Well, I think I am ready to wrap this blog up. In some ways, I wish I would have done a lot more with it while I was in Belgium, but I am also glad that I was able to just live my life while I was there.
If we were asked to go on another overseas assignment, I think maybe we might. Maybe. Who knows. It depends on a lot of factors.
I don't think I've gotten the overseas bug out of my system, though.
I love traveling, and if I could do anything in the world, it would be to just travel. That is what being in Belgium afforded us--the ability to travel to numerous places, during the convenience of our weekends.
There were a lot of things that were harder about living there, and we really missed our family, but it's amazing how much smaller technology makes the world seem.
If you are ever given the opportunity to live overseas, I would suggest that you weigh the pros and cons and think about it for a while. Then, try to make it work! You will learn so much about yourself and people, in general. You will see the world in a different way.
Thanks for reading.
Au revoir. Take care.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Some Old Notes
We've been sorting through our stuff since we moved into our new house, and I came across an old note I wrote while still in Belgium. The note was some "advice" for someone who would be moving to Belgium. I jotted it down about a month or so after we arrived. Some of it is kind of trivial, but some of it could be very helpful to someone moving from the U.S. to there. Some of it could also be applied to any overseas relocation. It did bring up some forgotten memories...
1) Please don't shuffle your playing cards so loudly while everyone is trying to sleep on the "overnight" flight. You, yourself, should be trying to sleep, too...even if you really don't think you will.
2) Don't put your garbage out the night before pick-up when there's a chance some wild animal(s) will disperse your trash all up and down the road.
3) Do learn to say numbers in their language (or bring a pen and paper to write them down) when you go to fill up your gas tank.
4) Do get Euros before you leave the U.S. Otherwise, you can maybe get some at an ATM in the Brussels airport after you arrive.
5) Do keep your eyes peeled to the right. You never know when another driver is going to take advantage of the "priority to the right" driving law.
6) Do remember that things don't have to make sense.
7) Do remember that you are not going to have the same life here.
8) Remember to see this as an experience. Try to stay positive and be adventurous.
9) Don't visit the panarama at the Butte du Lion, but DO climb up the hill to the lion.
10) When it's not raining, just go. You never know what the weather will be like in 30 minutes.
11) Accept rental furnishings. It makes your life in an empty house more comfortable.
12) Remember your patience when you are waiting all day for a package that could have been delivered over a week ago...and for the telephone hook-up that you signed up for a month ago.
13) Do mail yourself some of your belongings when you can't fit all of them in your carry-on and checked luggage. But, take the most economical route, and use the flat rate boxes at the USPS.
14) Don't forget to bring along an abundant sense of humor. You'll need it much of the time.
15) Be ready to slow down, because thngs don't move as quickly as they do in the U.S. There are more holidays, lunch breaks, and Sundays off.
16) Be prepared to be pretty overwhelmed at first. You will gain your bearings more and more each day.
17) Try the Orangina.
1) Please don't shuffle your playing cards so loudly while everyone is trying to sleep on the "overnight" flight. You, yourself, should be trying to sleep, too...even if you really don't think you will.
2) Don't put your garbage out the night before pick-up when there's a chance some wild animal(s) will disperse your trash all up and down the road.
3) Do learn to say numbers in their language (or bring a pen and paper to write them down) when you go to fill up your gas tank.
4) Do get Euros before you leave the U.S. Otherwise, you can maybe get some at an ATM in the Brussels airport after you arrive.
5) Do keep your eyes peeled to the right. You never know when another driver is going to take advantage of the "priority to the right" driving law.
6) Do remember that things don't have to make sense.
7) Do remember that you are not going to have the same life here.
8) Remember to see this as an experience. Try to stay positive and be adventurous.
9) Don't visit the panarama at the Butte du Lion, but DO climb up the hill to the lion.
10) When it's not raining, just go. You never know what the weather will be like in 30 minutes.
11) Accept rental furnishings. It makes your life in an empty house more comfortable.
12) Remember your patience when you are waiting all day for a package that could have been delivered over a week ago...and for the telephone hook-up that you signed up for a month ago.
13) Do mail yourself some of your belongings when you can't fit all of them in your carry-on and checked luggage. But, take the most economical route, and use the flat rate boxes at the USPS.
14) Don't forget to bring along an abundant sense of humor. You'll need it much of the time.
15) Be ready to slow down, because thngs don't move as quickly as they do in the U.S. There are more holidays, lunch breaks, and Sundays off.
16) Be prepared to be pretty overwhelmed at first. You will gain your bearings more and more each day.
17) Try the Orangina.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Old Habits
Yesterday, Sam and I were at the Sports Authority, as I wanted to check out their bathing suits. After I picked a few out, I wondered if they had a fitting room. As I meandered through the store, I thought, "I don't know how to say 'fitting room.' Maybe I could say, 'Une salle essayer cette vetements,' or something like that." Immediately, I realized what I was doing, and I laughed to myself. And I did feel a little relieved...but I also felt a little sad. I guess it's to be expected, but there are quite a few things that I do miss about Belgium.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Joys of Apartment Living
While we have been waiting for our sea container to arrive, we have been staying in a furnished apartment. The apartment is nice--much better than sleeping on an air mattress and eating from paper plates in an empty house! At the same time, it has reminded us of the hardships that can accompany apartment living.
On the second night of our stay, we were awakened at 2:30 am to the awful sound of our upstairs neighbors repeatedly hacking (I don't mean coughing) at *something*. Brian dared to ring their doorbell and inquire if everything was okay. "Oh, sorry," the man replied, "We're cutting chicken. We will try to keep it down." Of course, I was skeptical of our neighbors until I saw them carrying several small dishes of food out to their cars that afternoon.
Two weeks later, we were awakened at 1:15 am to the sound of a finger tapping on our bedroom window, followed by a similar knock on our front door. We peered through the slats of our blinds to find a tall man standing in front of our door. "Can I help you?" Brian asked. "Oh, I think I got the wrong apartment. But...is Pooh there?" "No."
Can't wait to move into the house.
On the second night of our stay, we were awakened at 2:30 am to the awful sound of our upstairs neighbors repeatedly hacking (I don't mean coughing) at *something*. Brian dared to ring their doorbell and inquire if everything was okay. "Oh, sorry," the man replied, "We're cutting chicken. We will try to keep it down." Of course, I was skeptical of our neighbors until I saw them carrying several small dishes of food out to their cars that afternoon.
Two weeks later, we were awakened at 1:15 am to the sound of a finger tapping on our bedroom window, followed by a similar knock on our front door. We peered through the slats of our blinds to find a tall man standing in front of our door. "Can I help you?" Brian asked. "Oh, I think I got the wrong apartment. But...is Pooh there?" "No."
Can't wait to move into the house.
Monday, April 27, 2009
And...We're Back!
We're back in the U.S. after 9 months of living in Belgium, and we can't help but compare everything about the two countries. It's only natural, I suppose.
But, there is one difference which has really caught me off guard. I didn't realize I was going to be so overwhelmed with all of the choices. We went to Wal-Mart the other day for the first time, and I got a headache from all of the possibilities. You want crackers? Well, make your selection from this nearly 1/4 of a mile long aisle of ONLY crackers: cheese, Ranch-flavored, peanut butter, lowfat, nonfat, salted, unsalted, organic, bite size, round, square.... There were about 10 varieties of crackers in our grocery store in Belgium, so it wasn't that difficult to make a decision. It's going to take some getting used to, I think.
One time, I read somewhere that people tend to be happiest when they have a fewer amount of choices. I am wondering if there is some truth to that.
But, there is one difference which has really caught me off guard. I didn't realize I was going to be so overwhelmed with all of the choices. We went to Wal-Mart the other day for the first time, and I got a headache from all of the possibilities. You want crackers? Well, make your selection from this nearly 1/4 of a mile long aisle of ONLY crackers: cheese, Ranch-flavored, peanut butter, lowfat, nonfat, salted, unsalted, organic, bite size, round, square.... There were about 10 varieties of crackers in our grocery store in Belgium, so it wasn't that difficult to make a decision. It's going to take some getting used to, I think.
One time, I read somewhere that people tend to be happiest when they have a fewer amount of choices. I am wondering if there is some truth to that.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
What's in a Name?
Today, Sam and I went to a nearby discount store to get some toys for our flight back to the U.S. One of my friends here had the absolutely brilliant idea of giving each of her kids one, small wrapped present for each hour of their flight to the States. Seeing how the trip back to Chicago will be about 9 hours, I need to have some type of game plan, and this sounds great!
During checkout at the store, the employee began general chit-chat with me. She asked what my son's name was, and when I replied, "Sam," she looked somewhat perplexed. She tried to repeat his name, doing so incorrectly. I said it again and spelled it, although it didn't seem to ring a bell with her. Next, she inquired if we spoke English--and if we were British or American, so as to try to ascertain some type of meaning from his name.
This is the first time I can truly remember someone not having heard this name before--it's so common in English. It's crazy that his name was so foreign to her! It's such a familiar and dear word to me.
There are certain French names which perplex me, too. For example, the name "Michel", which is pronounced "Mee-shell," sounds feminine to an English speaker. But this is a masculine name.
Even my name is sometimes difficult for French speakers. When it's written, it looks a lot like the French phrase "I like."
It's definitely fascinating for me to think about how much names can be linked to a culture...an ethnicity...a nationality. There's more meaning behind the names we were given...much more than I realized.
During checkout at the store, the employee began general chit-chat with me. She asked what my son's name was, and when I replied, "Sam," she looked somewhat perplexed. She tried to repeat his name, doing so incorrectly. I said it again and spelled it, although it didn't seem to ring a bell with her. Next, she inquired if we spoke English--and if we were British or American, so as to try to ascertain some type of meaning from his name.
This is the first time I can truly remember someone not having heard this name before--it's so common in English. It's crazy that his name was so foreign to her! It's such a familiar and dear word to me.
There are certain French names which perplex me, too. For example, the name "Michel", which is pronounced "Mee-shell," sounds feminine to an English speaker. But this is a masculine name.
Even my name is sometimes difficult for French speakers. When it's written, it looks a lot like the French phrase "I like."
It's definitely fascinating for me to think about how much names can be linked to a culture...an ethnicity...a nationality. There's more meaning behind the names we were given...much more than I realized.
Friday, February 27, 2009
It's Official
Most of the people who read this already know, but I haven't made the announcement on my blog yet. It looks like American Mommy en Belgique will be coming to an end fairly soon. In short, we are being sent back to the U.S.
Our 3-5 year projected assignment has been reduced to a mere 9 months, mostly due to the global economic crisis.
We worked very hard to prepare for our move here. We sold our house. We moved most of our belongings overseas. We had to figure out how to live here, when we didn't speak the language. Then, we started to learn the language. After we were finally settling in and were able to just enjoy living here, we found out that we have to pack everything up again and ship it back. It is unknown how long we will be in our next destination. A couple years? That's what they say. But, right now, I am just hoping that Brian doesn't lose his job before this crisis is over and done with.
I know that I should be thankful for a lot of things--and I am. But, that's not what this post is about. This post is about embracing the chaos that we have been thrown into. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for us. And...I'm sure that few do, because I'm betting the perception is that we've been on a 7-month long holiday. I have a lot of fears about what going back is going to be like, but I guess that is for a different post.
Our 3-5 year projected assignment has been reduced to a mere 9 months, mostly due to the global economic crisis.
We worked very hard to prepare for our move here. We sold our house. We moved most of our belongings overseas. We had to figure out how to live here, when we didn't speak the language. Then, we started to learn the language. After we were finally settling in and were able to just enjoy living here, we found out that we have to pack everything up again and ship it back. It is unknown how long we will be in our next destination. A couple years? That's what they say. But, right now, I am just hoping that Brian doesn't lose his job before this crisis is over and done with.
I know that I should be thankful for a lot of things--and I am. But, that's not what this post is about. This post is about embracing the chaos that we have been thrown into. I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for us. And...I'm sure that few do, because I'm betting the perception is that we've been on a 7-month long holiday. I have a lot of fears about what going back is going to be like, but I guess that is for a different post.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Lessons
Since I moved here, I have learned or had several lessons reinforced. Here are some of the more impressionable ones:
1) Expectation is everything. When expectations are out of line with reality, problems arise.
2) Although difficult, expectations can be amended.
3) Respect is not entitled. It is earned.
4) The customer is NOT always right, even if he is.
5) People are people, but it's amazing how different they can be from one another.
6) It's okay to take chances that might lead to even partial failure. Some societies are obsessed with the illusion of perfectionism.
7) Americans really are loud. But so are some people from other cultures.
8) A lot of Americans take their every day conveniences for granted.
9) Belongings can be binding.
10) Sunny days are gifts.
1) Expectation is everything. When expectations are out of line with reality, problems arise.
2) Although difficult, expectations can be amended.
3) Respect is not entitled. It is earned.
4) The customer is NOT always right, even if he is.
5) People are people, but it's amazing how different they can be from one another.
6) It's okay to take chances that might lead to even partial failure. Some societies are obsessed with the illusion of perfectionism.
7) Americans really are loud. But so are some people from other cultures.
8) A lot of Americans take their every day conveniences for granted.
9) Belongings can be binding.
10) Sunny days are gifts.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Different
I just remembered that my last couple trips within Europe have felt different. When compared to the feelings I felt when I visited while I was in college; I have experienced an overall, different feeling.
When I came here in college, everything was so novel. The blatantly different things about the continent bombarded me. I remember feeling overwhelmed when we moved here six months ago, too, but I have not really noticed it as much lately, even during our travels within the continent. The difference is that I've already had a huge cultural adjustment this second time around--now things are not as overwhelming. Now when people talk to me in a language I don't understand, it doesn't phase me as much. Things that I previously found to be "weird" or puzzling now bring me a feeling of fondness. Many of the towns and cities have even given me a sense of comfort. Living here has allowed me to see these places in a different way.
When I came here in college, everything was so novel. The blatantly different things about the continent bombarded me. I remember feeling overwhelmed when we moved here six months ago, too, but I have not really noticed it as much lately, even during our travels within the continent. The difference is that I've already had a huge cultural adjustment this second time around--now things are not as overwhelming. Now when people talk to me in a language I don't understand, it doesn't phase me as much. Things that I previously found to be "weird" or puzzling now bring me a feeling of fondness. Many of the towns and cities have even given me a sense of comfort. Living here has allowed me to see these places in a different way.
Video Game Driving
You know how in video driving games, you have all these obstacles in the road that you have to avoid? Well, when I drive in Belgium, I feel like I'm in a video game sometimes. So, I'll be driving down the Chaussee, and all of a sudden, someone parks their big truck in the middle of the road so they can make a delivery. Now, everyone in my lane must drive around this truck. Since the road, in some parts, is only wide enough for the lane you are driving in and the lane for the oncoming traffic, you must go into the oncoming's lane. Not very fun.
Today, when I was driving, I had to make several unexpected stops: for a car that was backing up to parallel park, a pedestrian crossing the road (not on the crosswalk), a person swinging her car door open into the road, and a van that signalled it wanted to merge onto the road--only to stop again in three meters to park in a different spot. In the past, I have also had to drive on the other side of the road--ON A ROUNDABOUT--in order to enter the roundabout that was blocked by a semi. When these things happen, my blood pressure usually skyrockets...and I sometimes say words I shouldn't say in front of Sam. I hope these bad driving habits don't rub off on me!
Today, when I was driving, I had to make several unexpected stops: for a car that was backing up to parallel park, a pedestrian crossing the road (not on the crosswalk), a person swinging her car door open into the road, and a van that signalled it wanted to merge onto the road--only to stop again in three meters to park in a different spot. In the past, I have also had to drive on the other side of the road--ON A ROUNDABOUT--in order to enter the roundabout that was blocked by a semi. When these things happen, my blood pressure usually skyrockets...and I sometimes say words I shouldn't say in front of Sam. I hope these bad driving habits don't rub off on me!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Top Ten
Here are my top ten favorite things about living here, in no particular order.
1. The cobbled/stone streets and squares. Once considered a huge nuisance by me, I now think they are so charming. They're much prettier to look at than concrete or blacktop.
2. Seeing the beautiful views of the terrain while I drive between our house and town.
3. Chocolate.
4. The food.
5. The bakeries.
6. The view from our house, front and backyard.
7. The traveling.
8. Feeling as though I have the liberty to try new things--to get out of the rut of my old routines.
9. "Long" days in the summer.
10. The mild winters.
1. The cobbled/stone streets and squares. Once considered a huge nuisance by me, I now think they are so charming. They're much prettier to look at than concrete or blacktop.
2. Seeing the beautiful views of the terrain while I drive between our house and town.
3. Chocolate.
4. The food.
5. The bakeries.
6. The view from our house, front and backyard.
7. The traveling.
8. Feeling as though I have the liberty to try new things--to get out of the rut of my old routines.
9. "Long" days in the summer.
10. The mild winters.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Best Laid Plans
So, I can't help but think about possibly being sent home before we really want to (by the way, no one has suggested to us that this will happen to us specifically). I don't obsess over it, but it's definitely in the back of my mind. There's nothing I can do about it...and wondering about it is not going to make it occur...or not occur. Anyway, as I thought about not having enough time here, it made me think more deeply. The truth is, we all don't know what is going to happen in our lives. We can make plans to live in Belgium for 3 years and find our plans changed after 2. Life is unpredictable. In fact, who knows if I will even have the gift of living on Earth in 3 years. You just don't know is my point. So, I will try to enjoy this time I have in Belgium...as I should enjoy just simply living.
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