Sunday, July 24, 2011

In Europe!

July 19, 2011 (posted on July 24th)

Outside my window…I’m watching the Dutch countryside roll by, seeing windmills, canals, fields, and livestock .I still can’t believe we’re here.
I am thinking…we’re going to be exhausted when this is all over, but it’s a trip of a lifetime, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
I am thankful for….the opportunity for this trip.
From the kitchen…dinner on the canal cruise in Amsterdam.
I am wearing…black yoga pants, a red t-shirt and a black cardigan.
I am reading…Flames of Rome by Paul Maiier. I figured I should read about the Colesseum before I go to see it.
I am hoping…to get used to the time change and find a hotel with wifi so we can communicate with family and friends and upload our pictures.
I am hearing…the tour guide, Robert, tell us about the Netherlands.
Around the house…Kody is in doggie daycare and the girls are working. He will come home on weekends and they’ll look after him. I left detailed instructions for my daughter so everything should go smoothly.
One of my favourite things…meeting relatives for the first time and really enjoying their company.
Some plans for the week…see the sights of Europe and try to keep up with uploading my pics to facebook.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Optimist or Pessimist? Neither

So there's the old question: Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? While considering this, I decided I was a realist. I think the cup has just enough in it. I may be assumed to be a pessimist because I don't always have a can-do attitude and I'm an introvert and people often assume that shy people are standoffish. On the other hand, I can say I have a good life, few stresses, I'm not a worrier by nature, and I don't consider myself unfriendly, once you get to know me. But because I am an oncology nurse, I see real life. I hear sad stories. I know not every story has a happy ending.

But as a realist with a foot planted firmly in both camps, I decided to do what those prone to pessimism recommend: make a list of things that make you happy and think on those things. Here goes;

-when I read my daughters' tweets about loving and serving God.
-when we are on vacation.
-when I'm pleased with something I've written.
-when I hear my daughters laughing together.
-when I shell peas on a hot summer day and then eat them.
-when a patient thanks me for spending time teaching them what to expect in their cancer treatment. It makes me feel like I'm making a difference.
-when my husband makes me laugh.
-when my husband and I have a deep theological discussion.
-when I get encouraging feedback about something I've written.
-when we have friends over.
-when I'm on a beach.
-when I'm sitting by a lake.
-when I'm by a campfire with friends.
-when I have a nice glass of white wine.
-when I eat sushi.
-when I hear good preaching.
-when we have a bbq/picnic.
-when we go in the hot tub.
-when I have a nice, hot sauna.
-when my house is clean.
-when someone else does the cooking.
-when I look at my library.
-when I read a good book.
-when I play with my puppy.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Almost There

July 11, 2011.

Outside my window...hot, hazy and humid. About 40 with humidity.No complaints.
I am thinking...we're going to be away from church for four Sundays. Not just away from our church, but away from any church. Usually when we're on vacation, we try to find a church to visit. The pace of this trip is too fast for us to go to church, and I'm sure we couldn't find a Protestant, English speaking church in Italy anyway.
I am thankful for...thirty three days off. I love my job. I love my life. My husband and I are going to Europe on Saturday for three weeks. Ten countries, 27 cities in 21 days. We'll be exhausted but it's a trip of a lifetime, and t's to celebrate our 25th anniversary.
From the kitchen...veggie samosas, greek pasta salad, baguette, roast chicken, cherries.
I am wearing...jean capris and a printed top.
I am reading...11 Secrets of Getting Published by Mary deMuth.
I am hoping...the DVBS will go well this week. There are 25 kids registered and the people involved have worked hard. The theme is Discovering the Rock of Ages. My husband and I can only help out three evenings this week because we're doing last minute prep for our trip.
I am hearing...an early episode of Combat Hospital.
Around the house...I never realized how much prep work it took in order to go away for a long holiday and not have to worry. My daughter is excited that she'll have the new vehicle for three weeks. We bought a new camera and a ten inch laptop so we can upload pictures as we go, and keep in touch at home. I also plan to keep a travel blog going.
One of my favourite things...naps. I don't know why kids don't like them.
Some plans for the week...DVBS help. Prep, pack, clean and then leave to Europe on Saturday evening. On Sunday we have some free time and will be meeting some of my husband's relatives in London.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Travel Prep

July 4, 2011.

Outside my window...a beautiful week of sunshine and heat. No complaints, except that I'm working four nights and sleeping the days away.
I am thinking...I'm surprised that I can still be so possessive and jealous after 25 years of marriage. My husband is trustworthy, but I'm insecure.
I am thankful for...my youngest daughter being accepted into her desired program of study for September. She will be in the Peace and Conflict Studies; Specialist program. So proud of her. She had to apply with a paper explaining why she wanted to be in the program. About 300 apply but they take only 90 students. She had an interview and just found out when she returned from Pennsylvania yesterday. She cried happy tears.
From the kitchen...tacos. We've been overeating all week.
I am wearing...my uniform, at work.
I am reading...Me Talk Pretty by David Sedaris. Very funny book.
I am hoping...my mom's health will be okay while we're in Europe.
I am hearing...a quiet unit.
Around the house...We had a busy week. Monday evening I was in emerg with my Mom when she had a few hours of dizziness. They did an ecg and cat scan to rule out heart problems and a stroke, then sent her home with medication for dizziness. Very thankful. Tuesday, we attended my niece's high school graduation. Very proud of her; she won the law award. Wednesday, I went to church for prayer meeting, which my husband was leading. There is a new format, which I didn't think I'd feel comfortable with, but it was fine. The only thing I found a little hokey was the end, when we stood in a circle, held hands and sang. Not my style, really. Thursday, we had a couple from church over for dinner, then Friday, my mother in law came over for dinner and a hot tub. Saturday and Sunday we had an out of town guest. We took him out for Greek food, which he likes since we introduced him to it a few years ago, and went in the hot tub, walked in a park and went to church. Today I took the dog to the off-leash park and the pet store, to buy enough food for him for while we're away.
One of my favourite things...when a plan you didn't think would happen, ends up happening. We had planned for doggie daycare for one of the three weeks we'll be away, with the woman who did Kody's training. She wasn't able to do the other two weeks due to the number of dogs. When I called to confirm the dates, she informed me she had a change, and could now accommodate Kody. So he'll go there five nights of each week, and the girls will look after him on the weekends. I feel much better with this arrangement. It would have been too much for the girls, who are both working all day. He'll be well looked after, will play with other dogs, and get some reinforcement on his training. I'll be able to enjoy the trip without worry.
Some plans for the week...work four nights, then finish up our preparations for our trip to Europe on the 16th. I'll be off for 33 nights sstarting Friday morning.