LISTS

I've been making a list of the things I want to pick up while we're in the states and then I thought to myself... 'Why bother... the chances of me not losing the list is unlikely and if I don't lose it, I'll probably forget it somewhere and then end up forgetting half of what I wanted.' So I decided to make an ongoing list on my blog so that I can refer to here anytime I need to make a temporary list. LOL


Things I NEED (lol) to bring back....
1. Muffin mixes
2. Cheese
3. Shampoo/Mousse (can get it here but it's so much cheaper in the states)
5. fabic softener sheets


Things I'd like to get....
1. More running gear.... shorts and tanks maybe some new shoes
2. Normal shorts cause they don't seem to exsist here
3. Candles
5. Settlers
6. Some magazines
7. Crafts to do with Izzy

Things I would like to do/places I want to go....
1. the ZOO
2. hike
3. bbq with my in-laws
5. Idlewild
6. Teach Izzy how to hit a ball
7. BE OUTSIDE and watch Izzy run around like a crazy girl

Sitting here...

enjoying the snow fall. It's absolutley beautiful!

I've been thinking about what to write and after this morning... I have some many more things that I've been thinking so I just decided for now to answer some of the questions that I've gotten...

1. Do you miss HK? Not really but it's not because I don't like it there... I'm just really enjoying my time with family.
2. Do you miss Mike? Well of course! But skype has been wonderful even if we're both really to tired to talk.
3. Are you enjoying American foods? Definitely... I got some Barq's rootbeer and Diet Dr Pepper and Wal-mart's sugar cookies... hmmmm. We're having Olive Garden tomorrow and I'm hoping to make a trip to the Greensburg Mall on Tuesday for Chick-fil-a! LOL I'm enjoying meat other than chicken and mashed potatoes. I'm still amazed at the portion size differences. We had Wendy's and what is a small there is a large in HK so I keep reminding myself to order smaller than what I used to. It's no wonder that the average American woman weighs about 160lbs.
4. Do you miss driving? No way and especially not all the work that goes into caring for a car.


And here are some random thoughts from my head...

1. I'm not missing space as much this time but I'm missing the fun of living in a house, having a guest room, being able to store Christmas dishes, having a yard to care for, etc.
2. I'm not as cabin feverish as I thought I would be. I'm enjoying staying at home and just relaxing.
3. I'm not overwhelmed by the malls or stores but I am overwhelmed every time we walk into a grocery store or that section of Wal-mart.
4. Man has the time flown by already! I can hardly believe we head out to Morgantown and then my parents tomorrow. Crazy but I do get to come back to Dover and go to work with Mom for at least one day. I'm really looking forward to that.

I'll probably come back and edit this post a few times as I think about things but it's fun to get out (even if it's all randomness) the thoughts that pop into my head.

Mix and Match

My intention was to write at least a little each day so that I didn't forget what we did while visiting everyone but I begin to doze at about 7:30 so my desire to be on the computer is just not there. But anyway... we arrived safely in Dover about 7pm on Tuesday night. It was a long flight with all the layovers but it is worth it to be able to spend time with family. Aunt Kathy and Nikki were able to drive up and visit for a few days and I'm so glad they did.

It didn't take long for Isabella to warm up to everyone and she is having a blast making everyone laugh. It's really entertaining to see her be such a ham. She's a charmer for sure but I've never seen her quite like this. She enjoys pointing Daddy out in all the pictures and is always checking the computer to see if he's there. She was introduced to snow but she's not quite sure what to think of it. Thankfully, she's handling the carseat and heavy coat well.

Jet lag hasn't been too terrible. Yes I start to get a bit tired early but that's to be expected and if I'm doing something I'm usually okay. Isabella has done great and I'm so thankful for all those who have been praying for us. We've only had one bad night so far.

I've enjoyed Chick-fil-a, Mexican and Wendy's so far and have been overwhelmed in Walmart. I realized today though that it's not so much the household/clothing type items it's the grocery section. There are so many choices and I was amazed at how everything is so convienent... (I couldn't get over the bags of apple slices or the different types of dr. pepper...when did it become flavored?). I've been amazed at how quickly our bodies adjust to the weather where we live... I'm freezing here when I go outside and I'm constantly saying... how is this possible, I moved from MN?

Well there are lots of thoughts going through my mind, lots of things to process and adjust back to... I feel so out of the loop and almost out of place but I guess that's a good sign. I did laugh at the expression of the lady at the deli in Atlanta's airport when I asked for Coke Light (and myself for repeating... Diet Coke, Diet Coke before hand and then saying Coke Light anyway) when she said, 'What?'

Okay... I really need to get to sleep. I don't know what the night holds with Isabella.

Sabbatical Granted

My sabbatical was granted! LOL I'll be returning to the states on Jan 23rd for about 3 weeks!!! I'm so excited and a bit nervous about a really long flight with Isabella but that's okay. It'll be worth it to see family! So mark your calendars and let me know if you are available to get together! (hehehe)

I'm so excited about this trip because I'm going to get to see all of my family! Erin and fam moved back to Greensburg (and she's not working) so I'll get to see her and the girls the whole time and Nikki's going to try and come up to Ohio so I can see her too!!! What a great trip this will be!