
How is it going??
Elias:
He is really trying to make new friends. After the first week, he still had no one to hang out with during the play times, he said he would just walk the playground by himself, followed by Alyssa.
When I ask about the other boys in his classroom, he says that they run away from him.
I felt awful and by the end of that first week I was a wreck, I so longed to go back to CA and to have him be at his old school with best friends where he knows everyone, all teachers even the director. That is not going to happen here soon and I was wishing we hadn't decide to move back to Belgium.
I talked to his teacher about this and she explained that it does take a few weeks for them to make new friends (so I was overreacting, expecting too much in that first week). If by the end of September they don't have friends, they will work on it. OK then....
Yesterday he told me he was playing with a boy from his class (I think his name is Kenzo, but I'm not sure). Although he said it wasn't really a new friend because they haven't played together enough yet (he understands the concept of friend I assume).
Mendel:
According to her teacher, Mendel plays with everyone in her class, but as soon as it is playtime, she seeks out Caitlin and they made friends with two other English speaking kids in preschool and the four of them hang out together. These two English speaking kids just arrived in Belgium from CA as well, Santa Rosa more precisely. The mom is Belgian but only spoke English with her kids so they don't speak Dutch either. I'm OK because Mendel needs to practice her English, but I wonder when Caitlin will even learn Dutch...
Oh, there was one girl in particular that Mendel seemed to like in the beginning, but not anymore and you know why? Because this girl is so messy (she spills her chocolate drink) and Mendel is afraid she will spill on her (oh no - not on clean freak Mendel)...
I am trying to hook them up together again..
So, as you see, we are settling in, even at the new school. There is still much more to get to know there, but tonight I am going to the local version of a MAPA meeting so that should help too.
How is it going??
Elias:
He is really trying to make new friends. After the first week, he still had no one to hang out with during the play times, he said he would just walk the playground by himself, followed by Alyssa.
When I ask about the other boys in his classroom, he says that they run away from him.
I felt awful and by the end of that first week I was a wreck, I so longed to go back to CA and to have him be at his old school with best friends where he knows everyone, all teachers even the director. That is not going to happen here soon and I was wishing we hadn't decide to move back to Belgium.
I talked to his teacher about this and she explained that it does take a few weeks for them to make new friends (so I was overreacting, expecting too much in that first week). If by the end of September they don't have friends, they will work on it. OK then....
Yesterday he told me he was playing with a boy from his class (I think his name is Kenzo, but I'm not sure). Although he said it wasn't really a new friend because they haven't played together enough yet (he understands the concept of friend I assume).
Mendel:
According to her teacher, Mendel plays with everyone in her class, but as soon as it is playtime, she seeks out Caitlin and they made friends with two other English speaking kids in preschool and the four of them hang out together. These two English speaking kids just arrived in Belgium from CA as well, Santa Rosa more precisely. The mom is Belgian but only spoke English with her kids so they don't speak Dutch either. I'm OK because Mendel needs to practice her English, but I wonder when Caitlin will even learn Dutch...
Oh, there was one girl in particular that Mendel seemed to like in the beginning, but not anymore and you know why? Because this girl is so messy (she spills her chocolate drink) and Mendel is afraid she will spill on her (oh no - not on clean freak Mendel)...
I am trying to hook them up together again..
So, as you see, we are settling in, even at the new school. There is still much more to get to know there, but tonight I am going to the local version of a MAPA meeting so that should help too.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Still no kitchen...
The builders called us to say that the kitchen delivery is delayed (Sept 14) because of delays in the German factory (so much for German craftmanship).
OK, so more microwave meals are on the horizon: macaroni & cheese, lasagna, moussaka,...
On the positive side, we were able to switch our ceramic cooktop with the induction cooktop.
For those of you that like Sabayon, I will be able to make it in 1 minute (actually tried this out in a cooking class).
Hint to Jan: no more sweating while whisking away on Thanksgiving.
OK, so more microwave meals are on the horizon: macaroni & cheese, lasagna, moussaka,...
On the positive side, we were able to switch our ceramic cooktop with the induction cooktop.
For those of you that like Sabayon, I will be able to make it in 1 minute (actually tried this out in a cooking class).
Hint to Jan: no more sweating while whisking away on Thanksgiving.
Don't let a 4 year old dress herself on the first day of school
At night, when Mendel was changing into her pajamas, I noticed she was wearing an unknown pantie. I asked her whether she had an accident at school, but she said no, the teacher gave it to her. Confused, I tried to figure out from her why the teacher would give her new underwear, turned out that she didn't put one on in the morning.
Talking about a good first impression we made on the preschool teacher...
(so I had some explaining to do this morning)
Talking about a good first impression we made on the preschool teacher...
(so I had some explaining to do this morning)
Monday, September 3, 2007
First day of school in Belgium
Today Elias and Mendel went to their new school in Keerbergen.
http://www.basisschoolatheneumkeerbergen.be/site/
At 8:35, I dropped Mendel off first, knowing how quickly she gets settled.
Then I walked Elias to the meeting point for the elementary school kids and while walking I felt how he squeezed my hand a bit harder and harder.
But all went well as he recognized a boy that lives in our street that also happens to be in his class - he was very excited about that.
At 3:45, I picked them both up. Mendel was sitting on a little bench outside her classroom holding her backpack and a balloon. She showed me "her symbol: a toothbrush" - this is where she has to hang her jacket.
Together we picked up Elias, who didn't like his first day too much. He expected more playtime. On the positive side (I think), he says he's in love with a girl in his class. He doesn't know her name, but he does know that she has a brother that was stung by a bee. She was also wearing a really pretty T-shirt and has short blond hair ... and he is a little in love :-)
http://www.basisschoolatheneumkeerbergen.be/site/
At 8:35, I dropped Mendel off first, knowing how quickly she gets settled.
Then I walked Elias to the meeting point for the elementary school kids and while walking I felt how he squeezed my hand a bit harder and harder.
But all went well as he recognized a boy that lives in our street that also happens to be in his class - he was very excited about that.
At 3:45, I picked them both up. Mendel was sitting on a little bench outside her classroom holding her backpack and a balloon. She showed me "her symbol: a toothbrush" - this is where she has to hang her jacket.
Together we picked up Elias, who didn't like his first day too much. He expected more playtime. On the positive side (I think), he says he's in love with a girl in his class. He doesn't know her name, but he does know that she has a brother that was stung by a bee. She was also wearing a really pretty T-shirt and has short blond hair ... and he is a little in love :-)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
BUSY days in CA
I don't think I have ever shopped as much as I have done in the last 5 days.
I bought clothes, decoration, food, more clothes, and even more clothes.
I have now a big rolling suitcase filled till the top, a big bag that is full and a rolling carry-on luggage.
I' m afraid that I won't get all of this from the car rental to the airport, but hopefully there is a helpful person out there (at 6AM).
Besides the shopping I have been:
- hanging out at Jan's and Estela's
- meeting with Cisco colleagues/friends
- visited Clarinda, Tony, Maisey and her new baby sister Abigail
- visited Becky and the kids
- visited the Monticello school
- drank Starbucks drinks and Jamba Juice's
It was a very hectic visit, but it was great to see everyone again.
Missing you all already...
I bought clothes, decoration, food, more clothes, and even more clothes.
I have now a big rolling suitcase filled till the top, a big bag that is full and a rolling carry-on luggage.
I' m afraid that I won't get all of this from the car rental to the airport, but hopefully there is a helpful person out there (at 6AM).
Besides the shopping I have been:
- hanging out at Jan's and Estela's
- meeting with Cisco colleagues/friends
- visited Clarinda, Tony, Maisey and her new baby sister Abigail
- visited Becky and the kids
- visited the Monticello school
- drank Starbucks drinks and Jamba Juice's
It was a very hectic visit, but it was great to see everyone again.
Missing you all already...
Mayonnaise in a suitcase
Luc and Nivea asked me to pick up some things at a friend's place so I can bring it with me to Belgium.
No problem, I call this friend and ask about the CD's and such.
She then says also to take the "mayo".
???
I'm like - what?? Why would I need to take mayonnaise in my suitcase.
I ask her about it - "Did they actually ask about giving along the mayo?".
She said, "well - it's here..."
I don't know what to say...
So I said I wasn't very comfortable with that, it could break in my suitcase and then everything is full of mayo.
Well, she said, it's not very likely that "MAIL" is going to break...
CRACKING UP YET ??
(I was when I told Estela)
No problem, I call this friend and ask about the CD's and such.
She then says also to take the "mayo".
???
I'm like - what?? Why would I need to take mayonnaise in my suitcase.
I ask her about it - "Did they actually ask about giving along the mayo?".
She said, "well - it's here..."
I don't know what to say...
So I said I wasn't very comfortable with that, it could break in my suitcase and then everything is full of mayo.
Well, she said, it's not very likely that "MAIL" is going to break...
CRACKING UP YET ??
(I was when I told Estela)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Close to be an American now...
I passed my citizenship interview!
YEAH!!
I will get a letter in a few weeks that will tell me when/where the oath ceremony is.
I might actually be the first Belgian/American girl :-)
YEAH!!
I will get a letter in a few weeks that will tell me when/where the oath ceremony is.
I might actually be the first Belgian/American girl :-)
Citizenship interview 2 hours from now
Yes, today is the big day.
I went to Jan and Estela's yesterday, had a fun afternoon catching up on all the latest, and had a very nice cappuccino.
WOOOWWW.. that one was strong - I was getting dizzy just drinking it (my regular reaction to caffeine). But hey - it was only 4pm or so - no big deal.
Or so I thought.
I went to bed at 10pm - tired but my head is racing with thoughts. Not about the interview, but just stuff that I did that day, what I bought, what I still need to buy, etc...
I can relax till about 2am (not sleep but rest) but then I got restless. So I'm turning and turning till about 5am, thinking, I have to fall asleep any minute now (I have experience with these sleepless caffeine nights), but nope... 7am, I get up and jump in the shower.
Great start to go to the interview :-)
Oh well, I know my questions, even the first 13 states!!
Cross your fingers and I will post later today about how I did.
I went to Jan and Estela's yesterday, had a fun afternoon catching up on all the latest, and had a very nice cappuccino.
WOOOWWW.. that one was strong - I was getting dizzy just drinking it (my regular reaction to caffeine). But hey - it was only 4pm or so - no big deal.
Or so I thought.
I went to bed at 10pm - tired but my head is racing with thoughts. Not about the interview, but just stuff that I did that day, what I bought, what I still need to buy, etc...
I can relax till about 2am (not sleep but rest) but then I got restless. So I'm turning and turning till about 5am, thinking, I have to fall asleep any minute now (I have experience with these sleepless caffeine nights), but nope... 7am, I get up and jump in the shower.
Great start to go to the interview :-)
Oh well, I know my questions, even the first 13 states!!
Cross your fingers and I will post later today about how I did.
Restart of blog
Ouch - I was asked about my blog yesterday - since I wasn't writing anymore.
Seems like people actually read it !
ok, this gives me inspiration to write again (thanks Jan and Estela)..
Seems like people actually read it !
ok, this gives me inspiration to write again (thanks Jan and Estela)..
Saturday, July 7, 2007
It´s getting serieus (buying/registering/...)
It´s Saturday and there is a street party in my parent´s street.
It means that the neighbors get together and they have a jumping house for the kids.
You can buy ice cream and pie for 1 Euro each and they have a tap with beer and probably some sodas too.
They promise nice weather for the afternoon, let´see if it´s true - we can surely use some nice weather...
But what else did I do all week?
Tuesday
I bought a bedroom set for both Elias and Mendel.
Mendel has a pretty white bedroom, which comes with a bed, bed drawer for extra mattres, night stand, bench with two pink drawers, book case with 3 pink drawers, closet with 3 doors and a little desk. It´s totally adorable and totally Mendel!Elias has about the same setup, but instead of the bench, he has a toy chest. His bookcase is smaller so he also has an extra cabinet with 3 drawers.
And I also bought sofa´s: off-white leather natuzzi sofa´s, very pretty but we should be glad if we get them beginning of November!!
Wednesday
We finalized on the kitchen design and went to IKEA to check out furniture since our new furniture will take months to deliver.
I also checke dout the store where they make teak furniture and found a bed I liked (besides the kitchen table and cabinet I already liked). I am going to wait till Wim gets back and then we can decide together what to order exactly. This is their website: http://www.patoantiques.be/
Thursday
I applied for registration in the town of Balen. Now we need to wait till a cop comes by and verifies that we actually live here. Only then, will the application be progressed and will I be registered. It took a while before I convinced the employees that my children are indeed Belgians, and not just Americans. Guess they don´t see a lot of immigrants from the U.S.A.
Then I went to the mutuality for health insurance, but they couldn´t do much untill I am registered in Balen.
Friday
I registered myself as being unemployed. Not exactly correct since I haven´t resigned yet in the States, but this way I can get in the system and do I learn what all I need to get from previous employers. It feels weird to be "unemployed" - my first time ever since I worked for 11 years. I already feel like a bum ;-)
It means that the neighbors get together and they have a jumping house for the kids.
You can buy ice cream and pie for 1 Euro each and they have a tap with beer and probably some sodas too.
They promise nice weather for the afternoon, let´see if it´s true - we can surely use some nice weather...
But what else did I do all week?
Tuesday
I bought a bedroom set for both Elias and Mendel.
Mendel has a pretty white bedroom, which comes with a bed, bed drawer for extra mattres, night stand, bench with two pink drawers, book case with 3 pink drawers, closet with 3 doors and a little desk. It´s totally adorable and totally Mendel!Elias has about the same setup, but instead of the bench, he has a toy chest. His bookcase is smaller so he also has an extra cabinet with 3 drawers.
And I also bought sofa´s: off-white leather natuzzi sofa´s, very pretty but we should be glad if we get them beginning of November!!
Wednesday
We finalized on the kitchen design and went to IKEA to check out furniture since our new furniture will take months to deliver.
I also checke dout the store where they make teak furniture and found a bed I liked (besides the kitchen table and cabinet I already liked). I am going to wait till Wim gets back and then we can decide together what to order exactly. This is their website: http://www.patoantiques.be/
Thursday
I applied for registration in the town of Balen. Now we need to wait till a cop comes by and verifies that we actually live here. Only then, will the application be progressed and will I be registered. It took a while before I convinced the employees that my children are indeed Belgians, and not just Americans. Guess they don´t see a lot of immigrants from the U.S.A.
Then I went to the mutuality for health insurance, but they couldn´t do much untill I am registered in Balen.
Friday
I registered myself as being unemployed. Not exactly correct since I haven´t resigned yet in the States, but this way I can get in the system and do I learn what all I need to get from previous employers. It feels weird to be "unemployed" - my first time ever since I worked for 11 years. I already feel like a bum ;-)
Monday, July 2, 2007
Shrek the Third
Another rainy day in Belgium, so I checked out the local theater and they are playing "Shrek The Third". They played both the original English version and the dubbed Dutch version. We chose the English version.
The kids loved the movie.
Something about the movie theater in Lommel (http://www.utopolis.be/top.aspx?cid=60):
- In the middle of the movie there is a 10 minute break (perfect for potty time with kids)
- It was pitch dark when they were playing the previews (we got in late), so it was pretty tough to maneuver in between seats with popcorn, drinks and two small ones (one of which was afraid of the dark)
The kids loved the movie.
Something about the movie theater in Lommel (http://www.utopolis.be/top.aspx?cid=60):
- In the middle of the movie there is a 10 minute break (perfect for potty time with kids)
- It was pitch dark when they were playing the previews (we got in late), so it was pretty tough to maneuver in between seats with popcorn, drinks and two small ones (one of which was afraid of the dark)
A Belgian Birthday Party
Elias was invited for a birthday party of one of his new friends from school: Robbe.
The invitation said from 14:00 till 17:00.
He really wanted to go so I called the mom to RSVP and to ask her about how it goes. Yep, my suspicion was right. Parents don´t stay at the party - they drop the kids off and then pick them back up at when the party´s over.
Heartbeat went up a little - I don´t know the parents at all.
Elias´s eyes also went bigger when I told him, "mama - I don´t want you to leave"...
At 14:00, I drive to the house and see already a bunch of kids playing outside and jumping on a trampoline (a toy every single household seems to have).
I talk for a while to the mom and at the same time Elias even forgets I am around. I can leave without any issues but on my way to the car I realize they don´t have any contact information of me. How will they reach me if something happens to Elias?
So I walk to the dad and ask him about leaving my phone number but he replies " It´s not going to be necessary, but if you really want to....". I don´t want to be the paranoid American mom so I reply back "I´m sure you have common sense in case something happens".
He must think I´m weird though...
When I pick Elias up at 17:00 he doesn´t want to leave yet, so he sure had lots of fun. They had ice cream and made their own pizza, he apparently ate very well.
I think Elias is going to adjust quicker then I am ;-)
The invitation said from 14:00 till 17:00.
He really wanted to go so I called the mom to RSVP and to ask her about how it goes. Yep, my suspicion was right. Parents don´t stay at the party - they drop the kids off and then pick them back up at when the party´s over.
Heartbeat went up a little - I don´t know the parents at all.
Elias´s eyes also went bigger when I told him, "mama - I don´t want you to leave"...
At 14:00, I drive to the house and see already a bunch of kids playing outside and jumping on a trampoline (a toy every single household seems to have).
I talk for a while to the mom and at the same time Elias even forgets I am around. I can leave without any issues but on my way to the car I realize they don´t have any contact information of me. How will they reach me if something happens to Elias?
So I walk to the dad and ask him about leaving my phone number but he replies " It´s not going to be necessary, but if you really want to....". I don´t want to be the paranoid American mom so I reply back "I´m sure you have common sense in case something happens".
He must think I´m weird though...
When I pick Elias up at 17:00 he doesn´t want to leave yet, so he sure had lots of fun. They had ice cream and made their own pizza, he apparently ate very well.
I think Elias is going to adjust quicker then I am ;-)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
So much about safety at school...
Elias had a field trip : they walked to a neighboring school to do sports there.
At the end of the day, the parents were supposed to pick up the kids at this school (instead of at the regular school). I was aware of this, but because I had to pick up Mendel first, I was a little late, so the teacher had sent Elias back to the original school with another mom (by car).
I was a little annoyed, having just come from that school, but even more so when I heard from Elias how the trip had happened:
- the other mom´s car didn´t have a car seat
- the other mom told Elias he didn´t have to wear a seat belt "because it isn´t far"!!
I was steaming - very American probably.
But really - what are they thinking?
mental note: keep an eye on my kids, cause not everyone in Belgium has common sense
At the end of the day, the parents were supposed to pick up the kids at this school (instead of at the regular school). I was aware of this, but because I had to pick up Mendel first, I was a little late, so the teacher had sent Elias back to the original school with another mom (by car).
I was a little annoyed, having just come from that school, but even more so when I heard from Elias how the trip had happened:
- the other mom´s car didn´t have a car seat
- the other mom told Elias he didn´t have to wear a seat belt "because it isn´t far"!!
I was steaming - very American probably.
But really - what are they thinking?
mental note: keep an eye on my kids, cause not everyone in Belgium has common sense
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Summary of my first 3 weeks in Belgium
Oh wow - time just flies.
I have been in Belgium for more than two weeks and hardly had a chance to blog anything.
June 11 - June 15
The first week I spent in Brussels with my colleague Chris. The presentations went well, the weather was great (warm but humid) and the nights were fun (we tried several restaurants, went out with folks from TAC).
June 16 - June 24
Wim and I spent all our time looking at kitchens, getting ideas, visiting furniture stores, ...
It was so time consuming! At the same time, Wim was interviewing with several companies.
Because the kids got bored at home, I decided to enroll them into a school for the last two weeks of school. It is a success, they love their school and made many friends already.
On Sat June 23, we were invited for a street party in our new street Kleine Zapstraat. It is a yearly get together of all the neighbors with food and drinks, and a jumping house for the kids. We met many neighbors and it really looks like a great place to live. Almost all kids are the same age as Elias and Mendel, I am sure they will have a lot of fun here.
On June 24, Wim had to say goodbye to the kids. He is going back to CA for 3 weeks - we are sooo going to miss him.
June 26
I visited 3 different schools around Tremelo
1) Gemeenteschool van Tremelo http://schoolweb.rago.be/bs/tremelo/
pros: Smaller school, nice kindergarten classes, friendly teachers
cons: need a key to go to restroom, lots of concrete, older classrooms
2) Koninklijk Atheneum Keerbergen http://www.kakeerbergen.be/
pros: In the middle of forest-like environment, big and bright classrooms, friendly KG teachers, nice indoor play arreas for KG, open door policy at director
cons: very large school
I didn´t get a chance to check out the first grade teachers (field trip) or playground.
3) Vrije Basisschool Tremelo http://www.vbstremelo.be/
pros: small class size if we go to remote location
cons: toilet is across playground (kids have to leave the building), wasn´t allowed to talk to first grade teacher because class is in progress, not very approachable director, older (dirty) classrooms and building, don´t make lunch but catering.
I have been in Belgium for more than two weeks and hardly had a chance to blog anything.
June 11 - June 15
The first week I spent in Brussels with my colleague Chris. The presentations went well, the weather was great (warm but humid) and the nights were fun (we tried several restaurants, went out with folks from TAC).
June 16 - June 24
Wim and I spent all our time looking at kitchens, getting ideas, visiting furniture stores, ...
It was so time consuming! At the same time, Wim was interviewing with several companies.
Because the kids got bored at home, I decided to enroll them into a school for the last two weeks of school. It is a success, they love their school and made many friends already.
On Sat June 23, we were invited for a street party in our new street Kleine Zapstraat. It is a yearly get together of all the neighbors with food and drinks, and a jumping house for the kids. We met many neighbors and it really looks like a great place to live. Almost all kids are the same age as Elias and Mendel, I am sure they will have a lot of fun here.
On June 24, Wim had to say goodbye to the kids. He is going back to CA for 3 weeks - we are sooo going to miss him.
June 26
I visited 3 different schools around Tremelo
1) Gemeenteschool van Tremelo http://schoolweb.rago.be/bs/tremelo/
pros: Smaller school, nice kindergarten classes, friendly teachers
cons: need a key to go to restroom, lots of concrete, older classrooms
2) Koninklijk Atheneum Keerbergen http://www.kakeerbergen.be/
pros: In the middle of forest-like environment, big and bright classrooms, friendly KG teachers, nice indoor play arreas for KG, open door policy at director
cons: very large school
I didn´t get a chance to check out the first grade teachers (field trip) or playground.
3) Vrije Basisschool Tremelo http://www.vbstremelo.be/
pros: small class size if we go to remote location
cons: toilet is across playground (kids have to leave the building), wasn´t allowed to talk to first grade teacher because class is in progress, not very approachable director, older (dirty) classrooms and building, don´t make lunch but catering.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Think pink
After my initial depressing day in Belgium, I am now feeling a bit better and have again a positive outlook on my life here.
Initial day: I was feeling lonely and the weather was so grey, it was raining, I was hearing sad songs on the radio, ... and cried a lot..
The weather is just strange, it is warm but at the same time it is grey. It will be 27 degrees today, not bad at all!
Our trip to Brugge yesterday also made me realize again why we decided to move back home: we took a boat ride on the little canals and saw all the beautiful old traditional houses, there were little flea markets with antiques, yummy smelling waffles being sold on almost every corner, parents with kids on bikes, ....
It was very very nice... I think I can get used to this!
Our trip to Brugge yesterday also made me realize again why we decided to move back home: we took a boat ride on the little canals and saw all the beautiful old traditional houses, there were little flea markets with antiques, yummy smelling waffles being sold on almost every corner, parents with kids on bikes, ....
It was very very nice... I think I can get used to this!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
I arrived in Belgium
I'm in Belgium - for good....
It's weird, it doesn't really feel like it. I still kind of expect to get back on a plane and fly "home" to California in a few days. And when I don't feel like that - I'm all teared up .... or simply cry.
I just hope that time flies and Wim and the kids get here soon. Can't wait to hug them.
The flight itself went pretty good but we had some issues in London with the luggage - we were supposed to check-in again for the flight to Brussels but because of the huge lines, we barely made it in time to the gate (everyone was already in the plane). They checked us in at the gate but it was too late for the luggage.
All that running for nothing (I really need to get in shape as I nearly died in the airport - of course we had the last gate in that huge hall).
Positive news: I didn't miss my haircut appointment ;-)
It's weird, it doesn't really feel like it. I still kind of expect to get back on a plane and fly "home" to California in a few days. And when I don't feel like that - I'm all teared up .... or simply cry.
I just hope that time flies and Wim and the kids get here soon. Can't wait to hug them.
The flight itself went pretty good but we had some issues in London with the luggage - we were supposed to check-in again for the flight to Brussels but because of the huge lines, we barely made it in time to the gate (everyone was already in the plane). They checked us in at the gate but it was too late for the luggage.
All that running for nothing (I really need to get in shape as I nearly died in the airport - of course we had the last gate in that huge hall).
Positive news: I didn't miss my haircut appointment ;-)
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Goodbye Party
We just had our goodbye party this Saturday and it was a success!
We had plenty of food and drinks (too much actually), and most friends dropped by to wish us all the best with our new life in Belgium.
It is sad to leave so many friends behind - I am sure it is going to take quite a while before we are going to have so many friends in Belgium.
The kids had a great time too. We had Morgan watch the kids so we didn't have to follow their each and every step, and they loved it (till Mendel fell off the swing). Then April took over and strolled around with her - she likes to be babied :-)
By 7:30, the last people had left and we could clean up.
We ended the night by spending it with Jan, Estela, Helen and Johan at Luc and Nivea's place.
We are a close knit group - and we will for sure miss each other a lot once we are gone... snif snif...
We had plenty of food and drinks (too much actually), and most friends dropped by to wish us all the best with our new life in Belgium.
It is sad to leave so many friends behind - I am sure it is going to take quite a while before we are going to have so many friends in Belgium.
The kids had a great time too. We had Morgan watch the kids so we didn't have to follow their each and every step, and they loved it (till Mendel fell off the swing). Then April took over and strolled around with her - she likes to be babied :-)
By 7:30, the last people had left and we could clean up.
We ended the night by spending it with Jan, Estela, Helen and Johan at Luc and Nivea's place.
We are a close knit group - and we will for sure miss each other a lot once we are gone... snif snif...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
I might stay with Cisco
I already got used to the idea of not working anymore for a while after moving to Belgium.
I actually started to like it - I was making plans of what new adventure I could dive in.
I was going to take photography lessons and set up a little studio at home.
Most importantly though - I would be able to spend the entire summer home with the kids.
Not so...
My manager approached me and offered me the opportunity to stay in his team and report to him from Belgium.
Hmm.. sounds tempting, for sure the money-part of it.
I have some doubts though..
How is that gonna work with PTO since they want me to take up all my PTO and even borrow 2 weeks of PTO just to bridge June and July. Does that leave me with no PTO for the rest of the year (since in Belgium you don't accrue PTO on a daily basis).
Also - what am I going to do with the kids in August??
And the salary of course. It will get adjusted to the "cheaper" Belgium .. what cheaper ???
We are still working on the details so we'll see what happens...
I actually started to like it - I was making plans of what new adventure I could dive in.
I was going to take photography lessons and set up a little studio at home.
Most importantly though - I would be able to spend the entire summer home with the kids.
Not so...
My manager approached me and offered me the opportunity to stay in his team and report to him from Belgium.
Hmm.. sounds tempting, for sure the money-part of it.
I have some doubts though..
How is that gonna work with PTO since they want me to take up all my PTO and even borrow 2 weeks of PTO just to bridge June and July. Does that leave me with no PTO for the rest of the year (since in Belgium you don't accrue PTO on a daily basis).
Also - what am I going to do with the kids in August??
And the salary of course. It will get adjusted to the "cheaper" Belgium .. what cheaper ???
We are still working on the details so we'll see what happens...
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
More about the cat
Haha - this is really getting crazy..
The test we did yesterday - turned out we didn't need to get it done!
$185.00 out the door for nothing.
So I called the vet and they called the lab and luckily they could stop the test being done and they can refund me the entire amount! YAY!!!
This cat better not run away as soon as we set a foot in Belgium!
The test we did yesterday - turned out we didn't need to get it done!
$185.00 out the door for nothing.
So I called the vet and they called the lab and luckily they could stop the test being done and they can refund me the entire amount! YAY!!!
This cat better not run away as soon as we set a foot in Belgium!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Serotone test
Taking the cat with us to Belgium is becoming more and more of a headache...
I just took her to the vet to get her serotone test done (check whether the rabies vacine worked), turns out that she needed this test done after 10 days of the vacine, not 2 months later. Oops...
The technician spend some time on the phone with the doctor and all is well, we can still do the test.
Next dilemma: it can take up to 4 weeks for the test results to be back -> Oops number 2.
We are leaving BEFORE that time. The technician then tries to persuade me to postpone our trip until we get back the results.... uh ... no way !!
After the technician realizes that we are not taking the cat if we don't get the results on time, she calls the lab and they think they will get back the result in 2-3 weeks.
OK, so all seems to work out (I just hope I'm still here when we get back the results cause Wim really doesn't want to deal with the vet office).
Only thing left is to pay the bill: $185.00 OUCH !!!
I just took her to the vet to get her serotone test done (check whether the rabies vacine worked), turns out that she needed this test done after 10 days of the vacine, not 2 months later. Oops...
The technician spend some time on the phone with the doctor and all is well, we can still do the test.
Next dilemma: it can take up to 4 weeks for the test results to be back -> Oops number 2.
We are leaving BEFORE that time. The technician then tries to persuade me to postpone our trip until we get back the results.... uh ... no way !!
After the technician realizes that we are not taking the cat if we don't get the results on time, she calls the lab and they think they will get back the result in 2-3 weeks.
OK, so all seems to work out (I just hope I'm still here when we get back the results cause Wim really doesn't want to deal with the vet office).
Only thing left is to pay the bill: $185.00 OUCH !!!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Hectic times
UPDATE on the cat: No way we can ship the cat as cargo, it costs $485.00.
Sad to say - we are not going to spend that much money on a cat.
So the next option is to have her travel with Wim and the kids (I wonder who will get more stressed - oh, and I am not thinking of the kids)...
We have read a 'recent' bad review of air7seas so now we are again researching other moving companies out there. It stressful, we have only a few more weeks left (I only have about 2.5 weeks left). Good thing is that we at least got our boxes numbered that were in storage. Can you believe we already have 91 boxes!
We are also considering to ship the items middle of June and not together with the car in the middle of July.
I talked to my manager here at work - he again wanted to verify that I did not want to work for TAC in Brussels. Nope - really not. So there is really nothing he can do now, I guess I have to send in my resignation. I was surprised I can do this by email. Thought it had to be a little more official. My first resignation... weird.
I had tears in my eyes this morning when driving to work. It seems to happen a lot at that time. The sun is out, I have a beautiful look over the mountains, I am really going to miss this place.
I keep intending to take my video camera to work and tape my "routines" from the last 9 years. I always forget though...
Sad to say - we are not going to spend that much money on a cat.
So the next option is to have her travel with Wim and the kids (I wonder who will get more stressed - oh, and I am not thinking of the kids)...
We have read a 'recent' bad review of air7seas so now we are again researching other moving companies out there. It stressful, we have only a few more weeks left (I only have about 2.5 weeks left). Good thing is that we at least got our boxes numbered that were in storage. Can you believe we already have 91 boxes!
We are also considering to ship the items middle of June and not together with the car in the middle of July.
I talked to my manager here at work - he again wanted to verify that I did not want to work for TAC in Brussels. Nope - really not. So there is really nothing he can do now, I guess I have to send in my resignation. I was surprised I can do this by email. Thought it had to be a little more official. My first resignation... weird.
I had tears in my eyes this morning when driving to work. It seems to happen a lot at that time. The sun is out, I have a beautiful look over the mountains, I am really going to miss this place.
I keep intending to take my video camera to work and tape my "routines" from the last 9 years. I always forget though...
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Traveling with a cat
Why oh why are we taking the cat to Belgium? She's giving us so much trouble!
First we lost all the paperwork that we already had done when we packed things for selling the house. Few weeks later we find it back though.
Then the new owners don't want to look after her for the short time that we live in the apartment. A cat is easy - just give her some food and water - she's happy. No, instead she is now locked up in the apartment all day - meowing at night cause she wants to get out.
Now I want to book her a plane ticket so she can travel with me (as checked in luggage) but since I travel through London, apparently she can not travel with me?
Wim is not traveling through England - but since he already has 2 kids to look after, the last thing he wants to do is look after a cat as well.
I am now thinking about sending her as cargo to Belgium - maybe a week before I leave.
First we lost all the paperwork that we already had done when we packed things for selling the house. Few weeks later we find it back though.
Then the new owners don't want to look after her for the short time that we live in the apartment. A cat is easy - just give her some food and water - she's happy. No, instead she is now locked up in the apartment all day - meowing at night cause she wants to get out.
Now I want to book her a plane ticket so she can travel with me (as checked in luggage) but since I travel through London, apparently she can not travel with me?
Wim is not traveling through England - but since he already has 2 kids to look after, the last thing he wants to do is look after a cat as well.
I am now thinking about sending her as cargo to Belgium - maybe a week before I leave.
Selling our stuff
It seems like we are getting rid of our last items.
After Tony and Clarinda visited us and decided to buy almost all our furniture - we still got stuck with: sofa's, entertainment center, kitchen appliances, kitchen ware, foot spa, humidifier, fan, etc.....
Well, yesterday, a Cisco colleague and his cousin dropped by and wanted to buy almost everything that is left (even what Tony and Clarinda already bought). They apparently just moved to the U.S. so they still need a lot.
They are still undecisive over a few items but it seems like we finally got rid of the entertainment center... We should know by tonight what they all take..
Takes off the stress a little
After Tony and Clarinda visited us and decided to buy almost all our furniture - we still got stuck with: sofa's, entertainment center, kitchen appliances, kitchen ware, foot spa, humidifier, fan, etc.....
Well, yesterday, a Cisco colleague and his cousin dropped by and wanted to buy almost everything that is left (even what Tony and Clarinda already bought). They apparently just moved to the U.S. so they still need a lot.
They are still undecisive over a few items but it seems like we finally got rid of the entertainment center... We should know by tonight what they all take..
Takes off the stress a little
Monday, May 7, 2007
A day in paradise (Santa Cruz)
Only four more weeks and I will leave Sunny California. ... and we
sit in the apartment all day long.
So instead of bumming out at home yesterday we decided to take a little daytrip to Santa Cruz.
The weather was beautiful, nice and warm, a little bit of a breeze - perfect.
Elias and Mendel had a blast playing in the sand, and eventually even in the water. This is a first for Mendel who normally is very afraid of the waves. She was screaming and laughing of pleasure when she ran in and out of the waves. The last wave surprised her though - topped her over and she ended up underneath a wave and was soaking wet - sand all stuck in her cute swimsuit and all over her hair.
That was the end of 'that' adventure :-)
We ended the trip with a walk downtown, ate an ice-cream and headed home....
It was a perfect day - I hope we have these kind of days in Belgium as well!
sit in the apartment all day long.So instead of bumming out at home yesterday we decided to take a little daytrip to Santa Cruz.
The weather was beautiful, nice and warm, a little bit of a breeze - perfect.
Elias and Mendel had a blast playing in the sand, and eventually even in the water. This is a first for Mendel who normally is very afraid of the waves. She was screaming and laughing of pleasure when she ran in and out of the waves. The last wave surprised her though - topped her over and she ended up underneath a wave and was soaking wet - sand all stuck in her cute swimsuit and all over her hair.
That was the end of 'that' adventure :-)
We ended the trip with a walk downtown, ate an ice-cream and headed home....
It was a perfect day - I hope we have these kind of days in Belgium as well!
Friday, May 4, 2007
My return ticket to Belgium
Wow - just booked my ticket back to Brussels.
Now it's certain - no way back - we are going!
(ok, selling our house and buying a new house was a bigger thing then buying an airplane ticket).
But still, I know my return date - June 8, 2007 - this day will go in history (at least mine).
Oh ... it's a return ticket - so worse case I can fly back on June 14 (it was cheaper to book a return ticket than a one-way ticket). What a waste...
Now it's certain - no way back - we are going!
(ok, selling our house and buying a new house was a bigger thing then buying an airplane ticket).
But still, I know my return date - June 8, 2007 - this day will go in history (at least mine).
Oh ... it's a return ticket - so worse case I can fly back on June 14 (it was cheaper to book a return ticket than a one-way ticket). What a waste...
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Our Tremelo House
Since I'm posting houses Niv is gonna check out - let's post our own house as well.
Can't wait to move in and paint, decorate, buy, buy, buy, ..... (better save a little)
Mean time - Wim is gonna have a blast doing the front and back yard. We are already talking about what kind of plants etc....
Isn't it beautiful? I love it!!!
Can't wait to move in and paint, decorate, buy, buy, buy, ..... (better save a little)
Mean time - Wim is gonna have a blast doing the front and back yard. We are already talking about what kind of plants etc....
Isn't it beautiful? I love it!!!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Nivea goes House Hunting
Not so great news today...My best friend went to Belgium yesterday to check out a house in the same street where we bought ours, kind of hoping and expecting they would buy it and we would be neigbors.
Unfortunately it seems that the house is overpriced. But is it??
Hubby and I spent the night looking at houses on the internet with her husband and didn't find much interesting, except one (see picture). So I emailed her and asked whether she wants to check this one out. It's not in Tremelo, but Keerbergen, which is still pretty close.
Arghh.. the stress of moving to Belgium ....
Oh, hubby Wim just got a good offer from his manager to stay an extra 1.5 month a Symantec. So it looks like he will drop off the kids on June 13th, but then a week later is back on a plane to CA for another month. He can stay with April (who can keep an eye on him ;-)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Another blog .... AGAIN
I feel like a teenager again.
I used to write in my diary - when something was about to happen... every few months, sometimes even every other year (as I got older).
Most of the time (ok, always) - it was related to a new love interst - I got the need to write something down about this new love - isn't that what all teenagers do? Hmm.. maybe not.
But anyway - I'm saying I feel exactly the same way - because here I am - writing a BLOG again! And why ... yep, something is changing in my life and I want to keep track of things.
No - not another love interst - my hubby wouldn't feel too great about that :)
So what ?? Well, we (me and the hubby and the kids) are about to move back to Europe, Belgium.
What? No big deal?
Yeah yeah - we grew up there, but in the mean time, we lived in sunny California for 9 years and gotten pretty "Americanized".
Our family thinks this is an insult ;-)
We think it's pretty COOL!
I used to write in my diary - when something was about to happen... every few months, sometimes even every other year (as I got older).
Most of the time (ok, always) - it was related to a new love interst - I got the need to write something down about this new love - isn't that what all teenagers do? Hmm.. maybe not.
But anyway - I'm saying I feel exactly the same way - because here I am - writing a BLOG again! And why ... yep, something is changing in my life and I want to keep track of things.
No - not another love interst - my hubby wouldn't feel too great about that :)
So what ?? Well, we (me and the hubby and the kids) are about to move back to Europe, Belgium.
What? No big deal?
Yeah yeah - we grew up there, but in the mean time, we lived in sunny California for 9 years and gotten pretty "Americanized".
Our family thinks this is an insult ;-)
We think it's pretty COOL!
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